Dermot Whelan: 'Humour is a powerful tool for opening up people's minds'

Best known as a funnyman and radio presenter, Dermot Whelan's new stand-up show has added elements of mindfulness to the mix 

Dermot Whelan's upcoming live shows include Cork and Limerick. Photograph: Moya Nolan

In 2017, Dermot Whelan was riding high. He had just started a new mid-morning show with his sidekick, Dave Moore, on the Today FM radio station. All eyes were on them to perform. They were also about to set off on their first live tour. 

The pressure was intense. Not feeling well, he visited his GP in search of some help. When she sat him down, and asked him how he was, he burst into tears and couldn’t stop crying for a few minutes.