In Season 10, Episode 6 of The Stripped Back Podcast, we sit down with Darren Reilly from The Brotherhood for an honest and powerful conversation about men’s mental health, accountability, personal growth and the importance of having the right people around you.

Darren shares his perspective on why men need spaces where they can speak openly, be challenged, and support one another without judgement. We explore the importance of taking responsibility for your own wellbeing, surrounding yourself with people who will hold you accountable, and understanding that asking for support is not a weakness.

We also discuss relationships and the importance of opening up to our partners, while recognising that one person shouldn’t have to carry the full emotional weight of another person’s struggles. Finding additional support outside of a relationship can help protect those foundations while giving men the space and support they need.

This is a conversation about brotherhood, resilience, accountability and becoming better, not just for ourselves, but for the people around us.

Podcast Sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland www.snickersworkwear.ie

Podcast recorded from N2 Electrical Wholesalers www.N2electrical.ie

This week on The Stripped Back Podcast, we’re joined by Conor Foster, Managing Director of Clifden Recruitment, founder of Top Drawer Talent, and host of the 10Forty Podcast.

After having us on the 10Forty Podcast in 2025, it was only right that we returned the favour and welcomed Conor into the studio to hear the story behind his own journey. From a short stint in plumbing to serving for a decade in the Irish Defence Forces, Conor opens up about the experiences that shaped him, the lessons he learned through military life, and how those experiences gave him the drive and resilience to build successful businesses in the recruitment industry.

We also dive into the realities of transitioning from military service into civilian life, the challenges of entrepreneurship, what it takes to build a respected recruitment company, and the current state of the hiring market. Conor shares valuable insights into leadership, business growth, taking risks, and why putting yourself out there can completely change the direction of your career. We also chat about his own podcasting journey with the 10Forty Podcast, and how creating conversations has become another passion alongside running multiple successful businesses.

Whether you’re in the trades, considering a career in the Defence Forces, thinking about starting your own business, or simply looking for inspiration to take that next step, this episode is packed with honest conversation, practical advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, Snickers Workwear Ireland, for supporting this episode. Check out their latest range at www.snickersworkwear.ie.

This episode was recorded from N2 Electrical, Ashbourne. Find out more at www.n2electrical.ie.

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave us a rating and review, and share it with your friends and colleagues. Your support helps us continue bringing you real conversations with inspiring people from across the trades, business, and beyond.

This week on The Stripped Back Podcast, Stephen and Keith sit down with fellow Balbriggan ourlad Mikey Sheridan of Lighthouse Electrical for an honest and insightful conversation about life in the electrical industry, building a business from the ground up, and what it really takes to grow both professionally and personally.

Mikey shares his journey through the trade, from his early days on the tools to becoming a business owner, discussing the challenges of scaling a company, managing teams, and staying technically competent in an industry that never stands still. The lads explore why continuous upskilling has become essential for electricians, the growing demand for specialist certifications, and the importance of creating clear career pathways for apprentices and experienced tradespeople alike.

The conversation also dives into the realities of self-employment, leadership, and the balancing act of running a successful electrical contracting business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Mikey offers valuable insights into building a reliable team, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a culture of mentorship that helps the next generation of electricians thrive.

Social media and technology have transformed how tradespeople market themselves and grow their businesses, and Mikey explains how an authentic online presence can create opportunities, build trust with clients, and establish a strong reputation within the industry. From networking and referrals to niche marketing and business systems, the episode highlights the tools that modern tradespeople can use to stand out from the crowd.

The lads also discuss the evolving landscape of the electrical industry, including renewables, new technologies, changing regulations, union support, quality control, and the importance of versatility as the trade continues to develop. Whether you’re an apprentice just starting out, an electrician looking to take the next step in your career, or a business owner navigating the challenges of growth, there’s something in this conversation for everyone.

This episode is a reminder that success in the trades isn’t just about technical ability, it’s about continuous learning, building great relationships, backing yourself when opportunities arise, and helping to raise the standard of the industry for those coming up behind you.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Balbriggan’s own as we strip back the realities of modern electrical contracting and the future of the trade.

Podcast Sponsor - Snickers Workwear

www.snickersworkwear.ie

Recorded From - N2 Electrical Wholesalers

www.n2electrical.ie

In this episode of The Stripped Back Podcast, Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan are joined by Eric Grant of KGE Electrical for an honest and insightful conversation about self-employment within the electrical industry. Eric shares his journey into business ownership and explains how working on an RTC tax basis provided the gateway to becoming self-employed. The discussion explores the realities of running an electrical contracting business, the sacrifices and commitment required to succeed, and the importance of continually investing in your skills and knowledge. Eric also speaks about the challenges facing the industry, building a reputable business from the ground up, and offers valuable advice for anyone considering taking the leap into self-employment. Whether you’re an apprentice, an experienced electrician or someone looking to start your own venture, this episode provides an authentic look at what it really takes to make it in the trades.

Podcast sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland

www.snickersworkwear.ie

Podcast recorded from N2 Electrical Wholesalers

www.n2electrical.ie

Season 10 Episode 2 features Director, Writer and Actor Cian Doyle for one of the most honest and thought-provoking conversations we've had.

Cian opens up about his deeply personal journey through grief, addiction and ultimately transformation, sharing how some of life's darkest moments shaped both the person and filmmaker he has become today. He takes us behind the scenes of his powerful film Bereavement, explaining how storytelling became more than a creative outlet; it became a vital part of his healing process.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of vulnerability, why asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do, and how creativity, purpose and the right support network can change the course of someone's life. Cian also shares practical advice on setting achievable goals and turning ambitions into reality, proving that even the biggest dreams begin with a single step.

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, hope and the power of sharing our stories to help others realise they are never alone.

Podcast sponsored by Snickers Workwear

www.snickersworkwear.ie

Podcast recorded from N2 Electrical Wholesalers

www.n2electrical.ie

We kick off Season 10 by sitting down with Trevor Macken from Ashbourne Paving, to explore his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood and social anxiety to becoming a successful entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and business owner.

Trevor opens up about the challenges that shaped his early life, his battle with addiction, and the long road to recovery. He shares how construction became a turning point, leading him into business and giving him a renewed sense of purpose.

We also discuss the realities of social media, the pressures surrounding appearance and cosmetic procedures, and why honest conversations around mental health are more important than ever. Trevor reflects on the mentors who helped change his life, the importance of second chances, and his vision for the future as he continues to grow his wellness and beauty business.

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-belief, and proving that your past doesn’t have to define your future.

Podcast Main Sponsor: Snickers Workwear

www.snickersworkwear.ie

Recording Venue: N2 Electrical Wholesalers

www.n2electrical.ie

In this penultimate episode of Season 10, Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan sit down with Alan O’Connor from ALS Tool Channel for a wide-ranging conversation about his career, his journey into social media, the trades industry, community, and the mindset behind building something that lasts.

Alan shares his experiences of creating content around the tools and trade industry, discussing how an initial passion can develop into something much bigger. The conversation explores the importance of being authentic, finding your own voice, and creating content because you genuinely enjoy what you are doing rather than simply chasing views or followers.

A major theme throughout the conversation is the power of community. Stephen, Keith and Alan discuss how shared interests can bring people together, create opportunities and build relationships that extend far beyond social media. They also look at how tradespeople and content creators can use their platforms to showcase their work, connect with others in the industry and leave something valuable behind for the next generation.

The conversation also touches on professionalism and presentation, including how quality tools, equipment and workmanship can influence how customers perceive you and the level of trust they place in your business. Alan discusses the importance of taking pride in what you do and continually looking for ways to improve.

Social media inevitably comes with negativity, criticism and people who don’t understand the work that goes on behind the scenes. Alan talks openly about dealing with that side of creating content and why resilience, staying focused and continuing to grow are essential when putting yourself out there.

Ultimately, this is a conversation about much more than tools or social media. It is about having the confidence to pursue something you’re passionate about, putting in the work consistently, surrounding yourself with good people and creating something that can have a lasting impact. Alan’s journey provides plenty of insight for tradespeople, aspiring creators and anyone considering taking their own passion and turning it into something bigger.

Check out Al on your favourite social media platform at ALS Tool Channel

Podcast Sponsor: Snickers Workwear Ireland

www.snickersworkwear.ie

Recorded from: N2 Electrical Wholesalers

www.N2Electrical.ie

In this revisited and repurposed episode of The Stripped Back Podcast, we revisit our conversation we had in 2025 with GAA player and fitness instructor Amy Gibbons from Balbriggan.

Amy shares her journey through GAA, fitness and the importance of having strong local sporting communities in towns like Balbriggan, particularly for the next generation coming through.

We chat about what it really takes to be a female GAA player ,the commitment, discipline, training and sacrifices that come with competing, and how Amy has turned her own passion for fitness into both a personal love and a career.

One of the biggest talking points of the conversation is Amy’s experience with an ACL injury and the huge setback it created, both physically and mentally. She opens up about the rehabilitation process, the challenges of dealing with injury, the resilience required to keep pushing forward and what it meant to finally make it back mentally and physically.

This is a conversation about sport, community, fitness, setbacks, resilience and the determination to get back doing what you love.

If you’re involved in GAA, fitness, coaching, or simply looking for a story about overcoming adversity, this is one worth revisiting.

Sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland

www.snickersworkwear.ie