Bulletproof Dad

Former Ireland and Leinster Rugby legend Devin Toner joins me for a conversation about life pre, during and post professional rugby.   Devin gives great insights into the highs and lows of an impressive career that seen him become the all time record caps holder with Leinster rugby, with an impressive 280 caps.  With the highs including a Grand Slam win, 2 additional Six Nations titles and 4 European Champions Cups (formerly The Heineken Cup). And the lows including being left out of Ireland's World Cup squad in 2019, only a year after his best ever season winning both the Grand Slam with Ireland and the European Champions Cup with Leinster.  Devin also discusses life after rugby and the reality of having to start a completely new career in your mid 30's. And the exciting food & beverage businesses he is now involved with as an investor.  If you are a rugby fan or have an interest in entrepreneurship + investing this episode will have you engaged from start to finish.

General Secretary of the PFAI (Professional Footballers Association of Ireland) Stephen McGuinness chats with me about the work he has done with the association over the last two decades. Giving great insights into the challenging discussions that take place in order to bring in better conditions for Irish professional footballers. Dealing directly with the likes of the FAI, Government bodies and individual football clubs. And the conflicts that can arise from these often “heated” discussions. Detailing what go’s on in landmark cases such as the Women’s football team’s strike in 2017 and bringing in an appropriate minimum wage structure for players in the League of Ireland. If you are a passionate Irish football fan, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this “behind the scenes” insight into the business of Irish football.

Former prisoner, mentor for young offenders, and Ironman athlete Ger Redmond sits down with me and chats about his incredible life story. From escaping a turbulent childhood to chase his dream of becoming a professional footballer in the UK.  Only to have it all taken away after a serious incident happened in the family home. Forcing him to return home at 16 years old and become a provider for his 4 younger siblings. And ultimately choosing a life of crime to earn a living and turning to drugs as a coping mechanism.  After a two year stint in prison and then surviving an assassination attempt, Ger walked away from that life after almost 20 years.  Now Ger dedicates his life to helping young offenders in Oberstown Children Detention Campus avoid going down the same path. He explains how the power of sport plays a crucial role in people gaining the courage to seek help when struggling with past traumas.  And how taking up triathlon training helped him personally overcome his past traumas. And leading to him becoming an official pro Ironman and personal running coach.  It's an extraordinary life story with some valuable lessons and learnings for any listener.

Former Ireland international footballer Keith Treacy chats with me about the highs and lows of his career in professional football. From growing up as a highly talented footballer in Sherif Street, Dublin with the football world at his feet, receiving offers from the likes of Man Utd & Celtic. To hanging up his boots at only 26 years old, when he should have been entering his prime.   Keith opens up on how leaving his family home at the vulnerable age of 15 to join Blackburn Rovers left him feeling homesick and depressed. Which ultimately led to him succumbing to the drinking culture which was still prominent in football back over a decade ago.  And despite developing the crippling addictions of alcohol, gambling & sex, how we went on to play 7 seasons as a senior professional coming up against the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Pirlo to name but a few. He gives us a fascinating insight into what life was like playing under managers such as Sam Allardyce, Graham Souness, Mark Hughes & Paul Ince, Eddie Howe & Sean Dyche. And the different approaches they used to try help him stop drinking. Going as far to say how one of them in particular probably saved his life. Keith also chats about the pride he has playing for Ireland, winning a Nations Cup and playing against the likes of Argentina and Italy.  While Keith’s career was cut short, his story is ultimately one of redemption as he explains how, with the help of therapy, he has overcome these crippling addictions. And is now forging a career as one of Ireland’s best up and coming football pundits. Offering insightful analysis of the big Premier League and European games on the likes Virgin Media and Off The Ball.  If you are a football fan, this is an episode that will have you captivated from start to finish. 

Back on the podcast by popular demand, Bart Mc Enroe sits down with me to discuss how he helps GAA managers achieve “Team Intelligence” with their players . We delve into the common mistakes managers make when trying to motivate their players. Bart shares the simple but effective steps that can be taken at any level of Sport, under 10’s to Seniors - to avoid emotionally hijacked and underperformance during a game.  Citing real examples of his experience in the elite GAA world, of working personally with managers such as Pat Gilroy (Dublin), Mickey Harte (Tyrone) and Jack O’Connor (Kerry), James Sullivan (Kerry), leading to multiple All Ireland wins. This approach is proving itself to be equally applicable in Football, Rugby and Hurling. As well as in the business world, working with some of the top CEO’s in the country.  

Performance Nutritionist Daniel Davey chats with me about his career to date as one of the leading nutritionists in the country. Giving great insights into the roles he held at both Leinster Rugby and Dublin GAA, helping both teams achieve massive success in the decade he was there. He speaks candidly about the initial work he had to do in order to land these "dream jobs" and the challenges that come with working with elite athletes. He speaks openly about his decision to leave both roles in order to per-sue his entrepreneurial dream of running his own nutrition business. And the challenges that have surfaced since going out on his own. All the while trying to be a present dad at home with two young children. If you have an interest in nutrition, GAA, rugby and/or entrepreneurship this an episode you don't want to miss.

GAA legend, entrepreneur & TV personality Davy Fitz talks about his incredibly successful career as both a player and manager at the highest level.  We delve deep into the principles and philosophies he employs to create a hardworking team culture. Whilst offering each individual the unique support they may require in order to achieve their full potential.  Davy gives us a fascinating insight into how he strikes that delicate balance between managing the team needs vs the individuals needs, in order to achieve success. A challenge every team leader / manager can relate with.  Plus he talks candidly about the harsh lessons he has learned along the rollercoaster journey that is 15 years in GAA inter county management to date. This is a must listen for any leader in sport or the business world.

Ask Paul founder and financial advisor Paul Merriman chats with me about how to get your money working for you. He explains how to set up a personalised financial plan that will protect, grow and ultimately replace your income when you reach retirement. And utilising investments and your pension fund to beat inflation and stop your money “rotting” in your bank account. He also gives a fascinating insight into how he set up the Ask Paul brand and how he harnessed social media to grow his following, ultimately leading to a successful buyout of his company. And the criticism and ridiculing he received when he first started putting out his content online.

Founder of Irish Football Fan TV Paul Nealon chats with me about how he set up his social media channel in 2017. Starting off as just a football fan with no contacts or media experience. And the journey that has lead him to a following of over 120,000 people and developing relationships with some of the biggest names in Irish football. While overcoming heaps of criticism and working with a shoe string budget along the journey. To now working in conjunction with a large media company. A super insight into how to follow your passion and turn it into a viable business, learning some harsh lessons along the way.

Pete The Builder chats about how he has developed his brand from working on tv shows like Room To Improve & Home Rescue. And the lessons learned from starting a construction business just before the economic recession hit in 2008. He also gives us an insight into how he uses sport to keep his mind and body in check while dealing with the day to day stressors of running a construction business. With his sporting honours including: winning All Ireland medals with the Dublin GAA masters team, being Irish Karate champion for 5 years straight, being a community games swimming champion and playing football at a professional level in the League of Ireland. A fascinating insight into what “your man off the telly” is all about.

Child Psychotherapist Dr Colman Noctor joins me on this episode for a conversation on children’s mental health and the impact we can have as parents. We discuss “parent comparison syndrome” and how it can unintentionally lead to us placing adult standards on our children. We also discuss how we have grown to “demonise being average” and how this leads to placing enormous pressures on both ourselves and our children. The episode is packed with really valuable guidance for parents trying to raise their children in todays fast paced, high achiever society.

Head of Athletic Development for Ireland Mens International football team, Damien Doyle chats about his 20 + year career as a sports scientist in football. Explaining what the role looked like starting out in the UK, with lower league clubs in the early 00’s. And how his methods have evolved as he progressed to bigger clubs such as MK Dons & Leicester City over the years. And the key role he now plays in getting the Irish international players physically prepared for match day since joining Stephen Kenny’s staff. A brilliant insight into what day to day professional football life is like and the crucial role that sport science plays in helping players perform at their absolute best.

Body & Mind performance expert Pat Divilly joins me for a conversation on all things mens mental health . We discuss bringing awareness to our “shadow” and how we can stop it from getting in the way of our happiness. We also delve into the 4 male archetypes King, Warrior, Lover, Magician and how we must harness all 4 to enjoy good emotional health. Understanding these archetypes can help us strike that tricky balance of being both a provider dad and a present dad, breaking down some of the old school stereotypes that are associated with being a man.

Child Psychotherapist Hailey Rice illustrates how we can better understand our children’s emotional needs. We discuss how to help and support our children to better understand and express their emotions, especially when going through the toddler tantrum and the challenging teenage stages. We chat about how as parents we can become better aware of potential triggers we may have inherited from our own upbringings. And how we can work on those triggers once we become aware of them. Hayley also talks about the coaching work she does directly with parents online and in person at her clinic in Wicklow.

Nutritionist Kate McDaid shows us how good nutrition can positively impact all key areas of our life. Including how it can improve our energy at home and our stress management at work. Plus Kate illustrates the nutrition coaching she does directly with sports teams such as Dublin Ladies GAA and Kildare GAA to name but a few. Giving us effective nutrition strategies for activities such as Gym Sessions, GAA/Football, Cycling and Golf. And how these strategies can be applied safely for children involved in similar activities. Plus we debunk some of the great nutritional myths that exist in todays celebrity/social media diet culture.

Owen is one of the most decorated players to ever play in the League of Ireland. Captaining both Shelbourne and Bohemians to multiple league and cup titles. We chat in detail about his unconventional journey to becoming a professional footballer. The golden era at Shelbourne which produced 5 league titles, an FAI cup and being 45 mins away from the Champions League Group stages. And how it all fell apart when the money ran out. Turning down offers abroad to join his boyhood club Bohemians and winning 2 more league title there. Followed by his step into management and why he’s no appetite to manage again. A fascinating insight into a very special period in Irish football.

Psychologist Dr Dean McDonnell breaks down how modern technologies such as smart phones, social media and screens effect our mood and behaviours. How we can protect ourselves and our children when using these technologies? Are these advancements in technology for the benefit or the detriment of society? Dean breaks down the latest relevant research to give us some much needed perspective.

Rorys Stories funny man talks candidly about the highs and lows of dealing with social media fame. He opens up about how his struggles with ADHD and dyslexia in school impacted his self belief growing up. Eventually leading him to a serious gambling addiction. How his love for the GAA and comedy has helped pull him out of his "rock bottom”. And how he is determined to channel these negative experiences into a positive by empowering the younger generation when it comes to their mental health. While grappling with online hate and cancel culture along the journey. A frank and honest insight into the man behind the funny skits we all know him for.   

Former UEFA and FAI referee Tomas Connolly chats about the highs and lows of being a referee at football's highest level. The lows being assaulted on the pitch and abuse aimed at family members. And the highs including officiating at some of the biggest stadiums in the UEFA Champions League. Tomas gives fascinating "behind the scenes” insights into what the life of being a referee looks like, an area most football fans know very little about. 

Former Meath and current Antrim manager Andy McEntee chats about his career as both a player and manager in the GAA. With fascinating insights into the melting pot that is GAA inter county management. From working with the Meath minors and implementing their first S&C program.  To winning an All Ireland Championship with Ballyboden St Enda’s. And the scrutiny that came with managing his home county Meath for 6 years. A must listen for any GAA fan and/or leader in business.