Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast

Join Stephen and Keith on the final episode of Season 4 where, in this episode, on The Overload Segment they are joined by Jay Carraher, Managing Director and Head Electrician at Carraher Electrical Ltd, to talk about the current landscape of the electrical industry. Jay shares insights on how to keep a business thriving and the keys to successfully managing apprentices. We’re also joined by his apprentice, Ryan O’Hagan, recently shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year awards. Together, they explore the challenges within the apprentice system and discuss strategies for apprentices to maximize their learning and growth. Plus, find out the results of the exciting electrical challenge wall time trial that Jay and Ryan tackled before the show!Special Guest Interview: The lads chat with rising Irish music artist Ciarán Moran. Ciarán opens up about his Dublin upbringing, his journey in the music industry, and the storytelling behind his powerful lyrics. They discuss his recent performance supporting The Wolfe Tones at Dublin’s 3Arena, as well as his plans for upcoming albums and tours. Tune in to hear how Ciarán’s commitment to community and support has shaped his career and continues to fuel his artistic path.To find out more about our guests, head over to Instagram and find them @carraherelectrical and @ciaranmoranmusic To find out more about the podcast, check us out on Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press our bio link.Be sure to subscribe for more exclusive conversations and insights!

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Buckley on their award-winning podcast where on The Overload Segment, the lads are joined by apprentice electrician, graphic designer and FAI football coach Lena Baldock. In this engaging conversation, Lina shares her journey as a young female electrician navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry. From her school experiences and the decision to pursue a trade, to her recognition as a finalist in the Screwfix Apprentice of the Year, Lena's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and passion. She discusses the importance of mental health, community service, and her aspirations in graphic design and business, all while emphasizing the need for authenticity and support in both trades and sports. On the Product Of The Week Segment, the lads discuss a fire suppression device from Maus, that is a game changer for distribution boards and offers extra safety and time for occupants of the buildings where they are installed within.On the special guest interview segment, Stephen and Keith are joined by Shane Doherty to discuss the origins and journey of his business Little Red Sauces, a hot sauce company inspired by family traditions and a passion for cooking. They delve into the challenges of navigating the food industry, including regulations and sourcing ingredients, while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in their products. The interview segways midway into a taste testing segment that champions both the BBQ Sauce and Louisiana Sauce available in the market from Little Red Sauces, inviting Keith's apprentices and the Robus security guard into the studio to try out the sauces on some freshly cooked wings, where everybody gives their review. After the tasting, Stephen and Keith continue the chat with Shane and they discuss the key milestones in his business journey, including participation in the Super Value Food Academy and the significance of community support and insights into the taste testing process and the importance of feedback from friends and family. They discuss the balance between personal life and business commitments, emphasizing the need for community building and brand awareness. The conversation concludes with reflections on the joy of their work and a light-hearted song choice.Check out Lena on Instagram @lena.baldock.Check out Shane on Instagram @littleredsauces.To find out more about the podcast, check us out on Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on our bio link

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast for Season 4 Episode 8. On this episode, Stephen an Keith engage in a deep conversation with one another about the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the impact of technology on youth of today. On the Special Guest Interview Segment the lads are joined by Junior Pastry Sous Chef Aoife Comerford. She discusses her journey of personal growth through the education system and culinary arts. They explore the importance of mentorship, the realities of working in a Michelin star kitchen, and the current state of the culinary industry, while also reflecting on the challenges she has faced and her aspirations for the future. Aoife’s story is a powerful reminder for anyone who experiences early setbacks in live that they don’t have to determine your future.To learn more about Aoife, you can check her out on Instagram @aoife.c44 or you can check out her culinary skills at Michelin Star Restaurant Glovers Alley in Dublin Ireland.To learn more about the podcast, head over to @insightthestrippedbackpodcast on Instagram and press on the bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast where in this episode, the lads engage in a deep conversation with amateur Irish golfer Max Kennedy and neuroscientist Brian Pennie . On the overload segment with Max they explore the challenges involved when pursuing a career in golf and the pathways to professional golf, including the transition from college to the pro ranks and the importance of mental health awareness in sports. On the special guest interview segment with Brian, they discuss the impact of personal adversity and addiction and how past trauma can be the driving factor behind these struggles. The discussion highlights the significance of self-talk, the role of inner voices and the importance of support systems when you are in need of help. . The conversation also touches on the therapeutic value of writing, the significance of anxiety and the necessity for connection and relationships in life. To find out more about our guest Max Kennedy, head over to his Instagram page @ _maxkennedy_ and to find out more about our guest Brian Pennie, check out his instagram page @brianpennie78. To learn more about the podcast, check us out on Instagram @instightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on our bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast where on this episode they engage in a lively discussion creating equal opportunities for job seekers from disadvantaged areas, focusing on inclusivity in hiring practices, the importance of apprenticeships, and hiring based on skills. On the special guest interview, they are joined by Martha Kinch, a qualified electrician and ESB technician, where they discuss what it takes to make it in the power distribution industry, how much it varies from other sectors and how important it is to develop apprentices correctly in order for them to thrive when qualified. The main takeaways from this episode are; • Inclusivity in hiring practices is crucial for the electrical industry. • Apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience and learning opportunities. • Employers play a significant role in supporting individuals with convictions. • Promoting trades to younger generations can help bridge the skills gap. • Personal experiences at industry events can enhance professional growth. • The importance of mentorship in the trades cannot be overstated. • Understanding the potential of individuals is key to fostering talent. • Safety and training are paramount in the electrical industry. • The Eagle and Chicken story illustrates the importance of realizing one's potential. • The ESB offers various opportunities for career progression. To find out more about Martha, check her out on Instagram at @martha.kinch and to learn more about the podcast, find us on Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on our bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast, where on this episode they remotely link in with building heroes ambassador and BIM Technologist Liam Roche on The Overload Segment. Liam shares his remarkable experience at the WorldSkills competition in Lyon, France. The conversation delves into the scale of the event, the performance of the Irish team, and the importance of promoting trades and skills among youth. , highlighting how these elements shape the experiences of the participants. Liam emphasizes the significance of using his platform to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. On The Special Guest Segment, Derek Jennings and Kieran Mullen from The Let Christy Take It Podcast join the lads in studio to discuss their podcast journey and the impact it has had on them. They share personal stories about their childhood, the evolution of their podcast, and memorable experiences with notable guests. The discussion also touches on the challenges of teaching in a digital age, the significance of martial arts in instilling discipline, and their love for pop culture and how it has shaped their friendship. The episode concludes with film recommendations and light-hearted banter about music and life lessons. To learn more about Let Christy Take It, Check out their Instagram page @letchristytakeit_podcast and press on their bio. To learn more about Liam, check out liamr_architecture. To learn more about the podcast, head over to Instagram @inisghtthestrippedback podcast and press on our bio

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast, where on this episode they are joined on The Overload Segment by ETB electrical instructor John Doheny and then they welcome award winning playwright, producer, actor, and lightning strike survivor David Gilna onto The Special Guest Interview Segment. Hosts Stephen and Keith engage in deep conversations with their guest David Gilna about the importance of mental health and the impact of personal experiences on creativity. They discuss the transformative power of writing and they also touch upon personal stories of resilience, recovery, and the journey of self-discovery. David shares an amazing story on how he survived a lightning strike while living and working in Boston on a J1 Visa whilst giving us and our listeners a personal read of a couple of his poems from his debut poetry collection '24'. On The Overload with John Doheny, they discuss the need for curriculum reforms in the apprenticeship system, the significance of continuous assessment in education, and explore the evolving landscape of confidence among younger generations. They chat about the future of apprenticeship systems within the trades and how a diverse trade industry including more females and adult learners can be beneficial in promoting apprenticeships for the years ahead. To learn more about David Gilna, his poetry collection and the projects he has upcoming, head over to www.davidgilna.ie To learn more about John or to get in touch regarding electrical apprenticeship queries and grinds, head over to Instagram @jd_electrical_grinds. To learn more about the podcast, head over to Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on the bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast where on this episode they welcome Daniel Bradley onto the special guest segment. Daniel opens up about his incredible life story, a tale of hardship, mistakes, and ultimately transformation. He talks us through the pivotal moments in his life including incarceration, addiction, homelessness, rehab and recovery. Also on the overload segment, the lads are joined by fellow electrician, building heroes ambassador and budding entrepreneur Conor Brannigan, to talk about his entry into the trade, his passion for tools and how he is developing that passion into a side business called Tools 4 Fools. The lads discuss the state of the solar market in Ireland and how important it is to use reputable installers but also the importance around understanding the system and maintaining properly. For anyone affected by the discussions had on this episode, remember that your not alone and that there are people and organizations out there that are ready to listen. The HSE provide a freephone number for anyone in Ireland suffering with addiction (1800495495). To learn more about our guest Daniel Bradley, you can find him on Instagram at @danielmbradley and to learn more about our guest Conor Brannigan you find him on Instagram @cb_electrical_ and @tools_4_fools. To learn more about the podcast, head over to Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on the bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast where on this episode they welcome fellow electrician Ricky Byrne from Byrne Electrical Ltd back onto The Overload Segment to talk all things AM2's. They take a walk through the exam process and delve into Ricky's comprehensive step by step guide. The conversation also highlights the importance of creating an open door situation for mature learners to get into the electrical game and how the stigma around the word apprentice could be hampering that. On the special guest interview segment, Callum takes us back to his childhood and his desire to learn how to play the drums from an early age. He highlights the demands that are involved within the music industry and how it can have adverse mental and physical health effects on you if not managed correctly. The conversation takes us through his journey from playing drums on the back of a flatbed truck to touring the world and a Main Stage performance at Electric Picnic. They talk about his Eurovision experience, representing his country and how important it is to salvage the positives from the event. Callum is keen to share his knowledge with the next generation of music lovers and talks about his venture into teaching. To learn more about the guests, head over to Instagram @byrneelectricalltd and @calmcadam. To learn more about the podcast, head over to @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on the bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast where on this episode they discuss various topics including their appreciation for their sponsors, and their gratitude for the opportunity to record this season within their new Robus headquarters studio.They welcome Dublin based electrician Dessie Robbins as a guest on The Overload Segment. They also interview former Olympian and pro boxer Emmet Brennan on The Special Guest Interview Segment. Dessie shares his childhood experiences and how he got into the electrical trade whilst Emmet talks about his upbringing in Dublin city, his family and his journey into the boxing ring. The conversations touch on the importance of having a supportive team and the drive to succeed and the importance of surrounding yourself with winners and being in a winning environment. Both guests discuss the impact mentors have had in passing on their knowledge and helping shape their success. Both guests discuss the importance to teaching the next generation. Emmet shines a light on the post-Olympics experience and the difficulties athletes face when transitioning back to normal life. The overall episode highlights the importance of perseverance, discipline and staying focused on personal goals. To find out more about the guests, head over to Instagram @emmetbrennan and @dessie_dekka_sparks. To learn more about the hosts and the podcast, head over to Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on the bio link. The podcast is sponsored by Robus Lighting.

Welcome to the award winning Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, Join Co Host Stephen Buckley on this bonus episode where he delves into the top 20 tools that every UK and Irish electrical apprentice should have in their toolbox. The tools mentioned in the episode are essential for getting the job done and meeting industry standards. The episode covers a range of tools, including VDE insulated electrical screwdrivers, combination pliers, long nose pliers, automatic wire strippers, tape measure, digital multimeter, voltage tester, earth leakage tester, conduit bending tool, spirit level, insulated gloves, safety glasses, hard hat, air defenders or ear plugs, high vis vest, cordless combi drill, laser distance measuring tool, cable pullers or fish tape, cable ties and fixing tools, and a tool bag or toolbox. To find out more about the podcast, head over to the podcast Instagram page @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and check out their bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast where on this, their final episode of season 3, they welcome fellow electrician, content creator, business owner and podcaster Amy Barratt Singh onto The Overload Segment.In this conversation, Amy discusses her journey into the trades industry and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the lack of career guidance in schools and the importance of visibility for women in trades. Amy also shares her experiences in different sectors of the industry and highlights the value of on-site experience. She expresses her love for the variety of work in the trades and her decision to start her own business. Amy discusses the benefits of working with notable electricians, the supportive community on social media, and the challenges faced by women in the trade industry. She emphasizes the importance of promoting a safe workplace for women and encourages female apprentices to persevere through difficult times. Amy also talks about the balancing act of managing her business, social media presence, and personal life.To find out more about Amy, you can check out her content on Instagram @amythesparky.Later on the episode, the lads are joined by electrician, business owner, content creator and entrepreneur Jordan Farley on The Guest Interview Segment. Jordan Farley grew up around the family electrical business but initially didn't want to follow in the same footsteps. He studied business and archaeology in college but realized it wasn't the path he wanted to take. After a tragic loss in the family, Jordan took over the reins of the family business . Jordan tells the story of him choosing to embark on a journey of traveling and volunteering. Jordan delves into his passion for teaching and explains how sharing his skills whilst abroad was a catalyst behind creating content online, which has grown in popularity and helped him build a reputation in the industry.   The renewable energy space is rapidly evolving, Jordan talks about his experience within an ever-evolving sector and with game-changing technologies at the forefront, he emphasises the importance of staying on top of your game. Jordan explains the reasons behind setting up his new venture OpenQuote and how it was developed to streamline the process of gathering information from customers and provide a comprehensive job sheet for installers. Jordan gives his opinions on the current state of the electrical industry and the challenges in retaining and hiring skilled staff, with a shortage of qualified electricians and competition from low-cost, low-quality companies. To find out more about Jordan and his business, check him out on Instagram @artisanelectrics.Learn more about the podcast and its hosts by checking out the podcast Instagram page @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on the bio link.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast where on this episode they discuss their experiences in the construction industry and the challenges they faced. They talk about the impact of taking holidays on their businesses and the importance of delegating tasks while gone. They also discuss the current state of the industry, with Keith mentioning that he has been busier than ever in the domestic end, while Stephen notes the struggles of hiring good electricians and the need for flexibility when working in the maintenance sector. The conversation then shifts to their guest interview with Bardie Somerville, where they discuss her background growing up in rural Australia and her experiences within the trade industry. Bardie Somerville, founder of The Shift, shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the construction industry. She emphasizes the importance of showing up as your authentic self and creating space for others to do the same. Bardie discusses the mental health challenges faced by tradies and the need for open conversations and support networks. She also talks about her vision for The Shift, which aims to promote wellbeing and personal growth in the construction industry. Bardie encourages individuals to believe in their own vision and make a positive change in their lives. To learn more about Bardie you can find her on Instagram @bards.builds and to learn more about 'The Shift' you can find it on Instagram @theshift.au. To learn more about the podcast and it's host, head over to Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and checkout the bio link for contact information and a list of platforms the podcast is available on.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast as they welcome Lee Dickinson, a gas engineer, owner of C&G Gas Services and the owner and designer of Gorehounds Clothing. Stephen chats with Lee about his journey into the gas fire place installation and maintenance industry, the story behind going self employed, the benefits of using job management systems, the important role his father has had in his life, his love for horror and expressing it through apparels. On the overload segment, Stephen and Keith discuss the direction of the podcast and where they see it going in Season 4. They talk about the vision they have to take it to the next level and how their sponsor Robus is helping them to achieve these goals. To learn more about our special guest Lee, you can find his business page on Instagram @c_ggasservices and you can find his clothing brand on Instagram @gorehounds_clothing and online at www.gorehoundsclothing.co.uk. You can learn more about the podcast on Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and check out our bio link. Thank you to everyone involved in putting this episode together and thank you to our Sponsors Robus Lighting for their continued support.

Join Stephen and Keith on their award winning podcast were on this episode, Welsh electrician and mv cable jointer Steffan Evans joins them on The Overload Segment to share his journey into the industry, his experience moving from Wales to work and live in Ireland, the hard work and commitment that is related to his role. He also highlights the opportunities that are available within his sector now and into the future. On The Guest Interview Segment, the lads are joined by Dublin based carpenter Alex Taaffe, the MD of Taaffe Carpentry and Construction to hear about the steps he took from leaving school after his junior certificate to setting up a successful business at the age of 21 and the challenges to come with staying on top of your game. To learn more about our guest, head of to @welshsparky97 to link in with Steffan and @taaffe_carpentry_and_construction to link in with Alex. To find out more about the podcast, head over to @insightthestrippedbackpodcast on Instagram and check out our bio.

Join Stephen and Keith on their award winning podcast were on this episode, Double award winning electrician Suzy Blakeley aka Princess Spark on IG joins them on The Guest Interview Segment to share valuable information about her journey into the electrical trade, thoughts on supports for dyslexic learners, the dynamic of working with her father and her love for musical theatre. On The Overload Segment, the lads discuss burnout and the effects it can have on you and the people around you. They also chat about the pressure people place on themselves in order to over achieve in exam situations and how it can cause more stress than is justified. To learn more about Suzy, you can check her out on Instagram at the following handle @princesssparkanglesey19 and to learn more about the podcast check us out on Instagram at the following handle @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and check out our bio.

Join Stephen and Keith on their award winning podcast were on this episode, James Robinson aka The Yorkshire Stone Dresser joins them on The Guest Interview Segment to share his journey into the life of breaking and dressing stone. James also discusses his social media success story and the challenges that come with it. On The Overload Segment, the lads are joined by electrical apprentice Jordan Malongi from Dublin Ireland, Jordan discusses family bereavement and how it affected him growing up. He shines a light on the electrical apprenticeship system in Ireland and what challenges are involved and how to overcome them. To learn more about James, you can check him out on Instagram at the following handle @the_yorkshire_stone_dresserTo learn more about Jordan, you can find him him on Instagram @voltech.solution_. To learn more about the podcast check us out on Instagram at the following handle @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and check out our bio.

On this episode, Stephen and Keith are joined on The Overload Segment by Karl Batterbee to discuss his tough start to life as an electrician, falling out of love with the trade and then how the pandemic helped him reset. The two lads also have look back into the evolution of an electrician, they discuss what the trade must have looked like when electricity first came on the scene up until present day and the future. They also have award winning Irish chef Shauna Murphy on The Guest Interview Segment, to discuss her passion for cooking, challenges she has overcome and the importance of ethical and sustainable sourcing of produce. To find out more about our guests, you can find them on Instagram @karlsparky and @shaunasmurphy. To learn more about the podcast, you can find us on Instagram @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and check out our bio.

On this episode, Stephen and Keith welcome electrician and ex professional footballer Patrick Kavanagh onto The Guest Interview Segment to discuss his footballing career and how he was able to balance it all alongside a trade apprenticeship. Listen to Pat discuss the hard work and commitment needed to succeed not only as a footballer but also as a trade professional, with some insightful career stories from playing against the Italian giants Juventus to working his way up the ladder in his trade career. On The Overload Segment, the lads discuss important questions that customers should be asking before acquiring the services of a contractor in their home. You can find out more about Patrick on his professional LinkedIn page @Patrick(Paddy)Kavanagh and to learn more about the podcast, you can find us on Instagram @insight_tsbpodcast

On this episode, Stephen and Keith Flip things on their head and jump straight into the Guest Interview segment with Building Heroes Ireland ambassadors Chatreen O’Connor and Liam Roche in order to emphasise the importance of shining a light on the many different avenues available to enter the construction industry through apprenticeships, training courses and college courses. Chatreen is a female Phase 2 electrical apprentice looking to share her experience and squash whatever stigma exists that suggests a woman’s place is not on the tools. Liam is BIM Technologist student who has navigated his way to this position in his life by taking an alternative route that was brave and is equally inspiring. Later in the episode, on The Overload Segment, Stephen and Keith look into and talk through the main factors that need to be explored if you’re thinking about setting up your own business and going self employed. To learn more about Chatreen, you can check out her Instagram page @addedtohertoolbag and you can find liam on Instagram @liam_architecture. To find out more about Building heroes, you can find them on all social media platforms @buildingheroesirl. Check out our podcast Instagram page @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and check out our bio link for more information.