Claim OwnershipUnbound | Conversations Without Limits
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Discover how the highest performers push beyond limitations in this up-and-coming no. 1 Irish podcast.
Host and high-performance consultant Stephen McDonnell, speaks deeply with world-class performers, revealing secrets to their success. The podcast features several series across high-performing industries, including business, sports, entertainment and more.
These conversations are real, honest, courageous and great fun. Each episode is designed to provoke, educate, inspire and empower you to achieve the impossible.
Previous guests include Jordan Harbinger, Damian Browne, Mark Divine and many more.
Host and high-performance consultant Stephen McDonnell, speaks deeply with world-class performers, revealing secrets to their success. The podcast features several series across high-performing industries, including business, sports, entertainment and more.
These conversations are real, honest, courageous and great fun. Each episode is designed to provoke, educate, inspire and empower you to achieve the impossible.
Previous guests include Jordan Harbinger, Damian Browne, Mark Divine and many more.
64 Episodes
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Rita McGrath, top global transformation strategist, shares how to spot inflection points, manage risk and futureproof your business in disruption.She isn’t just a Columbia Business School professor – she’s one of the world’s most influential voices on strategy and innovation. Named by Thinkers50 as a top global business thinker, Rita has shaped how leaders everywhere respond to change and disruption.In this episode, she sits down with Stephen McDonnell to tackle the critical question: how do you spot the “inflection points” before they blindside your business? From Kodak’s collapse to Amazon’s rise, Rita unpacks the real stories behind why some companies thrive in disruption while others disappear.Join us to explore:Spotting inflection points before they disruptLessons from Kodak, Fuji and AmazonBuilding innovation portfolios that lastLeadership and culture as change driversPractical tools to execute transformationPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
Rituals rooted in culture unite and empower teams at every level. For fans fascinated by the haka, Kieran Read, a former Crusaders and All Blacks captain, gives an inside look at its meaning, not as intimidation, but as a way of drawing on heritage, connecting with teammates, and honouring those who went before. He explains how respect and practice ensure the haka is performed with authenticity. Leading it, he says, is a deeply humbling honour.Tune in to the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/20-life-lessons-from-the-legendary-former-all-blacks-captain
Executive coach Andrea Garfield shows how leaders unlock resilience and impact by addressing root causes, not quick fixes.A pioneer in integral coaching and founder of Awesome Institute, Andrea blends decades of entrepreneurial grit, somatic wisdom and science-backed process to help high-performers, CEOs and C-suite execs become more fully themselves – in all areas of life. Andrea shares her journey from burnout to regenerative leadership, the power of presence and why field-study self-reflection is fuel for sustainable growth.This episode will empower leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs and anyone seeking tangible, lasting change. Expect actionable frameworks for self-coaching and practical ways to lead with both compassion and strength at work and at home.Join us to explore:How root causes beat quick fixesCoaching the whole person, not just the roleEmpathy with boundaries builds strong teamsSetbacks, emotions and the art of self-coachingInsights from coaching Simon Sinek & top leadersPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
In freediving, anxiety can be the difference between breakthrough and blackout. As a 7x World Champion freediver, William Trubridge learnt how to train his mind to remain calm and present, using practised breathing and ‘Observer Mind’ techniques that we can all embrace. This applies well beyond sport, especially in high-stakes leadership and everyday stress.Tune in to the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/a-deep-dive-into-extreme-high-performance
With over two decades of negotiation experience, including multinational hostage crises and police operations, Matthias Herter shares the power of communication, team dynamics, and inner strength. He candidly discusses lessons from both triumphs and setbacks, showing how doubt and insecurity can fuel performance and growth.Discover the key skills used by elite negotiators, such as active listening, emotional regulation, and authentic connection – and how these can transform relationships, business, and personal leadership.This episode is essential listening for business leaders, team players, and those navigating high-pressure environments who want to build trust, handle conflict, and lead with integrity. Join us to explore:Inside the mind of a crisis negotiatorTurn fear into peak performanceInside the playbook of winning negotiation teamsOvercoming grief and lossNegotiation skills for everyday successPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
Former Gym+Coffee CEO Niall Horgan sits down with Stephen McDonnell to explore the growing importance of mental toughness in sports. Niall shares his insights on how early mental coaching helps young athletes build resilience and teamwork. Tune in to hear how these lessons, learned on the field, have shaped their leadership journeys and why focusing on the journey rather than just trophies leads to lasting success in both sports and business.Listen to the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/embracing-the-unknown
IMD Professor and author of The First 90 Days, Michael Watkins, joins the show to break down what most leaders get wrong during transitions and how to turn change into growth. Learn about his hard-earned lessons on managing identity in upheaval, leading under pressure, and navigating the rise of AI and rapid disruption. We unpack key insights from his latest book, The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, and why old ideas of high performance don’t hold up. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, coaching through change, or finding your next move, this episode offers tools to move forward with confidence.Join us to explore:Turning disruption into momentumThe six disciplines essential to strategic thinkingReclaim identity and purpose in the AI eraShift from reactivity to responsivenessPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
Hostage negotiator, clinical psychologist, and leadership expert, George Kohlrieser, explains the ‘Person Effect’, the emotional impact we have on others through our presence, mostly communicated non-verbally. Some people naturally inspire trust, while others create distance. Find out how effective leadership goes beyond rapport to true emotional bonding, which many avoid due to past pain. When bonding leads to hurt, the brain learns to protect itself by pulling away from connection.Listen to the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/31-george-kohlrieser-applying-hostage-negotiation-tactics-in-leadership
In this special episode of Unbound, hurling champions Noel Conners (former Waterford captain) and John “Bubbles” O’Dwyer (Tipperary All-Star) join host Stephen McDonnell (former Cork Captain) as they gear up for this weekend’s All-Ireland senior hurling final.Tune in as they unpack Cork’s explosive form, Tipp’s hunger for an upset, and what it takes for defenders to survive against the country’s sharpest forwards. Who will take home the cup? You’ll want to hear their takes!Join us to explore:Honest predictions: All-Ireland Hurling FinalWhy Waterford’s struggling, Tipp’s rising fastSurviving against the country’s sharpest forwardsWhy Munster matches are a different beastWho will take home the cup?Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
Strengths-based leadership specialist Eline Meijer unpacks how to move beyond "weakness fixing" and use your strengths for ultimate growth.Eline draws on her decade of experience with CliftonStrengths and her background in psychology to demystify how we can thrive by identifying, understanding, and leading with our natural abilities.She reveals why traditional approaches to personal development and performance management often fall short and how applying a strengths-based lens benefits individuals, teams, and organisations.Join us to explore:How to leverage your strengths vs. weaknessesWhere strengths really come fromWhen strengths go too far, and how to balanceUsing your strengths to boost performanceWhen strengths meet smart collaborationPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
How do you push through your toughest days when the pressure is on and it feels like everything is going wrong? Eímear Noone, Irish composer and conductor, shares her approach to overcoming personal challenges while maintaining a high level of performance on stage. She reveals the mindset shift that helps her show up for others, even when she's not feeling her best, and how she navigates the balance between self-compassion and the drive to deliver excellence.Listen to the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/28-eimear-noone-irish-culture-mindset-breaking-barriers
Science journalist Alex Hutchinson explores risk, reinvention, and what drives us to seek the unknown – in sport, life, and beyond.With a rare mix of elite athletic experience and academic insight, Alex unpacks what drives high performers to grow, adapt, and keep going, especially when the path ahead isn’t clear.Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or standing at a personal crossroads, this conversation will hit home. We explore how to navigate transitions, rebuild identity, and find meaning in challenge. This is about more than performance… It’s about purpose, curiosity, and how to rewrite your story when it matters most.Join us to explore:Harnessing the “Effort Paradox”Reinventing identity through challenge and changeThe biology driving risk and rewardMastering self-talk under pressureHow superstition shapes high performanceWhat drives us to explore the unknown Please email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
In this Unbound Tool, best-selling author and entrepreneur Patrick Sweeney shares his journey of battling a rare form of leukaemia, using mental performance techniques from the Olympic Training Centre.As doctors collaborated with a Penn State expert, Patrick harnessed visualisation to strengthen his mind and body, picturing his cells as warriors fighting the disease. With the support of friends, including a local priest, and an unwavering focus on recovery, Patrick's story highlights the power of mental imagery and positive self-talk in overcoming adversity.Listen to the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/living-with-no-limits
Karen Eber breaks down the science of storytelling and why it’s the secret weapon for influence, connection, and driving real change.Karen shares how the right story can shape teams, inspire action, and build stronger relationships. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or just want to communicate more effectively, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply instantly.Join us to explore:How childhood shaped Karen’s storytellingKey ingredients of a relatable storyWhy our brains crave great storiesTurning data into engaging narrativesLeadership lessons through storytellingPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
What happens when technology takes the place of real-world interactions? In this Unbound Tool, Sarah McKay reveals the impact of digital life on our well-being, touching on everything from social media addiction to the loss of authentic communication. As our reliance on virtual connections grows, Sarah warns of the mental health consequences and the decline of meaningful face-to-face relationships.Check the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/27-neuroscience-managing-tech-consumption-digital-overload
What if you could build a network based on trust and mutual respect, without ever asking for anything in return? Jordan Harbinger breaks down the art of relationship-building in a way that is both practical and meaningful. Tune in to learn how you can use these techniques in your own life to cultivate deeper connections and open doors you didn’t even know existed.Check the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/using-psychological-tactics-to-win-in-life
Robin Dunbar, a renowned anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist, delves into human connection and the evolution of social structures. He is widely known for devising "Dunbar’s Number," which explores how early life in culturally diverse environments shaped his understanding of the social complexities in monkeys, apes, and humans.From his groundbreaking studies on sociability in primates to human evolution, Robin illuminates the parallels between our primate cousins and contemporary human society, revealing how these insights contribute to our understanding of relationships today. Join us to explore:Human vs. primate social structuresDunbar’s Number and its SignificanceEndorphins, bonding, and social successThe 7 Pillars of FriendshipEvolution’s role in future socialisationPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
In this Unbound Tool, we explore the profound power of inner dialogue and how it shapes our mental and emotional well-being. Woniya Thibeault shares her unique experience of spending months in complete solitude, confronting the thoughts and stories that surfaced in her mind. Tune in to discover how small wins, rituals, and intentional positivity can transform the way we navigate life's challenges.Check the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/lessons-from-the-edge-of-life
Marc Brackett discusses the impact of negativity bias, extroversion vs. introversion, and the key role of emotional intelligence in leadership. He dives deep into the effects of social comparison on mental health, advocating for self-compassion and empathy to tackle these emotional challenges.Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Marc shares actionable insights for breaking negative emotional loops, fostering emotional awareness, and redefining societal biases around success and happiness.Join us to explore:Social media’s impact on anxietyBalancing introversion and extroversionTools for emotional healingLeadership through emotional intelligenceStrategies to manage emotionsPlease email stephen@liveunbound.com if you have any questions about what we discussed today.Like this show? Please subscribe and leave us a five-star rating and review. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover it too. Consider leaving your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally, and feel free to follow ours.
Mark Divine, former Navy SEAL commander, reveals how mastering physical, mental, emotional, intuitional, and spiritual aspects, which make up the "Five Mountains", can lead to extraordinary resilience and self-mastery. Mark’s insights have reshaped the way many perceive personal transformation and leadership.Check the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/feeding-the-courage-wolf
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