The Natural Resilience Podcast

Are you building a business, a brand or huge company like Blk Box? Take our Founder Scorecard to see how much capacity to truly have - https://founder-first.scoreapp.com What does it really take to build a world-class business from Belfast and compete on the global stage? In this episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciarán May sits down with Greg Bradley, CEO and Founder of Blk Box, one of N...

What happens when someone decides to challenge one of the biggest cultural norms in Ireland? In this episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Jim Fitzpatrick, founder of Sober Irish, to discuss the rise of alcohol-free living, changing attitudes towards drinking, and why choosing not to drink no longer means opting out of life. Alcohol-free beverages are experiencing huge global...

In this powerful episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Leah McCourt for a conversation that goes far beyond the cage. While many people know Leah as one of Ireland's most successful mixed martial artists, this discussion focuses on the person behind the fighter. We explore the role that faith has played throughout her life, the challenges and responsibilities of raising ch...

What really happens when you bring ambitious founders together and build a business growth programme around health, accountability, leadership and real human connection instead of hustle culture? In this solo episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I reflect honestly on the first five months of the Fit Founders Club — a founder-first programme designed for business owners who want to scale sust...

What does it really take to build a consumer brand from scratch in one of the most competitive industries in the world? In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Laura Murphy — founder of Oatco Superfuel, recent Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, and entrepreneur who secured investment from Steven Bartlett on Dragons’ Den. Laura shares the real story behind building Oatco — fro...

In this powerful episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with undefeated professional boxer Caoimhin Agyarko to explore a story that goes far beyond the ring. From growing up in West Belfast to surviving a near-fatal stabbing, Caoimhin’s journey is one of resilience, identity, and relentless belief. Left for dead as a teenager, he fought his way back — not just to survive, but to pur...

What does it take to become a world champion, and what happens when everything changes overnight? In this episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with former unified world champion boxer Ryan Burnett to explore the mindset, discipline and self-belief required to perform at the very highest level. From growing up in Belfast to representing Ireland at the youth Olympics, Ryan’s journey...

In this episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Rani Dabrai, a highly experienced entrepreneur and operator who has successfully built and exited two businesses. This conversation is titled “Systems Set You Free – From Chaos to Control” and is essential listening for any founder who feels stuck in the day-to-day of their business. Rani brings deep insight into what it actually t...

In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Paul Harkin, better known as “That Prize Guy.” Paul is the founder of one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised brands. What began as a simple idea has grown into a hugely successful platform giving people the chance to win cars, cash, holidays, tech and life-changing prizes — while building a loyal community across social media. I...

What do you do when you’re told you’re not good enough? In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Gareth Steenson, former professional rugby player, to explore how rejection can either break you or build you. Gareth shares the honest story behind being overlooked, doubted and rejected early in his career — and how he used that experience as fuel. We unpack the “chip on the...

Plate Up for Success | Stevie B on Nutrition, Discipline & High Performance In this episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Stevie B — private chef, performance-driven health advocate, and founder of the “Plate Up” concept — for a powerful conversation on nutrition, discipline and sustainable high performance. Titled “Plate Up for Success”, this episode explores how fuelling...

Behaviour Never Lies Your results are driven by your values, not your goals. In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I’m joined by performance consultant Seamus Fox, who works closely with CEOs and founders on what he calls the inner compass — the values and priorities that shape every decision we make. We explore why behaviour is often the clearest mirror of what we truly value, not wh...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with former world-title contender, boxing manager and CEO, Jamie Conlan, for an in-depth conversation about resilience, identity, leadership and navigating life at the highest levels of sport and business. Jamie opens up about: Growing up in West Belfast and how those early experiences shaped his mindset The influence of key figures who helped guide him into th...

Paddy’s rise is extraordinary: from a working-class lad in West Belfast, to selling out the SSE Arena, to performing to global audiences across America, Canada and Australia.  But behind the success is a story few people truly know. Paddy opens up about: Growing up in West Belfast and the humour that shaped him The altercation where he had his finger bitten off while working as a doorman The menta...

In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Paul Doherty — founder of Foodstock and Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast for a powerful conversation about leadership, community action, and tackling poverty with dignity. Paul shares the story behind Foodstock — a charity born not from theory or policy, but from aligned action and a deep belief that communities thrive when people are...

In this extraordinary episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, recorded live in front of 200 people at The Balmoral Hotel, Belfast, I sit down with former professional MMA athlete Ryan Curtis. A man whose story is so unbelievable that, if it wasn’t fully documented, you would struggle to believe it happened. In December 2023, Ryan suffered a catastrophic training accident that broke his neck and...

“Pressure Creates Leaders.” In this powerful episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciaran May sits down with Linda Stinson. Linda is the CEO of Bellamianta. An entrepreneur, leader and proud mum. We sit down together to explore the realities of resilience, pressure and high performance in both business and life. Linda opens up about the defining moments that shaped her, the setbacks that near...

Most founders don’t burn out because they’re choose to overwork. They burn out because they’ve never been taught how to win sustainably and understand the core of high performance which is self leadership and awareness. In today’s solo episode, I share why I created The Fit Founders Club, the recurring patterns I’ve seen coaching hundreds of founders, leaders and business owners over the last five...

In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, host Ciaran May sits down with Rory King, founder of Rory’s Travel Club, to uncover how he built one of Ireland’s fastest-growing travel communities — from zero to over one million members. 🎙️ Discover the story behind Rory’s explosive growth, how he turned an idea into a thriving travel movement, and the lessons every founder can take from his jo...

Putting Northern Ireland on the world stage.. Graham Fitzgerald is the COO of the Irish Football Association and was heavily involved in the recent historic boxing fight at Windsor Park where local lad Lewis Crocker became World Champion in his hometown of Belfast. This is a fascinating insight into the power of collaboration between huge organisations, leadership and the positive impact of sport....

Annette Kelly is the founder of one of Ireland's most recognisable wellbeing brands in Little Penny Thoughts. In episode 11 of The Natural Resilience Podcast, Annette shares how she went from starting her brand without any of her friends and family knowing as she was afraid of other peoples opinions but she had the courage to embrace her authenticity, her life changed so much for the better. This...

This episode was recorded live in Balmoral Hotel, Belfast in front of 200 people.  Dr Michael Mc Killop is one of Ireland's most decorated athletes ever with 4 Paralympic gold medals among his impressive haul.  At a young age Michael's parents were informed that he had cerebral palsy and may never walk, he went on to run for Ireland on the global stage. This is a story that encapsulates one of lif...

Rhys Mc Kee is an MMA fighter currently fighting around the world in the UFC. His journey to the top has been anything but easy. Perhaps that's what makes him one of the most grounded and humble elite level athletes we have interviewed. This is without doubt the most in depth insight into the mind of a world class fighter that you will ever hear. The mental preparation, mantras and little techniqu...

Born In Armagh, Sam went on to join the elite, Royal Marine Commandos serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. A tragic accident involving his best friend despite heroic actions from Sam seen him honoured with a George Cross medal for bravery. Only a handful of recipients of this coveted medal exist around the world. After a stint in London working for a billionaire hedge fund manager, Sam came home...

Rob Mc Connell is the CEO of ICC Belfast, Waterfront and Ulster Hall. Two iconic venues in the heart of Belfast that have facilitated some of the largest and most memorable concerts, conferences and sporting events in the recent history of Northern Ireland. Rob has studied the art of leadership around the world and implemented his own style forged by lessons learned from his humble beginnings on h...