The Stripped Back Podcast

This episode marks a huge milestone for the podcast, 100 episodes. Stephen and Keith celebrate it with a conversation that perfectly reflects what the show is all about: real stories, real people, and real journeys. For this landmark episode, they sit down with Harry Maharaj of Kilkenny Architectural Salvage, who shares the evolution of one of Ireland’s most distinctive salvage yards. Harry talks...

We welcome back a powerful voice and previous guest, Robin Grace, who first joined us in Season 5, Episode 5. During that episode, Robin courageously opened up about his battle with mental health issues rooted in childhood trauma, sharing how it led to moments of deep struggle and suicidal thoughts. His story left a lasting impression on us and our listeners alike. Since then, Robin has been on a...

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Karl Kelly, Irish personal trainer, former professional boxer, and a man with a story that hits hard in all the right ways. Karl opens up about his early life growing up in Monkstown Farm, Dublin, sharing his struggles with the traditional school system, especially the disconnect he felt with mainstream education and physical education classes. Boxing beca...

The Insight Trade Awards 2025 celebrated excellence across Ireland’s trade sector, recognising outstanding tradespeople, companies, and apprentices across multiple categories. Powered by community support and public voting, the awards highlighted the role of social media in championing the industry, fostering meaningful connections between brands and tradespeople, and inspiring the next generation...

In this final episode before Christmas 2025, Stephen reflects on a year of significant growth for Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, highlighting the increase in listeners, the depth of conversations, and the importance of community support. He expresses gratitude for the guests and listeners who have contributed to the podcast's success, celebrates the achievements of the trade community, and lo...

In this heartfelt Overload episode, Stephen dives into the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by those working in the trades during the busy Christmas season. With pressure building on site, at home, and socially, Stephen reminds listeners that feeling overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness, It’s a human response to a hectic time of year. He talks openly about the importance of connect...

In this episode of The Overload, Stephen and Keith dive into the excitement surrounding the Insight Trades Awards and the incredible reaction it’s received from the trade community. With voting now closed, the countdown is on for December 11th, when the winners will be announced live on YouTube at 8pm! They give a huge shoutout to all the support from the trades, including the brands and companies...

In this episode, Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan dive into some of the most talked-about issues in the trades. From the complications that arise when customers supply their own materials, to the ongoing battle between quality and price, the lads unpack the realities tradespeople face daily. They explore the true value of expertise, the emotional side of service pricing, and the tricky territory...

In this episode, Stephen takes the hosting helm solo once again and is joined by the brilliant John McGrath, better known online as Man. In. Shed, a self-employed electrician, wood-crafter, and social media favourite. Stephen and John dive into a powerful and honest conversation about integrity in content creation, the importance of celebrating tradespeople, and the personal journeys that shape ca...

Design Source Ireland is a creative hub that connects professionals across design, architecture, and the construction trades, providing inspiration, resources, and collaboration opportunities for those shaping Ireland’s built environment. Stephen and Keith were invited by Design Source Ireland to join Brian Tyrell from Bear Creation on an Instagram Live chat, where Brian turned the tables and inte...

Sometimes the best conversations don’t happen in a studio, they happen out on the road. In this episode, Stephen and Keith park up in Sutton, Dublin, with the stunning backdrop of Dublin Bay behind them for a proper catch-up on all things Insight. From the buzz around the upcoming season to the amazing support flooding in for the Insight Trades Awards, the lads open up about what it all means, not...

This week, Stephen Buckley takes the helm on his own for one of the most open, raw, and emotional conversations of this season if not our full catalogue. He sits down with Stephen Harold of Elite Fitness , who shares a powerful story shaped by adversity, survival, and ultimately triumph. Growing up with a mother who was homeless and living with schizophrenia, and a father who was also homeless and...

In this episode, we explore the reality of being a woman in an electrical apprenticeship through the eyes of someone breaking barriers in real time. Our guest Rachel Horsom shares her journey from starting out on the tools to navigating a male-dominated industry with determination, resilience, and a genuine passion for the trade. Rachel explains the decision she made to leave Ireland and finish he...

Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan sit down with Dave Dillon and Jennifer Murray, the passionate duo behind TheTradeCounter.ie. Together, they explore deeply personal experiences that have shaped their lives and careers, from the challenges of childhood and post natal depression, to the complexities of ADHD and the battle with addiction and the journey of recovery. The discussion goes beyond indivi...

In this episode, hosts Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan sit down with Dylan Kearney, founder of Koncept Construction, for an open and insightful conversation about the modern construction industry and the growing impact of social media. Dylan shares his journey from apprenticeship to entrepreneurship, discussing how he built his personal brand and leveraged digital platforms to connect, grow, and...

We kick off Season 8 with a powerful conversation featuring Alan Collins from Simplified Sparky Marketing. A Cork native now living and working in Australia, Alan shares his inspiring story of starting his business Westcork Electrical from scratch, the lessons learned along the way, and how he is turning his trade experience into a much needed marketing brand, with Simplified Sparky Marketing help...

In this special bonus episode, Stephen takes a few minutes from his van to give listeners a sneak peek into what’s coming for Season 8 of Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast , and to share some exciting news about the first-ever Insight Trades Awards 2025 ! This year, Stephen and Keith are taking their passion for the trades community to the next level with an event created by the trades, for the t...

In this special bonus short recorded via Tik Tok Live, Stephen takes the mic back to where it all began, the van. From those early days of recording on the go to building a studio through Robus Lighting and growing a community, Stephen reflects on the journey of the podcast so far. He shares honest insights into the ups and downs of podcasting, along with practical nuggets of advice for anyone thi...

Insight Goes to WorldSkills Ireland 2025 event in the RDS Dublin and in this special bonus episode, Keith and Stephen bring you along for the ride. The lads walked the floor chatting with students, exhibitors, and industry representatives to capture the real buzz of an event that connects education with opportunity. From engineering and the trades, to beauty, hospitality, and horticulture, this ev...

In this special bonus episode, we take you inside BEPEX 2025 in Dublin, where Irish brands and innovators in the building, plumbing and electrical industry come together to showcase the latest products, ideas, and solutions shaping the future of the trade. From the importance of energy efficiency to the value of face-to-face conversations, we explore what’s driving progress across the industry. Re...

In this short but tasty bonus, we’re diving straight into the good stuff, the uisce beatha. We revisit our chat with Keith Daly, but this time, we strip away the career stories and cut right to the heart (and glass) of it: our Irish whiskey tasting. From first sips to final laughs, it’s a short but flavour-packed episode that’ll leave you wanting a drop of the pure yourself. So pour yourself a dro...

For our Season 7 finale, Stephen takes the mic solo while Keith is tied up with work commitments (don’t worry, he’ll be back for Season 8!). Joining him in the studio is Danielle Tutty from Rathmines Glass, who brings powerful insights into life, business, and breaking barriers in the construction and glazing industries. Danielle opens up about her journey of growing up in a family business, the l...

Join hosts Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on the penultimate episode of Season 7, as they kick things off with The Overload Segment, where they explore the intricacies of the trade, sharing humorous and insightful stories from the field. This segment delves into the common challenges faced by tradespeople and the unique customer interactions that make the job both rewarding and unpredictable. C...

Kicking off the episode on The Overload Segment, Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan dive into an electrifying conversation with Eoghan O Conghaile, aka The Dublin Sparky. Discover Eoghan's journey from a local Centra to becoming a prominent figure in the Irish trade industry. Learn about his unique approach to content creation, the challenges of the trade, and the importance of sharing knowledge th...

In this episode of Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, hosts Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan kick things off with The Overload Segment, catching up on Stephen’s attic renovation progress, discussing the importance of Lockout Tagout (LOTO) in electrical work, and highlighting the real dangers and injuries that can happen when safety isn’t prioritised. Closing out the episode, they sit down with W...