Bulletproof Dad

Bernard Jackman joins the podcast to share a fascinating journey from elite rugby to high-performance leadership in business. The former Bernard Jackman reflects on the lessons learned throughout a career that took him from Connacht and Leinster to the Sale Sharks and the Irish national team.

He opens up about the demands of professional rugby, the culture inside elite dressing rooms, and what separates good teams from truly great ones. Drawing on stories from his playing days, Bernard discusses resilience, leadership under pressure, adapting to setbacks, and the importance of standards and accountability in high-performance environments.

The conversation also explores his coaching experiences in France and Wales, where he gained a deeper understanding of different rugby cultures, leadership styles, and how successful organisations build winning mindsets. Bernard explains how those experiences shaped his own philosophy around team development and performance.

Away from rugby, Bernard now works closely with business leaders and organisations, helping companies apply elite sporting principles to the workplace. He discusses how communication, trust, culture, and clarity of purpose are just as important in business as they are in professional sport. From boardrooms to dressing rooms, he explains why sustainable high performance always comes back to people.

The episode also provides insight into his growing media career and keynote speaking work, where he shares practical lessons on leadership, teamwork, and performance with audiences across sport and business.

This is an engaging discussion packed with stories from professional rugby, honest reflections on leadership, and valuable insights for anyone interested in performance, culture, and building successful teams.

In this episode, Mik Pyro—frontman of Republic of Loose—opens up in a raw and honest conversation about life in music and beyond. From his early days influenced by hip hop and rock to becoming the voice of one of Ireland’s most beloved cult bands, Mik shares how Republic of Loose came together and the whirlwind journey that followed.
He reflects on the highs of fame, the pressures that came with success, and the personal challenges behind the scenes. Mik speaks candidly about his ongoing battle with alcohol addiction, offering insight into recovery and the work it takes to stay on track.
The conversation also explores his evolving solo career, creative direction, and what drives him today. And of course, we touch on the question fans keep asking—could there be a Republic of Loose reunion on the horizon?
An honest, reflective, and deeply human chat with one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices.

In this episode, Morgan and Gary from Training 121 share the inspiring story of how they turned their passion for football into one of Ireland’s most respected coaching businesses.
Starting from humble beginnings, the two founders explain how their love for the game and dedication to player development helped them build a coaching program that is now in high demand across Ireland.
Through hard work, consistency, and a clear vision, they have grown Training 121 into a trusted name for players looking to improve their skills and performance.

They also discuss the unique opportunities their journey has created, including providing 1-to-1 coaching for professional footballers competing in some of the world’s biggest leagues such as the Premier League, Serie A, and across Africa.
These experiences offer fascinating insight into the elite level of the sport and the importance of specialized training.
Morgan and Gary reflect on what has been an incredible journey—two young entrepreneurs who transformed their passion for football into a thriving business while helping players at every level reach their potential.

In this episode, I sit down with registered nutritionist Aileen Cox Blundell to talk all things nutrition for babies, children, and busy parents trying to juggle it all.We dive into practical, real-life strategies for feeding little ones, cutting through the noise of conflicting advice, and building healthy habits that work in the real world — not just on Instagram. Aileen shares simple, evidence-based guidance to help parents feel more confident around mealtimes, whether you’re starting solids, dealing with picky eating, or just trying to get something nutritious on the table after a long day.We also discuss her #1 bestselling book 'Baby Led Feeding' — how it came to life, what inspired her to create it, and why it resonated so strongly with parents. Aileen explains how the book empowers families to introduce solids safely and confidently, while reducing stress and creating positive mealtime experiences from the very start.This conversation is packed with reassurance, practical tips, and expert insight for any parent who wants to feel more confident about feeding their family.

Dr. Colman Noctor returns to the hot seat for a powerful and timely conversation on loneliness — a feeling that is becoming increasingly common in a world that’s more digitally connected than ever before.
In this episode, we explore the paradox of modern life: how social media and constant online interaction can leave both young and old feeling more isolated and disconnected. Dr. Noctor sheds light on why loneliness is fast becoming an epidemic, particularly among teenagers and young adults, and the profound impact this can have on mental health, identity, and relationships.
We also turn the focus to responsibility and hope — discussing how adults can lead by example, foster genuine connection, and help create environments where real human relationships can thrive again.
A thoughtful, compassionate discussion that challenges how we connect, how we show up for one another, and what it truly means to belong in today’s world.