Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast

• S6 E7 - Whatever It Takes

  We kick off this episode with our Overload Segment, where three electrical apprentices from different sectors Daniel Sadlier, Jordan Malongi, and Zoe Hynes joined us in-studio after winning our Instagram competition to take on the Electricians Challenge Wall and be in with a shot at nabbing the new Velocity Pro Gear Rogue 600 Wheeler Toolbag. After a tense and competitive time trial, Dan Sadlier claimed victory!The apprentices then stepped up to the mic with us for a light-hearted chat about their journey so far, what life on the tools is really like, and the highs and lows of working in the trade and what advice they could give to others setting out on a similar journey into an apprenticeshipIn our Special Guest Interview Segment, we’re honoured to welcome Abdul Bari Ahmadzai. Abdul shares his powerful story, growing up in war-torn Afghanistan, his incredible work with UNICEF and the World Bank, and how escalating tensions forced him to flee his homeland.Now living in Ireland and working with the Open Doors Initiative, Abdul helps people from underrepresented backgrounds, including refugees, The Traveller Community, The Roma community, and people with prior convictions find employment and inclusion. His emotional reflections on the loss of his father to the Taliban remind us of the strength and resilience behind every story of survival.This episode is a blend of inspiration, courage, and a bit of good trade banter. One not to miss.This podcast is sponsored by Robus Lighting and this season is in association with Snickers Workwear Ireland.

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• S6 E6 - Lonely Town

  In this powerful and deeply important episode, we shed light on an often overlooked issue: eating disorders in men. While conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are frequently associated with women, men suffer too — often in silence, hidden by stigma and misunderstanding. We dive into the real experiences behind these struggles, emphasizing that there is a person behind every illness, battling serious physical and mental health challenges that, in severe cases, can lead to suicidal thoughts.Joining us first is Conor Nolan, a mental health advocate from Blacklion and former student of St Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton. Conor shares his personal story of developing anorexia at just 12 years old.Conor opens up about how the illness “crept” into his life during early secondary school years.He reflects on feeling "helpless" and "possessed" by his disorder and the long, private road to recovery while trying to maintain a "normal" appearance to the outside world.His book, "Normal", offers personal insights and advice for teenagers, parents, siblings, and friends to better understand and recognize eating disorders early.Today, Conor co-runs the Normal - Mental Wellbeing Project, proudly co-funded by the European Commission, helping young people across Ireland.You can find Conor’s book "Normal" on Amazon and in local Irish bookstores.We then welcome Sean Blake, a married father of four from Dublin, who bravely shares his journey of mental health struggles from childhood into adulthood, culminating in his diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa coming into his 30s.Sean discusses the challenges of facing an eating disorder later in life and how being open about his story is helping him heal while hopefully inspiring others.Sean is actively involved in mental health advocacy through Shine, Bodywhys, and St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, and he featured in the RTE documentary "Anorexia: My Family & Me."Closing Thoughts:Eating disorders are not just physical illnesses — they are deeply rooted in mental health. They do not discriminate by gender, age, or background.We hope today's conversations with Conor and Sean shine a light on the hidden struggles many endure and encourage listeners to seek help if they need it or to better support those around them.If you or someone you know is affected, please reach out for help:www.shine.ie – Confidential support for mental health recovery. Call 01 8601610 / 086 0407701 or email [email protected] – Ireland’s national voluntary organization supporting people affected by eating disorders.www.supportedfamilies.ie – Expert support for individuals and caregivers impacted by eating disorders.You are not alone. Support is available.

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  2:09:06
• S6 E5 - Under The Influence

  In this powerful double-feature episode of Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, we bring you two deeply inspiring conversations that explore the highs, lows, and honest realities of life behind the scenes — both online and on the canvas.We kick things off with Jay Kavanagh, a Dublin-based digital creator and lifestyle influencer whose eye for fashion, love of travel, and authentic daily storytelling have earned him a loyal and growing audience across platforms.Jay takes us behind the filters to talk about his journey from working in the electrical industry to carving out a space for himself in the fast-moving world of content creation. He gets candid about the hustle of building a personal brand, the pressure to stay relevant, and the importance of staying true to yourself in a world full of curated perfection.In one of the most moving moments of the episode, Jay opens up about the sudden loss of his father — a moment that stopped him in his tracks and shifted his perspective on life, success, and what truly matters.Connect with Jay:Instagram: @jaykavanagh7TikTok: @jaykavanagh7Email: [email protected] the second half, we sit down with Andy Fraser, a gifted craftsman, artist, and designer whose story is a testament to grit, passion, and resilience.Andy shares his life’s journey — from a challenging childhood raised by a lone parent father, to sacrificing everything (including basic comforts and even shelter) to follow his artistic calling. With powerful vulnerability, Andy discusses what it took to survive emotionally and financially in the pursuit of his creative vision.He opens up about the darkest moments of his life, including thoughts of suicide, and the heartbreaking flood that devastated his studio in late 2024. But Andy didn’t quit. He fought back, and in 2025, he stands tall again — working out of a brand-new studio, reignited and more determined than ever.Connect with Andy:Instagram: @1GrádhThis episode is about more than careers or creativity — it’s about life. The pain, the passion, and the people who keep showing up, even when it gets hard.Subscribe to Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast for more unfiltered, unapologetically real conversations from the worlds of trade, creativity, and business.

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  2:19:56
• S6 E4 - Live Your Life

  In Season 6, Episode 4 of Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, the lads are joined by an old friend and returning guest, Gary O’Neill from O’Neill and Son’s Electrical. Gary drops in for The Overload Segment and takes on the now infamous Challenge Wall before settling in for some proper shop talk. The conversation flows as the trio chat about the latest in renewables, the increasing demand for solar installations, business growth within the electrical trade, and what it means to evolve with the industry. Gary also shares some updates on upgrading his van, how he's managing the balance of being on the tools and helping run the business, and the mindset required to stay competitive in today’s climate. Later in the episode, the lads are joined by the brilliant Louise Dunne, a two-time award-winning entrepreneur who has spent over two decades as a professional MUA working across TV, media, and with high-profile clients. Louise opens up about her early days with MAC, how she transitioned into running her own business, the highs and lows that come with entrepreneurship, and the courage it takes to rebrand and evolve. She speaks candidly about using the COVID pandemic as a time to reset, reflect, and reshape her career path. With honesty and heart, Louise talks about the pressures of self-employment, the learning curves along the way, and why she’s now launching her very own podcast to shine a light on the raw realities of being your own boss. This episode blends the best of trade insight and entrepreneurial spirit, with laughs, lessons, and loads of stripped back honesty. Tune in now and get stuck in. Thank you to our Main Sponsor Robus Lighting and our Season 6 Partner Snickers Workwear Ireland for their continued support.

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  1:34:05
• S6 E3 - With Or Without You

  This episode is packed with real stories, raw and powerful conversations across two powerful segments.OVERLOAD SEGMENT:Back in Season 1, we caught up with Kamile Macijauskaite — aka KimmyTheSparks — over the phone. Fast forward to Season 6, and we finally sit down with her in person at Robus HQ in Dublin during her Robus Visitor Tour.In this stripped-back conversation, Kimmy opens up about:Working abroad and the cultural differences she’s seen in the trades.Using her platform to inspire young girls to consider careers in the electrical industry.The personal challenges she’s overcome and how they’ve shaped her journey.A major knee injury that hit pause on her 2024 plans and gave her new insight into disability and access.We discuss social media and content creation.The struggles tradespeople face in London, especially around parking fines and bailiffs, and how it affects daily work.This is more than a chat about the trade — it's a deep dive into the person behind the tools.GUEST INTERVIEW SEGMENT: Caroline Jones & Gay O’Connor from SOLASIn the second half, we’re joined by Caroline Jones and Gay O’Connor from Solas Ireland, a state agency for Further Education and Training. With passion and purpose, they talk about:Supporting former prisoners as they re-enter society and seek employment.The barriers that ex-offenders face, including homelessness, mental health struggles, and childhood trauma.Their experience with the Mountjoy Harmony Choir — a unique music initiative that brought together male inmates and female Solas staff in song.The transformative power of music behind prison walls, and the disappointment felt when the program was suddenly shut down in November 2024 due to occupancy changes.This episode highlights the importance of second chances, breaking cycles, and the role of both creativity and community in healing and growth.This podcast is sponsored by Robus Lighting and this season is in association with Snickers Workwear Ireland.

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