The Stripped Back Podcast By Insight:

Road To 100 Series – Season 3 | Finding Our VoiceSeason 3 marked a real turning point for Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast.This was the season where the numbers started to grow and, for the first time, people were reaching out asking could they come on the show. The conversations were landing, the message was resonating, and it became clear that what we were building was connecting with the trade community.We began to mix things up creatively and started to truly own our craft, improving our storytelling, sharpening our interviewing style, and letting conversations flow more naturally. Season 3 was about confidence, rhythm, and learning how to let guests tell their stories in a way that felt authentic and unfiltered.More big names joined us behind the mic, and we expanded the reach of the podcast even further with remote interviews from Australia, reinforcing that the trade industry’s challenges, experiences, and wins are shared worldwide.At its core, this season was about giving every aspect of the trades a voice, from the everyday worker to industry leaders, and creating a space where real conversations could happen.Looking back, Season 3 is where we truly felt like we were finding our feet in the podcast game and starting to understand the impact the show could have.

Road To 100 Series – Episode 2 | Season 2: Continuing To BuildIn Episode 2 of our Road To 100 series, we take a proper look back at Season 2 of Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, a season where the foundations were laid and the momentum really started to build.Still recording audio-only episodes, Season 2 saw us significantly expand our reach, not just across Ireland, but into the UK trade industry as well. We were fortunate to sit down with a number of high-profile guests from across the sector, tackling important conversations and shining a light on topics that matter, with a strong focus on mental health awareness within the trades.A huge step forward this season was moving our recording location into Mitie Facilities Management HQ in Dublin, whose support played a massive role in helping us grow and professionalise the podcast. Midway through the season, Robus Lighting came on board as our official sponsor, giving the show another boost and backing what we were trying to build.One of the standout moments of Season 2 was being invited over to eFIXX Live in Skipton, where we sat down with the lads for a chat, a real slingshot moment for awareness of the podcast and what we stand for.Throughout Season 2, we continued to evolve the show, pushing conversations forward, raising awareness around the trade industry, and giving space to the important issues often left unspoken.This episode is a reflection on growth, opportunity, and continuing to build something meaningful, one episode at a time.

Season 1 is where it all began.Before the studio upgrades, the big guests, and 100 episodes of stripped-back conversations, there was simply an idea: to have honest, unfiltered chats about life in the trade. The good, the bad, and the bits no one really talks about.In this bonus compilation episode, Stephen and Keith take a look back at Season 1, revisiting the conversations, topics, and guests that helped get Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast off the ground.You’ll hear moments from early chats that set the tone for the podcast:Real conversations about life on the toolsThe realities of running a trade businessMental health, pressure, burnout, and balanceWhy the trade industry needs more honest discussionThe importance of apprenticeships and passing on knowledgeLearning as we went, on the mic and off itSeason 1 wasn’t about perfection.It was about showing up, pressing record, and starting conversations that mattered.This episode celebrates:The guests who took a chance on a brand-new podcastThe early topics that shaped the direction of the showThe foundations that led us all the way to Episode 100Whether you’ve been listening since day one or you’re only finding the podcast now, this is a chance to rewind to where it all started, and see just how far things have come.Season 1. The starting point.Thank you all for being part of the journey.Stephen and Keith

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 through the family legacy behind the business, his personal journey within it, and how architectural salvage has shifted from being viewed as scrap to becoming a cornerstone of sustainable, character-led design.The conversation explores the importance of authenticity and community, from creating a space where people are encouraged to wander and explore, to resisting the pull of generic, mass-produced furniture in favour of pieces with history and meaning. Harry also discusses the challenges and opportunities within the salvage industry, the growing appreciation for reuse, and how social media has helped open the yard to a wider audience.Harry reflects on the future of the business, the responsibility that comes with preserving heritage, and the importance of family time when balancing work, growth, and life, a fitting reflection for a podcast reaching its 100th episode.A proud moment for the podcast, and a conversation that captures exactly why reaching 100 episodes matters.A massive thank you to our sponsors Robus Lighting and Snickers Workwear Ireland and to everyone who has supported us by listening.

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 to pursue careers in the trades. As the awards continue to grow, future editions aim to deepen engagement, with the possibility of live events on the horizon.Stephen Mentioned: “This was something that needed to happen.”Key Takeaways:The Insight Trade Awards recognise excellence across a wide range of trades.Social media played a key role in promotion and public voting.Multiple categories celebrated the diversity within the trade industry.Honourable mentions acknowledged exceptional nominees who didn’t take home a win.Community support is vital to the strength and future of the trade sector.The awards created strong connections between brands and tradespeople.Winners were chosen by public vote, reflecting real industry backing.The event aimed to inspire future generations to join the trades.Category Sponsors Included:Robus LightingHultafors Group IrelandDesign Source IrelandN2 ElectricalFusebox IrelandATC Energy Remi ToolsHager IrelandScolmore GroupRichie Doyle – Royal WorkshopCarraher ElectricalEnergise ElectricalFollow & SupportStay connected with the trade community and keep an eye out in early 2026 for what’s next from the lads at Insight The Stripped Back Podcast.