The Stripped Back Podcast By Insight:

In this bonus Overload Segment, Stephen shares his full journey, from starting out as an electrical apprentice in 2006 to stepping into a leadership role as Assistant Manager of a Mobile Maintenance Team in 2026, Twenty years of paving a path of career growth opportunities.
This is a real, honest breakdown of what progression in the trade actually looks like.
From apprenticeship days to developing specialist skills in access control and door automation sector, to the pressure and discipline of shift working in the semiconductor industry. How his family life evolved, priorities shifted and how moving into mobile maintenance brought structure, new challenges, and a fresh opportunity to grow.
20 years of being proactive.
20 years of adding value.
20 years of not sitting easy.
This isn’t about titles.
It’s about standards.
It’s about work ethic.
It’s about opening doors for yourself.

As part of our Road To 100 Series, join one half of The Stripped Back Podcast, Co-Host Stephen Buckley as he reflects on the origins and evolution of Insight. From starting with just an idea, a phone and honesty, the podcast has grown into a platform connecting tradespeople. Discover how authentic content built on trust and community, the role of social media in its growth, and the importance of supporting apprentices. Stephen shares lessons learned from recording in makeshift locations and emphasizes staying true to the podcast's roots. This is his personal take on the journey so far and the potential for the road yet to travel.

Season 6 wasn’t just another chapter…
It was the moment everything levelled up.
This is our official lookback episode on the season where The Stripped Back Podcast stepped into new territory — bigger conversations, bigger guests, and a bigger impact than ever before.
We didn’t just stay in our lane… we widened it.
This season we dived deep into the conversations that really matter:
Equality in the workplace, Mental health, Eating disorders and the realities facing asylum seekers.
Life behind the scenes for people often unheard
Alongside that, we welcomed an incredible mix of TV personalities, music artists, sports stars, and industry voices, opening the door to stories far beyond the trades.
But no matter how far we expand, we never forget where we started.
Season 6 still stayed true to our roots:
Honest trades chats
Real site stories
Apprentices, business owners and grafters
Guests travelling from the UK to Ireland just to sit down with us in studio
From construction boots to stadium lights, from tools to touring stages, this season proved one thing:
Great stories come from everywhere.
This episode is a reflection, a celebration, and a thank you to everyone who’s been part of the ride so far.
Because this season didn’t just grow the podcast…
It felt like The Take Over.

Season 8 Episode 10, The Season Finale featuring Shay Lally on Restoration, Renovation and The Reality of Costs.

We get into:
The truth about renovation budgets (and why transparency matters)
Managing client expectations the right way.
Hidden costs people don’t see coming
Why trust and honesty are everything in this game.

Season 8… wrapped. And what a journey it’s been.
Before we get into the guest Interview, we kick things off with The Overload, taking a trip down memory lane and reflecting on the road that brought us here.
Taking in the 100+ episodes, unforgettable guests, big conversations, industry laughs, lessons learned… and even a few awards along the way.
From starting out with one mic and an idea to building a platform that’s now connecting trades, creatives, business owners and everyday grafters across Ireland and beyond, this one’s a moment to pause and appreciate the ride… and look ahead to what’s next.
Then we finish Season 8 strong.
Our finale guest is Shay Lally, restoration and renovation expert with years of hands-on experience bringing homes back to life.

Thanks for being on the journey with us 🤝
The Stripped Back Podcast by Insight

Season 5 Lookback | Road To 100 Series
Season 5 felt different… in the best way.

This was the season where the conversations got deeper, the stories got more personal, and the doors opened wider than ever before.
As part of our Road To 100 series, we’re taking a step back to reflect on a season that brought us into rooms we never expected — sitting down with guests from sport, music, finance, trades, and beyond — all with one thing in common… real, honest life experience.
We talked:
Mental health, Recovery, Career setbacks ,Reinvention, Resilience and what it really takes to come out the other side stronger
Season 5 wasn’t just interviews, it was storytelling.
Raw. Unfiltered. Human.
The kind of conversations that remind you you’re not on your own.
If you’ve been with us since day one — thank you.
If you’re new here, this is the perfect place to jump in.
This is The Stripped Back Podcast by Insight.
No fluff. No filters. Just real stories.