Under Construction with Chadwicks

In this episode of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha is joined by Shauna Doyle, better known as The Tarmacing Mammy, and David Swan, aka The Carpentry Kid.

From career changes to apprenticeships, the conversation explores what it really takes to build a life in the trades today. Shauna shares her journey from working as a beauty therapist to becoming a tarmacker in her family-run business, Doyles Tarmacadam in Carlow — proving that it’s never too late to change direction and find a career that fits. She also speaks honestly about the realities of being a woman on site, the challenges she’s faced, and the pride that comes with doing hands-on work that makes a visible difference.

David takes us back to the beginning of his carpentry journey — from starting out with a passion for the craft, to completing his apprenticeship through TUD, and becoming a qualified carpenter. Now specialising in everything from panelling and kitchen units to flooring, wardrobes, and door fittings, he explains how training, consistency, and confidence helped shape his career — and why the apprenticeship route is one of the strongest pathways into construction today.

A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of apprenticeships and trade careers for the next generation. Shauna and David discuss the opportunities available right now in Ireland, why there still isn’t enough awareness around apprenticeships, and what they’d say to anyone who thinks they “wouldn’t be suited” to a trade.

The episode also shines a light on the rise of the modern tradesperson online. With Shauna and David both building loyal followings by sharing their work on social media, they talk about how content creation has opened doors, created new opportunities, and helped inspire more people — especially young workers and women — to consider careers in construction.

🛠️ Honest, practical, and full of career-defining insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering the trades, already working in construction, or simply curious about what life on site is really like today.

🔗 Follow Chadwicks, Donncha, and the Guests

🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie

📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie

📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie

📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan

📲 Follow Shauna Doyle (The Tarmacing Mammy): @the_tarmacing_mammy

📲 Follow David Swan (The Carpentry Kid): @the_carpentry_kid

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

#ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast

In this episode of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha O’Callaghan sits down with one of Ireland’s most recognisable and thoughtful voices in music and mental health — Niall “Bressie” Breslin.

From growing up in Mullingar, a town famous for producing musical icons, to fronting The Blizzards during the 2000s, Bressie reflects on the moments that shaped his creative journey. Before music took centre stage, Bressie was also a talented rugby player with Leinster, and he opens up about how the discipline, structure, and pressures of elite sport helped prepare him for the realities of the music industry.

He also discusses how those early experiences continue to influence his mindset today — both creatively and personally.

A central part of the conversation focuses on mental health advocacy. Bressie speaks candidly about his own struggles, the moment he decided to share his story publicly, and the response he’s seen — particularly from men across Ireland. He explores how conversations around emotional literacy are changing, what people tell him when he speaks around the country, and how communities and workplaces can better support mental wellbeing in everyday life.

 

Beyond music and advocacy, Bressie shares insights into life away from the stage — from writing books and hosting podcasts to his love of DIY and hands-on creative projects, which he finds deeply therapeutic. He also talks about currently finishing up a PhD in Trinity College and how curiosity and learning continue to drive him forward.

 

 Follow Chadwicks, Donncha, and the Guest: 

🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie

📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie 

📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie 

📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan 

📲 Follow Niall “Bressie” Breslin: @bressie

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

#ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast #NiallBreslin #Music #MentalHealth #DIY

In this Christmas Special of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha is joined by two very special guests Eric Roberts, content creator, TV presenter and proud Donegal native, and Dustin the Turkey, builder, broadcaster and Irish comedy legend.

From building sites to social media feeds, this festive episode is packed with proper site banter, real talk, and plenty of laughs. Dustin shares his take on DIYers, apprentices, and the realities of modern regulations, while Eric opens up about his own self-build journey in Donegal, juggling planning permission, insulation choices, and learning the ropes along the way.

The conversation moves from bricks and mortar to Donegal versus Dublin, as they explore the rural–city divide, what “home” really means, and where’s best to raise a family.

Eric reflects on how Donegal’s rugged landscape and strong sense of place have shaped both his humour and his online success, while Dustin weighs in on whether the Dubs really get everything handed to them.

Social media takes centre stage too, with Eric discussing his journey from SNA to one of Ireland’s most recognisable online creators, the pressure of feeding the algorithm, and how content creation is shaping how we all use social platforms today. And of course, being a Christmas Special, no chat with Dustin would be complete without a festive detour — turkeys at Christmas, changing traditions, charity campaigns, and whether another seasonal hit could ever be on the cards. 

🎤 Honest, funny, and full of character, this episode is about building a life, staying grounded, and finding humour wherever you are — whether that’s on a building site, online, or gathered around the Christmas table.

 

🔗 Follow Chadwicks, Donncha & the Guests 

🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie 

📲  Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie 

📲  Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie 

📲  Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan 

📲  Follow Eric Roberts: @ericroberts 

📲  Follow Dustin: (If he ever joins social media…) 

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

 

#ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast #ChristmasSpecial #IrishChristmas #BuildingLife #Donegal #IrishHumour #SiteBanter

In this episode of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha O’Callaghan sits down with two giants of Tipperary hurling—Seamus Callanan and John McGrath.

With Tipp reclaiming the 2025 All-Ireland title, we’re diving into the stories, sacrifices, and moments that define what it truly means to wear the blue and gold. Seamus reflects on a remarkable inter-county career that stretched from 2008 to 2023—taking us back to the day he first pulled on the Tipp jersey, the pride of winning three All-Irelands, and the challenge of stepping away from the game after fifteen years at the top. John, fresh off his third All-Ireland medal and winning Hurler of the Year, talks about the joy of Tipp’s latest triumph, growing up in one of hurling’s most famous families, and what it’s like playing alongside his brother Noel while carrying on the McGrath legacy.

Together, Seamus and John explore how the sport has changed—from the early days of Seamus’s career to the near-professional standards faced by today’s young players. They discuss the pressures, the workload, the sacrifices fans don’t always see, and how victories like this inspire the next generation coming through in Tipperary. 

🎤 Whether you’re a lifelong Tipp supporter or simply love the game, this episode is filled with insight, honesty, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people behind the helmets.

 

🔗  Follow Chadwicks, Donncha, and the Guests 

🔗  Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie 

📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie 

📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie 

📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan 

📲 Follow Seamus Callanan: (@seamiecallanan) 

📲 Follow John McGrath: (@mcgrathjohn101) 

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

#ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast #TipperaryHurling #GAA #AllIrelandChampions #HurlingLegends

In this episode of Under Construction with Chadwicks, Donncha sits down with two thought leaders shaping the conversation about the future of work — Lollie Mancey and Conor Kearney.

Lollie Mancey is an educational provocateur with a wealth of entrepreneurial experience. She leads the Postgraduate Certificate in Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Graduate Certificate in Digital Transformation, Technology & Resilience, helping learners prepare for the ever-evolving world of work.

Conor Kearney, Executive Director and Founder of CJK Engineering, brings a hands-on perspective from the world of construction and engineering — industries on the front lines of technological change.

 

Together, Lollie and Conor explore:

What the workforce of the future will look like in a world transformed by technology.

The role of AI today — how it’s reshaping industries and which jobs may be at risk.

Why construction trades remain a cornerstone of the economy and among the safest, most future-proof careers.

How education, innovation, and adaptability will define the next generation of professionals.

This episode dives deep into the balance between human skill and machine intelligence — offering a grounded, forward-looking discussion on how to build resilience in a changing world of work.

 

Follow Chadwicks, Donncha, and the Guests: Chadwicks

🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie

📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie

📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie

📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan

 

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

#ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast #AI #Construction