Bulletproof Dad

In this powerful episode, Dr Brian Pennie shares his extraordinary journey from a 15-year heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist, author, and one of Ireland’s leading voices on resilience, mental health, and human performance.

Brian opens up about the realities of addiction and how, for years, he believed drugs were the problem. It was only through deep self-exploration that he discovered anxiety was the driving force behind his addiction. Together, we explore how unresolved childhood trauma shaped his relationship with anxiety and ultimately fuelled years of substance abuse.

Brian explains why awareness is the critical first step in recovery and how understanding the root cause of destructive behaviours can create lasting change. He shares powerful insights into overcoming adversity, rebuilding identity, and why even the most severe addictions can be overcome when we learn to address what lies beneath the surface.

We also discuss the work Brian does with organisations and leadership teams, helping individuals perform at a higher level by developing self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to thrive under pressure.

This is an inspiring conversation about recovery, growth, and the incredible potential for transformation that exists within all of us.

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.

Child Psychologist Dr Rebecca Quin offers us a fascinating insight into the complex subject of anxiety. And how we can help our children to nurture the stressful emotions and feelings that come with it.

Rebecca offers practical tips on how we as parents can support our child "in the moment" of an anxiety attack. And the signs to look out for in your toddler or teenager if they are suffering with chronic anxiety.

If you are a parent, this an episode that is packed with practical advice throughout.

Former Dublin All Ireland winning manager and player gives us a fascinating insight into his approach to man management in both sport & business.

Brain Hacker and Mentalist Keith Barry joins me for a candid conversation about his chaotic lifestyle as an entertainer. We chat about fatherhood and how his number one priority in life is to avoid being an “absent father”. And how he manages his busy schedule around this core value.

We discuss how he helps people tap into their subconscious to improve performance in their career or sport. Citing some examples from the people he has worked with directly such as Hollywood stars like Woody Harrelson and elite athletes like Johnny Sexton. As well as some of the most successful business people in Ireland and abroad. 

Keith also offers a great insight into the work it took to “crack Hollywood” and secure his own TV shows. And why he walked away from one life changing TV deal in particular, as it didn’t sit well with his principles.

This episode is packed with value from beginning to end and offers an insight to Keith that not many people know.

Former Ireland and Leinster Rugby legend Devin Toner joins me for a conversation about life pre, during and post professional rugby.  

Devin gives great insights into the highs and lows of an impressive career that seen him become the all time record caps holder with Leinster rugby, with an impressive 280 caps. 

With the highs including a Grand Slam win, 2 additional Six Nations titles and 4 European Champions Cups (formerly The Heineken Cup).

And the lows including being left out of Ireland's World Cup squad in 2019, only a year after his best ever season winning both the Grand Slam with Ireland and the European Champions Cup with Leinster. 

Devin also discusses life after rugby and the reality of having to start a completely new career in your mid 30's. And the exciting food & beverage businesses he is now involved with as an investor. 

If you are a rugby fan or have an interest in entrepreneurship + investing this episode will have you engaged from start to finish.