Bulletproof Dad

Head of Athletic Development for Ireland Mens International football team, Damien Doyle chats about his 20 + year career as a sports scientist in football. Explaining what the role looked like starting out in the UK, with lower league clubs in the early 00’s. And how his methods have evolved as he progressed to bigger clubs such as MK Dons & Leicester City over the years. And the key role he now plays in getting the Irish international players physically prepared for match day since joining Stephen Kenny’s staff. A brilliant insight into what day to day professional football life is like and the crucial role that sport science plays in helping players perform at their absolute best.

Body & Mind performance expert Pat Divilly joins me for a conversation on all things mens mental health . We discuss bringing awareness to our “shadow” and how we can stop it from getting in the way of our happiness. We also delve into the 4 male archetypes King, Warrior, Lover, Magician and how we must harness all 4 to enjoy good emotional health. Understanding these archetypes can help us strike that tricky balance of being both a provider dad and a present dad, breaking down some of the old school stereotypes that are associated with being a man.

Child Psychotherapist Hailey Rice illustrates how we can better understand our children’s emotional needs. We discuss how to help and support our children to better understand and express their emotions, especially when going through the toddler tantrum and the challenging teenage stages. We chat about how as parents we can become better aware of potential triggers we may have inherited from our own upbringings. And how we can work on those triggers once we become aware of them. Hayley also talks about the coaching work she does directly with parents online and in person at her clinic in Wicklow.

Nutritionist Kate McDaid shows us how good nutrition can positively impact all key areas of our life. Including how it can improve our energy at home and our stress management at work. Plus Kate illustrates the nutrition coaching she does directly with sports teams such as Dublin Ladies GAA and Kildare GAA to name but a few. Giving us effective nutrition strategies for activities such as Gym Sessions, GAA/Football, Cycling and Golf. And how these strategies can be applied safely for children involved in similar activities. Plus we debunk some of the great nutritional myths that exist in todays celebrity/social media diet culture.

Owen is one of the most decorated players to ever play in the League of Ireland. Captaining both Shelbourne and Bohemians to multiple league and cup titles. We chat in detail about his unconventional journey to becoming a professional footballer. The golden era at Shelbourne which produced 5 league titles, an FAI cup and being 45 mins away from the Champions League Group stages. And how it all fell apart when the money ran out. Turning down offers abroad to join his boyhood club Bohemians and winning 2 more league title there. Followed by his step into management and why he’s no appetite to manage again. A fascinating insight into a very special period in Irish football.

Psychologist Dr Dean McDonnell breaks down how modern technologies such as smart phones, social media and screens effect our mood and behaviours. How we can protect ourselves and our children when using these technologies? Are these advancements in technology for the benefit or the detriment of society? Dean breaks down the latest relevant research to give us some much needed perspective.

Rorys Stories funny man talks candidly about the highs and lows of dealing with social media fame. He opens up about how his struggles with ADHD and dyslexia in school impacted his self belief growing up. Eventually leading him to a serious gambling addiction. How his love for the GAA and comedy has helped pull him out of his "rock bottom”. And how he is determined to channel these negative experiences into a positive by empowering the younger generation when it comes to their mental health. While grappling with online hate and cancel culture along the journey. A frank and honest insight into the man behind the funny skits we all know him for.   

Former UEFA and FAI referee Tomas Connolly chats about the highs and lows of being a referee at football's highest level. The lows being assaulted on the pitch and abuse aimed at family members. And the highs including officiating at some of the biggest stadiums in the UEFA Champions League. Tomas gives fascinating "behind the scenes” insights into what the life of being a referee looks like, an area most football fans know very little about. 

Former Meath and current Antrim manager Andy McEntee chats about his career as both a player and manager in the GAA. With fascinating insights into the melting pot that is GAA inter county management. From working with the Meath minors and implementing their first S&C program.  To winning an All Ireland Championship with Ballyboden St Enda’s. And the scrutiny that came with managing his home county Meath for 6 years. A must listen for any GAA fan and/or leader in business.  

Psychotherapist Bart McEnroe sits down with me and explains how the human brain works. How your feelings and emotions can stop you accessing your intelligence, especially in times of stress. What can happens to you, when your emotional needs are not met. And how understanding these fundamentals can dramatically improve your leadership and management skills. He also gives fascinating examples of how this has been applied in the sports world working personally with GAA managers such as Pat Gilroy (Dublin), Mickey Harte (Tyrone) and Jack O’Connor (Kerry) leading to multiple All Ireland wins. As well as in the business world, working with some of the top CEO’s in the country.