In this engaging and refreshingly honest interview, Niall is joined by The Apprentice UK breakout star Jordan Dargan, the only Irish contestant in this year’s series, who made it all the way to the final five—despite not even being part of the original lineup. Jordan shares the behind-the-scenes reality of life on one of Britain’s biggest business shows, what really went down in the boardroom, and how one text from Lord Sugar might just change everything.

Jordan’s story is one of bold risks and self-made success. He opens up about the last-minute twist that got him onto the show:

“I was a reserve… I could have done everything and not even got on.”

But when the call came, he was on the first flight to London—and determined to make an impact. Despite early challenges navigating the louder personalities, Jordan admits he held back at first, believing that if he didn’t say anything controversial, he couldn’t be edited poorly. But he quickly learned the show doesn’t reward quiet strategy:

“At the beginning, I was only saying things that I felt were necessary… and that's just not how the process works.”

As the tasks intensified, Jordan found his stride. But one controversial final challenge—a gender-fluid fashion project—tested his instincts. He reveals he wanted to go a different direction but struggled under pressure:

“I said I just don't think men wearing skirts is gonna sell… in hindsight, I should have stuck to my guns.”

His honesty in discussing the clash between business sense and performative values is something listeners will find refreshingly grounded.

Yet his most powerful moment came during a product pitch when he vulnerably shared details of a difficult childhood, connecting with buyers on a personal level. What viewers didn’t fully see was the impact that had off-camera:

“I opened up about that… and one of the buyers said he was sober for ten years and really resonated with it… there were real moments in it.”

From being grilled over using brand logos without permission on his business website to being praised for his self-taught skills in 3D design, Jordan offers an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of the process. And while he didn’t win, Lord Sugar saw enough in him to hand over something rarely offered—a personal phone number.

“It’s funny how quickly your life can change… just a year ago, I was delivering fruit and veg around Castleknock—now I’m delivering one-liners in the boardroom.”

Jordan reflects on how the exposure has transformed his business, brought in clients, and even made him a role model to younger viewers:

“What makes it all worth it is when kids come up to you saying they want to be a businessman because they saw you on The Apprentice.”

He also talks about what viewers didn’t see—the daily 20-minute wake-up calls, repeated takes for every scene, and how editing can shape public perception of each candidate. He even reveals who he thought should’ve made the final, and why he believes more Irish people should step up and apply:

“We need representation over there. We need to get an Irish man to get his first win.”

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the real Apprentice experience through the eyes of one of its most grounded and driven contestants. Whether you followed the series or not, Jordan’s journey is one of resilience, reflection, and rising to the occasion when the odds are stacked against you.