Today we spoke with Daniel Davey - Founder of daveynutrition, and performance nutritionist for Leinster Rugby and Dublin Senior Footballers (GAA).

Daniel has been the performance nutritionist for Leinster and Dublin since 2013. He brings a wealth of practical, implementable and simple advice for people looking to build better nutrition and hydration habits. His book 'Eat Up, Raise Your Game' unpacked recipes to help one perform better on exercise days and rest days. You can find out more about Daniels' work on his website at www.daveynutrition.com

Sheep in Sligo, exposure to the countryside, caring for animals - and the correlation between stress and health is where we start this uplifting conversation. Fasting, behavioural changes and what makes the ideal breakfast is explored next.

We discuss the big rocks of nutrition and hydration for the corporate and wellbeing sector... and what it is about elite performers that make them successful in this space, such as consistency, food prep and building awareness. Daniel mentions the what, when and how much to eat for better health and performance, a vision of lifestyle for effectiveness - in that everything is connected...sleep, recovery, food...how they all impact decision making...how what you did yesterday impacts today, and what you do today impacts tomorrow.

Today we spoke with James Horwill - Former professional rugby player and captain for Australia, MBA Cambridge University.

James is a former Queensland Red, Harlequin and Wallaby. He played for the Australian national side, with 61 caps to his name. He captained the Wallabies many times, including during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He led at the highest level of such a demanding sport and has taken that energy into completing an Executive MBA at the Univ. of Cambridge Judge Business School, and the automotive sector back in Oz.

Today we spoke about family, work ethic and the cultural comparisons between Europe and Brisbane, Australia. It was interesting to hear why James transitioned from AFL to rugby as he got older in school, and his ethos around leadership - setting the example...and getting the best out of people...how can we make a team better.

James educated us on commercialisation, private equity and investment in sport - and mainly rugby (which holds onto tradition and amateur linkages), a part of his MBA; he discussed what it can do for sport positively and negatively...and what the future holds in this fascinating space!

Today we spoke with Caleb Swanepoel - Shark attack survivor, athlete and motivational speaker.

Caleb is a father, an inspiration and a resilient human being, living in Cape Town, South Africa. In June 2015 his right leg was amputated above the knee after he was attacked by a great white shark while bodysurfing in Buffalo Bay, South Africa. Caleb is keen to test himself on the Shakespeare circuit in London – but there are other opportunities. Since the shark attack, he’s gone back into the water many times, excelling at elite levels in surfing and swimming; he won his division in the International Surfing Association Adaptive Surfing Championships.

Today we talk about what his son has taught him, what did it change internally being a dad...seeing something that's a part of you, connected to you, and fresh perspectives. We speak about his mom running a school, and her driving force and love for teaching...no doubt a huge influence on the performing arts and drama studies now a part of Calebs' life.

We unpack living in the moment, be that swimming and training...trauma, fear of failure, connection and overcoming. Caleb talks to us about our capability as humans, what he does when angered and frustrated, and an attitude focusing on that there's not such a thing as bad weather, just bad gear - control what you can control!

The WeThe15 movement is discussed, as the shark attack (which he tells the story!) changed how he sees disability, a lived experience of differently-abled - 1.2 billion have some type of challenge - reflect on inclusion and equity!

What a chat!

Today we spoke with Rich Froning - American professional CrossFit athlete, and owner of the gym CrossFit Mayhem of Mayhem Nation

Today's episode has been kindly sponsored by Jim Hensel - culture coach, personal development expert and director of Mayhem Mindset. Find out more at www.mayhemmindset.com

Rich Froning is known for his achievements in participating in the CrossFit Games. He became the first person to win the title of "Fittest Man on Earth" 4 times with his first-place finish in the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 CrossFit Games. In 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021 he led a team from CrossFit Mayhem to the first-place finish in the Team category in the CrossFit Games. Froning also owns and operates the affiliate gym CrossFit Mayhem, located in Cookeville, Tennessee, USA.

Today we spoke about faith, family and fitness - the big rocks in Richs' life, and how he grades himself in each every day. We learned about his Irish ancestry, his interest in hurling - and the controlled chaos with his 3 children..."a party every day".

We asked about what the indoctrination to his gym looks like - and got a sense as to what sort of environment it is. Rich told us about his training and recovery practices, and how these processes have evolved. We discussed competing individually and in team events - and his role as a leader.

From a big family from Michigan...a dad, husband, competitor and team leader...lean in!

Special thanks to Jen, Rory McKernan and Jim Hensel from the Mayhem Nation for helping make this happen, and for supporting our show! Having had Jim before, now Rich...it would be great to hear Rorys' story too!

Today we spoke with Ray Goggins - Director at Coreskill Training, Chief Instructor RTE television Special Forces Ultimate Hell Week - and author of 'Ranger 22'.

Ray served in the Special Forces Task Unit as a Senior NCO, as part of the Irish Defence Forces. He has vast operational experience and went on many deployments to hostile environments and conflict zones. A specialist in anti-terrorism and hostage rescue, maritime counter terrorism and combat diving, Ray was an expert in surveillance/ reconnaissance and intelligence...and a special ops instructor, physical trainer and manager.

We started this chat about his new book 'Ranger 22 - lessons from the front', and why he had to write that book; Ray explains how the knowledge he acquired over the years has been distilled to lessons that we all can understand and use. Ray explains what his business 'Coreskill training' is all about...creating a mindset to be better, where performance, passion and purpose unite. For Ray, mindset and mental fortitude is what separates those who make it and those who struggle.

We hear amazing stories of resilience and determination from the RTE show 'Special Forces Ultimate Hell Week' - where 24 civilian recruits take part in a gruelling special forces selection course, designed by Ray and other members of the elite unit, the Army Ranger Wing...the Irish equivalent of the SAS and Navy SEALs. We unpack composure, a superpower according to Ray, confidence, team building strategies - and the essence of leadership.

Today we spoke with Dr Preston Cline - Co-Founder and Director of Research and Education at Mission Critical Team Institute

Newly appointed a visiting Scholar in the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative within the University of Pennsylvania, Preston will continue to dig into the neuroscience of learning and teaming. His previous training as a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, a Rescue Diver and an Ocean Lifeguard Trainer meant that Preston has led responses to numerous critical and catastrophic incidents. It was these experiences that were the catalyst for 30 years of academic research on human interaction with uncertainty...the question of why some people make it, while others do not.

Preston has received a BSc from Rutgers, a Masters of Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. We unpack his road from academia to operational risk management, expeditions - and back to academia. We learn about how to build a trusting and competent team if zombies are going to attack Earth tomorrow, explore uncertainty and how to employ systems to benefit from mistakes – you cannot learn without the absence of failure – the brain needs this to adapt!

Preston discussed his 'Teamcast' podcast, with a lens on research for frontline medical workers, and what the second curve will look like. He distinguishes between critical and routine communication, managing change, learning disciplines and conflict management.

Uncertainty, fear, and risk is part of the human experience – learn the rhythm of the waves like elite teams. Learn to body surf and thrive with Preston!

Today we spoke with Damien Quinn - Illustrator for professional sports teams, and Curator of 'The Drawn Game' Damien Quinn (draws...as per his instagram handle) is a supremely talented Limerick-born illustrator currently living in Sydney, Australia. His clients are very impressive - FC Barcelona, NRL, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, New York Red Bulls, British and Irish Lions, Taste Ireland, Sporting Limerick, The Limerick Leader and Atlanta United FC of the MLS.

Today we spoke with Jesse Iwuji - NASCAR driver and U.S. Naval Officer

Jesse is an American professional NASCAR driver and officer in the US Navy Reserve. He is an analyst for NASCAR, co-founded an eSports SimRacing group, is an owner of the Red List Group (an amazing project!) - and is very active in the DE&I space, as an African American in the Navy and in NASCAR.

Jesse played college football in Annapolis, and never lost to the Air Force or Army - Go Navy! As a sailor and driver, Jesse has served as an ambassador for both the military and NASCAR communities. In addition to supporting military philanthropic groups, he is also involved in various NASCAR events supporting the armed forces and veterans.

We spoke about big goals and not being scared to go after them...keeping the inner child, and why he can excel across many things.

We asked about his first car and why he got into racing. Jesse spoke about vision and work ethic, and about what he takes from being an analyst into his role as a driver.

Jesse wants to take over Hollywood! Podcasts like this are made to inspire - this will inspire you! It inspired us!

Today we spoke with Dr. Tim Sharp - Chief Happiness Officer at The Happiness Institute, and internationally renowned leader in the fields of positive psychology and mental health. What does happiness mean? Are you happy? How can I be happier? Big questions that we ask ourselves, our children and our friends every day. We unpacked all these with Dr Sharp aka Dr Happy. Dr. Sharp has three degrees in psychology (including a Ph.D.) and an impressive record as an academic, clinician and coach. He previously set up one of Sydney’s most respected clinical psychology practices, a highly regarded Executive Coaching practice, and is the founder of The Happiness Institute, Australia’s first organisation devoted solely to enhancing happiness. Dr. Sharp has worked with hundreds of organisations including Ernst & Young, IBM, Westpac, and Coca Cola; he is a best selling author of “The Happiness Handbook”, "100 Ways to Happiness: a guide for busy people" and "100 Ways to Happy Children: a guide for busy parents". We spoke about understanding and measuring happiness, joy in sport and business, gratitude - and positivity and engagement in high performing setups. It was great to hear that negative emotions are normal, that we can't be happy all the time - and dug into the balance of performance and happiness. A special thank you to Bernadette Clancy RIP for bringing you this episode.

Today we spoke with Michael Sarraille - Founder and CEO Talent War Group, co-author of 'The Talent War'  and retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer.

After a 20-year career in Marine Recon, special ops and the Navy SEALs, including 10 combat deployments supporting the war against terrorism, a purple heart, and many other acknowledgements of excellence Michael has now brought his passions in life of leadership development, talent strategy, and human performance to the high performing world outside of the military.

As the founder and CEO of Talent War Group, a specialised executive search firm and talent advisory, Michael helps fill the pipelines of leadership-driven organisations with top tier talent and leadership culture. We spoke about his work involving leadership development, talent acquisition and talent management strategy so organisations can thrive by leveraging its biggest investment and resource - its people.

Michael also spoke about 'The Everyday Warrior' as part of Men's Journal - and how that is evolving into something big as a movement. We unpacked his unique surname - and what makes character. Michael shed light on legacy and impact as a leader, leadership in parenting...and why humility is so important for high performing leaders.