The Second Half: Presented by Podge & Popa (Bonus Episode 22)

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 92

Today’s guest is one of the most iconic figures in Irish women’s rugby. Alison Miller is a former Ireland international winger who spent nearly a decade wearing the green jersey and redefining what was possible in the women’s game.

A key member of Ireland’s historic 2013 Six Nations Grand Slam team, Alison is remembered for her blistering pace, fearless running, and unforgettable tries. Including scoring in Ireland’s famous 2014 World Cup victory over New Zealand.

Off the pitch, she’s a teacher, mentor, and role model, and in 2023 her impact was officially recognised with induction into the Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame.

 The Second Half: Presented by Podge & Popa (Bonus Episode 21)

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 91

Today Podge & Popa are delighted to welcome a truly inspiring guest into Ampifi Studios: Connie Byrne.

Connie is a full-time yoga teacher, breathing guide, and wellness facilitator who is deeply passionate about the life-changing power of mindful movement and breath. Her work is rooted in connection, compassion, and real-life experience.

After 35 years in hairdressing, a career built on people, conversation, and community, Connie retired and carried those same grassroots skills straight into her wellness work. Following a life-changing period in her own life, she discovered Tai Chi, yoga, and breath guidance, practices that helped her rebuild with greater balance, grounding, and clarity.

Those personal transformations became her purpose. To support others on their own journeys. Connie’s approach to yoga and mindfulness is simple, accessible, and incredibly effective. No fuss, no pressure, just doable practices, that genuinely make a difference. 

On today’s podcast, Connie is excited to share these skills with Podge and Poppa. Exploring chair yoga, breath guidance, positive affirmations, and inviting listeners to breathe, move, and rest in a fun and uplifting way.

Together, they step into the new year with space, intention, and the possibility of filling the year ahead with health, calm, and happiness. 

A proud Carlow and Graiguecullen woman, Connie has long been involved in grassroots arts projects, helping bring colour, creativity, and opportunity to the streets of Carlow, while paving the way for emerging artists. She’s also recently joined a writing group, exploring storytelling and poetry through VISUAL, where she teaches yoga.

Family is at the heart of everything for Connie. She’s a proud mum to Ella Lilly, a rising talent in theatre, film, and television — and one of ten siblings from Sleaty Street, Graiguecullen, where her mother still lives.

The Second Half: Presented by Podge & Popa (Bonus Episode 20)

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 90

Joining Podge & Popa in studio today is a UEFA A Licensed coach, with a BA Honours in Sports Coaching & Management, and a coaching journey that spans Ireland and the United States at academy, youth national, and professional development levels.

As a player he played for Pats at all levels including the first team. He also played for Shamrock rovers 17s, 18s and 19s, Wexford u/19s Newbridge Town LSL side Carlow IT, Carlow academy and was also a part of the prestigious regional set up and emerging talent program.

He began coaching at just 15 years old and is now in his 15th consecutive year in the game. In Ireland, his experience includes coaching with St Patricks Carlow from U13 to U18, serving as U15 Head Coach with Carlow Kilkenny, and working with Carlow Academy, where he was part of a Kennedy Cup coaching team where Popa was the Manager and led that team to a Leinster u/15 Championship title as Head Coach.

In the United States, he’s held senior leadership roles with Seattle Celtic as Head Coach and Head of Coach Development, Seattle United as Director of Coaching and Head Coach — including a U17 National Finalist run in 2023 — and Ballard FC, where he was Head Coach of the USL League Two National Champions, also winning the Northwest and Western Divisions. Under his leadership, 11 full-time players have gone on to play professionally across the U.S., Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.

He’s currently the Seattle Sounders U15 Head Coach and Second Team Assistant, continuing to work at the highest levels of player development in the American game.

The lads are excited to dive into Ethan O’Neill's coaching philosophy, leadership approach, and lessons from the pathway.

How Is He Podcast | Christmas Special 2025

Join Podge & Popa, this Christmas eve, direct from Ampifi Studio, as they bring you a Christmas episode. The lads are going to go through a few questions that were sent in, have a look back upon the year, and celebrate whats to come in 2026!

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 89

Today’s guest is one of the brightest young talents in Irish cycling. "Con Scully". An athlete who’s been racing since the age of eleven and has been on a steady rise ever since. In his junior years he began to take the sport seriously, quickly making his mark on the international stage. He’s represented Ireland at both World and European Championships, competed in Nations Cups, and captured the national junior time-trial title. 

Over the past three years he’s built his reputation racing across Europe: Two seasons in France; one in Belgium; and this past year delivered a major milestone: He earned his first senior Irish jersey at the Rás, along with several big one-day wins. Now entering his final year at the U23 level, he rides with Dan Morrissey Pissei, one of Ireland’s strongest teams with riders from across the globe.

Looking ahead, he’s not only pushing his own road career forward, but also stepping into a new challenge that is joining the national tandem setup as a pilot for the Paralympics.

Today, Podge & Pop dive into the journey, the grind, and what comes next.

The Second Half: Presented by Podge & Popa (Bonus Episode 19)

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 88

From the heart of County Carlow to the world's fastest tracks, today's guest has built a career on power, precision, and pure Irish grit. He's an Olympian, He's a European finalist, a national champion, and one of Ireland's most electric sprint talents. Known for his explosive starts, relentless work ethic, and ability to rise when the pressure is highest he is also the third fastest Irish man of all time and he continues to push the boundaries of what Irish sprinting can be.

Whether he's storming the 200 metres, inspiring the next generation, or representing the green jersey on the global stage, Marcus Lawler embodies speed, spirit, and the unstoppable drive of an athlete chasing his limits.