Road To 100 Series – Episode 2 | Season 2: Continuing To Build

In Episode 2 of our Road To 100 series, we take a proper look back at Season 2 of Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, a season where the foundations were laid and the momentum really started to build.

Still recording audio-only episodes, Season 2 saw us significantly expand our reach, not just across Ireland, but into the UK trade industry as well. We were fortunate to sit down with a number of high-profile guests from across the sector, tackling important conversations and shining a light on topics that matter, with a strong focus on mental health awareness within the trades.

A huge step forward this season was moving our recording location into Mitie Facilities Management HQ in Dublin, whose support played a massive role in helping us grow and professionalise the podcast. Midway through the season, Robus Lighting came on board as our official sponsor, giving the show another boost and backing what we were trying to build.

One of the standout moments of Season 2 was being invited over to eFIXX Live in Skipton, where we sat down with the lads for a chat, a real slingshot moment for awareness of the podcast and what we stand for.

Throughout Season 2, we continued to evolve the show, pushing conversations forward, raising awareness around the trade industry, and giving space to the important issues often left unspoken.

This episode is a reflection on growth, opportunity, and continuing to build something meaningful, one episode at a time.

Season 1 is where it all began.

Before the studio upgrades, the big guests, and 100 episodes of stripped-back conversations, there was simply an idea: to have honest, unfiltered chats about life in the trade. The good, the bad, and the bits no one really talks about.

In this bonus compilation episode, Stephen and Keith take a look back at Season 1, revisiting the conversations, topics, and guests that helped get Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast off the ground.

You’ll hear moments from early chats that set the tone for the podcast:

Real conversations about life on the tools

The realities of running a trade business

Mental health, pressure, burnout, and balance

Why the trade industry needs more honest discussion

The importance of apprenticeships and passing on knowledge

Learning as we went, on the mic and off it

Season 1 wasn’t about perfection.

It was about showing up, pressing record, and starting conversations that mattered.

This episode celebrates:

The guests who took a chance on a brand-new podcast

The early topics that shaped the direction of the show

The foundations that led us all the way to Episode 100

Whether you’ve been listening since day one or you’re only finding the podcast now, this is a chance to rewind to where it all started, and see just how far things have come.

Season 1. The starting point.

Thank you all for being part of the journey.

Stephen and Keith

This episode marks a huge milestone for the podcast, 100 episodes. Stephen and Keith celebrate it with a conversation that perfectly reflects what the show is all about: real stories, real people, and real journeys.

For this landmark episode, they sit down with Harry Maharaj of Kilkenny Architectural Salvage, who shares the evolution of one of Ireland’s most distinctive salvage yards. Harry talks through the family legacy behind the business, his personal journey within it, and how architectural salvage has shifted from being viewed as scrap to becoming a cornerstone of sustainable, character-led design.

The conversation explores the importance of authenticity and community, from creating a space where people are encouraged to wander and explore, to resisting the pull of generic, mass-produced furniture in favour of pieces with history and meaning. Harry also discusses the challenges and opportunities within the salvage industry, the growing appreciation for reuse, and how social media has helped open the yard to a wider audience.

Harry reflects on the future of the business, the responsibility that comes with preserving heritage, and the importance of family time when balancing work, growth, and life, a fitting reflection for a podcast reaching its 100th episode.

A proud moment for the podcast, and a conversation that captures exactly why reaching 100 episodes matters.

A massive thank you to our sponsors Robus Lighting and Snickers Workwear Ireland and to everyone who has supported us by listening.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan on their award winning podcast for Season 4 Episode 8. On this episode, Stephen an Keith engage in a deep conversation with one another about the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the impact of technology on youth of today. On the Special Guest Interview Segment the lads are joined by Junior Pastry Sous Chef Aoife Comerford. She discusses her journey of personal growth through the education system and culinary arts. They explore the importance of mentorship, the realities of working in a Michelin star kitchen, and the current state of the culinary industry, while also reflecting on the challenges she has faced and her aspirations for the future. Aoife’s story is a powerful reminder for anyone who experiences early setbacks in live that they don’t have to determine your future.

To learn more about Aoife, you can check her out on Instagram @aoife.c44 or you can check out her culinary skills at Michelin Star Restaurant Glovers Alley in Dublin Ireland.

To learn more about the podcast, head over to @insightthestrippedbackpodcast on Instagram and press on the bio link.

The Insight Trade Awards 2025 celebrated excellence across Ireland’s trade sector, recognising outstanding tradespeople, companies, and apprentices across multiple categories. Powered by community support and public voting, the awards highlighted the role of social media in championing the industry, fostering meaningful connections between brands and tradespeople, and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in the trades. As the awards continue to grow, future editions aim to deepen engagement, with the possibility of live events on the horizon.

Stephen Mentioned:

“This was something that needed to happen.”

Key Takeaways:

The Insight Trade Awards recognise excellence across a wide range of trades.

Social media played a key role in promotion and public voting.

Multiple categories celebrated the diversity within the trade industry.

Honourable mentions acknowledged exceptional nominees who didn’t take home a win.

Community support is vital to the strength and future of the trade sector.

The awards created strong connections between brands and tradespeople.

Winners were chosen by public vote, reflecting real industry backing.

The event aimed to inspire future generations to join the trades.

Category Sponsors Included:

Robus Lighting

Hultafors Group Ireland

Design Source Ireland

N2 Electrical

Fusebox Ireland

ATC Energy

Remi Tools

Hager Ireland

Scolmore Group

Richie Doyle – Royal Workshop

Carraher Electrical

Energise Electrical

Follow & Support

Stay connected with the trade community and keep an eye out in early 2026 for what’s next from the lads at Insight The Stripped Back Podcast.

We welcome back a powerful voice and previous guest, Robin Grace, who first joined us in Season 5, Episode 5. During that episode, Robin courageously opened up about his battle with mental health issues rooted in childhood trauma, sharing how it led to moments of deep struggle and suicidal thoughts. His story left a lasting impression on us and our listeners alike.

Since then, Robin has been on a mission. Passionate about making a difference, he’s been exploring how technology can be implemented in high-risk areas for self-harm and suicide such as coastal cliffs and tourist hotspots to serve as potential life-saving interventions. However, despite his drive, compassion, and forward-thinking ideas, he’s encountered barriers and resistance from those in positions of influence.

This episode is about giving Robin the mic unfiltered and uncut to share his updates, his frustrations, and his hopes. He dives into the progress he's made, the walls he's hit, and why he believes now, more than ever, we need to act before more lives are lost.

Whether you’re someone who works in local government, tourism, or simply care about mental health and community well-being, this episode is one you need to hear.

Let’s amplify Robin’s message, for his community and beyond.

Press play, share it wide, and be part of the change.

If you have been affected by anything mentioned during this episode, the following supports are available;

Samaritans

116 123 (Free, 24/7)

www.samaritans.ie

Offers emotional support for anyone in distress or struggling to cope.

Pieta House

1800 247 247 (Free, 24/7)

Text HELP to 51444

www.pieta.ie

Provides free therapy for people who are suicidal, engaging in self-harm, or bereaved by suicide.

1800 80 48 48 (Daily, 10am–10pm)

www.aware.ie

Support for people experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or related mood conditions.

www.jigsaw.ie

Provides mental health support and services for young people aged 12–25.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 or 112.

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Karl Kelly, Irish personal trainer, former professional boxer, and a man with a story that hits hard in all the right ways.

Karl opens up about his early life growing up in Monkstown Farm, Dublin, sharing his struggles with the traditional school system, especially the disconnect he felt with mainstream education and physical education classes.

Boxing became his outlet, a passion sparked at a young age that evolved into a professional career, including title fights and even sparring with Katie Taylor. But behind the gloves was a scrappy, no-nonsense style that eventually led to serious concerns about his health.

It was the birth of his first child that shifted everything. Karl talks candidly about the moment he knew it was time to step away from the ring and start a new chapter.

Throughout it all, Karl credits the unwavering support and guidance of his mother, whose strength, love, and ability to keep him on the straight and narrow shaped the man he is today. His admiration for her runs deep, and it shows.

Now, as a personal trainer, Karl is using his life experience and knowledge to empower others on their own fitness and wellness journeys. He also dives into his inspiring friendship with Chris Connolly and how the pair have used their platforms to raise awareness for important causes and give back to the community.

This is one for the underdogs, the dreamers, and anyone who’s ever had to fight physically or mentally for something better.

In this final episode of 2025, Stephen Buckley reflects on a year of significant growth for Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, highlighting the increase in listeners, the depth of conversations, and the importance of community support. He expresses gratitude for the guests and listeners who have contributed to the podcast's success, celebrates the achievements of the trade community, and looks forward to exciting developments in 2026, including the potential for in-person events. Stephen highlights the connection he has with his Cousin and Co Host Keith, and how the podcast is where it is because of their shared determination to elevate the trade industry into the mainstream conversation. The episode concludes with heartfelt messages from listeners, emphasizing the importance of mental health and community support during the holiday season.

Nollaig Shona agus Bliain Úr Faoi Mhaise

In this heartfelt Overload episode, Stephen dives into the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by those working in the trades during the busy Christmas season. With pressure building on site, at home, and socially, Stephen reminds listeners that feeling overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness, It’s a human response to a hectic time of year.

He talks openly about the importance of connection, the courage it takes to reach out, and the value of leaning on community when things feel heavy. Stephen also encourages listeners to redefine what Christmas can look like, especially for those who don’t want the season to revolve around alcohol. Instead, he highlights the power of making intentional choices, protecting your peace, and setting small, meaningful goals as the new year approaches.

This short episode is a reminder: you’re not alone, your feelings are valid, and it’s absolutely okay to put your well-being first.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need the reminder. You're part of a community that cares.

In this episode, Stephen takes the hosting helm solo once again and is joined by the brilliant John McGrath, better known online as Man.In.Shed, a self-employed electrician, wood-crafter, and social media favourite.

Stephen and John dive into a powerful and honest conversation about integrity in content creation, the importance of celebrating tradespeople, and the personal journeys that shape careers in the electrical industry. Together they explore how social media is transforming the trade world, the realities of self-employment, and why building strong relationships is essential in business.

The chat also touches on John’s creative world inside the shed, the role of crafting as an outlet, the value of engaging with audiences through live interactions, and how to deal with criticism in a digital age. The episode rounds off with future hopes for greater community involvement and support within the trades.

This podcast is sponsored by Robus Lighting and this season is in association with Snickers Workwear Ireland