Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan in this episode as they explore Ireland's current fuel protests, to innovative DIY education programs. Discover how grassroots movements and practical skills are shaping the future generations, community resilience, and economic fairness. Main insights from the episode include:

• The ongoing energy crisis in Ireland and its social and economic impacts, emphasizing the importance of fair taxation on fuel for essential workers
• Declan Buggy’s journey founding the Irish School of DIY, focusing on building confidence and independence through practical trade skills for all ages
• The expanding scope of DIY education, from school-based programs to adult courses, encouraging self-sufficiency and community involvement
• Gender dynamics in DIY participation, with higher engagement of women and the importance of inclusive skill-building initiatives
• The potential scalability of DIY education nationwide, including plans for regional schools and workshops in schools and community centers
• The role of social media and industry partnerships in promoting practical trades and dispelling myths around qualifications
• How embracing a DIY mindset can empower individuals financially and socially, especially amid housing and supply chain challenges

This podcast is sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland and S9 is also in association with Hager Ireland and N2 Electrical Wholesalers

Join us as we explore the journey of a talented Irish craftsman who shares his experiences from rural Ireland to Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the importance of trades, craftsmanship, and social media in modern business. Discover insights on career development, overcoming challenges, and building a community around craft.

We chat about Niall's career journey from Ireland to Australia to New Zealand and back again.

The impact of social media on modern craftsmanship and the challenges faced during the economic downturn and personal tragedy.

This episode highlights the importance of mentorship and community within the trades.

This podcast is sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland and Season 9 is also in association with N2 Electrical Wholesalers and Hager Ireland.

In this episode, we sit down with Fergal Cantwell to break down the realities of retrofitting, energy management, and navigating grants in Ireland.

Fergal shares practical insights from the front line of the industry, cutting through the confusion around home energy upgrades and exposing some of the biggest misconceptions homeowners and tradespeople face today.

We dive into the importance of proper training in the trades, why knowledge gaps can leave both workers and clients at a disadvantage, and how getting the right advice from the right sources is crucial when it comes to grants and energy upgrades.

Fergal also co-hosts the podcast Behind the Walls alongside Peter Finn, where they explore everything from retrofitting and insulation to energy efficiency and grant schemes, making complex topics more accessible for both tradespeople and homeowners.

Whether you’re in the trade or planning upgrades to your home, this episode is packed with real, actionable advice.

Podcast is sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland and Season 9 is also in association with N2 Electrical and Hager Ireland

In this episode, we sit down with Saul Whelan to dive into his journey from school into the world of surveying and the wider construction industry. Saul shares a refreshingly honest perspective on carving out a career path at a young age, highlighting the opportunities that exist within the trades and beyond.

We explore how social media and AI are rapidly shaping the construction industry, from changing how people learn and connect, to improving productivity and opening new doors for the next generation.

A powerful part of this conversation focuses on mental health, particularly among men in the industry. Saul speaks openly about the challenges, the misunderstandings that can arise, and why having honest conversations is more important than ever.

This episode is a mix of real talk, industry insight, and a reminder of the importance of looking after both your career and your mental wellbeing.

Podcast is sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland and S9 is also in association with N2 Electrical and Hager Ireland

Unlock the secrets to elevating your trade game and setting yourself apart at industry events. This episode dives into the power of community, storytelling, and strategic networking, showing how tradespeople and designers are reshaping Irish markets one connection at a time.

Imagine transforming a routine trade show visit into a goldmine of opportunities. We explore how entrepreneurs like boost their profiles and forge lucrative collaborations. Their stories reveal that stepping beyond social media and engaging in authentic conversations can truly accelerate your career.

Perfect for tradies, designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to future-proof their career, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your presence and influence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your industry connections, you'll gain the motivation and strategies to step into the next phase of your professional journey.

Conversations with industry professionals and brands such as; Angela Fogarty from Halo Tiling & Bathrooms, Edel Treanor from Mullan Lighting and Derek Barrett from Derek Barrett Design.

Join us as we explore how community, storytelling, and innovation are shaping the future of Irish trades and design. Don't miss the chance to learn from those pushing boundaries and redefining success, hit play and start transforming your approach today.

Podcast is sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland and Season 9 is also in association with N2 Electrical and Hager Ireland

We kick off Season 9 with this special episode of The Stripped Back Podcast, were we took the microphones on the road and headed to the Design Source Ireland Trade & Networking Event at the RDS Dublin. Rather than sitting down in the studio, we walked the show floor and chatted with some of the exhibitors, distributors, and innovators shaping the industry in this two part special.

In Part 1, we speak with representatives from Fraser Painting, Graphenstone, Finsa, and Royal & Co., diving into conversations about sustainable materials, evolving design trends, and what’s coming down the line for the trade industry in 2026.

From eco-friendly paints and materials to the importance of industry networking events like Design Source Ireland, this episode captures the energy of the show and the people behind the products.

Events like this are vital for bringing together trades, designers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Creating opportunities to share ideas, build relationships, and showcase the innovations shaping the future of the industry.

🎧 Tune in to hear the conversations straight from the show floor ans make sure to follow the show on your favourite platform to be notified when Part 2 drops next week.

The Stripped Back Podcast is proudly sponsored by Snickers Workwear and S9 is in association with N2 Electrical and Hager Ireland.

In this bonus off season Overload Segment episode, Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan dive into WorldSkills 2025, exploring the incredible range of career opportunities available to students across the trades. From electrical installation and plumbing to hospitality and automotive, they highlight how skills competitions and vocational training are shaping the next generation. The lads stress the importance of schools actively engaging students with these pathways, helping inspire informed, confident career choices for the future.

In this bonus Overload Segment, Stephen shares his full journey, from starting out as an electrical apprentice in 2006 to stepping into a leadership role as Assistant Manager of a Mobile Maintenance Team in 2026, Twenty years of paving a path of career growth opportunities.

This is a real, honest breakdown of what progression in the trade actually looks like.

From apprenticeship days to developing specialist skills in access control and door automation sector, to the pressure and discipline of shift working in the semiconductor industry. How his family life evolved, priorities shifted and how moving into mobile maintenance brought structure, new challenges, and a fresh opportunity to grow.

20 years of being proactive.

20 years of adding value.

20 years of not sitting easy.

This isn’t about titles.

It’s about standards.

It’s about work ethic.

It’s about opening doors for yourself.

Season 8 Episode 10, The Season Finale featuring Shay Lally on Restoration, Renovation and The Reality of Costs.

We get into:

The truth about renovation budgets (and why transparency matters)

Managing client expectations the right way.

Hidden costs people don’t see coming

Why trust and honesty are everything in this game.

Season 8… wrapped. And what a journey it’s been.

Before we get into the guest Interview, we kick things off with The Overload, taking a trip down memory lane and reflecting on the road that brought us here.

Taking in the 100+ episodes, unforgettable guests, big conversations, industry laughs, lessons learned… and even a few awards along the way.

From starting out with one mic and an idea to building a platform that’s now connecting trades, creatives, business owners and everyday grafters across Ireland and beyond, this one’s a moment to pause and appreciate the ride… and look ahead to what’s next.

Then we finish Season 8 strong.

Our finale guest is Shay Lally, restoration and renovation expert with years of hands-on experience bringing homes back to life.

Thanks for being on the journey with us 🤝

The Stripped Back Podcast by Insight

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.