Dave shares his unconventional coaching journey, from sheep farming to health transformation, and the emotional impact of grief and loss. He discusses his experience with rapid weight loss, his struggles with self-image and validation, and the importance of mental and emotional wellness. Dave emphasizes the journey to finding balance, self-acceptance, and the impact of trauma and healing. He also addresses the role of personal development in health and fitness and the need to address mental health in the farming community.

Takeaways

• Emotional wellness is a crucial aspect of health and fitness.
• The journey to self-acceptance and balance is an ongoing process.
• Understanding pain leads to healing
• Self-awareness is key to transformation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Dave's Unconventional Coaching Journey
• 01:05 Dave's Transformation and Health Journey
• 02:00 Connecting with the Rural Community
• 04:36 The Challenges of Rapid Weight Loss
• 05:42 The Emotional Impact of Grief and Loss
• 06:29 The Journey of Physical Transformation
• 08:42 The Struggle with Self-Image and Validation
• 12:04 The Importance of Mental and Emotional Wellness
• 15:17 The Journey to Finding Balance and Self-Acceptance
• 16:18 The Impact of Trauma and Healing
• 18:08 The Role of Personal Development in Health and Fitness
• 33:15 Addressing Mental Health in the Farming Community
• 37:41 Understanding Pain and Healing
• 38:36 The Journey of Self-Discovery
• 39:29 Trusting the Journey and Finding Purpose
• 40:05 Belief and Self-Trust
• 41:00 Adapting to Unexpected Paths
• 42:14 The Power of Purpose and Perspective
• 43:33 Raising Energy and Frequency
• 43:51 Empathy and Understanding in Coaching
• 44:17 Breaking Negative Cycles and Building Confidence
• 45:45 The Importance of Self-Awareness
• 47:28 Tailoring Coaching to Individual Needs
• 48:03 The Magic of Hard Work and Self-Reflection
• 49:38 The Journey of Transformation
• 01:13:41 The Power of Honesty and Self-Mastery

Kellie Fennell shares her journey from neuroscience and teaching to becoming an online coach, emphasizing the importance of mindset in achieving lasting change. She highlights the need to meet yourself where you're at, start small, and give yourself time. Changing your identity and self-talk is crucial for long-term transformation. The conversation covers the importance of self-talk, the value of doing hard things, and the need for balance in life. It also delves into the impact of societal expectations, the role of evidence in building confidence, and the significance of aligning actions with values. The discussion emphasizes the need for compassion and firmness in the pursuit of change and highlights the impact of social media on perceptions of success and happiness.

Takeaways

• Mindset is crucial for achieving lasting change
• Meet yourself where you're at, start small, and give yourself time
• Changing your identity and self-talk is crucial for long-term transformation Self-talk and the importance of how we speak to ourselves
• The value of doing hard things and the need for balance in life
• The impact of societal expectations and the role of evidence in building confidence
• The significance of aligning actions with values and the impact of social media on perceptions of success and happiness

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Self-Talk and Identity on Change
• 38:29 The Power of Self-Talk and Doing Hard Things
• 39:11 Getting Unstuck and the Value of Balance
• 40:16 Challenges and Aligning Actions with Values
• 41:02 The Impact of Social Media and Perceptions of Success
• 58:00 - Quickfire Questions!

Follow Kellie Fennel on her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliefennellfitness/

and check out the Kellie Fennell Fitness Podcast

With no guest this week — instead, Jack and Keith put their coaching hats back on.

With just a few months left in 2026, the lads break down five of the most important, needle-moving things you can do between now and the end of the year to finish 2026 in a better position than you started it.

A lot of people start a “New Year, New Me” phase in September.

This episode helps you with getting clear on what you actually want, setting realistic targets, building a week that makes progress predictable, deciding on your non-negotiables and giving yourself something meaningful to work towards over the next few months.

Jack and Keith cover setting both aesthetic and performance-based goals, creating your “perfect week”, establishing minimum requirements for when life gets busy, and using shorter-term goals to build momentum and trust in yourself through consistent action.

There might be no guest this week, but this episode contains some of the most practical coaching the lads have delivered so far.

And to finish things off, Jack and Keith turn the traditional guest quick-fire questions on each other — covering takeaways, favourite counties, best pint experiences, Olympic ambitions, TV shows, books and, inevitably, the chicken fight dilemma.

00:00 – Introduction
11:31 – Setting Aesthetic & Performance Goals
34:00 – Creating Your Perfect Week
36:00 – Setting Your Minimum Requirements
48:00 – Setting Short-Term Goals
01:01:14 – Jack & Keith’s Quick-Fire Questions
01:13:04 – Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Two Eejits Talking Fitness Podcast, we sit down with Conor Nolan, co-founder of the Normal Mental Wellbeing Project, for a really open conversation about mental health, eating disorders and recovery.

Conor shares his own experience of developing an eating disorder, the warning signs he can recognise now looking back, and the journey he went through to get himself to a much better place.

One of the biggest conversations we wanted to have with Conor was around the role that coaches and people working in the fitness industry can play.

We're not therapists, and we shouldn't try to be.

But we are often in a position where we might notice changes in someone's relationship with food, exercise, their body or themselves. We talk about recognising when something isn't right, having those difficult conversations, and most importantly, knowing when it's time to encourage someone to get professional support.

We also get into reframing negative thoughts, neuroplasticity, the connection between our physical and mental health, and why some of the really basic things we can do every day can have such a big impact on how we feel.

But probably the biggest message from this episode is a simple one:

Recovery is possible.

Conor was incredibly open about his own experiences and we really appreciate him trusting us enough to share his story.

We'd also like to acknowledge Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland and the incredibly important work they do supporting people affected by eating disorders, as well as their families and friends.

If anything discussed in this episode resonates with you, or you're worried about yourself or someone close to you, please consider reaching out for professional support.

You can learn more about the support and services available through Bodywhys at bodywhys.ie.

00:00 — Conor Nolan's Journey
03:12 — Why Conor Got Involved in Mental Health Advocacy
08:17 — Eating Disorders, Recovery & Self-Acceptance
23:26 — Recognising the Warning Signs & Asking for Help
31:16 — The Role of Coaches & Therapists
33:28 — Reframing Your Thoughts & Neuroplasticity
35:34 — Finding the Right Support
41:42 — The Complexity of Mental Health
53:32 — Recovery & Learning to Think Differently
59:33 — Mental Health, Stigma & Physical Health
01:01:15 — Quick-Fire Questions

Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland provides support and information to people affected by eating disorders, including family members and friends.

For information on their support services, visit bodywhys.ie.

If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to follow or subscribe to the Two Eejits Talking Fitness Podcast, leave us a rating, and send this episode to someone you think might benefit from hearing Conor's story.

Stephanie Zambra, a former footballer, shares her journey from playing to coaching, emphasising the importance of mental resilience and accountability in sports. Her advocacy for women's football and her reflection on her career highlight the impact she has had on the sport. Stephanie Zambra shares her journey from being a player to becoming a head coach, her experience with Champion Coaching, and her insights on life after playing. She also provides advice for young athletes and shares memorable moments from her career.

Stephanie, along side her husband Dean, is the founder of Champion Coaching, where she has taken the experience and knowledge gained throughout her professional and international football career and now uses it to help develop the next generation of players.

Champion Coaching provides group player development, 1-to-1 training, football camps and clinics, school programmes and more, with a focus on developing skills, confidence, decision-making and creating an enjoyable environment for young footballers.

If you'd like to learn more about Stephanie's work or get involved with Champion Coaching:

Visit Champion Coaching

Takeaways

• The importance of mental resilience in sports
• The natural progression from playing to coaching Transitioning from player to coach
• Importance of enjoying the game
• Advice for young athletes

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Stephanie Zambra
• 04:23 The Journey of a Footballer
• 07:16 Advocacy for Women's Football
• 08:48 Transition to Coaching
• 17:36 Reflection on Career and Coaching
• 34:24 Transition to Coaching
• 36:39 Becoming a Head Coach
• 38:27 From Player to Coach
• 40:27 Champion Coaching
• 46:52 Life After Playing
• 51:14 Quick Fire Questions

In this episode of the Two Eejits Talking Fitness Podcast, Jack McGailey and Keith O'Rourke sit down with Karl O'Rourke for one of the most important conversations we've had so far.

While Karl first built a following through fitness, his work has evolved into something much bigger—exploring loneliness, social health, purpose, and why genuine human connection may be one of the most overlooked pillars of health.

Together, we discuss why so many men struggle to talk openly, how modern life has quietly eroded our communities, and what practical steps anyone can take to build stronger relationships and improve their mental well-being.

Whether you're passionate about fitness, going through a major life transition, or simply want to better understand yourself and the people around you, this is a conversation worth listening to.

...

Connect with Karl O'Rourke

Follow Karl for more conversations around social health, community and mental well-being:

• Instagram: @theuneducatedpt

If this conversation brought up anything difficult for you, please remember that support is available.

Pieta

• Free 24/7 Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247
• Text HELP to 51444
• Website: https://www.pieta.ie

Samaritans

• Free 24/7 Helpline: 116 123
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.samaritans.org/ireland

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who you think would benefit from the conversation. It really helps us grow the podcast and continue bringing honest, practical conversations about health, fitness and life.

In this episode, Jack McGailey and Keith O'Rourke sit down with Eamonn Duff to explore two very different approaches to fitness: building a physique for the camera versus training for performance as a hybrid athlete.

They dive into the mindset, training, nutrition, and lifestyle required for each, discussing the trade-offs between 'looking your best' and 'performing at your best'. Whether you're chasing a photo shoot physique, preparing for HYROX, or simply trying to decide which path suits you, this episode offers practical advice and plenty of honest conversation.

• The key differences between training for aesthetics and training for performance
• The physical and mental demands of bodybuilding compared with HYROX and fitness racing
• How body composition influences strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance
• Why having a clear goal makes training more enjoyable and sustainable
• The growing community behind HYROX and hybrid fitness events
• How to successfully transition from physique-focused training to hybrid performance
• Why high-intensity endurance training alone isn't the best way to build muscle
• How a background in GAA and team sports can give athletes an edge in hybrid competitions
• Practical strategies to improve race times through smarter pacing and event-specific preparation
• The importance of community, coaching, and training alongside like-minded people

00:00 – Physique vs. Hybrid Athlete: What's the Difference?

02:14 – What Physique Athletes and Hybrid Athletes Have in Common

04:49 – Eamonn's Journey from TikTok Creator to Fitness Coach

06:38 – Why Bodybuilders Chase Photo Shoots

09:12 – Peaking for a Photo Shoot vs. Peaking for HYROX

12:27 – Can You Look Great and Perform Well?

14:55 – The Role of Discipline, Goals and Structure

19:04 – What Actually Makes Someone a Hybrid Athlete?

22:55 – Why GAA Players Often Excel in Hybrid Events

25:10 – Balancing Muscle Mass, Body Fat and Performance

28:27 – Inside the HYROX Community

32:15 – How to Get Faster at HYROX

36:20 – Race-Day Strategy and Station-Specific Preparation

40:10 – The Culture and Growth of HYROX and TRIBE

45:15 – Why Community Matters More Than Ever

50:05 – Transitioning from Bodybuilding to Hybrid Training

54:45 – Quick Fire Questions

In the latest episode of the Two Eejits Talking Fitness Podcast, Jack and Keith speak with Kate Hamilton about the challenges of maintaining health and fitness as a parent and as a female in general, emphasising the importance of realistic goals, identity-based habits, and a balanced approach to nutrition and exercise.

It also addresses the dangers of extreme dieting and the impact on long-term health, especially for parents and their children. The conversation covers a range of topics related to health, nutrition, lifestyle, and coaching. It emphasises the importance of simplicity, realistic expectations, and the slow and steady approach to achieving health and fitness goals.

The discussion also delves into the role of coaching, the impact of lifestyle on health, and the significance of self-reflection and confidence-building.

Takeaways

• Realistic health and fitness goals for parents
• Importance of identity-based habits
• Dangers of extreme dieting and its impact on long-term health Simplicity over complexity
• Realistic expectations and slow progress
• The role of coaching and lifestyle impact on health
• Self-reflection and confidence-building

Kate Hamilton is the founder and owner of NourishHer and LeadHer, where she helps women build healthier, stronger, and more confident lives through realistic, evidence-based coaching. With a particular passion for supporting women through the challenges of balancing health, family, and everyday life, Kate focuses on creating sustainable habits rather than chasing unrealistic expectations.

In this episode, Kate shares practical insights on nutrition, exercise, confidence, and building a healthy lifestyle that fits around the realities of being a busy parent and modern woman.

📲 Follow Kate:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katehamiltonhealth/

Chapters

• 00:00 The Reality of Health and Fitness for Parents
• 02:25 Managing Health and Fitness as a Parent
• 08:23 Identity-Based Habits and Goal Setting
• 20:43 The Dangers of Extreme Dieting
• 33:43 Challenges and Approaches to Health and Fitness
• 34:43 The Importance of Simplicity and Consistency
• 35:41 Family Involvement in Healthy Lifestyle
• 36:41 Learning About Tracking Calories and Eating Routines
• 37:39 The Role of Coaching and Maintenance Calories
• 40:30 Hormone Balancing and Health Considerations for Women Over 40
• 43:23 Exercise and Hormone Regulation for Women
• 46:18 Challenges in Health and Fitness Journey
• 50:36 Realistic Expectations and Confidence Building

Episode 3 of Two Eejits Talking Fitness Podcast

This week we're joined by Larry Doyle, and we're asking a simple question: how do you actually cut through the noise and get in shape?

Larry has been coaching in the fitness industry for over two decades. He's worked with everyone from bodybuilders and physique competitors to rugby players, business owners and your average day-to-day person. So this week we sat down to strip health and fitness back to basics, so anyone can understand how to get in shape and actually keep it.

In this weeks episode, we chat about:

• Larry's two decades in the industry and what's really changed
• Why building solid foundations beats chasing quick results every time
• The difference between what your training needs and what you want — and why that matters for sticking with it
• Setting realistic goals and managing your own expectations
• The different levels of physique, and where most people actually fit
• How social media has warped what "in shape" even looks like

Chapters

• 00:00 Meet Larry & Two Decades in the Game
• 05:22 Matching Coaching to Your Fitness Level
• 10:25 Sticking With It: Plans Built Around You
• 16:15 Training Aids
• 21:30 Real Lifestyle Change
• 37:11 How Fitness Trends Have Evolved
• 47:01 Setting realistic goals and managing your own expectations
• 55:08 The Levels of Physique & Achievement

Be sure and subscribe for future episodes!

Episode 2 of Two Eejits Talking Fitness Podcast 🎙

This week we have Evan Daly and we're talking about: The Lies You've Been Told About Getting Fit

In this weeks episode, we chat about:

• Evan's experiences as a Jockey and how much weight management came into that sport for him
• Some of the lies & misconceptions we grew up hearing about being fit & healthy
• The lies that still exist today and some of the newest scams and trends in the health & fitness space
• Is Ultra Processed Food really as bad as they say?
• General health & fitness advice from 3 coaches that care and have helped hundreds of people already

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Evan Daly
• 07:45 Impact of Social Media on Fitness Beliefs
• 13:25 The Role of Coaches and Influencers
• 19:32 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Food Fear Mongering
• 35:21 The Importance of Nuance and Context

Be sure and subscribe for future episodes!