On Your Own Time Podcast

Mike Rosney, an online coach and former guard, shares his journey from guard life to coaching, the impact of fitness on his life, and the challenges of shift work and mental health in the force. Declan Toland shares his journey of overcoming mental health challenges, finding stability, and pursuing a career in fitness coaching. His wife, Callia, played a pivotal role in supporting him through his lowest points and encouraging him to pursue his passion for fitness. Declan's transition from a stable job to full-time coaching was marked by financial struggles and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of delayed gratification and the value of hard work in achieving success.TakeawaysTransition from guard life to coachingImpact of fitness on mental health Mental health struggles can be overcome with the support of loved ones.Transitioning to a new career path requires resilience and determination.Delayed gratification and hard work are essential for long-term success.Chapters00:00 Transition from Guard Life to Coaching02:25 The Impact of Fitness on Mental Health22:18 Challenges of Shift Work and Mental Health in the Force30:31 Overcoming Mental Health Challenges31:30 Support and Stability from Callia32:27 Financial Struggles and Resilience36:11 Pursuing a Passion for Fitness Coaching48:07 The Value of Delayed Gratification49:59 Transition to Full-Time Coaching55:46 The Importance of Resilience and Hard Work

Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background01:50 Growing up in Athlone and living abroad03:57 Journey into firefighting and applying in Vancouver07:03 Living in Vancouver and its challenges10:13 Tony’s early sports and rugby career15:00 Dealing with injuries and fitness challenges20:05 The importance of proper training and nutrition24:55 Understanding supplements and diet strategies30:07 The impact of injuries and concussions in rugby34:52 Discovering ADHD later in life40:03 Managing ADHD and hyperfocus as a strength44:53 Training, discipline, and mental resilience49:52 Firefighting career, training, and experiences54:49 Work-life balance and family support59:56 Advice for newcomers to fitness and firefighting

My Story — Deckie TolandUsually, I’m the host. This time, I’m the guest.In this very personal episode, Deckie Toland sits down to tell his own story — from his early days as a referee, to becoming the youngest chairman in the country, his time in the Irish Defence Forces, and the experiences that shaped him along the way.I openly about the people who helped him, the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the moments that changed his direction in life.But beyond the titles and achievements, this is the story of a father, a referee, a soldier, and a man who has been fortunate to have good people around him, Made Mistakes (Loads) This episode is about the journey behind the person — the highs, the lows, the people who made a difference, and the story that doesn’t always get told.My Story.

Aaron Craig, a retired hurling senior footballer, shares his journey from playing for Westmeath senior hurlers to his current role in the defense forces. He discusses the challenges of balancing sports and work, the impact of injuries, and his future plans.TakeawaysBalancing sports and workImpact of injuriesFuture plansChapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:43 Transition from Inter-County to Career02:32 Hurling and Football Journey03:55 Achievements and Challenges with Plunkets10:28 Playing for the Army and Sports Achievements11:21 Training and Balancing Work27:14 Retirement and Coaching36:25 Injuries and Music in the Dressing Room

The conversation covers Joe Ward's journey in boxing, his return to the sport, the importance of opportunity, the impact of boxing on youth, the future of Athlone Boxing Club, sacrifices and success, the mindset of a fighter, and the love of boxing. Joe Ward shares insights into his boxing career, discussing the mental battle of injuries, his achievements, the Olympic journey, his boxing career, Irish boxing success, and reflections on his career. He also provides advice for young boxers and discusses the impact of social media on the sport.TakeawaysOpportunity is crucial for success in boxingThe love of boxing drives dedication and commitment Mental resilience in the face of injuriesThe impact of role modeling and achievementsThe challenges and triumphs of the Olympic journeyThe significance of Irish boxing successReflections and advice for young boxersChapters00:00 The Journey to the Ring01:27 The Return to Boxing03:06 The Importance of Opportunity06:00 The Love of Boxing08:11 The Impact of Boxing on Youth14:23 Athlone Boxing Club's Future21:10 Sacrifices and Success29:11 The Mindset of a Fighter33:17 The Mental Battle of Injuries35:26 Achievements and Role Modeling38:16 The Olympic Journey41:15 Boxing Career and Madison Square Garden45:25 Irish Boxing Success and Future59:46 Reflections and Advice

On your own Time - Episode 1 Footballer, Referee, Father, Cancer Survivor