The Stripped Back Podcast By Insight:

This week we are joined by electrical apprentice Aaron Murray for a special summer break bonus episode filled with honest conversation, motivation and real life perspective.Aaron speaks openly about his experience in school and why the traditional classroom environment was not a place where he felt he could truly thrive. We discuss the pressure surrounding the Leaving Cert and why exam results should never define someone’s future or limit their career opportunities.We also talk about how Aaron landed his apprenticeship through connections built within his local community thanks to a friend’s father and local football coach, highlighting the importance of relationships, networking and backing yourself when opportunities arise.The conversation also explores the huge role health and fitness has played in Aaron’s life both physically and mentally. From amateur boxing to maintaining discipline and confidence, Aaron explains how staying active helped shape his mindset and resilience.We also discuss sponsorships, building relationships with brands and why creating genuine partnerships can open doors and create mutual support along the way.A brilliant conversation with plenty of value for apprentices, young people finding their path and anyone who has ever felt school was not the right fit for them.Big thanks to our sponsors Snickers Workwear Ireland and our Season 9 partners N2 Electrical Wholesalers and Hager Ireland for their continued support throughout the season.We look forward to being back in your ears and on your screens later this summer for Season 10 of The Stripped Back Podcast.

Season 9 comes to a powerful and emotional close as we sit down with paramedic and frontline worker John Gaughan for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had on The Stripped Back Podcast.In this season finale, John opens up about life on the frontline, the unseen mental toll of dealing with trauma on a daily basis, and the harsh realities facing emergency services in Ireland today. We discuss the pressures within the healthcare system, the challenges paramedics face behind the scenes, and why meaningful change is desperately needed.But this episode goes far deeper than the job title.John speaks openly about the pressures men face in modern life — trying to be providers, partners, fathers, friends, and strong for everyone around them while often suffering in silence themselves. In an incredibly raw and courageous conversation, he shares his own battle with suicidal thoughts and actions, how close he came to the edge, and what ultimately brought him back.Now, through both his work and his social media platform, John is using his experiences to help others who may be struggling in silence and to remind people that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.This episode is real, emotional, powerful, and deeply important.If this conversation helps even one person feel less alone, then it was worth having.Podcast sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland.Season 9 has also been in association with Hager Ireland and N2 Electrical Wholesalers Ashbourne

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 where on this, their final episode of season 3, they welcome fellow electrician, content creator, business owner and podcaster Amy Barratt Singh onto The Overload Segment.In this conversation, Amy discusses her journey into the trades industry and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the lack of career guidance in schools and the importance of visibility for women in trades. Amy also shares her experiences in different sectors of the industry and highlights the value of on-site experience. She expresses her love for the variety of work in the trades and her decision to start her own business. Amy discusses the benefits of working with notable electricians, the supportive community on social media, and the challenges faced by women in the trade industry. She emphasizes the importance of promoting a safe workplace for women and encourages female apprentices to persevere through difficult times. Amy also talks about the balancing act of managing her business, social media presence, and personal life.To find out more about Amy, you can check out her content on Instagram @amythesparky.Later on the episode, the lads are joined by electrician, business owner, content creator and entrepreneur Jordan Farley on The Guest Interview Segment. Jordan Farley grew up around the family electrical business but initially didn't want to follow in the same footsteps. He studied business and archaeology in college but realized it wasn't the path he wanted to take. After a tragic loss in the family, Jordan took over the reins of the family business . Jordan tells the story of him choosing to embark on a journey of traveling and volunteering. Jordan delves into his passion for teaching and explains how sharing his skills whilst abroad was a catalyst behind creating content online, which has grown in popularity and helped him build a reputation in the industry.   The renewable energy space is rapidly evolving, Jordan talks about his experience within an ever-evolving sector and with game-changing technologies at the forefront, he emphasises the importance of staying on top of your game. Jordan explains the reasons behind setting up his new venture OpenQuote and how it was developed to streamline the process of gathering information from customers and provide a comprehensive job sheet for installers. Jordan gives his opinions on the current state of the electrical industry and the challenges in retaining and hiring skilled staff, with a shortage of qualified electricians and competition from low-cost, low-quality companies. To find out more about Jordan and his business, check him out on Instagram @artisanelectrics.Learn more about the podcast and its hosts by checking out the podcast Instagram page @insightthestrippedbackpodcast and press on the bio link.