Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast

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 LightingHultafors Group IrelandDesign Source IrelandN2 ElectricalFusebox IrelandATC Energy Remi ToolsHager IrelandScolmore GroupRichie Doyle – Royal WorkshopCarraher ElectricalEnergise ElectricalFollow & SupportStay 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.

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

In this upload of The Overload, Stephen grabs a rare few minutes between jobs to jump on Instagram Live while finishing off his reports, because why not multitask at its finest?What starts as a quick check-in with the community soon turns into a cracking chat when Richard Cockerline hops onto the live midway through. The two dive into everything from the On The Tools Awards to what’s been happening across the trades, the madness of the busy season, and a good old-fashioned catch-up that Stephen and Richard never fail to deliver.Expect laughs, honest moments, and plenty of trade talk as Stephen broadcasts straight from the van, proving once again that this show never slows down.Listen in for a real-time, real-life dose of The Overload, no script, no prep, just the trades in full fllow.This podcast is sponsored by Robus Lighting and this season is in association with Snickers Workwear Ireland

This week, Stephen Buckley takes the helm on his own for one of the most open, raw, and emotional conversations of this season if not our full catalogue.He sits down with Stephen Harold of Elite Fitness, who shares a powerful story shaped by adversity, survival, and ultimately triumph.Growing up with a mother who was homeless and living with schizophrenia, and a father who was also homeless and not present, Stephen’s early years were defined by instability and hardship. In this episode, he opens up about how those experiences shaped him, the shadows they left behind, and the mindset he’s had to build to rise above them.From a childhood of uncertainty to building a family, a thriving fitness business, and becoming a respected figure in the Hyrox community, Stephen Harold’s journey is a lesson in resilience, grit, and never letting your past dictate your future.He speaks openly about trauma, resilience, and the lasting impact of growing up in survival mode.Fitness became his anchor, first as a coping mechanism, then as a career and passion.Despite success, he reveals why he still finds it hard to feel secure or “safe” in life.Stephen shares how becoming a father changed his perspective and fuelled his drive.His story shows the power of discipline, community, and choosing to rewrite your narrative.This podcast is sponsored by Robus Lighting and this season is in association with Snickers Workwear Ireland