Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast

In this solo bonus episode, Stephen reflects on a career lesson that has shaped his journey both on and off the tools, the danger of limiting yourself.From starting out as an apprentice electrician to stepping into an Assistant Management role within a mobile maintenance division, Stephen shares how the skills learned in the trade can open doors far beyond what many people imagine.This isn't an episode about promotions or job titles. It's about mindset, growth and recognising that your current role doesn't define your future potential.Stephen discusses:The transferable skills tradespeople develop every day without realising it.Why problem-solving, communication and leadership begin on the tools.The challenge of moving from peer to manager and maintaining respect and trust.Learning new skills in areas such as client relations, billing, audits and business operations.The importance of staying curious and embracing opportunities outside your comfort zone.Why nobody else should be allowed to decide your ceiling.Whether you're an apprentice, a qualified tradesperson, a supervisor or someone considering your next career move, this episode is a reminder that growth starts when you stop putting limits on yourself.Your trade is not your limit.Your current position is not your final destination.The sky isn't the limit if you're willing to keep learning, keep growing and keep moving forward.Main Sponsor:Snickers Workwear www.snickersworkwear.ieRecording Venue:N2 Electrical Wholesalers www.n2electrical.ie

In this bonus episode of The Stripped Back Podcast, Stephen Buckley discusses one of the most important topics in any workplace safety.From risk assessments and Safe Work Plans to Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures and electrical safety, Stephen explores why safety is far more than a box-ticking exercise. It's about protecting people, preventing incidents, and ensuring everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.Drawing on his experience within the electrical and facilities management industries, Stephen shares practical insights into building a positive safety culture, recognising hazards, speaking up when something doesn't feel right, and the importance of looking after both physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace."Most people won't remember the job that finished late, but families will always remember when someone doesn't come home."Whether you're an apprentice, tradesperson, supervisor, manager, or business owner, this episode serves as a reminder that safety isn't paperwork, it's personal.Main Sponsor: Snickers Workwearwww.snickersworkwear.ieRecording Venue: N2 Electrical Wholesalerswww.n2electrical.ie

In this special bonus episode of The Stripped Back Podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes to the very end of Season 9.After recording a full podcast episode with apprentice electrician Aaron Murray, Aaron stayed on in the studio and joined us for a live TikTok session where we opened the floor to questions from viewers and had a relaxed, honest conversation about life in the electrical industry.Topics discussed include:Starting out as an electrical apprenticeThe importance of upskilling and continuous learningThe challenges and rewards of apprenticeship lifeMoving from education into full-time employmentThe differences between working for a company and being self-employedAdvice for young people considering a career in the tradesQuestions submitted live by our TikTok audienceThis episode offers a raw, unfiltered insight into the realities of working in the electrical trade and the opportunities available to the next generation entering the industry.A huge thanks to everyone who joined us live and sent in questions.Follow The Stripped Back Podcast on social media for updates on future episodes, bonus content, and live events.Main Sponsor: Snickers Workwearwww.snickersworkwear.ieRecording Venue: N2 Electrical Wholesalerswww.n2electrical.ie

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 6 wasn’t just another chapter…It was the moment everything levelled up.This is our official lookback episode on the season where The Stripped Back Podcast stepped into new territory — bigger conversations, bigger guests, and a bigger impact than ever before.We didn’t just stay in our lane… we widened it.This season we dived deep into the conversations that really matter:Equality in the workplace, Mental health, Eating disorders and the realities facing asylum seekers.Life behind the scenes for people often unheardAlongside that, we welcomed an incredible mix of TV personalities, music artists, sports stars, and industry voices, opening the door to stories far beyond the trades.But no matter how far we expand, we never forget where we started.Season 6 still stayed true to our roots:Honest trades chatsReal site storiesApprentices, business owners and graftersGuests travelling from the UK to Ireland just to sit down with us in studioFrom construction boots to stadium lights, from tools to touring stages, this season proved one thing:Great stories come from everywhere.This episode is a reflection, a celebration, and a thank you to everyone who’s been part of the ride so far.Because this season didn’t just grow the podcast…It felt like The Take Over.