Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast

In this penultimate episode of Season 10, Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan sit down with Alan O’Connor from ALS Tool Channel for a wide-ranging conversation about his career, his journey into social media, the trades industry, community, and the mindset behind building something that lasts.Alan shares his experiences of creating content around the tools and trade industry, discussing how an initial passion can develop into something much bigger. The conversation explores the importance of being authentic, finding your own voice, and creating content because you genuinely enjoy what you are doing rather than simply chasing views or followers.A major theme throughout the conversation is the power of community. Stephen, Keith and Alan discuss how shared interests can bring people together, create opportunities and build relationships that extend far beyond social media. They also look at how tradespeople and content creators can use their platforms to showcase their work, connect with others in the industry and leave something valuable behind for the next generation.The conversation also touches on professionalism and presentation, including how quality tools, equipment and workmanship can influence how customers perceive you and the level of trust they place in your business. Alan discusses the importance of taking pride in what you do and continually looking for ways to improve.Social media inevitably comes with negativity, criticism and people who don’t understand the work that goes on behind the scenes. Alan talks openly about dealing with that side of creating content and why resilience, staying focused and continuing to grow are essential when putting yourself out there.Ultimately, this is a conversation about much more than tools or social media. It is about having the confidence to pursue something you’re passionate about, putting in the work consistently, surrounding yourself with good people and creating something that can have a lasting impact. Alan’s journey provides plenty of insight for tradespeople, aspiring creators and anyone considering taking their own passion and turning it into something bigger.Check out Al on your favourite social media platform at ALS Tool ChannelPodcast Sponsor: Snickers Workwear Irelandwww.snickersworkwear.ieRecorded from: N2 Electrical Wholesalerswww.N2Electrical.ie

In this episode of Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast, we sit down with Dinny Collins for a wide-ranging conversation about resilience, reinvention, business, Bitcoin, fitness and life.Dinny takes us back to the motorbike accident that changed the direction of his life and the journey of rebuilding himself from that point. We talk about how fitness became a huge part of his life, the creation of Dinny Collins Fitness, helping thousands of people and what completing five full-distance Ironman events taught him about discipline and mindset.We then move into Dinny’s entrepreneurial journey and the transition into the world of Bitcoin. We explore what first attracted him to Bitcoin, how his understanding of money changed and why he became passionate about educating others.We also talk about his latest chapter with fasting, what led him there and what he has learned along the way.Throughout the conversation, one theme keeps coming back: doing the work.From rebuilding his health to building businesses, pushing his physical limits and continually reinventing himself, Dinny’s story is ultimately one of proof of work.Sponsored By Snickers Workwear IrelandRecorded from N2 Electrical Wholesalers Ashbourne

This week on The Stripped Back Podcast, we’re joined by Conor Foster, Managing Director of Clifden Recruitment, founder of Top Drawer Talent, and host of the 10Forty Podcast.After having us on the 10Forty Podcast in 2025, it was only right that we returned the favour and welcomed Conor into the studio to hear the story behind his own journey. From a short stint in plumbing to serving for a decade in the Irish Defence Forces, Conor opens up about the experiences that shaped him, the lessons he learned through military life, and how those experiences gave him the drive and resilience to build successful businesses in the recruitment industry.We also dive into the realities of transitioning from military service into civilian life, the challenges of entrepreneurship, what it takes to build a respected recruitment company, and the current state of the hiring market. Conor shares valuable insights into leadership, business growth, taking risks, and why putting yourself out there can completely change the direction of your career. We also chat about his own podcasting journey with the 10Forty Podcast, and how creating conversations has become another passion alongside running multiple successful businesses.Whether you’re in the trades, considering a career in the Defence Forces, thinking about starting your own business, or simply looking for inspiration to take that next step, this episode is packed with honest conversation, practical advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.A huge thank you to our sponsors, Snickers Workwear Ireland, for supporting this episode. Check out their latest range at www.snickersworkwear.ie.This episode was recorded from N2 Electrical, Ashbourne. Find out more at www.n2electrical.ie.If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave us a rating and review, and share it with your friends and colleagues. Your support helps us continue bringing you real conversations with inspiring people from across the trades, business, and beyond.