S9 E10 - With Frontline Paramedic John Gaughan

S9 E10 - With Frontline Paramedic John Gaughan

From Insight: The Stripped Back Podcast by Stephen Buckley & Keith Delahan

May 17, 2026 · 1h 12m · Season 9 · Episode 10

About this episode

John Gaughan shares his experiences as a frontline paramedic, discussing the mental toll of trauma and the pressures faced by men in modern life.

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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Stephen Buckley, Keith Delahan

Guest: John Gaughan

Topics covered

  • mental health
  • emergency services
  • paramedics
  • trauma
  • men's issues
  • healthcare system
  • suicidal thoughts

Keywords

  • paramedic
  • mental health
  • trauma
  • emergency services
  • Ireland
  • suicide prevention
  • men's mental health

Sponsors

Snickers Workwear Ireland

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hager Ireland, N2 Electrical Wholesalers Ashbourne

Places: Ireland

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