Show Notes
Former Dublin All Ireland winning manager and player gives us a fascinating insight into his approach to man management in both sport & business.
We chat about his career as a player winning an All Ireland title with Dublin in 1995 and an All Ireland club title with St Vincents in 2008. How he was then offered the Dublin managers job only a few months after hanging up his playing boots and the reasons why he took on the challenge.
Pat goes into great detail about how he reacted to suffering a humbling defeat to Kerry in the quarter final in his first year in charge. Working with a mindset coach and setting out certain KPI’s for the team to focus on for the following year.
He chats openly about how he had to adjust his own management style in order to get the best out of the players and to ensure they bought into his new approach. Which ultimately led to a famous All Ireland Championship win against old foes Kerry in 2011.
We also chat about his year as manager with the Dublin hurlers in 2017 and his more recent role as Mayor Uisce with the Dublin footballers in 2023 (and why he was really there).
If you have interest in sport, performance psychology and/or leadership in business, this episode is packed with nuggets you can take into your own career or coaching role.
More from Bulletproof Dad
In this powerful episode, Dr Brian Pennie shares his extraordinary journey from a 15-year heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist, author, and one of Ireland’s leading voices on resilience, mental health, and human performance. Brian opens up about the realities of addiction and how, for years, he believed drugs were the problem. It was only through deep self-exploration that he discovered anxiety was the driving force behind his addiction. Together, we explore how unresolved childhood trauma shaped his relationship with anxiety and ultimately fuelled years of substance abuse. Brian explains why awareness is the critical first step in recovery and how understanding the root cause of destructive behaviours can create lasting change. He shares powerful insights into overcoming adversity, rebuilding identity, and why even the most severe addictions can be overcome when we learn to address what lies beneath the surface. We also discuss the work Brian does with organisations and leadership teams, helping individuals perform at a higher level by developing self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to thrive under pressure. This is an inspiring conversation about recovery, growth, and the incredible potential for transformation that exists within all of us.
Bernard Jackman joins the podcast to share a fascinating journey from elite rugby to high-performance leadership in business. The former Bernard Jackman reflects on the lessons learned throughout a career that took him from Connacht and Leinster to the Sale Sharks and the Irish national team.
In this episode, Mik Pyro—frontman of Republic of Loose—opens up in a raw and honest conversation about life in music and beyond. From his early days influenced by hip hop and rock to becoming the voice of one of Ireland’s most beloved cult bands, Mik shares how Republic of Loose came together and the whirlwind journey that followed. He reflects on the highs of fame, the pressures that came with success, and the personal challenges behind the scenes. Mik speaks candidly about his ongoing battle with alcohol addiction, offering insight into recovery and the work it takes to stay on track. The conversation also explores his evolving solo career, creative direction, and what drives him today. And of course, we touch on the question fans keep asking—could there be a Republic of Loose reunion on the horizon? An honest, reflective, and deeply human chat with one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices.
In this episode, Morgan and Gary from Training 121 share the inspiring story of how they turned their passion for football into one of Ireland’s most respected coaching businesses. Starting from humble beginnings, the two founders explain how their love for the game and dedication to player development helped them build a coaching program that is now in high demand across Ireland. Through hard work, consistency, and a clear vision, they have grown Training 121 into a trusted name for players looking to improve their skills and performance.
In this episode, I sit down with registered nutritionist Aileen Cox Blundell to talk all things nutrition for babies, children, and busy parents trying to juggle it all.We dive into practical, real-life strategies for feeding little ones, cutting through the noise of conflicting advice, and building healthy habits that work in the real world — not just on Instagram. Aileen shares simple, evidence-based guidance to help parents feel more confident around mealtimes, whether you’re starting solids, dealing with picky eating, or just trying to get something nutritious on the table after a long day.We also discuss her #1 bestselling book 'Baby Led Feeding' — how it came to life, what inspired her to create it, and why it resonated so strongly with parents. Aileen explains how the book empowers families to introduce solids safely and confidently, while reducing stress and creating positive mealtime experiences from the very start.This conversation is packed with reassurance, practical tips, and expert insight for any parent who wants to feel more confident about feeding their family.