S8 E9 - With Architectural Salvage Business Owner Harry Maharaj

In Part 1 of this episode of The Stripped Back Podcast, Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan sit down with Chris McCarthy from CMAC Electrical for a brutally honest conversation about the realities of running an electrical contracting business in Ireland. Chris is known for speaking his mind, and this conversation doesn’t disappoint. From the pressure of going out on your own to the reality of rising material costs, underpricing jobs and the growing influence of social media, we get into the conversations the industry needs to have. Chris opens up about the early days of building his business, the moment he realised that having plenty of work didn’t necessarily mean making money, and how understanding your numbers completely changed the way he operates. We also get into the problems with unrealistic pricing expectations, contractors undercutting each other, workmanship standards and the role of QSs and PC sums in creating difficulties for electrical contractors. But it’s not all about business. We discuss the next generation of electricians, motivating apprentices, the challenges young people face today, and whether the industry is doing enough to prepare tradespeople for life beyond their apprenticeship. In this episode, we discuss: ​The reality of going out on your own – Why a full diary, a fleet of vans and a busy team don’t automatically equal a successful business. ​Social media versus real life – The dangers of selling the dream of self-employment without showing the hard work, risks and financial realities behind it. ​Knowing your numbers – Why understanding your break-even point, hourly rate, overheads and job costs is essential. ​Working for nothing – The consequences of underpricing work and accepting jobs that leave you with little or no profit. ​The race to the bottom – How undercutting, cutting corners and inconsistent workmanship standards affect the trade. ​QSs, PC sums and unrealistic budgets – The frustration of being expected to deliver quality electrical installations against figures that don’t reflect the actual costs. ​Rising costs and the construction industry – The impact of materials, diesel and overheads on electrical contractors. ​Business education for electricians – Why financial and business management skills should be a bigger part of the journey from apprentice to contractor. ​Mental health and asking for help – The pressure of running a business and why tradespeople need to be more open about their struggles. ​The next generation – Motivating apprentices, the challenges facing young people and the importance of practical learning. ​Career progression and partnerships – Why supporting ambitious electricians to grow within a business could benefit both employers and employees. This is an honest look at the challenges facing electrical contractors today, with plenty of food for thought for anyone considering self-employment or already trying to make a business work. If you’re an electrician, an apprentice, a contractor or someone working in the wider construction industry, this is a conversation worth hearing. Listen to Part 1 now, and let us know your thoughts. Sponsored by Snickers Workwear www.snickersworkwear.ie Recorded from N2 Electrical Wholesalers www.n2electrical.ie

In this episode of The Stripped Back Podcast, Stephen and Keith sit down with Actor, Producer and Promotor, Pól Seoige for an honest conversation about life, career changes, and what happens when the future you had planned suddenly disappears.

A new season. A new theme tune. A new lineup of guests. And some conversations that go deeper than ever before.

Episode Revisit - Between Season 10 and Season 11, we’re going back to one of the conversations that has stayed with us. This time, we’re bringing back our conversation with internationally renowned trance DJ Paul Webster, with enhanced audio and visuals giving the episode a fresh new feel. Paul’s story is one of ambition, music, family, career changes and staying true to yourself. Growing up in Balbriggan, Paul’s love for dance music started at a young age, eventually taking him from bedroom decks and pirate radio to producing music, playing alongside some of the biggest names in electronic music and performing on some of the world’s biggest stages. In this conversation, Paul opens up about the moments that changed his career, including the role Judge Jules played in his journey, his breakthrough in trance music, and the incredible experience of playing after Tiësto at Privilege in Ibiza. But there’s much more to Paul's story than music. We talk about Ibiza, the evolution of trance and Irish club culture, producing music, working independently without management, and the realities of balancing a career in music with family life. Paul also talks about stepping away from the traditional path of a touring DJ, his career and his unexpected journey into dentistry, proving that careers rarely follow a straight line. We revisit the story behind some of Paul's biggest productions, including his work surrounding “Rest of Our Lives”, and the journey that saw the track become one of the biggest releases of his career. This is a conversation about chasing a dream, adapting when life changes, and understanding what really matters when the lights go down and the music stops. So, before we open the door to Season 11, sit back and revisit the story of Paul Webster. Enhanced audio. Enhanced visuals. Same conversation. A fresh way to experience it.

10 Seasons. Still Showing Up. Ten seasons in… and somehow, we’re still here. In this special solo episode, Stephen takes a step back from the usual guest conversations to reflect on Season 10 and everything that has happened behind the scenes to keep The Stripped Back Podcast on the road. 2026 has been one hell of a year. With Keith’s business, Energise Electrical, getting busier month by month, Stephen balancing life as a husband and dad of three, and taking on a promotion within Mitie that completely changed the structure of his working week, finding the time to keep the podcast moving hasn’t always been easy. But that’s the thing about life. You don’t always get more time. Sometimes you just have to find a way. Stephen talks about getting older, taking opportunities when they come along, balancing family and career with something you’re passionate about, and the importance of having the support of the people closest to you. He also reflects on just how far The Stripped Back Podcast has come since two tradesmen from Balbriggan decided to give an idea a shot back in 2024. Ten seasons later, the microphones are still on. And we’re not finished yet.