• #61 David Kearney: Wherever you go, there you are
    May 11 2025

    In this episode of "What Makes You Tick," host Stephen engages in a deep and insightful conversation with David Kearney, a former high-performance director for ladies' golf in Ireland and co-founder of Sigmoid Sports. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of mental resilience in sports, the challenges of promoting golf among women, and the significance of creating a welcoming environment for newcomers to the game.

    David shares his journey in golf, from his early experiences to his current role in coaching and mentoring athletes. He emphasizes the need for a supportive community in sports, particularly for women, and discusses the unique challenges they face in a traditionally male-dominated environment. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of coaching, the importance of self-talk, and the value of being present in the moment.

    Listeners will gain insights into the dynamics of coaching, the role of parents in a young athlete's journey, and the significance of fostering a love for the game rather than focusing solely on competition. David's passion for golf and his commitment to making the sport accessible to everyone shine through in this engaging episode.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • The role of psychology in sports and coaching

    • The importance of community and support in golf

    • Strategies for encouraging female participation in sports

    • The significance of self-talk and mental resilience

    • David's experiences and lessons learned throughout his career

    Links and Resources:

    • Sigmoid Sports Website

    • What Makes You Tick Podcast

    For more information and to access the full show notes, visit this link.

    Join Stephen and David for an inspiring conversation that highlights the transformative power of sports and the importance of community in fostering growth and resilience.

    This episode is sponsored by Wilsons Auctions, the largest independent auction company in Ireland and the UK. Wilsons Auctions are celebrating 25 years in Dublin - check out wilsonsauctions.com for more

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • #60 Alicia and Corey Claytor: Don't ever quit, keep going
    Apr 21 2025

    In this inspiring episode of "What Makes You Tick," I sit down with Corey and Alicia, a couple whose love story has weathered incredible challenges. After a devastating motorcycle accident left Corey with severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, their journey of recovery became a testament to resilience and unwavering support.

    Join us as they share their heartfelt story of love, determination, and the power of community. You'll hear about the pivotal moments in their recovery, the importance of mental strength, and how they found hope amidst adversity.

    Whether you're facing your own challenges or simply seeking inspiration, this episode will remind you that no matter how tough life gets, there's always a reason to keep going. Tune in to discover how love can truly conquer all! 💪❤️

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • #59 Jacque Almeida: Jiu-Jitsu saved me
    Mar 25 2025

    In this engaging episode of "What Makes You Tick," host Stephen welcomes Jacque Almeida, one of Ireland's top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. The conversation dives deep into Jacque's journey, from her challenging childhood in Brazil to her rise as a respected athlete and coach.


    Jacque shares her inspiring story of resilience, detailing her early struggles with family dynamics and self-worth, which shaped her into the strong woman she is today. The discussion highlights the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, not just as a sport but as a means of personal empowerment and self-discovery.

    Jacque emphasises the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and the role of faith in her life, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys and challenges.

    The introduction of "Her Space," a program designed to empower women through martial arts and self-awareness, showcases the positive impact Jacque is making in her community.


    Jacque reflects on the difficulties she faced growing up, including the influence of her father's alcoholism and the challenges of navigating relationships with men, which initially led to a lack of self-esteem. The conversation touches on the struggles of mental health and the importance of therapy, illustrating that even strong individuals face vulnerabilities.


    Follow Jacque Almeida on Instagram at @ja.jaquealmeida and on TikTok for more insights into her journey and the empowering work she does with women in martial arts.


    Let me know what you thought of our discussion by leaving a comment.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • #58 Jacqui Hurley: Living in the moment
    Feb 17 2025

    In this episode of "What Makes You Tick," host Stephen sits down with renowned sports broadcaster Jacqui Hurley. The conversation delves into Jacqui's journey from being an athlete to becoming a prominent voice in sports media, highlighting her experiences in various sports, her groundbreaking role as the first female broadcaster in the GAA on the Sunday Game, and her passion for promoting inclusivity in sports.


    Jacqui's relaxed and jovial demeanour is backed by an unquestionable work ethic and a natural grá for life and her job.


    Check out the full episode and subscribe to the pod to stay up to date.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • #57 David Gillick: Don't stress over the small things
    Feb 2 2025

    In this engaging episode of "What Makes You Tick," host Stephen welcomes David Gillick, a celebrated Irish athlete, European gold medalist, and mental health advocate. The conversation delves into David's journey from a promising athletic career to navigating the challenges of retirement and mental health.


    David reflects on his successful athletic career, including his European gold medal win in 2005, which marked a significant achievement in his life.

    He shares the exhilarating experience of competing at the World Juniors in Jamaica, where he witnessed Usain Bolt's rise to fame.

    The discussion highlights David's transition into a sports pundit, where he uses his experiences to empathize with athletes and provide insightful commentary during major events like the Olympics.


    David candidly discusses the struggles he faced after retiring from athletics, including feelings of loss, identity crisis, and mental health challenges.

    He recounts the emotional turmoil of dealing with panic attacks and the pressure to succeed in a new career, which led to a period of discomfort and isolation.

    The episode touches on the importance of seeking help and the long journey of healing that David undertook, emphasising the value of vulnerability and open communication.


    Listeners are encouraged to follow Stephen on Instagram and TikTok for more inspiring conversations and insights into the lives of remarkable individuals like David Gillick. Join the community and stay connected for future episodes!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • #56 Yvonne Tchrakian Dream big & be delusional
    Feb 2 2025

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Yvonne Tchrackian on "What Makes You Tick."

    In this episode, Yvonne shares her journey and the seven steps to manifesting your dreams. Learn how to gain clarity, visualize your goals, and cultivate gratitude to transform your mindset.Don't miss out on this empowering discussion that could change the way you approach your life!👉 Listen now and visit http://whatmakesyoutick.net for more resources!#WhatMakesYouTick #Manifestation #Mindset #Podcast

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • #55 Kim Skildum-Reid: For the love of sponsorship
    Feb 2 2025

    In this warm and engaging podcast episode, Stephen converses with Kim Skildum-Reid, a renowned sponsorship expert. They delve into the evolving sponsorship landscape, especially post-pandemic, highlighting strategies for engaging remote fans and adapting to changing consumer expectations.

    Kim shares her approach to inclusive strategy development, emphasizing stakeholder involvement and education. They discuss the influx of Middle Eastern investment in sports, the balance between technology and human connection, and the importance of originality in content creation.

    Kim offers insightful advice for newcomers in sponsorship, stressing the need for creativity, proper measurement, and aligning sponsorship with overall business objectives.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • #54 Conor Niland: Get Better Everyday
    Feb 2 2025
    A fantastic tale of highs and many many lows a career in tennis can offer you, if you don't happen to be part of the 1% of talented players. Conor Niland is Ireland's greatest tennis player who shared courts with Djokovic, Federrer, Murray, Roddick and trained with the Venus and Serena Williams. Conor shares his tales of a career that went unnoticed to those outside of the tennis world, but where he was seen as an inspiration within the tennis community. Conor is a laid back, warm and entertaining guy, with a fantastic command of words. His book The Racket: On Tour with Tennis's Golden Generation - and the other 99% is a superb book which transports the reader into the key moments that shaped Conor's life. Get The Racket: On Tour with Tennis's Golden Generation - and the other 99% here https://www.bookstation.ie

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins