Under Construction with Chadwicks cover art

Under Construction with Chadwicks

Under Construction with Chadwicks

Written by: Under Construction with Chadwicks
Listen for free

About this listen

 Donncha O’Callaghan chats and has the craic with industry insiders, gets great tips on how to improve business and takes a peek behind the scenes at Chadwicks.Copyright Chadwicks 2021-2025. All rights reserved.
Episodes
  • S5Ep16: Life in the Trades with Shauna (The Tarmacing Mammy) Doyle & David (The Carpentry Kid) Swan

    S5Ep16: Life in the Trades with Shauna (The Tarmacing Mammy) Doyle & David (The Carpentry Kid) Swan
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha is joined by Shauna Doyle, better known as The Tarmacing Mammy, and David Swan, aka The Carpentry Kid. From career changes to apprenticeships, the conversation explores what it really takes to build a life in the trades today. Shauna shares her journey from working as a beauty therapist to becoming a tarmacker in her family-run business, Doyles Tarmacadam in Carlow — proving that it’s never too late to change direction and find a career that fits. She also speaks honestly about the realities of being a woman on site, the challenges she’s faced, and the pride that comes with doing hands-on work that makes a visible difference. David takes us back to the beginning of his carpentry journey — from starting out with a passion for the craft, to completing his apprenticeship through TUD, and becoming a qualified carpenter. Now specialising in everything from panelling and kitchen units to flooring, wardrobes, and door fittings, he explains how training, consistency, and confidence helped shape his career — and why the apprenticeship route is one of the strongest pathways into construction today. A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of apprenticeships and trade careers for the next generation. Shauna and David discuss the opportunities available right now in Ireland, why there still isn’t enough awareness around apprenticeships, and what they’d say to anyone who thinks they “wouldn’t be suited” to a trade. The episode also shines a light on the rise of the modern tradesperson online. With Shauna and David both building loyal followings by sharing their work on social media, they talk about how content creation has opened doors, created new opportunities, and helped inspire more people — especially young workers and women — to consider careers in construction. 🛠️ Honest, practical, and full of career-defining insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering the trades, already working in construction, or simply curious about what life on site is really like today. 🔗 Follow Chadwicks, Donncha, and the Guests 🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie 📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie 📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie 📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan 📲 Follow Shauna Doyle (The Tarmacing Mammy): @the_tarmacing_mammy 📲 Follow David Swan (The Carpentry Kid): @the_carpentry_kid 🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. #ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • S5Ep15: Behind the Music with Niall 'Bressie' Breslin

    S5Ep15: Behind the Music with Niall 'Bressie' Breslin
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha O’Callaghan sits down with one of Ireland’s most recognisable and thoughtful voices in music and mental health — Niall “Bressie” Breslin. From growing up in Mullingar, a town famous for producing musical icons, to fronting The Blizzards during the 2000s, Bressie reflects on the moments that shaped his creative journey. Before music took centre stage, Bressie was also a talented rugby player with Leinster, and he opens up about how the discipline, structure, and pressures of elite sport helped prepare him for the realities of the music industry. He also discusses how those early experiences continue to influence his mindset today — both creatively and personally. A central part of the conversation focuses on mental health advocacy. Bressie speaks candidly about his own struggles, the moment he decided to share his story publicly, and the response he’s seen — particularly from men across Ireland. He explores how conversations around emotional literacy are changing, what people tell him when he speaks around the country, and how communities and workplaces can better support mental wellbeing in everyday life. Beyond music and advocacy, Bressie shares insights into life away from the stage — from writing books and hosting podcasts to his love of DIY and hands-on creative projects, which he finds deeply therapeutic. He also talks about currently finishing up a PhD in Trinity College and how curiosity and learning continue to drive him forward. Follow Chadwicks, Donncha, and the Guest: 🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie 📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie 📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie 📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan 📲 Follow Niall “Bressie” Breslin: @bressie 🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. #ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast #NiallBreslin #Music #MentalHealth #DIY
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • S5Ep14: The Under Construction Christmas Special featuring Eric Roberts & Dustin the Turkey

    S5Ep14: The Under Construction Christmas Special featuring Eric Roberts & Dustin the Turkey
    Dec 17 2025
    In this Christmas Special of Under Construction with Chadwicks, host Donncha is joined by two very special guests Eric Roberts, content creator, TV presenter and proud Donegal native, and Dustin the Turkey, builder, broadcaster and Irish comedy legend. From building sites to social media feeds, this festive episode is packed with proper site banter, real talk, and plenty of laughs. Dustin shares his take on DIYers, apprentices, and the realities of modern regulations, while Eric opens up about his own self-build journey in Donegal, juggling planning permission, insulation choices, and learning the ropes along the way. The conversation moves from bricks and mortar to Donegal versus Dublin, as they explore the rural–city divide, what “home” really means, and where’s best to raise a family. Eric reflects on how Donegal’s rugged landscape and strong sense of place have shaped both his humour and his online success, while Dustin weighs in on whether the Dubs really get everything handed to them. Social media takes centre stage too, with Eric discussing his journey from SNA to one of Ireland’s most recognisable online creators, the pressure of feeding the algorithm, and how content creation is shaping how we all use social platforms today. And of course, being a Christmas Special, no chat with Dustin would be complete without a festive detour — turkeys at Christmas, changing traditions, charity campaigns, and whether another seasonal hit could ever be on the cards. 🎤 Honest, funny, and full of character, this episode is about building a life, staying grounded, and finding humour wherever you are — whether that’s on a building site, online, or gathered around the Christmas table. 🔗 Follow Chadwicks, Donncha & the Guests 🔗 Chadwicks Website: www.chadwicks.ie 📲 Follow Chadwicks on Instagram: @chadwicks_ie 📲 Follow Chadwicks on TikTok: @chadwicksie 📲 Follow Donncha O’Callaghan: @donnchaocallaghan 📲 Follow Eric Roberts: @ericroberts 📲 Follow Dustin: (If he ever joins social media…) 🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. #ChadwicksPodcast #UnderConstructionPodcast #ChristmasSpecial #IrishChristmas #BuildingLife #Donegal #IrishHumour #SiteBanter
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
No reviews yet