#71 Heather Rowland: Do the right thing

What happens when you strip away the politics and get to the real person behind the title? In this episode, I sat down with Minister Neale Richmond - and what I got was raw, honest and genuinely unexpected. We talked about losing both his parents young, and how that shaped everything - his priorities, his parenting, his friendships. He opened up about the moments he nearly walked away from politics, why he thinks it's one of the most selfish professions in the world, and why after 17 years he's finally found his dream job. We went deep on male friendships, being a present dad, and how being direct can be both your greatest strength and your biggest flaw. And he gave one story about a 19 year old girl in Uganda that will genuinely stop you in your tracks. This is the episode where the politician leaves the room - and the real Neale Richmond shows up. Go and listen - I promise it's worth your time.

What happens when life takes everything from you… not once, but twice? My guest today is Mark Pollock, blind adventurer, South Pole explorer, and man on a mission to cure paralysis. In this episode, Mark opens up about the moment he lost his sight at 22, how he rebuilt his identity from scratch, and then how falling from a second story window a month before his wedding left him paralysed. But here's what's remarkable, instead of giving up, he used every challenge as a launchpad for something even bigger. We talk about the difference between optimism and realism, why having something EPIC to pursue is the key to surviving your darkest moments, and how Mark and his team are now on the edge of curing paralysis forever. If you've ever felt like life has dealt you an unfair hand, or you're wondering how to take that next step forward this episode will change the way you think. Mark Pollock. What Makes You Tick. Available now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and follow.

Ever wondered how growing up in Ballymun shapes a person’s drive and outlook on life? In this episode of "What Makes You Tick," I sit down with Jason Delaney—auctioneer, community leader, and all-around force of nature. Jason opens up about his journey from a childhood in Ballymun’s flats, learning life’s toughest lessons early, to becoming a leader in both business and grassroots sport. We talk about real community, resilience in the face of tragedy, and what it really means to step up for your family and your dreams. If you want to hear raw honesty, powerful stories, and practical advice on making the most of your circumstances—this is an episode you can’t miss. Press play for inspiration, life lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Jason—and his community—tick. https://www.wilsonsauctions.com

In this episode of "What Makes You Tick," host Stephen interviews Rena Maycock, founder of Chirp, a tech company dedicated to protecting children from online dangers like cyberbullying and grooming. Rena shares her journey from media sales to tech entrepreneurship, the challenges of building kernel-level parental controls, and the ethical considerations behind Chirp’s privacy-by-design approach. She discusses assembling a mission-driven team, navigating funding hurdles, and her personal growth as a founder. The episode highlights Rena’s resilience, Chirp’s innovative technology, and her belief that “there’s always a way” to overcome obstacles and create positive change. Learn More and Get Involved - Chirp: https://chirpfamily.com - Contact Rena directly by email at [email protected] - To invest in or support Chirp, visit here link