Unbound | Conversations Without Limits
Episodes
Unbound Tool #17 Harvest your learnings from last year with Rupal Patel
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rupal Patel, a former CIA intelligence analyst, has developed an annual tradition called the "Capture Your Year" exercise. This method helps to recogn...
Business Series Ep 6: Ann Kelleher | The Emotional Bank Account & The Road Less Travelled
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With decades of leadership in technology and innovation, Ann Kelleher shares practical strategies for navigating challenging environments, leveraging ...
Business Series Ep 5: John Gilley | Building Cultures Where People and Performance Thrive
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen McDonnell sits down with John Gilley, CEO of Kent, for a raw and inspiring look at leadership and building a culture that scales. From his roo...
Business Series Ep 4: Noella Gabriel | Uncompromising Standards with Instinct, Creativity and Heart
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Noella Gabriel, co-founder and Global President of ELEMIS, shares how vision and resilience built a world-leading skincare brand. From West Cork to th...
Business Series Ep 3: Tommy Kelly | Values-Based Leadership, Global Impact & Building Businesses That Endure
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Renowned entrepreneur and business leader Tommy Kelly shares how he built a billion-dollar company, created high-performance cultures and led change.F...
Business Series Ep 2: Lorna Conn | Values-Driven Leadership in a Changing World
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As CEO of one of Ireland’s biggest private employers, Cpl, Lorna Conn takes us inside her journey, from early ambitions and formative experiences to...
Business Series Ep 1: Dave Kirwan | Leadership That Unites Performance and Humanity
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With over 30 years of navigating the toughest energy transitions, Dave Kirwan has seen what leadership really takes. In this episode, he strips back t...
#48: Rita McGrath | Seeing Around Corners: Leading Through Uncertainty
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rita McGrath, top global transformation strategist, shares how to spot inflection points, manage risk and futureproof your business in disruption.She ...
Unbound Tool #16: The Deeper Meaning Behind the All Blacks Haka with Kieran Read
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rituals rooted in culture unite and empower teams at every level. For fans fascinated by the haka, Kieran Read, a former Crusaders and All Blacks capt...
#47: Andrea Garfield | From Burnout to Regenerative Leadership
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Executive coach Andrea Garfield shows how leaders unlock resilience and impact by addressing root causes, not quick fixes.A pioneer in integral coachi...
Unbound Tool #15: The Observer Mind with William Trubridge
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In freediving, anxiety can be the difference between breakthrough and blackout. As a 7x World Champion freediver, William Trubridge learnt how to trai...
#46: Matthias Herter | Loss, Leadership, and the Art of Crisis Negotiation
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With over two decades of negotiation experience, including multinational hostage crises and police operations, Matthias Herter shares the power of com...
Unbound Tool #14: Winning with Mindset, Not Just Skill with Niall Horgan
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Gym+Coffee CEO Niall Horgan sits down with Stephen McDonnell to explore the growing importance of mental toughness in sports. Niall shares his ...
#45: Michael Watkins | Navigating Leadership and Identity in a Disrupted World
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
IMD Professor and author of The First 90 Days, Michael Watkins, joins the show to break down what most leaders get wrong during transitions and how to...
Unbound Tool #13: The Person Effect – Leading Through Connection, Not Control with George Kohlrieser
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hostage negotiator, clinical psychologist, and leadership expert, George Kohlrieser, explains the ‘Person Effect’, the emotional impact we have on...
#44: All-Ireland Preview | Tipp, Cork, and the Final Showdown
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Unbound, hurling champions Noel Conners (former Waterford captain) and John “Bubbles” O’Dwyer (Tipperary All-Star) jo...
#43: Eline Meijer | How to Lead With What Makes You Strong
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strengths-based leadership specialist Eline Meijer unpacks how to move beyond "weakness fixing" and use your strengths for ultimate growth.Eline draws...
Unbound Tool #12 How to Show Up When You Don't Feel Like It with Eímear Noone
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you push through your toughest days when the pressure is on and it feels like everything is going wrong? Eímear Noone, Irish composer and cond...
#42: Alex Hutchinson | Seeking the Unknown
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Science journalist Alex Hutchinson explores risk, reinvention, and what drives us to seek the unknown – in sport, life, and beyond.With a rare mix o...
Unbound Tool #11 Fighting Disease Through Visualisation with Patrick Sweeney
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Unbound Tool, best-selling author and entrepreneur Patrick Sweeney shares his journey of battling a rare form of leukaemia, using mental perfo...
#41: Karen Eber | How to Influence & Inspire Through Storytelling
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen Eber breaks down the science of storytelling and why it’s the secret weapon for influence, connection, and driving real change.Karen shares ho...
Unbound Tool #10 The Mental Cost of Constant Virtual Connectivity with Sarah McKay
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when technology takes the place of real-world interactions? In this Unbound Tool, Sarah McKay reveals the impact of digital life on our w...
Unbound Tool #9 How to Create and Maintain Powerful Connections with Jordan Harbinger
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could build a network based on trust and mutual respect, without ever asking for anything in return? Jordan Harbinger breaks down the art ...
#40: Robin Dunbar | The Science of Human Connection and Evolution
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robin Dunbar, a renowned anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist, delves into human connection and the evolution of social structures. He is wide...
Unbound Tool #8 123 Days Alone: Finding Joy in the Struggle
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Unbound Tool, we explore the profound power of inner dialogue and how it shapes our mental and emotional well-being. Woniya Thibeault shares h...
#39: Marc Brackett | Harnessing Emotional Intelligence in Life and Leadership
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marc Brackett discusses the impact of negativity bias, extroversion vs. introversion, and the key role of emotional intelligence in leadership. He div...
Unbound Tool #7 Mastering the “Five Mountains” in 2025 with Mark Divine
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Divine, former Navy SEAL commander, reveals how mastering physical, mental, emotional, intuitional, and spiritual aspects, which make up the "Fiv...
Unbound Tool #6 Harvest your learnings from 2024 with Rupal Patel
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rupal Patel, a former CIA intelligence analyst, has developed an annual tradition called the "Capture Your Year" exercise. This method helps to recogn...
#38: Dr. Alia Bojilova | Increase your Resilience with former SAS Psychologist
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Alia Bojilova, former special forces psychologist and resilience expert, unpacks human behaviour and psychological resilience. Discover how D...
Unbound Tool #5 Rebuilding from Rock Bottom with Megan Henry
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Megan Henry is a lifelong athlete playing two Division 1 sports, field hockey and track, who faced an unexpected health crisis that abruptly ended her...
#37: Dr. Sarah Sarkis | Curiosity as a Catalyst for Growth
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sarah Sarkis, a clinical psychologist and high-performance coach, dives into her journey of relentless curiosity and its transformative power.In t...
Unbound Tool #4 Overcoming Fear with Damian Browne
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In facing immense challenges, Damian Browne teaches us to be aware of ourselves and get out of the victim mentality. Tune into this week’s Unbound T...
#36: Chris Voss | Good Things Happen When You Run To Trouble
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, unpacks high-stakes hostage negotiations and effective communication strategies in life and leadership.Ch...
Unbound Tool #3 Design Conditions that Drive Team Performance with Ruth Wageman
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ruth Wageman is among the foremost scholars and practitioners studying and working with teams, especially leadership teams. In this clip, we share the...
#35: Tim Fletcher | Redefining Connection, Trauma and Healing
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A pioneer in the addictions and mental health treatment profession, Tim Fletcher delves into the journey of trauma, healing and self-discovery.We'll u...
Unbound Tool #2 Lessons from a CIA Agent: The Best Way to Lead with Rupal Patel
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a CIA officer, Rupal's job was to analyse intelligence and brief high-level officials, from Presidents to generals. It taught her the power of comm...
Unbound Tool #1 Your Toolkit for Psychological Safety
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In these minisodes, I pick key tools from previous episodes. This clip comes from episode 33 with Dr David Burkus, author and renowned organisational ...
#34: Amy Edmondson | Creating High-Performance Cultures
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Expert leadership scholar Amy Edmondson unpacks psychological safety, the need for belonging, and overcoming imposter syndrome in teams.In this episod...
#33: Dr David Burkus | How to Build a High-Performing Team
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Renowned organisational psychologist Dr David Burkus unpacks how to enhance team performance and create meaningful work environments.Tune in as David ...
#32: Nuala Walsh | How to Make World Class Decisions
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a fast-paced, noisy, and overloaded world, Behavioral Scientist Nuala Walsh explains why we tune out what matters and how we can "tune in" and leve...
#31: George Kohlrieser | Applying hostage negotiation tactics in leadership
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hostage negotiator, clinical psychologist, and leadership expert George Kohlrieser has an unconventional approach to developing high-performing leader...
#30: Whitney Johnson | Disrupt Yourself
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if achieving mastery was simply a matter of navigating the predictable stages of growth mapped by the S-curve model? Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disr...
#29: Brian Pennie | Overcoming Trauma, Breaking Barriers and Living Good
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a near-death experience, Brian Pennie a former heroin addict for 15 years made a decision that transformed his entire existence.Brian went from ...
#28: Eímear Noone | Irish Culture, Mindset & Breaking Barriers
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eímear Noone, an Irish composer and conductor, made history in 2020 by becoming the first woman to conduct at the Oscars.Eímear offers insights into...
#27: Sarah McKay | Neuroscience, Managing Tech Consumption & Digital Overload
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Neuroscientist and science communicator Sarah McKay examines the impact of digital overload on mental health. Our evolutionary history has not prepare...
#26: Dan “Nitro” Clark | Trauma, Focus & Trusting the Process
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When former American Gladiator Dan "Nitro" Clark suffered a heart attack, it forced him to confront his reality.For decades, Dan had buried the trauma...
#25: Pete Paciorek | Leveraging the Four Pillars of Character for Success
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pete Paciorek, also known as Dr. "Coach Pete" is the Head of Leadership & Character Development at the prestigious IMG Academy. He believes leader...
#24: Gerry Hussey | Choose your Hard
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Content warning: this episode covers the topic of suicide and depression. If you need resources or support, talk to your GP or a relevant health pract...
#23: Chris Johnson | The Neuroscience Behind Your Limitations
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how elite performers think and operate, drawing on over a decade of working with US Army Special Operations and top sports teams.Chris Johnson i...
#22: Andy Walshe | Exploring the Edges of Human Potential
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Step into the explorer mindset and go to the edges of human potential with Andy Walshe, a globally recognised leader in elite human performance.As ...
#21: Gerd Leonhard | Humans, Artificial Intelligence & The Future
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Often, we think the future is far away, but leading futurist and humanist Gerd Leonhard says the future is already here, and it’s better than we thi...
#20: Kieran Read | Life Lessons from the legendary former All Blacks captain
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kieran Read, a former Crusaders and All Blacks captain, applies lessons from rugby to leadership coaching.Kieran's journey began at a small Auckland s...
#19: William Trubridge | A deep dive into extreme high performance
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
William Trubridge, a 7x World Champion freediver who holds 18 world records, takes us on a journey into the world of freediving. Renowned for his grou...
#18: Owen Eastwood | Belonging and Building the Optimal High Performance Environment
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Performance Coach Owen Eastwood known for his exceptional work with high performing organisations, including the England football team and the British...
#17: Eric Larsen | Pushing Personal Limits
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Larsen is the first and only person to go to the South Pole, North Pole and the top of Everest in one year. As a polar explorer, Eric percei...
#16: Jef van den Hout | Maximising Team Performance Through Flow
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to keep a team in a constant state of flow? Jef van den Hout, Founder of Flow Concepts® Group, Team Flow Researcher and Positive Or...
#15: Brian Ferguson | Doing Hard Things in Life
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Ferguson, the Founder and CEO of Arena Labs and Partner + Co-Founder of Liminal Collective is pioneering the field of High Performance Medicine ...
#14: Krishna Thapa | Integrating Ancient Wisdom & Philosophy into Modern Life
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
World-leading high-altitude mountaineer & ex-SAS Leader, Krishna Thapa reveals how he applies Buddhism and Eastern philosophy to excel in leadersh...
#13: Woniya Thibeault | Lessons from the edge of life
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the first female contestant to win Alone, an extreme wilderness survival experience, Woniya Thibeault shares her story of pushing beyond perceived ...
#12: Megan Henry | The Power of the Mind
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former USA #1 and soldier Megan Henry details the strategies and tactics on how she overcame a life-threatening diagnosis to make it back to perform o...
#11: Billy Hedderman | The ‘Never Give Up Guy’
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former Irish and Australian Army officer, Billy Hedderman delves into the elite world of special forces that demands excellence and unwavering focus w...
#10: Niall Horgan | Embracing the Unknown
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
GYM+Coffee CEO opens up about leaving the world of sports, stepping out of his comfort zone and into the unknown. Niall Horgan reveals the pivotal mom...
#09: Patrick Sweeney | Living With No Limits
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When Patrick Sweeney, received a call from his coach announcing that he would row in the World Cup, it should have been one of the happiest days of hi...
#08: Dr. Brent Hogarth | Mastering Flow State for Peak Performance
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do we focus and engage in the present moment during times of rapid change? Dr. Brent Hogarth, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Executive Flow Co...
#07: Stephen McDonnell | How to win with a champion’s mindset
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is from Neville O’Donoghue’s BenchCast podcast, where I reflect on my time as a former Cork Hurling Captain and what we can lear...
#06: Ruth Wageman PhD | Creating, Coaching and Leading World Class Teams
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ruth Wageman is among the foremost scholars and practitioners studying and working with teams, especially leadership teams. The core of Ruth's researc...
#05: Jordan Harbinger | Using Psychological Tactics to Win in Life
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jordan Harbinger, once referred to as “The Larry King of podcasting,” is a Wall Street lawyer turned interview talk-show host, and a communication...
#04: Dan Doty | Building Open-hearted Connections
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Doty is a father, writer, wilderness guide, somatic meditation teacher, and is a global leader of the current men's movement.We talk a...
#03: Mark Divine | Feeding the Courage Wolf
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Divine is a former Navy SEAL Commander and honour man, entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, and one of the world’s...
#02: Rupal Patel | The CIA Toolkit for Life
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The intelligence analyst turned entrepreneur founder Rupal Patel joins the show today to share how she made the transition from CIA to CEO. She is the...
#01: Damian Browne | Listening to your Inner Compass
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For 25 years, today’s guest Damian Browne has pursued his human potential, relentlessly pushing his physical, mental and emotional state to their pe...