Are you well?: Recent Episodes
Pauric Grimes
Join Pauric and Niall as they tackle a topic they've encountered on the gym floor each week as well as firing a proper head scratcher at each other each week!
Hollywood returns with his held head high after a triumphant return to the ring, the lads chat on how a winning mentality can be applied across the board before quickly dismissing fad diets and much more!
Niall's a year older, he's eating lettuce in his sandwiches and he's got a big fight coming up at the weekend so...it was nice knowing him.
The lads chat summer plans, documentaries and the importance of checking in with your mates.
This week the lads are joined by Rillion Graice Omagh head coach, William Timoney. William is a decorated black belt in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and he gives the boys an insight into why he thinks everyone should give it a go and why it could be exactly the thing you're life is currently missing!
The lads interview each other with a few questions they'd like you to give your answers for too!
As the lads enter their second century of episodes they chat their way through a twitter thread that caught their eye!
Plus a special guest cameo!
Hey ma, we've made it. 100 episodes and you're getting exactly what you'd expect when you plug those ear buds in - Strong if not random chat from Pauric and Niall.
Plus an AI soundtrack that will...definitely do something for you.
Niall went full out Easter, we tackle holidays and give everyone their weekly dose of nonsense. Two episodes to go til we reach the magic 100 mark. Will we make it?
Niall shares a proud dad moment, the lads chat about why everyone should be doing Come Dine with Me and they reflect on why it's no craic not exercising and being grumpy.
In Niall's absence, Pauric speaks to Gerard Doyle, an addiction counsellor, about the topic of addiction.
An incredibly worthwhile listen. If you took something away from it I'd encourage you to share this episode.
Thanks.
Niall isn't a fan of the Oscar's but he is a fan of everyone realising they've only one body and should get that thing healthy as it can possibly be!
Niall talks us through his trip to London, how Stick to Football is the best podcast in the land and where the word Diddy comes from.
The lads reminisce about songs they sang back in the day and how the shoe is now on the other foot as it's their kids singing dodgy lyrics and not them!
If it's good enough for Stephen Nolan to chat about for three days straight then it's good enough for us to give 15 minutes.
The real magic is how a chat about a granny holding a dingdong transitions into parenting, Niall's return to the boxing ring and a whole host of loosely tied random topics.
Ye liked it? Share it then would ye.
The lads are at it today. The countdown to episode 100 is well and truly on it's way, if you have any suggestions as to how we mark the occasion send a message our way!
Guess who's back.
90 episodes in and the lads do a little reflecting on how things have changed over the past two years.
Hint, Niall's got grumpier.
This week, our Niall speaks to Mindfulness experts, Mairead Farrell and Niall Heron and asks all the questions you want to know about Mindfulness; What's it all about, why someone would bother with it and how do we get started.
Mairead then shares her work around Mindfulness and the Menopause...and the two Niall's, wisely, shut up for a while and let her at it!
Week two of PG's sabbatical and Niall is calling out the big guns. Here comes Shannon, the other half of the Hollywood power couple, to bring her own expertise to town.
Parent's this one is going to be right up your street!
Pauric's taking a podcast sabbatical so Niall has pulled a favour from a mate, a mate who happens to be a pretty big deal in the world of rally car driving, Frank Kelly, to step in and start 2024 off with a bang!
Niall shares a story about a shite covered kitchen. Pauric recounts the tale of a record-setting tyre change. All in all, pretty standard episode.
Join the boys as they speak to Deirdre McCann, a mother, a wife, a teacher, an active gym goer and someone who's been through a life-changing battle with Guillain Barre Syndrome.
The lads chat body shaming, dealing with anxiety, what goes on at a creative writing course and much more!
PG is catching up with Niall and chats about turning 37. The seasons of adulthood and staging an intervention for granda.
The lads went all out for Halloween with a special guest, Liam Campbell, from the UIster American Folk Park.
Stick it on and learn a thing or two all about Haaaaallllooowwweeeeen!
Here we go again. The boys take a look at what life might be like in 20 years time, and as different as it could be, will it really change that much?
Do you ever go for a walk somewhere new and not really know what direction you're going?
That is this podcast but in conversation form.
Like it? Send her on.
Two big bad Dads have at it.
Plus, the Are You Well Creative Writing Club....who'd have thunk it!
I'm going to give you a heads up because after this podcast you'll be thinking what I'm thinking. Niall is going to write a book about and in that book there'll be a little boy getting a tight slap across the back of the head.
Am I right?
73 episodes in and the lads are still chatting balls.
Niall tells a story of how he made a little friend from Gautamala and Pauric reminds us of his short career as a painter.
Enjoy that? Send her on.
After a two-week break, the lads return to the podcast table and tell stories of x-rays, scams and why now is the time to go DO the thing.
ps. This episode is called amateur two-week hour because you'd think after 71 episodes we would know how to have our mics at the same volume.
Think again.
The lads discuss the prospect of a cashless society, some of the worrying trends in the fitness industry, and the usual smorgasbord of nonsense.
Ever wonder how you go from a rainy All-Ireland final to the end of the world? Well, we're here to answer that for you.
The lads tackle the topic of 'longevity'. What are you doing to prolong your life? And the quality of it.
Would you live forever if you could?
The lads discuss modern men's challenges and some of the first-world problems our grandparents would be disgusted with us complaining about!
The boys are back and Niall gives us a thorough recollection of his first steps into the world of manscaping. We chat Venga Boys, Gladiators and a whole host of other nonsense. Tonic for the soul.
Have a listen to find out why Conor Meyler wants to take a restraining order out against Niall...
This week the lads invite Sean McDermott of LoughTec to the podcast to talk all things cyber security, hackers, the dark net and much more. Super interesting conversation about a topic we should all be aware of!
The lads talk about how some things offend and upset some people yet don't take a flinch out of others.
ps. If you used to be a bully - judgement free zone - get in touch.
From Peter Andre to children who think they're cats and all the way to how choosing an ice lolly means you like the simple things in life and that if you like some Pooh Bear you're more likely to be more of a creative type. What do you make of that?
If you never hear from us again there's a fair chance we're in the Sperrins somewhere hiding from our toasters and strolling around in sandals living it out as a two man cult.
This episode not only goes Greencastle heavy but also gives the lads a chance to someone who was on the original reality tv supershow, Big Brother. Tom McDermott didn't know what he was getting in for and his life changed dramatically after his time in the Big Brother house. A super interesting listen not to be missed!
After experiencing his first Humanist wedding Niall's inner "But why?" gets the better of him and he starts asking but why on anything else he can think of!
In this bonus episode, the lads are joined by Richard Moore. Blinded as a child caught in crossfire, Richard talks about how his life changed from that day on and how he was able to forgive the soldier who fired that bullet.
An incredible listen. Feel free to share.
I challenge you to listen to this and not A - Cringe or B - Laugh. The lads chat about those seemingly harmless moments you can find yourself in from day to day that are anything but harmless, in fact they're incredibly awkward and to be avoided at all cost.
Let me hold that door open for you.
Send this one on.
From career changes to The Chase, the lads go wide with what's on the bank holiday menu. There was nothing like TV back in our day, right?
It's Birthday Month so that means bonus episodes with incredible guests! Dan Reeve, the coach, has trained some world-class athletes to achieve astounding things. Dan Reeve, the man, has pushed himself to the bounds of human athletic capacity and lived to tell the tale. And what a tale. Strap in, be inspired and let this bonus episode catalyse you to do something great!
We're ONE YEAR OLD!!! Some going for two lads who thought a weekly podcast would be a handier way to chat regularly than meeting for a coffee.
This week we tackle collaboration, connection and why everyone's so afraid to do it!
Plus, AI is taking over man, either go with it or be up against it!
What brings offers you a little joy in your life? The lads want to know. Pinting without the pints? Not lifting weights in a room of strong women? The list goes on.
ps. If you're up ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶h̶o̶l̶d̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶h̶a̶n̶d̶s̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶t̶a̶r̶ ̶g̶a̶z̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶ hiking up a mountain, let Niall know and we'll make it happen!
This week the lads chat about the life they'd like to lead when they're in their senior years. About how a bellyful of Easter Eggs shone a light on a lifestyle blind spot and the intersection of gardening and headstands meet at 80 years old.
If you enjoyed this be sure to share it with someone you think would too!
Niall shares some insights into the challenges he faced while Jackson was in hospital, how it gave him food for thought around the topic of resilience and what it actually means to be resilient.
Plus, any stand-out birthday presents and what's your favourite type of cake?
PG flies solo for a short one as Niall has more important real life issues at hand. A chance for everyone to reflect on what's important to them and how nimble we can be with making sure what's truly important is always taken care of!
Would you believe it, the lads have made it to 50 episodes! To celebrate they answered some interesting questions from you guys! From how long they think they'll keep the podcast going to what the next big thing everyone will be talking about is going to be!
Enjoyed it? Share it.
This one goes off the track straight out the gate. From Gary Lineker distracting us from the banks failing to flat earthers and red pill problems. As chaotic a 40 minutes as you're likely to listen to this week!
The lads come to the conclusion that there is no escaping old man time. They are both middle-aged men and the sooner they can embrace that the easier things will be.
PLUS we couldn't let this episode go by without commenting on Liverpool beating Manchester United 7-0. (NSFW audio)
The boys chat about how Niall got on in his return to boxing, how being more of who you are already are could be the exact thing you should be doing and what famous sporting icons they'd like to train with.
If you liked this episode, send it on to one of those awesome friends of yours.
Straight in, no kissing today as Niall thinks it's about time we speak about the meaning of life. Plenty of meaty thoughts to chew on, and we hope that there's at least one morsel of thought-provoking goodness that you can get your teeth into.
ps. Bald is best.
The lads tackle the subject of ignoring the obvious day-to-day actions that make a positive difference to your life but still tend to get ignored. Plus we get an insight into Niall's fight night plans!
NOTE - Apologies in advance for Niall's choppy audio. He must have been using a potatoe for his internet hub.
WARNING: In this episode, we discuss topics around mental health that may distress some listeners, discretion is advised.
This week the boys invite Niall Heron from New Dawn Health and Wellbeing into the conversation. This podcast was born in the first place to create a safe place for challenging topics to be discussed between two men who sit firmly in the middle of a demographic that traditionally struggle with their mental health. Sift through the nonsense and you'll hopefully find threads of discussion around important ideas that we believe should be spoken about more regularly in the hope it creates a healthier dialogue we can all benefit from.
After a rough weekend, Pauric and Niall discuss alcohol, their relationship with it and how challenging it is to get around its presence when it's such a cultural pillar. Niall gives us a preview of next week's guest and Pauric shares an update on one of his 2023 goals coming to fruition!
This week the lads speak on principles. How they shape them, how they've evolved and why it's so important to know what yours are. They pick their premier league winners and plenty more!
Here's a question for you, Are You Well? The lads chat over the normalised reluctance that so many of the general public seem to have when it comes to looking after themselves. Niall sparks a conspiracy theory. We ask has David Clifford just had the GOAT season and what clubs the boys would like to join.
Hot topic of the minute is the whole Prince Harry pantomime, so the lads give it the 'Are You Well' treatment and discuss what they make of it! Incase you don't have time to listen, the spoiler is this - Niall reckons in an alternative universe Harry is actually Batman.
You ever heard of Solomon's Paradox? Me neither, until today. The lads pick apart four of their favourite points of discussion from a Twitter thread by Guwinder Bogel - a man well worth a follow. And Niall coins the phrase 'mental chewing gum' as the term he'd like this podcast to be known as from now moving forwards.
It's the last episode of 2022 so the lads look at 2023 and set some goals to be held accountable to. Personal goals. Business goals. Health goals. Hopefully, you can take a little inspiration and do the same too! Happy New Year!
The lads take a look at some of the lessons and ideas that impacted them across 2022. Plus Niall lets us in on a HUGE development for him and how it will be dramatically changing what his 2023 looks like!
The boys chat about Christmas. How what it means has changed for them over the years. Memories. Favourite films. Songs. The whole Christmas bonanza!
The boys go hard and heavy after the fitness industry, the very one they've spent their lives being a part of. They chat the strange world of AI pictures and how they see the World Cup playing out!
The lads discuss the art of agreeability, and whether woke culture has gone too far all the while trying their best not to offend people...
The boys discuss handling defeat, how to turn failure into lessons and what they've taken away from some of their own experiences. We look at the whole circus around Ronaldo and his interview with Piers Morgan, and we even manage to squeeze in a little 'Man in the Arena' to get you ready to walk through brick walls after listening!
This week the topic is nostalgia. How often do you find yourself comparing the situation you're in now to back in the day when things couldn't have been better? The lads look at how nostalgia can be both really positive and give you the warm and fuzzies as well as being a trapdoor to not being present with what's in front of you!
This week the boys discuss fads, trends and cultural changes they've watched unfold over the last decade or so. From coffee culture to skinny jeans, Fit Bits to TikTok. Niall is in full grumpy old man mode, so strap in for some fire!
The lads are back on their own this week and to mark reaching their 30th episode they are giving you 30 ideas to wrap your head around. We are 100% confident that anyone who listens to this will be able to take something away that will improve their day! If you enjoyed it, share it!
Annette is back for part two of her takeover. She gives the lads an insight into what lies ahead for her Wellness From Within events as well as a look at what the online dating scene is like for young, single and successful females and everything else in between!
The lads welcome Annette Kelly, aka Little Penny Thoughts, onto the pod and discuss all things wellness related in episode one of a two-part bumper conversation. Annette gives insights behind the scenes of a hugely successful brand in LPT and speaks about the realities of being in the spotlight of the Wellness scene.
We hope this episode can act as a vehicle for anyone who would like to speak more about their own mental health with their friends and loved ones. And maybe help break down barriers that you might feel are stopping you from having meaningful conversations with people in your life that matter.
In the second part of the Gareth Fox takeover, the boys look into blind spots where their views might have become too inflexible. Then they dive into the idea of a team. Belonging. How to create a good team, how to be a good team player, and how team doesn't just mean sports!
The lads invite Performance Psychologist and friend, Gareth Fox, onto the pod to discuss all things character. From inspiring to being different, the boys give insights into their own character and their thoughts about what it means. The best thing about this episode? It's the first part of a two-part conversation we're having with Gareth, so if you liked this make sure and catch episode #27!
The lads tackle the topic of balance. What is it? Does it even exist? A quick look ahead to Halloween and everything in between. Wrap your ears around this one and enjoy!
This week the boys chat about how our phones have became such a prevalent part of our lives, if that's a good or bad thing, and what we can do to get some of that time back. Pauric asks Niall what he's currently doing what he wishes he didn't and Niall asks Pauric if he could be the best in the world at one thing, what would it be?
The lads chat about how spinning envy into inspiration could be the kick up the ass you need from time to time. Niall volunteers himself for any club fundraising events going. And the boys disagree on the interesting topic of crying.
The lads go through a raft of unpopular opinions submitted by listeners. WARNING - Some of these are shocking hot takes. From Lewis Capaldi to Sea Dips, Guiness to David Clifford, you are going to be annoyed by many of these properly unpopular opinions!
This week the lads tackle some of the most common health and fitness myths they've come across over the years. They discuss whether you can change your personality. And share a couple of unpopular opinions that'll undoubtedly get under the skin of a few listeners!
Given the lads made it to 20 episodes they took the opportunity to answer some listener questions! From fitness to lifestyle and everything in-between. This one should have something for everyone!
The boys discuss some super powers that we could all develop to help separate us from the normies. They look at advice they'd give to themselves if they where 18 again and what are the positives and negatives of the fitness industry which they work in!
ps. We want questions for next weeks pod. ANYTHING GOES! Hit us up on our socials!
The boys discuss confidence, where it comes from and when they've felt like they lacked it. It's an interesting topic that we're confident you'll get something out of.
See what I did there?
Have a listen and let us know what you think!
The boys chomp into the meaty subject of Karma, fairness and if good things actually do happen to good people. Niall asks Pauric what one thing he'd do if he had the power to change something in the world and he bored the arse off him with his answer. Pauric asked Niall to name one thing everyone should experience and if you listen quietly he may still be answering that question.
The lads chat over something which doesn't get much air time - Death. They ask themselves should we really be all that bothered about self development and how would a body get themselves into a flow state?
This week, something you don't hear an awful lot - two grown men talking about friendship. What are the lads procrastinating on? And what are some good and bad lessons they've learnt from people over the years.
This week the lads discuss Leadership! They share some fond memories from the past and chat about some memories they want to create in the future!
It's only taken them 13 episodes but the two personal trainers with a combined 25 years of coaching under their belts felt it was now time to drop a pod on fitness! Question - What does fitness mean to you? Listen in for the lads answer!
The lads give their take on parenting, that it's not all sunshine and rainbows and that it's another conversation that people might do well opening up about a little more. They chat about what things might look like in five years time if all goes to plan and what advice they think is a must to pass on to the next generation. Spoiler: Not being a dick is high on the list.
The lads give their thoughts on opinions. Why we allow the opinions of others to impact us so much and whose opinions we should be listening to! What's your opinion of their opinion?!
This week the boys chat beliefs, how they can change and how that impacts the way you move forward in life. They discuss misconceptions about themselves and how often they thank random people.
The lads discuss the under rated power of consistency. Niall shares what takes up his mental bandwidth once all the important stuff is out of the way and you get an insight into the sort of music that soundtracks both of the boys days!
The lads give their take on gratitude - is it just a buzz word or is there a little more to it? And we chat Father's Day and what you'd do with one extra episode of your favourite TV show.
The boys speak about Motivation. They discuss what limiting beliefs they've seen crop up with their clients and what they've had to deal with themselves. And what the tabs on your browser tell you about yourself!
This week the lads give their take on Influencer culture and all things social media. Niall wheels out room 101 and Pauric looks back on some sliding door moments!
Question - Finish what comes up on your google search bar when you type in - "How do I..."
This week the boys talk about their inner voice, how it isn't always on your side and a few techniques to make sure it's a help and not a hinderance. Pauric asks Niall what would come out when if he squeezed him and Niall delves into the murky waters of how to argue with your partner!
This week the lads chat competition, how to leverage it to your advantage and how everybody is more competitive than they think! Our perfect day reveals we're both incredibly boring and what are biggest weaknesses are. Plus a quick fire barrage on why Rory Gallagher licks his hands, daddy day-care mishaps and who we fancy for the All-Ireland.
This week the lads discuss self-care. What is it all about and what have they found that works for them. Niall lives his superhero fantasy and Pauric goes back in time to a when his back was against the wall!
The lads discuss calorie counting, what being a sports fan actually is all about and what's so special about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!
This is episode one of what we hope will be a long running, enjoyable, interactive podcast series that you'll be able to take at least a little from the lads efforts at tackling big topics each week!
In this episode myself and Gareth Fox chat about the land of limbo retired athletes find themselves in after they've hung up the boots.
Now that the dust has settled on the mini-series I thought I'd take the chance to look back on what where some of the main takeaways from each of the conversations I had and look at how we can learn and grow from the lessons of each of the guests who have Levelled Up in their own lives!
Level Up with...Paul Russo. One of the first members of our Level Up family gives us his insights on his journey from making coffee to making dragons, and how Levelling Up with us propelled him and his career along a steep upward curve!
This week we Level Up with...Gareth Fox. An incredible conversation with Gareth, a mental performance coach, who expertly breaks down some difficult mindset topics into easy to understand analogy's. Without doubt one of the most interesting conversations you'll hear across the web this week. He's one of those guys who makes you feel smarter just for talking to him, a skill in itself!
Level Up with...Joe Parish. The Coaches Coach give us the an insight on how he became the GO TO man in the fitness industry for other coaches who want to up their game and bring their best to the table. He shares how he was able to take positives from his failed footballing career and create his own ever evolving pathway to where he is now. This week, we're dealing in Joecaine. Enjoy the buzz!
Level Up with...Micky Quinn. Join me for a chat with Ireland's biggest DJ! We talk about his journey from struggling to get a gig in his home town to sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in dance music in Ibiza and everything in-between!
Level Up with...Annette Kelly. The inspiring woman behind Little Penny Thoughts shares insights on her journey from an insecure people-pleasing teen to social media giant and well-being advocate. She opens up about her own mental health struggles and how those experiences have influenced her life mission.
Level Up with...Ronan McNamee. A chance to pick the brains of a GAA All-Star where we speak about his footballing career so far, dealing with mental health issues, his take on lockdown and much more!