The Natural Resilience Podcast

Natural Resilience

Welcome to Natural Resilience, the podcast where stories inspire transformation. Hosted by Ciaran, a leader in the field of human behavior and performance, this show brings together extraordinary individuals to share their journeys of resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. With over a decade of experience in Emotional Intelligence, Effective Communication, and holistic self-improvement, Ciaran combines his expertise with a passion for exploring the human spirit. Each episode dives deep into the lives of remarkable guests, from elite athletes and world-class performers to trailblazers in business and community leaders. Through candid conversations, Natural Resilience uncovers the triumphs, challenges, and defining moments that shape these inspiring figures. The show offers powerful insights on what it takes to rise above adversity, unlock natural potential, and thrive in all aspects of life.Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical wisdom, or a fresh perspective, this podcast will empower you to embrace your resilience and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.

  1. 1D AGO

    Rejection, Resilience and Success | Gareth Steenson | The Natural Resilience Podcast

    What do you do when you’re told you’re not good enough? In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Gareth Steenson, former professional rugby player, to explore how rejection can either break you or build you. Gareth shares the honest story behind being overlooked, doubted and rejected early in his career — and how he used that experience as fuel. We unpack the “chip on the shoulder” mentality, the culture of winning inside elite sport, and the mindset required to turn setbacks into sustained success. For founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and ambitious professionals, this conversation goes far beyond rugby. It’s about grit. It’s about resilience under pressure. It’s about identity, belief and the standards you hold yourself to when no one else is watching. In this episode, we explore: • How rejection can become a competitive advantage • The psychology of high performance and elite sport • Building a culture of winning • Turning setbacks into fuel • The power of belief when others doubt you • Why resilience is a daily practice, not a personality trait At Natural Resilience, we believe adversity is not the obstacle — it’s the training ground. Gareth’s story is a powerful example of how embracing rejection can sharpen your edge, strengthen your mindset and ultimately drive long-term success. If you’re navigating business challenges, leadership pressure or personal setbacks, this episode will challenge you to rethink rejection — and use it. Subscribe to the channel for conversations on leadership, resilience, founder health and high performance. If you’d like to experience these conversations live, join us at our next Natural Resilience live podcast event. Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-natural-resilience-podcast-live-event-tickets-1691771808019?aff=oddtdtcreator — Ciaran May Founder, Natural Resilience

    37 min
  2. FEB 20

    Plate Up for Success | Stevie B on Nutrition, Discipline & High Performance

    Plate Up for Success | Stevie B on Nutrition, Discipline & High Performance In this episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Stevie B — private chef, performance-driven health advocate, and founder of the “Plate Up” concept — for a powerful conversation on nutrition, discipline and sustainable high performance. Titled “Plate Up for Success”, this episode explores how fuelling the body properly isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about clarity, resilience, energy and leadership. For founders, athletes and ambitious professionals, nutrition is often the hidden lever. Stevie breaks down why discipline is the key to freedom, how structure creates long-term flexibility, and why the food you consume directly impacts your performance in business and in life. 🔶 In This Episode We Cover: • How nutrition fuels leadership and mental clarity • Why discipline creates freedom — not restriction • The psychology of food and performance • Building sustainable habits instead of chasing extremes • How founders can optimise energy and output • Why your body is your most important asset This conversation goes beyond meal plans. It’s about building a lifestyle that supports long-term success, resilience and high performance.  🔶 About Stevie B Stevie B is a private chef and health-focused entrepreneur known for helping high-performing individuals fuel their bodies for optimal output. Through his “Plate Up” philosophy, he champions balance, intentionality and consistency over short-term fads. 🔶 About Natural Resilience Hosted by Ciaran May, the Natural Resilience Podcast explores leadership, mindset, performance and wellbeing through conversations with elite performers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Learn more: 🌐 www.naturalresilience.co.uk 🎟 NEXT LIVE PODCAST EVENT The next Natural Resilience Live Podcast takes place on: 📅 Thursday 5th March 📍 The Balmoral Hotel, Belfast If you’d like to experience these conversations live — secure your ticket here: 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-natural-resilience-podcast-live-event-tickets-1691771808019?aff=oddtdtcreator

    27 min
  3. FEB 5

    Behaviour Never Lies: Value-Based Leadership for Founders | Natural Resilience Podcast w/ Seamus Fox

    Behaviour Never Lies Your results are driven by your values, not your goals. In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I’m joined by performance consultant Seamus Fox, who works closely with CEOs and founders on what he calls the inner compass — the values and priorities that shape every decision we make. We explore why behaviour is often the clearest mirror of what we truly value, not what we say we value, and how misalignment between your values and your day-to-day actions can quietly lead to stress, burnout, and loss of authenticity. This conversation is especially relevant for founders operating under pressure — where too much time spent on low-value tasks, constant firefighting, and a lack of delegation or automation can pull you further away from what matters most. In this episode, we discuss: How values are formed and why they become your real priorities Why your behaviour reveals more than your intentions The hidden link between misalignment and founder burnout How high performers protect energy by delegating and automating Building a life and business in true alignment with what matters most If you're a founder striving for performance without losing yourself in the process, this one will land. Learn more about Seamus Fox: Seamus’s Website: https://share.google/fR7v5sPXaUaSlUCHE 🎙 Join us live in Belfast — Natural Resilience Live Podcast Event I’m hosting a special live podcast event on 5th March, bringing together founders, leaders, and high performers for an unforgettable evening of conversation and connection. I will be interviewing national broadcaster Cate Conway and former world boxing champion, Ryan Burnett. Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-natural-resilience-podcast-live-event-tickets-1691771808019?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share it with another founder, and leave a comment — what value is currently driving your priorities? #NaturalResilience #FounderHealth #Leadership #Values #Performance #BehaviourNeverLies

    37 min
  4. JAN 9

    Fighting Spirit: Jamie Conlan on World Titles & Winning in Business | Natural Resilience Podcast

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with former world-title contender, boxing manager and CEO, Jamie Conlan, for an in-depth conversation about resilience, identity, leadership and navigating life at the highest levels of sport and business. Jamie opens up about: Growing up in West Belfast and how those early experiences shaped his mindset The influence of key figures who helped guide him into the boxing world His rise through the professional ranks and the realities of fighting for a world title The emotional and physical demands of elite-level sport Transitioning from athlete to manager, promoter and CEO The lessons he takes from the ring into decision-making, leadership and business strategy This episode is packed with insights for founders, leaders and anyone navigating high-pressure environments. Jamie’s journey is a blueprint for reinvention: how to grow, evolve and lead.  This episode was recorded live at our "Breaking Bread, Building Connections" event. If you want to attend the next Breaking Bread, Building Connections event, join the waiting list here: 👉 https://businessnetwork.scoreapp.com The Natural Resilience Live Podcast takes place on 5th March in Balmoral Hotel, Belfast where we will be interviewing national broadcaster, Cate Conway and former world boxing champion, Ryan Burnett. Tickets are available here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1691771808019?aff=oddtdtcreator We would love it if if you could subscribe to our Youtube Channel so that we can continue to bring you the best interviews from leaders in sport and business across Ireland. Alternatively you can sign up to our email list here to get early access to all podcasts and live podcast events. Sign up here - https://naturalresilience.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e0f168ed12c7c6c7cac2df93a&id=d173d39fff ABOUT BREAKING BREAD, BUILDING CONNECTIONS A premium event series bringing together founders, CEOs and leaders for meaningful conversation, connection and community. Intimate fireside chats. Real stories. Real insights. High-end networking with heart.  ABOUT NATURAL RESILIENCE Founded by Ciaran May, Natural Resilience helps leaders and founders create more health, wealth and freedom through performance coaching, live events, retreats and the Fit Founders Club.

    29 min
  5. 12/29/2025

    Comedy Saved My Life — Paddy McDonnell | The Natural Resilience Podcast

    Paddy’s rise is extraordinary: from a working-class lad in West Belfast, to selling out the SSE Arena, to performing to global audiences across America, Canada and Australia.  But behind the success is a story few people truly know. Paddy opens up about: Growing up in West Belfast and the humour that shaped him The altercation where he had his finger bitten off while working as a doorman The mental health struggles that followed How stepping onto a stage and making people laugh became the lifeline that pulled him back His natural gift for storytelling and capturing the characters of working-class Belfast The mindset, graft and courage it takes to go from local gigs to world tours The role he played in the meteoric rise of the comedy scene in Ireland. This conversation is equal parts hilarious and deeply human. It’s a reminder that resilience often grows in the darkest moments and that purpose can emerge from trauma when you keep showing up. Whether you're a founder, leader, creator or someone navigating your own adversity, Paddy’s story will resonate far beyond comedy. 👉 The Natural Resilience Podcast - Live event takes place in Balmoral Hotel, Belfast on 5th March 2026 where we will interview National Broadcaster Cate Conway and former world boxing champion Ryan Burnett live on stage. You can tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/169177... ⭐ ABOUT THE NATURAL RESILIENCE PODCAST Hosted by Ciaran May, the show explores human performance, resilience, leadership and mindset with some of the most inspiring figures from business, sport, entertainment and public life. ⭐ ABOUT PADDY McDONNELL Paddy is a comedian, writer and performer known for his storytelling genius and his ability to bring humour to the everyday realities of working-class life. His international tours and sell-out arena shows have cemented him as one of Ireland’s most compelling comedic voices.

    30 min
  6. 12/22/2025

    Purpose Over Poverty — Paul Doherty on Foodstock and Leadership | The Natural Resilience Podcast

    In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, I sit down with Paul Doherty — founder of Foodstock and Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast for a powerful conversation about leadership, community action, and tackling poverty with dignity. Paul shares the story behind Foodstock — a charity born not from theory or policy, but from aligned action and a deep belief that communities thrive when people are educated, empowered, and invited to play their part. In this conversation, we explore: Paul’s personal journey and what led him to found Foodstock The reality of food poverty in Belfast and across Northern Ireland Why dignity and education are central to meaningful social impact How community-led initiatives can create real, lasting change The role of leadership and responsibility in public service Balancing political office with grassroots action What resilience looks like when you’re serving others every day This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t just personal — it’s collective. Paul’s work shows what’s possible when vision, values and action align in service of something bigger than ourselves. Whether you’re a founder, leader, public servant or someone who cares deeply about social impact, this conversation offers insight, inspiration and practical wisdom. Here at Natural Resilience, we are huge supporters of Paul and Foodstock. We would urge you to check out the incredible work they do, on their website https://www.foodstockcharity.com/ And if you are in a position to do so, consider donating to their Christmas people so that no child in Belfast goes without a toy or warm Christmas dinner on the link here - https://foodstockbelfast.enthuse.com/cp/53f51/#!/ ⭐ ABOUT THE NATURAL RESILIENCE PODCAST Hosted by Ciaran May, The Natural Resilience Podcast explores leadership, resilience, wellbeing and purpose through honest conversations with people making a meaningful impact in sport, business, community and public life.

    26 min
  7. 12/11/2025

    Miracle or Mindset? The Ryan Curtis Story | Natural Resilience Podcast

    In this extraordinary episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, recorded live in front of 200 people at The Balmoral Hotel, Belfast, I sit down with former professional MMA athlete Ryan Curtis. A man whose story is so unbelievable that, if it wasn’t fully documented, you would struggle to believe it happened. In December 2023, Ryan suffered a catastrophic training accident that broke his neck and left him paralysed from the chest down. Doctors prepared him and his family for the worst. The Irish MMA community rallied, believing Ryan would never walk again. But Ryan had other plans. Through what he calls the power of the mind, and what many have described as a modern-day miracle, Ryan fought his way back — first to movement, then to standing, and eventually walking out of hospital. In this conversation, Ryan opens up about: The moment everything changed The fear, uncertainty and emotional trauma that followed The mindset practices he used during recovery The role of belief, focus and internal strength in healing The support of family, friends and the MMA community What paralysis taught him about life, identity and purpose Why he believes you can reprogram your mind to survive the unthinkable  This is one of the most inspiring, raw and powerful human stories ever shared on the podcast. Ryan’s journey is a reminder of what the human spirit is capable of when confronted with the darkest of moments. ⭐ LIVE PODCAST ANNOUNCEMENT — MARCH 5TH, 2025 We return to The Balmoral Hotel for another major live podcast event on 5th March 2025, featuring two exceptional guests: 🎙️ Cate Conway — National Broadcaster 🎙️ Ryan Burnett — Former Unified World Champion Boxer It will be a night of impact, storytelling and connection.  👉 Secure your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1691771808019?aff=oddtdtcreator

    53 min
  8. 11/28/2025

    Pressure Creates Leaders | Natural Resilience Podcast ft. Linda Stinson

    “Pressure Creates Leaders.” In this powerful episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciaran May sits down with Linda Stinson. Linda is the CEO of Bellamianta. An entrepreneur, leader and proud mum. We sit down together to explore the realities of resilience, pressure and high performance in both business and life. Linda opens up about the defining moments that shaped her, the setbacks that nearly broke her, and the mindset she developed to lead, perform and succeed under pressure. This is a conversation about navigating adversity, rebuilding confidence, and showing up as the kind of leader people trust. Whether you're a founder, business leader, athlete or someone pushing for more in life, Linda’s story delivers the kind of honesty and practical wisdom rarely shared publicly. 🔶 In this episode we cover: Why pressure is essential for growth How leaders are forged during difficult seasons Mindset strategies for resilience & high performance The hardest lessons Linda learned on her journey Balancing ambition, wellbeing & real-world expectations What it takes to succeed in sport AND business 🔶 About Linda Stinson Linda is a respected entrepreneur and innovator known for her ability to perform under pressure, lead teams through uncertainty, and translate resilience into business success. Her story represents courage, humility and relentless drive. 🔶 About Ciaran May / Natural Resilience Ciaran May is a leadership and resilience coach, keynote speaker and founder of Natural Resilience — a consultancy helping leaders, founders and organisations build sustainable high performance, wellbeing and clarity. Learn more: www.naturalresilience.co.uk 🔶 Join us at the next one This episode was recorded live in front of an audience of 200 people in Balmoral Hotel, Belfast. We are back for another live event on 5th March 2026 with two incredible guests in national broadcaster Cate Conway and former boxing world champion Ryan Burnett. You can get your early bird tickets on the link below. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-natural-resilience-podcast-live-event-tickets-1691771808019?aff=oddtdtcreator

    42 min

About

Welcome to Natural Resilience, the podcast where stories inspire transformation. Hosted by Ciaran, a leader in the field of human behavior and performance, this show brings together extraordinary individuals to share their journeys of resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. With over a decade of experience in Emotional Intelligence, Effective Communication, and holistic self-improvement, Ciaran combines his expertise with a passion for exploring the human spirit. Each episode dives deep into the lives of remarkable guests, from elite athletes and world-class performers to trailblazers in business and community leaders. Through candid conversations, Natural Resilience uncovers the triumphs, challenges, and defining moments that shape these inspiring figures. The show offers powerful insights on what it takes to rise above adversity, unlock natural potential, and thrive in all aspects of life.Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical wisdom, or a fresh perspective, this podcast will empower you to embrace your resilience and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.

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