Explore every episode of the podcast Founder & Family Collective
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #27 | Mayor Craig Blaney | Is Northern Ireland Built for Ambition? | 18 Sep 2026 | 01:03:28 | |
Is Northern Ireland a place where ambitious people can genuinely build something big? This week I’m joined by an old friend, entrepreneur, councillor and current Mayor of Ards and North Down, Craig Blaney. We talk business and entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland, the realities facing hospitality, whether we do enough to encourage ambition, Craig’s journey into politics and what being Mayor actually involves. We also get into his own ambitions, balancing politics with family life and the small matter of whether he’s actually training for the Bangor 10K. 😂 A slightly different Founder & Family conversation about business, politics, ambition and family in Northern Ireland. | |||
| #26 | Sinéad Boyd | Can You Train Hard and Put Family First? | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:55:54 | |
Can you train like an athlete, chase ambitious goals and still put your family first? In Episode 26 of Founder & Family, I sit down with Sinéad Boyd to talk about HYROX, discipline and the reality of building serious training around an already full life. We get into what consistency actually looks like, how she finds the discipline to keep showing up and the constant challenge of balancing personal ambition with being present at home. Because the difficult part isn’t always the training itself. It’s finding the time, managing the guilt and deciding what you’re willing or unwilling to sacrifice along the way. A really honest conversation about whether it’s possible to pursue big goals without the people closest to you paying the price. If you enjoy the episode, subscribe to Founder & Family and let us know in the comments: can you genuinely have both? Follow Sinéad: Follow Founder & Family: | |||
| #25 | Chris Braniff | Proud Girl Dad | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:56:18 | |
Chris Braniff is the founder of Proud Girl Dad Co. a brand built around fatherhood, identity and the unique privilege of raising daughters. In this episode, we talk about where the idea came from, turning something deeply personal into a growing business, and what it means to pursue your own ambitions while remaining present for the people who matter most. It’s an honest conversation about business, purpose, fatherhood and the reality of being completely outnumbered at home. A proper girl-dad conversation although, as we both know, the girls are very much in charge. | |||
| #24 | Jenny Holmes | A Conversation We Never Normally Get to Have | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:54:06 | |
You’ve heard plenty about Jenny over the past year… it was probably about time she made an appearance. Between two young girls, an A&E career, businesses and everything else life throws at us, we rarely get an uninterrupted hour to just sit and chat. So that’s exactly what we did. We talk family, work, relationships, communication, life in A&E, play a questionable game of Mr & Mrs, and finish with a question that meant more to us than we expected. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just trying your best while juggling a busy life, hopefully this one reminds you you’re not the only one. If you enjoy it, we’d love if you subscribed and shared it with someone who might too. | |||
| #23 | Dean McFarland | One Year Later: What changed our minds about Business, Family & Success | 24 Jul 2026 | 01:02:46 | |
A year ago, Dean McFarland became the very first guest on Founder & Family.Twelve months later, he's back. In this episode, we reflect on what has changed over the last year not just in business, but in family life, ambition, priorities and the way we think. If you're an ambitious parent trying to build something meaningful without sacrificing your family, this conversation is for you. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a like and sharing it with someone who'd benefit from the conversation. Brought to you in partnership with Ballygowan B-Active. Follow / connect: Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Dean : Socials: @deanmc88 @nightcapeventgroup @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #22 | Conor Hogan | Say Yes. Work It Out Later. | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:56:35 | |
One thing really stuck with me after this conversation with Conor: say yes, then work it out. It’s a mindset that’s opened doors throughout his career, created opportunities he never expected and shaped the life he’s built today. We also chat about family, building a career online, staying grounded and why creating space for proper conversations often reveals things you never knew even about people you’ve known for years. Hope you enjoy this one. If you do, I’d really appreciate you subscribing, leaving a comment and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it. Brought to you in partnership with Ballygowan B-Active. Follow / connect: Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Conor : Socials: @belfastfoodblogger | |||
| #21 | Ciara Daly | I Thought Success Would Feel Different | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:52:11 | |
A few weeks ago, Ciara and I bumped into each other in a corridor for the first time.A few weeks later, we’re sitting down for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on Founder & Family.From the outside, Ciara had achieved many of the things we’re told should bring fulfilment. The business was growing, the goals were being achieved and life looked successful by most people’s standards.Yet something felt missing.In this episode, we explore the reality of ambition, why the next milestone rarely delivers what we expect, and how family, wellness and being present can matter more than another achievement, pay rise or title.It’s a conversation about success, fulfilment, motherhood, identity and learning to enjoy the life you’re building while you’re still building it.A special thank you to Ballygowan B-Active, our Founding Partner, for supporting these conversations. Founder & Family CollectiveConversations with founders, leaders and creators building meaningful businesses without losing sight of what matters most. Follow / connect: Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Ciara : Instagram: @ciaradalyoffical @happyfestni Youtube: @Ciaradalymakeup | |||
| #20 | Jenna Hill | The Business Shortcut Nobody Talks About | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:47:17 | |
What if the best business to start... already exists?In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Jenna Hill to explore a path that most aspiring founders never seriously consider: acquiring an existing business instead of building one from the ground up.We discuss why buying a business can sometimes be a faster, less risky route into entrepreneurship, how to identify the right opportunities, what makes a business worth acquiring, and the mindset required to take ownership and lead it forward.But this conversation goes far beyond balance sheets and business deals.Jenna shares her perspective on building a life that creates freedom rather than consuming it, setting boundaries, protecting family time, and defining success on your own terms.Whether you're thinking about launching a business, growing an existing one, or simply trying to create more space for the people who matter most, there's plenty in this conversation for you.In this episode:Buying a business vs starting from scratchHow to spot acquisition opportunitiesThe risks and rewards of business ownershipCreating freedom through entrepreneurshipBuilding boundaries around workFamily, ambition and modern successWhat Jenna hopes her children remember about this season of lifeIf you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who'd get value from the conversation.Founder & Family CollectiveConversations with founders, leaders and creators building meaningful businesses without losing sight of what matters most. Follow / connect: Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Jenna : Instagram: @jennahilloffical | |||
| #19 | Laura Smyth | Designing Brands, Business & Balance | 29 May 2026 | 01:05:03 | |
This week I sit down with Laura Smyth from White Noise for a conversation around business, branding, family and stepping into something you never fully planned for. Laura talks about taking over the family business from her dad, balancing leadership with motherhood, and how the world of branding and design is rapidly evolving in the age of AI. We also get into control, growth, learning to let go as a founder, and the reality of building something meaningful while still protecting flexibility and family life. A thoughtful conversation on legacy, ambition and adapting in a modern world that keeps moving fast. If you enjoy conversations around entrepreneurship, creativity, family and high agency living, make sure to subscribe and follow along. Follow / connect: Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Whitenoise : Instagram: @wearewhitenoise Website: https://whitenoisestudios.com/ | |||
| #18 | Sandra & Scott- Oasis Travel | The Next Generation | 15 May 2026 | 00:51:21 | |
This week on Founder & Family, I’m joined by Sandra Corkin and Scott McCabe of Oasis Travel one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised family businesses. What started over 40 years ago as a passion for travel has grown into a multi-award-winning brand with eight offices, a team of 60, and customers who’ve travelled with them for decades. But this episode goes far beyond holidays and destinations. We talk about the reality of building a long-term business as a family, the pressure of stepping into leadership, how the travel industry has evolved through uncertainty, and what it takes to modernise a legacy brand without losing what made it special in the first place. We also get into:
A really honest conversation about business, resilience, and what it means to build something that lasts. Follow / connect: Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Oasis Travel : Instagram: @oasistravelni Website: https://www.oasis-travel.co.uk | |||
| #17 | Erinn- Ivy & Gold | Building Business around Life | 01 May 2026 | 00:57:08 | |
This week I sat down with Erinn, founder of Ivy & Gold a bespoke jewellery brand she’s built from the ground up while raising two kids. We got into the reality of building a business when your time is pulled in every direction… where boundaries actually matter, and how easy it is to chase a version of “success” that doesn’t fit your life. What stood out most was her clarity family first, business fits around that, not the other way round. A perspective I think more of us are trying to figure out in real time. Follow / connect: Instagram: @declanholmes08 @founderfamilycollective Find Ivy & Gold: Instagram: @ivyandgolduk Website: https://www.ivygold.co.uk | |||
| #16 | Kate Nicholl | From School to Stormont | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:50:55 | |
What’s it actually like to go from school corridors… to Stormont? In this episode of the Founder & Family Collective, I sit down with Kate Nicholl, someone I’ve known since school, for a conversation that’s equal parts honest, reflective, and (at times) a bit of craic. This isn’t your typical political interview.It’s a look at the person behind the role from early days and shared memories, to stepping into public life in Northern Ireland. We get into the reality of politics the pressure, the responsibility, and what it actually feels like to represent people but also some of the lighter moments along the way…Including a very unexpected perk of being Lord Mayor of Belfast (you’ll want to hear that one 👀). SUBSCRIBE FOR BI WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS WITH HIGH AGENCY PARENTS BALANCING IT ALL Guest: Kate Nicholl MLA Host: Declan Holmes Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect: Declan- @declanholmes08 Kate- @Kate_nicholl Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family Podcast Available now on all major platforms.. | |||
| #15 | Elanna & Paddy - Pearl Beauty | Falling in Love & Building a Beauty Empire | 03 Apr 2026 | 01:11:01 | |
This episode is about more than business. Before Pearl Beauty, there was a relationship.Before the growth, the pressure, and the brand there was just two people figuring life out together. In this conversation, Elanna and Paddy open up on: Building a business through uncertainty Navigating growth while raising a young family The realities behind running a successful beauty brand How their relationship has evolved through it all The sacrifices, risks, and mindset it takes to keep going It’s honest, grounded, and a reminder that behind every brand is a real story and real people. SUBSCRIBE FOR BI WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS WITH HIGH AGENCY PARENTS BALANCING IT ALL Guests: Elanna & Paddy McGowan- Founders Pearl Beauty Host: Declan Holmes Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect: Declan- @declanholmes08 Elanna- Instagram @ellepearls YouTube @elannapecherle Pearl Beauty- @pearlbeauty www.pearlbeautycosmetics.com Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family Podcast Available now on all major platforms.. | |||
| #14 | Gary McIldowney | The Slim's Healthy Kitchen Story- Business, Food & Family | 20 Mar 2026 | 01:22:21 | |
On this episode of the Founder & Family Collective Podcast, Declan sits down with Gary McIldowney, the founder behind Slim’s Healthy Kitchen.Gary shares the story behind building a food brand ecosystem from the ground up from early days in hospitality to creating something that now has a loyal following.We talk about the reality of growing a business in the food industry, the risks and pressure that come with it, and how family and community play a role in the journey.It’s an honest conversation about backing yourself, staying consistent, and what it really takes to turn an idea into a brand.Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself.Guest: Gary McIldowney BroadcasterHost: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Gary- @garymacbelfast Slims- @slimshealthykitchen www.slimshealthykitchenretail.co.ukFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms.. | |||
| #13 | Pete Snodden | Passion, Parenting and longevity | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:58:17 | |
Most people know Pete Snodden as the voice waking the country up each morning on the Cool FM Breakfast Show. But staying at the top for decades doesn’t happen by accident. In this conversation we talk about: Following your passion (even when it’s not the safe option) Building a career that actually lasts Staying relevant in a fast-moving media world Social media, parenting and raising kids today Why good teams and good people matter more than ever Pete shares honest lessons from over two decades at the top and why he still genuinely loves what he does. If you’re building something, raising a family, or figuring out how to stay in the game long enough to matter, you’ll get a lot from this one. Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself. Guest: Pete Snodden- Broadcaster Host: Declan Holmes Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect: Declan- @declanholmes08 Pete- @petesnodden Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms | |||
| #12 Whytematter | The Highs, The lows & still showing up | 20 Feb 2026 | 01:13:19 | |
The Highs made them feel like they were taking over the world. The lows made them question everything. This week Declan sits down with founders of Whytematter staffing solutions Mairead and Kirsty for an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and the reality behind building a business while navigating life’s pressures. From moments of massive momentum to the fear of losing it all this episode is a raw look at what it truly takes to keep showing up. A powerful listen for founders, parents, and anyone building something meaningful. Expect real talk on: -Growth & scaling challenges – The emotional highs and lowest moments – Resilience behind the scenes – Lessons they wish they knew earlier Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself. Guests: Mairead Moore & Kirsty Ferris founders of WhytematterHost: Declan Holmes Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Whytematter- @whytematterFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms | |||
| #11 | Craig Gilroy | Gratitude, High Standards & Fatherhood | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:54:59 | |
Declan sits down with former Ulster and Ireland international Craig Gilroy for a conversation about gratitude, ambition and life after elite sport. From growing up at the same school to reflecting on a professional rugby career, Craig speaks openly about being thankful for what he achieved while still holding himself to high standards for what comes next. They explore the shift from matchday pressure to family life, how fatherhood changed Craig’s perspective on success, and why being “happy it happened” doesn’t mean settling or standing still. A mix of perspective, humour and honest reflection on what it means to move forward without losing what shaped you. Guest: Craig Gilroy Ex- Ulster & Ireland Rugby Host: Declan Holmes Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect: Declan- @declanholmes08 Craig- @craiggilroy1 Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family Podcast Available now on all major platforms | |||
| #10 | Rebecca Adamson | Pilates, Passion & Presence | 23 Jan 2026 | 01:00:48 | |
In this episode of the Founder & Family Podcast, Declan sits down with Rebecca Adamson, founder of Bondi Pilates, for an honest conversation about building a wellness brand while navigating motherhood and family life. Rebecca shares how Bondi Pilates began, whether it started as a passion or a business opportunity, and how discipline, consistency and clear boundaries have helped her scale without losing herself along the way. They discuss the realities of ambition after becoming a parent, the mental load of leadership, and why balance isn’t about perfection, but intention. A thoughtful and grounded conversation for founders, parents, and anyone trying to grow something meaningful while staying present at home. Founder & Family Podcast New episodes fortnightly Guest: Rebecca Adamson – Founder, Bondi Pilates Host: Declan Holmes Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect: Declan- @declanholmes08 Rebecca- @rebeccaemmaadamson Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective Bondi- @bondipilatesoffical The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #9 | Stuart McCloskey | More than Matchday | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:36:01 | |
.From the intensity of matchday to the quiet responsibility of home life. In this episode, Declan sits down with Ulster and Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey for an open conversation about elite sport, fatherhood, and the balance between performance and presence. They talk about the privilege and pressure of professional rugby, how leadership evolves over a career, and how becoming a dad to three boys has reshaped Stuart’s priorities both on and off the pitch. There are honest reflections, a few light stories, and real insight into what it takes to carry responsibility in more than one arena. A relaxed, thoughtful chat about standards, sacrifice, and knowing where your energy matters most. Oh and who the boys think the next Man U boss will be! 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 9Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Stuart McCloskey, Ulster & Ireland RugbyHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Stuart- @stuartmc_12Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #8 | Dave Elliott | Pedals, Punchlines & Parenting | 26 Dec 2025 | 01:13:18 | |
In this Boxing Day special episode Declan sits down with comedian Dave Elliott to talk cycling miles for charity, punchlines and the chaos of Dad life. Find out the graft behind the funny business, striking a balance with those late nights, are the Arsenal going to win the league and how Dave's surviving Christmas. 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 8Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Dave Elliott, Comedian Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Dave- @DaveElliottComedy Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #7 | Eamonn Holmes | Father & Son | 11 Dec 2025 | 01:09:42 | |
A special episode. A rare conversation. This week Declan sits down with someone who’s shaped his life more than any guest ever could, his dad, Eamonn Holmes. Across five decades in broadcasting, he’s interviewed some of the world’s biggest names… but today the roles are reversed. For the first time, they go behind the curtain of their father–son relationship the early years, the distance, the graft, the sacrifices, the love, and the lessons learned along the way. They talk fatherhood then vs now, ambition, resilience, generational differences, the reality of being away from home, and what legacy really means. 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 7Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Eamonn Holmes, Broadcaster Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Eamonn- @eamonnholmes Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #6 | Chloe McAnirn | Complexions, Christmas & Calm in the chaos | 28 Nov 2025 | 01:05:21 | |
Chloe joins Declan at the Founders Table. They discuss her buisness, Chloco, and debate self care, what a successful Christmas looks like plus the balance of technology in the modern era. 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 6Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Chloe McAnirn, Owner & Founder Chloco Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Chloe- @chloco.co.ukFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #5 | Olivia Mulholland | Creativity, purpose & balance | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:45:13 | |
In this weeks episode Declan is joined by Olivia Mulholland, founder of Olivia's Haven, to talk all things business, balance and burnout plus maybe a candle or two. 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 5Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Olivia Mulholland, Founder Olivias Haven Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Olivia- @olivias_haven Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #4 | Chris Suitor | Taking a breath | 31 Oct 2025 | 01:08:34 | |
Chris joins Declan at the Founders Table where they talk tailoring, business pressure, breath work and an exclusive announcement ! 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 4Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Chris Suitor, Tailor/DJHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Chris- @chrissuitorgggFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #3 | The Founder's Table | Fitness, Balance & Legacy Vs Lifestyle | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:53:40 | |
In this first instalment of The Founder’s Table, Declan sits down with his business partner Dean McFarland to explore the realities of entrepreneurship. From maintaining fitness and balance to defining what legacy and lifestyle really mean. Honest, reflective, and packed with real-world insight, this episode sets the tone for a new chapter in the Founder and Family Collective podcast. 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 3Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Dean McFarland, Operations Director Nightcap Event GroupHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Dean- @deanmc88 Nightcap- @nightcapeventgroup Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #2 | Caitlyn & Tony Hegarty | Parenting, Partnership & Pressure | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:59:12 | |
In this weeks episode Declan sits down with Caitlyn and Tony. They discuss married life, both being successful entrepreneurs and how they balance it all whilst being parents. We dive into how they remain best friends, tips to switch off, the pressures of social media and goals for the future. 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 2Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuests- Caitlyn & Tony Hegarty, Entrepreneurs Host- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Caitlyn- @caitlynlendrum Tony- @tonyhegarty14By Caitlyn- @bycaitlyn THV Contracts- @thvcontractsFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||
| #1 | Dean McFarland | Juggling life, business and everything in between | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:52:44 | |
In this week’s episode, Declan sits down with his long time friend and business partner, Dean. With 20 years of friendship and over a decade building businesses together in the drinks and events industry, the pair reflect on the highs, the hurdles, and the hilarious moments along the way. From late nights at events to early mornings with the kids, Declan and Dean share an honest conversation about partnership, parenthood, and why mixing friendship with business is a bit like pouring the perfect drink it takes balance, patience, and sometimes a splash of chaos. 🎙️ Founder & Family Podcast📍 Recorded in Belfast @ 1620 Audio📅 Episode 1Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes DenGuest- Dean McFarland, Operations Director Nightcap Event GroupHost- Declan HolmesFollow & ConnectDeclan- @declanholmes08Dean- @deanmc88 Nightcap- @nightcapeventgroup Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards | |||