Coach Darren Kavanagh

01/10/21 • 37 min

It’s that time of the year again, ‘New Year, New Me’. However, less than two weeks in, with record breaking Covid numbers each day and freezing temperatures outside, it’s hard to know how to get started. That’s even before you think about trying to motivate yourself. Nonetheless, thousands of us will endeavour to get in shape (me included). Eat healthier and get more active. With that in mind, I thought the first episode of Season 2 of The Big Nose Podcast should try help get everyone on the right track.

In an effort to get professional advice on this, I reached out to Dublin native Darren Kavanagh. From the outside, Darren would probably be defined as a personal trainer. This definition would not be wrong. However, to his clients, Darren is much more. For many, Darren provides a service that cannot be provided by just a personal trainer. Darren, for many is a coach, a confidant and in his own words, very often an agony aunt (or in his case uncle). Darren gets invested in every client he comes in contact with. Darren will take you under his wing, he will listen to what you want to achieve and break it down for you into understandable parts that can be achieved with hard work and commitment.

In this podcast, you'll hear the story of Darren. How he started out on his journey from a few bits and pieces of equipment, to a large client base today. Darren gives an insight into what it takes to be an entrepreneur. He speaks about the importance of community which hasn’t left what he strives to achieve in his line of work.

I speak to Darren about approaches to take to the ‘New Year, New Me’. I ask him about the biggest pit falls that he comes across each year. We discuss the importance of my Mum’s old phrase, ‘you are what you eat’ and try to tease out the truth in it. Like a lot of chats, we spoke over Zoom. In his case, Zoom has enabled him to continue working. I asked how he has adapted his service and what challenges he faced.

Darren is associated with Muscle and Mind Fitness in Coolock. Over the past year they have put in massive investments to enable them to remain open for their clients. We spoke about the purpose of these facilities, outside of just being a place to get fit and how they have adapted into more social hubs.

So, if you’re interested in what it takes to become a personal trainer. If you want to embrace the ‘New Year, New Me’ mindset. Perhaps you want to know what mistakes to avoid starting out on your own fitness journey. Even if you want to hear about the best foods to eat, then listen to Darren’s story, it promises to get you in the best frame of mind to make changes to improve your well-being.

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Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-big-nose.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

The Story of Dublin Airport's Dave

This week we begin advent, the count down to the celebration of the birth of the Baby Jesus.

In my family, this week begins the final countdown to a day we all thought was still a good few year away. Dave Cromwell aka Dad is retiring from the Dublin Airport Authority. With almost 35 years of service under his belt; I thought now was an ideal opportunity to get him front of the Big Nose Podcast mic.

In the conversation, we begin at the very start, a story of childhood as the eldest of five and what it was like growing up in 1960s Dublin. David recalls what it was like to be an introverted teenager in the 70s; but explains, maybe surprisingly how he found himself in Coachella Valley in California for a year in 1980.

Before starting his career in Dublin Airport, he calls on a memory of his first job. He shares in detail how one morning after getting off the bus he ends up in the River Liffey.

When the conversation moves to talking about his at Aer Rinta , now the Dublin Airport Authority, the fondness for the organisation is clear for all to hear. David shares his story, this journey from the cleaning crew with his Father Eddie onto the car parks, followed by the cash office to finishing his days with Platinum Services. His story is one uniquely told in his own words, how he grew as Dublin Airport grew. How an organisation on the most Western front of Europe became an international hub of aviation and continues to be so.

As Father and Son we reflect on heartbreak along the way. 35 years of services has not gone by without scars. Those scars of course inflicted through firstly the untimely death of his Father Eddie at the turn of the Millennium. A man, in his own right had a worthy contribution to airport life. However, David talks candidly of the loss of his youngest son Aidan, at 11 years of age back in 2008. He reflects on the impact on him, this family and comments on the strength he found in his work family throughout Dublin Airport.

In the podcast, David talks about the changes he has seen with the organisation, the industry and of course in Ireland. He mentions also some interesting stories, including how shuffling like a penguin is the best method if you want to shake the Popes hand.

In truth, when December 5th does come, Dublin Airport will of course be losing a valued servant of 35 years, but, I feel after talking with Dad, that he will be losing a friend of 35 years.

I implore one and all to give it a listen, a truly epic conversation of much laughter; joy and insight.

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Next Episode

Reiki Master Fran Tobin

This week on The Big Nose Podcast, I chatted to the wonderful Fran Tobin of Luna Soul Time. Fran, by her own definition is a ‘Giver’. This became very obvious to me once we began to chat. During the podcast you will learn of Fran’s journey. Fran shares how one accident, while on a running trip with the Rock & Roll Marathon started a chain of events that left her at a point of extreme self-reflection.

Frans speaks very openly about the need to make changes with her own life and how she challenged herself to do something different every month to grow and learn. This is where the avenue of Reiki cleared itself in the meadow of life. Fran speaks to me about this journey and what this path looked like to her.

Like Fran, I was new to Reiki before I spoke to her. From listening to the podcast, you will go away with a better understanding of what it is all about. As a Reiki Master, Fran was able to give me a front seat to everything that happens at Luna.

Luna is a space that Fran has created to allow participants to feel warm, safe and secure. In this space, Fran explains how you can expect to receive a ‘massage for the mind’, which will allow you to go way with a better balance in your being.

The Big Nose podcast implores everyone to check out Fran at Luna Soul Time. Tune in to hear Fran’s personal story of change and growth. Listen to the passion that Fran speaks with about the power of Reiki. Allow this podcast to open your mind to the power of positive energy and mindfulness.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-big-nose.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.