S8 E5 - Open Your Eyes with Stephen Harold

This week, Stephen Buckley takes the helm on his own for one of the most open, raw, and emotional conversations of this season if not our full catalogue.He sits down with Stephen Harold of Elite Fitness, who shares a powerful story shaped by adversity, survival, and ultimately triumph.Growing up with a mother who was homeless and living with schizophrenia, and a father who was also homeless and not present, Stephen’s early years were defined by instability and hardship. In this episode, he opens up about how those experiences shaped him, the shadows they left behind, and the mindset he’s had to build to rise above them.From a childhood of uncertainty to building a family, a thriving fitness business, and becoming a respected figure in the Hyrox community, Stephen Harold’s journey is a lesson in resilience, grit, and never letting your past dictate your future.
He speaks openly about trauma, resilience, and the lasting impact of growing up in survival mode.Fitness became his anchor, first as a coping mechanism, then as a career and passion.Despite success, he reveals why he still finds it hard to feel secure or “safe” in life.Stephen shares how becoming a father changed his perspective and fuelled his drive.His story shows the power of discipline, community, and choosing to rewrite your narrative.This podcast is sponsored by Robus Lighting and this season is in association with Snickers Workwear Ireland