This is a podcast created by RBAI. The main focus will be on the topic of well-being and will feature senior pupils, teachers with pastoral responsibilities and alumni. The episodes will aim to provide advice and guidance on managing well-being, making the most of opportunities at school and peoples' favourite memories of RBAI.
Belfast, Boys, Beloved with Principal Dr. Craig Walker
Dr. Walker talks about his first few months as the new Principal of RBAI, his love for film and literature and how this has shaped his view of wellbeing. He also discusses the importance of the Instonian community and the schools reciprocal influence on greater Belfast.
30 Sept 2026
Proud, Traditional, High Achieving with Jack McMillan
Fresh from his recent victories at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, Jack McMillan reflects on his rise to the top of elite swimming. As RBAI’s very first Olympic gold medalist, Jack discusses the grit and mental fortitude needed for world-class competition—including overcoming injury, mastering arena skills, and the mindset of a champion. Alongside his athletic insights, Jack shares memories of his days at Inst and the lasting impact of the teachers who supported him.
29 Jun 2026
Special: Coaching Resilience with Brian McLaughlin
Brian McLaughlin, former teacher and rugby coach at RBAI (1992-2009), and former Head Coach of Ulster Rugby, discusses his extensive teaching and coaching career at the school and his transition into the world of professional coaching.
During his time at Inst, he led the school to nine Schools Cup finals, winning five. He also served as the head coach for Ulster from 2009, leading them to the 2012 Heineken Cup final, and worked as a skills coach for the Ireland senior side between 2005 and 2008. Brian strongly emphasises the life lessons provided by sports, believing that participating in sports teaches students how to handle both winning and losing, forces them to build teamwork skills, and fosters resilience and time management—traits that directly translate to academic success and future careers.
24 Jun 2026
Special: Year 8 Advice on Starting RBAI
Amos, Hishaam and Tom from Year 8 talk about their preconceptions of Inst whilst offering advice and tips for the new students who will be arriving in September. The episode also includes an interview with our new Deputy Head Boy Luke Livingstone who talks about the Year 8 Mentorship programme.
16 Jun 2026
An Inst History with Brian Todd
Past Teacher, Vice Principal and Housemaster Brian Todd reminisces on his time at Inst as well as sharing an insight into the history of RBAI from its foundation to the modern era.
23 Apr 2026
Rewarding, Stressful, Priceless with Rory Sloan
As part of our preventative curriculum this episode contains sensitive issues that include drugs and alcohol misuse.
Rory, a past pupil of Inst, shares his challenges with substance misuse, mental health and subsequent time in prison. Rory has managed to turn his life around and now runs ResoluteMinds CIC an organisation based on lived experiences with the aim to help others overcome their struggles with addiction.
23 Jan 2026
Children’s Mental Health Week 2026: Chris Acheson and Alex Spence
In this special for Children's Mental Health Week Chris Acheson, Operations Lead at Made for More, discusses tips on promoting healthier living and looking after their mental health. RBAI Alumni Alex Spence also joins the episode to talk about his social media campaign for young men aimed at getting people talking and avoiding the social stigma around mental health and his work during "Movember".
12 Dec 2025
Relentless Positivity, Always with Martin McDowell
Chairman Martin McDowell shares his insights on well-being, resilience, and embracing discomfort, highlighting the value of positive thinking in facing life's challenges in this interview.
12 Nov 2025
Standards, Connection and Opportunity with Gary Mitchell
Gary Mitchell discusses his experiences as a team physician for the Australian National Rugby Team, focusing on player wellbeing and his career in Oceanic Rugby in this interview episode.
21 Oct 2025
Purposeful, Challenging, Rewarding with Janet Williamson
Principal Janet Williamson shares her perspectives on productivity, community, and leadership at RBAI, highlighting the significance of student and staff wellbeing in this interview.
6 Jun 2025
Family, Opportunity, Integrity with Mark Gleghorne
Mark Gleghorne discusses his professional hockey career, his journey to Team GB and the Olympics, and how these experiences influence his perspectives on well-being and teaching in this interview.
9 May 2025
Confidence, Passion, Respect with Jack Kelly
Episode five is an interview with alumni, Jack Kelly. Jack is a music producer and audio editor who is signed to the label Perfect Havoc. His clients include some of the most famous Youtube names including The Sidemen as well as Simon Squibb's Blueprint podcast.
To listen to his music follow him on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qXQAJC0HsasWQhGI8P1QC?si=QDifRj5sRxCTByZKWYgwig
11 Apr 2025
Competitive, Supportive, Connected with Michael Lowry
Episode four is an interview with Michael Lowry. Michael discusses his time at Inst and how player wellbeing is now playing a key role in development off and on the pitch.
13 Mar 2025
Friendship, Hope, Team with Andy Watt
Content Warning: Contains content on the topic of bereavement that some younger audience members may find upsetting.
Episode three is an overview of the schools pastoral system with Mrs. Muise, the school's Pastoral VP, and an Interview with Andy Watt. Andy is an Instonian who sadly had to deal with bereavement during his time at RBAI when he lost his mother during the run up to the 2005 School's Cup final and how he dealt with the loss.
28 Feb 2025
Patience, Growth, Forever with Jonny Beckett
Episode two is an interview with Jonny Beckett. He talks through his experiences after leaving Inst and how well being plays a huge role in the running of his business and general ethos.
7 Feb 2025
Opportunity, Community, Magic with George Craigan
Episode one is an interview with our Head Boy, George Craigan. He provides his top tips on Well-Being as well as highlighting the value of extra-curricular activities at RBAI.
23 Jan 2025
Promotional Trailer
Here's what is coming up!
Who has been a guest on Beyond The Pillars
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Martin McDowell
Gary Mitchell
Janet Williamson
Mark Gleghorne
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.7 / 5
81 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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