Episodes
Episode 82
Strive Theatre’s Artistic Director Ciarán MacArtain chats about making accessible theatre in Cork, play development, and his folk opera, Goll.
Episode 81
Retired FDNY firefighter Danny Manning shares his harrowing 9/11 survival story and the profound impact of Kinsale’s Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance.
Episode 80
Writer Carina McNally on West Cork folklore, historical trauma, debut novel Mithim, theatre, and bringing Ireland’s forgotten women to life.
Episode 79
Novelist Rebecca Murphy joins the podcast to discuss her debut novel Blood and Water, theater influences, and winning the RTÉ Today Show novel competition.
Episode 78
We delve into Creative Director Stanley Notte’s journey from the Naval Service to a life in the Arts. He reveals how Cork’s unique language and Northside/Southside rivalries fuel his spoken word and visual art. He opens up about finding his creative voice later in life, and how his art became a vital lifeline during his recovery from depression.
Episode 77
Cork musician and writer Joe Philpott discusses his journey from local gigs with his band Rubyhorse to hitting the US Billboard Top 20 and recording with George Harrison. He shares the pressures of the US music industry and how working in palliative care shifted his view. We also cover his new memoir and work with the White Horse Guitar Club.
Episode 76
Thaddeus Ó Buachalla explores his novel EL, the dangers of AI and deepfakes, the Irish language, and his music.
Episode 75
Discover how artist Emily O Regan turned her hobby into a career. We discuss her creative process, ADHD, and balancing digital art, oils, and ceramics.
Episode 74
Spéire CEO Steven Wilson Downey discusses AI, digital transformation, and human-centered business growth. Learn why strategy must come before software.
Episode 73
In this episode, visual artist Maïna Hervé discusses finding joy in the process, balancing work with art, and evolving her style.
Episode 72
In this episode, Angela Newman offers a fascinating glimpse into Cork’s vibrant theatrical scene with a chat about the unique elements of the adult panto.
Episode 71
In this episode, retired doctor, extreme traveller, and author Geraldine Osborne shares her incredible journey spanning over a decade living in some of the world’s most remote regions with her young family.
Episode 70
In this episode, children’s author Nadine Hughes Campbell shares her journey from Canada to Cork, her inspirations behind writing and the importance of diversity and inclusion in children’s literature.
Episode 69
Join Eoin Coughlan and Brian Morrissey of The Oars as they discuss their musical path, creative methods, recording experiences with Dirk Powell, and performances with Robbie Williams and Garron Noone. They also delve into their songwriting inspirations and upcoming projects.
Episode 68
In this episode, naturopath Louise Kane Buckley from Loula Natural shares her diverse journey from actress to personal trainer to a renowned naturopath. She discusses her holistic approach to health, tailoring her therapies to individual needs and her aspirations for expanding her reach within Ireland.
Episode 67
In this episode, Noreen Roche from Epona Retreat Centre discusses how Epona’s setting, meditations, and therapies help clients ground, heal, and find their authentic selves. Her journey from fear to influential healer inspires slowing down and connecting with nature and animals. The podcast ends with her guided grounding meditation.
Episode 66
In this episode, Cathal Dunne discusses his book, Athenry, and how his life in music-from his Cork upbringing and traditional music to Eurovision and his relocation to America-shaped the narrative. The conversation explores the book’s collaborative historical accuracy and the transformative power of music in both his life and story.
Episode 65
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of William O’Brien, well known Cork Businessman and the founder of ‘See My Skills,’ a social enterprise dedicated to connecting people with disabilities to meaningful employment.
Episode 64
In this episode, Patrick sits down with Malaysian Ambassador, Wan Aznainizam Yusri Wan Abdul Rashid, for a live podcast recording during the Feel the Force Festival in Dunmanway. They chat about the rich cultural connections between Malaysia and Ireland, key diplomatic milestones and the shared values that unite these diverse nations.
Episode 63
In this episode, Geraldine chats to artist Emma Jacobs about her journey from South Africa to Ireland and how she pivoted from corporate life to full-time artistic endeavours, her strategies for balancing creativity with business acumen and her passion for fostering community through her volunteer work and mentorship.
Episode 62
In this video episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, Patrick interviews Michelle O’Mahony, a history consultant based in West Cork, about her extensive work in historical research, heritage event management, and consulting.
Episode 61
Geraldine interviews Hayley Milthorpe about her journey founding the Cultured Food Company, which specialises in fermented foods. Hayley discusses the health benefits of fermented foods, the challenges of running a food business, her production process, and her efforts to educate the public about fermented foods. Additionally, Haley highlights her company’s sustainability practices, plans for future product lines, and advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs.
Episode 60
This episode features Sarah, Mark, Donal, and James from the Clonakilty Arts Center discussing their personal journeys, roles and the center’s importance to the West Cork community.
Episode 59
In this episode, West Cork Beard Company’s Colin Murphy recounts his entrepreneurial story, starting his company after returning from Spain. He opens up about the initial challenges he faced in setting up the business, how the unique culture of West Cork has shaped the brand, his approach to social media, and his aspirations for the future.
Episode 58
Leika Hartjes, the Wandering Goldsmith, shares her journey into jewellery-making. She discusses her creative process, the challenges of running a creative business, the importance of following your joy, and how social media has impacted her connection with her audience.
Episode 57
Angela Newman, artistic director and cast member of the theatre group Hysterical Histories, explains how their immersive dinner theatre approach was inspired, the group’s creative process and making history stick by pairing poignant moments with clever comedy.
Episode 56
In this episode we chat to Orla Kelly, founder of Orla Kelly Publishing. Orla shares her journey from self-publishing her son’s story to establishing a thriving business that helps others bring their books to life. She explains the benefits of self-publishing, her unique approach to supporting authors, and insights into the publishing process. Orla also discusses industry trends, common challenges, and how her personalised approach makes Orla Kelly Publishing a standout in the self-publishing world.
Episode 55
In this episode, we talk with the talented duo behind Mummyhead Studios, Justin Walter and Kristie Davison. They share their unique creative journeys, how the Smashing Pumpkins played a key role in bringing them together and how Mummyhead Studios came to be . We explore their diverse and captivating work, collaborations with industry masters, and insights into the evolving landscape of the film industry.
Episode 54
In this episode we talk to chocolatier Niamh O’Reilly from Hungry Crow Chocolates. We chat abouther path into working with chocolate, the challenges of the business world and rising raw material prices, taking an ethical approach to business, listening to her customers, recreating the classics with her unique twist, her hopes for the chocolate industry and just doing it.
Episode 53
In this episode we chat to creative strategist and AI advocate Catherine Tobin about her love for business and taking the leap into launching her first entrepreneurial venture, the importance of taking learnings from all your endeavours, keeping things simple, the juggling act of having three businesses on the go and finding your tribe.
Episode 52
In this episode, we chat to Cecilia Scholte Lubberink about her journey from poetry and art to opening Le Chéile Arts, a beautifully curated craft shop in Dunmanway. She discusses the importance of local art, the collaborative nature of her business, and striving for a work-life balance.
Episode 51
In this episode, we revisit the show’s first guest, Caragh Bell, to discuss her journey and recent projects including the release of her last book Mosaic and her soon-to be launched book, Fortuna. She shares her experiences with self-publishing, her future plans and rubbing shoulders with some literary giants.
Episode 50
In this episode, we chat to illustrator and designer, Kerry O’Callaghan about her journey into children’s illustration, diversity and representation, her collaborative process and gaining confidence in her work.
Episode 48 & 49
In this episode we are joined by craniosacral therapist Sara Devoy. We chat about the benefits of this holistic approach to settling the nervous system and how it can address various physical and emotional issues. Sara shares stories of helping clients navigate challenges and highlights the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of healing rather than solely on fixing problems. We also experience a taster craniosacral therapy session.
Episode 47
In this episode, we talk to Nuri Albakri and Caroline Walsh about their creativity, cosplaying, diorama creation and customisations. From growing up in Malaysia to hosting the inaugural Feel the Force festival in Dunmanway, we speak about the importance of community and creativity of West Cork.
Episode 46
In this episode we chat to Laure Mouniamy from Elle Aime about her path into upholstery, the satisfaction she garners from what she does, expanding her services & an unusual encounter with a hen.
Episode 45
In this episode we chat to Justin Grounds about how music has been a constant presence throughout his life, his move to West Cork and becoming embedded into his community, his influences and inspirations and his unique musical style.
Episode 44
In this episode, we chat to Orla and Armand from Farraige about seaweed art-about the patience required for turning a piece of nature into art, the wonders of this multifaceted yet underrated element of our coastal landscapes and the importance of passion, giving things a go and the support of friends and family.
Episode 43
In this episode we chat to stylist Michelle Coughlan about her path to becoming a stylist, working in the US and her return home to Ireland, the importance of networking, the different facets of her work and her future plans.
Episode 42
In this episode, we chat to Fiona Kelleher from MyGug about the story behind this Cork based start-up, their new age solution to an age old problem, scaling the product, the importance of local supports, ongoing discussions for governmental incentives and being persistent.
Episode 41
As her second book launches, children’s author Leona Forde joins us to chat about the turning of a story for her dauhther into the publication of a successful first book, her inspirations and writing process, the importance of relatable and diverse characters, and her experiences as an author.
Episode 40
In the final part of our coffee roasting series, we are joined by Suzanne Casey, general manager of Velo Coffee Roasters. In this episode we discuss their growth into mainstream retail, the advantages of a single supplier, embedding their business ethos into all that they do and standing out amongst the crowd.
Episode 39
In the third part of our coffee roasters series, we talk to John Boyle and Tom Edwards from Stone Valley Coffee Roasters in Clonakilty. We discuss their self-taught roasting journey, their desire to lighten up the specialty coffee industry whilst ensuring a high quality product and their customer focused approach to their business.
Episode 38
In the second part of our coffee roasters series, we chat to West Cork Coffee’s Tony Speight. We discuss how his engineering background helped him turn his hobby into a passion, his sustainable approach to work and life, not wanting to be the next Starbucks and getting lucky.
Episode 37
In the first part of our coffee roasting series, we are joined by Brock Lewin from Badger & Dodo. We discuss the building blocks of one of the first Irish specialty coffee roasters, the development of their product & brand, the importance of getting the basics right, their focus on quality and Brock’s belief that it’s best to let the coffee do the talking.
Episode 36
In this episode, we return to our Business Supports Series with a chat to Rachel Kelleher from MIX Coworking in Clonakilty. Along with her partner Michael Kote they have turned a passion project into a successful business. In this episode, we discuss their journey to both Clonakilty and the creation of a coworking space, learnings from their original project to now, the benefits of coworking and nurturing their creation.
Episode 35
In this episode we speak to marketing specialist, consultant and mentor Sandra Maybury about the reasons behind her decision to write a book about her parents, her exciting yet normal childhood, marketing and getting the basics right along with getting mad notions.
Episode 33 & 34
We are joined by sound healer, author and musician Claire Marie Barton who talks to us about her interesting work, how the loss of her first baby became a transformative event for her, the importance of self-expression and taking time out and she imparts some very sage advice. A bonus mini sound healing session is also available where Cork Creative got to experience sound healing first hand!
Episode 32
In this episode, we chat to historical fiction author Susan Lanigan. We discuss how history has a tendency to repeat itself, her writing process, her love for history, the challenges of being an author, censorship and her latest book, The Planter’s Daughter.
Episode 31
In the final part of our Estate Agents Series we chat to Andy Donoghue from Hodnett Forde Property Services about his path into property, the skills needed to be a good estate agent, the cyclical nature of the property market and dealing with that, the emotive nature of what he does and having a thick skin.
Episode 30
In the second part of our Estate Agents Series, we chat to Martin from Martin Kelleher Property Services in Clonakilty about how a nice car inspired his career choice, the pros and cons of being an independent operator, the importance of realistically portraying a property to its best potential along with the highs and lows of his job.
Episode 29
As part of our new Estate Agents Series, we chat to Majella Galvin from DNG Galvin in Bandon about her path into auctioneering, the importance of marketing, networking and being part of business groups, supporting and educating clients on their property journey and the multi-faceted skills required of a modern chartered estate agent.
Episode 28
We chat to musician Alan Tobin, aka ADT to chat about his electronic folk music, the wider music scene and industry, the things & people that inspire him, working with other creative people, his new album & being a lighthouse enthusiast.
Episode 27
To mark the 2 year anniversary of Cork Creative, the two hosts of the show, Geraldine Hennessy & Patrick Kiely share their experience of creating this podcast, the lessons learnt and future plans.
Episode 26
In this episode we are joined by muralist and artist Martina Flanagan. We discuss her path to now; through colleges and jobs & her moment of enlightenment. We speak about her superheroes, her process, the impact of social media and she shares some sage advice for wannabe artists.
Episode 25
We are joined by vintage & antique guru Rita Holding of RH vintage Interiors. We discuss the evolution of her hobbyist passion to a business, the great partnership she has with her husband Ian, having a good business head & the wonders and evocative nature of vintage & antique pieces.
Episode 24
We are joined by East Cork artist Nicola Geary whose work ranges from clay faces to brightly coloured canvas. We chat about her journey from artist to chef and back again, the surge in creativity she has experienced, the importance of her mother, family, creative collaborations & supports, learning to embrace the online realm & the value of being true to yourself.
Episode 23
We talk to Maura O’Connell from West Cork Casting Studio. She explains her journey from Social Science Graduate to life-casting & producer of memorial jewellery, the highly emotive element of her work, the touching stories that make her work so special, overcoming her periods of procrastination & self-doubt & learning to take it easy on herself.
Episode 22
We chat to professional declutterer Anne Marie Kingston from White Sage Decluttering about how her early life forged her path into decluttering, the lightbulb moment that initiated her business, the multifaceted layers of decluttering, her tips, challenges and future plans. Listen now.
Episode 21
We chat to interior designer Maura Mackey about turning her part-time hobby into her full-time career, her passion for biophilic design, the importance of function, her design process, the benefits of challenges and how every day is a school day. Listen now.
Episode 20
In this episode, we are joined by photographer Anna Groniecka. We discuss Anna’s creative roots, taking the leap into full time photography, the intense nature of her work and going with the flow. Anna also shares some good advice for people starting out in business.
Episode 19
In the fourth part of our Business Supports Series we speak to Arran O’Driscoll , Chair at Clonakilty Credit Union. We chat about the differences between credit unions and banks, the importance to the credit union of building relationships with members, how credit unions can help business to manage their day-to-day finances and how they adapt their strategy in line with the needs of their members. Listen now.
Episode 18
In the third part of our Business Supports Series, we speak to Peter Walsh, Chairman of Brookpark Business Centre in Dunmanway, an advanced technology business centre about how Brookpark came about, what it can offer to local businesses, the importance of community & how it hopes to serve as a blue print for others. Listen now.
Episode 17
Continuing with our Business Supports series, we chat to Fiona Ryan, Start Up & Entrepreneurship Manager in the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen about her insights for post covid trends for business, how the Ludgate is shaping its own path from those trends and how it facilitates and supports local business and the wider community across the generations. Listen now.
Episode 16
As part of our Business Supports Series, Kevin Curran from the Local Enterprise Office joins us to tell us why the LEO should be the first port of call to new & expanding business. He simplifies business plans, shares what he believes are the biggest mistakes businesses make & discusses the importance of being online. Listen now.
Episode 15
In the fourth part of our Craft Brewers & Distillers Series, husband & wife team Daniel Emerson from Stonewell Cider & Géraldine Javoy from Nohoval Apple Wines educate us on all things apple, the perpetual motion of research & design, maintaining a strong profile, collaboration, sustainability & growing their businesses post-pandemic. Listen now.
Episode 14
Louise Kingston, founder of Inchydoney Candles, joins us to discuss the strong coastal influence on her products and brand, a mother’s influence, unexpected sales boosts and a positive development born out of the pandemic. Listen now.
Episode 13
In part 3 of our Craft Brewers & Distillers series, Séamus Ó Drisceoil from Cape Clear Island Distillery chats to us about their goal to have a high quality distinctive gin that reflects the island, the community endeavour that is central to their gin, the importance of safeguarding their environs & plans for the year ahead. Listen now.
Episode 12
Sharon Huggard, The Style Coach, chats to us about her mission to empower women to find their style signature & to ditch measuring self-worth on the scales, the importance of being authentic, adapting her business and her plans for the year ahead. Listen now.
Episode 11
In part 2 of our Craft Brewers & Distillers Series, we speak to Terra Brookins from West Cork Brewing Company about the importance of their customers to their business & building that relationship further & the collaborative nature of the craft beer industry in Ireland. Listen now.
Episode 10
Entrepreneur & content creator Michel Colaci joins us to discuss his ventures in creative digital solutions, child online safety & video production. We also explore how mindfulness has influenced & changed his work. Listen now.
Episode 9
As part of our Craft Brewers & Distillers Series, Paul Corbett, Head Distiller at Clonakilty Distillery joins us for a chat about his path to becoming a master distiller, the science and art of distilling and the joys of working in a smaller sized distillery. Listen now.
Episode 8
Nina Cáit Gilbert set up her Graphic Design business, Design Bird, on her return from a successful career in London. We discuss how she got into design, her love for what she does and the thrill of being part of the launch of new fledgling business’. Listen now.
Episode 7
Niamh Morrison, creator of HEN Jewellery, has been making jewellery for 15 years. We discuss the positive & negative impacts of the pandemic, the dramas of the creative process, the constant learning curve & her fetish for hammers. Listen now.
Episode 6
Stephen Hayes is a fine art photographer based in Clonakilty. We chat about his love for the whole photography process, his love/hate relationship with Instagram, evolution of his business, local supports and inspirations and we get the answer to the ultimate question.Listen now.
Episode 5
Rebecca Connolly is a well-established beautician in Rosscarbery who has recently launched a beautiful apothecary range. We discuss the silver lining of pandemic closures, making the most of local supports, the challenges she faces and the joys of being a beautician. Listen now.
Episode 4
Louise Bunyan is Ireland’s leading LinkedIn training expert and is a guru of all things digital marketing. We discuss her interesting career, her pivot to online learning and consultancy, the importance of networking and her plans for the future. Listen now.
Episode 3
Aoife McLaughlin chats to us about getting the right work-life balance, moving her lino printing hobby into a business and the challenges of being a one-woman sales, marketing, finance and IT department. Listen now.
Episode 2
Aidan O’ Regan joins us for a honest chat about the highs and lows of being an abstract landscape artist, his motivations and the evolutions of his craft and business from Celtic Tiger boom to a global pandemic.Listen now.
Episode 1
Caragh Bell is a rising star of the literary world with five books published and another well in train. Listen now.
