Cork Creative

On the Cork Creative Podcast, creative director Stanley Notte discusses Cork’s distinctive language, humour, and Northside/Southside rivalry, and how those influences shape his work. He reflects on growing up in London and returning to Cork in the 1970s, describing how freedom, friendships, and a fascination with words deepened his connection to the city. He explains how writing, visual art, spoken word, and product design emerged later in life, and how creativity supported his recovery from depression and informed his openness about mental health. He describes collaborating with musicians, performing in venues from festivals to Cork Prison, and the challenges of moving from the Naval Service to an irregular arts income. He shares plans for music releases, events, more performances, and ongoing Cork-inspired work.

Musician and writer Joe Philpott joins the Cork Creative Podcast to discuss growing up in Bishopstown and forming Rubyhorse, supported by a strong school arts culture and Cork’s vibrant late-80s/90s music scene. He describes the long, deliberate journey from local gigs to US success, including performing on Letterman, touring with major acts, and collaborating with George Harrison.  Philpott reflects on ambition, belonging “at the table,” and the pressures, manipulation and burnout of the US music industry. After returning to Cork feeling lost, he found a new purpose bringing music into hospitals and palliative care. He outlines lessons on sustaining creativity, the organic community ethos of White Horse Guitar Club, releasing new music, and writing his memoir.

On the Cork Creative Podcast, Geraldine  speaks with author, poet and musician Thaddeus Ó Buachalla about growing up in Cork City, his early musical influences and his later decision to learn Irish after school, which led to an Irish degree and a PhD in Modern Irish at UCC. He explains how academia shaped his discipline, planning process and literary criticism, and how his interest in postmodernism informed his work. Thaddeus discusses the spark behind his novel EL, how he uses historical research and conspiracy-style narrative to explore digital deception, AI and deepfakes, and why storytelling matters in confronting disinformation. He reflects on publishing in Irish, translating EL into English to broaden awareness of Irish-language literature, and his wide-ranging musical journey, collaborations and live multimedia performance.

Multimedia artist Emily O’Regan is on a mission to turn her art into a full-time career—and to make sure young female artists are taken seriously along the way. In this episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, Emily breaks down her reference-led creative process across digital illustration, oils, and ceramics. She also opens up about her ADHD diagnosis at 17, how she reframed it to fuel her creativity, and the realities of building an art business from the ground up.

In this episode, Steven Wilson Downey, CEO of digital agency Spéire, discusses digital transformation, the misconceptions around AI, and the importance of starting with human processes in business automation. He shares the journey of founding Spéire, the evolution of their services, and how they respond to shifting market demands. Tune in to learn about practical steps for businesses to adapt to the rapidly changing digital world without losing their personal touch.

In this episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, we chat with Maïna Hervé, a French visual artist based in Cork.  Maïna discusses her journey from art school to establishing her personal style, focusing on finding joy in the process rather than succumbing to external pressures. She shares insights into balancing a full-time job with her creative work, her transition from dark themes to more colourful and personal subjects, and the importance of building a supportive artistic community. Tune in to learn more about Maïna’s approach to making art that resonates both with herself and others.

In this episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, Angela Newman, a key figure in the Cork arts scene, discusses the unique elements of adult panto, delving into how it differs from family-friendly versions with its mature humour and pub setting. She details the creative and collaborative process behind developing these shows and highlights the joy and community they foster. Throughout, she shares heartfelt anecdotes, the importance of preserving local stories, and offers advice for aspiring actors.This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into Cork's vibrant theatrical scene.

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.  She chats about their rich cultural exchanges with the Inuit, the profound impact these experiences had on their lives as well as the invaluable life lessons learned about resilience, community, and the connection with nature.  Whether you're an adventurer at heart or curious about remote travel, Geraldine offers crucial advice for anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone and embrace new, wild experiences

In this episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, host Geraldine Hennessy speaks with Nadine Hughes Campbell, a children's author based in Cork. Nadine shares her journey from Montreal to Cork, her inspiration for writing children's books, and her mission to promote diversity and representation in literature. She discusses the creative process, the importance of collaboration with illustrators, and the challenges she faced as an author. Nadine also emphasises the significance of building a community and engaging with readers, offering practical advice for aspiring creatives. The conversation concludes with a glimpse into the future adventures of her main character, Noah.

In this episode, Eoin Coughlan and Brian Morrissey of The Oars discuss the intricate balance between lyrics and music, their musical beginnings, and the evolution of their duo. They share insights into their creative process, collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Dirk Powell in Louisiana, and the inspiration behind their songs. The duo reflects on their experiences in the music industry, including performing with Robbie Williams, and their plans for the future, including new singles, live performances, and collaborations. This episode highlights their commitment to authenticity and the dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary elements in their music.

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.

In this episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, host Geraldine welcomes Noreen Roche, a transformational equine reiki therapist, energy healer, and retreat host from Epona Retreat Center in Rathcormac, North Cork. Noreen chats about how Epona’s serene setting, simplistic meditations, and unique therapies aid clients in grounding, healing, and rediscovering their authentic selves. Noreen's journey from childhood fears to becoming an influential healer provides an inspiring look at the power of slowing down, breathing, and deeply connecting with nature and animals. The podcast concludes with a guided grounding meditation led by Noreen to help listeners ground their energy.

In this episode of Cork Creative, Cathal Dunne joins host Patrick to discuss the upcoming launch of his book 'Athenry' .They delve into the musical elements that infuse the narrative, reflecting Cathal's life in music. Cathal shares his journey from a musical upbringing in Cork, influenced by mentors and traditional Irish music, to his experiences with Eurovision and his relocation to America. He also talks about the collaborative process of refining his book with historical accuracy and the role of music as a transformative force both in his life and in the story. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the intersections of music, literature, and cultural heritage.

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. Inspired by personal experiences, William shares his background, the organisation's mission, and its evolution. He highlights the programs 'Empower' and 'Accelerator,' designed to build confidence and provide practical skills for people with different abilities. The episode also touches on the importance of community involvement, challenges faced, and future expansion plans, underscoring a core message of positivity and social impact.

Join Patrick Kiely from Cork Creative for the inaugural live podcast featuring a special guest,Wan Aznainizam Yusri Wan Abdul Rashid, the Malaysian Ambassador to Ireland. The podcast was recorded during the Feel the Force festival in Dunmanway in June 2025. In this engaging episode, the Ambassador shares his first impressions of Ireland, experiences in Dunmanway, and the rich cultural connections between Malaysia and Ireland. Discover how cultural diplomacy, art, cuisine, and education foster international relationships. Learn about Malaysian cuisine, key diplomatic milestones, and the shared values that unite these diverse nations. This episode is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the vibrant connections that exist between different parts of the world.

In this episode, Emma Jacobs chats 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.

In this video episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, host Patrick interviews Michelle O’Mahony, a history consultant based in West Cork, about her extensive work in historical research, heritage event management, and consulting.    Michelle delves into her expertise on the Irish famine, particularly the Earl Grey scheme that sent Irish orphans to Australia. She discusses the importance of making history engaging, her varied career that includes facilitating historical research for individuals and professionals, and organising events that highlight local history and heritage tourism. Michelle also shares insights on the challenges of historical research, the need for an international museum in West Cork, and how her diverse educational background has shaped her career.

Geraldine interviews Haley Milthorpe about her journey founding the Cultured Food Company, which specialises in fermented foods. Haley discusses the health benefits of fermented foods, the challenges of running a food business, and her company's sustainability practices.

In this episode, we chat with Sarah, Mark, Donal, and James from the Clonakilty Arts Centre as they share their personal journeys, roles, and the importance of the arts centre in fostering creativity and community in West Cork. Discover the unique challenges and rewards of running an art centre, the importance of arts in regional areas, and their shared vision for a dynamic and inclusive creative hub. This episode delves into everything from the therapeutic benefits of art to the intricacies of planning annual exhibitions and fostering local talent.

From beards to business, in this episode of Cork Creative, we sit down with Colin Murphy, the founder of West Cork Beard Company.  Colin shares the journey of how he transitioned from an English teacher in Spain to a successful entrepreneur in Ireland. He talks about his initial struggles with business operations, the inspirations drawn from the West Cork landscape, and his passion for creating high-quality beard products. Colin also discusses product development, sustainability efforts, the role of social media in his marketing strategy, and his future vision for the company.

In the final podcast episode of 2024, Leika Hartjes, the Wandering Goldsmith, shares her journey into jewellery-making and the evolution of her unique style. Leika discusses her creative process, from finding inspiration in nature and personal stories to choosing materials and balancing traditional techniques with modern trends. She also opens up about the challenges of running a creative business, the importance of following your joy, and how social media has impacted her connection with her audience.

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.

In this episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, host Geraldine Hennessy interviews 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.

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.

In this episode, chocolatier Niamh O’Reilly discusses her path into working with chocolate and opening up her own chocolate business, Hungry Crow. She discusses the challenges of the business world and rising raw material prices, taking an ethical approach, listening to her customers, recreating the classics with her unique twist, her hopes for the chocolate industry and just doing it.

We chat to serial entrepreneur, 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.

In this Cork Creative Podcast, Geraldine chats to Cecilia Scholte Lubberink about her journey from poetry and art to opening Le Chéile Arts, a beautifully curated craft shop in Dunmanway. Born from a need for local artists to have a space to showcase their work, Cecilia chats about how the success of a pop-up shop led to the establishment of a permanent store. She emphasises the importance of local art, the collaborative nature of her business, and striving for a work-life balance.

In the latest Cork Creative episode, Patrick Kiely revisits the show's first guest, Caragh Bell, to discuss her journey and recent projects. Since her last appearance, Caragh has published another book, Mosaic, and her next, Fortuna, is due out in August. She has also started a school podcast series, the SHSS podcast. She shares her experiences with self-publishing and her future plans, including a PhD and potential screenwriting projects.

In this episode, we chat to illustrator Kerry O’Callaghan about her journey into children’s illustration, diversity and representation, her collaborative process and gaining confidence in her work.

Cork Creative's Geraldine Hennessy experiences a craniosacral therapy session in the comfort of Sara Devoy's beautiful therapy space. Listen in to how the session unfolds and experience a taster of what a session would be like.

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.

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.

In this episode we chat to Laure about her path into upholstery, the satisfaction she garners from what she does, expanding her services, breaking through limits and an unusual encounter with a hen.

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.

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 a piece of 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.

In this episode we are joined by stylist Michelle Coughlan. We discuss her path to becoming a stylist from being a fashion loving child to working on projects for internationally renowned brands in the US, her return home to Ireland, the importance of networking, the different facets of her work and her future plans.

In this episode, we chat to MyGug CEO Fiona Kelleher 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.

As her second book launches, children’s author Leona Forde joins us on the Cork Creative podcast to chat about the turning of a story for her daughter 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.  

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.

We chat to John and Tom from Stone Valley Coffee Roasters about their self-taught roasting journey, their desire to lighten up the specialty coffee industry whilst ensuring a high quality product & their customer focused approach to their business.

As part of Skibbereen Arts festival, Caragh Bell chats to Tadgh Coakley, Michelle Dunne, Catherine Kirwan and Amy Cronin in this live literary event. They chat about their creative process, their books and the explosion of the crime genre.

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.

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.

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 the original project to now, the benefits of coworking and nurturing their creation.

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.

A bonus mini sound healing session is where Cork Creative got to experience Claire Marie Barton's sound healing first hand.

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 available as another episode where Cork Creative got to experience sound healing first hand.

We discuss with historical fiction author Susan Lanigan how history has a tendency to repeat itself, her writing process and love for history, the challenges of being an author, censorship along with her latest book.

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.

Martin from Martin Kelleher Property Services in Clonakilty chats to us 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.