Cork Creative

Episode 78 Stanley Notte, Creative Director

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.

Episode 77 Joe Philpott, Musician and Writer

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.

Episode 76 Thaddeus Ó Buachalla, Author, Poet & Musician

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.

Episode 75 Emily O'Regan, Multi-Media Artist

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.

Episode 74 Stephen Wilson Downey, CEO Spéire

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.

Episode 73 Maïna Hervé, Visual Artist

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.

Episode 72 Angela Newman, Co-writer, Producer and Cast Member of The Adult Panto

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.

Episode 71 Geraldine Osborne, Author, Doctor and Extreme Traveller

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

Episode 70 Nadine Hughes Campbell, Children's Author

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.

Episode 69 The Oars, Band

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.