Cork Creative

Episode 68 Louise Kane Buckley, Naturopath

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 Noreen Roche, Epona Retreat Centre

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.

Episode 66 Cathal Dunne, Singer, Songwriter and Author

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.

Episode 65 William O'Brien, See My Skills

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.

Episode 64 Wan Aznainizam Yusri Wan Abdul Rashid, Malaysian Ambassador

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.

Episode 63 Emma Jacobs, Contemporary Artist

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.

Episode 62 Michelle O' Mahony, History Consultant

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.

Episode 61 Hayley Milthorpe, The Cultured Food Company

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.

Episode 60 Clonakilty Arts Centre

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.

Episode 59 Colin Murphy, West Cork Beard Company

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.