Best Ciaran And Niall Podcasts (2025)

1
Skincare That's Kind For The Planet - Nicola, Nunaia 47:05

Play Pause

3d ago47:05

47:05

Nicola Connolly is the founder of Nunaia, an eco skincare brand that's made from plants grown by families in Equador. She's thought about the impact of the brand at every stage,I truly loved this chat! Follow Nunaia on Instagram @nunaiabeauty or Facebook As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a…

1
Restoring Oyster Habitat & Improving Water Quality in Ireland - David Lawlor 36:59

17d ago36:59

36:59

David Lawlor is an entrepeuner who has found the perfect way to incorporate his busniess with his love of the sea. He and his wife Marguerite run Green Ocean Coffiee which helps to fund the Green Ocean Foundation, an initiative utilising the wonders of oysters to restore our Irish waters. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming updates, or follow…

1
Making Sure Your Pension is an Ethical One - Ciaran Hughes 53:41

1M ago53:41

53:41

Ciarán Hughes is the CEO of Ethico, Ireland's only ethical finance advising company. Irish pensions are worth billions of euro, a chunk of which is used to invest in fossil fuels and other unethical businesses like weapons etc. We have the power as pension customers to move our pensions away from negative investments to positive ones, and as you'll…

1
Fighting to Save Lough Neagh - Hannah Gallagher 1:06:25

1M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Hannah Gallagher is one volunteer behind the Save Lough Neagh campaign. Lough Neagh is the largest body of water in Ireland and provides drinking water for 40% of the population in Northern Ireland, yet it is being decimated by pollution for a multitude of reasons. But awareness of this has been steadily growing thanks to efforts from collaborating…

1
Rebel Notes: Popular Music and Conflict in Ireland, with Stan Erraught 1:07:28

2M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

In this episode we talk to Stan Erraught about his book, Rebel Notes: Popular Music and Conflict in Ireland. We discuss Stan’s own political background and work leading to his research for the book; the different facets of Irish popular music since the mid-20th Century; the particular cases of the Wolfe Tones and Kneecap and perceptions of their po…

1
Switching to Refurbished Gadgets & Making Them Last - Colin Baker 50:53

2M ago50:53

50:53

Colin Baker is a tech specialist who often frequents morning TV shows giving gadget advice, but I found him when I went into his shop Back From The Future in need of a refurbished laptop. The advice he had on keeping my laptop in good condition made me think he'd be a good guest on the podcast! You can pop into one of his shops in Dublin, check out…

1
Sustainability Training in All Workplaces - Niall Collins 42:50

2M ago42:50

42:50

Niall Collins is the CEO of the Institue of Sustainability Studies, a centre that provides self-paced courses for staff on all aspects of being green to from waste to energy to being more circular. Whether you're in management, working on the floor or thinking of starting a business of your own, there's courses they have than can empower you to mak…

1
Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism’s Forgotten Radicals, with Maurice Casey 1:14:34

3M ago1:14:34

1:14:34

In this episode we talk to Maurice Casey about his book, Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism’s Forgotten Radicals. Hotel Lux tells the story of May O’Callaghan and her social circle in the Comintern’s Moscow accommodation for international communists. We discuss Maurice’s PhD research, its transformation into the book, and the lives and int…

1
Using Creativity to Nourish AND Protest - Sadhbh O'Sullivan 54:31

3M ago54:31

54:31

Sadhbh O'Sullivan, or better known by her stage name Sive, is a musician, singer, writer and activist. Her work has a lot of environmentalism and social justice woven through it, not just in the songs she writes, but the workshops she hosts. Since Octover 2023 she has become and avid activist for the P@l3stine cause as well. I hope you enjoy listen…

1
The Party is Always Right: The Untold Story of Gerry Healy and British Trotskyism, with Aidan Beatty 1:23:27

4M ago1:23:27

1:23:27

In this episode we talk to Aidan Beatty about his book, The Party is Always Right: The Untold Story of Gerry Healy and British Trotskyism. We discuss the history of the Socialist Labour League and Workers’ Revolutionary Party in the UK; the role of the party and their Galway-born leader, Gerry Healy, in Trotskyism; the implosion of the party in 198…

1
Gearóid Ó Faoleán: The Provisional IRA in the Republic of Ireland 1:08:35

5M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

In this episode we talk to Gearóid Ó Faoleán about his research into support for the Provisional IRA in the Republic of Ireland during the Troubles. Gearóid is the author of A Broad Church: The Provisional IRA in the Republic of Ireland, 1969–1980 and A Broad Church Vol. 2: The Provisional IRA in the Republic of Ireland, 1980-1989, published by Mer…

1
Niall McGuirk: Hope Collective 1:40:07

6M ago1:40:07

1:40:07

In this episode we talk to Niall McGuirk about the Hope Collective. Hope Collective originated in the early 1980s when Niall started putting on gigs to encourage bands to play in Dublin and developed into the Hope Collective in 1994. Hope facilitated dozens of bands playing gigs in Ireland and latterly has produced books recording the history and r…

1
In Death: Caring for the Planet with Eco Burials - Colin McAteer 47:10

7M ago47:10

47:10

I think there's no better way to end season 6, before I hibernate for 3 months, than with an interview all about caring for the planet in death. The Western way of grandiose everything has seeped into our burial habits and our bodies no longer go back to the soil as they should. Colin McAteer is the owner of greencoffins.ie and Woodbrook Natural Bu…

1
Circular Habits for Stage & Screen Costumes - Alice Bassie 47:05

7M ago47:05

47:05

Alice Bassie is the co-founder of Circular Costume Ireland, a not-for-profit organisation that's working to tackle the stream of waste created by the costume department on film sets. Stay up to date with them on Instagram @circularcostumeireland and keep an eye on their website for second hand stock that they're selling! As always, don't forget to …

1
Grassroots Campaigning with Artist & Activist Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin 57:38

8M ago57:38

57:38

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin is an eco-socialist, a community activist and a musician. While I met him through climate protests, he has also been a campaigner on housing, workers' rights, Palestine solidarity, and anti-racism. He's running in this General Election for People Before Profit in Dublin Central. You can stay up to date on his activism via Insta…

1
The Magic of Lending - Giorgia, The Toy Library 49:30

8M ago49:30

49:30

Giorgia Anile is the founder of The Toy Library, a wonderful peer to peer lending platform that not only saves on resources needed for new toys, but creates a sense of value in the sharing community for all ages. Keep an eye for in person swap events as well via their website or socials: Instagram @thetoylibraryireland or Facebook. Their next in-pe…

1
Repurposing Old Mattress Materials - Keith, Bounce Back Recycling 26:44

9M ago26:44

26:44

Keith McDonagh is a member of the Galway Traveller Movement and manager of the social enterprise Bounce Back Recycling which specialises in recycling old mattress. They send the various materials to businesses in Ireland who repurpose them. It's a wonderful initiative that not only diverts thousands of waste from landfill each year, but provides me…

1
Wearing Quality (and colourful!) Clothes - Virtue, Emerald and Wax 35:35

9M ago35:35

35:35

Virtue is the maker behind sustainable fashion brand Emerald and Wax. She is passionate about creating quality clothes that can become heirloom pieces, while also incorporating the colourful designs from her home country of Ghana. Keep an eye on her socials for upcoming markets via Instagram @emeraldandwax or Facebook. As always, don't forget to fo…

1
Saving the Barn Owls of Ireland - John Carrig 50:36

10M ago50:36

50:36

John Carrig is one of the many volunteers behind The Barn Owl project. He's been vital in spreading awareness of what people can do to help the red-listed species, and we delve into all of that here. You can donate, volunteer, and/or sign their petition on rodenticide to help the cause. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter/X or Instagram @…

1
Until We Fall: Long Distance Life on the Left, with Helena Sheehan 1:21:36

10M ago1:21:36

1:21:36

In this episode we talk to Professor Helena Sheehan about her recent book, Until We Fall: Long Distance Life on the Left. We discuss the lead up to and impact of the break up of the Soviet Union, Helena’s experience of post-apartheid South Africa and the changing role of the University in the contemporary period. Helena is Emeritus Professor at Dub…

1
Being Circular with The Rediscovery Centre - Arran Murphy 50:36

10M ago50:36

50:36

Arran Murphy is a fashion designer who channels her skills into empowering people to have a circular mindset with their clothes, through her work at the Rediscovery Centre. The Rediscovery Centre is an AMAZING example of how circular living is fun, beautiful, functional, and not to mention how great it is for the planet and community in every way. …

1
Being a Global Citizen, & Utilising Art - Shauna Harris 40:54

11M ago40:54

40:54

Shauna Harris is an actor, poet, and global citizen education officer. She also has a keen interest in researching Black studies and having an intersectional approach to her activism, especially towards people who have been racialised. You can stay up to date with all her life bits on Instagram @shaunaxrose She has two upcoming shows you can catch …

1
Unfinished Business: The Politics of 'Dissident' Irish Republicanism, with Marisa McGlinchey 39:02

11M ago39:02

39:02

In this episode we talk to Dr. Marisa McGlinchey about her book, Unfinished Business: the politics of ‘dissident’ Irish republicanism (Manchester University Press, 2019). Based on a series of interviews with radical Republicans from several organisations, the book discusses the development of ‘dissident’ Irish republicanism and considers its impact…

1
Reducing Waste to Flourish in Planet & Health - Merschon Hudson 43:50

11M ago43:50

43:50

Merschon and Craig own the beautiful reduced waste store that is Flourish Minimal Waste Grocery. Have a listen to hear how they came to be small business owners and tips they have for people trying to reduce waste or improve their health. Their website is www.minimalwastegrocery.com and you can stay up to date with them on Instagram @minimalwastegr…

1
Ecological Corridors, the Future of Crisps, & more - Kaethe, Bí Urban 57:42

12M ago57:42

57:42

Welcome to the first live podcast recording of Book of Leaves! When I asked around as to who a good guest would be to interview as part of the Stoneybatter Festival, Kaethe's name kept coming up, and rightly so! She has been integral in community building and waste reducing in the wonder that is Stoneybatter in Dublin 7. You can stay up to date wit…

1
Gender Inequality in Ireland & Its Link to Climate Change - Vanessa Conroy 57:48

12M ago57:48

57:48

Vanessa Conroy works for The National Women’s Council of Ireland in addition to being a member of Community Work Ireland and a lecturer in Maynooth. Today she'll be talking about the research Feminist Communities for Climate Justice has done into the intersection of climate action and gender inequality in Ireland. You can follow her on X @miss_Ness…

1
Supporting Fairtrade & Reconnecting with Nature - Aidan Ring 53:44

1y ago53:44

53:44

Aidan Ring is an artist and activist I’ve come to know through attending various climate action events together. He’s a great example of the multiple ways we can take part in making the world a better place. I've outlined below what we chat about, and you can follow him on Instagram @tornaido.fireperformer As always, don't forget to follow Book of …

1
Sinéad Mercier: Environment and Just Transition 1:00:42

1y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

In this episode we speak to Sinéad Mercier. Sinéad is a lecturer inEnvironmental Law & Policy and PhD Researcher in the Sutherland School of Lawin UCD with thePROPERTY [IN]JUSTICE project led by AmyStrecker and Amanda Byer. We discuss Sinéad’s political background, herengagement with Trade Unionism and work with ICTU; environmental campaigning,how …

1
Sharing Gardens and Making Music - Scott, Community Roots 55:34

1y ago55:34

55:34

Scott Bryan is the co-founder of the volunteer organisation Community Roots. He also works in graphic design and has a passion for music. We'll be chatting about all the ways in which he uses his skills and interests to make his society a better place. Visit communityroots.ie for more or follow them on Instagram @coroots_ie to stay up to donate. If…

1
Swapping Clothes & Grassroots Change - Mary, Change Clothes Crumlin 47:27

1y ago47:27

47:27

Change Clothes Crumlin (CCC) exploded on to the Dublin fashion scene in 2022. Set up by Mary & Oileán, they aim to make sure pre-loved clothing is affordable, fashionable and fun - while also empowering and educating the community on why it's important to rethink our fashion model. Check out their website for more or follow them on Instagram @chang…

1
Children's Rights & Climate Justice - Aoibhínn from Plan International 39:46

1y ago39:46

39:46

Aoibhínn Nevin Ginnetty is currently an intern at Plan International Ireland which focuses on empowering children's rights across the globe, with a focus on gender equality. Have a listen as she shares her journey into politics and activism, and shares tips for encouraging other young people to get involved with environmental and societal action. S…

1
Spirit of Revolution: Ireland from below, 1917–1923 1:04:40

1y ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Spirit of revolution In this episode we discuss the recently published book,Spirit of Revolution: Ireland from below, 1917–1923. This edited volume looks at regional and local case studies during therevolutionary period, highlighting the widespread radicalism – beyond thenational independence movement – that flourished around Ireland at the time in…

1
Using Feasts & Festivals to Build Community - Sam Bishop 44:22

1y ago44:22

44:22

Sam Bishop is the CEO of Neighbourhood Network which runs the wonderful Street Feast event due to take place this 25th & 26th of May. We’ll delve into the importance of bringing communities together in public spaces and how that helps create a climate just future. There are so many great initiatives to follow on socials but you can find them all vi…

1
Episode 100 Celebration! 57:08

1y ago57:08

57:08

I am so lucky to be able to create this podcast and I'm beyond grateful to you, the listener, not to mention all the wonderful guests who have taught us all so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you. A special thanks to those who have contributed on Buy Me A Coffee or Patreon. It's been a lifeline at the beginning of every season. Thank you! Timesta…

1
Helping Injured Wildlife - Jana, Kildare Wildlife Rescue 1:08:46

1+ y ago1:08:46

1:08:46

**WhatsApp me a voice-note, or e-mail a message to [email protected] for episode 100 before April 25th!** Welcome back to Book of Leaves! I'm delighted to be coming out of a 3 month hibernation joined by Jana from Kildare Wildlife Rescue no less. As we're fully into Spring, there'll be a huge increase in wildlife calls and rescues neede…

1
Camilla Fitzsimons: Spectacle of Defiance & Hope, Repeal, and Academics for Palestine 1:19:56

1+ y ago1:19:56

1:19:56

In this episode we speak to activist and academic Camilla Fitzsimons. Camilla’s academic work focuses in particular on education and social movements, and she is an Associate Professor in Maynooth University School of Education. Her publications include two books – Community education and neoliberalism: Philosophies, practices and policies in Irela…

1
Jim Monaghan: LWR, Workers' League, Official Sinn Féin, People's Democracy, & the H-Block Armagh Committee 1:03:32

1+ y ago1:03:32

1:03:32

In this episode we talk to Jim Monaghan. Jim first became politically active as a student in the late 1960s in Dublin. We discuss the increasing politicisation in Ireland at that time, and Jim’s political activity, initially with Labour and Students for Democratic Action, the League for A Workers’ Republic, and briefly the LWR-breakaway, the League…

1
Leaving the 'High Life' for the Bigger Picture - Tom Butler 58:22

1+ y ago58:22

58:22

Tom Butler, together with his wife Pam, run an organisation called Astræa, through which they inspire people to think, act, and live in harmony with the planet and each other. They grow food on a small organic farm, host classes, sell books and much more. At their root, they are two people using their time on the planet to create positive change. I…

1
Politics & Cultural Influence 22:58

1+ y ago22:58

22:58

Throughout 2023 we have asked podcast guests if there are any cultural artefacts or events that they consider particularly influential on their politics. This episode brings together responses from historian Mary Muldowney, anarchist activist Gregor Kerr, Republican activist Des Dalton, author Michael Flavin, historian Brian Hanley, and Irish Anarc…

1
How Sport Clubs can take Climate Action - Bohemian Football Club 36:28

1+ y ago36:28

36:28

Bohemian Football Club (BFC) is the first football club in the world to set up a climate action committee and they’ve been doing a stellar job of it. I interviewed two of the people on the team, Sean McCabe and Leo McConnell to get the inside scoop on how they’ve been working. You can follow them on Instagram as @bfcdublin_clico or Facebook. [05:05…

1
Navigating & Solving this Planetary War - Naomi Ní Shíocháin 1:10:08

1+ y ago1:10:08

1:10:08

**Note from March 1st 2024 - we recorded this interview in November 2023. If you are wondering why Naomi doesn't refer to what's happening in Gaza as a g3noc!de, it's because things hadn't escalated as far as they have today. She now refers to it as a "Level 9 Extermination risk gen0cide". Language is important. Thank you for listening and please k…

1
David Costelloe: Military History and The Troubles 1:13:12

1+ y ago1:13:12

1:13:12

In this episode we’re joined by David Costelloe. Dave writes on history and politics on his website Never Felt Better, and in particular has written an extensive series of articles on Irish military history from the earliest records almost to the contemporary, Ireland’s Wars. We spoke to Dave previously in 2021, on episode 20 of the podcast, about …

1
Finding the Wonder in Nature - Anja Murray 56:48

1+ y ago56:48

56:48

It was such an honour to chat to Anja Murray who many of you may know from being the presenter of Eco Eye. She also is a writer (Wild Embrace & a weekly column with the Irish Examiner), a radio show host (Naturefile with RTE Lyfric FM) on top of having worked in policy in the NGO sector for many years. You can follow her on Instagram @miseanja & X …

1
Shop In A Salvage Yard - Harry Maharaj 34:31

1+ y ago34:31

34:31

I've heard of skip diving and second hand shopping, but salvage yards were not something I knew even existed in Ireland until Harry got in touch about the work he does. Euro Salve has been running for 25 years, based in Kilkenny. A wonderland of treasures, high quality timber, garden furniture, you name it! Giving these items a new lease of life an…

1
A New Series and Project Update 28:15

1+ y ago28:15

28:15

An introduction to our next series of episodes and discussion of the Irish Left Archive project and changes we’ve made in the past year. The discussion includes mention of trying to keep all aspects of the project open. As such, we’ve made the website and podcast statistics publicly accessible, as well as any source code used in the project. Websit…

1
Preventing Mining & Sink Holes in Monaghan - Sophia McConnon 39:40

1+ y ago39:40

39:40

Sophia McConnon is a youth activist I saw speaking at a climate conference over the summer. She was raising awareness of the detrimental effects mining has had on her community, which began with a large sinkhole that destroyed the local GAA playing field, community centre, and 3 surrounding fields. New mines are constantly being explored across the…

1
Animal Vs Environmental Rights, & Hare Coursing - Laura Broxson, NARA 45:14

2y ago45:14

45:14

If you’ve ever attended a protest for human or animal rights, chances are Laura has been in the crowd every single time. An activist since her teens, they have a wealth of experience and compassion they primarily use to drive the campaigns of NARA (National Animal Rights Association). Their most pressing campaign at the moment is the one to ban har…

1
Des Dalton: Republican Sinn Féin and Independent Republicanism 1:11:46

2y ago1:11:46

1:11:46

In this episode we talk to Des Dalton. Des is a long-term Republican activist who joined Republican Sinn Féin in the late 1980s and has served on the party’s Ard Comhairle and as party President from 2009 to 2018. Since leaving the party in 2021, Des has been an independent Republican activist. We discuss Des’s political background and his Republic…

1
An Intro to Doughnut Economics - Roisin Markham 50:48

2y ago50:48

50:48

I've been wanting to cover Doughnut Economics (DE) since I heard of Kate Raworth who coined the theory. Economics is NOT my strong point, so I was delighted to meet Roisin Markham at an even in Cloughjordan Eco Village who has - almost accidentally - become one of the reps for DE in Ireland. She's also a brilliant visual artist and all around amazi…

1
Mindfully Communicating Climate News - Darragh Wynne 44:40

2y ago44:40

44:40

Darragh Wynne is a climate activist and host of the Climate Alarm Clock podcast, which you would have heard me chat about before. It’s a wonderful climate news podcast, based in Ireland and definitely worth checking out. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with them on ‘X’ @theclimatealarm or Instagram @climatealarmc…