Grace Maher is a leading voice in Ireland’s organic farming movement, with decades of experience as a grower, educator, and advocate. From teaching sustainable agriculture to running her own organic farm, Grace’s journey is deeply rooted in her passion for local food production and environmental stewardship.

In this first episode of a two-part conversation, Grace shares her transition from growing up on a conventional farm in Carlow to championing organic farming through her work with the Irish Organic Association.

She highlights the challenges and joys of Ireland’s organic sector, the importance of farmers’ markets, and the incredible diversity of crops that can be grown sustainably in Ireland.

Grace also explains what sets organic farming apart and why it’s crucial for a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for part two, where we explore the ambitious 2030 targets for organic farming in Ireland and how the sector is adapting to meet those goals.

Follow Grace and learn more about the Irish Organic Association:

Website: https://www.irishorganicassociation.ie/

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

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Rob Carry is running as an independent candidate in Wicklow for Ireland's general election on Friday.

In this special election episode of 15 Minute Coffee, Rob shares his journey from coaching young athletes to addressing systemic issues facing Wicklow and Ireland. 

From housing shortages to underfunded mental health services, Rob discusses the root causes of capacity issues that challenge the country’s infrastructure and outlines his vision for sustainable solutions.

This episode is part of a series highlighting election candidates in Wicklow ahead of Friday's vote. Be sure to check out my conversation with Kellie McConnell, also running in the constituency.

Contact Rob below:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rob.carry
Twitter: https://x.com/RobCarryBray

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Listen Now:
👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ
👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369

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Kellie McConnell is running as a general election candidate for People Before Profit in Wicklow. As a dentist turned activist, Kellie has spent years championing reproductive rights, climate justice, animal rights, housing, and healthcare reform.

In this special election episode of 15 Minute Coffee, Kellie shares her journey from growing up in Tyrone, shaped by socialist values like free education and healthcare, to becoming a passionate advocate for systemic change in Ireland.

Kellie also opens up about her diagnosis with ADHD, her love for Wicked the Musical, and what drives her relentless optimism for Wicklow and beyond.

This episode is part of a series spotlighting election candidates in Wicklow ahead of Friday's general election. Don’t miss my interview with Rob Carry, also running in this constituency.

Contact Kellie below:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kelliemcconnellpbp/?hl=en&ref=pbp.ie

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

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Dr. Vittorio Bufacchi is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at UCC and a leading expert on political philosophy. 

In part two of our conversation, we explore the fragility of democracy in the digital age and how the philosophy of Cicero offers critical insights for navigating modern challenges.

Vittorio reflects on the dangers of social media, the personal toll of public discourse, and the urgent need to defend liberal democracy against rising authoritarianism. 

If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to it.

Follow Vittorio below:
Website: https://vittoriobufacchi.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/bufacchiv

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

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Dr. Vittorio Bufacchi is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at UCC and a former Irish Research Council awardee. In this first part of a two-part conversation, we delve into the rise of the far-right and its implications for liberal democracy.

Drawing on his expertise in political philosophy, Vittorio explains how far-right ideologies challenge fundamental principles of equality and human rights. He breaks down the concepts of ethno-nationalism, social hierarchies, and the troubling acceptance of violence that underpin these movements.

Stay tuned for part two, where we dive into the lessons Cicero’s philosophy offers for modern democracy.

Follow Vittorio below:
Website: https://vittoriobufacchi.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/bufacchiv

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-minute-coffee

Dr. Aoife Brady is the Curator of Italian and Spanish Art at the National Gallery of Ireland, specializing in bringing centuries-old masterpieces to life for modern audiences.

In this episode, Aoife shares her journey from studying art history at Trinity College Dublin to curatorial roles at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the National Gallery in London.

She discusses the art of storytelling through curation, the intricate process behind organizing exhibitions, and how historical artworks remain relevant in today’s ever-changing world.

Aoife also reflects on the evolving role of women in the art world, her passion for preserving and presenting cultural heritage, and how her work bridges the past and the future.

Follow the National Gallery of Ireland below:
Website: https://nationalgallery.ie/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/nationalgalleryofireland/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalgalleryie

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-minute-coffee

Fergus Halpin is the founder of Abercorn Farm, a regenerative market garden focused on reconnecting people with the land, their food, and each other.

In this episode, Fergus talks about building Abercorn Farm from scratch, balancing farm work with his marketing business, and the core philosophy of regenerative farming: leaving the land better than you found it. From supplying local chefs to welcoming visitors, Fergus shares how Abercorn Farm fosters community and sustainability in every step.

Website: https://www.newwavewildproject.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-stallard-87626347/

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

CONNECT WITH US
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/15minutecoffee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/15minute_coffee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-minute-coffee

4o

Philip Stallard is the Director and Adventure Therapist at New Wave Wild Project, where he’s pioneering a fresh approach to mental health through adventure therapy.

In this second part of our conversation with Philip, we continue to explore the unique approach of adventure therapy, which takes mental health treatment out of clinical environments and into the beauty of the outdoors. From hiking in the forest to surfing along the Irish coast, Philip shares how nature itself can be a catalyst for healing, particularly for young people facing trauma, mental health issues, and complex emotions.

We dive into the core philosophy of his work, meeting young people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Philip explains how he builds consistency and trust with his clients, providing them with practical tools they can use in their everyday lives. 

Tune in to explore how adventure, nature, and therapy intersect to create a profound impact on mental health and personal growth.

Website: https://www.newwavewildproject.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-stallard-87626347/

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

CONNECT WITH US
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/15minutecoffee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/15minute_coffee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-minute-coffee

Philip Stallard is the Director and Adventure Therapist at New Wave Wild Project, where he’s pioneering a fresh approach to mental health through adventure therapy.

In this episode, Philip explains what adventure therapy is and how it works—taking therapy out of traditional settings and into nature, using activities like hiking, kayaking, and surfing as a means to help people heal. 

Philip shares his personal journey of how he combined his background in social work and outdoor education to create a unique therapeutic experience. He also walks us through what a typical session looks like, from meeting clients in beautiful outdoor spaces to how nature itself becomes part of the healing process.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation on breaking traditional therapy norms, connecting with nature for mental health, and how adventure can be a powerful tool for personal transformation.

Website: https://www.newwavewildproject.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-stallard-87626347/

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

CONNECT WITH US
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/15minutecoffee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/15minute_coffee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-minute-coffee

Corey Hennessy is an entrepreneur who has spent the last six years building his digital marketing agency from the ground up.

In this episode, Corey opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, navigating the highs and lows of working for yourself, overcoming the pressure of comparison on social media, and finding inspiration through Stoicism. 

He candidly discusses the struggles of balancing work and life, and the mindset shift that has allowed him to focus on his own growth.

Tune in for an honest conversation about embracing uncertainty, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of betting on yourself in life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corey.ie/?hl=en
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoreyHennessy

15 Minute Coffee is hosted and produced by Alan O'Donovan.

For inquiries, email [email protected].

Tune in:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/15-minute-coffee/id1562369369
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57y9tMT6AdtsW1Dnuv0UsZ

CONNECT WITH US
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/15minutecoffee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/15minute_coffee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-minute-coffee