Alan Matthews is a retired professor of agricultural policy and economics at Trinity College Dublin. One of Ireland's leading experts in farm economics and sustainability, Matthews chose for his policy changes to tackle the climate problem in agriculture through measurement and a land based emissions trading scheme, to reform the Common Agricultural Policy for sustainability, and to help consumers make for sustainable choices. For his personal changes, he spoke about cooking more vegetarian meals, and getting involved in influencing policy. 

In a special episode of Law on Trial, the hosts discuss whether the law and the arts are complementary passions. Guests include Mr Justice Cian Ferriter, a poet, John O’Donnell SC, a writer, and barrister Seána Davey, a professional harpist.

Pádraic Fogarty shares his deep knowledge about nature and why it is in chronic decline in this episode. For his policy changes, Pádraic chose to rewild 30% of Ireland, to put nature rights into the constitution, and to end industrial fishing. For his personal changes, Pádraic spoke about quitting meat and flying less. 

Surveying our solicitors

In the latest episode of Law on Trial, Mark Garrett, director general of the Law Society of Ireland, discusses the key findings in a recent survey of more than 2,200 solicitors and what the representative body is doing to tackle challenges faced by the profession. 

Hosts Catherine Sanz and James McDermott also chat to Éamonn Conlon SC, a solicitor, arbitrator, and mediator, about alternative dispute resolution and why it is increasingly becoming a solution for businesses. 

The hosts also discuss some interesting legal stories in the news and chat about lawyer-focused gift ideas.

In the crazy world of cooking and caring for the planet, here's a jaw-dropping fact: more than a quarter of all the food our planet cooks up gets trashed. Yep, one-fourth of those tasty dishes made with love and meant for our tables end up in the bin. And guess what? This food waste mess isn't just messing up our kitchens; it's throwing off the delicate balance of our climate too.

Shockingly, tossing food in the bin is like secretly hiring it to wreck the environment – It's responsible for c.10% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. So, the challenge isn't just about cleaning out our fridges; it's about taking responsibility for a future that's all about keeping things sustainable.

As we wade through this crazy kitchen puzzle, Conor Spacey joins Pat Kane for this episode of the Consciously Craving podcast.

Conor isn't just a wizard in the kitchen; he's also a chef on a mission for change. As the Culinary Director of FoodSpace Ireland, Conor isn't just about making taste buds dance; he's out here fighting for a cause that goes beyond the kitchen walls.

Author, troublemaker, activist and – in his own words – ‘misfit’, Conor brings a vision to the table where good food and eco-friendliness groove together. Together, Pat and Conor dig into the fancy world of cutting down on food waste, untangling the messy bits that tie this problem to the bigger story of tackling climate change.

In this dance of food and values, Pat Kane and Conor Spacey crank up the volume on the talk about not wasting food. Their team-up goes way beyond the usual kitchen chat, focusing on a shared goal where every bite saved from the rubbish becomes a cool move for taking care of the planet. So, as we soak in the smart lessons from these two, a battle cry rings out – a shout to turn our kitchens into green havens, where we treat every ingredient like gold and no flavour gets left behind in the rubbish pile.

In this episode of Law on Trial, Catherine Sanz and barrister James McDermott speak with John MacMenamin, a retired Supreme Court judge, about his career on the bench, rule of law, and the challenges faced by young lawyers.   

The podcast also features an interview with Patricia Lucas, a retired judge of the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County, about unique aspects of the legal system in her state, such as a salary-tied 90-day time limit on delivering judgments. 

The hosts also discuss some interesting legal stories in the news, including how judgments are getting longer, paying a $20,000 settlement in coins, and a new musical based on Gwyneth Paltrow's high-profile ski trial.

Step into a world woven with the intricate threads of connection, where the tapestry of humanity is adorned with diverse hues and patterns.

Interesting, right?

Well, today's narrative beckons us to not only acknowledge but to dance in celebration of our differences, weaving a narrative that encourages diversity and champions equality.

In this episode of the Consciously Craving podcast, Pat Kane is joined by Michelle Cullen, the Inclusion & Diversity Lead and a Managing Director at the prestigious Accenture in Ireland.

Pat and Michelle embarked on a journey through the landscapes of organisations, both small and large, as Michelle assumes the role of architect in crafting environments that resonate with diversity and inclusivity. They unravel the ins and outs of strategies employed, dance in the glow of their triumphs, and confront the shadows of challenges. This is not merely a discussion; it's a call to arms to instigate change within the spheres of influence that define our lives.

For those championing societal metamorphosis, allies seeking the wisdom to accompany their support, or curious souls yearning for a profound comprehension of the intricacies surrounding them - this episode is for you.

So, fasten your seatbelts, open your minds, and let the symphony of empowering ideas in this episode of Consciously Craving resonate within you.

We live life in the fast lane, constantly racing to keep up with the Joneses, yearning for the ultimate house and car, always craving the latest and greatest!

In this relentless pursuit, we find ourselves overworked, overcommitted, and perpetually stressed. We even compete to showcase how busy, important, and sleep-deprived we can be. The truth is, we don't have to live this way.

An ever-expanding community of individuals is choosing to say no to this lifestyle. They are opting to slow down, simplify their lives, and focus on what truly matters.

On the latest episode of Consciously Craving, Pat Kane is joined by Fionnuala Moran who is not only a broadcaster but also a sustainability influencer and an environmentalist, dedicating her time to raise awareness of ways we can lead more considerate and conscious live.