Influenced ‘The Arts Special’ is supported by Glor Theatre in Ennis & Dunameise (Done-a-maze) Theatre in Portloais, as part of Lasta Festival 2021. Lasta Festival is a nationwide virtual arts festival happening from the 11th to the 20th of June in association with Brightening Air & The Arts Council.  21 Young curators, linked by the Nasc network all around the country are programming an exciting, dynamic & inclusive arts festival that is to be consumed & enjoyed in every corner of the land.

In todays episode I talk everything arts and beyond with stand up artiste, actor, writer, podcaster and TV personality Maeve Higgins. From the bright light of Cobh County Cork we talk her move to New York City, how her career is not about fame or money but more expression and we talk forming a brand new girl band with the minister of education and Mary Robinson. Yeah things get weird.

Today Im Influenced by Maeve Higgins.

Number one bestselling author, documentary maker, TV presenter and award winning chef you’d think that my next guest has it all.

He does, but with that comes the anxiety, self loathing and shoulda, woulda, coulda’s that we all suffer in current society. Today I get to be open and honest in a conversation with Riyadh Khalaf.

He dives into his multi-faceted career in broadcasting, gay representation in media, growing up gay and what it really felt like that big day in May.

Today Im influenced by Riyadh Khalaf

In this industry you have to be more than a triple threat and my next guest wouldn’t have enough fingers to count the attributes to his craft. Actor, stage performer, director and TV presenter Simon Delaney joins me this week.

He talks to me about the many different aspects of his life and learnings including his stint in Hollywood, learning how to get the dreaded NO and how its vital to always remember those on the way up, as you may need them on the way down.

This insight in the world of a high profile player shows just how wonderful this human is.

Today, Im influenced by Simon Delaney

One of the most recognisable names in the glamorous world of PR has to be my next guest. From her work with brands such as Perfect, Bellamantia, Polished London and many more, you’d be hard pressed not to find someone who hasn’t met Valerie Roe.

..but life hasn’t always been brand marketing and clipboard clacking for this blonde bombshell. From her days as a bonafide popstar, her nightlife matriarchy  and even selling soap on a rope, this business beauty tells us her tricks of the trade to keep hard at work and reveals what happens on tour stays on tour.

Today Im influenced by PR guru, Valerie Roe.

At 22 years of age, this powerhouse performer has conquered the world and is on a mission to do it all again.

Choregrapher, dancer, creative director and superstar Zacc Milne has wowed the performing community since he was a baby.. and now the boy is all grown up and ready for more.

..having performances with Dua Lipa and Little Mix on his resume, what is next for this energetic soul? In this episode, my Irelands Got Talent counterpart talks how he feels about influencing the world with his art, his dreams and aspirations for the future and why LA has his heart.

Today Im influenced.. by Zacc Milne.

This 24 year old Dublin based influencer has it all. The looks, the style, the career but what is really like being Dublin’s ‘girl next door.’ 

Renowned make-up artist and lifestyle influencer Ellie Kelly has achieved so much in her life already in her early twenties. Collaborations with the likes of Perfect Cosmetics, Platinum Hair and Miss Pap clothing brand to name but a few, what could she possibly want to do next? 

With a quarter of million people following her every move on her Instagram, can that pressure make a person crack or is life just as glamorous as the filters we use? In this episode we talk to her about trolls, the future and THAT trip to Belfast. Don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to this podcast. Believe me, it helps.

Today Im influenced by.. Ellie Kelly.

The objective of ‘Influenced’ is to go behind the phone camera, the social media accounts, to speak directly to the people who have built themselves from nothing. Bedroom bad asses turned billboard bosses. Find out the truth behind the followers, highs, lows and all in between of life, love, success and failures on influencing their world.