As an Environmental Psychologist, Cassandra Murphy is a PhD researcher and educator dedicated to understanding the profound bond between people and the natural world. Her work explores how building a relationship with nature can enhance human well-being and inspire sustainable behaviours. 

Cassie advocates for recognizing personal definitions of nature and integrating simple, daily practices to enhance this relationship. She emphasizes the importance of re-establishing a relationship with nature, likening it to human friendships, and suggests that small, incremental steps can help individuals reconnect.

The conversation covers the psychological benefits and harms of nature connection, the concept of solastalgia, and strategies for coping with eco-anxiety. 

This episode also includes a series of vox pop with audience members of Earth Rising.

Recorded at the Earth Rising Festival 2025, IMMA, Dublin.

Host: Dr Dave Robbins

Editor & Producer: Louise Romain

Music credits: No Home by John Hayes, Small Steps by Simon Folwar, Ocean by Corals

Intro and outro: Like Flying by Danijel Zambo