Book of Leaves
Episodes
Keeping Packaging in Circulation - Green Bubble
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Gregory is the founder of Green Bubble, a business that saves bubble wrap and other packaging waste from going straight to the bin after use. He...
Alternatives to Animal Testing, & A Vegan Christmas - Suzanne Martin
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suzanne Martin is an animal rights activist and vegan who set up SAFRI, a group campaigning to end animal testing in Ireland. She is also a member of ...
Healing from Colonialism via Food & Culture - Rupa Marya
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rupa Marya is a physician, musician and writer. Her work mainly centres around food as medicine and doing away with colonial captilalist practices in ...
Natural Dyes & Local Textiles - Malú Colorín
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Malú Colorín is an artist and facilitator, specializing in natural dyeing and textiles through her business Talú. She also works for Fibreshed Irel...
Eco-Periods: Less Shame, Waste, & Chemicals - Abi O'Callaghan Platt
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Abi O'Callaghan Platt is a campaign manager and environmental researcher at VOICE Ireland. Although VOICE has loads of great initiatives on reducing w...
Mini Ponds for a Major Difference - Gobnait Ní Néill
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gobnait Ní Néill is another legend in the community activism space. Her initiative, The Grassroots Guild, is one that empowers people to take impact...
A Bit About Bats - Niamh Roche, Bat Conservation Ireland
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Niamh Roche works for Bat Conservation Ireland so naturally, we delved into the 9 species of bats that call Ireland home. These winged neighbours of o...
Bringing People Together - Tom Popple, Climate Cocktail Club
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Popple is the founder of the independent advisory comapny for nature and climate - Be Impactful. He also volunteers his time organising frequent C...
Building Practices That Heal - Rachel Loughrey
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Loughrey is a fellow climate activist (and friend!) and founder of Architects Climate Action Network / ACAN. She also shares some of her journe...
Bus Connects, Metrolink, & Dereliction with Green Party Cllr Feljin Jose
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feljin Jose is a Councillor for Phibsborough, Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Cabra & Ashtown in Dublin and a member of the Green Party. He has a spec...
Reconnecting to our Indigenous Land & Language - Eoghan, Gaelic Woodland Project
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eoghan Connaughton is the founder of The Gaelic Woodland Project, a people-powered wildlife restoration project. They're not only focused on fundraisi...
Skincare That's Kind For The Planet - Nicola, Nunaia
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
Restoring Oyster Habitat & Improving Water Quality in Ireland - David Lawlor
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Gree...
Making Sure Your Pension is an Ethical One - Ciaran Hughes
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
Fighting to Save Lough Neagh - Hannah Gallagher
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hannah Gallagher is one volunteer behind the Save Lough Neagh campaign. Lough Neagh is the largest body of water in Ireland and provides drinking wate...
Switching to Refurbished Gadgets & Making Them Last - Colin Baker
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Fu...
Sustainability Training in All Workplaces - Niall Collins
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Using Creativity to Nourish AND Protest - Sadhbh O'Sullivan
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 soci...
In Death: Caring for the Planet with Eco Burials - Colin McAteer
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 W...
Circular Habits for Stage & Screen Costumes - Alice Bassie
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Grassroots Campaigning with Artist & Activist Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 campaign...
The Magic of Lending - Giorgia, The Toy Library
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Repurposing Old Mattress Materials - Keith, Bounce Back Recycling
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keith McDonagh is a member of the Galway Traveller Movement and manager of the social enterprise Bounce Back Recycling which specialises in recycling ...
Wearing Quality (and colourful!) Clothes - Virtue, Emerald and Wax
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Virtue is the maker behind sustainable fashion brand Emerald and Wax. She is passionate about creating quality clothes that can become heirloom pieces...
Saving the Barn Owls of Ireland - John Carrig
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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-li...
Being Circular with The Rediscovery Centre - Arran Murphy
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Being a Global Citizen, & Utilising Art - Shauna Harris
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shauna Harris is an actor, poet, and global citizen education officer. She also has a keen interest in researching Black studies and having an interse...
Reducing Waste to Flourish in Planet & Health - Merschon Hudson
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 busin...
Ecological Corridors, the Future of Crisps, & more - Kaethe, Bí Urban
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Stoneyb...
Gender Inequality in Ireland & Its Link to Climate Change - Vanessa Conroy
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Supporting Fairtrade & Reconnecting with Nature - Aidan Ring
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 multi...
Sharing Gardens and Making Music - Scott, Community Roots
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 cha...
Swapping Clothes & Grassroots Change - Mary, Change Clothes Crumlin
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Children's Rights & Climate Justice - Aoibhínn from Plan International
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aoibhínn Nevin Ginnetty is currently an intern at Plan International Ireland which focuses on empowering children's rights across the globe, with a f...
Using Feasts & Festivals to Build Community - Sam Bishop
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 delv...
Episode 100 Celebration!
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Helping Injured Wildlife - Jana, Kildare Wildlife Rescue
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
**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...
Leaving the 'High Life' for the Bigger Picture - Tom Butler
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How Sport Clubs can take Climate Action - Bohemian Football Club
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Navigating & Solving this Planetary War - Naomi Ní Shíocháin
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
**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 ...
Finding the Wonder in Nature - Anja Murray
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Shop In A Salvage Yard - Harry Maharaj
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Preventing Mining & Sink Holes in Monaghan - Sophia McConnon
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sophia McConnon is a youth activist I saw speaking at a climate conference over the summer. She was raising awareness of the detrimental effects minin...
Animal Vs Environmental Rights, & Hare Coursing - Laura Broxson, NARA
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
An Intro to Doughnut Economics - Roisin Markham
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 del...
Mindfully Communicating Climate News - Darragh Wynne
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Light Pollution Consequences & Solutions - Georgia, Mayo Dark Skies
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Light pollution can often be overlooked as harmful to the environment as it’s taught to result in aesthetic consequences. Thankfully there are peopl...
A Unified Front in Activism - Jessica Dunne
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Dunne is an activist I met at the recent Mary Robinson Climate Conference. She has put thousands of hours into campaigning for a just future a...
Mining In Ireland - Eddie Mitchell, Save Leitrim
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eddie Mitchell has been a prominent activist in Ireland, contributing to the ban on fracking here and now devoting a lot of his time to extractivism i...
Sewing, Slowing Down & Rethinking Clothes - Joanna O'Dowd
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Joanna O'Dowd has one of those shining accounts on Instagram that's not only full of practical sustainable tips, but lots of positivity, needed now mo...
Community Gardening & Green Spaces - Maria Young
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whether or not you have participated in gardening (community or otherwise), this episode is bound to be inspirational for you. If you're in Cork, chec...
Connecting with Coffee Farmers - Ethical Origin
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With 62% of people in Ireland being regular drinkers of coffee, a bean we can't grow in Ireland, how can we make our consumption more sustainable? Ale...
A 'No Buy' Year & Loads of Eco Tips - Ide, 'Trying to be Green'
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
@tryingtobegreensince2016 is an Instagram account run by teacher Ide. She constantly shares the most thoughtful eco alternatives for absolutely everyt...
The Physical Waste of the Digital Age - Gerry McGovern
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
‘Save the paper!’ is something we hear so often, but every email, every website loaded and attachment sent, has a carbon footprint. This waste is ...
Sea Shepherd Ireland - Emma Tuite
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I only came across the amazing work of Sea Shepherd Ireland recently, despite them being around for years and doing absolutely amazing work!...
I'm back, With Some Eco Friendly Travel Tips!
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Book of Leaves is baaaack! How I've missed ye. Have a listen to episode 80 to hear about what I'm up to, and some travel diaries for you. Having visit...
A Guide to Forest Bathing - Cathelijne de Wit
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven't heard of forest bathing before, well you're in for a treat! And no, you can keep your kit on and leave the bathrobe at home. Forest bat...
A Nomadic Life in the Forests of Minnesota - Fiona Byrne Ryan
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When I put the call out for suggestions of who I should interview on the podcast, Laragh McCann recommended interviewing her old school friend Fiona B...
Irish Rainforests, Invasive Species & Reintroducing Predators - Eoghan Daltun
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Just when I think I know all the essential information around Ireland’s woodlands, I learn that we have rainforests! Eoghan Daltun is on a mission t...
Making Wellness Eco! From Skincare to Candles - Stefanie, Glow Circle
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The wellness industry can be very hypocritical. On one hand it encourages it to be good to ourselves, while on the other it perpetuates harmful beauty...
Artivism in Theatre, Jewellery, & More - Maeve Stone
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Only this year did I get to meet and work with Maeve for the first time, on a youth led climate project called Rising Tide (which is definitely worth ...
Connecting Communities & a Working Class Perspective on Climate - Caitriona Kenny
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I came to know Caitríona through Extinction Rebellion. She has been showing up to protests since she was a child, and organising them since she was i...
Sharing 'Common Knowledge' - Spider Hickman
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Common Knowledge is a new non-profit community based in County Clare, whose goal is to facilitate the sharing of skills we have almost lost over the y...
Urban Gardening, Foraging & Distilling - Connor Howlett
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A film student turned gardener, Connor Howlett is now based in Inchicore where he works as a gardener for Stillgarden Distillery. Why and how would a ...
Internet Emissions: e-mail to Data Centres - Kindly JR
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This interview is with website designer and ethical activist JR Doyle of Kindly JR. Not only is she a wonderful person to work with, but I have learne...
Changing Food Systems as an Everyday Activist - Evelyn Suttle
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Evelyn Suttle joins me for episode 70 to chat veganism, civil resistance, food security in Ireland, and Eco Feminism. With ties to so many groups that...
Broken Systems & Civil Resistance - Orla Murphy
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You may have come across Orla Murphy’s story if you follow Irish climate activist groups, as they spent 5 weeks in prison last year for a direct act...
Bringing Comedy to the Movement -Diane O'Connor
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Diane is a wonderful beacon of joy in the climate movement in Ireland. She weaves activism into all aspects of her life from parenting & running T...
Climate Anxiety, Reconnection, & Being a Good Ancestor - Rachel Dempsey
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Dempsey has been clued into the environmental crisis since way before it was ‘cool’. She has a fascinating wealth of knowledge she has pick...
Litter Picking Magic - Patrick Jackson
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick began an initiative with VOICE Ireland called Picker Pals that started with an unfortunate incident that turned into magic... Make sure to che...
Listening, Feminism, & Youth Involvement - Amy O'Brien
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 65 I chatted to Amy O'Brien whom you may know from The Sustainable Sleepover Podcast (which I definitely recommend checking out if you hav...
Helping Pollinators, Misconceptions & Solutions - Dr. Úna Fitzpatrick
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There’s no better time to give as much help to our pollinators than now. Úna is a wealth of knowledge and the work of the National Biodiv...
Hemp Farming in Ireland - Freya Bartels
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For the longest time I've wanted to learn about the hemp industry in Ireland, so I reached out to the Hemp Cooperative who suggested I chat to Freya B...
Bringing Nature into Schools - Patrick Kirwan
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For the first episode after the break, I want to introduce you to a secondary school teacher, Patrick Kirwan (thank you Codie for the recommendation!)...
Season 4 Pre Cap - Mental Health Tips for Times of Crisis
27 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hello and welcome back to Book of Leaves! I am coming out of my annual podcast hibernation and I cannot wait to see where the year takes us. Who knows...
Walking, Meditation & The Work That Reconnects - Jane Killingbeck
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 61 and the last in season 3 of the podcast, I interviewed Jane Killingbeck about The Work That Reconnects. Developed b...
Improving Food Shopping Habits with Evocco – Ahmad Mu’azzam
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 60, I chatted to Ahmad Mu'azzam, one of the creators behind Evocco, a food impact tracking app. I reached out to him for an interview...
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference - Flossie Donnelly
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You can hear how much I enjoyed this chat with Flossie Donnelly on all things beach cleaning! The name Jeremy will forever have a new meaning… Stay ...
It Starts With a Pin - Laragh McCann, Climate Love Ireland
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 58 has me chat to Laragh McCann, a former model turned activist, film maker, and fellow jack of all trades! She is also the force behind 100% ...
Bottom Trawling, Sawfish, & Dugongs – Ruth Leeney
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Past interviewee & marine biologist Ruth Leeney, has made herself quite busy since speaking to her last in June 2020. Have a listen to that e...
Finding Solace in Nature - Alex, Understory
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 56 is with Wicklow-based ecologist Alex Konieczka. One of her many ventures is Understory, a truly zerowaste business where she sells upcycled...
Climate Action Community & Communication – Gary, Climate Ambassador Programme
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Gary Tyrrell works for An Taisce's educational unit as part of the Climate Ambassador Programme. You'll have heard me chat about this programme over t...
Climate Change: Parenting, Pensions & CETA - Paul McCormack Cooney
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 54 is coming from the vaults as I interviewed fellow activist Paul McCormack Cooney a few months ago. Paul is another absolutely wonderful hum...
The Power of Reusable Coffee Cups - Sorcha, Conscious Cup Campaign
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 53 I go back to the basics of environmental issues and talk about the infamous single use polluter: disposable coffee cups. For this, ther...
Let's Talk Trees - Orla Ní Dhúill, Native Woodland Trust
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I can't believe it's taken me until episode 52 to dedicate an interview to trees! Shocking behaviour, but this lovely chat with Orla makes up for it. ...
Supporting Theatre to Inspire Climate Action - Eva O'Connor & Hildegard Ryan
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 51 I chatted to artists Eva O'Connor and Hildegard Ryan about using the world of theatre to spark discussion and inspire change. Their...
Empowering the Youth & Women in India - Tessie
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tess is a 17 year old activist with many projects up her sleeve! I got to talk to her about these as well as how the climate crisis is impacting India...
Community Ownership of Renewable Energy - Sarah Fogarty
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 49 I chatted to Sarah Fogarty from Community Power about community-led renewable energy sources. The work this group has do...
Why We Need a Youth Led Climate Movement - Saoirse Exton
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Saoirse Exton is a 16 year old climate activist from Limerick who is part of many groups, all trying to make the world a better place, from the Friday...
A Journey to Veganism via an inside look into Irish farms & slaughterhouses - Niamh C
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I stumbled across Niamh's story via Earthy Cáilíní on Instagram. Niamh is now working as a vet and began her studies as a meat loving omnivore, to ...
From Waste to Watches (& Sunnies!) - Eoin, Crann
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Eoin McGuinness is behind Crann, an Irish company that sells watches and sunglasses, made from what others would consider to be waste. I hope you enjo...
Helping Hedgehogs - Elaine, Irish Hedgehog Survey
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 45 I interviewed Elaine O'Riordan, the woman behind the Irish Hedgehog survey to chat about, you guessed it, hedgehogs! Have a listen, and...
Using Civil Disobedience in the Climate Justice Movement – Zac Lumley
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Zac is an activist with a number of climate action groups. Most recently, he and another activist, Orla Murphy, were arrested and imprisoned for a pro...
It's a Fashion Revolution - Carrie Ann Moran
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3 is starting as I mean to go on - with a revolution! We hear Carrie Ann's story and take a moment to shine a light on the social issues b...
Season . . . 3?!
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Holy moly it's April already?! It's time for season 3 of Book of Leaves. Here I share a bit about what I've been up to and a taste of what's to come. ...
The Ripple Effect You Have
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For the final episode of 2020 and the season finale of Book of Leaves, I asked people for stories of a ripple effect they witnessed. Times when people...
Kentucky to Mayo, Pax Eco Store - McKinley
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 41 I chatted to McKinley, a co-founder of Pax Wholefoods & Eco Goods store in Westport, County Mayo. We cover her journey from Kentucky to...
The Mercosur Deal, Chimps, & Activism - Laura Kehoe
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For episode 40, I had the pleasure to interview Laura Kehoe, an activist, scientist, conservationist - all the ists! She has done, and continues to do...
Eco Fashion, Food, & Craic! - Ger & Taz, The Useless Project
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 39 has none other than top gals Geraldine and Taz from The Useless Project (formerly Sustainable Fashion Dublin). I'm buzzing for you to hear ...
Foraging for the Planet & the Soul - Dermot Hughes, Forage Ireland
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to talk foraging with Dermot Hughes! I've wanted to learn about foraging for so long and I'm delighted to have Dermot here to talk us throug...