Futurist: Recent Episodes
Jo Linehan
Futurist explores the most exciting and innovative sustainable developments across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, home, business, finance, farming, and technology.
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Today’s guest is James McManus, founder of Earth’s Edge and a B Corporation Ambassador. When he’s not scaling mountains or helping others to do so around the world, he’s busy establishing the B Corp community here in Ireland. James shares his own background and connection with nature and how that has inspired the work he does with businesses on a path to becoming B Corp certified.
If you have never heard of the certification and are curious, James explains exactly what it means and how you can get involved with the movement.
B Corp Introductory Event: https://earths-edge.com/introduction-to-bcorp/
B Corp: https://earths-edge.com/b-corp/
Listen to the Futurist episode with Enda Buckley HERE
Today’s guests are Dorothy Maxwell and Brian Minehane, two leading figures in the sustainability movement both professionally and personally here in Ireland.
They joined me to share their experience of switching from fossil fuel transport to electric-powered vehicles. Dorothy speaks about her experience moving to a fully electric car while Brian, a long-time biker, shares his insights into switching to an electric motorbike.
This is a topic I have been wanting to cover for a while, and thankfully Dorothy and Brian offer both practical advice and first-hand experience as well as some clever ideas on how we can all begin to consider clean energy for our personal transport needs.
Today's guest is Global D&I (diversity and inclusion) Keynote Speaker & Founder of Clothing brand Human Collective Conor Buckley.
I know I say this all of the time, but Conor’s passion, commitment and positivity made this conversation one of my all time favourites. We cover so much in this episode from the challenges to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, to how Conor and his team are battling to build a truly environmentally and socially conscious clothing brand. He shares how the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 sparked a grief and fire in him that inspired him to follow in his mother’s footsteps and take his activism efforts to another level. From the charities Human Collective supports to the way it’s supporting communities in Ireland, he’s proving what can be achieved when your heart and spirit are committed to real change.
Today’s guest is pioneering an unplug staycation experience here in Ireland. Matthew Parkinson is behind the Irish expansion of Slow Cabins, an off-grid staycation destination in hidden locations across the country. While just the first destination only launched this summer, Slow Cabins is already becoming a go-to for those in need of a digital detox or simply to reconnect with themselves in a beautiful location with a log burning fire and a spectacular view.
Matthew explains the concept behind the business and why going off grid is becoming ever popular as we become the most plugged in generation ever. There are some sound issues in this episode, so apologies in advance but I promise it’s well worth overlooking the tech difficulties for this conversation
Today’s guest is Natura&Co’s Vice President of Sustainability, Marcelo Behar. As the world’s largest B-Corp, Natura&Co owns The Body Shop, Avon, Aesop and Natura, brands many of us interact with every day. Marcelo shares what it means to be a B-Corp and how its brands are implementing circularity through its supply chain and helping to protect biodiversity around the world.
Today’s guest is Irish designer Aoife McNamara. Based in thatched cottage in Adare, Co Limerick, Aoife is creating a brand that in my opinion encompasses everything exciting about sustainable design. Inspired by nature, Aoife creates beautiful pieces with innovative materials, bringing a whole new meaning to cottage industry. Today, we talk about what started her journey in design and her unique and admirable business ethos.
Today’s guest is Emmet Bosonnet, founder of Kopper Kreations. A former engineer, Emmet left a successful career to follow a passion he had to live a more creative and fulfilling life. Today, he creates one-of-a-kind pieces, including lamps and bookends from reclaimed copper, and heads up Raw Materials, an Irish design store in The Chocolate Factory Dublin.
Emmet shares his own personal journey today, from starting his own business, to how real-life connections and physically creating pieces inspire him to traverse the ups and downs of being an independent maker and creator. Emmet is one of the most talented people I have met during my career, and he integrates a sustainable mindset in everything he does, which is a source of eternal inspiration.
Trying to find out what wellness meant to me, both mentally and physically, is what led me to start living a more sustainable life. I’m fascinated with the connection between our own personal happiness and health and how it intersects with finding harmony with nature and the planet. That’s why these next episodes of the podcast will focus on finding balance through nature, beauty, and self-care.
First up in this series is Hannah O’Neil, an old friend and founder of VIBO. Hannah’s journey from burnout to creating this brand has been such an inspiration to me personally, and I know so many of you will find wisdom, insight, and motivation through her words. VIBO is a guide and tool to help uncover what your deepest desires are and develop the tools to actualise them. It’s a fascinating conversation and one that I hope will leave you feeling a little lighter and excited about what the next chapter in your own life can look like.
Today I’m joined by Ronan Farrell, founder of Winelab, Ireland's first wine on tap specialist. WineLab offers a range of over 60 high-quality wines and cocktails packaged in one-way kegs.
In a bid to lower their carbon footprint, they have created their own closed-loop recycling system in collaboration with OneCircle, offering keg collection and recycling services. WineLab, by its very nature, is a low-waste way to enjoy wine.
Eco credentials aside, Ronan really knows his stuff when it comes to tipple. We talk about the virtues and pitfalls of orange and natural wines, how climate change is impacting growers, and what his favourite pours are this summer. I challenge you to get through this episode without developing a thirst, and if you do, check out their monthly subscription wine service First Look Club.
Graham Stonadge is the UK Sales Director at Veg of Lund U.K, a Swedish company whose latest creation is making waves in the plant-based milk space. DUG is a potato-based drink that was launched in the Irish market earlier this year and has major plans to disrupt the dairy market.
Today, Graham explains why DUG is yet another great alternative to traditional milk, what the challenges have been for the unusual beverage’s adaptation and shares some of the exciting and innovative ways potato milk has already enhanced the lives of those who have adopted it.
Today's episode is a conversation with Katie Lopes, Creative Director of Stripe & Stare.
Katie spent 6 years creating the world’s comfiest and most sustainable knickers, and in my humble opinion, she succeeded.
Stripe & Stare’s biodegradable underwear is redefining industry standards and offering a zero-waste solution to a product that can’t be recycled or bought secondhand.
Katie shares her journey from retail to brand co-founder and shares her experience of scaling the business with a female team.
Dr. Helena McMahon is the co-founder of new skincare and supplement collection called Seabody, which harnesses the power and potency of one of Ireland's most exquisite and abundant resources - seaweed. In this episode, she explains the science behind the brand, its ambitious sustainability agenda, and how she and her team are using world-first technology in Kerry for our skin’s benefit.
For many of us, finding calm, serenity and sometimes sanity comes in the form of being creative. This is certainly a story for Stefanie Bailey Clifford, founder of Glow Circle, an Irish wellness brand that offers inclusive and conscious self-care packages and plant-powered wellness products to enhance your glow from within.
Stefanie shares her very personal journey with us today, and I know you’re going to gain as much compassion, inspiration, and positivity from her story as I did.
Find out more about Glow Circle here.
Today’s guest is Lex Kiefhaber, founder and CEO of United by Zero and co-host of the Who's Saving the Planet podcast.
Like many of us in the sustainability field, Lex didn’t begin his career in climate action, but today he finds himself at the helm of one of the most exciting tech developments for consumers who want to shop in a more sustainable, transparent way.
Find out more about Lex' work at https://unitedbyzero.com/
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Today’s guest is Luke Henning CFO of Circ, the only start-up in the world right now that can recycle and recover both polyester and cotton from fabrics.
The technology Circ is using could be one of the solutions to textile waste, which as we know is a major contributor to carbon emissions and pollution.
Luke explains why we haven't figured out how to recycle textiles yet, and what it will take to get there, offers his advice on how we can all lower our environmental impact, and shares, why Patagonia has supported Circ’s mission, to recycle 10 billion garments, which will save more than 100 million trees.
Find out more about Luke's work at https://circ.earth/our-purpose/
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When it comes to creating manageable and meaningful change at a grand scale, sometimes the businesses you least expect can be the most forward-thinking. Cue Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Humanscale.
Having begun her career as a designer, Jane recognised how design could directly impact both human and environmental health. At Humanscale, an award-winning designer of ergonomic office furniture, Jane has helped redefine the furniture industry’s standard when it comes to materials, waste management, and energy usage.
Jane shares her own career journey and offers invaluable insight into how a large-scale business can change course to become a leader in sustainability.
Read Humanscale's 2020 CSR Report here
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Stillgarden is not your run-of-the-mill distillery. Homed in Dublin 8, the team here has cultivated a community-led garden from which they are proudly sourcing botanicals for their range of fresh and sustainable libations.
What began as gifting a handful of out-of-work bartenders some grow kits during the first COVID-19 lockdown has blossomed into their Social Botanists Project, with herbs, fruit trees, berries, and more grown, cultivated, and nurtured by the local community, with a little help from Stillgarden’s gardener in residence, Connor Howlett.
Connor joins me today to offer his expertise on how we can all encourage nature to bloom in even the most inhospitable of locations and shares how the ingredients grown at the garden are translated into delicious cocktails and spirits. Warning; you will be thirsty after this chat!
From their tree-planting initiatives and nature walks to group gardening sessions and national pollinator plans, Stillgarden is inspiring residents to get their hands dirty, in the best way.
Find out more about Stillgarden and Connor's work here
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Today's episode offers a deep dive into Dublin’s first net-zero hotel, Wren Urban Nest.
Tucked away on St Andrews Lane in Dublin’s city center, this sustainable safe haven, offers guests a holistic, carbon-neutral experience, from the sustainably sourced wine, food, and coffee, to the high-tech systems that allow energy to flow freely and efficiently throughout the building.
To learn more about the engineering and architecture behind the project, I spoke to Patrick Kavanagh and Michael Mullen from BDP, one of Ireland’s leading architecture offices with a reputation for high-quality and sustainable design.
Michael leads the BDP Dublin Studio Architects team and was the lead Architect on the hotel, while Patrick is an Engineering Associate with BDP, was the lead M&E Engineer on this project, and also leads BDP Dublin’s Sustainability team.
With the appetite for destinations like Wren growing, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a carbon-neutral hotel in a Georgian city.
Learn more about Wren Urban Nest here
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In 2020, the Agriculture sector was responsible for 37.1% of national Greenhouse Gases emissions in Ireland. Globally, agriculture and agricultural practices consistently come under fire for their role in the climate crisis. But as one of the most impactful players in the emissions reductions race, isn’t it time we worked with the sector to change, rather than shame them into resistance?
Enda Buckley certainly thinks so. As Director Of Sustainability at Carbery Group, a leading dairy company based in West Cork, Enda believes communication and dispelling untruths about the industry are the real catalysts for change. He shares some exciting insights into the changes he’s helping to oversee in the farming industry and offers a unique and hopeful take on the future of Ireland’s largest industry.
Find out more about Enda's work here
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Aoife Scott is a Dublin-based artist, and in her very own significant way, an eco-activist. Aoife’s work, in particular her latest collection, Collide, is inspired by climate change, the ocean, and the environment around us. Aoife believes that beauty can inspire behavioural change, and uses her art to help bring needed attention to the climate crisis in a hopeful, exquisite way,
In this episode, she and I discuss everything from channeling and managing eco-anxiety to the power of sea swimming, and what activism means to her.
Discover Aoife's work here
Follow Aoife on social here
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This new series kicks off with Lynne Walker, Director of Primark Cares.
As Director of Primark Cares, Lynne is responsible for transforming Primark Cares from a label to a value, leading a dedicated team, and working closely with multiple others across the business to accelerate Primark’s decade-long sustainability journey.
Lynne and I discuss everything from fashion waste and circularity, the challenges the fashion industry faces in achieving a living wage for all workers, and their ongoing collaboration with the awesome Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Follow Futurist here
Find out more about Primark Cares here
Find out more about the Ellen MacArthur Foundation here
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Amit Hooda, co-founder of Secteur 6, shares his unique and inspiring insight into regenerative farming and fashion.
More about Secteur 6 here
Amazon Prime show featuring Secteur 6 and Amit: This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy, Episode 4 available here
Follow Secteur 6 and Amit's work here
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Author Emma Gleeson shares her insights on decluttering (both mentally and physically), the psychology of shopping, learning to want less stuff, and how she managed to formulate her first book in the midst of a pandemic.
Order Emma's Book Stuff Happens is available to order HERE.
Follow Emma HERE.
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Eunice Pais is a Portugal-based photographer and founder of the Pais Agency. Eunice saw the need for an ethical, sustainable way of image-making and set about establishing an agency that could help brands create their press and campaign imagery in a more ethical way. In this episode, she shares the steps she’s taken in building the new company, she explains how she brings people with her in making small changes rather than shame then for what they have yet to do, we talk cultural appropriation in photography, the death of the fashion magazine and why she believes making sustainable changes is a beautiful – not work-heavy – thing.
You can find out more about Eunice and her work at https://www.pais.agency/
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Dr. Deborah Brosnan is an Irish-born, U.S.-based scientist specializing in marine resilience and environmental risk reduction. She's known for her ability to rapidly and efficiently bring together government, business, and local communities around smart solutions to climate change. Deborah has a distinguished career in academia and the private sector and has testified in front of the U.S. Congress and advocated at the United Nations, helping move the needle on critical environmental debates.
In this episode, Dr. Brosnan shares her insights into climate change action in Ireland and abroad, we speak about her personal connection to nature and how she's helping companies change their approach to expansion with nature and the environment in mind.
Check out her TEDxTalk on aligning nature and humankind.
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Sarah Zarebinski is the founder of Design KNB, a modern lifestyle shop inspired by European interior design.
In this episode, which focuses on sustainable interiors, Sarah shares her knowledge of the industry, while her passion for independent artisan suppliers helps shed light on how we fill and decorate our homes. From fast furniture's global impact to why long-lasting pieces are worth the wait, it's time to think about creating a more sustainable living space.
You can find out more about Sarah at designknb.com
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This episode's guest is the inimitable Emma Manley. Emma has carved out a prestigious career as a designer here in Ireland, but her influence far outreaches the world of fashion. Emma is thoughtful, creative, progressive, and a veritable workhorse; in short, she’s quite brilliant,
Emma shares her career journey, explains how fashion’s relentless season model may have finally come to an end, gives her take on fast fashion, and much more.
You can check out Emma's new collection here.
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Offsetting our carbon footprint has become a common suggestion when it comes to undoing the impact we all have on the planet in our day-to-day lives, but what offsetting actually mean, and is it the appropriate action we need to take in the face of climate change?
In this episode, I’m joined by Charlotte Horler, founder of Nula. Charlotte wanted to create an artistic, inspiring, and practical tool for those looking to offset in a meaningful way. She dispels some of the myths and questions I have around offsetting and offers an invaluable insight into the art of undoing while doing good.
Offsetting may not be the ultimate solution, but it certainly has a role to play in our grand climate change goals. If you’ve been overwhelmed by the thoughts of calculating your carbon footprint and have been putting off the process, Charlotte and her platform Nula are just what you’ve been looking for.
I’m delighted to share the news that all of you can enjoy 10% off your first offset with the code FUTURIST10. at nulacarbon.com
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Alix Mulholland has been harnessing the power and positivity of Ireland's wildflowers and fauna for 18 years. From her humble beginnings at her kitchen table in Belfast, to her now thriving lifestyle brand, Alix shares her personal and business journey over the last almost two decades.
Field Day's products are sustainable from start to finish and set the bar when it comes to luxury home essentials. In this episode, Alix talks about the challenges of rebranding, what kept both her and her business afloat during the pandemic, designing the perfect candle, her beloved Christmas collections, and how she's helping Ireland's bee population continue to flourish.
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When it comes to buying sustainable fashion online, German e-tailer Zalando has become a major player. Reaching a staggering 34 million customers in 17 markets, Zalando’s goal is to become the starting point for fashion and a sustainable platform with a net-positive impact for people and the planet.
Earlier this year, they launched their Small Steps. Big Impact collection, a collaboration with some of Europe’s most exciting eco-minded designer’s and thanks to its success, they’re launching the collection’s second installment this month.
To learn more about the impact Zalando and its sustainable creatives are making, today I’m talking to Charlotte Eskildsen founder of Designer’s Remix, one of Copenhagen's best-loved and most progressive fashion labels.
Charlotte and I discuss her Zalando collection, sustainable materials, designing during COVID 19, and why she’s missing travel more than most this year.
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Amy Anderson, founder of Irish fashion label Kindred of Ireland, has combined her rich family history and heritage in textiles with her passion for aiding human trafficking victims through her beautiful and thoughtful label.
As a sustainable, Irish linen clothing brand, Kindred's mission is to breathe new life into Irish linen heritage, with revival and reimagination at the core of their ethos and designs.
To mark this year's Anti-Slavery Day, Amy is launching a special piece to help raise funds for Flourish, an Irish charity who helps those who have been trafficked regroup and re-establish themselves in society.
The work Kindred is doing is the future of fashion; combining elegant craftsmanship with a strong social conscience.
Amy shares her family's unique heritage and explains how we can all make a difference through fashion.
Support Amy and find out more here: https://www.kindredofireland.com/shop?page=2
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The prevalence of slave labour within the cocoa industry is a major issue across West Africa, and one which chocolate company Tony's Chocoloney is trying to eradicate, for good. Tony’s mission is to make 100% slave free the norm in chocolate.
In this episode, I speak to Nicola Matthews, head of marketing across the UK and Ireland at Tony’s. Nicola shares the ambitious goals the company has and shares what it's like to work at a B Corp, carbon-neutral Green Giant.
You can find your nearest bar of Tony's Chocoloney HERE
Sign the petition to end slave labour in chocolate HERE
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Eoin’s Cluskey’s Bread 41 on Dublin’s Pearse Street has been Hailed as a sourdough mecca. The former carpenter-turned chef runs a city-center bakery, producing some of the country’s finest organic breads and pastries.
Eoin shares his passion-filled journey to bread making, and we discuss the impact good, real food can have on our lives and happiness. As Eoin says, if every one of us had to grow a carrot from scratch, we would never top and tail our vegetables again.
From his time spent training at Ballymaloe and the struggles of starting a new business, to Eoin's unique bread-making process and what inspired him to give 3000 sourdough starter kits out for free during the COVID Pandemic lockdown, Bread 41 is setting the bar when it comes to food that does good.
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Rising to prominence with her unique "hag" and "bless" designs, IMARA Earth founder and fashion designer Amy Condell shares her fascinating life story in this episode.
The Futurist sits down with Hannah Murphy, founder of Amurelle, an ethical, sustainable, and totally luxurious bedding company founded in Ireland and created in Portugal.
Hannah launched the company in the summer of 2020, despite the global pandemic, and her unique linen and cotton bed sets are already a firm favourite amongst interior lovers.
Hannah shares her career story and explains why good bedding that doesn’t cost the earth is so important.
Best selling author Dana Thomas shares her insights into the future of the fashion industry. Having began her career in the hallowed offices of The Washington Post, Dana has applied the hard nosed journalistic styles she learned there to the fashion industry. Never afraid to ask hard questions, Dana has been obsessesd with tugging at the threads of the industry’s murkier side. The result is a trilogy of books, culminating in her most recent Fashionopolis, which we discuss at length in this podcast. The best part of Dana’s work is that she gives us tangible evience that there is hope yet for the failing fashion industry and that there is still a chance we can change its environmental and human impact on our planet.