Book of Leaves

Jeffrey Roe is the CEO of TOG which have been leading the way in cultivating skill sharing around making and repairing. They have been hosting repair cafés since 2014, so before many of us even knew of the term! Jeffrey also set up the brilliant Dublin Maker festival which we chat about as well. I've linked everything below but you can also stay up to date with TOG via Instagram @toghackerspace.As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕Time stamps:[02:45] Jeffrey introduces himself and how he got into the work he’s doing[05:35] How TOG came about and what they do[09:05] What is a repair café[14:05] Stand out stories from helping people to repair[15:15] Repair café in a box[18:15] Dublin Maker festival[21:25] Advice for nurturing kids’ (or adults’!) curiosity in making and repairing[22:45] Some of the strangest things to come through the repair café[23:45] The difference between repair and restoration[25:35] Other leaves Jeffrey has for listeners[31:40] A repairer in residence[34:45] How Jeffrey manages Tog’s insurance[37:25] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:2600 MeetingsBuzz FestInternational Repair DayThe Repair Café ConferenceResearch IrelandThe Rediscovery CentreCRNI

Cornucopia is Dublin's most well known plant based restaurant - no surprise when you learn they've been in business for 40 years this year! I got to chat to co-founer Deirdre McCafferty, and her daughter Dairine who is the current manager, about the history of the restaurant and the importance of community, tasty food and education. You can visit them on Wicklow Street in Dublin 7 days a week, or stay up to date with them on Instagram @cornucopia_restaurant. Deirdre recently released a memoir called The Cornucopia Story which you can get from Kennys or any good book shop!As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕Time stamps:[03:30] Deirdre & Dairíne introduce themselves and Cornucopia[06:50] Who and what inspired Deirdre to be eco conscious[10:30] Discouraging shame for non veggies in a vegetarian restaurant[18:35] Has it become easier or more difficult to run the restaurant over the last 40 years?[24:05] Favourite stories from customers and staff over the years[30:50] Who cooks the food?[34:10] Hopes for Cornucopia over the next 40 years[39:30] Teaching our kids about the addiction to novelty and new things[39:35] Final leaves for your book[48:30] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:CowspiracyCornucopia PodcastGreen Earth Organics

Jayne has been making jewellery for years but recently retired and set up Serendipity by Jayne where she focuses on making statement pieces from used coffee pods. You can find her at markets or on The Upcycle Movement's website. Follow her on Instagram @serendipity_by_jayneAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕Time stamps:[06:15] An introduction from Jayne and who inspired her to be eco conscious. [11:30] The path Jayne was on before jewellery making[19:35] Other leaves to add to your book from Jayne[26:55] The importance of supporting local and the impact Jayne has had[29:00] Imagining the futureAlso mentioned:The Cottage Market in DroghedaCrafty Crab market in HowthThe Upcycle Movement - Lynn's podcast episodeTAP Teacher Artist Partnership 

Simon Berrow is the CEO and founder of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. This charity does phenomenal work researching the abundant marine life we have in our coastal waters. Make sure to get involved with them in any capacity you can, and stay up to date with them on Instagram @theirishwhaleanddolphingroup.Click here for the sample letter & TD email addresses - email BEFORE JULY 8TH 2026!Tickets to Golidlocks and the 3 PlanetsAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕Time stamps:[03:30] Simon introduces himself and shares his story into marine science[11:15] The importance of knowing our marine life so we can protect it – and what species rely on Irish waters[19:10]  The man-made problems that challenge the lives of whales and dolphins[22:00] A scientific stance on bottom trawling[26:50] The specific goals of the IWDG[34:30] What top down changes need to happen to s[41:00] Ways in which members of the public can help IWDG[48:30] Simon’s favourite win for marine life Also mentioned:Jacques CousteauHans HassSave Our Sprat campaignThe Irish Ocean Literacy Network

Anne Fennell recently set up a new business called Kindred Sorting, where she specialises in compassionately clearing out the homes of loved ones who passed away, and making sure as many items as possible find a new loving home. She also helps with regular organising and clearing out spaces, and here she shares loads of tips if you're hoping to do the same. Check out her website www.kindredsorting.ie or follow her on Facebook or Instagram @kindredsorting.As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕[03:30] Anne introduces herself and how Kindred Sorting came about[06:55] The catalyst for Anne becoming eco conscious [13:55] What happens when you book in with Anne – she talks us through the process – and where everything goes afterward[29:10] Tips for doing your own clear out[32:45] Tips for clearing out the home of a loved one who’s passed[34:35] Stand out moments  Also mentioned:Caitriona KennyOverleaf Eco BooksLesley from The Quilt Shed

Along the Wild Atlantic Way, nestled in the Kerry countryside, Billy Jo works year round growing organic vegetables on her small patch of land. Leagh Farms is 100% certified organic which I learned in this chat is no easy accomplishment! Make sure to support your local veg and fruit growers in supermarkets and at farmers' markets, and you can stay up to date with Billy Jo's farm directly on Instagram @leagh_farm.As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕[03:40] Billy Jo introduces herself and how the farm came about[07:40] What challenges Billy Jo faces as an organic veg grower in Ireland[12:20] Savouring seasonal food and making it last[16:40] The process involved in being a certified organic grower[21:40] What chemical processes non organic food goes through[24:45] Tips for growing organic at home[31:50] How Billy Jo manages pests on her farm[36:40] The impact growing food has had on the children around Billy JoAlso mentioned:Irish Organic Association The Organic TrustAn tIonad glasBrown Envelope seedsSeedsavers

Welcome back to Book of Leaves! I'm kicking off season 7 and episode 136 with renowned wildlife rescuer Pearse Stokes. He volunteers with Kildare Wildlife Rescue who I've had on the podcast before - I recommend going back to give that one a listen too to find out more about how the charity works! In this chat we delve deeper into systemic and social changes that need to happen to strengthen wildlife populations. You can follow Pearse on Instagram @pearse_stokes and KWR @kildarewildliferescue. You can also keep an eye on ticket sales for their 2026 conference here.As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕[04:50] The interview begins with an introduction from Pearse[11:35] Having a sense of duty and how that can encourage people, especially young men to the wildlife cause[17:50] Pearse’s take on hunting[22:50] Malcolm Noonan’s new motion to increase wildlife rescue and rehabilitation funding[24:20] The perception between conservationists and wildlife rescue & rehabilitators and what needs to change about it[34:20] The clear reasoning (and science!) in favour of banning fox hunting[41:30] How to help KWR[44:30] Pearse’s favourite rescues[47:20] Leaves people can take from Pearse’s book Also mentioned:Wildlife Rescue CorkKildare Biodiversity Conference 

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's now branched out other forms of waste like cardboard boxes. We generate so much waste, the work he does can't be appreciated enough! Check out his website www.green-bubble.ie or stay up to date with him on LinkedIn or Instagram @greenbubble.ie.As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Find my depop profile @cearadc! Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee X x[04:10] Peter introduces himself [06:25] When and why Peter set up Green Bubble and how it works.[29:00] What Peter does as a parent to live eco friendly on the planet[36:00] Climate catch up coffee mornings[38:10] Imagining the future Also mentioned:Sunflower RecyclingReDiscovery CentreBold DonutSustainabilityExamples.com