Ripecast

In this episode, we are joined Chris Aris, a video producer and motion graphics designer at Ryanair. Chris shares his journey from studying film at Dublin Business School to working in the corporate world, highlighting key moments that shaped his career. The conversation delves into Chris's passion for film, which sparked during a cinematic experience watching ‘Nocturnal Animals.’ Throughout his degree, he explored various aspects of film, finding inspiration in European cinema and German expressionism. Chris reflects on his practical experiences, including working on the set of the Hollywood film Wild Mountain Thyme during his final year, which provided invaluable real-world learning. His transition from college to the industry was facilitated by seizing freelance opportunities, eventually leading to a role at Ryanair. Chris also emphasises the importance of upskilling and versatility in today's job market, with Chris sharing how he learned motion graphics to meet the demands of his role. He also discusses the significance of collaboration, highlighting his partnership with fellow filmmaker Brian Brennan.The episode concludes with insights into networking and self-promotion, emphasising the proactive approach needed to navigate the industry successfully. Through Chris's journey, listeners gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of film and media production, showcasing the blend of creativity, technical skill, and entrepreneurial spirit required for success.

In this episode, art director and musician Jack Healy recounts his experiences balancing a career in advertising with his passion for music, reflecting on how societal attitudes towards creativity have evolved since the 90s. He emphasises the interconnectedness of his creative pursuits and the importance of staying open to new experiences and feedback. Sharing anecdotes from his diverse career, including encounters with prominent figures like Pavarotti and Daniel Lanois, he highlights the significance of embracing wonder and divergent thinking. He also discusses his transition to performing Tom Waits' music with the band Bone Machine, finding new life and inspiration in interpreting Waits' stories, and ultimately affirming the enduring power of creativity and individuality in an increasingly conformist world.

In this episode we are joined by Sarah Sharkey and Dr Lee Richardson. Sarah is the Senior Learner Support and Retention Officer at Dublin Business School. Lee is the team lead for SESU, the Student Engagement and Success Unit. Sarah and Lee discuss the transformative journey of student support services in higher education. Sarah and Lee reflect on their roles' evolution since 2016. They discuss the inception of SESU mission to monitor student engagement and take proactive actions to ensure success. The conversation explores the challenges faced during the pandemic, where traditional measures like attendance became obsolete overnight. Sarah and Lee highlight the shift towards personalised support, emphasising well-being and academic assistance over punitive measures. They touch on the need for data-driven decision-making and the potential of business intelligence tools in enhancing student support. The discussion also delves into the broader scope of student engagement, from programme design to assessment strategies, advocating for learner-centered approaches. Sarah and Lee envision a future where student support services integrate seamlessly into programme development, fostering a holistic learning environment where every student's needs are met.

In this episode, we are joined by Martin Churchill. Martin is a Sales Manager at Dublin Business School and shares his fascinating journey through different industries and roles, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Martin's career trajectory, from studying environmental science to working in media and eventually transitioning to education, underscores the value of embracing change and seizing opportunities for growth. He emphasises the crucial role of leadership in nurturing high-performing teams, promoting transparency, and creating a supportive work culture where individuals can thrive. Throughout the conversation, Martin's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the significance of continuous learning in today's dynamic work environment.

In this episode we are joined by Gemma Creagh, writer and associate editor at Film Ireland. Gemma shares her learning journey, from crafting stories in her youth to pursuing digital media in college and transitioning into retail. She recounts her pivotal decision to leave a job she disliked, leading her to focus on creative projects and secure her first opportunity in the film industry with the RTÉ and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Storyland scheme. Despite initial challenges and self-doubt, Gemma found her footing through collaboration and low-budget filmmaking, learning essential skills along the way. She also reflects on the importance of organisations like Women in Film and Television Ireland in advocating for gender equity and providing support for industry professionals. Gemma also discusses the evolving landscape of film journalism and her involvement in projects aimed at nurturing emerging talent, such as the Film Ireland Journalism Mentorship Programme, supported by Coimisiún na Meán. Lastly, she explores the emotional sensitivity inherent in creative pursuits, acknowledging the vulnerability and resilience required to navigate the competitive and often uncertain nature of the industry.

In this episode, we are joined by Dublin Business School lecturer Dr. Paul McEvoy who shares his remarkable journey from a 30-year career in the Irish police force to becoming an academic. Despite starting without a passion for research, Paul experienced an epiphany that led him to pursue higher education and eventually embark on a PhD journey. Along the way, he confronted challenges such as generalised anxiety disorder and autism, which shaped his academic and personal growth. Paul's dedication to learning led him to earn multiple degrees concurrently, demonstrating his drive and determination. He also discusses the importance of empathy in teaching and the evolving landscape of education as a commodity. Ultimately, Paul's story highlights the transformative power of self-reflection and the pursuit of knowledge.

In this episode, we are joined by Peter Shannon, Dublin Business School graduate and founder of Simply Social, a social-first creative agency. Peter’s story is a fascinating one of passion, innovation, and entrepreneurship as over time, Simply Social has evolved into a comprehensive agency, leveraging trends and content creation to stay ahead in the dynamic social media landscape. Overcoming obstacles with resilience and strategic planning, the agency has developed its capacity, expanding to include Simply Studios and embracing digital platforms like TikTok. With a commitment to quality content and adaptability, Simply Social has positioned itself as a leader in the digital marketing landscape.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. David Williams, Academic Director of the School of Computing at Dublin Business School. David begins by challenging the perception of gaming as mere child's play and then explores its profound implications for education and beyond. Drawing parallels between game mechanics and learning dynamics, he highlights the intrinsic engagement found in games and advocates for harnessing these principles to revolutionize traditional learning environments. David also envisions a future where learners can customise their educational paths, akin to allocating skill points in a game, and proposes the integration of blockchain technology to create lifelong, gamified portfolios. From adaptive learning platforms to multiplayer classroom simulations, he showcases the transformative potential of gamification in fostering innovation and citizenship, ultimately championing a shift towards learner-driven, immersive educational experiences. Join us to discover how gamification is reshaping the landscape of education and empowering learners to become architects of their own learning journeys.