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cover art for Ornithologist and Wildlife Sound Recordist Seán Ronayne

The Mind Full Podcast

Ornithologist and Wildlife Sound Recordist Seán Ronayne

Season 3, Ep. 4

This week’s fascinating guest is ornithologist and birdsong enthusiast Seán Ronayne. Seán is on a mission to record every single one of the 200 birdsongs in Ireland and his journey to do so has been nothing short of incredible. Seán’s work is proof that nature is something that we can truly connect to through the simple act of listening.


Seán’s wonderful book Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging was the winner of the Dubray Books biography of the year and when you hear him speak you’ll understand exactly why. Seán invites us to slow down and truly listen - not just to ourselves, but to the world around us. Through his work, Sean reminds us of the deep connection between nature and presence, showing how the simple act of listening can ground us in the moment and open our hearts to wonder. In this conversation we also look at the role his neurodivergence diagnosis has played in unlocking his passions and self discovery, how love has opened up his world and how a near fatal illness transformed the way he sees the world.


If you want to catch Seán on his nationwide tour of theatres in which he discusses his fascinating work, visit www.irishwildlifesounds.com for all tour dates.


If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!


Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now!

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