The Infinite Creators - Ryan McDaid

Ireland has a national park called *Glenveagh* – “Glen of the Birches” – where most visitors never notice there are almost no birch trees. Emmett Johnston thinks that gap between language and landscape says a lot about how *Ireland* lost, and is slowly rebuilding, its relationship with nature.In this episode we talk about basking sharks, rewilding in Glenveagh, native woodland, colonisation, Irish place‑names and why *environmentalism* built on guilt often fails to move people.What we explore– How Ireland’s history of colonisation and deforestation shows up in both the land and the language, and why place‑names like Glenveagh quietly record what used to be there.– Emmett’s journey from growing up in Dublin to managing Glenveagh National Park in Donegal and co‑founding the Irish Basking Shark Group.– What basking sharks can teach us about patience, migration and seeing Ireland as part of a much bigger living system.– Practical rewilding and restoration inside a national park: native woodland, peatlands, grazing, tourism and working with local communities rather than against them.– Why he believes environmentalists must move beyond finger‑wagging and guilt, towards offering experiences and futures people actually want to say yes to.– The hopeful signs he sees: more trees on the land, more action than ever before, and a generation who can still shape the next 50–100 years of how Ireland lives with nature.Who this is for– People in Ireland (or anywhere) wondering what “rewilding” and native woodland recovery really look like on the ground.– Anyone drawn to basking sharks, big coastal landscapes and the human stories behind conservation work.– Listeners who feel climate and biodiversity news is all doom and guilt, and want a more human, hopeful way in.Why this conversation mattersEmmett carries both science and story: decades of ecological work, papers, and a day‑job managing a national park, alongside a deep respect for language, history and ordinary people’s lives. Instead of just listing problems, he tries to show what it looks like when nature recovery and human thriving pull in the same direction.Micro‑FAQWhat is special about Glenveagh?It’s one of Ireland’s six national parks, set in a glen whose Irish name means “Glen of the Birches,” quietly pointing to a forested past that’s now mostly gone.Where do basking sharks come in?Emmett co‑founded the Irish Basking Shark Group and has spent years tracking and protecting these huge, gentle filter‑feeders off the Irish coast.Is this episode mainly about rewilding?It’s broader: rewilding and native woodland are part of a bigger conversation about history, language, people and how we choose to live with nature now.Is it all doom and gloom?No. Emmett is clear that habitats and species are under pressure, but he’s also convinced there’s “loads of hope” and more restoration activity now than ever before.

Fungi, mycelium, floods, fire and food systems – what if the quiet stuff under our feet is holding far more together than we realise?Life & Depth – Season 2: Nature, Seeds & Growth: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp2syVpW_daYjm6lY9I_qG0WuEm0K0e6CBig Questions, Real Stories: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp2syVpW_daYHYo8sp7kF-LrwJJEU26VkWhen Life Knocks You Sideways: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp2syVpW_daZa6hx5q_5KTAYXxzikQpvXIn this episode I sit down with facilitator and food‑sovereignty advocate Joanne to explore fungi as the “connective tissue of the earth”, how mycelial networks work with plants and microbes, and why they matter for climate resilience and community life.If you’re curious about mushrooms beyond psychedelics – soil health, decomposition, remediation, grief and belonging – this one is for you.What we uncover togetherHow fungal networks partner with plant roots to move nutrients, pull carbon into soils and turn dirt into a living sponge that can actually hold water.Why some mycorrhizal fungi act like underground “infrastructure”, connecting trees and crops while we walk above them with no idea.Joanne’s story of being caught in a Greek wildfire, watching locals mask their fear, and how that moment changed how she sees fire, risk and climate‑driven disasters.How fungi can help remediate polluted or burnt land, from California fire grounds to flood‑damaged fields in Ireland.The emotional layer: feeling small inside planetary crises, processing eco‑anxiety and grief, and finding steadier ground through land‑based community work.Practical entry points if you want to work with fungi where you live – from soil observation and simple experiments to plugging into global underground‑network projects.Who this episode is forPeople who feel the climate crisis in their body but don’t know what to do with that feeling.Growers, gardeners, farmers and land‑workers curious about soil life, mycelium and living infrastructure.Anyone drawn to mushrooms, ecology or food sovereignty who wants stories as well as science.Why this might help youInstead of only doom or only tech‑fixes, this conversation leans into relationship – between fungi and plants, land and people, floods and fire and the ways communities respond. Joanne brings grounded stories, not hype, and points towards work that is already happening quietly beneath our feet.Micro‑FAQAre we talking about psychedelic mushrooms?Mostly no. We focus on ecological and soil fungi – mycorrhizal networks, decomposers and remediation work – with just brief mentions of wider fungal culture.What exactly do fungi do in soil?They help decompose and recompose organic matter, move nutrients to roots, pull carbon into the ground and create sponge‑like soil structure that holds water.Can fungi really help with floods and fire?Certain species and practices can stabilise soil, capture water and support post‑fire recovery and pollution clean‑up. Joanne shares real projects and early results.How can I start learning without a lab?Begin with paying attention: local soil, simple cultivation, community workshops, and following organisations mapping underground networks globally.

Welcome to Life & Depth with Ryan McDaid – the place where surface‑level conversations go to die. Most people walk past nettles, dandelions and docks and see nothing but *weeds* , herbalist, forager and soil advocate Claire Thompson sees *nutrition* , *medicine* and allies that can help us thrive. In this episode we explore how *wild plants* , living soil and a different approach to home and education can change our health, our farms and our sense of belonging.Claire is based in Malin Head, County Donegal, where she works to rebuild relationships between people, plants and living soil through wild food, *herbal medicine* and hands‑on community projects. She co‑directs KPM Soils with her husband Kevin, focusing on soil restoration, regenerative farming, composting and a four‑year European Innovation Partnership project on biologically inoculated slurry to cut nutrient runoff and rebuild soil life.We talk about why there is “no such thing as a weed,” how neat‑and‑tidy culture and patriarchy erased plant knowledge carried through the maternal line, and why wild plants often have far higher nutrient density than supermarket food. Claire explains how she and Kevin test soils under the microscope, grow biology in compost “mother piles,” and help farmers shift from simply sustaining broken systems to genuinely regenerating land, habitat and nutrient‑dense food.The conversation also touches on conflict and hope in the face of planetary boundaries, what overshoot day really means, and how raising and home‑educating their daughters inside this work has shaped their family’s idea of success. If you care about health, food, parenting, or just feel the pull to reconnect with the living landscape around you, this episode will give you practical ideas and a very different way of seeing the “weeds” at your feet.Timestamps00:00 – She sees medicine where we see weeds03:31 – Why we hate weeds and lost traditional plant wisdom15:00 – Wild edible plants, nutrition and foraging for families32:00 – From tidy lawns to wildflower allies and ethical foraging48:00 – Planetary boundaries, climate overshoot and regeneration1:05:00 – Soil health, compost “mother piles” and regenerative farming1:25:20 – Raising wild kids, hope and living with the land

In this episode, Ryan sits down with regenerative farmer, artist and holistic management practitioner Clive Bright to explore what it really means to live “of nature” – not just on the land, but in how we think, farm, eat and make decisions.Clive runs a 120‑acre organic, 100% pasture‑fed beef farm in County Sligo, selling his meat directly through his Rare Ruminair beef boxes, and designing his landscape as a living habitat rather than a production line. He explains how holistic planned grazing, agroforestry and embracing “messy” diverse pastures create resilience to floods and droughts, healthier soil, and nutrient‑dense food – while actually reducing labour and inputs.You’ll hear how thinking in “tree time” (hundreds of years instead of one season), understanding simple cycles like water and photosynthesis, and focusing on habitat for wildlife, livestock and humans can change every decision on the farm and beyond. Clive and Ryan dig into tradition vs wisdom, breaking from family patterns without breaking respect, and why holistic management is less about following rules and more about learning to ask better questions.If you care about nature, food quality, climate resilience, or just want to see what a different future of farming and community could look like, this conversation will give you a grounded, hopeful and deeply practical lens on how we might get there.Key themes:Why humans need a “natural habitat” and what that looks like in modern life.Holistic planned grazing, litter layers and year‑round grazing without housing cattle.Diversity as resilience: plants, landscapes, farms, community and business models.Tradition vs innovation: honouring the wisdom, questioning the habits.Direct‑to‑consumer beef boxes, fair prices for farmers and premium nutrient‑dense food.00:00 – Why humans need a natural habitat00:18 – Meet Clive Bright & Rare Ruminair farm00:52 – Holistic planned grazing and year‑round grass02:51 – Natural cycles, health and thinking with nature04:40 – Water cycles, floods and soil resilience09:36 – Diversity vs simplification in farming systems12:23 – Thinking in “tree time” and long‑term decisions16:53 – Holistic management as a decision framework19:19 – Inheriting the family farm and questioning tradition21:17 – Shifting towards organic: curiosity and first steps23:50 – Mentors, homesteads and closed nutrient loops25:33 – Scaling regenerative ideas to 120 acres28:19 – Culture, advice and learning to think for yourself36:23 – Diversity as resilience in land, business and community51:46 – From 80s dairy model to designing a perpetual farm

Bees notice the changes in nature long before we do.In this episode, I sit down with Mick the Beekeeper, a lifelong keeper of native Irish bees, to explore what these animals reveal about the world around us.Mick shares how years of observing his bees taught him to slow down and see patterns most people overlook. His experiences with hive behavior and shifting seasons changed the way he understands the natural world.We talk about why bees react to things we barely notice, how nature communicates through behavior and timing, and what we lose when we disconnect. The conversation also explores memory, attention, and the value of taking time to really look.This is a reflective conversation about awareness, connection, and the quiet lessons nature is always trying to teach us.============================Chapters:00:00 – Intro: The accident that changed everything02:00 – A path nobody planned04:10 – Seeing the world differently07:40 – Searching for what remains10:55 – Why something small matters14:00 – A misunderstood substance17:50 – Stepping back, not controlling21:10 – When trust replaces armor24:20 – When order starts to crack27:00 – Decisions without leaders30:10 – The ones that belong here33:00 – When mixing goes wrong36:10 – Lives measured in weeks40:00 – A risk few mention43:00 – Knowing when you don’t fit46:10 – A knock at the window49:10 – The quiet mind of trees53:00 – What disappeared unnoticed56:40 – The real cost of progress01:00:40 – Messages beneath the ground01:04:10 – How far we drifted01:09:40 – When water remembers01:14:20 – Starting again with kids01:18:30 – Bees that came full circle01:28:00 – Final thoughts and where to find Mick

Being fit doesn’t always mean being healthy.In this episode, I sit down with Bosco Reid, an osteopath and lifelong athlete, to explore why serious health issues can develop even in active, disciplined people.Bosco shares how surviving meningitis, a prostate cancer diagnosis caught early through routine checks, and a later heart scare reshaped how he thinks about health, prevention, and longevity.We talk about why fitness alone can hide serious risks, how emotional health and social connection influence recovery, and why balance matters more than performance as you age.This is a reflective conversation about resilience, early detection, and the deeper lessons that emerge when life forces you to slow down and reassess what truly matters.=========================================Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Cancer news and why health can change instantly01:08 - Bosco’s background and meningitis in 198303:49 - Being “very fit” but still getting seriously ill10:14 - Why athletes can struggle when they stop winning13:00 - Coaching, discipline, and sport as community20:45 - Why overly competitive sport makes people quit22:10 - Fitness imbalance and the hidden cost of skipping cardio23:21 - The 2 biggest longevity predictors: grip strength and VO₂ max23:49 - Parkrun: the simplest health habit Bosco recommends28:44 - Prostate cancer story and the moment everything changed39:28 - PSA testing: why early detection matters45:05 - The weekly baseline: cardio + resistance training48:34 - Sleep, REM, and emotional healing53:10 - Cholesterol, statins, and Bosco’s 2019 heart event01:00:07 - Cardio, diet, and preventative checks you should actually do01:07:06 - Why sitting destroys your lower back01:13:05 - Strength training basics and avoiding common mistakes01:16:20 - “Japanese walking” (interval walking) for heart health01:19:39 - Loneliness and cardiovascular risk01:20:03 - Why CPR training should be taught in schools01:24:13 - Final thoughts and where to find Bosco

In this episode, I sit down with computing researcher, lecturer and expert Eoghan Furey to discuss the chaotic world of information overload and the alarming rise of artificial intelligence. We explore how social media algorithms secretly manipulate our worldviews, the hidden dangers of intrusive data tracking, and why we are rapidly losing our ability to think independently. Eoghan explains the concept of "Emotographics," the controversial impact of ChatGPT on education, and how big tech companies aggressively monetise our attention. We also dive into the psychological effects of screen time on children and the subtle ways technology permanently alters our behaviour. This conversation reveals the reality of digital addiction and the critical need to reclaim our cognitive freedom before it is too late.=========================================Timecodes:00:00 - Intro: The Age of Information Overload 00:50 - Losing Independent Thought to Algorithms 04:07 - The Attention Economy: "You Are The Product" 06:51 - The Hidden Cost of Wearable Tech Data 08:29 - Society’s Fragile Reliance on Technology 13:42 - Emotographics: How Tech Predicts Your Feelings 16:40 - The Global Race for AI Chips (NVIDIA) 20:40 - Why Siri & Alexa Failed vs. ChatGPT 24:35 - Is AI Destroying Critical Thinking Skills? 29:40 - The Black Box Problem: Why We Trust AI Too Much 38:56 - Sci-Fi Predictions Coming True (iRobot & The Matrix) 44:03 - The "Library of Everything": Dangers of AI for Kids 50:07 - The End of Privacy & DNA Data Risks 59:53 - Who Programs the Values? (The Bias Problem) 01:07:34 - Cambridge Analytica: 5,000 Data Points on You 01:12:00 - The Dopamine Trap: Likes, Validation, & Addiction 01:18:45 - Using Minecraft to Teach Healthy Habits 01:21:40 - The Correlation Between Screens and Anxiety 01:32:45 - Why Phones Should Be Banned in Schools 01:37:00 - The Death of Attention Spans 01:47:08 - The Rise of Narcissism & Need for Community

Ryan sits down with Jenna McCusker, host of My Life and Me and founder of House of Sense. Jenna shares her extraordinary story of resilience — from the pain of divorce and emotional abuse to the unimaginable challenge of being told she would never walk again after a spinal injury.What began as tragedy became transformation. Through faith, humour, and an unbreakable love for her son, Jenna rebuilt her life — learning to walk again, confronting OCD, and turning her experiences into platforms for healing and connection.Jenna’s story is one of survival, grace, and humour in the face of hardship. Her journey reminds us that even when life breaks us — body, heart, or mind — we can still rise, rebuild, and find purpose again.

It was an honour to sit down with Terry Crossan, a man whose life is deeply entwined with the modern history of Derry and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.Born on William Street in 1952, Terry grew up at what would later be dubbed “Agro Corner” by the British Army, a hotspot during the Battle of the Bogside. As a young man, he found himself on the frontlines of the civil rights movement, navigating a city filled with tension, inequality, and daily conflict.Terry was present at the peaceful march that became one of the darkest days in Irish history, Bloody Sunday. When the British Army opened fire, killing 13 unarmed civilians, Terry ran for his life. That moment, and its trauma, would shape everything that followed.Terry reflects on the chaos and complexity of those years, the loss of life, the blurred lines between resistance and survival, and the human cost of the conflict. We speak openly about the murders of IRA volunteers, British soldiers, and innocent civilians.Following a truce that was broken by the British Army, Terry went on the run. Just 12 weeks after marrying his wife, he was arrested alongside Martin McGuinness and charged with conspiracy to cause explosions with intent to endanger life. Eight weeks into his detention, he received word that his wife was pregnant.He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, ultimately serving 6 years, one of the most infamous prisons of the time. While incarcerated, Terry used the time to educate himself, learning Irish and developing a deeper understanding of the culture and history he was fighting to preserve.Before politics, Terry was also a talented footballer, playing alongside future international star Martin O’Neill at youth level, earning an Ulster Colleges medal in GAA and representing Derry in both Gaelic and soccer.This episode goes beyond headlines. It’s not just the story of a man, it’s the story of a city, a conflict, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of division and oppression.

In this powerful conversation, Ryan sits down with Darragh Kelly, one of Ireland’s most exciting rising stars in MMA. Known for his grit, humility, and undefeated record, Darragh opens up about the sacrifices, struggles, and breakthroughs that have shaped his journey from a small town in Donegal to fighting on the world stage.Darragh reflects on how he discovered MMA as a teenager with no martial arts background, the doubts he carried about starting “too late,” and the brutal training that transformed his life. He shares the reality of living in gym dorms to sharpen his edge, the discipline it takes when motivation fades, and the mental battles every fighter faces.Together, they explore:• Why Darragh walked away from partying, smoking, and unhealthy habits at 18 to pursue fighting• The difference between motivation and discipline — and how discipline wins every time• His mindset on winning and losing, and why embracing risk keeps him sharp• The role of mindset coaching and how it unexpectedly unlocked new levels of performance• What it’s really like training alongside world-class fighters at SBG in Dublin• Business ventures outside the cage, including saunas and long-term plans in property• The wild story of training in Thailand, a fight with Dagestani fighters, and a mushroom-fueled shift in perspectiveDarragh’s story is one of relentless drive, calculated risk-taking, and unshakable belief. From his late start in MMA to his rise on the Bellator and PFL stages, this conversation reveals the reality of chasing greatness — the sacrifices behind the spotlight, and the mental toughness it takes to keep showing up.Connect with Darragh Kelly:Instagram: @darraghkellymma

In this thought-provoking conversation, Ryan sits down with Lee Tedstone, a global business leader, entrepreneur, and investor whose journey has been shaped by both personal loss and professional triumphs.Lee opens up about losing his father at just nine years old, an event that profoundly shaped how he approaches life, leadership, and resilience. He reflects on how only in recent years he has been able to truly process that experience and the ways in which emotional intelligence has transformed his career and relationships.Together, they explore:• Growing up with loss and how it forged a deep sense of drive and resilience• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and motivating teams• Lessons from building and selling his own business before moving into global corporate leadership• Life in America, living outside the Irish community, and what ultimately drew him back home• His current work in AI and innovation, and how technology continues to shape business and society• The constant challenge of balancing health, work, and priorities in a busy lifeLee’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and purpose. From boardrooms to personal reflection, he brings honesty and depth to what it means to lead — in business and in life.Connect with Lee:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leetedstone/

A Global Award Winning Chef with his book “Donegal Table”, a broadcaster, and a proud Donegal man Brian McDermott takes us far beyond the kitchen, sharing the stories, struggles, and lessons that have shaped his life.From a childhood in a three-bedroom council house with 14 family members, to nearly losing his big toe in a farmyard accident, to finding his way into professional kitchens through a mix of mischief, discipline, and sheer determination — Brian’s journey is as human as it is inspiring.We explore:• Growing up in rural Ireland — the resilience, resourcefulness, and nourishing power of his mother’s cooking.• A chef’s unlikely beginnings — from making scones as school punishment to discovering the energy of a professional kitchen.• Food as medicine — Brian’s candid account of living with heart disease, the role of mindful eating, and how simple food choices can transform health, mood, and longevity.•Family, heritage, and Donegal pride — why he sees himself not just as a chef, but as a voice for Irish producers, food culture, and community.• Mindfulness and authenticity — how breathing, presence, and staying true to himself fuel his work on stage, on air, and in life.Brian’s story is one of grit, passion, and giving back. Whether he’s developing products with Irish farmers, presenting on radio and TV, or encouraging us all to slow down and reconnect with food, his message is clear: food is life, food is mood, and food connects us to who we are.If you’ve ever wondered how food can shape health, identity, and even community pride — this is an episode not to miss.Connect with Brian:https://www.instagram.com/chefbrianmcdermott/https://chefbrianmcdermott.com/

From facing homelessness to building a thriving business, Jen Healy shares her powerful journey of transformation. She opens up about battling addiction, trauma, and financial hardship as a single mother — and how discovering she was pregnant became the life-changing catalyst that set her on a new path. Jen talks about overcoming years of scarcity, rewiring her mindset around money, and the profound lessons she learned from mentors like Kim Calvert and Bob Proctor. We dive into healing the nervous system, shifting deep-rooted beliefs, building wealth from the inside out, and finding purpose after pain. Today, Jen not only leads a growing business but also empowers others through her community to create the lives they deserve. Her story is raw, inspiring, and a living testament that true change is possible for anyone ready to step into their power.Follow Jen:https://www.instagram.com/jenhealymindsetandmanifest/00:00 Single Parent & Homeless04:36 Discovering I was Pregnant Changed Everything08:22 Understanding Why I was Poor15:44 How I Earn 50K a Month20:18 The Changes Required to Become Abundant26:09 Helping Others in My Community33:55 Our Thoughts & Emotions Determine What We Earn39:17 Therapy Shows Us the Parts We Don't See44:16 Results and Vibe of the Community47:23 My First Business Venture49:06 Helping Kids in Africa53:26 The Importance of Gratitude