As an Environmental Psychologist, Cassandra Murphy is a PhD researcher and educator dedicated to understanding the profound bond between people and the natural world. Her work explores how building a relationship with nature can enhance human well-being and inspire sustainable behaviours.

Cassie advocates for recognizing personal definitions of nature and integrating simple, daily practices to enhance this relationship. She emphasizes the importance of re-establishing a relationship with nature, likening it to human friendships, and suggests that small, incremental steps can help individuals reconnect.

The conversation covers the psychological benefits and harms of nature connection, the concept of solastalgia, and strategies for coping with eco-anxiety.

This episode also includes a series of vox pop with audience members of Earth Rising.

Recorded at the Earth Rising Festival 2025, IMMA, Dublin.

Host: Dr Dave Robbins

Editor & Producer: Louise Romain

Music credits: No Home by John Hayes, Small Steps by Simon Folwar, Ocean by Corals

Intro and outro: Like Flying by Danijel Zambo

John teaches Green Political Economy and co-directs the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action at Queens Belfast University. He is also the Co-Chair of the Belfast Climate Commission, which translates climate policy into on-the-ground action to achieve the UK Government’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.

In this episode, John introduces the concept of political economy, arguing that economics cannot be separated from politics and power. He dives into the impacts of capitalism on the ecological and climate crises, and advocates for bringing ethics and politics into economic discussion.

Barry critiques the academic sector's response to the climate crisis, arguing for a more integrated and mandatory approach to educating students on these issues. He discusses the psychological and emotional impacts of climate change education, advocating for a combination of cognitive knowledge, practical action, and emotional engagement.

The conversation also touches on Barry's criticism of current green politics, his potential political aspirations as a Councillor, and the need for a justice transformation approach to address the climate crisis comprehensively. The interview concludes with a call to action, encouraging revolutionary change and active hope to combat climate challenges.

This episode also includes a vox pop with an audience member of Earth Rising.

Recorded at the Earth Rising Festival 2025, IMMA, Dublin.

Host: Dr Dave Robbins

Editor & Producer: Louise Romain

Music credits: The Last Prophecy by Alex Besss; No Alibi by Little Planet; Dark Lake by Simon Folwar; You Didn’t Say Goodbye by Abstract Aprils

Intro and outro: Like Flying by Danijel Zambo

john gerrard is a contemporary artist, whose sculptures and installations take the form of digital simulations displayed using real-time computer graphics. gerrard’s practice draws on technology originally developed for military and gaming use, which he adapts to create slow, meditative portraits of industrial landscapes and ecological change.

Often set in remote or symbolic locations, these works hold a mirror to systems of extraction, labour and environmental breakdown. His works unfold continuously, often depicting quiet, looping scenes that reflect on energy, power and the climate crisis.

This interview with the artist details his career and the evolution of his work from the early series 'Smoke Trees' to his prominent piece 'Western Flag.' john discusses how his interest in industrial and environmental themes, specifically the impact of fossil fuels, led him to explore the materiality and environmental presence in his art.

He draws a parallel between industrial agriculture and digital infrastructures, and emphasizes the theme of 'power' in his art, encompassing energy, dominance, and influence. John also reflects on the challenges and ethical considerations of using digital technology in his artwork and expresses an interest in future projects focusing on wind energy in Ireland.

Recorded at the Earth Rising Festival 2025, IMMA, Dublin.

Host: Dr Dave Robbins

Editor & Producer: Louise Romain

Music credits: Blob by Moire; Wild West by Alex Besss; Hypnopompia and Lamento by Adrian Ehrlich; Wilderness by The Wayward Hearts.

Intro and outro: Like Flying by Danijel Zambo