This ep of Operation: Project is a break from the norm, as I do my first solo podcast! I'm slightly embarrassed as I hit "Publish", but I'm taking that as a good sign. Normally on the pod, I talk to people I admire and respect about how they do their creative projects. It's been on a hiatus for a couple of months; all the COVID bullshit hit, and I did three episodes over the internet, but didn’t enjoy it as much as sitting in a room with a Real Life Person - some warmth and connection was lost -...
Aug 24, 2020•17 min
Alan McMonagle is an award-winning Galway-based writer, with loads of short stories, radio plays and a couple of novels to his name. His latest novel, Laura Cassidy's Walk Of Fame , was published by Picador in March 2020 - an unfortunate time for marketing a new work, it being the outset of a global pandemic and all. Caroline read it over one weekend when she was ill with COVID-19, and protagonist Laura's relatable, hilarious delusions and fresh, funny voice provided a welcome distraction at tha...
May 22, 2020•1 hr 13 min
I recorded Episode 10 of my podcast 16th February 2020, barely 6 weeks ago. So much has changed since - then, Allie and I hugged, talked for hours right across a table, went for a leisurely lunch - things that are impossible now, to who knows when. I wanted to catch up with Allie see how she was getting on during lockdown, so we Skyped for Episode 11 on 21st March. Allie’s still cranking out her community-led creativity even in the grip of a pandemic, with nightly shows on the Hysteria Ireland C...
Mar 29, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Allie O’Rourke - stand-up comedian and comedy promoter - is one of Dublin’s hardest-working comedians, playing over 300 gigs in 18 months all over the country, refining her comedic skillset to reach and entertain everyone who sees her. I wanted to catch up with Allie see how she was getting on during lockdown, so we Skyped for Episode 11 on 21st March 2020. Allie’s still cranking out her community-led creativity even in the grip of a pandemic, with nightly shows on the Hysteria Ireland Comedy Ne...
Mar 29, 2020•33 min
Liam Hourican - actor, impressionist, comedian - lives in London, and has been a constant comedic presence on TV and stage since the mid-00’s, with roles in The Savage Eye (RTE), The IT Crowd (Channel 4) and Tracey Ullman's Show (BBC) to name just a few. Caroline marvels at his ability to multi-task as he moves along his commercial and passion projects, taking on the additional jobs of playwright, screenwriter and producer as needed. They talk about the importance of physical and mental relaxati...
Mar 15, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Brian Gallagher - stand-up comedian - has, in just three years, risen rapidly through the ranks of Irish comedy. Caroline respects his all-in commitment to his career: constantly in motion, he plays gigs all over Ireland and internationally, as well as co-producing one Dublin’s finest comedy nights, Riff Raff at the Chelsea Drug Store. They talk about getting over your fear of failing out loud, refining your creative output through constant reassessment, and how to guarantee a successful Edinbur...
Feb 15, 2020•1 hr 8 min
Clíona Dukes and Caoimhe Connolly - creative producers - are the duo behind the annual Scene + Heard Festival of New Work in Smock Alley Theatre, now in its 5th year. Caroline applauds their combined ability to facilitate over 100 shows in under three weeks, supporting hundreds of artists as they turn their creative dreams into concrete theatre pieces. They talk about why it’s vital to develop trust with your collaborators, avoiding burnout, and how to gain an audience one ticket at a time! Scen...
Feb 09, 2020•1 hr
Chris O’Neill - comedy promoter - runs the twice-weekly Jesters Comedy Club in Sin É in Dublin City, one of the best clubs in town, and a hugely valuable resource for new comedians. Caroline admires how keeps the club dynamic; putting the audience first, he is always finding ways to make the Jesters comedy experience the greatest it is can be. They talk about the critical importance of finding the right venue, turning your work skills to your creative projects, and how the ability to write and p...
Jan 10, 2020•55 min
Anne Gildea - actor, writer, comedian, musician and founding member of groundbreaking musical comedy group The Nualas - is a true Renaissance woman. Caroline loves that no matter what Anne is doing creatively, she speaks with her unique voice, and makes her point of view heard, hilariously and with heart. They talk about London versus Dublin, how you need to take responsibility to move your work forward, and why being in a band is so hard. PLUS Anne sings and plays ukulele, performing a new song...
Dec 28, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Alan Lambert - filmmaker - is a true auteur: directing, producing, even scoring his own experimental sci-fi features. Caroline is inspired by his unwavering commitment to his art and unconventional approach to all aspects of filmmaking: from funding to collaboration, he does his own thing. They talk about why and when to crowdfund, how to know a project is finished, and what to realistically expect from the film festival circuit. Thanks to Brian Cheatle for show music, the "Operation: Project" a...
Dec 16, 2019•52 min
Kevin Boyle - yoga teacher and podcaster - has published his “The Yoga Life” podcast week-in week-out since early 2018, and Caroline admires his consistency and dedication to getting meaningful content out there. They talk about the difficulties of delegation, the challenges of self-promotion and how expectation is the *real* thief of joy! Thanks to Brian Cheatle for show music, the "Operation: Project" art and other support. Kevin Boyle's "The Yoga Life" podcast is available on Apply Podcasts a...
Dec 07, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Daragh Muldowney - nature photographer - travels the world with his camera, from the sand dunes of the Sahara to the frozen lakes of Siberia, showcasing his stunning imagery in exhibitions and books. He and Caroline talk about listening to yourself to find out what you love, accepting your most painful mistakes, and turning your passion into your profession! Thanks to Brian Cheatle for show music, the Operation: Project art and other support. "Dúlra Photography", for more on Daragh's projects an...
Dec 01, 2019•1 hr 12 min
Emily O'Callaghan - comedy promoter, event organiser, journalist, photographer - constantly gets creative things done, and Caroline wants to know how. They talk about getting over your fear of trying, why it's important to have a few failures behind you, and how to pack out the first night of your new comedy club! Thanks to Brian Cheatle for show music, the Operation: Project art and other support. "Comedy Gold", Emily's comedy club, every Friday: https://www.instagram.com/comedygoldclub/ "To th...
Nov 23, 2019•59 min
