Emily O'Callaghan: The Original Green Rebel

02/15/18 • 35 min

On this special Valentine’s Day episode, one host interviews the other. Emily O’Callaghan is the original green rebel. A scallywag, a hustler and an artist Emily has been searching for that which makes her heart skip since age 12.

The wonder and curiosity have seen her dabble in things as varied as photography, acting, cobbling, massage, standup comedy, startups, cinemas and security at gigs. She once even promoted butter in the pouring rain dressed in a Santa costume. And she is only just beginning.

What may seem like a meandering path is simply the natural way for Emily to follow her interests rather than just long after them. She isn’t afraid to give any of it a try even if that means failure. It’s the only way she knows to be.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Presented by Emily O'Callaghan and Irina Dzhambazova.
Produced by Irina Dzhambazova.
Music by Le Boom

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Presented by Emily O'Callaghan and Irina Dzhambazova.
Produced by Irina Dzhambazova.
Music by Le Boom

Previous Episode

Abe Neihum: The Benevolent Photographer

Meet photographer Abe Neihum, a Libyan living in Ireland since 1996 whose story is incredibly fascinating.

He discovered his passion for photography during college and would have gone on to pursue it had the Arab Spring not arisen in his native Libya. Join us to hear how he is slowly finding his way back to photography.

Abe and his mother Fatima set up the Irish Libyan Emergency Aid to help Libyans caught in the revolution. The program would see the donation of over 9 million euros worth in medical supplies sent over to Libyan hospitals from Ireland and the acceptance of over 300 Libyan patients to be treated in Irish private hospitals. Following the program, Abe went on to serve as a diplomat in the Medical Attache Office in the Libya embassy in London. A post he held until 2016.

It was fascinating to learn more about Abe’s experiences and his family, and in particular to hear about his mother, a surgeon who went nearly overnight from working in a hospital in Drogheda and raising her four children to being called to serve as the Minister for Health in a very fragile Libya. She faced heavy criticism before, during and after her time in Tripoli while she had only one desire, to help her own country. This is a gene that runs in that family, where every generation inspires the next.

While Abe may appear as a cool customer, the things he has faced and been through would test the calm nature of anybody. Abe has remained a kind, generous, and fantastic man despite all of this.

Our conversation with Abe naturally veers towards subjects like the political history of Libya and its problematic past and present, the inspiration Abe’s mother has played on his life, the tumultuous journey of helping in the time of revolution where no one leaves unscathed, and the creative pursuit of that which is in the heart.

You can find Abe's portfolio http://www.abeneihum.com

Presented by Emily O'Callaghan and Irina Dzhambazova.
Produced by Irina Dzhambazova.
Music by Le Boom

Next Episode

Bláithín de Burca: Staying In Stand Up

On the latest episode of Green Rebel, we talk with Irish comedian Bláithín de Burca. We delve into her life while covering a range of topics including her writing process, stand up performances, confidence issues and how to keep going in a tough industry. We also speak about the hugely important Repeal movement taking place in Ireland leading up to the monumental abortion referendum this month. Irina and Bláithín bond over a mutual “deadline artist” trait while Emily giggles in the background.

Presented by Emily O'Callaghan and Irina Dzhambazova.
Produced by Irina Dzhambazova.
Music by Le Boom.