In episode eight of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Dr. Jennifer Cassidy on the current atrocities in the world, the impact of digital diplomacy, disinformation, and the role of genders in our politics. Our conversation starts with how she started her career as a diplomat to her academic focus with foresight in understanding the impact that social media would have on our political systems, worldwide. If anyone had any doubt of her insight and professional experience, her PhD from the University of Oxford (2017) included Case Studies on Ukraine, Israel and Gaza and the Former President of the United States Donald Trump. She knows what she's talking about. Here is our honest and open conversation.

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In episode seven of "Parachute Candidate," I speak with Lord Michael Cashman. Born in London, Michael has dedicated his life to improving the lived experience of the LGBTI+ community worldwide. Many will recognise Michael from his work on Albert Square as Colin Russell in "EastEnders." In 1989, his role featured the first same-sex kiss on a British soap! Activism is at the very core of his life, and this passion has led him to serve in the European Parliament for 15 years and in the House of Lords since 2014. Michael has positively shaped democracy, and his continued hope for positive change for all, not just some, is remarkable. We discuss his journey as a member of the Rainbow community, co-founding Stonewall, his work in politics, and the rollback in protecting minority people. We conclude by speaking of his beloved Paul Cottingham, with whom he spent over thirty years and who sadly passed away in 2014.

Some films I suggest to watch; "The Normal Heart", "Love, Simon", “A Secret Love", "Pray Away" and "The Boys in the Band". A poignant but important song about the journey we take as community members and allies is "Boys in the Street" by Greg Holden and Seeb.

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In episode six of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. Mark served for 45 years in the Irish Naval Service, building on his skills to lead the Defence Force as Chief of Staff for over 6 years. Since his retirement in September 2021, Mark has continued his work in making positive change for Ireland and the European Union leading through his consultancy firm Green Compass which specialises in climate, offshore renewable energy, security and sustainability. His serves also as Chair of two organisations; Sage Advocacy and Maritime Area Regulatory Authority Board. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics; growing up in the West of Ireland, developing a career dedicated to service and leading teams for over four decades. His vision for Ireland and the EU for climate goals and how we must continue to challenge ourselves in learning inspires me to continue to learn how to show up better.

My conversation with Vice Admiral Mark Mellett was recorded in August 2023.

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In episode five of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Kevin Hyland, the UK's first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Over his 30 year career as a police officer, Kevin worked closely with survivors and victims of human trafficking and from this work, he was appointed an OBE for services to combating human trafficking in 2015. He authored the Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 which focuses on eradicating forced labour and ending modern slavery and human trafficking. We discuss how human trafficking is a lucrative yet hidden industry with an estimated year profit of €29.4 billion. It is believed 3000 to 4000 people could be trafficked in and out of Ireland annually, impacting mostly women and girls. Kevin shares his insights on what work needs to be done at an Europe level.

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In episode four of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Dr. Gladys Ganiel, Professor of Sociology at Queen's University. Gladys was born in the United States and has called Island of Ireland home since 1999. Her work has been predominantly focused on religion, in particular the role of religion in conflict specifically in Northern Ireland, the trends of Catholicism in Ireland and most recently religion in our society since COVID-19. She has authored several books and in our conversation we openly discuss the issues impacting religion, especially in a growing polarised world.

My conversation with Dr. Gladys Ganiel was recorded in July 2023.

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In episode three of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Cork - Dr. Niall Dunphy. In addition to his work in UCC, Niall also serves as the Director of the Cleaner Production Promotion Unit, which is a multidisciplinary research group working on sustainability. Niall delivers his insight on people's consumption behaviour which has skyrocketed. More food, wasted water, fast fashion, expedited travel which has drastically impacted our environment.

Niall talks me through my work as a policymaker in the European Parliament and the need to be braver, serving with urgency. This conversation comes as a timely manner as we watch world leaders meet in Dubai at COP28. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

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In episode two of Parachute Candidate, I speak with Senior Lecturer of Maynooth University and alumni of Trinity College - Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan. In our frank and honest conversation, Katriona shares her experience of growing up with both parents dependent on drugs and in extreme poverty. She sheds light on teachers like Ms Arkinson and Mr Pickering who empowered and encouraged her to keep learning, despite living in constant fear and daily hunger. I encourage you all to read her memoir titled "Poor", which has been shortlisted as the Best Biography of the Year for the 2023 A Post Irish Book Awards. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

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On the 'Parachute Candidate' podcast, Member of the European Parliament Maria Walsh believes the heart of understanding the good, the bad and the indifferent is - conversation. Join her as she speaks with people on issues impacting society and let's start a conversation.

My first conversation is with Mari Steed, the daughter of Josephine Bassett who lived within religious orders and institutions across Ireland during one of Ireland's most shameful histories. Mari was 2 when adopted by a family from Philadelphia and is one of more than two thousand vanished babies who were exported from Ireland to the US.

You will hear from our conversation the need to continue to unearth the untold experiences endured by thousands of women and their families as a result of the Magdalene Institutions. This conversation sheds light on the on-going advocacy work by Mari and many others. I am grateful to Mari for sharing her lived experience with us all.

Find out more about the podcast and Maria at www.mariawalsh.eu

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