When Daniel Heafy got the idea to create a podcast interviewing everyone from filmmakers to writers to photographers, he “politely stalked” the various creators he followed on social media, contacted agents and emailed them. I looked for the address.
It worked, though Daniel, 24, admits it was “a little weird at first because I was emailing people who I thought would never be on the podcast.” But I had the attitude that if you don’t try, you’ll never know. I had nothing to lose. ”
His dream guest is Graham Norton. However, the former Bandung-based famous TV presenter and novelist has not returned to him yet. Another dream guest is Stevie Nicks of Daniel’s beloved Fleetwood Mac fame.
“It would be great to be able to talk to someone older like her because she has so much experience in the arts field. It would be a hell of a conversation. You never know. If the podcast does well, we might be able to get a little more ambitious. As it stands, we have some really good people.”
They include film director Sinead O’Loughlin. lamb, was on this year’s Oscar longlist. Starring Anna Hardwick, who appeared in the TV drama series. ordinary personbased on the book by Sally Rooney.
“The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, which is a great platform,” says Daniel.
He is full of admiration for Sinead.
“It’s really inspiring to see the level she’s reached, not necessarily in Hollywood, but just doing her own story set in Ireland. It’s inspired me. ” says Daniel, a filmmaker and actor.
Another podcast guest was East Cork-based cartoonist Will Sliney.
“He got the same bachelor’s degree as me and a degree in Creative Digital Media from MTU, a few years before me.
It was nice to see where people go after taking that course. Will has worked on various franchises including Marvel Comics and Star Wars. And he’s from Cork.
Irish children’s author Marita Conlon-McKenna is best known for her books. under the hawthorn treeIt was another guest.
“I’ve been a fan of Marita since I was little, so being able to talk to her was a big moment. I read some of her books as a kid. When I sat down and talked to her… , felt like coming full circle in a weird way. She was so fun to talk to.”
Other guests include photographer Charles Moriarty, who photographed Amy Winehouse just beginning her career.The Dublin-born photographer captured the tragic singer’s debut Frank album.
“I love his photos. Much has been said about Amy Winehouse’s personal struggles. But Charles captured her. I think she should be remembered. think.”
Daniel also spoke to Cork-based poet Dara Fleming.
he is quite young It’s great to gain youthful insight into creativity.
The podcast includes 10 to 12 episodes per season. creative me. It started in early February.
“My goal is to have a different guest every week to discuss their creative process and journey. In essence, I hope to inspire listeners in their own creative pursuits and give them insight into amazing creators. We want to create a podcast that gives.”
Daniel, originally from Douglas, works as a children’s book salesperson at Dubray Bookstore. He holds a Master’s degree in Film and Film Media from his UCC. Always interested in the creative arts, Daniel says his family and friends weren’t surprised by his path. Douglas was a bit of a daydreamer at community school and had no interest in sports at all.
This productive young man plans to publish a novel called Breanna 1975 in the summer. The novel is published by Olympia, a small independent publisher based in the UK. A fantasy adventure story aimed at young people ages 11 and up.
I wrote a book that my 11-year-old self would have absolutely adored. I took elements from stories I loved from childhood and incorporated them into my own books.
“I work for a small publishing company, so the promotion that gets the book out into the world is my responsibility. It’s going to be a lot of work, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
When Daniel is engaged in creative activities, he tends to return to his childhood interests.
“I think a lot of creative people hold on to their childhood selves. It takes a lot of imagination to create. That’s something that can be lost.
“I like going back to childhood for younger audiences. If you want to tell a more adult, mature story, short films are an option. I also work as an actor, and that’s why I That’s one of the reasons I started making my own short films. I was putting my name forward to auditions for things I wasn’t really interested in. I thought a short film was a good opportunity to put myself out there. On my own. The fact that I can write and act is amazing. I write roles that suit me. It’s very rare that I write a role for myself.”
Daniel’s film One Night in Cork was screened in Indie Cork in 2021. His new film, Graduation Day, is being shown at film festivals and will be available online after screening.
The different strands in Daniel’s career mean he can choose the medium in which he tells his story. It gives him agency and independence. All that fantasy clearly paid off.
Creatively Me is on Spotify.