Pod Net Zero Ireland is a podcast series exploring how Ireland’s advertising, media, and communications community can take real, measurable action towards a sustainable future.
Hosted by Colette Henry, the series brings together voices from across the industry — from agencies and brands to academics and regulators — to discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a more responsible advertising ecosystem.
Produced in partnership with Mediahuis, Droga5, The Podcast Studios and Ad Net Zero Ireland, the series dives into the five Ad Net Zero Action Points, covering everything from low-carbon production and sustainable media planning to creative effectiveness and behaviour change.
All episodes can be found on Spotify or any streaming platform.
Episode 1: Ad Net Zero 101 with Mary O’Sullivan
Mary O’Sullivan, European Director tells us how Ad Net Zero started. Mary gives a great grounding and answers a lot of questions people have at the beginning of their journey and touches on all five of the ANZ Actions.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62j88WLuv4fJoSkekKqol0
Episode 2: Diageo’s Rachel Maher and Jamie Fulham talk operations, media and changing
Two powerhouses, Rachel Maher (Society and Sustainability Manager) and Jamie Fulham (Planning and Media Manager) from Diageo tell us about the ‘Spirit of Progress’ Agenda which directs their big ambitions and state of the art actions as they decarbonise their business. There are several clear takeaways about the mindset shift that is needed and some steps that small businesses can take right away.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62di78HgBod8oQKDsRMyzW
Episode 3: Sustainable innovation in production and events
Megan Best and Alex De Valera joined to discuss how their work is making Production (Action Two) and Events (Action Four) more sustainable. They share the challenges they have to face in a fast paced industry and lay out the best way to get value from your sustainability advisors. They have examples of inspiration from the worlds of European festivals and Irish film productions. A real treasure chest of insights to inspire.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7aaXaX1XRIrw6ysGUD4BOe
Episode 4: Harness positive consumer behaviour with Karen Short Accenture Song and Rob McFaul, Purpose Disruptors.
Dialling in from the United States is Karen Short, Global Executive Creative Director, Accenture Song Sustainability, and dialling in from the UK is Rob McFaul, Co-Founder of Purpose Disruptors. This episode is focused on Harnessing Consumer Behaviour (Action Five). Rob and Karen shared some examples of their work, and work they admire, that are creating positive change. This is a thought-provoking episode that will be well worth a listen (and a relisten!).
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0z6FcEF7hjH9D28FptAGD0
Episode 5: When, and when not, to communicate sustainability with Vera Sidlova, Kantar
This is an episode that will be of particular interest to Strategist and Marketers trying to understand how to convey a sustainability message in campaigns. Vera Sidlova, Global Creative Thought Leadership Director with Kantar joined to share valuable insights about how to communicate. Packed with gems about how valuable sustainable communications can be to a business – there is an estimated $600 billion on the table. We delve into how different audiences react to sustainability focused work, how to rise above the crowd with fantastic global examples of brands that are responding creatively and effectively to the challenge. An action-packed half an hour!
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3SGEhxLP9E4ddsttM5tLPy
Episode 6: Exploring B Corps with Strong Roots, Thinkhouse and Broadlake
In this episode we welcome three guests who are all working in B Corp businesses. They generously share their learnings of how it overlaps and amplifies that Actions of Ad Net Zero. We have Louise O’Connor who has led the Strong Roots food business through accreditation, Claire Hyland who co-led the initiative in creative agency Thinkhouse and Daragh Anglim who has brought several businesses through as part of his work in Broadlake. This an episode with surprising insights, provocative ideas and a few laughs – a must listen for anyone interested in B Corp status.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vz8ct9bs3B4N2Pj7N0fFZ
Episode 7: Big ambitions in big organisations with Meadhbh Quinn, Bord Gáis Energy
In this episode, host Colette speaks to Meadhbh from Bord Gáis Energy about the challenges faced in the energy sector and how the company is sharing their solutions with their customers across Ireland. As one of the main utility companies in Ireland, BGE is developing smart plans to help customers understand and manage their energy usage, encouraging them to take practical steps towards energy efficiency.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hzrV9KN1nnORXoVXKavKa
Episode 8: New Irish research that moves businesses to Net Zero and saves money
In the eighth and final episode, host Colette Henry speaks with Chris Cashen from WPP Media Ireland, Kerrie Patten from Havas Media and Sean Higgins from Futureproof Insights about their new research report. These leaders share how their robust research and innovative techniques bust myths about advertising and what it takes for businesses to reach Net Zero.
The episode focuses on Action 3, decarbonising media and reveals fresh insights on ad effectiveness, audience engagement and why long-term creative strategy can save money while also cutting carbon.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ar82WQhrBvPOh4hzrbHJa
