CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

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Daily Yoga from 0800 to 0900 - with an inspiring Yogini.  These free sessions in the beautiful morning light overlooking the Ionian Sea will provide a unique start to the day.  The session is inclusive and will be tailored for all ages, abilities, and experience.  Try it and see!

Janine Carroll - (Restorative Listening  - two sessions). 

Janine Carroll is Director of Restorative Now, a training and culture-change organisation, focusing upon the implementation of sustainable restorative practice across a variety of settings..

Janine works internationally across Europe, South East Asia and Australasia, within the criminal justice, education, social work, health, housing and community agency sectors. She recognises that Restorative Practice, allows for a move beyond a binary focus on right and wrong doing, to one of the commonality of human need and dignity. Janine Carroll has over 35 years’ experience in the restorative practice field, with Advanced Practitioner and Accredited Trainer status with the Restorative Justice Council UK. She is also a member of the European Forum for Restorative Justice. She has qualifications in Social Work, Mediation and Arbitration.

Tony Kearney -  (The art, science, and religion of listening - two sessions).  

Tony grew up in New Zealand where he trained as a solicitor. He then worked as a solicitor in London for over 20 years before moving to Ireland in 2006 to further his work around building sustainable relationships into the future. This includes planting a forest on the farm where he now lives and acting as a Mediator in workplace, community, schools, family, and commercial disputes. Tony is also a skilled facilitator and trainer and runs many training and other events and is the author of five books.  Tony is an inspiring speaker and thinker who has supported many of the Society's minds on their own journeys.

Tanishka - (Conscious relating - two sessions)

Tanishka is passionate about assisting people to navigate change and life transitions via the lost community practices that are essential to create social sustainability. 

A former stand-up comedienne, who has trained group facilitators in 44 countries, she has taught ancient wisdom traditions for 30 years and is the author of 6 books, including Goddess Wisdom Made Easy, published by Hay House and translated into multiple languages and The Grail: The Truth, The Lies, The Answer, rated 5 stars on Amazon which decodes the Holy Grail from the perspective of Mysticism. A keynote speaker at conferences, summits and festivals worldwide, her sessions are both entertaining and insightful. 

Kalliopi Anthi - (Family constellation through Greek mythology - one session)

Kalliopi is a mental health facilitator, special educator and specialised kinesiology and systemic constellation practitioner. For decades she has worked with all ages and a wide variety of mental health conditions, including autism.  Through her work she learned to appreciate and respect the diversity of people’s limits and potential and realized how important security and emotional safety is for the development and expression of mental potential.  Since 2002 she has been working with the "3in1 Concepts" method, reducing emotional stress and promoting people’s reconnection with their sources of strength and creativity.  Combining all her expertise and experience with Bert Hellinger’s Systemic Constellation her research in empathy takes “being in someone else’s shoes” to a whole new level.  An inspiring and gifted speaker she brings wisdom and knowledge in abundance to her chosen field of listening through Hellenic mythological tales.  See too her playllst on YouTube  

Roula Papathanasiou - (Listening to Inner Guidance - one session)

A highlight from 2025 where she spoke on listening to the inner child, this year Roula looks at other levels of self-listening. In her own words: "Being in service for people has always been my true passion. I see myself as an explorer of the Human Journey, delving deep into the intricacies of our shared experiences. Over the years, my work has evolved, prompting me to express myself in various forms. From owning a studio in Athens and co-creating wellness festivals, to traveling the globe for workshops, private sessions, and organizing retreats, I am now in the process of completing my second book. At the core of my endeavors lies a singular purpose: I love creating possibilities. This is what drives me. When we tap into our inner sense of possibility, everything transforms. A possibility is like a beacon of light at the end of a tunnel—an undeniable truth that we may have overlooked before. It’s the unique sensations we feel within our bodies, the visions that move us to tears, the moments when we regain our strength, and the times we find peace with our sources of pain. It encompasses so much!  I also cherish the power of connection. The feeling of being seen, of belonging and sharing our essence—our stories, pain, and joy—with others is truly priceless.  I need my community as much as I crave freedom; both are essential to my journey."  We look forward to welcoming her back to the 2026 Festival.

Jonathan Dingle FRSA - (Listening in mediation - one session).  

Jonathan is a guiding light in mediation worldwide and has a deserved reputation for creating safe spaces for learning, for development, and for enjoyment.  He has  become a full time mediator and educator in 2025 and will be working worldwide in 2026 to deliver remarkable events, courses, mediations, and reconciliation processes to people in diverse communities as part of his charitable commitment and outreach.  And riding motorcycles.  In these CPD and fluency sessions (which are open to all) he will build on the listening skills that  we all have and focus them on helping people in conflict.

 Sophia Michalopoulou - (Listening like water - one session)

Facilitating Change through Water’s innate capacities has surfaced from Sophia’s evolutionary work as pre and perinatal aquatic therapist, early years educator and a birth doula.

By listening like water, finding neutral and maintaining softness amidst turbulent waters Sophia currently nurtures community connection and environmental stewardship as a steering committee member of the Ionian Environment Foundation.

‘Aquatic Intelligence’ is not a mystical idea; it is a scientifically grounded recognition of the fluid, responsive, adaptive nature of the human mind and body. Just as water shifts, yields, and finds its path without losing itself, we, too, possess an innate capacity for flexibility, emotional regulation, and transformation. And like any intelligence, it can be cultivated — intentionally and skillfully.

Sophia is a dedicated advocate for the rights of babies and children, believing that even the unborn child should have a voice in the decisions that shape their world. Listening like water allows us to listen deeper to the many layers of awareness that are present enabling us to give voice to that which is not being spoken so it too can find a peaceful place amidst the whole.

Minal Budhdeo - (Bodywork and Reiki - individual sessions) available to be booked)

Minal is a Mother. Healer, Daughter. Friend. Businesswoman. Photographer. Cook. Educator. Student. Guide. Spiritualist. Reiki practitioner. Massage therapist.

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As people, we aren't easy to define with just one label. Similarly, what I offer isn't easy to put in a single box.

I am here to listen and create a safe space in which you can navigate whatever it is you are finding challenging in life, be it your career, your understanding of the world and your role in it, or your relationships. Those relationships can be complex and varied; from the one you have with your own self (even your inner child), to those with your children or partner.

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I have trained in the fields of psychology and education, working with both adults and children, and carry certification in art psychology, ancient Indian massage and Thai massage. Through a range of methods - from active listening through to intuitive touch and art expression - I can help transform fear into curiosity and help you find a deeper understanding of self and the world you create.  €60 for an hour session.

This post-breakfast daily session moderated by Tristana Lauro and by Jonathan Dingle will take you into a place of reflection and then invite you to express something gained from yesterday and something hoped for from the new day.  We all share in the bread of breakfast as we do in the joy of the festival and telling each other our thoughts will encourage learning and listening practices. 

The Festival of Listening 2026 will be blessed with a range of other speakers and performers who will help you uncover your unique strengths and talents, so you can achieve your goals and live your best life.