
In this episode, Monica speaks with Hannah Miller — professional musician, festival director, and goat herder. Hannah’s journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up on her family farm in County Wexford to performing with orchestras across Europe and New York, to working with 24 goats in the Dublin Mountains, Hannah has found unique ways to combine her passions for music, nature, and community.
We talk about:
The winding path from playing the French horn for the Wexford Sinfonia orchestra and international orchestras and Principal Horn for the Irish National Opera to eco-grazing projects in Dublin
How goats are helping to prevent wildfires and protect biodiversity in Ireland
The balance between an intense, performance-driven music career and working outdoors with animals
What it means to create a “handmade life” by following curiosity and saying yes to new opportunities
How small steps, listening inward, and trusting yourself can open unexpected pathways to purpose
Hannah’s story is a reminder that purpose doesn’t always follow a straight line — sometimes it’s found in surprising, life-changing combinations.