Spirit Radio Podcasts

Its 40 years since the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster – Theres a ceremony today for “United Nations Chornobyl Remembrance Day” in Dublin and Cork City council unveils “Chornobyl mother” – a sculpture in Marina Park to mark the 40th anniversary. Ahead of the Remembrance Day today, Lydia OKane our news editor here in Spirit Radio spoke with Voluntary CEO of Chornobyl Children International (Part 1 of 2 part interview)

Personality is something we often think we understand — you’re either an introvert or an extrovert, right? But more recently, new terms like ‘outrovert’ are starting to enter the conversation, suggesting that human personality might be a lot more fluid than we once believed. So what does this actually mean? Are we discovering something new about ourselves, or just finding new labels for experiences we’ve always had? And why do we feel such a strong need to define ourselves — and others — by personality types in the first place? To unpack all of this, I’m joined by Clinical Psychologist Sheena Kumar, who’s here to help us make sense of these evolving ideas.

Joining us now is internationally acclaimed Irish soprano Celine Byrne, one of the leading voices in opera today. Originally from Kildare, Celine has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from the Royal Opera House in London to major venues across Europe and the United States. With a busy schedule ahead—including her upcoming tour and 3 albums realeased in the last year —it’s an exciting time in her career. You can check out Irish tour dates HERE

Now its that time of the week where we sit down with someone and discuss their faith by asking them 5 simple questions. Todays Life in 5 guest is Olanike Adesemowo from Swords in Co. Dublin. Olanike loves singing, dancing, travelling and loves to read and write. She is herself an author. And Olanike tells us all about her upocoming event The Bold Women. Saturday May 2nd at The Carlton Hotel, Tyrellstown, D15 from 10am

We’re joined now by Rosalind Skillen to discuss an important and deeply moving initiative led by survivors of the CervicalCheck scandal. Members of the 221+ Patient Support Group are working to create a 16-acre public healing forest near Ennis—a space of memory, reflection, and connection for women and families affected by the screening failures that came to light in 2018. The project aims to honour those lost while offering a place of healing and solidarity for those impacted.

The National World Mental Health Day Poster Campaign is a nationwide invitation to reflect, create, and connect through visual storytelling. It encourages individuals, groups, and organisations across Ireland to explore mental health through original poster design – using creativity to open conversations, reduce stigma, and strengthen connection. ​Each poster represents a voice. A lived experience. A moment of reflection shaped by real life. ​Together, these posters form a shared national conversation about mental health, wellbeing, dignity, and belonging. ENTER HERE Barbara Louise Brennan tells Kieran all about it

I’m joined by Oniel Dennis, founder of A Step FWD and the UK Christian Charts, who has recently been part of launching the Official UK Christian & Gospel Charts. Following the Christian Music Alliance conference, this is a key moment for the UK’s Christian and gospel music scene, with new insights, collaborations, and momentum shaping the future of the industry.

Cllr Peter O’Donoghue, a representative in Cork, has been outspoken on Ireland’s energy policy, particularly around the untapped potential of the Barryroe Oil and Gas Field. He argues that the Irish Government is putting national energy security at risk by blocking domestic oil and gas extraction, despite Ireland continuing to rely heavily on imports. With growing global instability highlighting vulnerabilities in energy supply, he believes developing Ireland’s own natural resources should be a priority.

This week on The Prayer Coach, Fr Michael Hurley reflects on the journey to Emmaus—a story of confusion, presence, and recognition. As the Gospel says, “Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognising him” (Luke 24:15–16). In this moment of uncertainty, Christ walks beside the disciples, just as he walks with us. Fr Michael invites us to notice how Christ may be quietly present in our own lives today.

VOYA Organic Beauty is an Irish skincare brand from County Sligo that’s made a name for itself around the world with its seaweed-based, organic products. The company is especially known for its strong focus on sustainability, from hand-harvesting seaweed along the west coast of Ireland to using eco-friendly packaging. Andrew Darmody, who works as Commercial and Operations General Manager, has been a big part of VOYA’s growth and success, helping bring the brand to an international audience while keeping its environmental values front and centre.

Jeff Fountain writes the “weekly word” and regularly expolores how faith connects with history and whats happening in the world right now. The Constantine Trap takes a really honest look at the relationship between Christianity and power and asks some big questions about what it means to follow Jesus in a political world.

Pete Wedderburn – known as Pete the Vet by most joined us in studio for his weekly pet slot, where he answers your questions live onair. If you have a question for next week – email producer@spiritradio.ie

our Travel doctor Joe Supple is back with us — and there are very few places he hasn’t been. So before you book your next trip, he’s the man to check it out. This week, Joe is planning a trip down south to the Dungarvan Food Festival and he’s done all the homework for you if you’re thinking of heading along this weekend.

Terry Prone, one of Ireland’s most respected communications experts, has long been an advocate for precise and thoughtful language. In discussions around ageing, she has highlighted how “lazy language” — casual, unexamined phrases about older people — can reinforce stereotypes and shape societal attitudes in subtle but powerful ways. In this interview, she explores how the words we choose influence how we perceive ageing, and why changing our language might be the first step toward a more inclusive perspective.

This week, Catriona turns her attention to a challenge every parent, guardian, and teacher knows all too well — getting children to actually listen. In “How to Talk So Kids Actually Listen,” she explores the everyday communication struggles between adults and children, from repeated instructions that seem to go unheard to emotional moments where conversations break down entirely. Drawing on practical approaches and expert insights, Catriona looks at how tone, timing, and language can make a real difference in how children respond. The discussion also touches on why children often shut down or resist instructions, and how small shifts in communication can lead to better understanding, fewer conflicts, and more cooperation at home. Whether you’re dealing with toddlers, school-age kids, or teenagers, this episode offers useful strategies to improve connection and make everyday conversations a little easier — and a lot more effective.

Pope Leo has arrived in Africa at the start of a major pastoral tour. Ahead of his arrival, journalists on the papal flight highlighted the work of Mary’s Meals, presenting him with branded items and updating him on the scale of their school feeding programme, which now reaches more than 3 million children every school day. The Pope was already familiar with the charity’s mission and responded warmly to news of its continued growth. The discussion comes against the backdrop of severe global food insecurity, with hundreds of millions of children affected by food poverty and many still out of school. Mary’s Meals says school feeding remains a vital intervention, offering children a daily meal in school for just a small donation per year, helping to improve both education and nutrition outcomes in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Travel Doctor Joe Supple spoke to Kieran Carrick about the Blue Book Hotels in Ireland.

The term cosmeticorexia—an unhealthy obsession with skincare and appearance—is being linked to the growing “Sephora kids” trend. Retail giant Sephora is now under scrutiny in Italy over claims its marketing may be encouraging very young girls to adopt complex skincare routines and spend heavily on products designed for adults. Experts warn this is fuelling cosmeticorexia, with children becoming overly focused on achieving “perfect” skin—raising concerns about both physical harm and long-term body image issues. To discuss this and the harm its doing, Kieran was joined by Adam Burke, youth engagment officer with Jigsaw Ireland. More help HERE

Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Sonas, joins us now as the organisation warns that current housing policies are effectively driving victims of domestic violence into homelessness. Sonas says the system is fundamentally flawed, with women and children often forced to flee their homes while perpetrators remain — creating both deep personal trauma and significant financial strain on already stretched services.

Now, one of Ireland’s most unique and enduring spiritual traditions is continuing once again this year, as preparations ramp up for the pilgrimage season at Lough Derg. For generations, pilgrims have travelled to the island seeking reflection, renewal and a break from the noise of everyday life—and in more recent years, there’s even been a noticeable rise in younger people taking part, searching for meaning and stillness in a busy world. To tell us more about what lies ahead this season, and why Lough Derg continues to resonate with so many, we’re joined now by Father Eamon Conway. Father, you’re very welcome.