Spirit Radio Podcasts

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.

A lot of people are looking for a sense of connection, purpose, and community at the moment — and churches are often right at the heart of that. My next guest is someone who helped start a new church here in Dublin in the middle of the pandemic — and has been building it into a growing, vibrant community ever since. Phil Rowntree is co-pastor of Expectation Church, which has a simple mission — to see Jesus in every heart and every home.

Time now for our life in 5 .. where we talk to someone about their faith and their walk with the Lord. Today I’m delighted to be joined by Mark Teisler Goldsmith founder of Open House Ministries. Mark is from Kent , Sotuh East England. He loves to swim, recently has swam the English channell for charity, loves to hike with his dog Tia and Kayak with his wife Laura and the kids. He also shares details on the upcoming retreat for men with Open House Ministries – OHM Rize Men’s Retreat from 8th to 10th May—a powerful three-day weekend to rediscover who you truly are. They’re doing it at Drewstown House in County Meath, a beautiful facility surrounded by countryside and natural beauty, where they’ll have teachings, live worship, deliverance, soul healing, prayer, kayaking, and so much more! Tickets can be booked at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ohm-rize-mens–retreat-ireland-2026-tickets-1978682463513

Now, we all know that feeling — when something small is bothering us at work, but we avoid saying it… and before you know it, it turns into something much bigger. Well, my next guest says a lot of the stress, conflict, and even formal complaints we see in workplaces could actually be avoided — if people just had the confidence and the tools to have those honest conversations early. But the reality is, most of us don’t — we avoid, we delay, or we just hope things will sort themselves out. I’m joined now by Mary Jo Parker, who works with organisations to help people ‘see it, say it, sort it’ — and tackle issues before they escalate.

CEO of Spirit Radio joins Kieran in Studio to talk about “Truth & Treason”. Truth & Treason is based on the true story of Helmuth Hubener, a teenage resistance fighter who opposed the Nazi regime in Germany during WWII.

My next guest is part of an organisation doing incredible work bringing basic eye care to some of the world’s poorest communities — and quite literally changing lives in the process. I’m joined now by Dualta Roughneen, CEO of CBM Ireland. Mornings

We’re reflecting today on the passing of one of Ireland’s most iconic and distinctive musical voices — Moya Brennan. Best known as the voice of Clannad and for her remarkable solo career, Moya’s music helped shape the sound of Irish folk and Celtic music on a global stage. She was also someone who Jackie Hayden from Hot Press has interviewed over the years, giving a unique insight into both her artistry and her journey through the music industry. Jackie joins us now to look back on her life in music.

Yesterday at the Mansion House in Dublin, Seeking Safety Ireland launched a new three-year strategy aimed at transforming how we support women dealing with trauma, addiction and gender-based violence. The focus is on a joined-up, trauma-informed approach that helps women build safety and stability in their lives. To tell us more, I’m joined by Annmarie Flanagan, Manager of Seeking Safety Ireland.

Now, if you’ve ever said to yourself “I really need to look after myself a bit better” — but didn’t know where to begin — this might be right up your street. I’m joined by Fatima Alvarado, founder of Greystones Wellness Hub, which is all about making wellness feel simple, enjoyable, and part of everyday life. And also joining Fatima is Brian Kingston, Corporate experiences partner, Greystones wellness Hub. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about finding what works for you, and actually enjoying it along the way.

Seán O’Rónan from Agape Ireland, a ministry doing incredible work with young people across the country. Agape is all about creating spaces where faith comes alive for the next generation — and one of their most powerful initiatives has been their Camino experiences for Leaving Cert students. Listen to hear more about their mission, the impact of these journeys, and what’s ahead for Camino 2027.

We’re joined today by a very familiar voice and a trusted expert when it comes to all things animal care — Pete the Vet. Pete has been helping pet owners better understand and care for their animals for years, offering practical advice, reassurance, and a real passion for animal wellbeing. Today, we’re putting some of your questions to him and tackling a few common concerns many pet owners face.

Rosie Fuller joins us to talk about one of the most exciting film events coming to Dublin this spring—the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Bringing together some of the most breathtaking adventure films from around the world, the tour showcases incredible stories of endurance, exploration, and pushing human limits—from climbing and skiing to mountain biking in some of the most remote and extreme environments on the planet. And the good news is—it’s all coming to the National Concert Hall on April 28th,Everyman theatre Cork on 29th offering audiences the chance to view these jaw-dropping adventures on the big screen.

Anita Lynch is a psychotherapist with the Misneach Centre, where the focus is on making mental health support more accessible and part of everyday life. This summer, Anita is taking that idea beyond the therapy room—bringing support into festival spaces, where people can engage in a more relaxed and informal way. She’s also running a really practical workshop tackling something many of us struggle with: how to switch off and not bring work stress home with us.

Anna Tormey joins us on Life in 5. Originally from Dolphin House but now living on Lombard Street, Anna is a devoted mother of four, grandmother, and a pillar of her community. Her granddaughter is getting married this year—and Anna will be officiating the ceremony herself. She serves as an elder at Liberty Church, runs a community group in Chapelizod, and trains in pastoral ministry with Liberty. Her life revolves around the church, and she’s known for her strong sense of humor and commitment. Interestingly, her mother even delivered Pastor Noel Kenny when he was born—a wonderful link between generations of faith.

Ryan O’Neill from AIMaestro.me is in studio to talk about something that’s moving faster than almost any other technology right now—artificial intelligence. From how we work and communicate to how businesses operate and decisions are made, AI is already reshaping daily life—and many believe we’re only at the beginning. Ryan says AI isn’t just a trend, it’s the future, and today we’re looking at what that really means, how it’s going to impact us, and whether we’re ready for it.

Marie Louise Heffernan is a Connemara-based ecologist, farmer, and writer whose work bridges science, land stewardship, and faith. With over 30 years’ experience in biodiversity, conservation, and environmental planning, she is the founder of Aster Environmental Consultants and director of The Ecology Centre in Letterfrack. Living and working on the land in the west of Ireland, she brings a deeply personal perspective to farming—one shaped not only by ecological expertise but also by a lived spirituality rooted in place. In her recent piece “God’s Acre: A farmer and ecologist on faith and the land,” she reflects on seeing the land not as a burden, but as a blessing—an outlook that weaves together care for creation, daily farm life, and a sense of the sacred in the natural world.

Venetia Quick is the creator and host of The Grief Pod, a weekly podcast that opens honest conversations around grief, loss, and healing. Through deeply personal interviews with guests from all walks of life, the series explores the many different ways people experience bereavement—from sudden loss to long-term illness—and the impact it has on everyday life. The podcast aims to break the silence around grief, creating a space where people can share their stories, feel less alone, and better understand how to support others through loss.

This week’s Prayer Coach is Fr Bryan Shortall, from St Halston’s—in Dublin city Centre. Fr. Bryan is well known for his work within the inner-city community and for helping others find simple, meaningful ways to connect faith with everyday life. Today, he’s reflecting on a passage from Gospel of Luke that captures a quiet but powerful moment of encounter, journey, and presence. “And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.” — Luke 24: 13–15