Spirit Radio Podcasts

Ruth Hegarty (Food Policy and sustainable food systems consultant, and Lecturer in food policy at UCC) speaks to Wendy about growing concerns about the nutritional content and ingredients of the food provided with the Schools Hot Meals programme, and also the level of ultra-processed foods.

BT young scientist Grace Carty speaks to Victoria at Spirit Radio about her AI project which researches and looks at how well people can identify if an image is AI generated.

Vicky McEvoy (Director of Vital Connections) speaks to Wendy about their Diploma Certificate in Counselling which has a faith perspective at it’s core. Vicky shares about her own experience of being a Pastor's wife and seeing the need for supporting people which led to her co-founding Vital Connections. More information is at: VitalConnections.org

Brenda Power (Irish journalist and Barrister) speaks to Wendy about how Minister for Justice Helen McEntee signed the order to ensure that the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 has come into force (from Tuesday 31 December 2024). The new legislation provides for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated. However this law introduced in Ireland by the Minister McEntee is recongiszing an unlimited number of genders – meaning the new Criminal Justice (hate offences) Act 2024 is contradicting the Gender Recongition Act of 2015 which states that there are only 2 genders – ‘male and female’. Brenda speaks to Wendy explaining this new law, what it says regarding what gender a person expresses or identifies as, and also confusion on how judges in court are meant to navigate this, if the law is trusting judges to determine which of a multitude of genders for example, a victim is in a case.

Principal Rachel Harper (of St Patrick's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow) speaks to Wendy about back to school advice, how to navigate the new term routine, with news too of some schools closures due to snow.

Ross Fitzpatrick (from Christian Aid Ireland) speaks to Wendy about attending COP29, the 2 week United Nations climate change conference.

Spirit Radio's Victoria Johnston attended Áras an Uachtaráin to interview young adult recipients of the Gaisce Gold Medal Awards and Gaisce CEO Avril Ryan. Interviews and audio editing by Spirit Radio volunteer Alannah Harrison.

Chef Wade Murphy (of 1826 Adare Restaurant in Limerick) speaks to Wendy about the continuing challenges facing restaurants across the country, which has also resulted in over 600 closures of restaurants and cafes in Ireland in the past 12 months. Chef Wade also shares with Wendy about the financial pressures for restaurants including the rise in costs of ingredients, and why people should consider supporting their local independent restaurant this Christmas season.

Author Candice Samons speaks to Wendy about her new children's storybook book 'Out of my Shell: Taylor’s Tale of Friendship’ that introduces the topic of autism and neurodiversity to encourage children to feel comfortable about being themselves, and to embrace their unique abilities. Candice shares about her daughter who inspired the book, along with the colourful characters such as Taylor the adventurous Turtle who is autistic. More information on all books and updates are at: www.TaylorsTales.ie

Jenny Belle (Hollywood Correspondent and Screentime Presenter) speaks to Wendy about Katie Taylor's win against Amanda Serrano. The boxing match event was streamed on Netflix and saw a record of 74million viewers which makes it the most watched female women’s sporting event in US history. Jenny shares about how Katie is an incredible role model and how Katie's boxing and faith go hand-in-hand. Jenny also shares other celebrity and film news including For King and Country's upcoming Christmas special 'Drummer Boy Christmas' arriving to cinemas on the 12th and 14th December only in Ireland. You can also watch the documentary KATIE on Netflix now.

Celebrity photographer David Dobson speaks to Jenny Belle about his work travelling the world as a photographer and shares how it came about that he photographed Mother Teresa. David shares about how his faith is core to his work and life.

Alex Cooney (of Cybersafe Kids) speaks to Wendy about their ‘Cybersafe Kids Christmas Gadget Gift Guide for Parents’ sharing advice for parents in making safer, more informed decisions when buying smart devices for their children, and what parental controls you can set on online devices before gifting them to children.

Brenda Gately (Community Fundraiser with GOAL) shares about the GOAL Mile fundraising initiative that see's families, friends and communities across the country getting involved fundraising together by walking or running 1 mile for charity. It's a nationwide event with 160 communities taking part – but more can sign up!! More information at: www.goalmile.org

Professor Andrew Bowie (Professor of Innate Immunology, Biochemistry and Head of the School of Biochemistry & Immunology at Trinity College Dublin) speaks to Wendy about one of the biggest questions debated between science and the Christian faith – 'Do Science and Faith work together'? Professor Andrew Bowie shares his personal journey as both a research scientist and a church leader.

Jen Hogan (Journalist and Mum of 7) speaks to Wendy about her experience of dealing with postnatal depression, and why it's important to speak out if you're suffering from postnatal depression after having a baby. Jen and Wendy also discuss the loneliness and isolation new mothers often experience after having a baby.

Ger Hanly spoke to Wendy about the brand new Alpha Youth Series which has been re-created by young people for a new generation who want to explore the core ideas of the Christian faith, in a relevant and engaging way. Alpha Youth is a series of interactive sessions designed to start an open and honest conversation around some of the big questions of life. Topics at Alpha Youth include: Welcome to the Conversation, Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? Why do I need a relationship with God? How do I develop a relationship with God? Why does evil exist and how can I overcome it?For more information click here

Maej Tilson, Head of Partnerships with Compassion Ireland spoke to Wendy about their work and child sponsorship program. Compassion Ireland

Kevin Doyle (Executive Editor of Irish Independent) speaks to Wendy about 'Vote Smart', a new election tool run by the Irish Independent, which will give Irish voters the opportunity and act as a guide to assess their own personal views and how they align with candidates of political parties and Independents running in the general election. Image: via Irish Independent

Chef Wade Murphy of 1826 Adare restaurant speaks to Wendy about the challenges facing independent restaurants across the country, and the struggling profit margins many restaurants face. In the last 12 months over 600 restaurants and cafes in Ireland have had to shut their doors.

Pastor John Ahern speaks to Wendy about the March for Jesus event, where thousands of Christians are planning to gather at a powerful event in Dublin on Saturday 26th October 2024. March for Jesus is set to highlight the Good News of faith - and how and why faith and Jesus is important to so many people in this country.