Spirit Radio Podcasts

Will the proposed Leaving Cert history course be anti-Catholic and anti-Western? Well, according to critics, if you boiled down parts of the Leaving Cert history course into one sentence, it would read: ‘Western civilisation bad, Catholic Church bad.’     David Quinn from the Iona Institute has been writing about this issue and spoke with Nikki Hayes 

The global situation is pretty tense at the  moment. We have wars going on in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and Myanmar. The situation in the China sea is very tense. It is a time for us to be praying for wise calm heads to prevail.  It’s a time for us to be praying for peace.   Barry Mallet is organising an intercontinental prayer event.. Rob Clarke had a chance to talk to him about it 

Lydia O’Kane, News Editor at Spirit Radio talks to Trocaire’s Roisin Pye Alexander about Laudato Si week, which is currently underway, about how communities in Ireland are taking action to protect creation through daily choices, prayer, and concrete acts of care.

Women in the 40s are turning away from the “Frozen” look for the “Glow-Up”. Advanced skincare and laser expert Sara O’Hagan joined Nikki Hayes on “Mornings” to discuss why and how to deal with a common Irish skin complaint of Rosacea. For more info click HERE  

Amanda Prather of Tearfund Ireland speaks to Nikki about the situation in Lebannon now, what their partners are seeing on the ground and how you can help over 1 million displaced in the country right now

Some of you will know the name Dr Scott Hahn, he is a theologian, a writer and a lecturer and this week he will be speaking at an event in the Convention Centre. Organised by the Domenicans, the event is called Ignite with the subtitle From Embers to Flames.  Our CEO Rob Clarke had a chance to talk to Scott about signs of hope..  Dr Scott Hahn who will be speaking at the convention centre this coming Saturday.. for more information and to book a seat go to the Dominicans website    Dominicans.ie

Will Crampton from Better Together, a national peer-led recovery community offering free support and connection to people across Ireland.   Through online groups, peer support and community events, Better Together creates safe spaces for people facing mental health challenges, addiction recovery or isolation — reminding people they don’t have to go through difficult times alone.  

The recent fuel crisis has underlined just how dependent the global economy is on the supply of oil and gas. This issue was on the agenda at a recent Conference in Colombia highlighting the need to transition away from our reliance on fossil fuels Sinéad Loughran, Trócaire’s Climate Justice Policy and Advocacy Advisor was at the Conference and on her return spoke to Spirit Radio about the need for action.

Sam Childers, widely known as “The Machine Gun Preacher,” is an American pastor, former outlaw biker, and humanitarian whose life story has inspired people around the world. After a troubled past marked by addiction, violence, and crime, he experienced a dramatic Christian conversion that changed the course of his life. He went on to dedicate himself to rescuing vulnerable children in war-torn East Africa, particularly in South Sudan and Uganda, where he founded children’s villages and orphanages through his ministry, Angels of East Africa. His extraordinary journey was portrayed in the 2011 film Machine Gun Preacher starring Gerard Butler. He joined Kieran in studio

Time now for our prayer coach slot for this week. Katy Edgemon is our prayer coach today. She and her husband Blake have an upcoming event “unshamed” for Christian women which she’ll tell us more about but first she’s reflecting on psalm 139:7-12  Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.    To attend the UNSHAMED event, click HERE

Kate Martin from 3qrecruitment is promoting  #CelebrateNurses campaign ahead of International Nurses Day next Tuesday 12th May.   It’s a simple but important reminder to stop and say thank you to the nurses who care for us and our loved ones during some of life’s hardest moments.   Their kindness, patience, and compassion often leave a lasting impact, and this is a chance to let them know they are truly appreciated. 

As excitement builds for Sailing with St Brendan, organisers Valerie Raitt and Rev. Philip McKinley are looking forward to welcoming pilgrims onto the River Shannon for what promises to be a memorable and meaningful journey. Inspired by the story of St Brendan the Navigator, this one-day pilgrimage invites people to slow down, travel together by boat and on foot, and experience some of Ireland’s most sacred places in a fresh way.  From Athlone Lock to Clonfert Cathedral, the route connects history, landscape and faith—offering space for reflection, conversation and a shared sense of purpo

The Irish Times headline from last week read “New in-car recording systems are designed to help provide real-world safety data, but there are significant privacy concerns”  Conor Faughnan is one of Ireland’s best-known voices on transport and road safety—he’s spent years advocating for motorists and consumer rights, and now continues that work as an independent motoring expert with Carzone. 

If you’re thinking about heading to Dublin for a day, a weekend, or maybe just a change of scenery, but you’re not quite sure where to start—our travel doctor Joe Supple has been doing the legwork for you.  He’s been out around the capital this week, including a visit to Dion at one of the city’s newest standout spots, and he’s also been checking out some of the best ways to see Dublin if you’re visiting for the first time—or even if you haven’t explored it in a while.  So whether it’s skyline views, sightseeing tours, or the classic Dublin experiences, Joe’s got some ideas to help you make the most of it. 

It’s time now for our weekly visit from everyone’s favourite vet, Pete Wedderburn—better known as Pete the Vet—where we answer your pet questions and get expert advice on keeping our animals happy and healthy.  And Pete, we have to start close to home today—because there’s some very exciting news from our own producer Eimear… her cat gave birth to kittens just yesterday! Pete answers some of your questions, that you can email anytime to [email protected]

Two sisters from Arklow, County Wicklow, are at the centre of an extraordinary race against time—and a powerful story of resilience, hope and community.  30-year-old Eimear Byrne is a primary school teacher who has already overcome enormous health challenges, including multiple open-heart surgeries and a life-altering stroke. Now, after doctors discovered three more aneurysms, she urgently needs a highly specialised operation in the United States—treatment that offers her the best chance of survival.   Her sister Niamh Byrne has launched a major fundraising campaign to help raise the €600,000 needed, with support pouring in from their local community and beyond.   They join us now to share their story. Click here to DONATE