PODCAST · news
The Group Chat
by Virgin Media News
A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday as they discuss the latest and breaking news from Ireland and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
-
Minister Blames It On The Weatherman
This week on The Group Chat: Rising water and rising anger over this week's flood chaos. And, frustration over planned reforms for renters and their landlords. Plus - a rare climbdown and shift in tone from the Trump White House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Trump's Art of the Deal Spin is 'Nonsense'
This week on The Group Chat: How do we deal with the chaos Donald Trump brings to the world stage? And, the courage of two women who shared their stories after images were manipulated and posted online. Plus - pushy parents or privileged son? Is there a right side in the Beckham family feud?…
more -
The Big Questions That Will Define 2026
This week on The Group Chat: We look at the issues that could shape the agenda in the coming months. We're also looking back ten years at our own version of the 2016 TikTok craze. Plus, critics react to Elon Musk's claim that he has shut down the sexualised feature of the Grok AI tool. Hosted on...
-
Will Ireland Face Down Elon Musk?
This week on The Group Chat: Gavan joins us from China where he's covering the Taoiseach's official visit. We examine another extraordinary week of Donald Trump on the world stage. Plus, will the government here face down Elon Musk and his Grok AI tool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
-
Season Finale: Can We Stop Talking About Jim Gavin Now?
This week on The Group Chat: Can Micheál Martin move on from the Jim Gavin fiasco? And, one woman's experience of emergency accomodation and calling a hotel a home. Plus, we look back at some of the stories we've enjoyed covering over the past year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
-
Taking Shelter from Bullets in Warzones, with Alex Crawford
This week on The Group Chat: Sky News Special Correspondent Alex Crawford tells us about reporting from the battle frontlines. And, Ireland’s media minister talks tough about online safety. Plus, world Excel champion Diarmuid Early finds that winning formula. Hosted on Acast. See…
more -
Pipes & Pylons: Can This Plan Fix Ireland?
This week on The Group Chat: A major new plan to cut red tape and speed up infrastructure. A wartime leader pays a historic visit to Ireland. Plus, what's the story behind those cringe videos that politicians keep posting online? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Russia, Roblox & Rustling
This week on The Group Chat: Is Donald Trump being played by Russia in the latest bid to end the war in Ukraine? TikTok coming under more pressure to protect young users from harmful content on the platform. Plus, the Cork farmer who's vowed to track down the cattle rustlers who stole some of his...
-
The Government's Paschal Problem
This week on The Group Chat: Paschal Donohoe's departure prompts a partial reshuffle, but how big of a blow is it for the Government? Ivan Yates defends giving training and commentary on the presidential election. Plus, following the play-off draw that sees the Republic of Ireland away to…
more -
Will The Housing Plan Get You A Home?
This week on The Group Chat: Is it fair to describe the Government's new housing plan as more of the same? The Catherine Connolly presidency has officially started, so what can we expect? And, just over one month on what's happening with the Gaza ceasefire? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
-
We Need To Talk About How We Talk About Immigration
This week on The Group Chat, the tensions flare in the Dáil over the debate around asylum seekers and immigration. And, new battle lines are drawn as New York elects a socialist mayor. Plus, the race for the Áras and the fallout over media training. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
-
Unpacking Ireland’s Political Earthquake
This week on The Group Chat, we unpack the fallout from Ireland’s presidential election. Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as our tenth Head of State next month after a resounding victory, but what does her win mean for Fianna Fáil and Michael Martin? We also explore whether the left’s...
-
Inside the Citywest Riots
On The Group Chat, we unpack two nights of unrest in Citywest, a day of high emotion as five members of Josef Puska’s family are jailed, and the story of 14 families from the same estate all facing eviction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Mario Kart Boost for Connolly
This week on The Group Chat, we cover a massive breakthrough in Gaza, with the world looking on as a landmark, Donald Trump-brokered peace deal was signed. Among those affected are people who fled here to escape the war. A fragile ceasefire is holding in Gaza, but with many potential pitfalls...
-
Jim Gavin: The Tenant, The Fallout, The Future
The world watches closely after a major breakthrough in Gaza — but will it hold? Back home, Micheál Martin faces unrest within Fianna Fáil over the Jim Gavin controversy, while government TDs return to their constituencies to sell Budget 2026. Plus, Rolling Stone releases its list of the 250 best...
-
Trump Was "Right About Everything"… Unless He’s Not
This week on The Group Chat: Donald Trump once again dominated global headlines with a fiery address to the UN General Assembly in New York, taking aim at climate change, immigration, and even the UN itself – before sparking a medical storm by pushing an unproven link between paracetamol use in...
-
Sinn Féin Promises a “Gamechanger” in Áras Race
Sinn Féin is about to make a “gamechanger” move on the presidential election this weekend, keeping the race for the Áras buzzing. Will Gareth Sheridan make it onto the ballot through the council route? Could other independents join him? Conor McGregor has already pulled out, and Simon Harris says...
-
Political Violence: The New Norm?
This week on The Group Chat, we look at the rise of political violence at home and abroad. In the US, the shooting dead of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves through politics, while here, the Tánaiste has revealed threats made against him. We ask what this climate means for democracy and public…
more -
We’re Back! Áras Race Stumbles On
The Group Chat is back with a brand-new season! Zara King, Richard Chambers and Gavan Reilly cut through the noise of the week’s headlines — from the crawling Race for the Áras, to the tough road ahead for new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, and the squeeze of rising grocery prices on households...
-
Live at Electric Picnic: Irish Artists Making Noise for Gaza
🎪 The Group Chat live at Electric Picnic! Taken from a segment of The Group Chat's live podcast at EP, the team discuss Fontaines D.C, Kneecap, CMAT and Sally Rooney using their platform to speak on Gaza and why Ireland’s biggest cultural voices aren’t just shaping art - they’re shaping politics...
-
Bombs and F-Bombs: Welcome to Trump’s World
Is Donald Trump now the Daddy of NATO? And have New York Democrats found the formula to beat a candidate picked by a Trump administration? Plus, we share some surprising and memorable moments with retiring RTÉ legend Joe Duffy as he signs off from Liveline. All that and more in the final episode…
more -
How Bibi Ran Rings Around Trump on Iran
On this episode of The Group Chat, Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics joins us to explain how the Iran-Israel conflict escalated so fast — and what could happen next. We also explore what government insiders are really saying about the housing crisis, and ask if €250 million...
-
The Government's Rent Gamble
On this episode of The Group Chat, the government faces growing scrutiny over its plans to expand Rent Pressure Zones nationwide ahead of the Dáil's summer break. We also discuss mounting questions for An Garda Síochána following their handling of several high-profile cases—from the shooting in...
-
Genocide in 4K: Liam Cunningham on Gaza
This week on The Group Chat, we are joined in studio by actor Liam Cunningham to discuss the Gaza flotilla. We take an in-depth look back at the trial of Richard Satchwell with Virgin Media News courts correspondent Deborah Nayor. Plus, we examine the online fallout from the shooting incident in...
-
What does Ireland have to do with Israeli war bonds?
On this episode of The Group Chat, Stephen Breen from The Irish Sun joins the panel to discuss the first extradition of a member of the Kinahan crime gang. We examine what exactly is Ireland’s role in fundraising for Israel’s war campaign in Gaza, and whether RTÉ should be spending money on…
more -
Gaza at Tipping Point
This week on The Group Chat, we discuss whether we are now at a tipping point in Gaza? Also on the show, we look at the latest developments in the Michael Gaine investigation. Plus, we go behind the gates in the Secret Life of Leinster House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
-
Will There Ever Be Lasting Peace in Ukraine?
Vladimir Putin skips peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy — we hear from Ukrainians in Ireland who fear a sustained peace may never come. One year into the job, is Simon Harris facing internal pressure in Fine Gael? And a new report on the €336,000 Leinster House bike shed scandal reveals no...
-
White Smoke Watch, Flat Pack Houses & 'The Tax Mirage'
This week on The Group Chat, Richard is reporting live from Vatican City, where all eyes are fixed on the iconic chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the world awaits the white smoke. Zara checks in from Sweden, where 'flat-pack homes' are transforming housing – though Gavan remains unconvinced…
more -
KNEECAP: Is The Media Missing The Point?
Belfast rap trio KNEECAP are being investigated by UK counter-terror police over comments made during past performances. But is the media missing the mark? The panel unpacks whether the controversy is a backlash against protest music, a distraction from the deepening crisis in Gaza, or both. The...
-
Did Richard Randomly Meet the Next Pope?
On The Group Chat this week, Richard is live from Vatican City as thousands gather in St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis - but did he have a chance encounter with the next pope? Or is Dubliner Cardinal Kevin Farrell going to bring it home for Drimnagh? Also on this episode…
more -
Why Can’t We Just Build Stuff?
With Ireland’s housing crisis at breaking point, The Group Chat asks the big question: Why does it take so long to get any infrastructure projects off the ground? Zara King, Richard Chambers and Gavan Reilly dig into delays, frustrations, and what's holding Ireland back. Also on this week’s...
-
Trump Backs Down, but Ireland’s Not "Out of the Woods"
On The Group Chat this week: Donald Trump hits the brakes on his sweeping tariffs – but is it a tactical retreat or just a pause? And what does it mean for Ireland's economic outlook? The team also dive into the latest developments in the CHI spinal surgery scandal and the ongoing search for...
-
Will Trump’s Tariffs Hit Your Pocket?
💶This week on The Group Chat Podcast, we dive into the latest tariff turmoil surrounding Trump – what does it mean for your pay and your pocket? 📚Plus, we’re joined in studio by a mother who’s ready to chain herself to the school gates to ensure her autistic son gets an appropriate school place...
-
Two Fingers & A Holy Show: Dáil Ructions
Richard and Gavan take a deep dive into the Dáil row that could cost Verona Murphy her position as Ceann Comhairle. War plans in another group chat, we explain the White House Signal security scandal. Plus, is Irish football back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
What was Conor McGregor doing in the White House?
The group is back together in studio to discuss the fallout of Conor McGregor's White House invitation on St. Patrick's Day and what it means for future US-Ireland relations. Israel has broken its ceasefire with Hamas through a renewed series of bombings, while the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire is…
more -
Inside the White House
Gavan takes Zara and Richard inside Donald Trump's famous home in Washington as he prepares for his meeting with the Taoiseach. The group also discuss the latest moves towards a ceasefire in Ukraine as Kyiv agrees to back the American peace plan. They also speak to Guardian International...
-
🚨 Emergency Episode! White House Showdown: Micheál Martin v Donald Trump
In this special emergency episode, Gavan joins Richard and Zara from Washington for reaction to the Taoiseach's meeting with the U.S. President as Trump tells him that the American pharmaceutical industry has "gone to Ireland". We ask did the Taoiseach do enough to stand up to Trump who dominated...
-
The Week the World Changed
This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King break down the week that shook global politics. As Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy clash publicly, US-Europe relations hit a new low—so where does that leave Ireland? The team discusses: 🇺🇦 Geopolitical rifts amid…
more -
Ireland's growing problem with violence against women
Gavan and Zara discuss the rise in violence against women in Ireland and speak with Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson on what can be done to solve it. US President Donald Trump has secured a minerals deal with Ukraine as efforts continue to end the war. What precedent does this set for other world...
-
“We're Fed Up” – Dublin Crime in Focus
This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King discuss: Safety in Dublin as a restaurant owner shares his crime ordeal. "Shed-sits" are suggested as an option to aid Ireland's ever-worsening housing crisis. Has America just thrown Europe under the bus on defence? Plus,...
-
The boom is back! Micheál Martin's gaffe on gaffs
Richard, Gavan and Zara analyse Fianna Fail's previous promises on housing projections and discuss new proposals to remove rent caps. Are all parties being held to the same account? Senator Martin Conway has resigned from Fine Gael after faling to disclose being arrested for public intoxication...
-
"You will never be able to uproot us from our homeland" – Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland
In this episode of The Group Chat, we speak to the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland about Donald Trump's controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its population. Plus, the Government backs down on Dáil speaking time row—but for how long? And we break down all the biggest…
more -
Storm Éowyn: Ireland's Humanitarian Crisis
Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect on the aftermath of Storm Éowyn and discuss the consequences it may have for the newly-formed government. Only 3 of the 15 ministers in the new cabinet are women; the group looks at what this means for future female representation in politics. And DeepSeek has...
-
🚨 Emergency re-record! New governments meet chaos, at home and away
This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King examine the turbulent starts for new governments in Ireland and the U.S. In Dublin, the Dáil adjourned without even hearing nominations for a new Taoiseach, leaving Ireland in political limbo. Across the Atlantic, Donald...
-
What the next government means for you
Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to discuss the next government and what its make-up means for Independents and you. Unprecedented fires have ravaged parts of the city of L.A., but will it recover before the 2028 Olympics? And tech billionaires will be taking centre-stage at Donald...
-
Getting to grips with cold snap chaos
Richard, Gavan and Zara are beginning the New Year with a cold snap that has gripped the nation and discuss if the Met Éireann weather warning system needs an update. Government formation talks are back in action but will a deal be made soon and what role will the Healy-Rae brothers have? And are...
-
'Don't call it a year in review'
It's the end of year special and that means 2024 is almost over! Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect back on the year's events and try to predict what the biggest stories of 2025 will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Ireland and Israel's War of Words
Richard, Gavan and Zara are back to chat about Israel's decision to close its embassy in Ireland, and what it means for future government policy. The next Dáil has met for the first time and elected Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle - the group analyses her track record, Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s...
-
Minister Michael Healy-Rae? How Independents will affect government formation
Gavan and Zara speak with independent TD Michael Healy-Rae for how he plans to enter the next government and if a ministerial position is in the cards. What is going on with Eoin Hayes? Gavan explains the controversy surrounding the Social Democrats member and what his path to the Dáil looks…
more -
Election 2024 Wrapped
Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to reflect on the 2024 General Election and look at how the next government will be formed. They also discuss the latest developments in the war in Syria and what it means on an international scale. And Spotify Wrapped 2024 is out; did Richard have a…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday as they discuss the latest and breaking news from Ireland and around the world.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Virgin Media News
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Group Chat have?
The Group Chat currently has 177 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Group Chat about?
A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday as they discuss the latest and breaking news from Ireland and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How often does The Group Chat release new episodes?
The Group Chat publishes regularly with 177 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Group Chat?
You can listen to The Group Chat on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Group Chat?
The Group Chat is created and hosted by Virgin Media News.
URL copied to clipboard!