Spirit Radio's Podcast

Jenny Belle joins Victoria in studio to share about Katie Taylor's historic win at Madison Square Garden last weekend, and also speaks about Katie's faith and why she's an inspiration and role model.

Misean Cara is an Irish international development organisation made up of 77 missionary member groups working in over 50 countries. Misean Cara members and missionaries work with some of the most vulnerable and excluded people around the world, addressing basic needs and upholding rights to climate-resilient livelihoods and decent jobs, quality education and healthcare, promotion of human rights and support during sudden-onset emergencies. Spirit Radio's news reporter Lydia O'Kane spoke to Misean Cara's CEO John Moffett which aired out on 'Mornings with Kieran'. To find out more about the work of Misean Cara: www.miseancara.ie

Lara Lewis (Media spokesperson for Irish School of Motoring - and Qualified ADI Driving instructor) speaks to Kieran sharing the latest Road Safety summer messages including driving advice with more cars travelling across the country on holidays and staycations – and also more young people on the road too with friends in the car, and being aware of distractions.

Anthony Breen speaks to Kieran sharing his Testimony of overcoming trauma, and prison sentence and addiction, to now his work as Lead Facilitator for the Irish Red Cross Prison to Community Project, and his experience of studying at the Irish Bible Institute.  

Dr Haywood Robinson (Director of medical affairs and education at 40 Days for Life) speaks to Kieran ahead of Rally for Life in Dublin about how he was a former abortion provider and how becoming a Christian changed his outlook and in-turn his career in  removing himself from the abortion providing industry.

Today's Life in 5 guest is Donna Worthington who shares about how she see's God at work in her life. She also speaks about leading Christian retreats in the UK and Ireland. All retreat dates and info at www.ChristianRetreats.live/retreats-in-ireland

Niamh Ui Bhriain, organizer and a key note speaker for Rally for Life 2025 in Dublin, speaks to Kieran about the abortion rates in Ireland that now stand at 10,000 a year. Niamh also raises awareness about the latest news and research that has uncovered some serious adverse effects of taking abortion pills that is coming to light now. Rally for Life takes place this Saturday 5th July and starts at Parnell Square, in Dublin City centre at 1:30pm. www.rallyforlife.net  

Emma Lewis ‘The Mama Coach', speaks to Kieran about how parents can help keep their baby safe in hot weather, including sharing the answer to the question  ‘is breastmilk enough?' for a newborn or baby in the heat. 

In our weekly ‘Life in Five' interview, we get to talk to someone about their life, its ups and downs, and how they might have seen God at work in it all. This week's guest was Sophie Awani-Gold. Sophie is a creative entrepreneur, a wife and mum of 4. She's the founder of Wellness with Sophie Gold and the inspiring period wellness initiative GO with the FLO. She also teaches STEAM (Which is “Science Technology Engineering with Arts and Maths”) with Young Engineers and is passionate about making Bible stories simple, relatable and practical for everyday life.

Chartered Psychologist Dr Sheena Kumar speaks to Victoria sharing advice on 'switching off when on holidays' from work calls, emails, social media, and why we shouldn't feel guilty about being uncontactable when taking a holiday or work break.

Irish Tenor Eoin Hynes joins Victoria in studio to share about the ICONIC show. The ICONIC show is curated and performed by Irish Soprano Emer Barry and Tenor Eoin Hynes, and features songs such as Nessum Dorma, Wuthering Heights and the theme of Gladiator, all performed in a modern classical crossover style. The next ICONIC show is taking place at the Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, Dublin on Friday 27th June 2025. Eoin Hynes also speaks about his and Emer's special single release of 'TIME TO SAY GOODBYE' to mark the 30th anniversary of Andrea Bocelli releasing this hit song. thelark.ie/iconic  

Olwyn Jennings 'The Wedding Artist' speaks to Victoria about her business of painting live illustrations of guests at weddings, and how this is providing unique guest entertainment and timeless keepsakes for wedding guests to take home. She also shares how a portrait of the wedding couple is included in all her package options. Instagram: @olwyn_theweddingartist ‎

Colin White, National Advocacy and Projects Manager at the Irish Kidney Association, speaks to Kieran about the new opt-out Organ Donor Legislation that's now in affect, and how from the 17th of June 2025 ,when someone passes away, they will automatically be assumed to be an organ donor unless they have indicated an objection during their lifetime.

Clinical Psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune speaks to Kieran sharing advice on getting the most out of family holidays and spending quality time together, whether its staycations or travelling abroad - including how to manage and avoid arguments and sibling squabbles.

Emma Lewis ‘The Mama Coach', speaks to Kieran about 'Preparing for Breastfeeding success' along with some other important topics and needs of expecting mums, or new mums - including 'Newborn expectations', and upcoming classes including Infant Choking and CPR classes'. All upcoming in-person classes and virtual classes are listed at www.emma-lewis.themamacoach.com

Rachel Harper (Principal of St Patrick's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow) speaks to Kieran on the news issued by the Government last week  that all primary schools are to implement new policies that ban the use of, and access to, smartphones during the school day. Rachel Harper shares about how her school, followed by the Parents' Associations at her school and further schools in her district of Greystones in Wicklow (through the It Takes A Village initiative), agreed to a “no smartphone voluntary code” until children start secondary school.  It was the first time all schools across an entire town took joint action – and now we're seeing in the papers today how more schools and districts are taking a similar approach.

Marinet Brennan, Cognitive Communication Specialist and founder of ‘NeuroPotential', speaks to Kieran about her family's story, that's now led to her founding a company called ‘NeuroPotential'. Did you know that the brain has a lifelong ability to adapt, and rewire? Marinet also shares how services provided by NeuroPotential can help  maximise our brain's potential,  and that we can enhance our ‘brain habits' like memory, attention spans, or focus at work. More information is at www.neuropotential.ie

Stephen Byford, East Regional Worker with Christ in Youth Europe (CIY), speaks to Kieran about the importance of investing in young people and their potential, and also encouraging churches to think long-term about Youth Ministry. Stephen shares about the upcoming CIY Event in July called MOVE that runs for 5 days from the 28th July - 1st of August 2025 at Clongowes Wood College, Clane, County Kildare, and is geared towards 14-18 year olds. More information is www.ciy.eu  

Jonny Sommerville, Content Producer for Scripture Union and Jesus Film, speaks to Kieran about CSSM that runs in Greystones, Wicklow from the 12th-26th July - and the volunteering opportunities. Jonny shares his own volunteering story at CSSM and how it's now shaped his faith and his career path. CSSM is a non-residential 2 week camp that's been running yearly in Greystones, Wicklow since 1896 by Scripture Union. www.scriptureunion.ie

Elaine Dunne (Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers) speaks to Kieran about the news that Childcare fees for parents paying the highest rates in the country are to see those fees capped from September. Elaine highlights the many continuous challenges facing childcare and creche facilities across Ireland.

Chartered Psychologist Dr Sheena Kumar speaks to Kieran sharing advice to students and parents with the first full week of Junior and Leaving Certificate State examinations commencing.

Broadcaster Nikki Hayes joins Kieran in studio to share her story and journey of overcoming addiction, thanks to the services provided by Tiglin.

Singer-Songwriter and Actress Clare O'Malley, speaks to Kieran in studio about her debut double single release ahead of her debut EP. Clare shares about the single 'New Heights' and also her career that includes being Jedward's backing singer when they competed in Eurovision as a hugely popular act, to her own solo career being reviewed by the New York Times as ‘one of the most astonishing performances they'd  seen that year.”

David Quinn from the Iona Institute speaks to Kieran on ageing populations, and declining birthrates, with the news that the number of deaths continues to exceed the number of births across the EU. This trend has now been occurring for almost ten years, according to the latest Eurostat figures. Deaths now outnumber births by around a million. David also shares how Denmark has now raised its retirement age reflecting this.  

John Edwards of the Walking Free Ministry joins Kieran in studio to share his testimony of how over 30 years ago he experienced an incredible encounter with God, that has him clean and sober now for 3 decades, after 20 years of his life being an addict and alcoholic. John Edwards is now embarking on a ‘prayer tour of Ireland'. More info at www.walkingfree.org

Anne Heffernan shares her story of volunteering in Haiti for a year, and how her time there has been documented in a newly published book called "Living in a Land That Time Forgot" which is available at www.BuyTheBook.ie

Brothers Jay & Allen Bobinac join Kieran in studio to share about receiving the Lord Mayor's Award that recognises their impact in serving Dublin's Homeless Community.

Lara Lewis (Media spokesperson for Irish School of Motoring - and Qualified ADI Driving instructor), speaks to Kieran about her road safety advice ahead of the bank holiday weekend, for learner drivers, newly qualified novice drivers, and experienced drivers. Lara also highlights the new speed cameras that are in place across the country ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Spirit Radio's Lydia O'Kane spoke with Shane Duffy, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, who is a visiting Fistula Surgeon in Uganda as part of the SafeBirth4All campaign spearheaded by a coalition of organisations including Misean Cara. Shane spoke to Lydia - on the Morning Show presented by Kieran about the very serious health condition called Obstetric Fistula which is a debilitating childbirth injury resulting from a prolonged or obstructed labour without access to emergency medical intervention that some 2 million women in developing world countries suffer from. To support the work of Misean Cara go to MiseanCara.ie and to support doctors like Shane Duffy going to Uganda to help these women.

Kerry McLaverty (CEO of LauraLynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice) speaks to Kieran about how Children's Hospice Week  focused on highlighting the challenges facing parent and families caring for a child with palliative care needs. LauraLynn is continuing to ask the public to help bring care to these families by donating to support the work of Laura Lynn - at www.lauralynn.ie

Spirit Radio's news reporter Lydia O'Kane spoke to Ruth Cooke (Head of Fundraising and Supporter engagement with Christian Aid Ireland), to mark the 80th anniversary of Christian Aid. This interview broadcast was aired out on The Morning Show presented by Kieran.

Florence Olufemi-Ojo (founder of the business M.I.O Prints and singer with Discovery Gospel Choir) speaks to Kieran ahead of Africa Day (Sunday 18th May). Florence speaks about her own business, the importance of Africa Day, and the news that Discovery Gospel Choir will headline Africa Day celebrations taking place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin.

Emma Olahan, Career Service Director at Minding Creative Minds, speaks to Kieran about the Creative Careers Summit ‘Creativity at the Crossroads' which is taking place next Tuesday 20th May at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane in Dublin, bringing together over 300 creatives across more than 30 disciplines throughout the day from 8.30am. To book tickets: www.mindingcreativeminds.ie

Enda Leahy (CEO of the Irish Tech Firm Courtsdesk and Director of the Kilkenny Law Festival) speaks to Kieran about the pro's and con's about AI and the field of Law - and the upcoming Kilkenny Law Festival. Kilkenny Law Festival – the brand new festival takes place at the Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny and historic Hole in the Wall venue from Friday, May 16th to Sunday May 18th. Tickets and the full schedule are available at www.kilkennylawfestival.com

Cora Barnes of 3Q Recruitment speaks to Kieran celebrating our nurses across the country today for International Nurses Day, to honour them for the incredible contribution they make to our  health and wellbeing.

Anita Forde, Special Olympics Athlete and Team Ireland medal winner speaks to Victoria about what she's achieved through the Special Olympics and also the Special Olympics Ireland's Collection Day fundraiser.

Chartered Psychologist Dr Sheena Kumar speaks to Wendy on why people struggle with saying 'no'.

Father Mark Darmody and his teenage daughter Cara Darmody speak to Wendy about why Cara is preparing a 50-hour protest outside Leinster House from 20th May for better autism services. In this conversation Mark and Cara highlight the Government and HSE's legal failings in regard to the Disability Act 2005 for not assessing children within 6 months.

Luke Silke, Parliamentary Assistant to the Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín, speaks to Wendy about the Grace Report - the long awaited final report of the Farrelly Commission into the ‘Grace' foster home abuse case. ‘Grace' a disabled girl, was one of 47 children placed with a foster family and stayed there for 20 years despite credible allegations of abuse at the home.

Professor Tobias Winright (Professor of Moral Theology at St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth) speaks to Spirit Radio's Rob Clarke marking the passing of Pope Francis on The Morning Show.

Journalist Michael Kelly (and of Aid to the Church in Need Ireland) speaks to Wendy marking the passing of Pope Francis.

Psychotherapist and Director of GenSpect Stella O'Malley, speaks to Wendy about the news of the UK Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is to be based on her biological sex under equality laws.

James Bradshaw (Vice-Chair of Evangelium) speaks to Wendy about the upcoming Evangelium 2025 event and how there has been an increase in young adults attending this Catholic conference in recent years.

Tim Robertson (Head of Strategic Partnerships at Compassion UK) speaks to Wendy about the work of Compassion which includes a child sponsorship programme and how it's transforming children's live.

Jenny Belle (Kova International, and Screentime presenter with Spirit Radio) speaks to Wendy about The King of Kings film arriving to Irish cinemas nationwide.

Voice Actor James Arnold Taylor speaks to Olga at Spirit Radio about his role in the new film The King of Kings on the Morning Show on Spirit Radio with Wendy.

Jana Lunden (Founder of the Natural Women's Council) speaks to Wendy about concerns regarding cancel culture taking place in Ireland following a hotel venue cancelling their recent conference on ‘Safeguarding Children's Education' due to objections and complaints.

Delphine Chui (Spokesperson for ADF International) speaks to Wendy about a case in the UK where a lady (Livia Tossici-Bolt) was put on trial and has been convicted as guilty for offering consensual conversation in a buffer zone near an abortion facility.

Nancy Gifford, Co-Director of Apologetics at Premiere Christian Radio in the UK, speaks to Spirit Radio's Lydia O'Kane about the news that in the last 5 years there has been an increase of 87% of Bible sales with purchases by the GEN Z generation in the UK according to figures compiled by SPCK Group, the Christian publishers.  

To mark Autism Awareness Day, Wendy spoke to Lisa Domican, who told her about her own children, and the inspiration behind 'The Grace App', and what she feels needs to be done to support autistic children and their parents. The Grace App for Autism helps autistic and other special needs children to communicate effectively, by building semantic sequences from relevant images to form sentences. The app stores a basic picture vocabulary of Foods, Things I like, Places, Colors, Sizes and Shapes on an iPhone/iPad or iPod Touch with a function for creating a sentence that can be read together. There is also a facility for finding and taking photographs of all the other things that each individual user may need. It is a portable means of supporting the communication development of the user, wherever they go and is proving invaluable in improving vocalisations through consistency of use over time. Grace and the other children have also learned to share what they see and photograph independently, as a result of using the App. https://www.graceapp.com/

Financial adviser and analyst Karl Deeter speaks to Wendy about the latest mortgage news in Ireland including planned changes to Central Banks Consumer Protection Code 2025 and how Avant Money (the consumer finance company that provides loads and mortgages) has announced it's newest mortgage product ‘The Flex Mortgage' with it being available to both new and existing customers from this April.