Spirit Radio's Podcast

Chartered Psychologist Dr Sheena Kumar speaks to Kieran about Winter Blues and how winter months affects some people's mood, and how we can all be kinder to ourselves over the darker winter months.

Senator Aubrey McCarthy shares his reflections of attending the inauguration of new Irish President Catherine Connolly.

Jana Lunden, founder of the Natural Women's Council, speaks to Kieran to raise awareness, highlight, and challenge, the trends she see's sweeping through schools, education system and and family life, that echoes many families concerns across the country.

Spirit Radio's Lydia O'Kane spoke to Marie Griffin, chairperson of the Catholic Education Partnership  on "Mornings with Kieran" about the new survey that has been launched by the Department of Education and Youth which parents of all children up to the age of 12 are being asked to complete about the future of primary school education. The survey will ask parents what they want for their local primary schools such as for them to be mixed or single-sex, Catholic or multidenominational, or if they would like their children to be educated through Irish. The survey from the Department of Education is now open and will be available until the 16th of December.

Spirit Radio's Lydia O'Kane spoke to Kevin Hargaden, Social Theologian at the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice on 'Mornings with Kieran', on the new report called “Faith-based Communities in the North-East Inner City” of Dublin, produced by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, which highlights how churches and prayer groups have become vital spaces of connection and integration. These congregations act as lifelines for thousands of residents – many of them immigrants. They speak about how congregations can aid integration efforts, and how the local council should work more closely with the diverse array of congregations and church denominations in the area.

Musical Theatre star Rebecca Storm joins Kieran in studio to chat about her career and upcoming performances which include Wexford Opera House on Saturday, 6th December '25 and the K Club, Kildare on Sunday, 28th December '25.    

Brother Richard Hendrick (a priest-friar of the Irish branch of the Capuchin Franciscan order) speaks to Kieran marking the passing of Sr Stan, who he led Christian Meditation Courses with at the Sanctuary Spirituality Centre that Sr Stan founded.  

Senator Aubrey McCarthy speaks to Kieran marking the passing of Sr Stan sharing what she was like as a person, her legacy including her work with the homeless sector, and also founding the Immigration Council of Ireland. Podcast and Social media photo credit: Immigrant Council of Ireland

Nataliya Laine, Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the Webdoctors.ie service for adult ADHD assessments and services spoke to Kieran regarding the launch of this service to meet the need and demand for adults seeking ADHD assessments. Webdoctor.ie, Ireland's leading digital healthcare provider, is launching this new Adult ADHD Assessment Service – to find out more go to Webdoctor.ie

Conor Power (Journalist, Ghostwriter and Novelist) speaks to Kieran about his recent visit to Ukraine as a volunteer with a mission group, to deliver essential aid including ambulances, and a minibus with aid and supplies.

Michelle Roys speaks to Kieran sharing her health journey to raise awareness about Facial Pain Awareness Month which brings attention to conditions like Trigeminal Neuralgia. She's also written a book about her journey called “But You Look Just Fine” (endorsed by NewYorkTimes-bestselling author Kris Carr) sharing her story from despair to finding joy. Michelle Roy's book “But You Look Just Fine” is available at www.micheleroys.com

URHired founder and interview coach Owen Murray speaks to Kieran about how URHired supports anyone with the tools to find the job they deserve including neurodiverse jobseekers through their innovative e-learning platform. urhired.ie

Pete the Vet speaks to Kieran sharing advice to pet owners surrounding the noise of bangers and fireworks that many animals find distressing.

John Moffett (CEO of Misean Cara) speaks to Spirit Radio's Lydia O'Kane on 'Mornings with Kieran' about the international work of Misean Cara in marking 'Mission Sunday' and highlighting the incredible work of overseas Irish missionaries.

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 Brian Kelly, of the Hope Centre in Crumlin, Dublin.

David Quinn from the Iona Institute speaks to Kieran about the concerns over the new primary school curriculum from teachers, parents and organizations across the country. David highlights the particular concerns surrounding changes to religious teaching, and the SPHE course that will be introduced to classes from a much younger age.

Ciarán Kelly (Director of The Christian Institute) speaks to Spirit Radio's CEO Rob Clarke on 'Mornings with Kieran', on a variety of issues including hate speech, euthanasia and assisted dying bills, and changes to the SPHE curriculum in schools with advice to parents.

With the UK plans for a new law banning the sale of high caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to under-16s - now the question is should Ireland be considering the same? Dr Ahmeda Ali from Webdoctor.ie speaks to Kieran on this news.  

Pastor John Ahern (of All Nations Church Dublin and organizer of the event March for Jesus) speaks to Kieran about the upcoming March for Jesus event in Dublin taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025. Website with all info: www.marchforjesus.ie

Irish Filmmaker Alannah Harrison speaks to Kieran about her latest short film that was recently screened at the Silicon Beach Film Festival 2025 at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and the news that she's recently moved from Dublin to LA.

Maria Carton (Professional Style Advisor) speaks to Kieran about styling and clothes shopping advice. Maria Carton is also running an upcoming ‘Bring your Wardrobe to Life'  fundraising event in support of the Wellspring of Life Refuge – it's taking place on 4th October at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin from 11am-2pm – tickets are on sale at thewellspringoflife.ie  

Nessan Vaughan, Volunteer and also Chair of the Social Justice Committee at the Society of St Vincent de Paul, speaks to Kieran about the value in volunteering, and why he volunteers with Saint Vincent De Paul.

Anne-Marie Whelan, Director of Vocations and Director of Associates for the Sisters of Bon Secours, and a member of Vocations Ireland, speaks to Kieran live from this year's National Ploughing Championships 2025, to share about the missionary work in providing a Christian presence being showcased at these ploughing championships.

David Quinn of the Iona Institute speaks to Spirit Radio's news reporter Lydia O'Kane on 'Mornings with Kieran' about

Author Candice Samons shares about the latest releases in her children's story book series 'Taylor's Tales'  that are designed to support children with additional needs, and to help start conversations about neurodiversity in a positive, engaging way for children.  www.taylorstales.ie

Marinet Brennan, Cognitive Communication Specialist and founder of ‘NeuroPotential', speaks to Kieran about auditory processing, and how the brain hears and processes sound. Marinet shares about how people can make sure they're best looking after their hearing. This follows as a new study has highlighted how treating hearing loss can help the brain, with research highlighting adults who wore hearing devices had 61% lower risk for incident all-cause dementia compared to untreated hearing loss, and that a hearing aid before the age of 70 can dramatically reduce risk of dementia. www.NeuroPotential.ie

Conor Power, Journalist, Ghostwriter and Novelist, speaks to Kieran ahead of visiting Ukraine with 28 volunteers and a cavalcade of jeeps, ambulances, and a minibus with aid and supplies. For more information or to support this work  – you can follow thebridge.music

Spirit Radios' Olga Kaye speaks to Chris Llewellyn, lead vocalist with Rend Collective, about their upcoming show in Belfast on Friday 12 September at the SSE Arena.

Lucy hill Director of  24-7 Prayer Ireland joined Kieran on the show to talk about 27-7s Global week of Prayer

Government legislation is to introduce laws to clamp down on multiple learner permits for people who haven't passed their driving test. Lara Lewis, Media spokesperson for Irish School of Motoring – and Qualified ADI Driving instructor joined Kieran to discuss

This weeks prayer coach navigates the journey for students starting into college especially if they hold values that may not align with others.

Roisin Alexander-Pye, Laudato Si Officer with Trócaire speaks to Spirit Radio's news reporter Lydia O'Kane on 'Mornings with Kieran' about how popular the Season of Creation initiative has become in recent years. Season of Creation is a month long ecumenical initiative that encourages prayer, advocacy and action to heal the earth from environmental degradation and injustice – and celebrating hope for a peaceful future.

Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who is also convenor of the Ukraine-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, speaks to Kieran about representing Ireland at Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations and the National Prayer Breakfast, and meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Elaine Dunne (Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers) speaks to Kieran about the news that up to 40,000 children under the age of 3 are currently on creche waiting lists, with almost 7,000 children under the age of 1 waiting for a place when there are just 97 available.

Professor Tobias Winright (Professor of Moral Theology in Maynooth University) speaks to News Reporter Lydia O'Kane on Mornings with Kieran, looking at why religious education numbers are declining at University level internationally and why it's important to have religious subjects in education systems.

Rob Clarke CEO at Spirit Radio speaks to Kieran about The Global Ireland Football Tournament ‘GIFT'  sharing about how on Friday, 22nd August at Energia Park Stadium, Dublin they will host “Friday Night Under the Lights,” his annual showcase event featuring high school teams from the U.S. competing against teams from Ireland and the UK in a celebration of international football. Tickets are available at the gate. Rob also shares audio from some of the team members, as to what they're most looking forward to.

James Kilbane, Irish Christian, Gospel and Country artist joins Kieran in studio, sharing about music, faith, his upcoming concerts in churches across the country, and sings live.

Rob Carry from 'Cabhair' speaks to Victoria about this new charity providing Mental Health support for young people, to ensure young people can also access and receive support for free.    

Patrick Steenberge, Founder and President of Global Football (based in Texas) – and of The Global Ireland Football Tournament ‘GIFT' speaks to Kieran sharing about how on Friday, 22nd August at Energia Park Stadium, Dublin they will host "Friday Night Under the Lights," his annual showcase event featuring high school teams from the U.S. competing against teams from Ireland and the UK in a celebration of international football.

FASN - Family Addiction Support Network Peer led support for families of individuals in addiction. Bishop Michael Router joined Victoria to discuss who they are and what they do to support families

Jess Colivet, advocate for Kildare Village, personal stylist & online creator joined Victoria on the show to share her Breast cancer Journey ahead of Breast Cancer Ireland's Very Pink Run next month.    

Singer-songwriter Kevin Reid & Pastor Noel Kenny

Lydia spoke with Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross Young adults Sheila Kelleher and Aoife Kiely from the diocese of Cork and Ross They have all travelled to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth which includes  the Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers event.  The Jubilee runs from the 28-3rd August .

Olivia Coffola of Blue Ireland speaks to Victoria about concerns regarding windfarms off the coastline of Ireland - and some dimensions about what we don't know about the impact of them on our coasts including their locations.

Shane Gallagher is today's Life in 5 guest on 'Mornings with Victoria' where he shares how he sees God at work in his life.

Actors John Connors and Danielle Magennis join Victoria in studio to share about the Reclaim the Faith podcast series.  

Anthony Dwyer speaks to Victoria for today's Life in 5 interview. Anthony shares how he see's God at work in his life and career.

Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers, speaks to Victoria about the continuing shortage of childcare places in Ireland.

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.