Spirit Radio's Podcast

The term cosmeticorexia—an unhealthy obsession with skincare and appearance—is being linked to the growing “Sephora kids” trend. Retail giant Sephora is now under scrutiny in Italy over claims its marketing may be encouraging very young girls to adopt complex skincare routines and spend heavily on products designed for adults. Experts warn this is fuelling cosmeticorexia, with children becoming overly focused on achieving “perfect” skin—raising concerns about both physical harm and long-term body image issues. To discuss this and the harm its doing, Kieran was joined by Adam Burke, youth engagment officer with Jigsaw Ireland. More help HERE

Fiona O'Malley, CEO of Sonas, joins us now as the organisation warns that current housing policies are effectively driving victims of domestic violence into homelessness.   Sonas says the system is fundamentally flawed, with women and children often forced to flee their homes while perpetrators remain — creating both deep personal trauma and significant financial strain on already stretched services.

Now, one of Ireland's most unique and enduring spiritual traditions is continuing once again this year, as preparations ramp up for the pilgrimage season at Lough Derg.  For generations, pilgrims have travelled to the island seeking reflection, renewal and a break from the noise of everyday life—and in more recent years, there's even been a noticeable rise in younger people taking part, searching for meaning and stillness in a busy world.   To tell us more about what lies ahead this season, and why Lough Derg continues to resonate with so many, we're joined now by Father Eamon Conway. Father, you're very welcome.

A lot of people are looking for a sense of connection, purpose, and community at the moment — and churches are often right at the heart of that.  My next guest is someone who helped start a new church here in Dublin in the middle of the pandemic — and has been building it into a growing, vibrant community ever since.  Phil Rowntree is co-pastor of Expectation Church, which has a simple mission — to see Jesus in every heart and every home. 

Time now for our life in 5 .. where we talk to someone about their faith and their walk with the Lord.   Today I'm delighted to be joined by Mark Teisler Goldsmith founder of Open House Ministries. Mark is from Kent , Sotuh East England.   He loves to swim, recently has swam the English channell for charity, loves to hike with his dog Tia and Kayak with his wife Laura and the kids.  He also shares details on the upcoming retreat for men with Open House Ministries – OHM Rize Men's Retreat from 8th to 10th May—a powerful three-day weekend to rediscover who you truly are. They’re doing it at Drewstown House in County Meath, a beautiful facility surrounded by countryside and natural beauty, where they’ll have teachings, live worship, deliverance, soul healing, prayer, kayaking, and so much more! Tickets can be booked at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ohm-rize-mens–retreat-ireland-2026-tickets-1978682463513

Now, we all know that feeling — when something small is bothering us at work, but we avoid saying it… and before you know it, it turns into something much bigger.  Well, my next guest says a lot of the stress, conflict, and even formal complaints we see in workplaces could actually be avoided — if people just had the confidence and the tools to have those honest conversations early.  But the reality is, most of us don't — we avoid, we delay, or we just hope things will sort themselves out.  I'm joined now by Mary Jo Parker, who works with organisations to help people ‘see it, say it, sort it' — and tackle issues before they escalate. 

CEO of Spirit Radio joins Kieran in Studio to talk about “Truth & Treason”.   Truth & Treason is based on the true story of Helmuth Hubener, a teenage resistance fighter who opposed the Nazi regime in Germany during WWII.

My next guest is part of an organisation doing incredible work bringing basic eye care to some of the world's poorest communities — and quite literally changing lives in the process. I'm joined now by Dualta Roughneen, CEO of CBM Ireland. Mornings

We're reflecting today on the passing of one of Ireland's most iconic and distinctive musical voices — Moya Brennan.  Best known as the voice of Clannad and for her remarkable solo career, Moya's music helped shape the sound of Irish folk and Celtic music on a global stage.   She was also someone who Jackie Hayden from Hot Press has interviewed over the years, giving a unique insight into both her artistry and her journey through the music industry.  Jackie joins us now to look back on her life in music. 

Yesterday at the Mansion House in Dublin, Seeking Safety Ireland launched a new three-year strategy aimed at transforming how we support women dealing with trauma, addiction and gender-based violence.   The focus is on a joined-up, trauma-informed approach that helps women build safety and stability in their lives.  To tell us more, I'm joined by Annmarie Flanagan, Manager of Seeking Safety Ireland. 

Now, if you've ever said to yourself “I really need to look after myself a bit better” — but didn't know where to begin — this might be right up your street.   I'm joined by Fatima Alvarado, founder of Greystones Wellness Hub, which is all about making wellness feel simple, enjoyable, and part of everyday life. And also joining Fatima is Brian Kingston, Corporate experiences partner, Greystones wellness Hub.  It's not about being perfect — it's about finding what works for you, and actually enjoying it along the way. 

Seán O'Rónan from Agape Ireland, a ministry doing incredible work with young people across the country.   Agape is all about creating spaces where faith comes alive for the next generation — and one of their most powerful initiatives has been their Camino experiences for Leaving Cert students.   Listen to hear more about their mission, the impact of these journeys, and what's ahead for Camino 2027.   

We're joined today by a very familiar voice and a trusted expert when it comes to all things animal care — Pete the Vet.   Pete has been helping pet owners better understand and care for their animals for years, offering practical advice, reassurance, and a real passion for animal wellbeing.   Today, we're putting some of your questions to him and tackling a few common concerns many pet owners face. 

Margaret Dabrowski from Mada Skin Clinic and Spa joins us today to talk about something that affects so many of us—sun damage.  Recent research has shown that using sunbeds carries risks in the same bracket as smoking and asbestos when it comes to skin cancer. Margaret, who knows all there is to know about skin health, is here to explain not only how to reverse the signs of sun damage but also the best ways to protect your skin moving forward. 

Rosie Fuller joins us to talk about one of the most exciting film events coming to Dublin this spring—the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.  Bringing together some of the most breathtaking adventure films from around the world, the tour showcases incredible stories of endurance, exploration, and pushing human limits—from climbing and skiing to mountain biking in some of the most remote and extreme environments on the planet.  And the good news is—it's all coming to the National Concert Hall on April 28th,Everyman theatre Cork on 29th offering audiences the chance to view these jaw-dropping adventures on the big screen. 

Anita Lynch is a psychotherapist with the Misneach Centre, where the focus is on making mental health support more accessible and part of everyday life.  This summer, Anita is taking that idea beyond the therapy room—bringing support into festival spaces, where people can engage in a more relaxed and informal way. She's also running a really practical workshop tackling something many of us struggle with: how to switch off and not bring work stress home with us. 

Anna Tormey joins us on Life in 5. Originally from Dolphin House but now living on Lombard Street, Anna is a devoted mother of four, grandmother, and a pillar of her community.  Her granddaughter is getting married this year—and Anna will be officiating the ceremony herself. She serves as an elder at Liberty Church, runs a community group in Chapelizod, and trains in pastoral ministry with Liberty.   Her life revolves around the church, and she's known for her strong sense of humor and commitment. Interestingly, her mother even delivered Pastor Noel Kenny when he was born—a wonderful link between generations of faith. 

Ryan O'Neill from AIMaestro.me is in studio to talk about something that's moving faster than almost any other technology right now—artificial intelligence.  From how we work and communicate to how businesses operate and decisions are made, AI is already reshaping daily life—and many believe we're only at the beginning. Ryan says AI isn't just a trend, it's the future, and today we're looking at what that really means, how it's going to impact us, and whether we're ready for it. 

Marie Louise Heffernan is a Connemara-based ecologist, farmer, and writer whose work bridges science, land stewardship, and faith.   With over 30 years' experience in biodiversity, conservation, and environmental planning, she is the founder of Aster Environmental Consultants and director of The Ecology Centre in Letterfrack.  Living and working on the land in the west of Ireland, she brings a deeply personal perspective to farming—one shaped not only by ecological expertise but also by a lived spirituality rooted in place.   In her recent piece “God's Acre: A farmer and ecologist on faith and the land,” she reflects on seeing the land not as a burden, but as a blessing—an outlook that weaves together care for creation, daily farm life, and a sense of the sacred in the natural world. 

Venetia Quick is the creator and host of The Grief Pod, a weekly podcast that opens honest conversations around grief, loss, and healing.   Through deeply personal interviews with guests from all walks of life, the series explores the many different ways people experience bereavement—from sudden loss to long-term illness—and the impact it has on everyday life.  The podcast aims to break the silence around grief, creating a space where people can share their stories, feel less alone, and better understand how to support others through loss.  

Parenting expert Catriona Lynch spoke to Kieran about how parents can focus on being calm, clear, and consistent, and avoid falling into the habit of yelling at their children.  

Brandon Ratcliffe is a musician in the United States who has been gaining widespread attention online thanks to a simple but powerful idea—posting daily videos of himself and his mum singing hymns on Instagram in the lead-up to Easter. He spoke to Kieran about how the idea has been striking a chord with people looking for connection, tradition, and meaning in their daily lives. To follow Brandon on Instagram visit @brandonratcliff

As Square One Theatre Group celebrates an incredible 50 years of community theatre, Kieran was joined by Director Marie McCourt, and cast members Killian McCrea and Jacki Cullen to chat about their upcoming  milestone production of Juno and the Paycock. The show comes to the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray 14th – 18th of April https://www.mermaidartscentre.ie/whats-on/events/juno-and-the-paycock

Susan Dunn at Belgrave Nanny Agency, spoke to Kieran about they work to connect families with professional nannies, childminders, and maternity nurses, and how the right support can transform not just a household, but the well-being of the entire family. https://www.nanny.ie/

Anthea Kieran from Finglas spoke to Kieran about her faith journey and how God has worked miracles in her life, by answering five honest questions about her experiences and beliefs.  

Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud, spoke to Kieran about how they have been working on practical ways to redirect surplus energy into home heating solutions. https://energycloud.org/ireland/

This Saturday, Tearfund Ireland is hosting a conference in RIASK in Swords from 9:30am to 1pm, bringing together speakers working on the frontlines of global displacement and humanitarian response — as well as those with personal experience of seeking refuge.  The event comes at a time of deepening crisis in Lebanon, where ongoing conflict has forced more than 700,000 people from their homes since early March — including over 200,000 children.   Tearfund are on the ground responding — providing food, hygiene supplies, and prioritising care for the most vulnerable, including children, older people, and those living with disabilities. 

In Psalm 81:10–14, God reminds His people that He is the One who brought them out of Egypt and invites them to open their mouths wide so He can fill them. Yet the passage also shows the sadness of a people who would not listen to God's voice and chose their own way instead.  This scripture challenges us to reflect on how open we truly are to God's guidance and provision in our daily lives. It invites us to trust Him more deeply, listen more carefully, and walk in His ways so that we can experience the blessings and protection He desires for us. 

Linda Kelly is the founder and heartbeat of Linda KC Travel, an independent Irish travel agent who helps people turn holiday daydreams into unforgettable real-world experiences.  Linda combines her love of travel with a warm, personal approach — taking the stress out of planning so her clients can focus on excitement and discovery.  A mum of two and an animal rescue volunteer, she brings her caring nature and real-life travel passion to everything she does, whether organising family getaways, long-haul adventures, cruises, or food-filled tours. Linda's philosophy is simple: life is short — book that trip!  

  Musician Don Baker has been a well-known figure on the Irish music scene for decades. Alongside his performing career, he's also been lending his support to people experiencing homelessness through his work with The Lighthouse Café Dublin, a volunteer-run service that provides food, support and a welcoming space for those who need it in the city.  Don joined Kieran in studio now to talk about why that work matters to him, and also to tell us about what he's been working on lately. 

LZ7 were in Dublin playing support at Dublin’s 3Arena and Olga Kaye spoke with Lindz West

Johny Somerville from Jesus Film and Hannah Clarke from Scripture Union Ireland. Johny has been closely involved producing  The Way of St. Patrick to life — a project that goes beyond legend to explore the real man behind Ireland's patron saint.   This series isn't just about history; it's about faith, calling, courage, and the transformative power of the gospel. Through cinematic storytelling and deep reflection on Patrick's life, this project invites us to consider what it means to follow Christ wholeheartedly in our own time and context.   you can watch here >> http://nuafilms.com/stpatrick

WOMEN LEADING CHANGE – International Women's Day Event in Dublin's North Inner City. Date: Thursday, 5th March Time: 11:00am – 1:30pm Venue: Handball Alley, Sackville Avenue, Ballybough, Dublin D03 P6E5 Admission: Free – No booking required Dublin's North Inner City will come alive this International Women's Day as the community comes together for WOMEN LEADING CHANGE, a powerful celebration of women who are shaping a fairer, more compassionate Ireland. Taking place at the Ballybough Handball Centre, this inspiring event will feature a dynamic panel of women from advocacy, broadcasting, music, and community leadership. The day is proudly sponsored by Dublin City Council and supported by local business Cloud Café, who will provide complimentary tea, coffee, and sandwiches.

Colin Creighton leads Soul Story, a ministry that believes every person's story matters and that Scripture can bring real insight and healing to life's struggles.   Through biblical counselling, teaching, and practical resources, he helps people grow emotionally and spiritually, finding hope and direction in God's story for their own lives.  

Joe Supple gives us some sun options amidst this awful weather.

Jennifer Rothwell, a designer whose work beautifully blends creativity, craftsmanship, and meaning.   Jennifer will be showcasing her designs at the Divine Mercy Conference this weekend, and she's also preparing something special ahead of Mother's Day.  

Tracy Carroll, a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusive education, and mum to Willow, a young girl with complex needs who has inspired change through Tracy's determination and activism.   Tracy recently spoke at Fine Gael's first disability conference, bringing the lived experience of families caring for children with disabilities directly into the political conversation. Her work highlights both the challenges and the positive changes needed in Ireland's disability supports and inclusion policies.  

Neale Richmond. As Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for international development and the Irish diaspora, he is a key figure in shaping Ireland's global aid efforts.   Minister Richmond oversees Ireland's contribution to Official Development Assistance, working closely with NGOs and international partners to support vulnerable communities overseas.   Today, he joins us alongside the CEO of Tearfund Ireland Sean Copeland to talk about why Irish Aid matters, where that work is being carried out, and the impact of recent field visits — including his trip to Uganda and Ethiopia to witness aid projects on the ground.  

Mary Hulgraine is known for her success as a two-time All-Ireland champion and All-Star goalkeeper, but her greatest victory has been one of faith.   Through struggles with addiction and mental health, Mary discovered a deeper relationship with God that transformed her life.   Today, her story is a powerful reminder that no darkness is greater than God's light. 

After the Cermony (of course ) When it comes to weddings, every detail matters — but according to a recent survey, the wedding cake now ranks even higher than flowers on the list of must-haves for the big day.   For baker Helen McDonald, that's no surprise. Known for her creativity and flair, Helen specialises in designing show-stopping cakes that are as imaginative as they are delicious. From elegant classics to bold, artistic centrepieces, her creations are often the sweet highlight of the celebration.   

Seamus Mulconry, General Secretary of the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association, which supports and represents the Boards of Management of over 2,800 Catholic primary schools across the country.   With the upcoming Convention on Education set to shape the future of primary and post-primary schools in Ireland, Seamus joins us to share why this national conversation is so important from a Catholic school perspective. 

Well, we are now well into the Lenten season — a time that naturally invites us to slow down a little, to reflect, and perhaps to take a deeper look at our spiritual lives. For many people, Lent can be a real opportunity to renew faith or even to rediscover it.  Starting next week, there's a course that might be just what you're looking for. It's called “Come and See”, and it's designed to help people explore their faith in a welcoming and thoughtful way.  I'm delighted to say that joining us now to tell us more about it is Fr Michael Hurley, priest, retreat giver, and author of Inspiring Faith Communities – A Programme of Evangelization, published by Messenger Publications. 

As we move through Lent, many people are thinking about what they might give up — and for some, it could be the perfect opportunity to take a life-changing step by giving up smoking.  Smoking remains one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke in Ireland, but the good news is that it's never too late to quit — and the health benefits begin almost immediately.  Joining us now to talk about the benefits of quitting, the long-term effects of smoking, and how families and even churches can support young people in making healthy choices, is Dr Angie Brown from the Irish Heart Foundation. 

Amanda Prather from Tearfund Ireland. This Lenten devotional series follows the story of Zara, a teenage girl attending a Christian-run informal education centre in Lebanon. Through her journey, participants explore themes such as anger, forgiveness, love, and thankfulness — lessons Zara learns through chapel services and daily life at the centre. Zara loves learning and dreams of becoming a fashion designer, but poverty and family pressures threaten her education. Already working after school to help support her family, she struggles with exhaustion and fears being forced to leave school — or even being married off young. At the education centre, Zara finds compassion, stability, and faith. Each day begins with chapel, worship, and lessons that teach the children to draw closer to God and to care for one another. In a region marked by hardship and instability, the centre provides protection, dignity, and hope. Zara's story reminds us that while her circumstances may seem distant from our own, the spiritual lessons she learns are universal. Through her experience, we are invited to reflect on how God shapes and sanctifies each of us in our own journeys. The devotional encourages readers to pray, give, share the work, and support the centre so more children like Zara can experience education, faith, and hope for the future.

Eric Hughes, one of the chaplains based at DCU's Inter Faith Centre on the Glasnevin campus. Eric serves as Church of Ireland chaplain, supporting students of all faiths and none, helping build community, offering pastoral care, and creating space for reflection and connection across campus life.

Alan Hynes, Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Education Partnership, to reflect on Catholic Schools Week 2026 and the role of Catholic education in Ireland today.   This year's theme — “Catholic Schools: Normal Lives, Called to Holiness” — highlights how holiness and faith are lived out in everyday school life through prayer, service, kindness, and community. Mr. Hynes will also share insights on current priorities and future plans for Catholic schools across the country. 

Co-author of the book “The Beatles and Ireland” Mick Lynch to talk about one of the most anticipated music film projects in years — the ambitious Beatles biopic series directed by Sam Mendes.   Instead of a single movie, Sony and Apple Corps are producing four interconnected feature films, each focusing on one member of the Fab Four — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr — with actors such as Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan stepping into those iconic roles.   The films are slated for release in April 2028 and promise to offer fresh cinematic insight into the band's story and legacy. 

Grace Casey is from Bray in County Wicklow.   She adores dining out in restaurants, is a secret thrill seeker, and her garda vetting lists 29 different addresses, so she's moved quite a bit.  She joined Kieran to chat about her faith. If you’d like to feature on the weekly “Life in 5” you can email: producer@spiritradio.ie

Jamie Farrelly from Water Safety Ireland to talking about staying safe around Ireland's waterways as cold temperatures, rising water levels, and recent storms make conditions more unpredictable this February.   With water and air temperatures still low, risks such as cold water shock, hypothermia, and rough seas remain very real, even for experienced swimmers and coastal walkers — and following the latest safety appeals from Water Safety Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI is more important than ever. 

Dr Kevin Hargaden, Social Theologian of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in Dublin.  Is here to talk about COP30 and continues to campaign for climate justice, housing rights and a theology that connects faith with pressing social and environmental challenges.   The Centre works on issues from ecological justice to housing policy, integrating theological reflection with advocacy and action. 

Brandon Scott is with Aid to the Church in Need, reporting on the humanitarian and spiritual impact of the war in Gaza.   Through testimonies from local clergy — including a Catholic priest who has remained in the Strip — his work highlights the deepening humanitarian and health crisis and the urgent calls for an end to the conflict.