Spirit Radio's Podcast

Church attendance in Northern Ireland is set to increase this Christmas, with 57 per cent of adults planning to attend a church service or event, according to research commissioned by Tearfund.  The survey, conducted independently by Savanta among 998 adults, shows a notable rise from last year's 50 per cent.  In line with ‘Quiet Revival' trends, Gen Z are the largest generation to say they plan to attend church this Christmas (72%), followed by Millennials (62%), the Silent Generation (58%), Gen X (49%) and Baby Boomers (49%).   Key factors bringing people through the doors were tradition, spiritual meaning and community support.  Of those attending, 45 per cent say it is part of their Christmas tradition, a third (33 per cent) go for the atmosphere, and nearly a third (32 per cent) regard Christmas as a time for spiritual reflection.  Among non-Christians, 44 per cent say they leave church at Christmas feeling peaceful, while others report feelings of hope (21 per cent) or joy (19 per cent). The role of churches as a community cornerstone has been noted; nearly half of Northern Irish adults (49 per cent) said they, or someone they know, has received support from a church at Christmas. Nearly one in ten (8 per cent) report using a Christian foodbank themselves, and almost a quarter (22 per cent) have benefitted from a free Christmas Day meal provided by a church – or know someone who has. 

Deborah Lowry, CEO of Team Hope Ireland — the charity behind the annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal, which sees communities across Ireland filling gift‑packed shoeboxes for children living in poverty in parts of Africa and Eastern Europe.     This year the appeal continued to resonate widely, with communities contributing shoeboxes and helping Team Hope approach the milestone of three million boxes delivered since the campaign began.  

Our next guest has written a deeply personal and honest piece about expectations, fertility, and the idea of letting go of the life we think we're meant to have. In her article for Irish Country Magazine, she reflects on making peace with the possibility of never becoming a mother — only for fate to take an unexpected turn.   Arianna Dunne is a life coach, podcast host, and columnist, and she joins us now to talk about love, loss and trusting life when it doesn't follow the script. 

Children and teenagers today are growing up under unprecedented pressure to look a certain way — from social media and advertising to peer comparison and unrealistic beauty standards.  For many young people, that pressure can turn into anxiety, low self-esteem, and serious body image issues. Joining us now is Ellen Jennings, Head of Communications and Policy at Bodywhys, the national eating disorder association, to help us understand what's driving this problem and how we can better protect young people.  

Our conversation now turns to a growing public health and law enforcement concern here in Ireland — the rise of synthetic opioids on our streets and what authorities believe is a significantly increasing threat.   A new report from Forensic Science Ireland highlights the emergence of multiple new synthetic opioid substances, some far more potent than heroin, and a dramatic increase in large seizures of these drugs.   At a time when policymakers globally are also reframing how they tackle synthetic opioids — including a recent U.S. executive order that controversially declared fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction” — we're joined by Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St. John of God University Hospital, Stillorgan, Dublin and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin (UCD). 

Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry is speaking about Advent being a time of preparation for Christmas saying it is a time of expectation and hope. He also looks at finding the meaning of Christmas despite the commercialism of the season.

Chef Wade Murphy, one of Ireland's most respected culinary voices, known for his innovative approach to Irish cuisine.   He's here to talk about a story that's been making waves in the food world — Dublin is set to host the Michelin Guide Ceremony in 2026, a huge event for the Irish restaurant scene, yet there's surprisingly little involvement from government bodies like Fáilte Ireland or Discover Ireland.   Wade will share his thoughts on what that means for chefs, the industry, and food tourism — and, he'll give us some top tips for making the most of our Christmas leftovers. 

Chloë Agnew — the Dublin‑born singer and songwriter best known internationally for her work with Celtic Woman and her incredible solo career.  This year has been a huge one for Chloë: she moved to Nashville to immerse herself in songwriting and the vibrant music scene there, released an original project called Bittersweet written with Liam Geddes for film and TV placements, and she's currently on a Christmas tour in the US — wrapping up with a special concert in Atlanta alongside John Driskell Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band.  She's also just finished recording The Brave Collide — her debut solo album set for release in 2026 — and her new original Christmas single has been featured alongside artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean on Apple Music's 2026 Vision playlist. 

Comedian Sean Fitzgeraldfrom Crosshaven in Cork — a regular on the Irish comedy circuit who's recently been turning the tables for a new kind of show: compliment battles.   Instead of throwing jabs, Sean and his fellow comedians challenge each other to top each other's wit — but with praise, humour and positivity. We're here to find out why he's making that shift, how audiences are reacting — and what this says about comedy right now. 

Ivy Rutendo Mujuru — founder “Gods Whole Woman” and the upcoming ‘Planning for The Whole Woman' event in Dublin.   Ivy has launched this faith-driven gathering to help women plan with intention: blending personal goals, spiritual grounding and God-given identity — all wrapped into a holistic vision for life in 2026.  With the holidays and the New Year ahead, Ivy is here to talk about why now the right time is to reflect, goal-set and reconnect — not just as professionals or mothers, but as whole women rooted in purpose, identity and faith.  It takes place December 20th at the Iveagh Garden hotel with tickets at eventbrite.ie

Mass with the lads is an improvisational duo from Swords in Co Dublin – they came together in musical union earlier this year and have already played festivals around the country and are heading to a sold out event in St. Columcilles Church in Swords on Dec 17th  Mass with the lads us the environment and audience to garner inspiration for the journeys they create and aim to bring people on a spiritual journey within themselves and their communities. 

Brandon O'Connor from Dublin Homeless Awareness, a volunteer group of young men and women who spend their nights checking in on rough sleepers across the city.  At Christmas especially, when the streets are colder and lonelier, their welfare checks become a lifeline — offering warm food, conversation, and, often, the only human contact someone might have that day. 

Joining us today is David Turner from Church in Chains. Every year they run a simple but really meaningful project — sending Christmas cards to Christians who are in prison because of their faith.   It's a way of reminding them that they're not forgotten, especially at a tough time of year. 

Dr. Joyce Ogenyemi—founder and executive director of the New Choice Global Initiative—has spent her career lifting up underserved communities through education, economic opportunity, and people-centered programs. Her work reaches across continents, but at the heart of it all is one powerful belief: when people are given real opportunities, they rise.  She's here with us today to share what drives her, what she's learned, and some of the inspiring stories behind her organization's impact. 

Adam Burke, Youth Engagement Officer with Jigsaw — the mental health charity supporting young people across Ireland.   At this time of year, there's a lot of pressure to be full of festive cheer, but for many people it's actually a really tough season.   Adam is here to chat about why that happens and how we can look after ourselves, or someone we care about, when Christmas doesn't feel as joyful as it's ‘supposed' to. 

Highlighting a unique way to bring the Christmas story to life. Christmas With The Chosen is a free, cinematic initiative from the creators of The Chosen. This year it focuses on Holy Night, a 50-minute episode following the outcasts who first met the King of Kings — capturing both the struggle and the wonder of the Nativity.   Churches and communities across the UK and Ireland can host their own screenings, complete with discussion guides and promotional materials.   And if you love this, there are plenty of other episodes and resources from The Chosen that viewers can enjoy throughout the season, recommended by the team to help families and churches dive even deeper into the story. 

Desmond Denton — a south African filmmaker currently working and filming here in Ireland on a powerful, faith-centered documentary series called 24.   The series captures a single day in the life of artists around the world, exploring not just their creative process but also the spiritual journeys behind their art.   Desmond has already filmed episodes in places like Texas, Colombia, Norway and more — and now he's bringing that vision to Ireland and is currently in Belfast. 

John Moffett, CEO of Misean Cara, the Irish development organisation supporting missionary groups working with vulnerable communities in over 40 countries. Misean Cara has just announced the winners of its 2025 Climate Action Awards, recognising innovative climate projects in the Philippines, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. These initiatives are helping communities on the frontline of climate change adapt, recover, and build sustainable futures

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.