Spirit Radio's Podcast

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. 

Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh and chair of the Council for Healthcare of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, has welcomed Pope Leo XIV's message for the 34th World Day of the Sick.  The Pope is urging society to measure itself by how it cares for the most vulnerable — including the sick, elderly, addicted, unborn, poor and hungry.  

I'm joined now by political commentator Larry Donnelly to talk about the case of Seamus Culleton, a 42-year-old Irish man from County Kilkenny who has been held in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Texas for over five months despite holding a valid U.S. work permit, being married to a U.S. citizen, and having no criminal record.   His situation — and the reported conditions in detention — has sparked concern here in Ireland and questions about immigration enforcement and diplomatic responses. 

Today we remember six believers imprisoned across Iran, China, Eritrea, Vietnam, Pakistan, and North Korea—some without trial, some serving life, one awaiting execution—because they preached, prayed, or opened their homes in Jesus' name.   Their stories expose the true cost of faith in today's world. David Turner from Church in Chains joined Kieran to discuss.

Last week the Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited Aughrim in Co. Wicklow, meeting householders, business owners, local authority staff and community representatives to hear firsthand about the impact of the recent floods — a stark reminder of the challenges communities face as rainfall and river levels continue to rise across Ireland.  Declan Finn is a local business man and he joined Kieran to tell us about what the flooding has caused and what the visit meant 

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.