Spirit Radio Podcasts

Cllr Peter O’Donoghue, a representative in Cork, has been outspoken on Ireland’s energy policy, particularly around the untapped potential of the Barryroe Oil and Gas Field.
He argues that the Irish Government is putting national energy security at risk by blocking domestic oil and gas extraction, despite Ireland continuing to rely heavily on imports.
With growing global instability highlighting vulnerabilities in energy supply, he believes developing Ireland’s own natural resources should be a priority.

This week on The Prayer Coach, Fr Michael Hurley reflects on the journey to Emmaus—a story of confusion, presence, and recognition. As the Gospel says, “Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognising him” (Luke 24:15–16). 

In this moment of uncertainty, Christ walks beside the disciples, just as he walks with us. Fr Michael invites us to notice how Christ may be quietly present in our own lives today. 

VOYA Organic Beauty is an Irish skincare brand from County Sligo that’s made a name for itself around the world with its seaweed-based, organic products.
The company is especially known for its strong focus on sustainability, from hand-harvesting seaweed along the west coast of Ireland to using eco-friendly packaging.
Andrew Darmody, who works as Commercial and Operations General Manager, has been a big part of VOYA’s growth and success, helping bring the brand to an international audience while keeping its environmental values front and centre.

Jeff Fountain writes the “weekly word” and regularly expolores how faith connects with history and whats happening in the world right now.

The Constantine Trap takes a really honest look at the relationship between Christianity and power and asks some big questions about what it means to follow Jesus in a political world.

Pete Wedderburn – known as Pete the Vet by most joined us in studio for his weekly pet slot, where he answers your questions live onair.

If you have a question for next week – email producer@spiritradio.ie

our Travel doctor Joe Supple is back with us — and there are very few places he hasn’t been. So before you book your next trip, he’s the man to check it out.  

This week, Joe is planning a trip down south to the Dungarvan Food Festival and he’s done all the homework for you if you’re thinking of heading along this weekend. 

Terry Prone, one of Ireland’s most respected communications experts, has long been an advocate for precise and thoughtful language. In discussions around ageing, she has highlighted how “lazy language” — casual, unexamined phrases about older people — can reinforce stereotypes and shape societal attitudes in subtle but powerful ways.  

In this interview, she explores how the words we choose influence how we perceive ageing, and why changing our language might be the first step toward a more inclusive perspective. 

This week, Catriona turns her attention to a challenge every parent, guardian, and teacher knows all too well — getting children to actually listen. In “How to Talk So Kids Actually Listen,” she explores the everyday communication struggles between adults and children, from repeated instructions that seem to go unheard to emotional moments where conversations break down entirely.

Drawing on practical approaches and expert insights, Catriona looks at how tone, timing, and language can make a real difference in how children respond. The discussion also touches on why children often shut down or resist instructions, and how sma...

Pope Leo has arrived in Africa at the start of a major pastoral tour. Ahead of his arrival, journalists on the papal flight highlighted the work of Mary’s Meals, presenting him with branded items and updating him on the scale of their school feeding programme, which now reaches more than 3 million children every school day.

The Pope was already familiar with the charity’s mission and responded warmly to news of its continued growth. The discussion comes against the backdrop of severe global food insecurity, with hundreds of millions of children affected by food poverty and many...

Travel Doctor Joe Supple spoke to Kieran Carrick about the Blue Book Hotels in Ireland.

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 J...

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 F...

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.