Episodes

Aisling Kinsella from Bird Watch Ireland spoke to Wendy about how a new wave of Gen Z are taking up bird watching – Birdwatching has officially transitioned from a niche, older-generation pastime into one of Gen Z’s fastest-growing hobbies.

Miriam O’Callaghan chatted to Wendy about RTÉ’s new documentary, Ireland’s Population Crash, which explores the fact that in just one decade, Ireland’s birth rate has fallen by a staggering 30 per cent. It’s a fact that is worrying economists and demographers, who warn that if the trend continues, it could threaten Ireland’s future workforce and place untold financial strain on the State pension system.

Bowel Cancer Ireland has renewed its calls for better prevention and screenings following the death of Irish Olympian and European champion runner Ciara Mageean. Adam Ratcliffe shared his story with Wendy.

Jeff Fontaine from the Schuman Centre for European Studies chatted to Wendy about the future of Europe and the current debate about the triplelock.

Sometimes, you meet someone through your work and expect to spend a few hours telling their story — never imagining that the encounter will lead to a friendship that stays with you for years. In 2019, journalist Colm Flynn interviewed Niall McDonagh for RTÉ’s Nationwide, sharing the remarkable story of a man whose journey to the priesthood was shaped by personal tragedy, faith and a desire to serve others. Niall’s story touched people across Ireland, and that interview became the beginning of a ...

Martina Kenny from My Lovely Horse Rescue discusses the growing dangers facing animals, particularly around Halloween. Illegal fireworks and unregulated bonfires can cause serious distress and injury to pets, horses and livestock. Martina and her team also deal with disturbing cases of animal cruelty involving dogs, cats, sheep and horses. With rescue services expecting to be especially busy this weekend, we’ll discuss the dangers, the challenges facing animal rescuers and what people can do to ...

150 people had been killed on Irish roads by 22 October 2026, according to provisional Garda figures.That was 12 more deaths than at the same point in 2025. Leo Lieghio, Irish road-safety campaigner and Vice-President of the Irish Road Victims Association joined Kieran on the show today. Following the tragic loss of his 16-year-old daughter, Marsia, in a hit-and-run collision, Leo has dedicated himself to raising awareness and preventing further road deaths.

Our weekly Life in 5 is with Gaia Vijayakumar from St Andrews Presbyterian Church.

Across Ireland, rural towns are struggling with vacant premises, traditional main streets are losing their character, and Dublin’s O’Connell Street continues to face concerns about antisocial behaviour and its impact on businesses and visitors. Local shops are more than places to buy everyday essentials. They provide jobs, support local communities and help give our towns their identity. But with rising business costs, changing shopping habits and concerns about the safety and appearance of our ...

Pastor Nick Park, Executive Director of Evangelical Alliance Ireland discusses National Praise Day in Ireland. This gathering brings Christians from different churches and denominations together for an evening of praise, worship and prayer for our nation. At a time when faith and Christianity are changing in Irish society, we’ll explore the importance of Christian unity, the role of prayer, and whether gatherings like this can help renew faith across Ireland. Click HERE for more

When life feels overwhelming, when we’re anxious about the future or simply struggling to find a little peace in the middle of a busy day, where do we turn for comfort and reassurance? One of the most beloved passages in the Bible, Psalm 23, reminds us that God is our shepherd — that He guides us, provides for us and walks beside us, even through our darkest valleys. But how do we take those beautiful words off the page and make them part of our everyday lives? Also Liberty Church’s The Great Bi...

The Government is preparing to introduce a new investment account scheme designed to make investing more accessible to people across Ireland. Due to open on 1 July 2027, subject to legislation, the accounts will allow people to invest up to €12,000 a year, with a €50,000 tax-free threshold and a 1% annual tax on the account value above that threshold. The aim is to encourage people to put their money to work, rather than leaving all their savings sitting in the bank. But what does this mean for ...

What does it say about the state of our young people’s mental health when referrals for support have soared by 39%? Behind every number is a young person who may be struggling, a family looking for answers, and a growing demand for help. So what’s driving this crisis, and are we doing enough? Adam Burke chats with Wendy

What does it mean to follow Jesus when your own people are living through unimaginable suffering? And where is the Church when the land where Christianity began is crying out for justice, peace and hope? My guest is Palestinian pastor and theologian Dr Munther Isaac, whose powerful sermon, Christ in the Rubble, challenged Christians around the world to confront the suffering in Gaza through the lens of their faith. He will be speaking at the upcoming Church at the Crossroads conference in Belfas...

It’s a challenging time for many families, with the cost of everyday essentials putting real pressure on household budgets. CSO figures show that in 2025, almost 45% of households reported at least some difficulty making ends meet, rising to almost 84% of single-adult households with children under 18. So, how do we manage our money when there’s more month left than money? Alan McElwee from Christians Against Poverty shares some practical budgeting advice and talk about the support available to ...

We’re starting to think about Christmas, and for many children, it’s a time of excitement, presents and family. But for children living in poverty, it can be a very different story. That’s where the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal comes in. Every year, thousands of shoeboxes filled with little gifts are delivered directly to children who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. Terresa from Team Hope tells us more about the appeal, how we can get involved, and the incredible...

Luke McCann from Human Life International joins us to reflect on a recent speech by Father Luke Carney in Knock, titled The Holy Face of Jesus. It’s a theme that invites us to look more deeply at our faith, how we see Christ, and how that shapes the way we live and treat others. It also comes at an important time for the Church in Ireland, following the National Synodal Assembly in Gormanston, where clergy and lay delegates gathered to discuss how the Church can become more welcoming, collaborat...

Young people are being encouraged to have their say on some of the biggest challenges facing our world, from climate change and human rights to equality and inclusion. The Global Solidarity Hub – Youth for Action takes place this Saturday, October 24th, at TU Dublin’s Aungier Street campus. It’s a free event bringing together young people aged 18 to 30 for a day of discussion, workshops, performances and ideas on how they can make a difference. Róisín McAtamney is Global Citizenship Education Ma...

For many people, walking in nature is a chance to switch off, clear the head and take a break from the busyness of everyday life. But what if it could also be an opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with others? Christian hiking brings people together to explore the beauty of the natural world while sharing their faith and giving thanks to God for creation.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we live, work and communicate, but what does it mean for our humanity, and how should the Church respond? Fr Joseph Royan, a Redemptorist priest and doctoral student in Rome, joins me now to discuss the Church’s perspective on AI, the dignity of the human person, and the challenges and opportunities this rapidly developing technology presents.

Fr. Michael Collins has rewritten a biography of Pope Leo, with all proceeds from the book going to charity to support abandoned elderly people in Peru. It’s a project that brings together faith, compassion and a commitment to some of the most vulnerable in society. Fr. Collins joins me now to talk about the book, his conversations with Pope Leo, and what those encounters have revealed about the man behind the papacy.

Gentle parenting is built around empathy, connection and understanding, encouraging parents to guide their children through calm communication rather than shouting or punishment. But as concerns grow about behaviour in schools, some are asking whether this approach is leaving teachers struggling to manage increasingly challenging behaviour in the classroom. Is gentle parenting being misunderstood, or could it be contributing to a wider problem? Parenting expert Catriona Lynch joins us now to dis...

Solicitors working in criminal defence have withdrawn their services in an escalating dispute with the Minister for Justice over a proposed new payment scheme for criminal legal aid. The action raises serious questions about access to justice and the impact on people who rely on legal representation, including those involved in rape and other serious criminal cases. The Minister Jim O’Callaghan is due to address solicitors this morning, with the dispute showing little sign of easing. Donal O’Sul...

How often are new mums told, “Enjoy every minute,” or “The days are long, but the years are short”? While these words are usually well-intentioned, for a mother who is exhausted, overwhelmed and struggling to get through the day, they can add another layer of guilt. Motherhood doesn’t have to be magical every minute, and struggling doesn’t mean you’re not grateful. Today, I’m joined by journalist Niamh O’Reilly to talk about the pressure new mums face.