Episodes

Scientist Phil Smyth chats to Nikki Hayes about the Space X Crash and what space junk/debris means for us going forward

Irish sailor Karl Smith is taking on an extraordinary challenge — to become the first Irish person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. It’s a 30,000-mile journey, but Karl has an even bigger reason for doing it: raising €1 million for Parkinson’s research, care and support, inspired by his dad’s diagnosis.

Irish Cinema is experiencing a resurge with more and more people returning to theatres to watch the big blockbusters. Paul Wren from Odeon Cinemas joined Nikki Hayes to talk about why he thinks this is happening

Trish from Mary’s Meals chats about their annual Step by Step to Feed the Next Child challenge. It’s a wonderful event that sees people across Ireland put on their walking shoes and make their way towards Knock, all while raising vital funds to provide school meals for children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. This year, walkers will cover more than 200 kilometres across a number of routes before arriving in Knock. For more click HERE

David Quinn from the Iona Institute talking about the Government’s new National Strategy for Women and Girls. David has raised concerns that the strategy places a very strong emphasis on women’s participation in the workplace, while potentially undervaluing the choice to prioritise family and home To read in full CLICK HERE

We hear it more and more “Burnout” .. are we more prone to it these days? Clinical Psychologist Sheena Kumar joined Nikki hayes to discuss

The Odyssey is one of the world’s great stories of adventure, struggle and the longing for home. But what can this ancient Greek epic teach us about Christian faith? Pedro Esteva explored that question in his recent article for The Irish Catholic, “The Road Home: Why Christians Should Read The Odyssey”, and he joins us now to tell us more. To read article in full CLICK HERE

Nick Park, joining us to talk about an inspiring story of faith and resilience. Since the war in Ukraine began, displaced Ukrainians have planted around 160 churches across Europe — creating new communities of faith while rebuilding their lives far from home.

The Coombe Women’s Hospital has been at the heart of Dublin life for 200 years, and now some of that incredible history is being brought to life in a special collaboration with The Little Museum of Dublin. Daryl Hendley Rooney, curator at the Little Museum, to tell us more about the exhibition, the stories behind it and some of the fascinating treasures that help tell the Coombe’s story. Visit Little Museum of Dublin HERE

If snakes, spiders and crocodiles aren’t exactly your idea of a fun day out, James Hennessy might just change your mind! He’s the founder of the National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny, Ireland’s only dedicated reptile zoo, where the aim is to get people closer to these fascinating and often misunderstood creatures. And if you fancy getting up close and personal with some of the zoo’s residents, you can find out more here: Visit National Reptile Zoo

Imagine finally getting your dream outfit together for the Dublin Horse Show… only to discover your dress and hat have gone missing! That’s exactly what happened to Pamela Ryan — but thankfully An Post came to the rescue, locating her outfit just in time. And it was definitely worth the stress, because Pamela went on to be crowned Best Dressed at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show, walking away with a €10,000 prize!

Today we’re talking food, business and a great Irish success story. Mohammed Rashid founded Safco Fine Foods in 2012 after spotting a gap in the market for fresh, natural and halal foods. From becoming Ireland’s first wholesale falafel producer to now supplying major retailers, Safco has come a long way. Mohammed joined Lydia O’Kane on the show

Climate change is something we hear about constantly — but when it comes to tackling it, should we be putting more of our money where our mouth is? From government spending and business investment to the choices we make as individuals, there’s a huge financial question at the heart of the climate debate. Environmentalist, TED speaker and conservation educator Susan Adams joins us to ask: should we actually be investing financially in climate change — and what would that investment achieve?

Now, if you fancy going somewhere a little bit different, somewhere that feels like a real adventure, Bhutan could be the place for you. Travel expert Brian Bloomer is heading there later this month, travelling through Kolkata and the tea country of Darjeeling before making his way into Bhutan itself. He’ll be exploring some incredible places, including Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, and of course taking on that famous climb to Tiger’s Nest. Brian, this sounds like some trip! click HERE to find out ...

Electrolytes seem to be everywhere at the moment — powders, tablets, sports drinks and supplements all promising to help with hydration, energy and recovery. But how important are they and do we really need to be adding them to our daily routine? And what about energy drinks — are they giving us a useful boost or doing more harm than good? Alex Dobbs from Grassroots Nutrition joins us to separate the facts from the marketing.

We’re talking now about Unshamed 2026, a Christian women’s conference in Ireland that grew from a podcast created to break the silence and shame around issues affecting women’s bodies, minds and souls. Following the success of the She Is conference in 2023, Unshamed was born to create a safe space where women can speak openly, connect and support one another. Chloe Hannan joins us now to tell us more.

News editor Lydia O’Kane speaks about the dangers aid workers are facing in war torn countries. She spoke to Henry Wilson Smith from CAFOD

We can be very good at guarding ourselves from the world—but are we as intentional about guarding our hearts? In Proverbs we’re reminded to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Shaun Loughlin, who writes The Daily Dose, a daily devotion designed to help us bring God into the ordinary moments of our day shares what it really means to guard our hearts and protect what we’re allowing to shape us. Check them out HERE

Shankill Tennis Club has been at the forefront of developing the sport in Ireland, with a programme that has grown significantly and has welcomed players of all ages and abilities. Joining Kieran was Liam O’Donaghue from the club and Riya Devereux one of the winning athletes who represented Ireland at the International Blind Tennis World Championships, where she won two bronze medals.

Pete answers your pet questions which you can email anytime to producer@spiritradio.ie

Anthony Crossy is a podcaster, evangelist and speaker from Northern Ireland whose passion is helping people discover hope, purpose and faith in Jesus through honest conversations and real-life testimony. Through his podcast and ministry, he’s reaching people with a message of grace, restoration and encouragement.

Pregnancy is one of life’s most incredible journeys, but it can also bring moments of uncertainty, excitement and plenty of questions. For many parents, prayer becomes a source of peace, strength and reassurance as they prepare to welcome a new life into the world. Joining us today is Emma Lewis, better known as The Mama Coach and she’s going to talk about praying over your pregnancy and your newborn and how faith can become a source of comfort from bump to baby

Time for “Life in 5 “and our guest today is Camille Dillon grew up in France and now living in Balbriggan. She’s in Ireland 40 years next month. She’s ridden Icelandic ponies and bird watched at dawn in Trinidad and Tobago.

August is one of the busiest months of the year for family holidays, and while the excitement is building, so too can the nerves—especially for younger children facing their first flight or a long day of travel. Parenting expert Jen Hogan joins us with practical advice on how parents can prepare children before they even reach the airport, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination