A fascinating, hard hitting and revealing series of interviews with three young men who work in the fitness business in Waterford.

Jamie, Ian and Ross talk to Damien Tiernan in this exclusive podcast about their life, the drugs they took in the past, and the wonderful drug of healing, life and hope as they chart their paths for the future.

Their stories come from the heart, and they're great for the head.

Click the image above to be inspired...

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Independent TD for Cork North Central Ken O’Flynn has criticised the government for refusing to exempt gratuities from income tax.

He is quoted saying that "Taxing tips is petty and profoundly unfair — the Government must scrap it".

Deputy O’Flynn is now calling for a full exemption from PAYE, USC and PRSI for all genuine customer gratuities.

Anna Kissane, college student completing her work experience with WLR, spoke to Damien on 'Déise Today' this morning (Thursday) about working in the hospitality sector and what the current situation is surrounding taxation on gratuity payments.

Listen back to learn about tipping in the Irish hospitality sector, what the tax laws are in other countries, and to hear some local voices express their opinions.

Just click the image above!

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Mark Graham and Ellie O'Byrne are making history and testing boundaries on their phenomenal global tour!

The couple set off from the Prom in Tramore, County Waterford, on February 1st of this year and have since been cycling East across the world.

Mark and Ellie spoke to Damien on 'Déise Today' this morning (Thursday) from China, their 13th destination, about their journey across the Silk Road, the challenges they've run into and why they started this journey.

Listen back and be inspired by their tales of resilience, the kindness of strangers, and how they manage the challenges of travel while staying connected to home.

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Senthill Ramasamy spoke to Damien this morning (Wednesday) on 'Déise Today' about the vibrant Indian community in Waterford, highlighting cultural celebrations and the importance of integration of diverse nationalities in light of recent racist attacks in Dublin.

Senthill speaks about why education is so important in order to build stronger ties within the community.

To listen back to their conversation, click the image above...

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A section of Waterford's 900-year-old Norman walls has been removed and destroyed as part of an act of vandalism.

Fianna Fáil representative Eamon Quinlan spoke to Damien this morning (Tuesday) on 'Déise Today' about the vandalism incidents that have seen damage caused to the Priory, the Quaker Tombstones and the Walls by Wyse Park.

Delving into the history behind the walls, Councillor Quinlan expressed the significance of these walls and the importance of protecting such a core part of Waterford's history from anti-social behaviour.

To listen back to their conversation, click the image above!

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Ireland's premiere summer street party, Spraoi, takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The ever-fantastic and free Waterford festival kicks off tomorrow (Friday) and features a packed programme of events that will create a brilliant buzz throughout the city over the three days.

This morning, Spraoi founder and director TV Honan joined Damien in studio on 'Deise Today' for a chat about the festival over the years and also a look ahead to the offering this weekend!

You can listen back to their chat by clicking on the image above....

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Health insurer VHI is to increase the cost of seven plans, just weeks after other hikes, it was confirmed this week.

Price rises are coming almost monthly now, prompting a slowdown in the numbers taking out and renewing health insurance.

Damien spoke to Ireland's leading expert on health insurance on 'Deise Today' this week.

Click on the image above to listen to the conversation between Damien and Dermot Goode...

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Momin Hilles is a 29-year-old emergency doctor currently working in UHW.

He is from Gaza originally, from where is escaped about 18 months ago.

And so far, he has lost over 100 extended family members to the war.

This morning (Tuesday), Momin came into studio for 'Deise Today' where he told his own compelling story, explained why international aid is failing - and encouraged Irish people to act.

He has contacted all our TDs here in Waterford as he is hoping to help put political pressure on for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. He believes Ireland can and should show leadership.

Momin is hoping also to evacuate his family from Gaza, and ideally, bring them to Ireland where three of his sisters in particular, also in medicine, could become contributing members of society under the critical Skills Employment Permit.

To listen back to Momin's compelling interview by Damien this morning, you can click on the image above...

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UP to 30,000 will be flocking to Portlaw this coming weekend for the sixth chapter of the much-anticipated All Together Now festival.

This year's event sold out in March and huge preparations have been taking place on-site at Curraghmore Estate in recent weeks ahead of it all kicking off.

Access to the site is open to all ticket-holder from Thursday at 4pm, with significant traffic and other plans in place to make accessing the site as easy as possible.

Ahead of the event, Damien spoke this morning (Monday) to Will Rolfe, promoter, curator and creative director with 'Pod Festivals' who are behind the event.

We also featured a chat with Gda Mark Gavin from Portlaw Garda Station about traffic management and safety issues.

You can listen back to both pieces by clicking on the image above....

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This morning (Friday), Damien was joined in studio by former ophthalmic surgeon/consultant at UHW, Patrick Condon.

Patrick - who was also pivotal in the establishing in the 80s of the 'Fight for Sight' charity - has just published a book, called 'Eye Healthcare - a 90-year history of progress'.

Patrick is hugely well known in Waterford and further afield for his fantastic work in eyecare and over the years he has helped many, many people.

All royalties from his new book are going to the Ridley Eye Foundation.

You can listen back to Patrick's very interesting conversation with Damien by clicking on the image above...

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