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 small shifts in communication can lead to better understanding, fewer conflicts, and more cooperation at home.

Whether you’re dealing with toddlers, school-age kids, or teenagers, this episode offers useful strategies to improve connection and make everyday conversations a little easier — and a lot more effective.

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 still out of school.

Mary’s Meals says school feeding remains a vital intervention, offering children a daily meal in school for just a small donation per year, helping to improve both education and nutrition outcomes in some of the world’s poorest communities.

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 Jigsaw Ireland.

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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 Father Eamon Conway. Father, you’re very welcome.

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. 

Time now for our life in 5 .. where we talk to someone about their faith and their walk with the Lord.  

Today I’m delighted to be joined by Mark Teisler Goldsmith founder of Open House Ministries. Mark is from Kent , Sotuh East England.  

He loves to swim, recently has swam the English channell for charity, loves to hike with his dog Tia and Kayak with his wife Laura and the kids. 

He also shares details on the upcoming retreat for men with Open House Ministries – OHM Rize Men’s Retreat from 8th to 10th May—a powerful three-day weekend to rediscover who you truly are.

They’re doing it at Drewstown House in County Meath, a beautiful facility surrounded by countryside and natural beauty, where they’ll have teachings, live worship, deliverance, soul healing, prayer, kayaking, and so much more!

Tickets can be booked at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ohm-rize-mens–retreat-ireland-2026-tickets-1978682463513