The Big Story

By Midlands 103

Real People. Real Stories.

There are stories that rarely get told — but need to be. Each episode features a candid interview with individuals navigating serious challenges — from health crises to pers... more

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FAQs about The Big Story:

How many episodes does The Big Story have?

The podcast currently has 72 episodes available.

The Big Story episodes:

March 06, 2026 Bressie: Love, Loss And Rejection
Bressie says he hopes sharing the story of pregnancy loss will help break the silence and support others facing similar heartbreak.
Mullingar's Niall Breslin says it was the most devastating moment when doctors told him and his partner Louize they could not detect their baby’s heartbeat.
The mental health advocate says only minutes earlier they had excitedly discussing the kind of parents they hoped to become.
The author and singer says he decided to write about the experience from a male perspective, in his new book The Place That Has Never Been Wounded, because it's not just about grief it’s about utter love.
He's been speaking with Will Faulkner on the Midlands Today Show:
...more
24min
March 04, 2026 91-Year-Old Athlone Man Waiting For Flight Out Of Dubai
A 91-year-old Athlone man is among those waiting for a flight out of Dubai.
Terry Carmody, was on holidays with his family and was due to fly home on Monday but the flight was cancelled.
Two Emirates flights between Dublin and Dubai are going ahead today, the first ones since hostilities broke out last weekend.
Terry's grandson in law Aaron Bannon Whelan says they arranged a flight themselves for Friday but there's been no contact from the embassy:
...more
13min
March 03, 2026 Alopecia: "I Cried And Cried"
A Westmeath woman says she started noticing she had patches of hair loss at 15.
Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has Alopecia Areata and says she was so scared when she had to go for a wig.
She has set up the Hair Loss Haven to help others suffering with the condition.
The Mullingar woman has been speaking with Sinéad Hubble on Midlands 103 and says she had always taken really good care of her hair:
...more
12min
March 03, 2026 Middle East: The Children Are Asking Questions But We Don't Have Answers For Them
The Government is considering charter flights to evacuate Irish citizens stranded in the Middle East.
It comes as the conflict intensifies and commercial air travel remains severely disrupted.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says contingency plans are being examined.
Citizens in affected areas are being urged to register with the department.
Ballymore's Anthony Kearney, who is living in Doha with his family, says it’s impossible to predict what will happen next:
...more
11min
March 02, 2026 The Challenges And Rewards Of Fostering
A Westmeath couple who has been fostering for eighteen years says it's a special thing to open up your family home, on Focus on Foster Care Week 2026.
Castlepollard's Alfie and Nicola Devine have fostered six or seven children over the years, including one girl who came to them at age two and is now 12.
They, who also have a 29-year-old daughter, a 24-year-old son and one grandchild, believe the experience has proved both rewarding and challenging.
Foster Care Week is taking place this week and Foster Care Ireland says there is a shortage of foster carers as there is an increasing number of children entering care.
The Devines have been speaking with Will Faulkner and say its amazing to be able to set children up for life.
...more
15min
February 27, 2026 Midlands Teenager Seriously Injured In Collision Regaining Some Independence
A midlands teenager, who was seriously injured in a collision, is out of ICU.
Miya Connolly Loonam was transferred to Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin after the crash earlier this month.
Miya's family say the move from ICU feels like nothing short of a miracle and she's beginning to regain some independence, by using a wheelchair and learning to use crutches.
Valerie Rooney, Chairperson of Clara Ladies GAA Club has been speaking to Will Faulkner and says the family are grateful for all the support they have received.
...more
6min
February 24, 2026 Former Westmeath Footballer Calls Out "Gremlin Comments" On Social Media
A former midlands footballer says people will always find some reason to attack you online.
Gemma Leahy from Mullingar says she noticed she lost a lot of followers after she posted a photo of her and her wife.
She has been speaking with David Hollywood on Midlands 103:
...more
9min
February 18, 2026 Winter Olympian Annabelle Zurbay Is "Very Driven"
An Irish Winter Olympian is being described as "very driven" by her Westmeath family.
Annette Dalton, is a first cousin of the mother of Annabelle Zurbay, who is competing in the slalom and giant slalom at the Winter Olympics.
Ms Dalton says Annabelle is dedicated to her craft:
...more
6min
February 17, 2026 Decision To Reduce Allocation For SNAs In Schools Makes No Sense
A Laois mum says her six-year-old son won't be able to attend school, if two SNA posts are terminated.
Aisling Donoher is making the comments after a number of schools, including her child's school, Rath National School, were told last week they're allocation of special needs assistants will be cut in September
She says Dan has a range of complex needs and needs one-on-one support.
Junior Education Minister, Michael Moynihan, says schools can ask the National Council for Special Education to reconsider the outcome of reviews.
Ms. Donoher says she's upset and concerned:
...more
12min
February 16, 2026 People Presumed We Were A Happy Couple But Behind Closed Doors It Was Anything But Happy
Kirsty Fitzpatrick, who was assaulted with a golf club, is warning domestic abuse victims to "get out before it's too late".
She was assaulted in her Athlone home by her former partner in February 2024.
39-year-old Mark Conway, Marine View, Athlone, received a six year jail sentence after pleading guilty to assault causing harm in July last year.
She has been speaking with Will Faulkner on "Midlands Today" and says she's still trying to move on with her life:
...more
15min

FAQs about The Big Story:

How many episodes does The Big Story have?

The podcast currently has 72 episodes available.