Advertise on podcast: Documentary on Newstalk

More than 54,000 births were registered in Ireland in 2025. The vast majority of babies born last year were delivered in a hospital setting. However, for some parents the arrival of their bundle of joy can happen faster than they, or even the midwives, could have predicted. Dublin Fire Brigade, the oldest emergency service in the state, helped bring twenty-one babies into the world in 2025. This documentary tells the stories of the Doyle and Avery families who benefited from DFB fire fighters coming to their aid to help with the births of their babies, Bobby and Chloe. A special thank you to all those involved, including Dublin Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer, fire fighter Stephen Cleary, District Officer Paul Creevey, Station Officer Paul McCann, District Officer Martin O'Reilly, fire fighter John Walshe, fire fighter Barry O’Reilly and retired fire fighter Declan Power. "Dublin Fire Brigade Babies" was produced and presented by Emma Tyrrell. A special thank you to Shane Keena on the final production. Listeners are advised this documentary contains references to childbirth, miscarriages, stillbirths and cot deaths, which some people may find distressing. Image: Baby Bobby Doyle

The bombs and the bullets of Northern Ireland’s Troubles have given way to an uneasy peace, but what impact has 30 years of conflict had on people’s mental health? For many victims, the Troubles left no physical wounds but the mental health trauma of war is one they carry with them to this day.  A Troubling Legacy: Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Crisis was produced by James Wilson and supported by the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism, in partnership with Shine. And a warning that it contains discussion of sexual violence, suicide and murder that some listeners may find distressing.  If you need support contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

Producer Brian Kenny brings to life the remarkable true tale of Irish man Lafcadio Hearne who became a literary icon in his adopted home of Japan. Lafcadio Hearne - Irelands Ghost in Japan was produced, edited and recorded by Brian Kenny. This documentary was supported by a grant from Coimisiún na Meán  as part of the Sound and Vision scheme.

The Congolese guitar maestro, composer, and singer Niwel Tsumbu has become one of the most sought-after musicians in Ireland since he made this country his home in 2004. And this without ever consciously pursuing a career in music. Music was simply a passion he pursued, and it created its own road for him. Niwel: A Life in Music explores Niwel Tsumbu's life in Africa, his reasons for emigrating to Ireland, the story of his life here, and some of his musical projects across a wide range of styles. These include Irish Trad, Classical and Jazz, as well as the Congolese styles of Rhumba and Soukous. Samples of Niwel's music are interwoven with commentary from composer Mel Mercier, percussionist Eamonn Cagney, folklorist Ríonach Uí Ógáin, Niwel himself, and the presenter J.J. O'Shea, concluding with the premiere of an original composition recorded especially for the programme. In addition the programme looks at the history and culture of the Congo – a country ravaged by ongoing wars and poverty, even though it offers vital material to the modern world in terms of rare minerals which are essential for today's technologies. Niwel: A Life in Music is produced and presented by J.J. O'Shea and funded by Coimisiún na Meán.

Producer Patricia Baker of Curious Broadcast explores how food connects cultures, communities, and generations in Melting Pot. Melting Pot is a story about food, recipes passed down through generations, dishes that remind us of home and family. From Ukraine and Moldova to Nigeria, Lebanon, the Liberties of Dublin, and Zimbabwe, these are foods that carry memory. They hold the flavours of culture and the histories of the people who cook them. These are not restaurant recipes. They are family recipes: meals cooked with love, carrying memory, tradition, and identity. They are everyday meals. Comfort food. Stories you can taste. Featuring contributors from across Ireland’s diverse communities, Melting Pot explores how food preserves culture, creates connection, and helps people feel at home, wherever they are in the world. Melting Pot is a Curious Broadcast production, funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the Television Licence Fee. The Melting Pot Cookbook, featuring recipes from the documentary, is available to download free from biazine.com. Featured Recipes and Contributors: Ukraine BorschtContributor: Olena Zhuravlyova Moldova Zeama (Chicken Soup)Contributor: Angelina Kuchuk Georgia Nigvziani Badrijani (Walnut and Aubergine Rolls)Contributor: Marina Dublin, Ireland CoddleContributors: Elizabeth Duffy, Liz Clayton and Angela Rooney Lebanon KibbehContributor: Rita Sakr Zimbabwe Pap and Beef StewContributor: Normakhosi Ngwenya Nigeria Akara (Bean Fritters)Contributor: Victory Nwabu-Ekeoma Additional contributor: Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire

On this episode of Documentary and Drama on Newstalk, reporter Emma Tyrrell delves into the history of Dublin’s tenement buildings in “Beyond The Hall Door: Life in a Dublin Tenement”. The documentary features firsthand accounts of former residents on what life was like in the capital’s most densely populated accommodation from the 1940s to the 1970s, from cooking and cleaning to school and work. They describe the move from dilapidated one-room homes to new council flats and the switch to suburbia. Many of the recordings were made at one of Ireland’s best known tenement buildings, 14 Henrietta Street, in Dublin’s north inner city. The Georgian house was turned into a museum in 2018 and the documentary includes contributions from tour guide Pat Garry and social historian Donal Fallon. The former residents featured in the documentary once lived in tenements on Henrietta Street, Mary Street, Jervis Street and Charlotte Street. They include Jane Lynch, Rachel Naylor, Peter Hayes, Michael McAuley and Stephen Norton. A special thank you to the team at 14 Henrietta Street for their support in making this documentary. Also to Na Píobairí Uilleann, which allowed its headquarters at number 15 Henrietta Street to be used during the documentary.

Radio documentary ‘The Power of The People’ examines the significant impact of the ‘Dunnes Strikers’ on Ireland’s relations with South Africa and their contribution to the abolition of apartheid On 19 July 1984 Mary Manning, a shop worker in Dunnes Stores on Henry Street in Dublin, refused to handle two grapefruit which had been imported from South Africa following an instruction from her union as a protest for the apartheid policies in place in the country. Mary was suspended and thus started what would become one of the longest running strikes in trade union history. A new radio documentary produced by Kelly Crichton revisits the story, highlighting the tinder box atmosphere in Dunnes which helped lead to the strike, the evolution of the strikers' motivation and understanding as well as the dramatic and dangerous events that took place over the period of the strike. The documentary follows the journey of the strikers, from the lack of support they received from politicians, the government, the church and other groups to being heralded as heroes. It shares the support they received from key people like their union official Brendan Archbold and Nimrod Sejake, who joined them on the picket line and had been a cellmate and fellow member of the African National Congress(ANC) with Nelson Mandela. Other supporters included Archbishop Desmond Tutu who helped them gain international recognition and the Reverend Jess Jackson. It’s a story of determination, perseverance, love and triumph through adversity. Dunnes were approached for comment. The documentary was supported by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.

In the mid-1980s, young people began leaving an economically devastated Ireland for other countries. By 1986, an estimated 150,000 undocumented Irish men and women were living in the United States. Without proper paperwork they could not access healthcare, report crime or keep bank accounts - and they faced arrest and deportation by INS agents. A group of young Irish immigrants, many of them in their 20s and undocumented, set out with the lofty goal to reform U.S. immigration law in order to create an amnesty for Irish illegal aliens (and immigrants from other nations who were in the same boat). But how could these young activists convince politicians in Washington of the merits of their campaign? And how were they going to do it in the two years before Congress ended? This is the story of the Irish Immigration Reform Movement. This Land is Your Land is produced and edited by Pavel Barter, narrated by Michael Mellamphy, and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.

Take a festive journey through A History of Irish Panto, a light-hearted and informative unveiling of the story of pantomime in Ireland. This two-part documentary series focuses on the seasonal theatrical extravaganzas, from their origins on the streets of Venice in the 1500s, to their first mention in an Irish newspaper in the 1731. From the productions that spread across the country in the 1800s, to the star-studded pantos that we know and love today. From the geamaireacht, the first Irish language pantos at the Abbey Theatre, to 150 years of the tradition at the Gaiety Theatre. In the local parish halls of today, just as in the grand Victorian theatres of the past, the Irish panto has had people rolling in the aisles for centuries. With contributions from theatre historians, advocates and panto fans and performers, we recount the story of a much-loved artform: a story 500 years in the making. A History of Irish Panto is presented by Amy O’Dwyer and Donncha O’Dea, the team who brought you the IMRO-nominated documentary Extraordinary Éire. Episode 1 – Panto of the Past, It’s Behind You! Episode 2 – Panto is the Future, Oh Yes It Is! Both episodes will be available as a podcast on GoLoud and all major platforms. Written, researched and presented by Donncha O’Dea. Presented, produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer. Thanks to our special guests Sinead Burke, Conor Doyle, Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng, Annie Ryan and Ian Walsh. Voice Actors: Aisling Breen and Stephen O’Leary. A History of Irish Panto is dedicated to the memory of Joe Cleere. The programme is funded by the Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee.

Take a festive journey through A History of Irish Panto, a light-hearted and informative unveiling of the story of pantomime in Ireland. This two-part documentary series focuses on the seasonal theatrical extravaganzas, from their origins on the streets of Venice in the 1500s, to their first mention in an Irish newspaper in the 1731. From the productions that spread across the country in the 1800s, to the star-studded pantos that we know and love today. From the geamaireacht, the first Irish language pantos at the Abbey Theatre, to 150 years of the tradition at the Gaiety Theatre. In the local parish halls of today, just as in the grand Victorian theatres of the past, the Irish panto has had people rolling in the aisles for centuries. With contributions from theatre historians, advocates and panto fans and performers, we recount the story of a much-loved artform: a story 500 years in the making. A History of Irish Panto is presented by Amy O’Dwyer and Donncha O’Dea, the team who brought you the IMRO-nominated documentary Extraordinary Éire. Episode 1 – Panto of the Past, It’s Behind You! Episode 2 – Panto is the Future, Oh Yes It Is! Both episodes will be available as a podcast on GoLoud and all major platforms. Written, researched and presented by Donncha O’Dea. Presented, produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer. Thanks to our special guests Sinead Burke, Conor Doyle, Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng, Annie Ryan and Ian Walsh. Voice Actors: Aisling Breen and Stephen O’Leary. A History of Irish Panto is dedicated to the memory of Joe Cleere. The programme is funded by the Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee.

A warning that sensitive topics and upsetting content are discussed in this documentary, including eating disorders, suicide and suicidal ideation. It’s a common misconception that eating disorders only affect women. The fact is that an eating disorder can affect both men and women, boys and girls. “Dying to Get Ripped” is a two-episode series by radio producer Orla Riordan for Newstalk that explores this issue. One that is becoming more prevalent amongst Irish men. This is episode one. The documentary highlights the unique risk factors facing men, who may be suffering with an eating disorder such as over-exercising, over reliance on supplements and the use of steroids in the pursuit of the body beautiful. It will discuss the influence of social media in pushing products and a muscular ideal on young men as well as speaking to organisations who are working to reduce the stigma facing men with eating disorders. The IRFU, Horseracing Ireland, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority all participate in the discussion surrounding policies in place for anyone suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating. We speak to bodybuilders, health professionals, and family members as well as International Rugby Referee Nigel Owens on their own personal experiences with mental health issues, bulimia and anorexia, body dysmorphia and steroid use. This documentary offers an insight into the growing issue with eating disorders and body dysmorphia among young Irish men as well as highlighting ways to seek help and recover. Irish men are putting their health, fertility and even their lives at risk in search of the perfect body. If you have been affected by anything referenced in this documentary, you can contact the Bodywhys helpline on 01 210 7906 or the Samaritans on 116 123.

A warning that sensitive topics and upsetting content are discussed in this documentary, including eating disorders, suicide and suicidal ideation. It’s a common misconception that eating disorders only affect women. The fact is that an eating disorder can affect both men and women, boys and girls. “Dying to Get Ripped” is a two-episode series by radio producer Orla Riordan for Newstalk that explores this issue. One that is becoming more prevalent amongst Irish men. This is episode one. The documentary highlights the unique risk factors facing men, who may be suffering with an eating disorder such as over-exercising, over reliance on supplements and the use of steroids in the pursuit of the body beautiful. It will discuss the influence of social media in pushing products and a muscular ideal on young men as well as speaking to organisations who are working to reduce the stigma facing men with eating disorders. The IRFU, Horseracing Ireland, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority all participate in the discussion surrounding policies in place for anyone suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating. We speak to bodybuilders, health professionals, and family members as well as International Rugby Referee Nigel Owens on their own personal experiences with mental health issues, bulimia and anorexia, body dysmorphia and steroid use. This documentary offers an insight into the growing issue with eating disorders and body dysmorphia among young Irish men as well as highlighting ways to seek help and recover. Irish men are putting their health, fertility and even their lives at risk in search of the perfect body. If you have been affected by anything referenced in this documentary, you can contact the Bodywhys helpline on 01 210 7906 or the Samaritans on 116 123.

On Documentary and Drama on Newstalk, reporter Josh Crosbie brings us ‘The Fragility of Peace: Tigray’s Forgotten War.’ This year’s IMRO-award-winning reporter travelled to the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia with Trócaire to examine the impact of conflict. The Tigray war lasted from November 2020 to November 2022. It’s estimated that one million people have died since the war started and a further million people have been displaced from their homes. Many experts have described the war as the deadliest conflict of the 21st century. Josh travelled to the area in November/December 2025 to bring us the latest update on how this war has affected communities and the economy, and met humanitarian workers who are trying to rebuild the lives of those impacted by the conflict and programme participants who are trying to survive in the aftermath of war. We are brought inside IDP camps for displaced people, safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, trauma-informed schools, educational and employment facilities.

A warning that sensitive topics and upsetting content are discussed in this documentary, including eating disorders, suicide and suicidal ideation. It’s a common misconception that eating disorders only affect women. The fact is that an eating disorder can affect both men and women, boys and girls. “Dying to Get Ripped” is a two-episode series by radio producer Orla Riordan for Newstalk that explores this issue. One that is becoming more prevalent amongst Irish men. This is episode one. The documentary highlights the unique risk factors facing men, who may be suffering with an eating disorder such as over-exercising, over reliance on supplements and the use of steroids in the pursuit of the body beautiful. It will discuss the influence of social media in pushing products and a muscular ideal on young men as well as speaking to organisations who are working to reduce the stigma facing men with eating disorders. The IRFU, Horseracing Ireland, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority all participate in the discussion surrounding policies in place for anyone suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating. We speak to bodybuilders, health professionals, and family members as well as International Rugby Referee Nigel Owens on their own personal experiences with mental health issues, bulimia and anorexia, body dysmorphia and steroid use. This documentary offers an insight into the growing issue with eating disorders and body dysmorphia among young Irish men as well as highlighting ways to seek help and recover. Irish men are putting their health, fertility and even their lives at risk in search of the perfect body. If you have been affected by anything referenced in this documentary, you can contact the Bodywhys helpline on 01 210 7906 or the Samaritans on 116 123.

On Documentary & Drama on Newstalk, producer Mary Lavery Carrig brings you into the life of Mistura Oyebanj, a Muslim woman in her mid-20s. In June 2024, Mistura stood as a candidate in the Local Elections for the Tralee municipal district area, in Co Kerry. From her arrival as a refugee child, to losing her mother in a tragic car accident, to putting her name on the ballot paper as a candidate in 2024, this is a heartfelt story. You will listen to the Mayor of Kerry and the Mayor of Derry & Strabane District, to her family and friends, and you will get to know Mistura herself, the central character. Cian McGrath and Zahid Khan Ahmadzai are Senior Editor and Assistant Editor, music by Matt Griffin, and the producer, researcher and narrator is Mary Lavery Carrig. This documentary was funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.