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It’s a challenging time for many families, with the cost of everyday essentials putting real pressure on household budgets. CSO figures show that in 2025, almost 45% of households reported at least some difficulty making ends meet, rising to almost 84% of single-adult households with children under 18.  So, how do we manage our money when there’s more month left than money? Alan McElwee from Christians Against Poverty shares some practical budgeting advice and talk about the support available to people who are struggling financially.

We’re starting to think about Christmas, and for many children, it’s a time of excitement, presents and family. But for children living in poverty, it can be a very different story. That’s where the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal comes in.  Every year, thousands of shoeboxes filled with little gifts are delivered directly to children who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning.  Terresa from Team Hope tells us more about the appeal, how we can get involved, and the incredible difference one simple shoebox can make.

Luke McCann from Human Life International joins us to reflect on a recent speech by Father Luke Carney in Knock, titled The Holy Face of Jesus.  It’s a theme that invites us to look more deeply at our faith, how we see Christ, and how that shapes the way we live and treat others.  It also comes at an important time for the Church in Ireland, following the National Synodal Assembly in Gormanston, where clergy and lay delegates gathered to discuss how the Church can become more welcoming, collaborative and open in its communication.

Young people are being encouraged to have their say on some of the biggest challenges facing our world, from climate change and human rights to equality and inclusion. The Global Solidarity Hub – Youth for Action takes place this Saturday, October 24th, at TU Dublin’s Aungier Street campus. It’s a free event bringing together young people aged 18 to 30 for a day of discussion, workshops, performances and ideas on how they can make a difference. Róisín McAtamney is Global Citizenship Education Manager at Sightsavers Ireland, one of the organisations behind the event

For many people, walking in nature is a chance to switch off, clear the head and take a break from the busyness of everyday life. But what if it could also be an opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with others?  Christian hiking brings people together to explore the beauty of the natural world while sharing their faith and giving thanks to God for creation.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we live, work and communicate, but what does it mean for our humanity, and how should the Church respond?  Fr Joseph Royan, a Redemptorist priest and doctoral student in Rome, joins me now to discuss the Church’s perspective on AI, the dignity of the human person, and the challenges and opportunities this rapidly developing technology presents.

Fr. Michael Collins has rewritten a biography of Pope Leo, with all proceeds from the book going to charity to support abandoned elderly people in Peru. It’s a project that brings together faith, compassion and a commitment to some of the most vulnerable in society.  Fr. Collins joins me now to talk about the book, his conversations with Pope Leo, and what those encounters have revealed about the man behind the papacy.

Gentle parenting is built around empathy, connection and understanding, encouraging parents to guide their children through calm communication rather than shouting or punishment.  But as concerns grow about behaviour in schools, some are asking whether this approach is leaving teachers struggling to manage increasingly challenging behaviour in the classroom. Is gentle parenting being misunderstood, or could it be contributing to a wider problem?  Parenting expert Catriona Lynch joins us now to discuss.

Solicitors working in criminal defence have withdrawn their services in an escalating dispute with the Minister for Justice over a proposed new payment scheme for criminal legal aid.  The action raises serious questions about access to justice and the impact on people who rely on legal representation, including those involved in rape and other serious criminal cases.  The Minister Jim O’Callaghan  is due to address solicitors this morning, with the dispute showing little sign of easing. Donal O’Sullivan, solicitor, joins me now to explain what’s at stake and what happens next.

How often are new mums told, “Enjoy every minute,” or “The days are long, but the years are short”? While these words are usually well-intentioned, for a mother who is exhausted, overwhelmed and struggling to get through the day, they can add another layer of guilt.  Motherhood doesn’t have to be magical every minute, and struggling doesn’t mean you’re not grateful. Today, I’m joined by journalist Niamh O’Reilly to talk about the pressure new mums face.