The Confession Box

Irish moral theologian Dr Vincent Twomey who studied under Pope Benedict discusses Trump and Just War theory, Cardinal Ratzinger and Vatican II, the perplexing lack of moral courage in Irish people and more in The Confession Box

In the latest episode of The Confession Box, host Wendy Grace chats with Rob O’Hara the youth coordinator for the Diocese of Armagh. In our conversation, we hear about his life, the ups and downs and what role faith has played in it all, from love to loss to looking for happiness in all the wrong places, before getting back on the path God had planned for him.

Garry O’Sullivan interviews Dublin's newest Auxiliary Bishop Paul Dempsey about his move from the Diocese of Achonry, the challenges he faces in Ireland's largest diocese, and more!

The overwhelming evidence on the impact of digital devices on children's mental health and development continues to mount. But is it possible to get the genie back in the bottle?In this episode of The Confession Box, Wendy Grace talks to one of the founders of a UK movement aiming to give children a smartphone free childhood. They explore the harm these devices are causing and the grassroots movements finally pushing back in an effort to start a culture change.Wendy also talks to Cybersafe Kids about the new draft online safety code which aims to make social media companies more accountable. But will it actually make any difference? And what are some practical things parents can do to help them navigate the digital world.

On the latest episode of The Confession Box, host Wendy Grace talks to data scientist and demographer Stephen J. Shaw about the detrimental impacts of population decline. Stephen explains the shocking revelations from his documentary film "Birthgap - Childless World" including:- Causes and societal impacts of falling birth rates around the world- Unplanned childlessness- Population collapse and its impacts- The future for our children- Impacts on health, housing and the workforce- What strategies need to be put in place to try and reverse the trend

Eoin McCormack, a parish catechist in a busy Dublin parish is in the Confession Box this week to tell us what young Catholics are searching for and what challenges they are facing in a culture that has walked away from traditional faith.

In the latest episode of The Confession Box, we speak with Julianne Stanz about faith and children’s faith formation – what would you say to a 7 year old if they ask you what’s the closest planet to heaven?Julianne is the author of 'The Catholic Parents Survival Guide – Straight Answers to Your Kids Toughest Questions' and she spoke to real parents and kids from all different ages and answered the faith questions that sometimes perplex parents.

In the latest episode of The Confession Box, Wendy Grace talks to Fertility expert Dr Phil Boyle, the president of the International Institute for restorative reproductive medicine.Wendy and Dr Boyle explore Ireland's falling fertility rate and the impact that the 'birthgap' will have socio economically, the Government spending taxpayers money on Fertility treatments that cost more and are less effective and how women's health is often ignored or sidelined.

Are content-creating children safe in the online sphere? Are they protected from being hypersexualised by thousands of viewers? Are brands using ‘child influencers’ encouraging an unhealthy industry where parents ‘manage’ their child’s time and money for their personal gain? What are the long term psychological consequences of such an upbringing?Regular hosts Brandon Scott and Wendy Grace sit down with Essex Law School lecturer Dr Francis Rees to discuss the rising number of young influencers in Ireland and abroad. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have exposed the unregulated role of parents who are commodifying their children, sometimes pulling them out of school to record the perfect shot for brand tie-ups, ignoring concerns surrounding consent and privacy. What can be done to regulate this growing industry?

Dr Eamonn Conway is an expert in Catholic education and one of the international researchers of a new report on the state of Catholic ethos in Ireland’s Catholic schools. The report's findings state that the next generation of principals and teachers are not believers and are unlikely to carry on the Catholic ethos.