

The Group Chat
Virgin Media News
A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday as they discuss the latest and breaking news from Ireland and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 5, 2023 • 46min
Spicebag, Stormy & Homeless Pets
A tense interview with artist Spicebag and Fionnan Sheahan has caused huge online debate around his Garda artwork.Gavan explains the lack of supports for children with autism and how long it can take for a child to be assessed. Are these problems unfixable?Trump has been arrested and the trio explain why things are about to get a lot more complicated for him... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 29, 2023 • 47min
Will things ever change?
Gavan, Richard and Zara talk Ireland’s misleading housing promises & some out of touch comments made by a government TD that had Zara in shock. The Irish Defence Forces’ abuse against women has been detailed in a report raising the question, “will things ever change?"An image of the pope wearing a stylish winter coat turned out to be completely AI generated. Will AI change society to a point where "seeing is no longer believing?"Gwyneth Paltrow is in court for 'ski-gate', Succession is back and "the vibes in Irish sport have never been as positive as right now" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 23, 2023 • 46min
TikTok turmoil, climate time bomb & where are we all going to live??
On The Group Chat, Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in the same room once again to talk the end of the eviction ban and the reality of the housing crisis. Richard takes a look at what you could get on Daft.ie today and for what price... The future of TikTok is uncertain as concerns rise around their access to user data and how easily accessible it is by the Chinese government.There's "good news" and "bad news" for the planet as the EU demands more ambitious climate targets. But why is Ireland lowering its targets? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 16, 2023 • 40min
Hello Biden, bye-bye Tubridy, & your ma's cream carpet
On The Group Chat, Tubridy is leaving The Late Late Show, Joe Biden is coming to Ireland and Zara spent nearly 2 entire days travelling back from The Oscars due to flight disruptions.The trio talk Leo Varadkar's Washington visit and the many gaffes of The Ireland Funds dinner over the years.Later, Richard and Zara talk St Patrick's Day and the iconic staples of a local St Patrick's Day parade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 2023 • 43min
From LA to LA-ois
Zara, Richard and Gavan talk the Oscars as Zara joins from Los Angeles. Has the 'Will Smith slap' reignited an 'Oscars buzz'? Zara explains why a Paul Mescal win might be unlikely.The evictions ban has been ended, it's snowing in March and Eamon Ryan says free public transport will lead to unnecessary journeys.Drones affect Dublin Airport for the 6th time in six months. Once again the front door of the country is off its hinges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 2, 2023 • 57min
Bertie is back, Brexit is done & celebrities are people too
Richard, Gavan & Zara talk about the possible return of Bertie Ahern, past Irish presidential controversies and Rishi Sunak's description of Northern Ireland: Is Brexit done and dusted?The trio reminisce on meeting their idols as Paul Mescal addresses fan concerns. Is selfie culture getting out of hand?Holly Cairns is the leader of the Social Democrats, COVID enquiry and do we need a younger president? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 23, 2023 • 56min
Taksie backsies, tomato shortage and world's worst spy
It’s a show with a difference after a dramatic week at VMTVRichard, Gavan and Zara talk Simpsons parallels, a new cost of living package and the Portugal housing model. Would it work in Ireland?The best petrol stations in Ireland, accident in the Dáil and the viral story of the world’s worst spyFruit and vegetable shortage explained, trouble in Venice and another side to Joe Biden’s visit to Ukraine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 2023 • 49min
Forgotten Syria, Balloon Wars & GPS lockets
Richard, Gavan & Zara are joined by Alex Crawford to talk about the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and how politics in Syria are interfering with the relief effort.Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman joins to talk racism in Ireland and the logistics of housing refugees. Later, the trio discuss the alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down over the US and the Too Into You campaign by Women's Aid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 2023 • 42min
ISIS, Earthquakes and Manchester City
Gavan & Zara lead a Richard-less Group Chat this week. Host of the podcast, I'm Not A Monster, Josh Baker joins to explain the divisive story of Shamima Begum, the British-born student who left the UK at age 15 to join ISIS. Eva Hinds of UNICEF talks us through the devastating effects of the earthquake in Turkey & Syria and the reality for relief workers helping in the area.Following the Manchester City controversy, Will Dalton of Virgin Media Sport explains the situation and how it is affecting fan morale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 2, 2023 • 46min
Enoch Burke, St Brigid's bathwater, young and trans in Ireland
Gavan and Zara are joined by Nicole Gernon to explain the Enoch Burke situation and why he now owes over €3000 in fines.Matt Kennedy joins to discuss his experience being young and trans in Ireland and Dr. Robert Ross of TUD explains ChatGPT and what makes it different from other AI.Later, Gavan and Zara ask ChatGPT to write a letter from Michael D. Higgins to Santa Claus and Gavan explains St Brigid's bathwater as well as the almighty bank holiday Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.