

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

Dec 8, 2022 • 44min
Royals revealed, Strep A explained & Why does Brazil hate Roy Keane?
On The Group Chat, a Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) survey shows two thirds of recent graduates are considering emigration. Career breaks for teachers could be cancelled & what should parents be wary of with Strep A circulating in schools according to the CMO.What is the Patient Safety Bill & will Stephen Donnelly see it complete after 4 years? New Airbnb legislation could see 12,000 houses freed up.Miguel Delaney explains the "invisible" workers in Qatar responsible for The World Cup functioning & Iranian Morality Police have gotten worse?Later, the trio discuss the Netflix Documentary set to expose the Royal Family; Harry & Meghan & what did Roy Keane say to become an enemy of Brazil? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 2022 • 47min
4-day work week, Bankers get a bonus & A Peppa Pig Spotify Wrapped
Richard, Zara & Gavan reflect on the Raise The Roof protest & are young people becoming deflated by the housing crisis? The trio share their Spotify Wrapped and chat about the logistics of a 4-day work week. Leo's return to Taoiseach is set to shake up the Dáil & The Group Chat is joined by Trina O'Connor to talk about human trafficking & the importance of supporting victims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 2022 • 46min
Iranian morality police, FIFA hypocrisy & what will Dublin rent get you in New York?
On The Group Chat, the trio hear from Irish people abroad who give their reactions to the housing crisis and Leo Varadkar's "the grass is greener" statement. Why does FIFA object to armbands and have they no control over The World Cup in Qatar? Gabriel Scally issues his report on the CervicalCheck recommendations and explains the progress made and need for open disclosure. Richard, Zara & Gavan are joined by Aida Younesi to discuss the situation in Iran as she explains everything from the Iranian morality police to the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 2022 • 44min
Remembering Vicky Phelan, World Cup foul play & Trump returns
On The Group Chat, Richard, Zara & Gavan are joined by Stephen Teap to remember Vicky Phelan. They reflect on the CervicalCheck scandal and the Dáil's response to Vicky's passing. The guys also talk about The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 & the numerous problems with Qatar and their treatment of human rights. Donald Trump announces his White House bid for 2024 & could there be a turkey shortage this Christmas? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 2022 • 45min
Meta layoffs, COP27 lowdown and is Trump back?
Richard brings The Group Chat outside the United States Capitol building and shares his run ins with conspiracy theorists, Trump fans & Sean Spicer. Twitter & Meta lay-offs are in the news and will HSE wait times only get worse? Tara Shine joins from COP27 to share a taste of the conference and some causes for climate optimism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 2022 • 45min
MAGA-mania in America, Twitter's Musk era begins and Hancock hits the Jungle
On The Group Chat, Richard is stateside following the Mid-term election trail. Also on the agenda, Elon Musk has ideas for Twitter, and some people are not happy, former UK Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock is heading to the I'm a Celeb jungle and the Taoiseach weighs in on Mansion House's live animal Christmas crib. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 2022 • 49min
Fleeing War: Alina Kalmykova on her journey from Ukraine to Ireland
Alina Kalmykova joins The Group Chat to discuss on her experience of fleeing war and Ireland's accommodation shortage for Ukrainian refugees. Also on the agenda, a new era of pub opening times, abortion in Ireland and why are people throwing food at art? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 2022 • 46min
Trouble for Truss with Lewis Goodall, eviction ban and a fridge too far for Leo Varadkar
Lewis Goodall of The News Agents joins The Group Chat to try and breakdown what is happening with the British government. Also on the agenda, reaction to the new eviction ban, Leo Varadkar's meal prep triggers the internet's ire and James Corden is trending for the wrong reasons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 2022 • 46min
Donegal grieves, Escalation in Ukraine and Vera Pauw's Girls in Green makes history
On the Group Chat this week, the guys are joined by VM Sport Bernard O'Toole to discuss a historic night for Republic of Ireland women's soccer team as Vera Pauw's side secured their World Cup qualification. Zara is Donegal as Creeslough begins the grieving process following last week's tragedy. Also on the agenda is the recent escalation in the Ukraine war and the latest on fiasco surrounding a Shane Ross interview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 2022 • 50min
Witness Protection Programme with Nicola Tallant
Zara, Gavan and Richard are joined by investigative journalist Nicola Tallant to go through the history and workings of Ireland's witness protection programme. Also on the agenda, Wagatha Christie returns, Fianna Fáil's identity crisis and Liz Truss faces the music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


