Real Health with Karl Henry
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- 12. Nov. 2026
Über den Podcast
One of the nation’s favourite health and wellness experts, Karl Henry brings an insightful weekly podcast to cut through the nonsense about health Dos and Don’ts. Every week Karl is joined by experts for valuable conversations on all things physical and mental health as well as and lifestyle tips to make health easy and accessible.
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Is skinny culture making a comeback?
Registered dietitian Aveen Bannon joins Karl Henry to discuss the return of thinness culture, the rise of appetite suppressants and the growing pressure to control what we eat. They explore how social media and …
Shownotes
Registered dietitian Aveen Bannon joins Karl Henry to discuss the return of thinness culture, the rise of appetite suppressants and the growing pressure to control what we eat. They explore how social media and wellness trends are changing our relationship with food, the importance of eating regularly and why variety matters more than perfection. Aoibheann also shares practical advice on supplements, gut health, bone health and building a healthier relationship with food.
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Everyday delicious: Mark Moriarty on making everyday cooking better
How can we make everyday meals more delicious without making cooking more complicated? Award winning chef Mark Moriarty joins Karl Henry to discuss his new book, Everyday Delicious, and how simple techniques …
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How can we make everyday meals more delicious without making cooking more complicated? Award winning chef Mark Moriarty joins Karl Henry to discuss his new book, Everyday Delicious, and how simple techniques, confident seasoning and making the most of everyday ingredients can transform home cooking. They explore the changing demands of cooking, the importance of getting value from ingredients and how to make time for food amid busy lives. Mark also discusses his new studio, the challenges of running a business, avoiding burnout and learning to appreciate success along the way. Why you can trust the Irish IndependentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to change the story you tell yourself
Navigation coach Tara Rafter joins Karl Henry to explore how our beliefs, thought patterns and past experiences shape the way we live. She explains how the stories we tell ourselves can hold us back, why …
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Navigation coach Tara Rafter joins Karl Henry to explore how our beliefs, thought patterns and past experiences shape the way we live. She explains how the stories we tell ourselves can hold us back, why meaningful change takes practice and how small shifts in our thinking can transform our lives.
They discuss the importance of understanding our values, building self-compassion and creating healthier relationships with technology and the people around us. Tara also shares practical ways to challenge old beliefs, step outside our comfort zones and make more time for what truly matters.
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Forget the fear of ageing: finding confidence, connection and a new lease of life
What if getting older is not about losing things, but gaining confidence, freedom and a better understanding of yourself? Broadcaster Mary Kennedy joins Karl Henry to discuss her new book, Now You Are …
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What if getting older is not about losing things, but gaining confidence, freedom and a better understanding of yourself? Broadcaster Mary Kennedy joins Karl Henry to discuss her new book, Now You Are Wonderful, and why every stage of life has something to offer.
They explore the freedom that can come with age, the importance of connection and community, and how to find balance, embrace change and let go of past regrets. Mary shares her thoughts on self acceptance, living in the moment and making the most of the years ahead.
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The social media ep: living your life versus performing it
Psychotherapist Colman Noctor joins Karl Henry to explore how social media fuels comparison, affects our self-worth and drives our need for validation. Drawing on his research into online sharing, he explains …
Shownotes
Psychotherapist Colman Noctor joins Karl Henry to explore how social media fuels comparison, affects our self-worth and drives our need for validation. Drawing on his research into online sharing, he explains why likes and followers cannot replace genuine human connection. They discuss the pressure to present a perfect life online, the impact on young people and how to build a healthier relationship with technology by living in the moment, spending less time comparing and making more time for real connections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to choose the right gym, build strength and lose weight sustainably
Karl and JJ answer listener questions on starting at the gym, choosing between machines and free weights, and finding an exercise routine that works for you. They discuss getting back into exercise after having …
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Karl and JJ answer listener questions on starting at the gym, choosing between machines and free weights, and finding an exercise routine that works for you.
They discuss getting back into exercise after having children, managing weight loss without quick fixes and why sustainable changes matter. They also share practical advice on protein, meal choices, walking, resistance training and finding forms of exercise you actually enjoy.
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Are your supplements worth the money?
They discuss GLP 1 safety, drug interactions, supplement quality and the importance of speaking to your pharmacist. Tom shares practical advice on identifying misinformation, understanding what your body needs …
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They discuss GLP 1 safety, drug interactions, supplement quality and the importance of speaking to your pharmacist.
Tom shares practical advice on identifying misinformation, understanding what your body needs and making informed choices before spending money on products that may not benefit your health.
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Can nutrition protect your eyes and brain as you age?
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor John Nolan, director of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, to explore the connection between nutrition, eye health and brain health …
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This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor John Nolan, director of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, to explore the connection between nutrition, eye health and brain health.
They discuss carotenoids, the role of colourful foods, and how targeted nutrition may support vision and cognitive function as we age. John also shares insights from his new documentary, A Vision for Vision, and explains what to look for when choosing supplements, including evidence, quality and batch testing.
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Is there really such a thing as bad posture?
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by head physiotherapist and clinic owner at Rapid and founder of the Master's Program Ireland, Mike Murphy to explore the truth about posture, back …
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This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by head physiotherapist and clinic owner at Rapid and founder of the Master's Program Ireland, Mike Murphy to explore the truth about posture, back pain and staying strong as we age.
They discuss whether there really is such a thing as bad posture, how to improve your desk, car and phone setup, and why regular movement matters more than sitting perfectly.
Mike shares practical advice on strengthening your back and neck, managing pain and building resilience for everyday life. They also explore why strength training is so important as we get older and why movement really is medicine.
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One donor, nine lives
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor Peter Conlon, Clinical Lead of Organ Donation Transplant Ireland, Clinical Lead, Consultant Nephrologist/ Renal Transplant Physician at …
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This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by Professor Peter Conlon, Clinical Lead of Organ Donation Transplant Ireland, Clinical Lead, Consultant Nephrologist/ Renal Transplant Physician at Beaumont Hospital, to explain how organ donation works in Ireland.
They discuss the opt out system, who can become a donor and what happens when a family is approached about donation. Professor Conlon explains how one donor can transform the lives of up to nine people, the realities of living kidney donation and the importance of family conversations.
From the donation process to waiting lists and paired kidney exchange, they explore how a decision made in tragedy can give others a second chance.
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Can you prevent stretch marks after losing weight?
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions on sleep, weight loss and evening overeating. They discuss why becoming too focused on sleep tracker …
Shownotes
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl Henry is joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions on sleep, weight loss and evening overeating. They discuss why becoming too focused on sleep tracker scores can actually make sleep harder, and share simple ways to improve sleep routines. Karl also explains stretch marks after weight loss and why gradual weight loss matters, before offering practical advice for managing evening hunger through protein, vegetables, snacks and meal timing. From hydration and fruit intake to consistent eating habits, the pair explore how small, sustainable changes can support better health without overcomplicating the basics.
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Why your phone is so hard to put down
We check our phones dozens, even hundreds, of times a day, often without realising how much they interrupt our attention. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Brendan Kelly, professor of psychiatry …
Shownotes
We check our phones dozens, even hundreds, of times a day, often without realising how much they interrupt our attention.
This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Brendan Kelly, professor of psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, explains why phones are so difficult to put down and the impact constant checking can have on concentration, stress and self esteem.
He shares practical ways to build a healthier relationship with your phone, from switching off notifications and creating physical distance to keeping phones out of the bedroom. He also explains why small, sustainable changes are more effective than dramatic digital detoxes.
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The food that fuels your cancer journey
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, food can become a source of confusion, with endless advice online about what to eat and what to avoid. This week on The Real Health podcast, oncology nurse and nutritional …
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When someone is diagnosed with cancer, food can become a source of confusion, with endless advice online about what to eat and what to avoid.
This week on The Real Health podcast, oncology nurse and nutritional therapist Marilla Healy explains how nutrition can support the body through treatment, from maintaining muscle and strength to managing nausea and poor appetite.
She looks at why there is no single anti-cancer diet, the importance of variety and protein, and how small changes can make every mouthful count when eating becomes difficult. She also explains why nutrition should support, not replace, your oncology treatment plan.
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Can you trust your smartwatch?
Millions of us now use smartwatches to track our sleep, heart rate, fitness and recovery, but how accurate is all that information? This week on The Real Health podcast, Dr Joe Warne from Technological …
Shownotes
Millions of us now use smartwatches to track our sleep, heart rate, fitness and recovery, but how accurate is all that information? This week on The Real Health podcast, Dr Joe Warne from Technological University Dublin explains which measurements we can rely on and where wearable technology falls short. He looks at the growing obsession with health data, why sleep trackers may cause anxiety, and whether more information actually makes us healthier. He also shares the simple metrics worth paying attention to and why sometimes the best guide to your health is listening to your own body.
https://www.independent.ie/service/our-journalism/a/98708550.html
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The habits that help you live longer
Most of us hope to stay healthy as we get older, but few of us think about the small choices we make today that shape our future. This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl explores what it really means to age …
Shownotes
Most of us hope to stay healthy as we get older, but few of us think about the small choices we make today that shape our future. This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl explores what it really means to age well and why it's never too early to start investing in your long-term health.
He discusses the importance of strength, movement, nutrition, social connection and tracking your health, while sharing simple, practical habits that can help you stay independent, active and well for longer. It's an inspiring conversation about adding life to your years, not just years to your life.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to poo properly with physio Clare Bourne
Most of us never think about how we go to the toilet until something goes wrong. This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl is joined by pelvic and digestive health physiotherapist Clare Bourne to discuss what …
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Most of us never think about how we go to the toilet until something goes wrong. This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl is joined by pelvic and digestive health physiotherapist Clare Bourne to discuss what a healthy bowel movement should look like and why so many people unknowingly develop poor toilet habits.
They explore constipation, straining, toilet posture, pelvic floor health, and the everyday changes that can make bowel movements easier, healthier, and more comfortable.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why 1200 calorie diets are setting you up to fail
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl answers your health questions in another Karl's Questions episode. Producer, JJ Clarke, joins Karl on this week’s episode. He explains why very low-calorie diets …
Shownotes
This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl answers your health questions in another Karl's Questions episode. Producer, JJ Clarke, joins Karl on this week’s episode.
He explains why very low-calorie diets rarely work in the long term, how to exercise safely during hot weather, the simple health numbers everyone should be tracking, and the best way to reduce your caffeine intake without feeling miserable.
From smarter weight loss to better sleep and building healthier habits, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start using today.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html
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What your liver wishes you knew about alcohol
Many of us think liver disease only affects heavy drinkers, but the reality is far more complex. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Debbie Shawcross, Professor of Hepatology and Chronic Liver …
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Many of us think liver disease only affects heavy drinkers, but the reality is far more complex. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Debbie Shawcross, Professor of Hepatology and Chronic Liver Failure at King's College London, explains how binge drinking, excess weight and everyday habits can silently damage the liver long before symptoms appear.
She shares what counts as binge drinking, the difference between alcohol related and metabolic fatty liver disease, when to seek a liver check, and the simple changes that can help protect your liver for years to come.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html
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The surprising habit that brings more happiness than money
We spend so much of life chasing happiness, but are we looking in the wrong places? On this week's episode of The Real Health podcast, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, Ian …
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We spend so much of life chasing happiness, but are we looking in the wrong places? On this week's episode of The Real Health podcast, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, Ian Robertsonexplains why money, status and success rarely bring lasting fulfilment, and why purpose, relationships and helping others are far more powerful.
He also explores the impact of loneliness, social media and technology on our wellbeing, and shares practical ways to feel happier every day. As Professor Robertson says, "Unquenchable appetites make you unhappy."
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.htm
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How to lose fat without calorie counting
On this episode of Real Health, I am joined by producer JJ Clarke for a Karl’s Questions special, answering listener queries from social media. We discuss how weather and lack of sunlight may be affecting mood …
Shownotes
On this episode of Real Health, I am joined by producer JJ Clarke for a Karl’s Questions special, answering listener queries from social media.
We discuss how weather and lack of sunlight may be affecting mood and motivation, the value of moving more rather than less with age, and simple ways to improve eating habits without calorie counting.
We discuss why slowing down eating, using portion plates, and building strength training into weekly routines can improve long term health. The conversation also tackles cardio myths, core training misconceptions, and what really matters for fat loss and ageing well.
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The secret to youthful skin and warning signs to look out for
Healthy skin is about far more than appearance, but many people are still confused by skincare trends and conflicting advice. On this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast, consultant dermatologist Dr …
Shownotes
Healthy skin is about far more than appearance, but many people are still confused by skincare trends and conflicting advice.
On this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast, consultant dermatologist Dr Rosemary Coleman explains why there is no such thing as a safe tan, the importance of applying enough sunblock, and the warning signs of skin cancer that should never be ignored.
One point that stood out was her advice on sun protection. Dr Coleman says, “The quantity of the product is what matters.” She also shares why over washing can damage the skin and the simple checks everyone should do to spot suspicious changes early.
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Why your waistline tells a bigger story than your weight
On this week's episode of Real Health, I am joined by registered dietitian and business owner Orla Walsh to discuss the factors that really influence long term health. While much of the conversation around …
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On this week's episode of Real Health, I am joined by registered dietitian and business owner Orla Walsh to discuss the factors that really influence long term health.
While much of the conversation around nutrition focuses on weight loss, Orla explains why metabolic health, insulin sensitivity and visceral fat deserve far more attention. We explore the impact of refined carbohydrates, fibre, cholesterol and blood pressure, and discuss why small daily habits around movement, sleep, strength training and nutrition can have a lasting effect on health as we age. Orla also shares practical advice for reducing health risks without relying on restrictive diets or quick fixes.
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The muscle myth that could change your health
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Phil Jakeman, Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Limerick, to discuss why muscle is one of the most important tissues …
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On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Phil Jakeman, Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Limerick, to discuss why muscle is one of the most important tissues for lifelong health.
While many of us associate muscle with strength or appearance, it also plays a crucial role in mobility, metabolic health and healthy ageing. Professor Jakeman explains why we begin to lose muscle from our thirties onwards, how this affects our health as we age, and the practical steps we can take through exercise and nutrition to stay stronger, healthier and more independent for longer.
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The hidden health impact of Irish drinking culture
Dr. Chris Luke, retired consultant in emergency medicine, medical columnist, and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, joins me on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. The retired emergency …
Shownotes
Dr. Chris Luke, retired consultant in emergency medicine, medical columnist, and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, joins me on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast.
The retired emergency medicine consultant explains how drinking culture has evolved from the nightclub scene of the nineties to today’s rise in cocaine and drug use. He discusses binge drinking, poor decision making, injuries, sleep disruption, mental health, and long-term disease risk. Dr Luke also reflects on his pioneering work in clubbing medicine and how festival health services in Ireland have dramatically improved over the years.
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How to take control of your money and reduce stress
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by John O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Blueprint Financial Planning and founder of financialfitness.ie, to explore the link between money stress …
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On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by John O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Blueprint Financial Planning and founder of financialfitness.ie, to explore the link between money stress and overall wellbeing.
As the cost of living continues to rise, financial pressure is affecting sleep, mental health and everyday decision making. John explains why financial health is a key pillar of overall wellbeing, the simple budgeting mistakes people make, and how better financial literacy can help people feel more confident, secure and in control of their future.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do.
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Why calorie counting often fails and what works instead
On this week’s episode of Real Health, I’m joined by registered dietitian Aisling Geary, who works within the NHS while also running her own clinic, AMG Nutrition. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your …
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On this week’s episode of Real Health, I’m joined by registered dietitian Aisling Geary, who works within the NHS while also running her own clinic, AMG Nutrition.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do.
When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher
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The convenience trap: how modern life is changing us
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Dale Whelehan, assistant professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to explore our modern relationship with discipline, time and …
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On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Dale Whelehan, assistant professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to explore our modern relationship with discipline, time and convenience.
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We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do.
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Beyond weight loss: a smarter approach to women’s health
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ailis Brosnan, Midlife Wellness Coach. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and …
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On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ailis Brosnan, Midlife Wellness Coach.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do.
When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher
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We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism
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From teen training to takeaways: your top health questions answered
Is protein powder safe for a 16-year-old starting the gym? On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions. We’d love to hear your thoughts on …
Shownotes
Is protein powder safe for a 16-year-old starting the gym?
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do.
When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher
Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE
Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships.
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why gastric surgery is more successful than weight loss drugs
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, Karl Henry sits down with Dr John Loy, consultant bariatric surgeon, to explore the science behind weight gain. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall …
Shownotes
On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, Karl Henry sits down with Dr John Loy, consultant bariatric surgeon, to explore the science behind weight gain.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do.
When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher
Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE
Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships.
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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