The Group Chat

Virgin Media Television

An all new podcast from Virgin Media News featuring Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers

  • 34 minutes 41 seconds
    🗳️ On The Road: unpacking the first days of Election 2024

    With Election 2024 finally underway, Richard, Zara and Gavan are on the road following the campaigns and talking to voters about what they want. Richard's witnessed some competitive jiving, Zara's been speaking to angry teachers, and Gav isn't sure if the war of words between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is all for show… 


    We're moving our TV instalment to Sundays at 7pm for the duration of the campaign, so be sure to tune in for more Group Chat this weekend!


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    13 November 2024, 4:58 pm
  • 45 minutes 9 seconds
    "What would you have done differently on immigration?": Roderic O'Gorman in studio

    Gavan and Zara are joined by Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman in studio to discuss his handling of immigration and childcare and the difficulties he faces as party leader.


    And Richard joins in from the US to reflect on Donald Trump's historic re-election, how Kamala Harris' campaign failed to attract voters and what the result means for Ukraine.


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    6 November 2024, 5:10 pm
  • 46 minutes 7 seconds
    Why Should Voters Trust Sinn FĂ©in?: Mary Lou McDonald in studio

    Mary Lou McDonald is in studio to discuss Sinn FĂ©in's immigration policy, whether or not they will enter into a coalition and her biggest regrets over the course of her leadership.


    Richard, Gavan and Zara also debate the fallout of Trump's Madison Square Garden rally and Biden's newest gaffe.


    And Zara's move to Cork; how difficult is it to change your voting area?


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 October 2024, 12:05 am
  • 45 minutes 2 seconds
    Why Not Call It A Genocide?: Micheál Martin in Studio

    Tonight on The Group Chat, Tánaiste Micheál Martin faces tough questions on the government's response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The team doesn't hold back on Ireland’s housing crisis either, asking why voters should place their trust in his party for another term.

    Then, we dive into U.S. politics: with the election just two weeks away, could Kamala Harris survive a Joe Rogan Podcast interview? And what’s the deal with Trump’s McDonald's stunt?

    Plus, an emotional rollercoaster as Zara shares a heartfelt update on her pup Darcy & Richard prepares for the Dublin Marathon. 



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 October 2024, 10:59 pm
  • 45 minutes 11 seconds
    What's really going on in Sinn FĂ©in?

    Richard, Gavan and Zara break-down the recent controversy within Sinn FĂ©in and what it means for Mary Lou McDonald's leadership going forward.


    They speak with Dr. Amber Alayyan, a medical referent for MSF, for comment on the recent strikes on Gazan hospitals and the struggles doctors go through in Gaza.


    And Tied with Trump: Polls show Kamala Harris is still in a tight race for the White House.




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 October 2024, 11:05 pm
  • 45 minutes 28 seconds
    A Perfect Storm for Joe Biden?

    Richard and Gavan are joined by Zara from the US to discuss Simon Harris' meeting with Joe Biden and how Storm Milton is interrupting his plans.


    The pair also meet with journalist Hannah McCarthy, this time in studio, to discuss how the crisis in Lebanon has developed and if there is any possibility of peace.


    And who is Cobalt? Irish politicians are scrambling to prove they are not a secret Russian agent.




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 October 2024, 11:05 pm
  • 45 minutes 44 seconds
    Paschal Donohoe defends the Budget - and laments the Bike Shed

    Richard, Gavan and Zara are joined in studio by Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure, for comment on Budget 2025 and the blow-back from the bike shed.


    The group discusses the consequences of the recent missile attacks by Iran against Israel and what it means for the 379 Irish UNIFIL staff currently in Lebanon.


    And did Walz flub the debate? The group analyses the vice-presidential debate and how it may affect the election outcome.





    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 October 2024, 11:05 pm
  • 46 minutes 11 seconds
    Life Under Bombardment: Middle East Crisis Continues

    Richard and Zara speak with Hannah McCarthy, a journalist in Lebanon, to understand the ground situation in the country and what Israel's ultimate game plan is.


    Gavan joins in from New York at the UN General Assembly to discuss Simon Harris' comments on housing and Micheál Martin meeting Meryl Streep.


    And will the costs and delays of the National Children's Hospital be a talking point in the upcoming general election?


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 September 2024, 11:05 pm
  • 45 minutes 50 seconds
    Ploughing Politics, Pagers and Pennsylvania

    Richard has returned to Gavan and Zara from Pennsylvania to discuss the 'Kamala Wave' in America and the implications of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump.


    The group discusses the political plans of politicians at the ploughing.


    And Pager Panic; what do the pager bombings against Hezbollah mean for tensions in the Middle East?


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 September 2024, 11:05 pm
  • 45 minutes 19 seconds
    ISIS Survivor in Studio, Taylor endorses Kamala & Apple Tax Trouble

    Gavan and Zara talk with Shireen Khero, an ISIS survivor, who discusses how she was taken from her home and the 10 year anniversary of the genocide of the Yazidi people in Syria.


    Team Taylor is Team Kamala; the international popstar has endorsed the presidential nominee after the first debate.


    And the Apple Tax Windfall; what will the tax ruling by the EU mean for the upcoming elections?


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 September 2024, 11:05 pm
  • 50 seconds
    We're back! Our new season launches this Wednesday!

    Just to let you know, we're back with our sixth (sixth!!) season this Wednesday! As always, we want to keep in touch with you - email us at [email protected] or follow us on social media (@newschambers, @zaraking.news and @gavreilly).


    We're back on TV this Wednesday night at 11pm on Virgin Media One, and in your podcast feeds first thing Thursday!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 September 2024, 5:37 pm
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