Latest news with #RTÉ2FM
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Irish DJ on the best songs to play at a wedding
DJ and wedding singer Caz Whelan joined Lottie Ryan on RTÉ 2FM to share the best songs to fill a dancefloor. Listen back above. "I feel so, so grateful to have this job," says Caz Whelan, lead singer of The Cazettes. "You're literally playing to people on the best day of their lives, with all their loved ones, all their favourite people around. The energy is just magic." Having been involved in Dublin's music scene for a number of years, Caz found herself playing gigs of all kinds (she even played a funeral), but eventually found a gap in the market when it came to weddings. A self-professed "music nerd", she noticed that a lot of the weddings she was invited to had the same old playlists being used time and time again - and so an idea was born. Sitting down with couples ahead of the big day, Caz creates bespoke setlists to ensure that the dancefloor will be filled with guests from start to finish. When it comes to the first dance, the musician has seen it all, but says the most important thing is that the couple find a song that feels right for them. Whether they're doing a choreographed number or enjoying soft sway, she says that couples have chosen all sorts of songs, including: After All by The Frank and Walters, Highway to Hell by AC/DC, and You & Me by The Wannadies, and Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac. On average, the band will play for about two hours (30 songs), and the Dublin woman says she has about 300 songs locked into her brain, but is always happy to learn something new. Not only that, but once she's done singing, Caz can hop on the decks to DJ the rest of the night away. The songs she chooses to keep a dancefloor filled at a wedding are: Man, I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode Don't Stop Me Now by Queen All in all, a night of bespoke music can cost about €3,000, or more if the couple want to add saxophones and trumpets to the band, or if they want music to play throughout the entire day. "I could be there to do the ceremony, the drinks, the band, and the DJ," she explains. "We put so much effort into learning their special songs and curating it."
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Simple ways to get fit at home, according to a physio
Physiotherapist Aisling Frawley joins Laura Fox on RTÉ 2FM to share some practical ways to improve your day-to-day fitness. Listen back above. If you have no interest, time, or money for going to the gym, you may be looking for some practical ways to improve your fitness at home. According to Aisling, the first and most straightforward way to up your fitness at home is by taking a brisk walk for 20 - 30 minutes at least two to three times a week. "If you start with a walk every single day, you are increasing your health benefits," she says, noting that people can start with as little as five minutes and then build their way up. As long as your heart rate is rising, enough so that you are a little out of breath as you walk, you should enjoy the benefits of increased fitness, such as heart health, bone health, and even quality of sleep. Once you have your daily walk down, you may want to start challenging yourself with mobility or weight training. If you can't face joining an in-person class, you could consider an online session or a YouTube yoga tutorial. The main thing is to commit to 20-30 minutes of good quality movement. "It's quality over quantity and consistency over intensity," insists Aisling. If you don't fancy yoga or Pilates, you can simply do 10 repetitions of a range of movements such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and sit-ups, followed by some plank work. When it's time to bring weights into your home workout, Aisling suggests investing in some core equipment that will see you through years of training, such as two sets of two-kilo dumbbells. Rather than running out to buy bigger weights or fancier equipment, try to achieve a higher number of repetitions or to slow down the movement to achieve better control. "You can actually change things up quite a lot," she promises. "There are so many different variables when it comes to training." For example, if you have been doing your squats, challenge yourself to take five seconds to lower yourself down, followed by a quick stand back up. "That's just changing the tempo of the exercise and therefore enhancing the muscle adaptability or the growth or the strength." If you have no interest in tracking your calories, sleep, and steps with a smart watch, Aisling suggests simply listening to your body. "It is the best monitor of adaptation and growth," she insists. "I think sometimes we don't listen to it enough." Rather than checking your weight or how you look in the mirror, the physio suggests taking note of how your fitness can improve your mobility and energy. Maybe you're going further on your walks, sleeping better at night, carrying in extra bags from the car after a shop, or simply going about your day with a bit more energy. All of these factors can encourage you to keep up the good work.
RTÉ News
08-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Jennifer Rock on the skincare trends worth trying in 2025
Jennifer Rock, CEO and founder of Skingredients and The Skin Nerd, joined Laura Fox on RTÉ 2FM to discuss skincare, 'shedding', K-beauty and Irish skin. Listen back above. Kicking off a lengthy discussion covering all things skincare, Laura and Jennifer dove into the world of K-beauty. Korean beauty, also known as K-beauty, is an umbrella term for skincare products and methods from South Korea. For the most part, the goal is to achieve 'glass skin' that looks poreless and plump. "It tends to be associated with a 10-step skincare range," explains Jennifer, listing eye creams, moisturisers, daily sheet masks, toners, cleansers, essences, suncreams, and a range of serums as being part of the process. Having travelled to South Korea to study the extensive practice herself, the Dublin woman says she was blown away by the sheer volume of products available. "I have never in my entire life seen so many skincare products in the space of three, four, five, six streets. It is mind-boggling," she insists. "It is a paradise for any skincare lovers out there." Something that Jennifer does appreciate about K-Beauty is their enthusiasm for sprays as she says that using cotton pads could potentially be irritating to the skin. As for her standout products, the CEO notes that milky toners are both hydrating and brightening, and can be followed by an essence - a lightweight hydrating serum that typically features hyaluronic acid - for a glowy look. "Essence was the key piece that I took from it; it's all about essentially bringing moisture to skin," she says, explaining that when skin is wet, it will retain products more effectively. A recent trend to have taken the skincare world by storm is snow mushrooms. This 'snow fungus' - officially named Tremella Fuciformis - is derived from Chinese medicine, and can be found in many serums, toners, and moisturisers. The current 'it girl' ingredient is similar to hyaluronic acid but may be better suited to skin that is sensitive (or battling an Irish climate of sun, wind and rain all within the hour). It is also a lot less sticky than hyaluronic acid and is both hydrating and anti-ageing as it draws moisture to the skin. The next trend to tackle? Micro-current devices. These pricey gadgets deliver a small current that contracts muscles and helps to keep the skin lifted and toned. However, Rock insists that it is best to have this procedure done in a clinic rather than at home. "You can't really do at home what can be done in a clinic," she explains, with the caveat that at-home skincare does offer the opportunity for repetition. Essentially, a professional session is best, but if you're determined, you can achieve similar results through a consistent routine: "They do work but the responsibility, in that sense, is down to you using it," she says. If you are shopping for a device, Rock recommends getting something that has 10-600 on the box, which means it is within the bandwidth of currents that actually contract the muscle. Ultimately, when it comes to skincare trends, although there is plenty of unsolicited advice on social media, it is usually best to trust the advice of qualified professionals and the recommendations of trusted friends.
Sunday World
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Brian Dowling and Jennifer Zamparelli return to airwaves as they fill in Today FM slot
The pair are set to cover for Dave Moore as he takes two weeks' holidays Brian Dowling and Jennifer Zamparelli are set to return to the airwaves over the next two weeks as they cover for Dave Moore on Today FM. Taking to Instagram, Dowling, who left sister station 98FM earlier this month after two years, announced the news. 'And Just Like That... I'm back on the radio,' the father of two shared. 'So excited to be filling in for the man who is in shorts 365 days of the year @davetodayfm for his show on @todayfm as he takes his Summer holidays, well let's be honest if I had legs like him I'd do the same." Brian will host the show for one week, starting on Monday, with former RTÉ 2FM star Jennifer Zamparelli then taking over for the following week. 'I'm taking the reins from Monday for a week & then the gorgeous @jenzamparelli takes over from there. Bring on the next week of RADIO FABULOUSNESS. 'To the team, there START YOUR ENGINES & in the words of @gourounlian LET'S DO THIS.' Sharing the news to her Instagram account, Jennifer said: 'Standing in front of a @davetodayfm poster. Asking his listeners to love me.' Brian announced his shock departure from 98FM on June 3 following a rumoured rift with his co-host Suzanne Kane. 'I made the decision earlier in the year that I would not be continuing co-hosting on Brian Dowling & Suzanne Kane on @98fmdublin making this Friday June 6th my very last show on Brian Dowling & Suzanne Kane,' he said in a statement. "When I joined Suzanne back in March of 2023, I had ZERO radio hosting skills. Blake was only 6 months old & baby Blu was only a twinkle in our eyes. It took me a minute to get into my new groove, but when I did, WOW, I honestly have had the best time & have genuinely laughed every day; even on those bad days, being part of this show ALWAYS puts a smile on my face. "Here we are now 2 years & 3 months later & I'm still laughing & smiling. I have learned so much about an industry I've been in for nearly 24 years, presenting mainly television shows but now my love for radio easily equals my love for telly. Thanking the show's production team, Brian said it 'never felt like work.' Jennifer Zamparelli & Brian Dowling News in 90 Seconds - June 27th 'I mean, how could it when I'm playing the likes of Britney, S Club & JLO, to name but a few.' he said. 'I am so looking forward to a slower Summer; I'm not actually sure if I can operate on a slower pace. Brian said he would continue to present The Six O'Clock Show on Virgin Media, adding that he would also shoot his TV sho The Salvage Squad. 'As well as some trips away I've planned; in fact, it's turning out to be a very memorable Summer. 'Goodbyes are not something I'm very good at, but this doesn't feel like a goodbye at all; it's more of a talk to you later. This is Brian Dowling & you are listening to 98FM ♥️' Meanwhile, Jennifer left RTÉ 2FM last May after presenting her own show on the station for five years. She recently admitted that while her name was in the mix to take over from Joe Duffy when he leaves Liveline today after 27 years, she has 'no interest' in the job. When asked if she wanted his job by Oliver Callan on his Radio One show today, Zamperelli took herself out of the running for the role. "Absolutely not. No interest, no,' she told the presenter. Speaking about her departure from the station, she said she missed being on air. 'I miss the interaction with people, I miss the craic, I miss my team. 'But do I have any regrets? I don't think so, because I've been able to do so much other stuff.'
Sunday World
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Doireann Garrihy fears ‘judgement from people' ahead of arrival of first child
"I just feel so lucky having my first baby, to be doing it with my sister, who I live 10 minutes away from, and there's just a lot to look forward to,' Doireann said. RTÉ 2FM presenter Doireann Garrihy has said she fears she might face judgement from people as a new mum. The Dancing with the Stars host (33) is expecting her first child with husband Mark Mehigan. The couple, who tied the knot at the end of last year, announced they are expecting a baby back in April, as the presenter took to Instagram to reveal the happy news. In the first episode of the third season of her podcast, Doireann and Friends, she was joined by her sister Ailbhe Garrihy, who is also currently pregnant with her third child. Doireann, who said she is 'feeling great' and has 'lots of energy' during her second trimester, shared with her sister that she fears the judgment on social media which comes with being a mum. Doireann Garrihy and her fiancé Mark Mehigan. Photo: Instagram "I just don't know how I'm going to prepare for A, judgment from people, and then B, mum guilt as a result of people being judgy,' she said. Doireann, who currently hosts 2FM Drive, said she had a 'couple of experiences' of receiving unsolicited advice on her social media and inappropriate in-person comments. "Someone wrote to me today. I made an iced coffee, and someone replied saying: 'I really hope that's decaf for the baba'. 'Generally, I would ignore, and I just replied and said: 'My doctor told me I can have a coffee a day'. 'When I hadn't announced, I hadn't said it to anyone, there was one person who kept writing to me on Instagram saying: 'I think you have news for your followers. Wink, wink'. Doireann Garrihy pictured for Sunday Independent Living. Photo: Gerry Mooney News in 90 Seconds - June 24th 'So when you get that message, of course, my brain went into overdrive. I was like: 'Okay, I've been seen in the hospital, and I look pregnant. Who have I said it to that maybe has said to someone somewhere?' 'When I did announce, someone was like: 'Yeah, [I] knew you were pregnant during Dancing with the Stars. Do you know why? A lot of your outfits were very leg-focused. I was like: 'I've been getting my legs out as much as possible [my whole life]'.' Her sister Ailbhe, who is the mother to Séan (4) and Fionn (2), added she thinks pregnancy and parenthood open up 'these flood gates'. "It's almost like people are like: 'Okay, now we can just say whatever we want,' she said. The Garrihy sisters also spoke about the joy of being pregnant at the same time, as there are 'six weeks between them'. "I just feel so lucky having my first baby, to be doing it with my sister, who I live 10 minutes away from, and there's just a lot to look forward to,' Doireann said. 'I feel so unbelievably lucky that it's happening at the same time as you.' They added that sharing their maternity leave would be the first time they had spent more time together since secondary school. 'I hope it'll just be walks and coffee. I hope we do, and I hope we stick to it,' Ailbhe said.
