I’m Nicky and I’m a Radio and Podcast Producer based in Dublin, Ireland. I worked as a teacher in further education, of sound and media for over 18 years. But in 2019 I was asked to join the Young PeoplesTeam at RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster. I was tasked with planning a new approach to audio for young people. We now have 38 bespoke podcasts for kids from age 2 to 15. You can find them here or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://www.rte.ie/radio/rtejr-podcasts/

But the first show I made for RTÉ was Ecolution.

https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/series/30942-ecolution/

Ecolution is a show that champions matters of Sustainability, Nature connection and, above all, the Climate Crisis. A finalist and former winner of both IMRO Awards and NY Radio Festival it takes the biggest story of our time seriously, for a sometimes underserved audience.

Presented by Evie Kenny, a now 17 year old environmental activist, it is the only ongoing programme of its kind in Ireland and, given Ireland’s climate commitments, a vital route to keeping younger audiences informed, involved and active in holding our representatives to account.

Ecolution is a show for young people that aims to investigate and explain the issues around the climate crisis and society in a way that’s informative for young people without terrifying the audience; while not shying away from the realities of the Climate Crisis.

In 2023 and 2024 we dove into our rivers and went bats for bats. We spoke to a Brazilian Tribal chief about those most affected Communities and heard what kids really think about COP. And a pinnacle was welcoming Dr Jane Goodall, one of the most respected voices on nature of our time, as she answered questions from children across Ireland.

Young people are those that will bear the brunt of our changing environment. And, whilst there are incredibly motivated and vocal people under the age of 18, many children find themselves worried and adrift. Ecolution offers a sense of community and a platform to share their worries, what they’ve learned, and what we all need to do.

As former President of Ireland (and Ecolution guest) Mary Robinson put it “You are never too old to learn and never too young to lead”.

Through in depth reporting and immersive sound design, we aim to explore every facet of our changing planet, always keeping young people at the centre.

And we’re in the middle of preparing for a new season. If you have a project or group of young people who you think would benefit from being a part of the show they can get in touch by emailing junior@rte.ie

Or if we can help anyone in the Community Radio Environment Network, don’t hesitate to mail.

Happy Listening!