I'm Rory - a very proud Irishman from Hilltown, a rural village in County Down and I've been living in England since 2011.
 
l'm a former newsreader and journalist for major UK TV and radio channels and stations including BBC, Times Radio & Virgin Radio. I've covered some of the biggest national and global events including a series of Prime Minister resignations and appointments, political party elections, the war in Ukraine, Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and the Covid Pandemic.
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I have a huge passion for human interest journalism as I've always believed in the enormous power and impact of giving people a platform to share their stories to help others. To me, it makes others feel less alone when they can hear their own stories in others. It also raises awareness for meaningful causes, shines a spotlight on dark corners of society and helps the fight against global injustices.

In January 2024 I launched my podcast 'Be My Guest with Rory Smith'. I sit down one-to-one and interview some of the world's most extraordinary people, delving into their minds as they share their life story, life lessons and wisdom. 'What can we learn from other people's stories to enrich our own lives?'. I also use my platform to amplify the voices of those fighting worthy causes and injustices; from politics, war, addiction, domestic abuse, pedophile networks, child abuse, miscarriage, neurodiversity, sexual abuse, incarceration and male mental health to name but a few.

Previously, I created and hosted a Youtube Channel 'Your Story' (2020-2021) during the Covid pandemic, interviewing people who had overcome huge adversity to give hope to others during this difficult time.
 
I'm often asked 'Why are you so passionate about other people's stories?'. The answer is that, on top of having a natural curiosity about the lives of others, I too know the challenges of life. I live with mental health challenges which stem from my childhood. I continue even today to manage my depression and anxiety amongst other conditions and challenges. I decided to make this public in June 2024 after listening to a number of my own guests on my podcast share their story and it made me feel less alone and showed me the power and strength of vulnerability. I shared my story to help others going through the same struggles and to join the fight in eliminating the stigma around mental health.