In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented cultural phenomenon with the meteoric rise of social media influencers.

These digital trendsetters have harnessed the power of platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and more, to amass the followings that often rival traditional celebrities and commercial brands.

On this morning's (Thursday's) Deise Today, Damien and the team went 'out and about' to Coach House Coffee in Kilmacthomas for a special programme focusing on these social media influencers and some of those, based here in Waterford, about what they do and how they use social media to great effect!

Amongst those he spoke to were Lydia Des Dolles, a combat sports presenter and event host who has carved a very niche and successful career, born out of her engagement with social media about her involvement with and love of combat sports!

He also spoke to Lynn Ferrari who is the Director of Digital Experience at the Portlaw-based 'International Living' but who has also amassed an Instagram following of some 13,000 on her account called myoldbrandnewhome where, since 2019, she has been documenting her own home renovation!

You can listen back to Damien's very interesting chat with Lydia and Lynn by clicking on the image above...