Brendan O'Connor
Brendan O'Connor presents a weekend show on RTÉ Radio 1, offering a mix of human interest, consumer, and lifestyle stories, along with news updates. The program airs live on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 1pm, providing listeners with a reflective pause on the week's events.
Episodes
James McClean - "This is a conversation I've never had before"
Former Irish International James McClean joins Brendan to talk about his critically acclaimed autobiography 'The Walls'. Brendan and James have a wide-ranging chat about trauma, therapy, politics, fatherhood and his long marriage to Erin, who he has known since they were teenagers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No fashion victims - easy ways to wear this season's trends
Stylist and personal shopper Cathy O Connor talks Brendan through the trends landing in the high street this season. From terracotta tinted sunglasses to embracing maximalism, she gives tips on how to look up to date without being a slave to fashion and above all still feeling like yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Katriona O' Sullivan - "We all need to plan out the joy in our lives!"
Psychologist and author Professor Katriona O' Sullivan asks why aren't we having more fun?? She joins Brendan to talk about how joy and pleasure have taken a back seat in our modern world, and how we need to factor "joy planning" into our lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chef Maggie Roche on the perfect pie
Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Stór talks Brendan through making the perfect pie at home. She has delicious recipes for savoury, veggie and sweet pies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Derabhail to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Liz Carolan, Publisher of the Briefing.ie; Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Physician in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, at Tallaght University Hospital; Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner and Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst. Naomi O'Leary, Irish Times Europe Correspondent, joins from Paris
Clodagh McKenna - "How about chocolate beef chilli served in a pumpkin?!"
Chef and businesswoman Clodagh McKenna joins Dearbhail to talk about her tenth cookbook, Clodagh At Home, and her new ITV1 show, Clodagh: Cooking At Home. She talks about life on Broadspear Farm, its seasons, her beehives, what to do with pumpkins and why her pal Richard E. Grant loves her tarte tatin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I’m a Celebrity, don’t you know who I am?!”
In the same week that Kelly Clarkson had an online spat with an expensive toyshop, claiming they suggested she couldn't afford a $15k animatronic bird, Fionnuala Jones, entertainment journalist, brings us through other examples of celebrity entitlement and celebrity 'Do You Know Who I Am?' moments over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Grainne Humphries, Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and John Maguire, Film Critic at the Business Post join Dearbhail to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their previews include: The Diplomat, Crystal Lake, Nobody Wants This, Chasing Millions, A Want In Her, NAZA, Whalefall and John Le Carre: A New Life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info
Kyle MacLachlan - "The role of Trey in Sex and the City? My wife said I had to say yes!"
Kyle MacLachlan has acted in so many productions from the groundbreaking Twin Peaks to the era-defining Sex and the City. He tells Dearbhail about his early acting life, how meeting director David Lynch changed everything for him, his years with Linda Evangelista, playing golf with Paul McGinley and why he's currently a TikTok sensation. These are stories from his new memoir, Fictional Selves.&nbs
"I thought I was a fairly unshockable court reporter til I started attending domestic abuse cases"
Mary Carolan is the legal affairs correspondent for the Irish Times. She joins Dearbhail to talk about Dolphin House, a specialised District Court, just on the edge of Temple Bar, that only hears family law matters. She explains the differences between Barring Orders and Protection Orders and shares her insights from attending the court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Pagan Priestess' Guide to Samhain
Pagan Priestess Deirdre Wadding, founder of Coire Sois/The Irish School of Spirituality guides Dearbhail through the Celtic season of Samhain. She explains its mythology, why it's a festival of remembrance and where some of its customs come from. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Writing my books and musical is the therapy that gets me through my incurable cancer diagnosis"
Author Emma Heatherington joins Dearbhail to talk about her latest novel ‘Together for Christmas’, cracking the code of romantic fiction, and her shock of receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis. The writing never stops and she is learning to live in the moment. She speaks about her love of country music, ghost writing songs for country artists and creating her own musical. See omnystudio.com
How to apply for a job
Head of HR Solutions at NFP, Caroline Reidy, tells Dearbhail how applying for a job nowadays has changed significantly from the days of the two-page CV. She advises job seekers to really do their homework on the job they're applying for, what to do and say in the interview process and how to best use AI to help you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trisha Lewis' ideas for eggs
Chef and Author Trisha Lewis joined Dearbhail to talk eggs. How to elevate the humble egg from breakfast to your main meals. She uses eggs to add good quality protein, whether it’s the obvious omelette, Asian stir-fried dishes or the exotic shakshuka. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Professor of Political Economy at UCD, Aidan Regan; barrister and former Fianna Fail Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin; political columnist with The Sunday Times, Alison O'Connor; principal of St Aidan's Community School, Tallaght, Kevin Shortall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I miss physical touch” Ann Ingle on aging
Writer Ann Ingle joins Brendan to discuss her new book ‘Still Here: Everything I Know About Being Older’. She describes letting go of pride, embracing technology and struggling with the sharp fall-off in physical contact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the Fall Girl Aesthetic?
Broadcaster and ‘intergenerational translator’ Aifric O'Connell joins Brendan to talk about the rise of the ‘Fall girl aesthetic’. She tracks its origins from ‘Christian girl Autumn’ and identifies its patron saint as Taylor Swift. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Writer Henrietta McKervey and Film and TV producer, Eoin Sweeney join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their choices include a documentary about the woman who prosecuted Donald Trump, ‘Ask E. Jean’; Irish true crime series ‘The Case I Can’t Forget’; and the latest season of long-running medical comedy ‘Scrubs’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian on online hate, fatherhood and fame.
Broadcaster Brian Dowling and Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian join Brendan to discuss their family life together and their remarkable careers. Brian charts his journey from winning Big Brother to a multifaceted TV career and Arthur describes fleeing Armenia to escape war and finding his feet as a dancer and choreographer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati
“Lobotomies were an act of therapeutic desperation”
Musician and mental health advocate, Niall Breslin, joins Brendan to discuss his new podcast series ‘Severed Minds’. It explores the history of the lobotomy in the United States, through the stories of Walter Freeman, who popularised and frequently performed the procedure, and of Gretchen Reb, one of the many patients whose life he destroyed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
'Elder Speak'
Poet Rita Ann Higgins joins Brendan with a new poem ‘Elder Speak’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don't let influencers freak you out about your blood sugar
Community Pharmacist and host of the Irish Pharmacy Podcast, Sheena Mitchell, talks to Brendan about how to manage your blood sugar. She explains how blood sugar works, and why common sense will regulate it better than any social media fad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Richard Hogan - "I buried my father yesterday, I'm so glad we reconciled"
Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan joins Brendan to discuss resilience. He explores how to cultivate it in yourself and your children. Richard also talks about his difficult relationship with his father, who died recently. He reflects on how writing about his pain with his dad, helped to rekindle their relationship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rut-busting midweek dinners
Chef and restauranteur Domini Kemp joins Brendan with some fresh suggestions for easy midweek dinners. She describes how to switch out ingredients, to spice up tray bakes, salads and bone broth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Máiría Cahill, Northern Irish author and columnist; Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist with the Institute of international and European Affairs; Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with ICTU and Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at DCU. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aidan Gillen: “It takes a psychic toll to act certain roles”
Dublin actor Aidan Gillen has appeared in everything from Love/Hate to The Wire to Game of Thrones. His latest show is Stuart Carolan’s ‘Tall Tales & Murder’ on RTÉ One. He talks Brendan through his life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from Art Garfunkel to The Rolling Stones to Fairport Convention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to pick out the week's best offerings on the big and small screen are: Nadine O'Regan, Arts and Features writer with the Irish Times and Dave O'Callaghan, Host of the 'Here and Back Again' podcast. Some of the productions they discuss are: Digger, Celebrity Traitors UK, Kill Jackie and East of Eden.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sharon Horgan - “Putting yourself out there as a single person in your fifties is scary”
Brendan is joined by writer, director and actor Sharon Horgan, who talks about her latest TV series 'Youth'. Drawing from her own experience, she talks about ageing, dating in your 50's, and being part of the 'sandwich generation'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom Dunne’s History of Punk in Ireland
Broadcaster, Musician and Punk, Tom Dunne, charts the arrival of Punk to Ireland, why it took root in Belfast and Cork before Dublin, he talks about some of the amazing punk bands that came out of Ireland and what Punk’s legacy is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Naomi Klein - “We’ll all be living in the apocalypse of the tech bros’ creation, if we’re not careful”
Author and global thinker Naomi Klein has a knack for capturing the zeitgeist in her previous books like ‘No Logo’, ‘The Shock Doctrine’ and ‘Doppelganger’. Her new book is ‘End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World’ in which she suggests powerful elites are weaponising modern crises to build private escape routes for themselves while urging everyday people to reject doom and collectiv
“Greek Yoghurt is having a (protein-related) moment!”
Registered Dietician Orla Walsh helps decipher all the different yoghurt types on offer in supermarkets and their various health claims. She says most people should be trying to incorporate this superfood into their diet to boost bone, heart and gut health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rory O'Connell's Comfort Foods
Chef, teacher, TV presenter and co-founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Rory O'Connell talks us through what makes a food a comfort food? And why do the foods we grew up with have such a hold on us? His Comfort Food recipes include Rice Pilaff with Chicken, Courgettes and Coriander and Pumpkin, Leek, Fennel and Tomato Soup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: ESRI research professor, Alan Barrett; Anglo Celt managing editor, Linda O’Reilly; public policy advisor, Oisín Coghlan; Irish and Sunday Independent political editor, Mary Regan; RTE Soccer Correspondent, Tony O’Donoghue and Belfast Telegraph correspondent, Allison Morris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Keith Barry - "I'm very clear on who I don't want to be – an absent father"
Magician and mentalist Keith Barry joins Brendan to select 5 songs that have influenced his life. Keith talks about his late father Ken who died last year; on becoming a celebrity magician in Dublin & LA; shutting down a Bangles concert with a giant flame trick and explains how the music of Fergus O'Farrell's Interference makes him cry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Culture journalist and host of ‘The Bellissimo Files’, Sarina Bellissimo joins Brendan to talk through the best new offerings on the big and small screen. Her choices include divorce drama, ‘War’, Brad Pitt’s survivalist epic ‘Heart of the Beast’ and Aidan Gillen’s latest series ‘Tall Tales and Murder’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Louise O' Neill - "I was standing in the ashes of my former life"
Author Louise O’Neill joins Brendan to discuss her first memoir ‘A Bigger Life’. It details a dramatic break-up, which led her to completely reconsider her life and priorities. From returning home, to travelling in Thailand, to dating her way across Europe, she outlines the huge mix of emotions she went through from joy to embarrassment to unexpected tears. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri
Poems to get you through the change of season
Poet Enda Wyley joins Brendan with a selection of autumnal poems, including classics by John Keats and Seamus Heaney, and lesser-known gems by Vona Groarke and Ru Borsen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter O' Mahony - "I had a chance to reflect on myself, how I minded people"
Former Ireland and Munster Rugby Captain, Peter O’ Mahony joins Brendan to discuss his amazing grandmother, his lifelong temper, and his extraordinary playing career. Marking the publication of his memoir ‘All In’ he talks about what he learned from coaches Joe Schmidt, Andy Farrell and the late Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marco Pierre White - "Everything I do is rebuilding my childhood"
Chef and Restauranteur Marco Pierre White joins Brendan to discuss his pivot from restaurants into curating a hotel, his ongoing quest to recreate his childhood and how kitchen culture has changed during his career. He also talks about his long and complex relationship with Gordon Ramsay. He also tells us how to cook the perfect steak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute; Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times; Finian McGrath, Former Independent TD and former Minister of State for Disability Issues and Dr Barra Roantree, Economist at Trinity College, Dublin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
Mark Little - We can take back our power over AI
Mark Little, tech entrepreneur and journalist, has written a new book 'The Last Good Day on the Internet' in which he charts the initial innocence of the internet and its 'shared playground' feel to the rise of the algorithm to the AI age we're currently living in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jennie Bond - "It's an absolute character assassination of King Charles"
In a new book by the brother of the late Princess Diana, Charles Spencer makes various claims highlighting King Charles' cold-heartedness at the time of Diana's death. Jennie Bond, Journalist and former BBC Royal Correspondent also recalls the tension between Diana and the Royal Family while she was alive and its impact on the next generation of royals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to pick out the week's best offerings on the big and small screen are: Esther O’Moore Donohoe, writer and podcaster and John Maguire, Business Post Film Critic for the Business Post. Among some of the TV shows and films they preview are Sharon Horgan's 'Youth', Matthew McConaughey's 'Brothers', the new BBC series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', Saoirse Ronan's 'Bad Apples and Shaun The
"Sitting with Manchán while his soul left his body was life-changing"
Aisling Rogerson, founder of The Fumbally Café and the widow of the late Manchán Magan, talks about how all of Manchán's life's work culminates in the final book of his trilogy, 'Seeing What's Happening', with its focus on connecting to the spirit and having the right relationship with nature. She also talks about first meeting him on Inis Oirr 12 years ago, their long-distance relationship and co
Anthony Scaramucci - "I simply got seduced by the power"
Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Director of Communications (for 11days!) and co-host of The Rest is Politics US spoke to Brendan about his childhood on the Jersey Shore and how he ended up mixing with the elite. He talked about the mistakes America has made that he believes led to the era of Donald Trump, and offers some solutions. Anthony’s latest book “All the wrong moves” is out now.&nbs
“Nikita has empowered other survivors to get support”
Rachel Morrogh, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre spoke to Brendan about the impact of Nikita Hand’s interview on other survivors of sexual violence, she talked about how difficult it can be for a survivor to come forward to ask for help and she outlined the many ways to get support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nikita Hand - “I tried to fight but I couldn’t overpower somebody like him”
Nikita Hand, who won her case in 2025 when a civil jury in the high court found that Conor McGregor assaulted her by raping her, joined Brendan to talk about her new book ‘Not the Perfect Victim’. She spoke about the trauma she’s lived with since, the difficult decision to seek justice and coming face to face with McGregor in the courtroom. She hopes her book will offer hope to other survivor
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are Irish Examiner political correspondent, Louise Burne; Executive Director of TASC, Dr Shana Coen; commentator and CEO of the Iona Institute, David Quinn; Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, Prof Niamh Hourigan. They're joined from Doonbeg by RTE reporter, Brian
The Watchlist
Joining Dearbhail to pick out the week's best offerings on the big and small screen are arts journalist, Zara Hedderman and RTE Guide movies editor, Michael Doherty. They discuss season 6 of 'Slow Horses', new reality show 'Apocalypse' and 'The Random Driving Test' - in which PJ Gallagher challenges people to re-sit their driving test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to warm up like a pro
Chartered physiotherapist, Aisling Frawley discusses the true value of warming up before sustained exercise. She talks Dearbhail through some key warm-ups for anyone going for a run, playing a match, or heading to the gym. She also provides tips on warming up as we age. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Caitlin Moran - "We wouldn’t eat ‘doom-cake’, why do we ‘doom-scroll’??"
Best-selling writer Caitlin Moran talks ditching doomscrolling, finding hope in a heartfelt, practical way and how her "furry Fitbit" dog Luna reminds her to play; all explored in her new book 'How to be Hopeful: A Year of Living Joyfully'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Trump - "A united Ireland would be a very cool thing"
As US President Donald Trump visits Ireland, Dearbhail is joined for live analysis by CEO of ActionAid Ireland, Karol Balfe; Professor of Politics at UCC, Theresa Reidy; Aontú leader, Peadar Tóibín; US political strategist, Lindy Li and Law Lecturer at the University of Galway, Larry Donnelly. We also hear part of President Trump's speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patrick Kielty - "It never gets dark in Kielty Park"
Broadcaster and comedian Patrick Kielty talks about stand-up during dark times and family life with his boys, as he takes us through his life in five songs, with stories about Roy Orbison playing the Parochial Hall in Dundrum Co. Down and The Stone Roses at the Hacienda and Old Trafford. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Joining Dearbhail to preview some of the best films and TV shows available this week are: Grainne Humphreys, director of the Dublin International Film Festival and Eoin Sweeney, producer. Some of the productions discussed are season two of ‘The Paper’, ‘Untold Mr T: I Pity the Fool’, the movie version of ‘Call My Agent!’, ‘At Your Service’, ‘Late Fame’ and ‘Hungry’, a horror movie about a rampagin
"When a new Grand Theft Auto comes out many people take a day off work to play it"
Ciara O'Brien, Irish Times business and technology journalist and Grand Theft Auto fan talks Dearbhail through the history of what’s been called the most controversial video game of all time. November sees the eagerly anticipated sixth incarnation of the game which its fans have been waiting over a decade for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"‘Mar-a-Lago Face’ is now being requested from cosmetic doctors"
Author Róisín Kiberd talks botox, beauty standards, steroids and wellness with Dearbhail - topics she considers in her new book ‘The Most Normal Woman: Essays on Appearances’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newspaper Panel
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Colm O'Gorman, commentator and former executive director of Amnesty International Ireland; Dr Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, doctor and Irish Independent columnist; Declan Power, security and defence analyst and Elaine Loughlin, political editor with the Irish Examiner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info
"There won't be a dry eye in Croke Park tonight when 'Grace' is sung before Katie's fight"
RTE Sport’s Jacqui Hurley is presenting tonight’s coverage of Katie Taylor’s final-ever boxing fight in Croke Park. She reflects on Katie’s career, on interviewing her this week and she tells us everything we need to know about tonight’s fight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bronagh Gallagher - "I met Aretha and told her she was our queen"
Derry woman Bronagh Gallagher tells Dearbhail about growing up in the Troubles and her amazing acting life, including roles in The Commitments, Pulp Fiction, and Star Wars. She also discusses her soul-singing career and political activism through the prism of five songs, ranging from Aretha Franklin to Bob Marley to Van Morrison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Dan Jukes was often described as "like a son" to Nigel Farage'
Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times, updates Dearbhail on the latest scandal involving Nigel Farage, as he addresses Reform UK's party conference. Undercover filming broadcast by Channel 4 News showed Dan Jukes, one of Farage's closest advisers, and Reform's head of policy James Orr, meeting a man posing as the British-based son of a rich American, and Jukes appears to suggest a w
Yotam Ottolenghi - "I crush crisps onto my salads for fun!"
Celebrity Chef Yotam Ottolenghi tells Dearbhail about how he’s trying to simplify good cooking with amazing hacks in his brand new cookbook, 'Simple Too'. He also talks about growing up in Jerusalem with a lot of Palestinian food influences, the sadness he feels looking at the current conflict and what he cooks to keep his children happy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Off-Peak Travel - "A €30 flight jumps up to €250 during midterm break"
As students go back to school, holiday prices plummet. Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor of the Irish Independent, brings Dearbhail through some of the value to be had in Irish and foreign holidays in the off-peak period and tips for bringing prices down even further. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: publisher of The Briefing.ie, Liz Carolan; independent economist, David W Higgins; political columnist with the Sunday Times, Alison O’Connor; and UCD assistant professor of politics and international relations, Dr Graham Finlay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"How did I go from playing for Ireland to a prison cell?"
Former Irish and Ulster rugby player, Ryan Caldwell, tells Brendan about his descent, from playing professional rugby into drug addiction and prison. Ryan’s autobiography ‘White Lines’ details this journey and how he rebuilt his life using shamanic wisdom, meditation and plant-based medicine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A rare clip of Dolly Parton singing with her family
Following the death of Dolly Parton, we reflect on her Appalachian roots and musical heritage, heavily influenced by songs brought to the region by Irish migrants. In an archive recording from Dolly’s TV show, we hear her singing a traditional Appalachian song, alongside her parents Robert Lee and Avie Lee Parton, and some of her 12 siblings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to preview some of the best films and TV shows available this week are author, Henrietta McKervey and host of the “Here and Back Again” podcast, Dave O’Callaghan. Their choices include the second season of ‘The Traitors: Ireland’, film ‘The Dog Stars’ and property show ‘Cheap Irish Homes’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Garron Noone - “I couldn’t leave the house, so they sent me to the priest!”
Comedian and musician Garron Noone joins Brendan to discuss his debut album, his talent for reviewing ‘delicious’ cups of tea, and the crippling agoraphobia that kept him housebound for years. He also tells Brendan about his musical influences and the songs that have shaped his life, including tracks by Eva Cassidy, Alice in Chains and Mick Flannery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Is your routine bad for you?
Chartered Work and Coaching Psychologist, Leisha Redmond McGrath tells Brendan about the benefits, and costs, of having routine. She discusses how gauging our ‘tolerance of ambiguity’ can help identify how much routine to incorporate into our daily lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Howard on Irish unity - “A new capital in the bellybutton of Ireland”
Author and creator of Ross O’Carroll Kelly, Paul Howard, joins Brendan to discuss his play in the Edinburgh Fringe, his biography of Sean Hughes and his latest satirical novel. ‘A Nation Once Again’ follows the mishaps of a team of civil servants tasked with planning for a United Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A dermatologist's guide to the only skincare you really need
Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at The Institute of Dermatologists lists the products that we should be using daily on our skin – from zinc-based sunscreen to retinoids – and debunks some of the common myths. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simple quick midweek pastas with Eunice Power
Eunice Power, Chef and owner of the gourmet takeaway 'And Chips' in Dungarvan joins Brendan to discuss the delights of butter, and how to get the most out of it in your cooking. Her recipes include Tomato Butter with Spaghetti, Cavolo Nero with Lemon Butter and Crispy Parmesan Breadcrumbs, and a very quick Lemon Butter Sauce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: James Leonard, Community Worker, criminologist and one half of the Two Norries; Maria Steen, Commentator, Catherine Prasifka, Author and Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent at the Irish Examiner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jon Ronson - “When men try out vulnerability, women sometimes recoil in horror”
Jon Ronson, author and podcaster, joins Brendan to talk about his new book ‘The Castle: Adventures in a World of Unravelling Men’ which explores the modern masculinity crisis. Among other things, he examines internet delusions, male anxiety, and the purposeless of some of the mega-rich. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"A white Cadillac pulls up beside Tupac and opens fire"
TupacThe trial opened this week in Las Vegas of Duane "Keffe D" Davis – in connection with the fatal shooting thirty years ago of legedary rapper, Tupac Shakur. But who was Tupac Shakur and why is he still relevant three decades on? Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell joined Brendan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to pick the best shows and films available this week are Nadine O’Regan, Arts and Features writer with the Irish Times and Brian Lloyd, Host of the Screenland podcast. Some of the productions they talk about include ‘Policing Dublin City’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Spa Weekend’, ‘Coyote vs Acme’ and The Reading Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Washing Up” - a poem by Derek Mahon
Brendan played a recording of actor Stephen Rea reciting the Derek Mahon poem, Washing Up. The recording was originally broadcast as part of the RTÉ Television series Tradfest: the Dublin Sessions.https://www.rte.ie/player/series/tradfest/SI0000008433?epguid=AI10025776-04-0002]The poem is included in Mahon’s last collection, published by Gallery Press. Details here. [link here: https://gallerypres
Dr Richard Hogan on work: “I don’t think anyone on their death bed thinks ‘I should have worked more’”
Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan talks to Brendan about work. He talks about the pressure on teens to know what they want to be, how to find the job that’s right for you, how to deal with workplace stress and bullies and how to navigate workplace crushes. He also has tip on how to retire well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seán Ronayne - “Being a new father is like living a magical new life”
Ornithologist and author Seán Ronayne talks about becoming a father, his awe at watching his daughter’s developing love of nature, how his autism informs his parenting, the influence of the late Manchán Magan, his sadness at watching the effects of climate change, his live tour Untold Sounds and his new Headstuff podcast, The Seán Chorus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat
Blindboy Boatclub - “Dogs can smell in stereo, they can smell time!”
Podcaster and Author Blindboy BoatClub has had some of his short stories adapted by director Dan Colley into a new Abbey Theatre play, ‘Animals’. He talks to Brendan about the philosophical theory, ‘Umwelt’, his own sensory processing, the burnout that too much small talk can cause and how his autism inspires his work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“My head-on joyrider crash left me scared of the dark, driving, everything”
Cork woman Róisín Stakelum suffered a head-on motorway crash in July 2023 when she was driving to Dublin Airport and a car of teenage joyriders were driving the wrong way down the M8 motorway. Her plans to emigrate to Australia disappeared, she now lives with physical and psychological pain and she appeals to the Irish Government in the wake of the M9 crash to roll out wrong way detection technolo
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