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
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
Late Summer Indulgence Recipes!
Chef Maggie Roche tells Brendan about her cafe, The Little Acorn, shutting down tomorrow and about her career ranging from The Merrion Hotel to working with Michel Roux. Her sumptuous recipes before we head back to the September grind include a blueberry scone with jam and cream and lemon curd and fluffy pancakes with crispy bacon, pecan nut crumb and maple syrup. See omnystudio.com/listener
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to pick the best shows and films available this week are host of the Extra Vision Podcast, Andy McCarroll and entertainment journalist and host of The Bellissimo Files, Sarina Bellisimo. Their choices include ‘Holly Willoughby: Together’, season two of ‘Ludwig’ and documentary ‘The Healy Raes: Blood Sweat and Tears’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I’m not worried about Millennials; I’m worried a fear of cringe is ruling Gen Z lives!”
Podcaster and Presenter, Fionnuala Jones, joins Brendan to discuss the growing obsession with cringe. We are now at the point in our culture where anything millennials do is full on cringe according to Gen Z – but do they even care? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"My big ambition? That my wife is happy" - writer, Richard Ford
Novelist Richard Ford, joins Brendan to discuss the current state of Donald Trump’s America, rediscovering his Irish heritage and the dynamics of his life-long marriage. He also explores his changing relationship to age, ambition and his friend, John Banville. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: farmer & presenter of Ear to the Ground, Darragh McCullough; Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail and Sunday Independent, Brenda Power; Law Lecturer at NUI Galway, Larry Donnelly; Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP, Louise Bayliss; and RTE Sports Commentator, Greg Allen. See omnystudio.com/listener for priva
“Odyssey Round the A&E”, a new poem by Rita Ann Higgins
Acclaimed poet Rita Ann Higgins reads a new poem “Odyssey Round the A&E” inspired by her husband Christy’s recent visit to the Emergency Department. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homemade Ice Cream for Dummies with Kevin Dundon
Chef Kevin Dundon joins Brendan to discuss the delights of home-made ice cream. He talks through how to make simple ice-cream at home and tweak it with a range of own favourite flavours, from brown bread to orange to butterscotch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Physio’s Guide to Improving your Balance
Chartered Physiotherapist, founder of Posture Fitting and former Ireland Rugby International, Siobhan O’Donovan joins Brendan to offer tips on how to improve and maintain your balance. She suggests exercises and activities that will help your brain preserve its sense of balance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“He told me ‘word is you’re a flash in the pan’ - that drove me to prove myself” - Phil Coulter
The multi-award winning songwriter behind classics like ‘Ireland’s Call’ and ‘The Town I Loved So Well’, Phil Coulter tells Brendan about his extraordinary life and career. Phil picks out songs – by others – that inspired him along his journey – including tracks by Sinead O’Connor and Ed Sheeran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From pink cocaine to ultra strong MDMA - a warning on this year’s casual drug trends
The HSE’s National Clinical Lead on Addiction Services, Prof. Eamon Keenan joins Brendan to discuss drug use at festivals emphasising that the best way to stay safe is not to consume drugs. He outlines what HSE services are on site at festivals, what spiked drugs are circulating in Ireland, and what harm reduction strategies users should adopt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
"With potatoes cooking in the ground - has this summer been a wake-up call on climate change?"
After a summer of unprecedented heatwaves and terrifying wildfires close to home, have people's views on climate change altered? Will these events change how people behave, and the sorts of policies we demand from our leaders? Brendan was joined by the head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Unit, Pete Lunn, and environmental scientist, Tara Shine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robbie Williams - “I’m taking the weight loss jabs. I didn’t qualify, but I’m a celebrity”
Legendary songwriter and performer, Robbie Williams joins Brendan to discuss imposter syndrome, his experience of weight-loss jabs, the difficulty of facing sobriety and all the demons that drove him there. Robbie also does a stellar Morrissey impression. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Former Government Press Secretary, Chris Donoghue, Lorna Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder of Fitzwilliam Fenton Public Affairs Company, Dan O’Brien, Columnist and Chief Economist with IIEA, Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Jeremy Irons can hold his own at a seisiún ” - Martin Hayes
One of Ireland’s finest musicians, fiddle player, Martin Hayes talks to Brendan about the music that shaped his life, the melancholy of the songs he grew up with in Clare, discovering The Beatles, the magic of Tommie Potts and reinventing traditional music with The Gloaming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Arts and Music Journalist, Zara Hedderman and Business Post Film critic, John Maguire join Brendan with their film and television recommendations for the week including The Shards on Disney+, In Time - a documentary about Dónal Lunny and the Anthony Bourdain biopic ‘Tony’ .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Real life horrors are on your phone instantly”
After the hospitalisation of blogger Perez Hilton this week, Dave Hanratty of the No Encore podcast talks to Brendan about Hilton’s rise, the darkness of the celebrity internet culture of the 2000s and the disturbing voyeurism of social media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Marriage needs conflict” - Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan
Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan joins Brendan to discuss the nuances of marriage, reflecting on the knotty dynamics of a committed relationship, the work of connection with a partner and how our parents' marriage maps our emotional lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I think I'll miss being given out to by Brenda Fricker the most!”
Friends of the late Brenda Fricker, Liz Duffy, costume designer Joan Bergin and filmmaker Tadgh O’Sullivan share their memories of the actress. They talk to Brendan about her work, the woman they knew offscreen and her strength in the face of illness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I didn’t think Ferris Bueller would last 40 years” - Matthew Broderick
Star of the stage and screen Matthew Broderick talks to Brendan about finding fame in the cultural phenomenon Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, his childhood summers in Ireland, being a stage Dad to his son and his Abbey Theatre debut in Ulster American.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“People used tea bags and gravy browning to tan their legs!”
From Coco Chanel introducing tanning as a style statement to the war effort of mimicking nylons with teabags, fake tan has always been in vogue. Beauty and fashion historian Laura Fitzachary joins Brendan to give a potted history of fake tan and why Irish people are its biggest fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ultimate cheeseburger
Food Historian and columnist with the Financial Times, Tim Hayward chats to Brendan about the simple joy of the cheeseburger, the certain alchemy of cheap cheese combined with meat from the smash burger to its gourmet reinvention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper panel
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Kerry Today host, Jerry O’Sullivan; Green Party Chair and Councillor for Dublin’s north inner city; Managing Director of Baggot Investments, Peter Brown; political reporter with the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney; and Europe correspondent with Euronews, Shona Murray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ellen Keane: “I came back from the Paralympics and my motivation was in the bin”
Five-time Paralympian, Dancing with the Stars contestant, and coach on Ireland’s Fittest Family, Ellen Keane, tells Dearbhail about her career, training regime, and life outside the pool. She also chooses five songs that have inspired her along the way, including choices by Eminem, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Literary feuds – “She shot to fame in a film that sexualised a young girl”
Author Edel Coffey joins Dearbhail to discuss literary feuds. The conversation is prompted by a growing controversy around the memoir of celebrated author, Rachel Cusk, which details her difficult relationship with a famous actor, widely believed to be based on Natalie Portman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the best shows and films arriving this week, are producer Eoin Sweeney and Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphreys. Their choices include mafia prequel Gomorrah: The Origins, Enda Walsh’s coming-of-age drama, Ish, and John Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“You don’t need a free bar two hours before the meal” - Noel Cunningham on hosting a recovering alcoholic
Hotelier and recovering alcoholic, Noel Cunningham, joins Dearbhail with advice on how to host guests who are guarding their sobriety. He speaks candidly about his own addiction, recovery and shame. He outlines the challenge of working in hospitality, where serving alcohol to others is almost unavoidable. He also offers great mocktail recipes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Viral Clare businesswoman: “I was born with resting bitch face, and I’m proud of it!”
Diane Kelly, Director and Co-Founder of LL Solutions, took to social media to share her thoughts on how difficult it is to be a woman online, constantly judged for her appearance, not her work. It struck a chord with millions of women including presenter Carol Vorderman and singer Pink, Diane shares her story with Dearbhail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weinstein survivor, Ashley Judd: “Not all men are violent, but most men are silent”
Hollywood star and best-selling author, Ashley Judd, joins Dearbhail to discuss her career, her activism and her prominent role in the #MeToo movement. The star of ‘Heat’ and ‘Double Jeopardy’, and UNFPA Goodwill ambassador, talks about breaking the silence on Harvey Weinstein, for which TIME magazine named her one of their People of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summer debts: “Dog-sitting can be a great way to get a cheap holiday - if you like dogs!”
Managing Director of Rockwell Financial, Robert Whelan, joins Dearbhail to discuss how triage your summer debts by prioritising the loans that have the highest interest rates. He also has tips on how to manage a side-hustle, find free holiday accommodation, and claim back expenses from Revenue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Glen Hansard Interview - February 14th 2026
From the Brendan O'Connor archives, revisit the interview with the Oscar-winning songwriter and The Frames frontman who died on Wednesday, 29th July 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Barrister and International Human Rights Lawyer; Cuan Ó Seireadáin, Political Correspondent, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta; Emma Howard, Senior Lecturer in Economics in TU Dublin and Dan Mulhall, Former Ambassador to the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shane Daniel Byrne - “I like the way songs can change meaning over the years”
Comedian, actor, podcaster and writer Shane Daniel Byrne talks about his life and career through the prism of five songs’. He also speaks about growing up in an all-brother household, holidaying in Wexford, discovering youth theatre, coming out as gay and life totally changing when he became a stand-up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Fionnuala Jones, Pop Culture Journalist and podcaster and Michael Doherty, RTÉ Guide Film Editor join Dearbhail to preview the latest T.V. and cinema releases including Furious on Disney+, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, on HBO, and In the Opinion of the Censor, on RTÉ One.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Camping is just THE BEST way to explore Ireland”
Glamping... wild camping... camper-vaning... With hotel prices going through the roof, Matthew McConnell, Editor at Outsider.ie, talked to Dearbhail about affordable alternatives in the camping world, and gave tips for the inexperienced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“People are watching Netflix while they’re driving along”
Paramedic and Community Engagement Manager of the National Ambulance Service, Ger O’Dea, explains the anatomy of a car crash. What happens from the minute they get a 999 call, the roadside care they can offer, why e-scooter crashes are a daily occurrence now and why he says ‘crashes’ instead of ‘accidents’. He issues a road safety appeal ahead of the bank holiday weekend.See omnystudio.com/listene
“You want a waxy spud for a potato salad”
Chef Domini Kemp has tips and recipes for making beautiful potato salads and coleslaws this summer, including Asian Slaw and Green Goddess Slaw. Her recipe twists include using pickles and capers and she has alternatives for people who may be a bit mayonnaise-averse!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pat Shortt: “I love grotesque, edgy madness!”
Comedian and actor Pat Shortt makes his Abbey Theatre debut in ‘Animals’ this September, based on Blindboy Boatclub’s short stories and adapted and directed by Dan Colley. He tells Dearbhail about trying to stage an “unstageable play”, his 40 years in Limerick, why hurling managers are ripe for humour and his recent month-long motorbike trip across Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
“There is always violence bubbling under”
What would a united Ireland look like? And could the island end up stumbling into unity, without doing the necessary thinking and preparatory groundwork? Those are questions explored by film makers, Alan Gilsenan and John Walsh, in their film 'The Irish Question' which airs on Wednesday, July 29th on RTE 1 and on the RTE Player.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Simon’s Graceland at 40
John Meagher, Music Critic and Irish Independent Senior Features Writer, explains why ‘Graceland’ was such a groundbreaking album. Simon felt he needed a change of direction in the 1980s so starting experimenting with African rhythms and township music, journeying to South Africa and making ‘Graceland’ which went onto sell 40 million copies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Claire Brock to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, Aisling Meehan, Agricultural Solicitor, Tax Advisor and Farmer, Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Prof. Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Are bank details on a wedding invite the new norm?”
With wedding season in full swing, the celebrations can also bring up some difficult issues. Claire is joined by Chartered Psychologist Allison Keating and Wedding Planner and Photographer Jenny McCarthy to talk through various dilemmas including the cost for guests, choosing what to give to the happy couple and handling tricky family dynamics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“By the time you’re thirsty you're already 2% dehydrated” - Defeating Dehydration
Registered dietician Sarah Keogh talks to Claire about effective hydration, how to combat dehydration, how much water we should be drinking, the best time of day for water intake and other essential tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Writer Henrietta McKervey and Dave O’ Callaghan, host of the ‘Here and Back Again’ podcast join Claire to preview the latest T.V. and cinema releases including mother and baby home documentary Testimony, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, thriller Lucky and the inaugural World Cup halftime show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frances Black - “A Woman’s Heart was the inspiration for the Spice Girls!”
Singer, activist, and independent senator Frances Black joins Claire for My Life in Five Songs. From Bill Withers to Beginish. She talks about growing up in a musical family, stage-fright, how motherhood transformed her, her journey to the Seanad and her tireless work on the Occupied Territories Bill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“I want to make the women of Ireland safer” - Leona Mackin
Mother of two Leona Macken is living with incurable Stage Four Cervical Cancer. She talks to Claire about receiving an apology and settlement from the HSE after she learnt that abnormalities on smear test result analyses were missed. She speaks about the need for further improvements to the National Screening Programme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sensational Strawberries with Neven Maguire
As we hit peak berry season, MacNean House and Restaurant owner, chef Neven Maguire joins Claire to share some versatile strawberry recipes from the savoury to the sweet. Including a smoked duck salad with a strawberry sauce to classics like strawberry sundaes and cheesecake and kids' favourites, fruity ice popsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Don’t be afraid of your home” - Getting to Know Your House
Martin Glynn from the DIY Academy shares his advice about common household concerns, bleeding radiators, simple plumbing, avoiding electrics and when to call the professionals in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luke Combs at Slane - “Ordinary is the appeal”
As Luke Combs takes to the stage at Slane Castle for his first of two sold out shows tonight, country singer and country radio host, Clodagh Lawlor tells Claire about his meteoric rise to fame, why Luke Combs is connecting with a new generation of listeners and what fans can expect from him tonight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discover the Coolcation
With temperatures hitting all-time highs across Europe this summer, holidaymakers are seeking cooler climates. Sarah Slattery from The Travel Expert.ie tells Claire about alternative destinations from Sweden to Madeira to escape the sweat and the sunburn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the newspapers are: Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, Social Democrats Candidate in recent Galway West by-election; Tanya Ward, Chief Executive, Children's Rights Alliance; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and former Government advisor and Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Crying shows us what really matters to us” - The Power of Crying with Dr Tony Bates
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tony Bates, talks about why we cry in sad or beautiful moments. He also explains the power of tears, their release effect, why people might try to hide their tears and why he worries about the people who never cry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“‘The Queue’ at Wimbledon is now a social media sensation in its own right”
Christine Bohan, tennis fan and Deputy Editor of TheJournal.ie explains why Wimbledon has something for everyone nowadays, whether they’re a tennis fan or not. She talks about the influencers, fashion and food at this year’s tournament, how you get invited into the Royal Box and she previews the Men’s Singles Final this afternoon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Zara Hedderman, Culture Journalist and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision Podcast. They talk about Moana, Evil Dead Burn, Rosebush Pruning, The Hawk, Nothing To Hide and Love Island amongst many more productions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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