Sunday with Miriam
Miriam O'Callaghan presents an all-talking, all-singing, all-human-life-is-here show. Listen live every Sunday at 10am on RTÉ Radio 1.
Episodes
Seán McNamara
The young man, a promising Pentathlon athlete with a chance of going to the London Olympics, who through injury was forced into changing course. He tried to compete as a jockey but the risks to both his physical and mental health took a toll. He talks about how being a patient in St John of God’s and going public on Instagram was, for him, the right thing to doSee omnystudio.com/listener for priva
Sharon Shannon
The acclaimed button accordian-player is being bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Concert Hall, plus a special gala concert at the end of November. She chats about choosing her musical instrument at a young age, the incredible musical collaborations and her next album (a mix of old and new material)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carlo Gébler
The author discusses growing up as the son of two strong-willed writers (his mother Edna O'Brien and father Ernest Gébler). In his latest book he explores the trips he took back and forth between Fermanagh and London to visit Edna in her final years; it is called 'No One Tells You: The Last Years of Edna O'Brien' (published by New Island)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Martina Anderson
The former IRA activist and MEP has written her autobiography ‘Choosing the Struggle’; it details her life from growing up in the Bogside, to Brixton prison and to the European Parliament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Serena Terry
The Derry comedian (creator of Mammy Banter and sketch-filled clips on Tik Tok/Instagram) is bringing her one-woman show 'Factory Settings' to the Edinburgh Fringe . She also talks about anxiety and ADHD in her work and how her perspective on life changed after the deaths of her father and two brothers Official website: serenaterry.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lavie Olupona
The 20-year old spoken-word poet talks about bringing both her Traveller and Nigerian backgrounds into her work, being mentored by Felispeaks, the themes in her work and integrating the Irish language where she can Instagram: @scriobh.siSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kieran O'Malley
The social media personality/podcaster talks about being 'The Galway Player', meeting his wife online and marrying just before her death to cancer and now rebuilding his life Helplines: galwayhospice.ie / cancer.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin McManamon
Chat with the 8-time Dublin All-Ireland winner - a sports psychologist and performance coach, he’s also an ambassador for the GAA/GPA 'Ahead of the Game’ initiative to help youngsters in the game with their mental health and resilience Further details: Learning.gaa.ie/Movember or kevmcperformance.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Boldt
Chat and live music with an exciting young talent from Belfast, who's been making a name for himself in Bozeman, Montana for the last few years. He'll be touring Ireland in September Instagram @chrisboldtmusic (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sara Canning
The partner of the late Lyra McKee talks about the Lyra she knew, their plans for the future, that fateful night in Derry and their reaction to the recent verdict (three men were found not guilty of the journalists' murder in 2019)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Niall Breslin (with The Polaris Quartet)
Chat with the musician about moving to a more contemplative style, merging mental health practices and music and his own personal experiences which now inform his attitude to life Official website: www.niallbreslin.com (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seánie Bermingham
The singer songwriter chats about his roots in rural Tipperary, pausing teaching to pursue a career in music, playing with Amble, writing and recording an album 'The First Telling’ Official website: seaniebermingham.com (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Teresa Mannion
As she approaches retirement, the long-time journalist chats about her family background and growing up in Dublin, her route into journalism and the RTÉ Newsroom, those infamous “unnecessary journeys” and ‘Dancing With The Stars’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Siobhán Gibbons
Remembering her sister Eileen Rushe, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer, campaigned fiercely and died in 2021 aged 35. She also talks about redundancy, employment and parenthood, her own health issues and starting her consulting businessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Louise McSharry
The DJ, podcaster and beauty editor chats about the huge changes in her life in the past few years – coming out as gay, marriage separation, weight loss and a new career as a podcaster with ‘Catch Up with Louise McSharry’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jo Spain
The crime writer explains why she found the Japanese phenomenon of Johatsu so fascinating (people who intentionally disappear) and wanted to use it in her latest novel ‘Never To Be Found’. She also chats about the difference between writing fiction and being a script writer and prolific tv screenwriterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rían Ó Braonáin
An update with the young man whose dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer are coming true. He's finished his studies with English National Ballet School and has just been accepted to their prestigious Graduate Artists Programme (which he'll hopefully fund with Go Fund Me)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vogue Williams
The presenter/influencer/podcaster will be judging the Dubai Duty Free Best Dressed in the Curragh next Sunday. She chats about expecting baby number 4, experiencing miscarriage, interior design and dealing with social media commentary on her private lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luke Thomas
The singer talks about adjusting to life after the death of his partner Ciara from cancer, working as lead singer with The Swing Cats and his own musical career aspirationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Declan O’Rourke
The singer/songwriter chats about the role of Australia in his music – where he recorded his new album ‘Oceanic’ and where he makes his acting debut in the film ‘Almost With You’ (he plays a touring musician dealing with grief in a remote coastal town)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kirsty Wark
The highly-respected broadcaster (who spent 31 years at the helm of BBC’s Newsnight) will be a guest at the upcoming Hinterland Festival in Kells, 25th – 28 June. She chats about her Scottish upbringing, a career in journalism, preparing for high-profile interviewees and life beyond the news studioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Driven Snow
Chat with musical and life partners Kieran McGuinness and Emily Aylmer about meeting when they were both in other bands, their songwriting process, Kieran tracing his birth mother and preparing for an upcoming album/tour Instagram: @drivensnowmusic (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trish Bourke
Chat with a woman whose memoir ‘Unwitnessed’ chronicles growing up in a Jehovah’s Witness family, the strict regulations it imposed on her life and why it is now a faith she no longer belongs toSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Teena Gates
Some years ago the presenter/producer took on the challenge of losing weight, achieving mountain-climbing goals and writing ‘One Foot In Front of the Other’. But then life changed when she became a full-time carer for her dad, she subsequently had a heart attack, is waiting for a hip operation and is working on another bookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gill Perdue
Chat with the Irish author about her latest thriller ‘All Of Them Lied’, set in Italy which explores themes of deception, friendship and caring. She also chats about her father's career as a chaplain and her own years as a teacher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Blades
Chat with Paul Cleary about the career highs for The Blades in the 1980s, his own songwriting for other artists and getting the band back together. They tour the country later this year. Instagram: @thebladesbandofficial (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Risteárd Cooper
The actor/mimic/comedian chats about discovering mimicry, a talent for singing inherited from both parents, his father who developed dementia, the death of his brother Fiachra and the Aprés Match glory days. His new solo comedy show is called ‘Out of His Head' Tour details: risteardcooper.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keith Duffy
Keith and his son Jay feature in this season of ‘Uncharted with Ray Goggins’, which for them meant climbing Mount Stanley in Uganda. He chats about the physical and mental toll of it, reinventing himself from singer to actor, his daughter Mia and performing again with Boyzone in their farewell gig in LondonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elma Walsh
Chat with the mother of Donal Walsh, who had a terminal cancer diagnosis but made such an impact when he appealed to teenagers to value life and alternatives to suicide. The book ‘I Am Me: The Donal Walsh Story’ is a mixture of Elma’s thoughts, Donal’s own writings and the testimonials of people who've beem touched by what he had to say.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Colin and Eithne Bell
The founders of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (helping bereaved families bring the bodies of their loved-ones home from abroad), explain the impact on their lives of losing their son, how their world has opened up and securing the charity into the future Kevin Bell Trust: https://kbrtrust.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marie Gleeson
The former Irish Navy captain explains what she learned from her years in service, losing her son Ciarán a week after his birth and life after leaving the forces. She tells her story in her memoir ‘Be Like The Sea: Life, Learnings and Leadership From An Irish Navy Captain’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Johnny Logan
In a wide-ranging conversation the three-time Eurovision winner chats about family background, his early start in music business, Eurovision success, career trajectory and life abroad. He plays Vicar Street on Saturday August 22 (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen
Chat with the two authors who have just published their new novel 'Our Deadly Summer', featuring a pair of friends and their adventures on a J1 summer in Long Island. They also chat about their working partnership, their own J1 summer experiences and Emer explains how her recent ADHD diagnosis has impacted her life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Susan Bennett
The author chats about the lives she and her Church of Ireland minister husband were having in Belfast in their thirties, when incredibly they were both diagnosed with MS. They spent a year travelling Europe in a camper van, which she chronicles in her book ‘One Year’ (published by Gill)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kathleen MacMahon
The author chats about her previous career and her latest novel ‘Other People’s Lives’, where she turns her gaze on marriage and our other people’s relationships. She also talks about the writings of her grandmother Mary Lavin, and support in the writing world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donal Skehan
The chef chats about his life-long love of art, his sculptor grandparents and being one of the ‘Incognito Art’ artists, the fundraising online art auction for the Jack & Jill Foundation To view the collection: www.incognito.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Myles O’Reilly and Rónán Ó Snodaigh
Live music and chat with the musicians and long-time collaborators, who are about to release their third album, called ‘Mise Tusa’. (for coyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lucy Kennedy
The radio & tv presenter and children’s author has just written her first novel for adults. Called ‘The Mini Breakers’, she admits it is very loosely based on her own group of friends. She also chats about her own very varied broadcasting career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dara Ó Cinnéide
The former Kerry football captain explains how finding a book in a skip led him to trace the story of Patrick M. Foley, a writer from Dingle, who went to the United States in 1909, where he died mysteriously. The documentary ‘Rian na Fola' will air on RTÉ One on Monday 4 May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sheila Killian
The author and UL Emeritus Professor explains the story behind her novel ‘Something Bigger’ - the death of Jimmy Coyle, an Irish priest in 1920’s America who had stood up to and spoken out against the Ku Klux Klan in Birmingham, AlabamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reverend Paul Colton
The Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross retired this week. Ordained in 1984, he’s been a Bishop since 1999 - the same year he officiated at the marriage of the Beckhams. He discusses being a true Corkonian, family support and the challenges and future for the Church of IrelandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liz McManus
Chat with the former politician who is one of the ambassadors of the Bealtaine festival this year. The discussion ranges from positive ageing, writing, family background and being a grandparent, studying for a PhD and why the concept of ‘fading away’ should be outlawedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Siobhán Cullen
The Irish actor chats about playing comedic roles in tv series like 'The Dry’ (which is coming back soon for a third and final series), as well as tougher roles like ‘Babies’ on BBC One. She also chats about her own path into an acting career, beginning with theatre, and never taking work for granted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celine Byrne
The acclaimed Irish soprano brings her show ‘Songs of Inspiration and Hope’ to venues around the country in May. She chats about living in Ireland while still having an international career, why she chose these particular songs and her own personal faithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vicky Pigot
In a wide-ranging interview the solicitor discusses living with alopecia universalis, which initially started in a small way in college. For her, it's not the worst thing that could have happened and she explains how she has chosen to accept it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emma O’Byrne
The senior camogie player for Dublin recently opened-up about her diagnosis with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and she chats about how it impacts on her sporting life and why she decided to go public about such a personal conditionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patrick Radden Keefe
The investigative journalist discusses the subject of his latest book 'London Falling' - Zac Brettner, a young man who fell to his death in 2019 from the balcony of a luxury apartment block in London. He had been in the company of a violent criminal and his parents have been searching ever since for answers about what caused his tragic death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Louise O’Neill
The novelist/journalist talks about the theme of her latest novel ‘Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone’- fame, family and the dark side of child stardom. She also discusses her own experiences with being in the public eye, eating disorders, social media and the impossibly high standards expected of women.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiera Dignam
The singer/songwriter chats about following her dad (the late Christy Dignam of Aslan) into a career in music and preparing for an upcoming gig in the Grand Social, Dublin Instagram: @kieradignam (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vittorio Angelone
The Belfast-born comedian is bringing his new stand-up show ‘You Can’t Say Nothing Anymore’ to The Gaiety in Dublin in October this year. He chats about growing up in Belfast, being an Irishman in London, risqué comedy and his parenting podcast with Mike Rice Details: https://vittorioangelone.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fergus Dowd
The documentary ‘The Charlie O’Leary Story’ looks at the glory days of Irish football under Jack Charlton. One member of the back-room team was particularly interesting to the film-makers - diminutive Dubliner and kit man, Charlie O’Leary, whose own decades of service to the game had never been told before Screening: www.fivelampsarts.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HamsandwicH
Chat and live music with the Kells band who are now a 3-piece (Niamh Farrell, Podge McNamee and Brian Darcy) and are going on acoustic tour in May Website: www.hamsandwichmusic.com (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan Courtney
The new presenter of ‘The Great House Revivial’ talks about the difficult decision to continue the series after the untimely death of his good friend Hugh Wallace. He also talks about his own home refurbishments, navigating being single again and looking after his own mental healthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cally Beaton
Chat with the UK comedian about why she decided to change careers into comedy in her mid-40's, after advice from Joan Rivers. She is also a podcaster and she explains the message in her latest book ‘Namaste Mother-F-ers' Official site: https://callybeaton.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Melissa Hamilton
The Co Down native (and principal dancer with The Royal Ballet in London) chats about finding her vocation very early in life. She brings 'Melissa Hamilton's Ballet Stars Gala' to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in May Details: www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Úna Crawford O’Brien
Two years ago, Bryan Murray and Úna Crawford O’Brien explained how they dealt with Brian’s Alzheimers diagnosis. Seven years since that diagnosis, things have changed a lot for the couple and Brian is now in full-time residential careSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Karen Kelly and Simon McCafferty
Chat and live music from the folk duo from Donegal, who perform under the name Without Willow Official website: https://withoutwillow.com/ (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alan Hughes
The Ireland AM presenter discusses why the loss of loved-ones to cancer prompted him to be a Daffodil Day Ambassador and how losing his parents at an early age affected his outlook on lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Danielle Galligan
Chat with the actress about her latest role in the Irish film 'Spilt Milk', her own career trajectory and her plans for the futureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Chéad Ghlúin Eile
Live music and chat with sisters Étáin and Máire Ní Churraoin, about growing up in a non-traditional gaeltacht area, musical crossover and continuing Ireland's musical heritage Website: www.ancheadghluineile.com (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shivaun O’Casey
Daughter of the playwright Seán O’Casey talks about her father’s legacy, her own life and career, the loss of her brothers, and the centenary production of ‘The Plough and the Stars’ in The Abbey TheatreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Edwina Guckian
Leitrim sean-nós dancer is bringing back the glory days of the dance hall - including moral warnings from church and state - and the Gralton Big Band at the National Concert Hall on Saint Patrick’s DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Claudia Buckley, Johnny Brady and John Hogan
the three voices from the Irish country music scene are joining forces under the title ‘A Night At The Opry’, which is touring this month (accompanied by Ray McLoughlin on keyboard and Ciaran Sheerin on guitar they perform ‘Here At The Grand Ole Opry’ and a medley of ‘The Coalminer’s Daughter, 14-Carat Mind and Help Me Make It Through the Night’)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joshua Burnside
The Northern Irish singer-songwriter chats about the vibrant music scene in Belfast now, coping with grief, his new album ‘It’s Not Going To Be OK’ and a Choice music award nomination (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mary Byrne
In a wide-ranging interview the singer chats about getting back into the dating scene, what pushed her to pursue a career in singing in her 40’s, her experience in the X Factor machine and handling her own mental health/depressionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charleen Hurtubise
The American author, who has been living in Ireland for 27 years, brings both those cultures to her new novel ‘Saoirse’. She chats about growing up in a family of 8 children, the Irish connection on her mother’s side, always wanting to be a writer, dealing with the death of parents and why she chose to settle in Donegal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nikki Hayes
The former 2FM DJ talks about how she lost everything to alcoholism, being homeless and only when she hit rock bottom did she realise she needed the help of others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daragh Fleming
The poet/writer from Cork chats about his love of writing from an early age, putting his writing into the public sphere and his very supportive parents (he reads two of his poems ‘If I Ever Have Boys’ and ‘If I Ever Have Girls’) Instagram: @daraghflemingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Orla Drumgoole
The former teacher has gained a significant following online for her no-nonsense cooking tutorials from her own kitchen. Known as ‘Irish Mammy Cooks’, her first cookbook has just been published (by Gill) Instagram: @irishmammycooksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor Aoife McLysaght
The Chair of Evolutionary Genetics in Trinity College and the Government Science Advisor talks about her own route into science, the marrying of science, politics and religion and why she is passionate about encouraging girls to take up this careerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russell Watson
The tenor and classical crossover artist chats about growing up in working-class Manchester, his career really taking off after first performing at football matches and serious health scares like vocal chord polyps and two brain tumours. He will be back in Ireland to perform in May 2026. Official website: https://russellwatson.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
PD Savage
The former gaelic footballer and Crossfit champion from Co Down chats about his sporting career and why the tv show Heated Rivalry prompted him to publicly come out as gaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ryan Tubridy
In his first RTÉ radio interview since leaving the station in 2023, Ryan Tubridy addresses the payments controversy, the elements of the débacle that he feels responsible for (and the ones he doesn't), how it impacted on his friendships and family and continuing a broadcasting career in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Téada
Live music and chat with Téada, who this month celebrate their 25th anniversary. Tristan Rosenstock, Oisín Mac Diarmada and Paul Finn chat about the evolution of their sound, playing with the late Séamus Begley, signing to Gael Linn, collaborations and travelling abroad. Official website: https://teada.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Osgur Breatnach and Cormac Breatnach
Almost fifty years since the Sallins train robbery, one of those wrongfully convicted Osgur Breatnach is still campaigning for justice. His brother Cormac has organised a campaign benefit concert in Vicar Street at the end of March Campaign website: sallinsinquirynow.ie Concert tickets: vicarstreet.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kim Curran
The author of the novel ‘Brigid’ explains why she wanted to re-tell the story of St Brigid in ‘all her messy complexity’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert Arkins
Chat with the actor/musician (aka Jimmy Rabbitte) about his early start in music as a teenager in the 1980s and getting the role in the Alan Parker film. He is bringing his band on tour to celebrate 35 years of The Commitments Tour details: robertarkinscommitments.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peadar Ó Riada
Miriam catches up with the composer, as he prepares for his live show on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, in a week where he also travelled to Cork for cancer treatment; he talks about the uphill health battle he is facingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Susan Stanley
Chat with the co-writer/co-star of the Irish-Canadian tv series ‘SisterS’, which returns next week for a second season. She also chats about her own fertility journey and being a mother in her 40’s and her upbringing as a Jehovah’s WitnessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Qbanaa
Chat and live music with Qbanaa (aka Elizabeth Qbanaa) about her upbringing in Dublin city, her love of music and always staying connected to her Cuban roots Website: https://qbanaaofficial.com (for copyright reasons the full tracks performed during this interview cannot be podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
