RTÉ Brainstorm
RTÉ Brainstorm is a podcast from RTÉ that explores new ideas and insights about the world around us. It is produced in co-operation with Irish universities and Research Ireland. The show features contributions from researchers, academics and experts. It aims to make research and academic topics accessible to a general audience.
Episodes
Do you need an 'admin night' with friends to fix your finances?
Dealing with bills, insurance forms, subscriptions and other low-grade bureaucratic life admin with friends can make things feel more doableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you due a tax refund? 3 tax credits you may not know about
Thousands of taxpayers are missing out on refunds by not availing of tax credits for medical expenses, rent and college tuition feesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Ireland's EV home charging infrastructure fit for purpose?
Around 30% of Irish households don't have easy access to private home charging, with policy and regulatory gaps hindering progressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sunny, cloudy or rainy: how the weather affects our mood
The weather can impact us in both obvious and subtle ways, and both rain and sun bring different benefits to our livesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are Irish taxi fares so high?
The Irish taxi market doesn't need a free-for-all, but it does need competition, flexibility and a serious conversation about value for moneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are employers making you do so many rounds of job interviews?
The move to get applicants to complete multiple interviews for jobs is another form of the conservative bias around hiring in many firmsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do high price tags really mean a better quality t-shirt or coat?
True durability is measured in design intelligence, responsible materials and emotional connection, not luxury markups or brand prestigeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's the logic behind the spelling mistakes you keep making?
The English language is often viewed as chaotic and full of "exceptions," but most spellings follow patterns of sound, meaning, and structureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why you should pay attention to the weather in space
Solar flares and geomagnetic storms can have very significant effects on satellites, airplanes and GPS and electrical systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is Ireland home to so many bogs?
The convergence of geology, climate, vegetation and human history allowed peat to accumulate on an extraordinary scale over thousands of years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The secret history of volcanoes in Ireland
You might not know it, but Ireland is dotted with extinct volcanoes that have shaped the island we know and love today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All you need to know about the evolution of the spice bag
The spice bag sits proudly alongside the spiceburger, jumbo breakfast roll, jambon and chicken fillet roll in the pantheon of great 21st century Irish dishes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet the Bart Simpson of 16th century Ireland
An Ceithearnach Caoilriabhach was a rule-breaking trickster in Early Modern Irish culture, a figure who caused chaos wherever he went.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do some people play their phones out loud on buses and trains?
New social norms and behaviour are behind the rise of headphone dodgers on public transport showing zero consideration for those around them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why did the British Army have an artist with them in Northern Ireland?
Art created by Ken Howard during the Troubles shows the power of images to control the conflict narrative and conceal the reality of war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you more likely to get divorced than switch your bank?
Until switching banks is as easy as switching mobile network, most of us will stay in the same financial relationship we began in college.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr ChatGPT will see you now: how AI could be bad for your health
Can we trust AI with our health, our hearts or our sanity? Not yet at least, not without supervision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeff Buckley and me: the story of the singer’s 1992 Irish show
Buckley's prep for the Trinity Ball, his first ever European show, involved drinking tea, eating Mikado biscuits and watching The Late Late ShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Cash is here to stay': why cash is king in emergency planning
Governments are increasingly advising people to keep cash on hand for emergencies which may severely impair electronic payments systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is ‘house burping’ – and is it good for your health?
The German trend for airing your house even in the depths of winter has become a TikTok trend, but does it actually make a home healthier?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are pints so pricey in Ireland?
The price of a pint of plain in Irish pubs has increased at a much higher rate than headline inflation over the past three years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s really in the air Dubliners breathe?
You're certainly getting more than oxygen as DNA captured from the atmosphere shows exactly what's in the air in the capital city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why a 115kg stone from Waterford is finding a new home in Boston
Shipping the Cloch Bán up to Boston is a slightly eccentric idea, but it captures how diaspora communities find joy in heritage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The inside story of Dublin’s blood and guts economy
The city centre was home to many businesses and trades involving the byproducts of animals until the 1980s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 tips for reading with babies and toddlers
The benefits of reading with young children, including babies, are well documented. However, not all parents start reading with their baby as early as they might.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All you need to know about voice spoofing and audio
Biometric fraud like voice spoofing and audio deepfakes are part of broader social engineering attacks by scammers and criminals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What learning a second language does to your first language
You have probably heard all the positives about learning a second language. So, what’s the catch? Well, learning a new language might actually cause you to lose parts of your first language.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who owns my child’s data?
Teachers, parents and children should have a say in the role of technology in schools and on the types of data it collects and why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you being ripped off by the 'loyalty penalty'?
From banks to insurance, companies punish loyal consumers with higher prices, while new customers are rewarded with better deals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How long will it take for my solar panels to pay for themselves?
Making the most efficient use of your new domestic solar panel installation means a deep dive into usage and storage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6 policy changes which could help consumers save money & cut costs
These simple, quick initiatives could deliver financial relief, promote fairer markets and strengthen consumer protections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why do some words give us the ick?
How do you feel when you hear the words mucus, cyst and moist? We all have certain words or phrases that make us react in different ways. Certain words can provoke positive feelings, while others may make our skin crawl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why electric cars need to be heard as well as seen
The quietness of electric vehicles is a significant safety challenge for pedestrians, cyclists and people with visual impairmentsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why women are taking to the sheds in Ireland
There are 120 or so women's sheds in operation around the country at present and that number is on the rise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All you ever wanted to know about emergency planning
The A to Z on planning for the unplannable and dealing with the many known and unknown risks and emergencies a country may face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cad é an scéal leis an nGaeilge?
The Irish language may be having a revival right now, but Gaeilgeoirí up and down the island have some issues they'd like to raiseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What will Irish towns look like in the future?
About a third of the Irish population live in towns which have seen massive changes in recent years and can expect more to comeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where are the future strongholds of Gaelic games?
You may think it's a given that the All Ireland champions for 2026 in all Gaelic codes can only come from a small number of counties, but what about 2036? We take a look at the developments which may well change where the future strongholds will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From toys to wars, where will you encounter drones next?
As drones become a constant buzz in our lives, we look at where drones have come from - and just where we can expect them to go nextSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where does the time go?
All you ever wanted to know about how we perceive time as humans, why we use the measurements that we use, how time changes as we get older and why the Universe says time is all relative anyway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The hospitality crisis: what's happening to Irish restaurants?
Restaurants are closing on a weekly basis due to rising costs, but Irish consumers are also spending €2.2 billion a year on food delivery. By Ronan Carbery, UCC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The hospitality crisis: what's happening to Irish restaurants?
Restaurants are closing on a weekly basis due to rising costs, but Irish consumers are also spending €2.2 billion a year on food delivery. By Ronan Carbery, UCC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are 'quiet redundancies' happening in your workplace?
Employers in Ireland are implementing 'quiet redundancies' to scale back workforces in the face of uncertainty, tariffs and AI. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are 'quiet redundancies' happening in your workplace?
Employers in Ireland are implementing 'quiet redundancies' to scale back workforces in the face of uncertainty, tariffs and AI. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can I stop drone delivery companies flying over my property?
The legal landscape surrounding the use of drones is currently far from clear and many practical questions remain unanswered. By Kathryn O'Sullivan, University of Limerick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can I stop drone delivery companies flying over my property?
The legal landscape surrounding the use of drones is currently far from clear and many practical questions remain unanswered. By Kathryn O'Sullivan, University of Limerick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How slogans as Gaeilge have become part of Irish-Gaza protests
The use of Gaeilge at demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people is part of the radical tradition of Irish language activism. By Ciara Grant, UCC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How slogans as Gaeilge have become part of Irish-Gaza protests
The use of Gaeilge at demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people is part of the radical tradition of Irish language activism. By Ciara Grant, UCC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is the Child of Prague statue associated with Irish weddings and weather?
The general belief was that you should leave the statue outside under a bush the night before the wedding to ensure good weatherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is the Child of Prague statue associated with Irish weddings and weather?
The general belief was that you should leave the statue outside under a bush the night before the wedding to ensure good weatherSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you stuck in the wrong job? 5 signs it’s time to move on
Warning signs that your job is no longer right for you include burnout, boredom, and feeling undervalued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you stuck in the wrong job? 5 signs it’s time to move on
Warning signs that your job is no longer right for you include burnout, boredom, and feeling undervalued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What was on the menu in prehistoric Ireland?
From hazelnuts and fish to dairy and beef, new archaeological evidence reveals what our ancestors ate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What was on the menu in prehistoric Ireland?
From hazelnuts and fish to dairy and beef, new archaeological evidence reveals what our ancestors ate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do I have to work when I’m sick?
Presenteeism—working while sick—is common in Ireland, but it has long-term consequences for health and productivity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do I have to work when I’m sick?
Presenteeism—working while sick—is common in Ireland, but it has long-term consequences for health and productivity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's 1970 and the Irish army are plotting to invade Northern Ireland
The prospect of Irish Defence Forces making incursions into Northern Ireland was seriously considered in response to the 1969 violence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's 1970 and the Irish army are plotting to invade Northern Ireland
The prospect of Irish Defence Forces making incursions into Northern Ireland was seriously considered in response to the 1969 violence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Howya lads: how we address and greet others in Ireland
From ‘howya lads’ to ‘hiya girls’, Irish greetings reveal a lot about our social norms and changing gender dynamics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Howya lads: how we address and greet others in Ireland
From ‘howya lads’ to ‘hiya girls’, Irish greetings reveal a lot about our social norms and changing gender dynamics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How 92 year‑old Richard Morgan became a rowing world champion
At 92 years of age, Richard Morgan was a four-time world champion in indoor rowing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How 92 year‑old Richard Morgan became a rowing world champion
At 92 years of age, Richard Morgan was a four-time world champion in indoor rowing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The colourful story of the Elephant House on Dublin's O'Connell Street
The roots of Elverys and its elephant logo lie in a remarkable 19th-century shop on Sackville Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The colourful story of the Elephant House on Dublin's O'Connell Street
The roots of Elverys and its elephant logo lie in a remarkable 19th-century shop on Sackville Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The night JFK came to dinner in Dublin
President John F. Kennedy attended a state dinner in Iveagh House on 28 June 1963 during his iconic visit to Ireland – here’s how the night unfolded.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The night JFK came to dinner in Dublin
President John F. Kennedy attended a state dinner in Iveagh House on 28 June 1963 during his iconic visit to Ireland – here’s how the night unfolded.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet George Ryan, the Tipperary Don Quixote in 18th century Peru
The Tipperaryman's adventures as a grandee at large in South America involved everything from coca collection to debt collecting. By Richard Fitzpatrick, Maynooth University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet George Ryan, the Tipperary Don Quixote in 18th century Peru
The Tipperaryman's adventures as a grandee at large in South America involved everything from coca collection to debt collecting. By Richard Fitzpatrick, Maynooth University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet George Ryan, the Tipperary Don Quixote in 18th century Peru
The Tipperaryman's adventures as a grandee at large in South America involved everything from coca collection to debt collecting. By Richard Fitzpatrick, Maynooth University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it possible to create a healthy, tasty beer with no alcohol?
The sober-curious movement has seen sales of non-alcoholic drinks rocket, but do these beverages come with health benefits? By Ana Soriano and John Kenny, TeagascSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it possible to create a healthy, tasty beer with no alcohol?
The sober-curious movement has seen sales of non-alcoholic drinks rocket, but do these beverages come with health benefits? By Ana Soriano and John Kenny, TeagascSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How RIP.ie became an unlikely Irish cultural phenomenon
Aside from publishing death notices and condolences, RIP.ie is also a rich source of significant personal, cultural and historical data. By Shannon Mora, TCD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How RIP.ie became an unlikely Irish cultural phenomenon
Aside from publishing death notices and condolences, RIP.ie is also a rich source of significant personal, cultural and historical data. By Shannon Mora, TCD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why micro-retirement has become a new workplace trend for Gen Z & millennials
One of the main factors driving the demand for micro-retirement breaks is the employee's desire to achieve a better work-life balanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why micro-retirement has become a new workplace trend for Gen Z & millennials
One of the main factors driving the demand for micro-retirement breaks is the employee's desire to achieve a better work-life balanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How bonus points have changed Leaving Cert Maths
There's no doubt that bonus points are driving the uptake of Higher Level maths, but the initiative has had unintended consequences. By Niamh O'Meara, University of Limerick; Páraic Treacy, MIC Limerick and Mark Prendergast, UCCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How bonus points have changed Leaving Cert Maths
There's no doubt that bonus points are driving the uptake of Higher Level maths, but the initiative has had unintended consequences. By Niamh O'Meara, University of Limerick; Páraic Treacy, MIC Limerick and Mark Prendergast, UCCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Here are 10 landmark GAA sites to visit in 2025
A bucket list of GAA destinations to explore, all offering unique social insight and powerful historical connections to Gaelic gamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Here are 10 landmark GAA sites to visit in 2025
A bucket list of GAA destinations to explore, all offering unique social insight and powerful historical connections to Gaelic gamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why exemptions from studying Irish are an increasing phenomenon
We need a comprehensive plan for Irish in education and one that addresses the issue of exemptions in an inclusive fashionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
