Brendan O'Connor

The Newspaper Panel

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:31:39 +0000

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.

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Aidan Gillen: “It takes a psychic toll to act certain roles”

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:15:19 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:15:19 +0000

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.

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Sharon Horgan - “Putting yourself out there as a single person in your fifties is scary”

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:00:15 +0000

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'.

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Tom Dunne’s History of Punk in Ireland

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:00:14 +0000

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.

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Naomi Klein - “We’ll all be living in the apocalypse of the tech bros’ creation, if we’re not careful”

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:00:13 +0000

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 collectively defend the living world.

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“Greek Yoghurt is having a (protein-related) moment!”

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:00:12 +0000

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.

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Rory O'Connell's Comfort Foods

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 10:00:11 +0000

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.

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The Newspaper Panel

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:15:19 +0000

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.

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Keith Barry - "I'm very clear on who I don't want to be – an absent father"

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:14:44 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:13:58 +0000

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’.

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Louise O' Neill - "I was standing in the ashes of my former life"

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:54:42 +0000

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.

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Poems to get you through the change of season

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:53:45 +0000

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.

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Peter O' Mahony - "I had a chance to reflect on myself, how I minded people"

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:53:11 +0000

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.

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Marco Pierre White - "Everything I do is rebuilding my childhood"

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:24:40 +0000

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.

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The Newspaper Panel

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:22:54 +0000

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.

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Mark Little - We can take back our power over AI

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:22:53 +0000

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.

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Jennie Bond - "It's an absolute character assassination of King Charles"

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:22:52 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:22:51 +0000

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 Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.

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"Sitting with Manchán while his soul left his body was life-changing"

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:23:34 +0000

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 coming to terms with his death.

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Anthony Scaramucci - "I simply got seduced by the power"

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:23:33 +0000

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.

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“Nikita has empowered other survivors to get support”

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:23:28 +0000

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.

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Nikita Hand - “I tried to fight but I couldn’t overpower somebody like him”

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:44:45 +0000

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 survivors.

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The Newspaper Panel

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:10:21 +0000

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 O’Connell.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:03:30 +0000

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.

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How to warm up like a pro

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:02:48 +0000

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.

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Caitlin Moran - "We wouldn’t eat ‘doom-cake’, why do we ‘doom-scroll’??"

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:55:01 +0000

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'.

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President Trump - "A united Ireland would be a very cool thing"

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:24:51 +0000

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.

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Patrick Kielty - "It never gets dark in Kielty Park"

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:24:50 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:53:12 +0000

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 rampaging hippo.

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"When a new Grand Theft Auto comes out many people take a day off work to play it"

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:49:29 +0000

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.

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"‘Mar-a-Lago Face’ is now being requested from cosmetic doctors"

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:23:12 +0000

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’.

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Newspaper Panel

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:23:10 +0000

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.

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"There won't be a dry eye in Croke Park tonight when 'Grace' is sung before Katie's fight"

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:26:24 +0000

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.

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Bronagh Gallagher - "I met Aretha and told her she was our queen"

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:26:23 +0000

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.

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'Dan Jukes was often described as "like a son" to Nigel Farage'

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:26:22 +0000

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 way to evade electoral law.

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Yotam Ottolenghi - "I crush crisps onto my salads for fun!"

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:26:21 +0000

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.

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Off-Peak Travel - "A €30 flight jumps up to €250 during midterm break"

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:26:20 +0000

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.

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The Newspaper Panel

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:13 +0000

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.

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"How did I go from playing for Ireland to a prison cell?"

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:12 +0000

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.

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A rare clip of Dolly Parton singing with her family

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:11 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:10 +0000

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’.

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Garron Noone - “I couldn’t leave the house, so they sent me to the priest!”

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:27:31 +0000

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.

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Is your routine bad for you?

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:27:30 +0000

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.

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Paul Howard on Irish unity - “A new capital in the bellybutton of Ireland”

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:27:29 +0000

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.

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A dermatologist's guide to the only skincare you really need

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:27:28 +0000

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.

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Simple quick midweek pastas with Eunice Power

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:27:27 +0000

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.

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The Newspaper Panel

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 10:00:08 +0000

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.

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Jon Ronson - “When men try out vulnerability, women sometimes recoil in horror”

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 10:00:07 +0000

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.

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"A white Cadillac pulls up beside Tupac and opens fire"

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 10:00:06 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 10:00:05 +0000

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.

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“Washing Up” - a poem by Derek Mahon

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:15:23 +0000

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://gallerypress.com/product/washing-up-derek-mahon/]

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Dr Richard Hogan on work: “I don’t think anyone on their death bed thinks ‘I should have worked more’”

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:11:39 +0000

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.

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Seán Ronayne - “Being a new father is like living a magical new life”

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:04:04 +0000

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.

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Blindboy Boatclub - “Dogs can smell in stereo, they can smell time!”

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:47:34 +0000

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.

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“My head-on joyrider crash left me scared of the dark, driving, everything”

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +0000

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 technology on roads.

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Late Summer Indulgence Recipes!

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:26:48 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:48:55 +0000

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’.

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“I’m not worried about Millennials; I’m worried a fear of cringe is ruling Gen Z lives!”

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:46:59 +0000

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?

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"My big ambition? That my wife is happy" - writer, Richard Ford

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:42:04 +0000

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.

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Newspaper Panel

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:40:03 +0000

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.

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“Odyssey Round the A&E”, a new poem by Rita Ann Higgins

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:21:28 +0000

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.

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Homemade Ice Cream for Dummies with Kevin Dundon

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:03:45 +0000

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.

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A Physio’s Guide to Improving your Balance

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:02:11 +0000

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.

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“He told me ‘word is you’re a flash in the pan’ - that drove me to prove myself” - Phil Coulter

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:00:08 +0000

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.

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From pink cocaine to ultra strong MDMA - a warning on this year’s casual drug trends

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:53:22 +0000

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.

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"With potatoes cooking in the ground - has this summer been a wake-up call on climate change?"

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:52:04 +0000

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.

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Robbie Williams - “I’m taking the weight loss jabs. I didn’t qualify, but I’m a celebrity”

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:48:37 +0000

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.

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The Newspaper Panel

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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“Jeremy Irons can hold his own at a seisiún ” - Martin Hayes

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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The Watchlist

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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’ .

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“Real life horrors are on your phone instantly”

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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“Marriage needs conflict” - Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan