Brendan O'Connor

Poet and Writer Theo Dorgan joins Brendan to discuss the songs that have meant most to him, throughout his life and career. He talks about being one of 16 children, the happiest man he ever met, and his correspondence with Leonard Cohen.

Head of Automotive Content at Donedeal, Paddy Comyn, joins Brendan to discuss the enduring appeal, and practical challenges, of driving a convertible in Ireland. “Most people look at you and think ‘who’s that tosser?’

Joining Brendan to pick their highlights from TV, streaming and cinema this week, are entertainment journalist and broadcaster, Serina Bellissimo and host of ‘Here and Back Again’ Podcast, Dave O’Callaghan. Among their favourites: ‘Amandaland’, ‘A Traveller Family’ and ‘The Dark Wizard’.

Actor Bill Nighy, joins Brendan to discuss his fashion sense, his anxiety and the tension between his Irish heritage and his persona as ‘the quintessential Englishman’. Nighy also tells Brendan about playing an Irish grandfather in his latest film ‘500 Miles’, much of which is shot and set in Dingle, Co Kerry.

A week after he told Brendan about having a cardiac arrest on a Dublin street, Irish Times columnist Brian Boyd is reunited on air with two of those who intervened to help save his life - physiotherapist, Laura Madden, and emergency medicine consultant, Dr. Cathal de Buitléir.

On her first trip to Ireland, the best-selling author and cook, dubbed “Australia’s Martha Stewart” Donna Hay, joins Brendan in studio. She discusses Australian cuisine, building her culinary empire and turning down a job offer from the actual Martha Stewart. She also discusses her latest book ‘Sunshine, Lemons and Sea Salt’.

MEP for Midlands-North-West and former Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, joins Brendan to talk about her fertility journey. She outlines her options as a single, gay woman, working in frontline politics. Maria explains her experience with the European Sperm Bank and discusses the impact of pregnancy on her body, her self-image and her wider family.

Chartered work and coaching psychologist, Leisha Redmond McGrath, joins Brendan to discuss the psychological importance of holidays. She talks about the impact of bringing your work laptop away with you, and why it helps to do nice things for yourself.

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Talk show host and former Independent Ireland candidate in the European elections, Niall Boylan; Alison O’Connor, political commentator with The Sunday Times; Research Professor at the ESRI, Alan Barrett and Dr Shana Cohen, Executive Director of the independent think-tank TASC.

Podcaster and presenter, James Kavanagh, tells Brendan about his life through the prism of five songs from Enya to Kate Bush to The Spice Girls. He talks about receiving homophobic bullying as a teen, coming out as gay, finding his tribe, having panic attacks as an adult and moving to rural Kilkenny.

Writer, Henrietta McKervey and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision podcast join Brendan to talk through some of the biggest films and TV shows of the week. These include Criminal Record, Come To Your Census, Widow’s Bay and Lord Of The Flies.

The new novel ‘Yesteryear’ imagines what would happen if a modern-day trad wife influencer woke up in 1855, forced to actually live in the era she’s been romanticising on social media. Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent of the Irish Times, tells Brendan about why it’s striking such a chord and posing wider questions about mothers’ choices.

Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan talks about historical Adoption in Ireland and its psychological ripples from the perspective of the birth mother, birth father, adoptive parent(s) and child.

Canadian crooner Michael Bublé is coming back to Ireland this summer for three tour dates. He talked to Brendan about his father, his faith, meeting the Pope and why actions are more important than words.

Prof Colin Doherty, Consultant Neurologist and Head of the School of Medicine in Trinity College Dublin tells Brendan why they have put Love on the new curriculum for medical students, allowing them to bring their own vulnerabilities to the role of the doctor and improve patient outcomes.

Life Hacks Columnist of the Irish Examiner, Denise O’Donoghue, has a heap of summer hacks like: why baby powder is a summer essential; how to wash your wheelie bin; tick bite tips; protecting your hair in summer; how to efficiently pack a carry-on suitcase and lots more.

Blazing Salads Chef Lorraine Fitzmaurice has recipes for delicious summer salads that include a sweet pop of fruit flavours. She uses grilled peaches, grapes, papaya, strawberries and adds orange to fennel.

Irish Times columnist Brian Boyd suffered sudden cardiac arrest while cycling past Donnybrook Garda Station in Dublin on April 1st and clinically died. A woman at the scene – probably a medic - performed intensive CPR on him, saving his life. Brian would like to thank her and find her.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers

Author Michael Harding joins Brendan to discuss the psychological and spiritual impact which sunshine and summertime have on Irish people. He reminisces about festivals, aging and missed romantic connections.

Producer, Eoin Sweeney and Presenter and Podcaster, Fionnuala Jones, join Brendan to talk through some of the biggest films and TV shows of the week. These include the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Hokum.

Twenty years after its release, and on the eve of a highly-anticipated sequel, author and magazine superfan Anna Carey joins Brendan to discuss the enduring appeal of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.

Bestselling author of ‘Poor’, Katriona O Sullivan joins Brendan to talk about her new book ‘Hunger’, which details her relationship with her body. She talks about how her childhood trauma affects how she sees her body and how so many women are in the grip of what she calls ‘the fat-girl algorithm’.

Comedian, writer and radio presenter PJ Gallagher tells Brendan about five songs that have deeply impacted his life. He also opens up about his childhood in adoption, his unlikely start in comedy and the trials of becoming a dad to twins. He also mentions motorbiking around the Himalayas with Game of Thrones star, Liam Cunningham.

BBC weather presenter Barra Best tells Brendan about the unusually sunny weather Ireland is experiencing. Barra also looks ahead to see how long the sunshine will last, and addresses the risk of potential wildfires.

Irish-Trinidadian chef, Eamon de Freitas gives Brendan his top tips for cooking an authentic, Caribbean-flavoured barbecue – from fuel choice to marinades.

A great excuse to hear the late and much missed Manchán Magan marking the start of Irish Summer with a bit of naked dew rolling. Not for the faint of heart, a naked dew roll at dawn on May 1st was said to make a person beautiful all year round.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Officer at the ESRI & Sunday Independent columnist; Derek Mooney, Public Affairs Consultant & former Fianna Fáil Advisor; Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner; and Aisling Meehan, Farmer, Solicitor & Tax Consultant.

Daddy and daughter duo Salish and Jordan Matter are the latest YouTubers, who make content aimed at kids, to move to Netflix. Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell talks Dearbhail through the various YouTubers who have made the move to the streaming platforms – from Ms. Rachel to ‘MrBeast’ - and why.

Actor Eileen Walsh is well known for her roles on stage, films like Small Things Like These and The Magdelene Sisters, and TV shows like Catastrophe. She'll feature shortly on RTÉ One’s Come to Your Census. She talked Dearbhail through the music that has soundtracked her life, from Annie Lennox to John Prine.

Joining Dearbhail to preview the best films and TV shows this week are Zara Hedderman, Culture Journalist, and Michael Doherty, Movies Editor with the RTÉ Guide.

RTÉ Sport presenter, Jacqui Hurley, Travel Blogger, Marie Noonan and former Luxury Travel Editor of the Daily Telegraph, John O’Ceallaigh join Dearbhail to talk about some trips of a lifetime they have taken. They talk about destinations like Japan, Vietnam, Ecuador, Australia, Palau and Antarctica, and where to holiday in Ireland in a campervan!

Northern Irish author Jan Carson’s new novel is ‘Few and Far Between’. She tells Dearbhail about her strict, Evangelical, Presbyterian upbringing, breaking free from insularity in university, a stint in America and her hopes for Northern Ireland post-Good Friday Agreement.

It’s often overlooked as a form of exercise, but WALKING is actually an extremely beneficial form of exercise – that's according to personal trainer, Karl Henry, who called in to give Dearbhail a walking masterclass.

Head Chef at Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford, Jean-Baptiste Dubois, came up to Dublin to talk Dearbhail through four recipes for French dishes, with an Irish twist. He also discussed his zero-waste kitchen, and gave tips for how listeners can make better use of ‘left-overs’.

Do you tend to put tasks on the long finger? Neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan explains why we procrastinate. She outlines some different types of procrastination like Productive Procrastination and Pleasure-Seeking Procrastination and offers solutions for the one in five of us who have problematic procrastination.

This week we saw unprecedented exchanges between Pope Leo and the Trump administration. The Pope said that the world is being ‘ravaged by a handful of tyrants’, and the President has said Leo should focus on being a ‘great pope and, not a politician’. Theologian, Gina Menzies, gives Dearbhail her analysis.

The Newspaper Panel

Former Republic of Ireland soccer player Niall Quinn joins Brendan to share the five songs that have soundtracked his journey from the pitch to the boardroom. From Nat King Cole’s ‘Too Young’ to The Pogues’ ‘A Rainy Night in Soho,’ he gives us a personal look at the music that defined the milestones of his life and career.

Joining Brendan to preview the best films and TV shows this week – including Season two of Beef, Margo’s Got Money and Big Mistakes are; Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of The Bellissimo Files, and John Maguire, film critic with The Business Post.

Irish Times Consumer Affairs Correspondent Conor Pope joins the show to highlight the essential apps you need before you head to the airport. From bagging the best currency rates, to finding the best taxi apps to navigate local transport safely, Conor explains how to make your holiday smoother and cheaper.

Artist, Mary Duffy talks to Brendan about living without arms. She talks about how her parents found it hard to accept her disability, how living independently was the greatest achievement of her life, defying expectations and the surprise of finding a lifelong love in her husband, Denis.

Consultant dermatologist Professor Catriona Ryan breaks down the world of “tweakments”, from Botox to skin boosters, and what people should know before going under the needle.

TV architect Dermot Bannon talks Brendan through what’s hot and what’s not in our homes right now. He talks about retrofitting, the benefits of insulation but also how smaller interventions, like a new countertop or a Velux window can make the biggest difference.

Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy joins Brendan to discuss the fuel protests, what’s driving the anger on the ground, and how the Government is responding to growing pressure. He also looks at the broader political implications and what this unrest could mean going forward.

Baker and founder of 2210 Patisserie Una Leonard joins Brendan to talk about the joy of baking at home, why she loves recreating tastes from her childhood and how to make the retro treat; the cheesecake bun!

Chartered psychologist Allison Keating explains the psychology behind love languages, how they shape our relationships, and why understanding them can transform how we connect with others.

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor; Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times; Finian McGrath, Former Independent TD and former Minister of State for Disability Issues and Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute.

TV and radio Presenter Kathryn Thomas talks to Brendan about her new two-part documentary series for RTE ‘Young Forever: The Death of Ageing?’. She talks about how it feels to age in the public eye, what made her decide to get Botox and the effect technology has had on how we view ageing.

Singer and interfaith minister Nóirín Ní Riain joins Brendan to talk about the story of the resurrection and why it has such resonance for humanity today. Nóirín also sings an Alleluia to praise the lord on this Easter Sunday.

Grainne Humphreys, Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and Dave O’ Callaghan, host of the ‘Here and Back Again’ podcast talk Brendan through the hits and misses of the week’s movies and TV shows.

Comedian Emma Doran talks through key moments in her life and the soundtrack that went alongside them; from becoming pregnant in her leaving cert year, to getting her comedy career started. Her choices range from Jerry Lee Lewis to Liberty X and Katy Perry. Emma talks about her upcoming tour dates and a debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Award-winning crime author Tana French talks about moving around a lot as a child, settling in Ireland at 17, learning the codes and the nuances, her early acting career, being an outsider and an insider at the same time and how she views modern Irish society

Pastry Chef and founder of Grá Chocolates, Gráinne Mullins, brings us an easy-to-make three-layer chocolate cake recipe and promises it’ll be the most delicious chocolate cake you’ve ever eaten.

Ex-Fine Gael TD & current President of Cycling Ireland, Ciaran Cannon, gives tips on embarking on your first European Greenway Holiday. Where to go, what to bring and the sheer joys of cycling to a different destination every day.

Chef and influencer Trisha Lewis looks back on her transformation journey seven years on and tells Brendan how accepting that this will be a lifelong process for her has changed her mind set. She also makes a case for ditching the New Year's resolutions in favour of springtime goals, as she takes on the camino with her crew of transformers.

U2’s The Edge introduces the band’s new song “Song for Hal” which was written to remember their friend Hal Wilner, who died during the pandemic, a time when a lot of people died alone.

Joining Brendan to discuss the lead stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: CEO of Spunout and board member of Cybersafe Kids, Sinead Keane; Managing Director of Baggot Investment Partners, Peter Brown; Sunday Times columnist and commentator, Alison O’Connor; and professor of US and International Politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute, Scott Lucas.

Writer Rita Ann Higgins tells Brendan about writing one of Ireland’s first 'sexy poems’, what first inspired her and how she is still learning from her grandchildren. She also reads from her newly-published ‘greatest hits’ collection, ‘Jiving with Wasps’.

Joining Brendan to preview the best films and TV shows this week – including The Young Offenders, Saturday Night Live UK and Rory McIlroy: the Masters Wait – are Irish Times arts journalist, Nadine O’Regan; and host of the Extra Vision podcast, Andy McCarroll.

Producer with the Irish Independent, and host of the No Encore podcast, Dave Hanratty tells Brendan about the arrest of ‘looksmaxxing’ influencer, Clavicular. Who is he? Why has he been arrested? And why has he been accused of shooting a dead alligator?

Award-winning author, Colm Tóibín, talks to Brendan about his childhood stammer, his wild years in Barcelona, and his latest short-story collection ‘The News from Dublin’. He also introduces five pieces of music that have inspired him.

Specialist in obesity, Professor Donal O’Shea outlines how our food environment has become unhealthy, with an abundance of high fat, salt and sugary processed foods. He describes the tricks companies use to sell more volume. With evidence that highly processed foods are unhealthy, Donal outlines what changes we should make to guard our health.

Caroline Reidy, head of HR Solutions at NFP talks Brendan through how to negotiate a pay rise, and what mistakes to avoid.

Founder and CEO of FiXX Coffee, Anne Abberton, offers Brendan her top tips for making great coffee at home, or at work. Should you grind yourself, or buy pre-ground beans? She also discusses the pros and cons of using a moka pot, French press, aeropress or filter coffee.

This week, a 20-year-old in California was awarded six-million dollars after a jury found Meta and Google had intentionally built addictive platforms which harmed her mental health. With thousands of similar cases in train, Wicklow teacher and educator with the Sexual Exploitation Research & Policy Institute, Eoghan Cleary, gives his analysis.

Screenwriter and actor, Stefanie Preissner tells Brendan about her passion for slow vacuuming: how a robot vacuum can redistribute domestic chores, cleaning her fake grass and finding the perfect vacuum online. She also describes the perils of robot vacuums cohabiting with small children.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist, Institute of International and European Affairs; Louise Burne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner; Brid Smith, Ballyfermot community activist and former People Before Profit-Solidarity TD and Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst

Footballer, psychotherapist and sports analyst, Richie Sadlier, brings Brendan through his Life in Five Songs, including live performances by Oasis, Tina Turner, and Queen. And he told Brendan about his new SPHE programme LetsTalkSPHE.com.

Joining Brendan to look at the best TV shows and films heading our way this week are Brian Lloyd, Entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast and writer, Henrietta McKervey.

The Disney+ series, Love Story- which follows the story of JFK Junior and his wife Carolyn Bessette- has been provoking conversations about the liberties dramas take, when depicting real people who are still alive. Jenn Gannon brought Brendan up-to-speed, ahead of the series finale later this week.

Booker Prize-winner John Banville’s crime novel ‘Christine Falls’ has been chosen as Dublin City Council’s One Dublin One Book choice for 2026, 20 years after first being published. He joined Brendan to talk about love, relationships, grief, ageing and his five favourite crime thrillers

Psychotherapist, Dr Richard Hogan, on shame and guilt: where these feelings come from; when they change from being healthy to unhealthy; and how we can move on from them.

Broadcaster Carrie Crowley on the magic of sea swimming, beginners’ tips, safety tips and why it’s better to be in than out.

As we face into potentially the biggest week in Irish soccer for a generation, RTÉ Soccer Correspondent, Tony O’Donoghue, reminds us of the magic of ‘Troy Parrott Week’ last November, and previews the World Cup qualifier against Czechia next Thursday.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, so Darina Allen - chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School – gives Brendan a masterclass in Risotto, suggesting foods that work well with it: from crispy pork lardons to foraged nettles.

Online prediction markets are in the news at the moment with people betting big on particular outcomes in global affairs. Liz Carolan, publisher of TheBriefing.ie, talks Brendan through how sites such as Kalshi and Polymarket differ from traditional gambling, and the new perils they present.

Joining Brendan are political reporter with the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney; Commentator and CEO of the Iona Institute, David Quinn; Law Lecturer at the University of Galway, Larry Donnelly; CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward and former army ranger, medical doctor and former independent TD, Cathal Berry.

To mark Mother’s Day, freelance journalist Édaein O'Connell tells Brendan about her warm, loving and complex relationship with her late mother, who died in the past year. She describes how their relationship evolved from childhood into adulthood and how she’s mourning her loss and appreciating their relationship in a new light.

Joining Brendan to look at the best TV shows and films heading our way this St Patrick’s week are broadcaster, Aifric O’Connell and Movie’s Editor with the RTE Guide, Michael Doherty. Their choices include tonight’s Oscars ceremony, the finale of Dancing with the Stars, Nicole Kidman’s latest adventure in ‘prestige trash’, and new documentaries.

Ed Guiney, CEO of Element Pictures – who made Room, Normal People and The Favourite – joins Brendan live from Hollywood, where he’s preparing to attend his fifth Oscars in 10 years. He tells Brendan what goes on behind the scenes, Ireland’s growing influence in Hollywood and Element’s latest movie, Bugonia, which has four Oscar nominations.

Entrepreneur and Journalist Mark Little joins Brendan to talk about the how the war in the middle east is unfolding its impacts in the region and around the world. He discusses the tough guy culture present in US foreign policy today, the role of AI in war and the future of Iran.

Bestselling and award-winning crime writer Liz Nugent chooses five songs that trigger memories of her life and career. She talks about the enduring impact of a childhood injury, embracing the dark side of humanity at a young age and the real-life inspiration for her crime novels.

Chef Brian “Danny Minnie” O’ Domhnaill is on hand today to give our home cooking a restaurant level polish. He talks Brendan through recipes, as gaeilge, for salmon in grapes, sea trout with crab sauce and easy fish cakes with a wild garlic mayo.

The OG fitness influencer Mr Motivator lit up our screens in the 1990s with his charismatic and energetic appeals to get off the couch and get moving. Now in his 70s, he’s still inspiring people to embrace activity – whatever their fitness level. He talks to Brendan about the joys of staying active and how he stays positive on the tough days.

As Ireland face Scotland for a Triple Crown decider in Dublin, RTE Sports’ Jacqui Hurley talks Brendan through the final day of the most unpredictable Six Nations in years. Jacqui outlines the unlikely path through which – if Ireland win with a bonus point, and France fall short against England in Paris – the championship is still to play for.

Dr. Amanullah de Sondy, head of the study of religions at UCC offers his own reflections on the ending of the holy month of Ramadan. He talks about how the hunger, brought on by fasting from dawn to dusk, alters his emotional state and creates space for gratitude and a slower pace.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times; Gerard Howlin, former government adviser and Public Affairs Consultant; Susanne Rogers, from Social Justice Ireland; and Dan Mulhall, Former Irish Ambassador to Washington. Security analyst Declan Power joins by phone.

Artist Dorothy Cross tells Brendan about her Cork childhood, competitive swimming, the thrill of having her art first exhibited by the Tate in London, turning 70 and the joys of the sea. She picked five songs that meant something special to her throughout her life.

Joining Brendan to discuss the best TV and films coming this week are Grainne Humphries, Festival Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and Eoin Sweeney, TV and radio producer. Previews include Niall Breslin’s new documentary ‘All That Remains’ as well as movies like Jessie Buckley’s ‘The Bride’ and ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’.

Novelist and video game critic for The Guardian, Sarah Maria Griffin explains to Brendan how she has rediscovered the 30-year-old Nintendo game recently as a mother and has a new appreciation for it.

First-time author Clíodhna O’Sullivan has written a romantasy novel, ‘Her Hidden Fire’ which has been chosen as a Good Morning America Bookclub pick for March 2026. She talked to Brendan about her father’s alcoholism, her mother’s mental health problems, the duties of the eldest daughter, and how fantasy novels were always an escape.

Oscar winner and award-winning writer Neil Jordan tells Brendan about his first foray into science-fiction with ‘The Library of Traumatic Memory’. As an Academy member, he also discusses casting his vote for this year’s Oscars, Jessie Buckley’s chance of taking home Best Actress, and why he was always wary of Harvey Weinstein.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who has recently returned from the US, gives his take on the fall of the Iranian regime as the war enters its second week.

Pól O’Conghaile, Travel Editor of the Irish Independent, joins Brendan with his pick of the prettiest places to visit in Ireland.

Where is JD Vance? Is Rubio the coming man? One week into the US-Israel war on Iran, Brendan speaks to host of The Rest is Politics US, and President Trump’s former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci.

TV Chef & Asia Market MD, Eva Pau, has easy recipes for delicious stir fry recipes such as simple fried rice, black pepper beef and a veggie stir fry. She also talks through the best equipment to use when stir frying. A new series of ‘Eva Pau’s Asian Kitchen’ started this week on RTÉ Television.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers, are publisher at TheBriefing.ie, Liz Carolan; research professor at the ESRI, Alan Barrett; Sunday Independent and Irish Daily Mail columnist, Brenda Power; Irish Times Political Editor, Pat Leahy; and professor of US and International Politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute, Scott Lucas.

Award winning novelist, Colum McCann joins Brendan to discuss the songs that have formed the soundtrack to his life, including Ray Charles’ ‘Hit the Road, Jack’ and Colm Mac Con Iomaire’s ‘The Minbar of Saladin’. He also tracks his literary childhood, his 9/11 novel and his attempt to emulate Jack Kerouac by cycling across America.