Brendan O'Connor

Author, Tech Entrepreneur and former RTÉ Washington Correspondent, Mark Little, previews Tuesday's US midterm elections, explains why he thinks they're more consequential than a US Presidential election would be and outlines how the various final scenarios would affect America and the wider world.

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Food guru Rick Stein joins Brendan to share some of what he's learned since starting out in the business. His new book 'Rick Stein’s Cookery Course' draws on 60 years of cooking, with everything anyone could need to know, including how to joint a rabbit and why he likes his beef from a castrated male!  

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Writer and podcaster Esther O'Moore Donohoe and host of the 'Here and Back Again' podcast Dave O'Callaghan join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their previews include: 'Dexter: Resurrection', 'Nocturne' starring Stephen Graham, 'Wild Horse Nine', 'Primetime' with Robert Pattinson and George Michael: The Faith Tour. 

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Athlete and Broadcaster David Gillick and RTE Sport's Des Cahill pay tribute to the Irish Olympian and European Champion Ciara Mageean whose death was announced this morning after a battle with cancer.

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Actor John Connors is starring in the new RTÉ series, The Galway Bay Murders. He talks Brendan through his life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from Patsy Cline to Damien Dempsey to DMX. He also speaks about losing his father to suicide, being segregated into a traveller class in primary school, going to anger management classes as a child, his love of boxing, his close bond with his grandfather and developing religious faith later in life. 

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If you feel that Christmas sometimes drags, Communications Consultant and Travel Enthusiast Lisa Regan has travel ideas for breaking up the 'Twixmas' period by taking a break to cities like Paris, Copenhagen, Tallinn or London. Or the potential blue skies in Spanish cities like Malaga or Seville  

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Clinical Psychologist Dr Maureen Gaffney has spent six decades in the world of psychology, writing bestselling books 'Flourishing' and 'Your One Wild and Precious Life'. Her latest book is 'About Life: Notes on Staying Grounded in Unsettled Times', based on lessons she's learned from her personal and professional life on how to live your best life. 

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Hector Ó hEochagáin joined Brendan to talk about facing brain surgery last summer, having had a small tumour removed. He's marking 30 years of TG4 with his new South American adventure series. HIs latest book, Irish Words for Every Occasion: Conversations in Irish for every day of your life, is the last in a trilogy designed to get people talking rather than worrying about the modh coinníollach. 

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Zara Hedderman, Arts and Music Journalist, and Brian Lloyd, Freelance entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their previews include: Dr Marie Cassidy Investigates Ireland's Last Witch Trial, Slow Horses, Norm: The Tale of Norm McDonald, The Lowdown, Wildwood, The Devils. 

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John Creedon joins Brendan to discuss the five songs that have been there at turning points in his life. He shares a special recording of his late father Con singing. He remembers what Rory Gallagher meant to a generation of Cork teenagers and brings us all back to the styles and sounds of Ireland's discos in the late 70's and early 80's

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Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times. Brenda Power Columnist with The Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. Hazel Chu, Deputy Leader of the Green party and Dublin City Councillor, and Larry Donnelly law lecturer, NUIG & Legal Counsel of Democrats Abroad. Updates from Tel Aviv from Channel 4's Matt Frei. 

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Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times. Brenda Power Columnist with The Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. Hazel Chu, Deputy Leader of the Green party and Dublin City Councillor, and Larry Donnelly law lecturer, NUIG & Legal Counsel of Democrats Abroad. Updates from Tel Aviv from Channel 4's Matt Frei. 

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Former Irish International James McClean joins Brendan to talk about his critically acclaimed autobiography 'The Walls'. Brendan and James have a wide-ranging chat about trauma, therapy, politics, fatherhood and his long marriage to Erin, who he has known since they were teenagers. 

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Stylist and personal shopper Cathy O Connor talks Brendan through the trends landing in the high street this season. From terracotta tinted sunglasses to embracing maximalism, she gives tips on how to look up to date without being a slave to fashion and above all still feeling like yourself.  

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Psychologist and author Professor Katriona O' Sullivan asks why aren't we having more fun?? She joins Brendan to talk about how joy and pleasure have taken a back seat in our modern world, and how we need to factor "joy planning" into our lives.  

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Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Stór talks Brendan through making the perfect pie at home. She has delicious recipes for savoury, veggie and sweet pies.  

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Chef and businesswoman Clodagh McKenna joins Dearbhail to talk about her tenth cookbook, Clodagh At Home, and her new ITV1 show, Clodagh: Cooking At Home. She talks about life on Broadspear Farm, its seasons, her beehives, what to do with pumpkins and why her pal Richard E. Grant loves her tarte tatin.  

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In the same week that Kelly Clarkson had an online spat with an expensive toyshop, claiming they suggested she couldn't afford a $15k animatronic bird, Fionnuala Jones, entertainment journalist, brings us through other examples of celebrity entitlement and celebrity 'Do You Know Who I Am?' moments over the years.

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Grainne Humphries, Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and John Maguire, Film Critic at the Business Post join Dearbhail to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their previews include: The Diplomat, Crystal Lake, Nobody Wants This, Chasing Millions, A Want In Her, NAZA, Whalefall and John Le Carre: A New Life. 

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Joining Derabhail to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Liz Carolan, Publisher of the Briefing.ie; Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Physician in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, at Tallaght University Hospital; Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner and Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst. Naomi O'Leary, Irish Times Europe Correspondent, joins from Paris with an update on the protests and riots there. 

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Mary Carolan is the legal affairs correspondent for the Irish Times. She joins Dearbhail to talk about Dolphin House, a specialised District Court, just on the edge of Temple Bar, that only hears family law matters. She explains the differences between Barring Orders and Protection Orders and shares her insights from attending the court. 

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Pagan Priestess Deirdre Wadding, founder of Coire Sois/The Irish School of Spirituality guides Dearbhail through the Celtic season of Samhain. She explains its mythology, why it's a festival of remembrance and where some of its customs come from. 

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Author Emma Heatherington joins Dearbhail to talk about her latest novel ‘Together for Christmas’, cracking the code of romantic fiction, and her shock of receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis. The writing never stops and she is learning to live in the moment. She speaks about her love of country music, ghost writing songs for country artists and creating her own musical. 

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Head of HR Solutions at NFP, Caroline Reidy, tells Dearbhail how applying for a job nowadays has changed significantly from the days of the two-page CV. She advises job seekers to really do their homework on the job they're applying for, what to do and say in the interview process and how to best use AI to help you. 

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Chef and Author Trisha Lewis joined Dearbhail to talk eggs. How to elevate the humble egg from breakfast to your main meals. She uses eggs to add good quality protein, whether it’s the obvious omelette, Asian stir-fried dishes or the exotic shakshuka. 

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Kyle MacLachlan has acted in so many productions from the groundbreaking Twin Peaks to the era-defining Sex and the City. He tells Dearbhail about his early acting life, how meeting director David Lynch changed everything for him, his years with Linda Evangelista, playing golf with Paul McGinley and why he's currently a TikTok sensation. These are stories from his new memoir, Fictional Selves.  

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Writer Ann Ingle joins Brendan to discuss her new book ‘Still Here: Everything I Know About Being Older’. She describes letting go of pride, embracing technology and struggling with the sharp fall-off in physical contact.  

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Broadcaster and ‘intergenerational translator’ Aifric O'Connell joins Brendan to talk about the rise of the ‘Fall girl aesthetic’. She tracks its origins from ‘Christian girl Autumn’ and identifies its patron saint as Taylor Swift.  

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Writer Henrietta McKervey and Film and TV producer, Eoin Sweeney join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their choices include a documentary about the woman who prosecuted Donald Trump, ‘Ask E. Jean’; Irish true crime series ‘The Case I Can’t Forget’; and the latest season of long-running medical comedy ‘Scrubs’. 

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Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Professor of Political Economy at UCD, Aidan Regan; barrister and former Fianna Fail Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin; political columnist with The Sunday Times, Alison O'Connor; principal of St Aidan's Community School, Tallaght, Kevin Shortall. 

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Broadcaster Brian Dowling and Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian join Brendan to discuss their family life together and their remarkable careers. Brian charts his journey from winning Big Brother to a multifaceted TV career and Arthur describes fleeing Armenia to escape war and finding his feet as a dancer and choreographer.  

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Musician and mental health advocate, Niall Breslin, joins Brendan to discuss his new podcast series ‘Severed Minds’. It explores the history of the lobotomy in the United States, through the stories of Walter Freeman, who popularised and frequently performed the procedure, and of Gretchen Reb, one of the many patients whose life he destroyed. 

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Poet Rita Ann Higgins joins Brendan with a new poem ‘Elder Speak’. 

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Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan joins Brendan to discuss resilience. He explores how to cultivate it in yourself and your children. Richard also talks about his difficult relationship with his father, who died recently. He reflects on how writing about his pain with his dad, helped to rekindle their relationship.  

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Community Pharmacist and host of the Irish Pharmacy Podcast, Sheena Mitchell, talks to Brendan about how to manage your blood sugar. She explains how blood sugar works, and why common sense will regulate it better than any social media fad.

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Chef and restauranteur Domini Kemp joins Brendan with some fresh suggestions for easy midweek dinners. She describes how to switch out ingredients, to spice up tray bakes, salads and bone broth. 

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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, 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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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, 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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