Brendan O'Connor

Irish Times Writer Patrick Freyne has written his first novel, ‘Experts In A Dying Field’. He talks to Brendan about identifying as a yuppie in his youth, his years playing in bands, work burnout, obsoletion in middle age and why having children isn’t the be-all-and-end-all. He charts his life through five songs from The Monkees to Pixies and more.

Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are writer, Henrietta McKervey and producer, Eoin Sweeney. They discuss Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, Bad: The Song That Saved My Life, The World Cup, The Isle of Wight music festival and Harlan Coben’s I Will Find You amongst many more.

Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell explains the trickle-down effect of top influencers and catwalk shows abandoning gel manicures in favour of a return to a healthier, more natural-looking nail, more in line with the recent Quiet Luxury fashion trend.

Olympian Ciara Mageean spent her career representing Ireland and Northern Ireland, including a Gold at the 1500m European Championships in 2024, a year before the cancer diagnosis that ended her career. She talks to Brendan about her career, her terminal diagnosis, grief for the life she’ll never have and why we should all live in the moment.

Booker Prize-winning author, Salman Rushdie, talked to Brendan about recovering from a knife attack which saw him lose his right eye, how laughter helped in his recovery, his thoughts on the US v Iran war, how free speech has never been more under threat and his new collection of short stories, ‘The Eleventh Hour’

Fr. Brendan McGuire, AI advisor to the Pope and sometimes spiritual advisor to Anthropic, gives his take as Anthropic halts access to top AI models following a U.S. ban on foreign use. Before his ordination, Fr. Brendan worked in Silicon Valley as an engineer and tech exec. He believes technology should serve humanity rather than control it.

Chef and Instagrammer Alannah Sheehan gives ideas and recipes on jazzing up your daily porridge, how to make porridge bread and also a recipe for a healthy and a not-so-healthy granola

Writer and broadcaster Stefanie Preissner is back with one of her, by now, legendary gift guides. This time it’s ideas for buying for your father. She’s suggesting concerts, cookery courses, whiskey tasting, introducing your Dad to a day spa, a 10kg box of beef and many more ideas!

Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are consultant in paediatric intensive care at CHI Crumlin, Dr Suzanne Crowe; head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, Pete Lunn; political correspondent at The Irish Times, Ellen Coyne; and commentator and head of the Iona Institute, David Quinn.

It’s fifty years since Declan Patrick MacManus burst on to the music scene as Elvis Costello. Ahead of a visit to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens for a concert on July 5th, with The Imposters and Charlie Sexton, Elvis speaks to Brendan about his Irish heritage, songwriting with Paul McCartney, and producing Shane McGowan.

Musician and broadcaster, Tom Dunne joins Brendan to mark the fortieth anniversary of the brat-pack comedy, ‘Pretty in Pink’ - and the iconic soundtrack album that it spawned.

Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are broadcaster, Fionnuala Jones and Andy McCarroll, host of the Extra Vision Podcast. They discuss J. Lo’s romcom “Office Romance”; a new series where Irish people explore their migrant roots, “Backstory”; and the latest show from “It’s a Sin” creator, Russell T Davies, “Tip Toe”.

Psychotherapist Richard Hogan joins Brendan to talk about boundaries: teaching people how to treat you, putting down boundaries within your family and dealing with tricky people who try to undermine you. He also explains the critical difference between being an authoritative parent, and an authoritarian parent.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Elizabeth Strout, joined Brendan to talk about contemporary life in the US, loneliness within marriages, and her latest novel, The Things we Never Say. She was in Ireland for an appearance at the Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas.

Host of BBC Masterchef, and owner of Myrtle restaurant, chef Anna Haugh talks to Brendan about unacceptable behaviour in restaurant kitchens, her first season hosting Masterchef, and the perfect food when hosting a summer party.

Stress-free summertime hosting

In February, Brendan read out a letter from a listener, about his love affair with a rival athlete, 30 years ago. While watching Heated Rivalry, this listener was flooded with memories of that lost love. After Brendan read this letter on air, the man’s former lover heard it, and reached out to him. The listener fills us in on what happened next.

Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Oisín Coghlan, public policy advisor; Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International & European Affairs; Sarah Carey, columnist at the Irish Independent; and Lorna Fitzpatrick, from communications firm, Fenton Fitzwilliam.

Game of Thrones actor, Hannah Murray, joins Brendan to discuss her memoir The Make Believe, which recounts her experience becoming involved in a wellness community that led to her believing she was the saviour of the planet. She reflects on the search for belonging, and how she eventually found her way out.

Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are writer, Zara Hedderman, and Business Post Film Critic, John Maguire. They discuss the return of Love Island and one of the shows of the year, Star City. Meanwhile – on the big screen - Mandalorian & Grogu and Backrooms are up for review.

Irish Independent technology editor, Adrian Weckler, joins Brendan to explore the increasingly sophisticated technology built-in to modern cars. From driver assistance systems and connected services to data collection and privacy concerns, he explains what's happening behind the dashboard and what motorists should know.

Three years after the death of her brother, Brian, former European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, tells Brendan about her search for answers. Since contracting HIV decades ago, Brian lived a very full life, but – despite so much recent progress in treatments - she says his death was reminiscent of a different era.

Actor Jack Reynor joins Brendan for My Life in Five Songs, reflecting on a career that has taken him from Wicklow to Hollywood. He discusses the reality of an ADHD diagnosis, and how family life and the support of his wife Madeline have kept him grounded. His song choices include Brian Eno, The Band and Talos.

Chef and food writer Domini Kemp joins Brendan to champion the versatility of lemons in everyday cooking. She explores how zest and juice can lift everything from fish and chicken to nutty pairings like hazelnuts, bringing brightness and balance to simple dishes.

Larry Donnelly joins Brendan ahead of an MMA cage fight at the White House – to celebrate President Trump’s birthday. They also discuss the Trump plan for a Great American State Fair and the forces shaping modern America.

Tables for one... solo travel... jogging alone... After turning 30, TikToker, Miriam Mullins, has decided to do more activities on her own – with a goal of becoming more comfortable with her own company. She chatted with Brendan about her recent trip alone to New York, parasocial relationships, and the loneliness of being a social media influencer

Playwright Deirdre Kinahan joins Dearbhail to talk about her latest play ‘Refuge’ which explores Ireland’s complex history with migration, through the experience of an 18th Century German Palatine family and a more recent arrival from Afghanistan. She talks about her long career and why cancer made her more optimistic.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers, are disability advocate and mother of the late Harvey Morrisson Sherratt, Gillian Sherratt; Irish Times columnist and public affairs consultant, Gerard Howlin; Former Irish Ambassador, Dan Mulhall; and political reporter with the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphries and Movies Editor with the RTE Guide, Michael Doherty. They discuss Irish films Power Ballad (starring Paul Rudd) and 500 Miles (starring Bill Nighy). Fresh from Cannes, Grainne identifies the big winners.

Travel expert Lisa Regan, fresh from a trip to Amsterdam with friends to see Harry Styles, joins Dearbhail to talk about group holidays and why groups of women are the largest growth area in travel. They discuss what makes a group holiday work - from avoiding rows over the kitty, to accommodation options and top tips for activities.

Author Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins Dearbhail to discuss her haunting new book ‘Said The Dead’, which explores the archive, history and lives lived in Cork’s Victorian asylum. The book blends medical notes from the time, the life story of the extraordinary physician, Dr Lucia Fitzgerald, and Ní Ghríofa’s own empathetic quest to understand their world

Garden designer and TV presenter, Diarmuid Gavin joins Dearbhail to talk through the songs that bring him back to moments and milestones through his life. He talks about tragic death of his brother as a child, the love he felt in his childhood home and how it took him until his 40s to overcome his profound shyness and social anxiety.

The Cupcake Guy Graham Herterich gives Dearbhail baking ideas that include nuts and dried fruit - from a coffee and peacan brack to the ultimate bread-and-butter pudding with raisins. He also gives recipes for indulgent flavoured butters that add depth and zing to all kinds of dishes.

Professor Robert Byrne, Director of Cardiology at the Mater Private talks to Dearbhail through the difference between good and bad cholesterol, why your cholesterol number matters, what it means for your health now and into the future and he gives his strategies to manage,

Author Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins Dearbhail to discuss her haunting new book ‘Said The Dead’, which explores the archive, history and lives lived in Cork’s Victorian asylum. The book blends medical notes from the time, the life story of the extraordinary physician, Dr Lucia Fitzgerald, and Ní Ghríofa’s own empathetic quest to understand their world

Garden designer and TV presenter, Diarmuid Gavin joins Dearbhail to talk through the songs that bring him back to moments and milestones through his life. He talks about tragic death of his brother as a child, the love he felt in his childhood home and how it took him until his 40s to overcome his profound shyness and social anxiety.

The Cupcake Guy Graham Herterich gives Dearbhail baking ideas that include nuts and dried fruit - from a coffee and peacan brack to the ultimate bread-and-butter pudding with raisins. He also gives recipes for indulgent flavoured butters that add depth and zing to all kinds of dishes.

Professor Robert Byrne, Director of Cardiology at the Mater Private talks to Dearbhail through the difference between good and bad cholesterol, why your cholesterol number matters, what it means for your health now and into the future and he gives his strategies to manage

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories making the papers today were teacher and broadcaster Emer O’Neill; Jennifer Bray, Political Editor with the Sunday Times; Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at DCU and Mary Hanafin, Barrister and former Fianna Fail government minister.

Kai Brosnan and Sophie Hynes - two younger people who undertook a one-week digital detox for the show last January - return to talk about a week of using AI chatbots to help run their lives and offer them advice on personal issues.

Stylist and personal shopper Cathy O’Connor chats to Brendan about dressing for all your summer occasions without compromising your personal style: how to plan your photo pose, what to wear for a Communion, and why you always need to dress for yourself.

Features writer with the Irish Times, Nadine O’Regan and Culture Journalist, Brian Lloyd bring us the hits and misses of the week’s TV and movie offerings, from the new season of the hit series Rivals to the latest Steven Soderbergh film and the new Yellowstone spin off.

Film-maker John Carney chooses five songs from that bring him back to places, people and moments in his life. He talks about the beauty of the sibling relationship, feeling differently wired growing up, his time in ‘The Frames’, making ‘Once’ and ‘Sing Street’ and his new film, ‘Power Ballad’, which stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas.

Fr. Iggy O' Donovan reflects on the papacy of his old Augustinian classmate, Pope Leo XIV, a year into office, including recent interactions with the US White House. He talks about the state of the Catholic Church in Ireland and globally and why some younger people seem to be staging a quiet religious revival by turning back to the Catholic faith.

Physiotherapist Aisling Frawley joins Brendan to talk about why flexibility matters at every age, why consistent movement and strength are key and exercises to increase your flexibility range.

As the Labour Party launches a battle for the soul of Britain, former trade unionist Mick Lynch talks to Brendan about whether Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, will be the next leader of the Labour party and how deep the damage to the party really goes.

Food writer with The Financial Times, Tim Hayward, tells Brendan why sad lettuce needs an epic dressing. He talks Brendan through how to make an authentic American ranch dressing and offers a defence of the retro favourite, thousand island dressing.

Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: doctor and columnist, Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh; Sunday Business Post policy editor, Daniel Murray; professor of International Relations at UCD, Ben Tonra; Irish Daily Mail and Sunday Independent columnist, Brenda Power; and London correspondent for The Irish Times, Mark Paul.

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.