Back Chat with Maria McCann

The Arts. is it elitist or for everyone? And if it IS seen as elitist and snobby how can this perception be changed? Broadcaster Mary O Neill and Writer Anna Jordan debate this with Maria McCann on this week's episode of Back Chat

No matter what the cause is, Hair loss is an extremely distressing condition. It causes anxiety, upset, and embarrassment. So the job of making sure women can cope, and can look their best is an important one, and one this week's One On One guest does very well. She is Joyce O Carroll, owner and founder of WigWorld in Waterford.

The news recently that one of the original Reality TV formats was nearing the end of it's days was not welcome news to Big Brother fans! It's the subject of this week's episode, which also incluðes talk of Love Island and Teen Mom! So, how 'real' is Reality TV, how taking part in shows like this changes lives, and even though we love it, would any of us go into the Big Brother House, are all on the agenda. With Yvonne Whelan & Daniel Keating

The Solas Centre Run For Life is coming up on October 14th A group of 10 people were selected to get Couch To 10k Training, including Broadcaster Paula Phelan and Hair Stylist Brian Kelly. They joined me out in Back Chat HQ to talk about how training is going, and why they wanted to get involved. And stay tuned to the end for Brian's excellent hack for when your t shirt is too small!

John McGuire has been running his Garden Centre in Woodstown for more years then he cares to remember. It is truly a family business, started by John's father Paddy, who was well known in Waterford, and a familiar voice on local radio. In this Back Chat One On One Maria talks to John about his life, his business and the pride he has in following in his father's footsteps.

The 80's was the time of Dallas, Dynasty and Shoulder Pads. It was a time of change in Ireland, There was great music, great TV, and great films. But there was also trouble in Northern Ireland and AIDS. In this week's Back Chat,With Maria McCann we go through the high and lows of the 80's, discussing what we got up to, what we looked like, what we listened to, watch we watched, and for my two guests, what it was like being young and Gay in this fabulous decade. With Des O Keefe & Billy Rea

August 25th in the WIT Arena in Waterford, will see the launch of the DC Dynamos - a fun day out for all the family, but a family day with a difference because it's focus is in faciliating those with Dyspraxia to do things at their own pace, and for parents to get information and support they mightn't have known was available. Dyspraxia is a little known condition, that affects a surprisingly high number of children, and in this episode you'll hear from parents, finding out the best way to help their children do the same things other kids can do. Because they CAN, it's just takes more time. And these parents do this the best way possible, with committment and humour, as you'll hear on this week's Back Chat With Maria McCann. With Karen Power, Benny Finlay & Brenda Giles

It's benefits are huge, but yet many of us avoid it like the plague for many reasons - we're too old, too fat, it's too late to start. All excuses! But in this week's episode you can hear how Weight Training has changed a 14 year old's life, how it has kept a 70 year woman's body and mind in great shape with no sign of a Bingo Wing! And you'll also hear how someone outwardly confident who loves to inspire others, sometimes needs to take a moment to just breathe! With Mags Murphy, Christie Sherlock & Ellen Power

John Keane followed his dream of setting up the best Pizzeria he possibly could. In this Back Chat one on one I've been talking to John and hearing how 'Slice' in Ballinakill Shopping Centre in Waterford came to be.

They are a small but dedicated group who stepped up to the plate when it was decided it was better if their other halves went out to work - and they didn't. They can discuss in considerable detail the contents of nappies, the challenge of School Runs - and School Lunches. And we don't get to hear from them much! Time to redress the balance and hear from some Stay At Home Dad's. With Brendan McCarthy & Blogger Benny Finlay AKA Daddy Poppins.

It's definitely the show of the moment, irresistible to just about everybody, even people who are normally allergic to any kind of Reality TV. For this week's Back Chat With Maria McCann I got together with three other obsessives to discuss the mighty Love island, it's effects on young people and when it's all over, the downside of a show based on people's perception of your Personality. With Claire Power, Paula Phelan & Trishauna Archer

Jim Gordon known to pretty much everyone as 'Flash' is a Chef, Publican, Entrepreneur and a forward thinker. He loves a project and isn't afraid to take on something he believes in. In this Back Chat one on one Flash talks about how he got where he is today, how he's still full of ideas and love for what he does, and also shares some of his plans for the future.

It is without doubt, a jewel in the crown of Waterford Attractions. In this week's episode of Back Chat With Maria McCann, I'm talking to one of the first people to have the idea of making use of the old disused railway Line, who had a vision for it, but by his own admission, it has more then exceeded his expectations.. . I also have someone who has made a business from it, by bringing groups to do the Waterford Camino, and a dedicated user of the fabulous amenity which is... the Waterford Greenway. You'll hear their passion for promoting and using it, and the pride in being part of making it happen. With Ger Barron, Michael Garland & Roddie Cleere

Waterford is steeped in Theatre, Musical Theatre, Drama and even Panto. Where did that tradition come from? Why do so many people put so much effort into putting on shows, and also fundraising to make those shows happen year after year? This week's episode takes a look behind the scenes, with Back Chatters involved in performing, making the music happen, producing, and even training the next generation to carry on Waterford's strong link with Theatre. With Vicki Graham,Padraig O Griofa and Wayne Brown

It's World Cup time and this week's Back Chat has two big soccer fans trying to convince Maria she's really missing something by not watching it. So there's talk of Best Moments, favourite Players where's the best place to watch the matches, Irish soccer fans, and mu ch more. These guys love their soccer and know their stuff! With Timmy Ryan & Vincent Bradley

n this week's episode of Back Chat we're asking what kind of a society do we want to live in? Are the problems we have as a country simply down to a lack of money? Why are we so stressed? Was it really better in the past when our expectations of all the things we think are necessary was set much lower? How can we make Ireland a better place to live for everyone? Or is that just idealistic and impossible? Talking all that through with this week's Back Chatters, TV Honan, Nichola Beresford & Derbhile Graham

On the morning when the Exit Polls showed a seismic shift in Irish Society, this week's Back Chatters and I discussed the implications of the Repeal referendum Result and how people had come to their decisions. By the time we finished recording it was pretty much all over. Was the defeat of the No Vote a surprise or was it always on the cards because we're a different people now then we used to be? With Nichola Beresford, Derbhile Graham & TV Honan

In this week's episode we're talking Weddings, Royal and otherwise! Are some Wedding 'gimmicks' getting completely out of hand? Llamas anyone? We also talk about the upcoming Referendum on Repeal. With Mary Roche, Sinead Flynn & Laura Nolan

Well it wasn't to be for Ireland this year, but we have Eurovision Fever on Back Chat this week as we discussed contests past and present. Two of the Back Chatters have a closer association to it then most of us! We also spoke about Music in general, the decline in popularity of some Intruments and how certain skills are being lost in the field of Music Education With Liam Walsh, Brendan Mc Carthy & Tara Kelly

The introduction of the Sugar Tax and talk of weighing school children provided most of the content for this week's episode of Back Chat With Maria McCann. Food is such an emotive subject, and a great trigger for Nostalgia, so of course we also got into conversation about all those foods our mothers wouldn't let us have - even though 'all the other mothers' let their kids have it, as we blatantly lied to our parents! With Libby Shanahan, Cian Foley & Michael Quinn

In this Back Chat One On One, I'm speaking to Waterford's John Hayes of Special Branch Carvings, a man who has really found his niche. By his own admission, John was at a bit of a loss to know what to do with his life at one stage, until discovering this talent he has. If you're not from Waterford but come here to visit, you'll be in awe at the magnificent Dragonslayer Sword, carved by John, from a single tree. With a chainsaw! John is a great talker, articulate and passionate about his Family, his Work & his County He also gave me one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard in this interview.

In this week's episode we're talking about the weather, how the Sun lifts us, and how we've all come through the Survival Mode of a winter seemed to go on for a long time this year! We're also talking about food of course , and asking when did it become so important for parents to be friends with their kids, and is it always a good thing? We also discuss the popularity of Country Music With Jemma Kehoe, Karen Steenson & Jennifer White

This week's topics ranged from the serious subject of Bi-Polar to the ridiculous subject of Nicknames. In between there was Eurovision - can Ireland get out of the Semi Final of Death? Weddings, - Can you ever please everyone or should you even try? OCD - Can it ever be a Good Thing! and THAT Mariah Carey ad! With Issy Foley, Sandra Winkle & Kolyn Byrne

We're talking musicals - our favourite and those not so favourite. One of us proves she can see into the future, one of us has an idea that could see Waterford 'lead the way' but maybe it's already happening somewhere else? ... and one of us risks drawing down the ire of Darts players everywhere - and possibly Chess fans too! With Ger O'Byrne and Seneiva Magill

On this week's episode, 4 seasoned Broadcasters gathered out in Back Chat HQ to put the world to rights. But of course it was Easter weekend, so the talk inevitably turned to chocolate *, and showed just how fussy people are about it! We're also talking holidays, Childhood and Shoes! * The serious and topical subject of Consent was also on the agenda, and will be uploaded as a separate Back Chat BiteSize , restoring our Broadcaster Credentials! With Zara King, Mary O Neill & Orla Rapple

This week's episode asks what kind of Ireland awaits Pope Francis and should he be coming here at all? Are we too voyeueristic when it comes to celebrities in trouble? If Facebook has too much information on us, who's fault is it? We're also talking about the growing popularity of ASMR videos - well two of us are talking about it and the other two are looking on, horrified! Will they be converted? With Darren Skelton, Catherine Keighery & Padraig O Griofa

This week's episode covers everything from Leo Varadkhar in the US to Comedy in the 70's. We're also talking about why everyone likes to celebrate St Patrick's Day, and asking is Waterford doing enough to capitalize on it's connection with the National Day.

People all around the Country take up the challenge of learning to dance to fundraise for good causes - and the Solas Centre Dance For Life in Waterford, has just had a very successful event, showing what can happen when people come together to help others. That's one of the topics on this week's Back Chat. We also talk about disabilities, public transport, how to make The Oscars a better show. and the event that will forever more be known in Ireland as 'The Snow'. With Jo Cregan, Lauren Traynor & Paul Dower

There was a vaguely running theme of Passion in this week's Episode of Back Chat With Maria McCann., people who are absolutely determined to reach their goal, people determined to get the very best out of their lives, In typical Back Chat style the conversation ranges from the Winter Olympics.....to sandwiches! With Karen Power, Orla Shanaghy & Brenda Giles.

In this week's episode, we're talking about the amount of stuff we own! Are you a Hoarder? Or if something is lying around for more then a minute are you tempted to bin it? Have you heard of 40 Days 40 Items? If you're a Hoarder, it could be the answer for you! We're also asking can you be a real Animal Lover and still eat meat? And eating food after it's use by date - who does, who absolutely would not! With Aoibhin Fallon, Vicki Graham & Brianna Connaughton.

A Back Chat Trademark is the ability to evolve like the best conversations, moving from one topic to another, often entirely unrelated one. This week's episode demonstrates this perfectly. Where else would you get talk about Frazier's Dad, the question of Jon Venebles identity and trying o understand the mind of a killer who is 10 years old. There's also the Educate Together situation and we discuss is it time to remove Religion from our Education System altogether. Oh, and the Kardashians! With Justin Collery , Andrew Holden & Jonathan Culleton

Can you be friends with someone who doesn't share your views on certain subjects? Is it time to stop talking about Gender? Has Broadcasting changed for ever? And which Reality TV Show is the one for you? All of these questions are on the agenda for this week's Back Chat With Maria McCann. With Niall Power, Trishauna Archer & Emma Nolan

Back Chat of 2018 gets off to a cracking start with talk of all kinds of Music on the menu! We're also talking Smartphones and Kids , and Bullies' With Anne Corcoran Brown & Roddie Cleere

It's the final Back Chat of 2017, and I had great fun discussing Christmas Toys, TV Game Shows, Music, and our memories of Keith Chegwin . One of my guests had a Hotline to Santa he didn't even know about, and the other one has the Best Idea Ever for Cinema Lovers! With Trevor Prendergast & John Keane

This week more festive chat, those magical Santa moments, what Santa does for the rest of the year, fake restaurants, and are the Weather Forecasters just laying it on with the endless warnings? With Gary Wallace, Vanessa Whelan & Peter Hearne

Back Chat getting into the festive spirit now it's actually December, so we're talking Toy Shows, Santa Cam, and Santa Claus **. We're also discussing engagements and the responsibility of dog ownership, which DOES NOT include 'trading them in' for a cute puppy for Christmas. Can we keep our tempers? With Sinead Flynn & Sinead Cunningham. **Santa Chat for adults only

Find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life' is the saying, and I think this week's guests would probably agree. Unemployment and anger led one to set up the hugely successful Waterford Whispers News, and a love of cars has the other adding yet another string to his bow. In this week's episode ee're talking a potential General Election, Cars, the future of TV and more, on this week's Back Chat With Maria McCann With Colm Williamson & Ian Noctor

A Back Chat trademark is moving easily from lighthearted subjects to very serious ones, and this week's episode is no different. Because that's what happen in all good conversations! With Clodagh Power, Billy O Keefe & Pat McEvoy.

A lively Back Chat this week where my panellists and I discuss the John Halligan controversy, Christmas Ads, Anxiety and the prospect of a Back Chat Christmas Charity Single! With Jason Murphy, Libby Shanahan & Darren Skelton

A lively debate took place on this week's episode of Back Chat. We discuss the continuing controversy of Sexual Harrasment allegations against high profle figures in Hollywood and Politics. Has it become a bit of a Witch Hunt , or are we only seeing the ti[p of the iceberg? Does it mean the End of Flirting as we know it? Also Would you ever use your children for Social Media? Child Stars were also on the agenda, as well as Pushy Parents. With Mark Power, Trishauna Archer & Rita Lacey

Lots of Halloween talk in this week's Back Chat. We're talking Costumes, Customs and Cultural Appropriation! We're also talking about children being let swear and being allowed to do whatever they want. Oh and a bit of Strictly too!

A Back Chat One On One this week. How did the phenomenon of one frail man spread in the days before rolling news? Was he just a 'self mutilating psychopath'as has been alleged? Colm Keane and I discuss the subject of his latest book on Padre Pio.

Hollywood and Dads set the tone for this week's edition of Back Chat. We're talking Blade Runner, Harvey Weinstein, Twins oh and hands off Dennis The Menace while we're at it! With Andrew Holden & Glenn Sheridan

A debate about aging, Teresa May, Melania Trump, Bullying and the Restaurant in France that banned Mobile Phone. It's a lively one! With Colette Colfor, Nichola Beresford & Derek Mc Grath'

Kate Sullivan Vogelaar is someone who certainly does her bit for Body Confidence! She's behind the KSV Exclusively Plus Size Model Agency, and she's the subject of this week's Back Chat One On One.

They can make or break your party, weddding or your night out! There they are in a corner of the venue, making sure you have the Best Time Ever. But spare a thought for the DJs! In this week's episode, I chat to two DJs, who, with years of experience between them, have stories to tell, and can definitely tell you What Not To Say To A DJ! With They can make or break your party, weddding or your night out! There they are in a corner of the venue, making sure you have the Best Time Ever. But spare a thought for the DJs! In this week's episode, I chat to two DJs, who, with years of experience between them, have stories to tell, and can definitely tell you What Not To Say To A DJ! With John Keane & Ray C

In this Back Char One On One I meet Wexford woman Michelle Dooley Mahon. She is a performer and Author of 'Scourged' She is also a fighter, who doesn't like to let a challenge best her! In this episode, she talks about dealing with her beloved Mother's Alzheimer's, her own struggles with being Bi Polar and having to lose weight for health reasons, which she did - in spades!

What happens when you get three people with a shared love of Fitness & Food in the same place? A Chef, a Fitness Instructor and a man who has come up with a unique way of looking at what we feed our bodies with - and when. When they're weren't swapping food tips with each other, there was Back Chat about Conor McGregor, Donald Trump and the wonderful #SoundEffect Campaign. With Paul Power, Mags Murphy & Cian Foley

The Waterford Rose Chloe McGrath is one of my guests on Back Chat this week, fresh from her appearance in the Rose Of Tralee. But she's not the only Rose on the panel! What DOES a Rose do after the TV show is over, is there still a place for Schools with a Religious Ethos, the Debs & Grey Hair also up for discussion With Chloe McGrath, Brian Kelly & Libby Shanahan

The late Sir Bruce Forsyth, kids calling their parents by their first names, that big step on to University, making decisions that will affect the rest of your life , and for one of my panellists, a very early entry into School Life! Another entertaining Back Chat With Maria McCann awaits! With Clodagh Power, Emily Brophy & Karen Power

On this week's episode we're talking Reality TV, World Athletics, Accents and Cats! One of my guests is also about to embark on the trip of a lifetime!. With Niall Power & Claire Power.