Brendan O'Connor

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday papers are Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, The Irish Examiner, Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor in the European University Institute, David W. Higgins, Economist and Dr. Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Doctor and Columnist with the Irish Independent.

Best-selling author Joseph O'Connor joins Brendan to talk about his theory that 1975 was a seminal moment for music. The socio-economic and historic moments that informed this year which saw monumental, groundbreaking albums released from Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, ABBA, Patti Smith and the significant influence they had on music.

In the week that the Dalai Lama marked his 90th official birthday [and confirmed his future reincarnation], Brendan marks the occasion by chatting to Denis Staunton, Irish Times China Correspondent, about how the new Dalai Lama will be located, what the role involves, and why we might soon have TWO Dalai Lamas.

Freelance Culture Journalist, Zara Hedderman and Host of the Extra Vision Podcast, Andy McCarroll, give their big and small screen recommendations for the week ahead.

Best friends, comedian PJ Gallagher and writer Stefanie Preissner join Brendan to talk about the bond they have developed through their adulthood, the unique intimacy and value of platonic relationships, how humour sustained them and how they managed to navigate the difficult moments of their lives together.

A trend with Leaving Cert holidays seems to be parents letting their kids go on holidays, on condition that they allow their parents to track their location during the holiday. Cyberpsychology lecturer at IADT, and co-host of the ‘In Bits' podcast, Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, chatted with Brendan about the rights and wrongs of tracking technology.

Founder of the fansite OasisWTS Gareth Dunleavy gives Brendan his verdict on the opening night of the Oasis reunion tour, Live ‘25 at the Cardiff Principality Stadium and his thoughts on the reuniting Gallagher brothers.

Steve Wall shares five songs that changed his world, the influence and power of Rory Gallagher, the excitement of the Beatles. He talks about the songs that sowed the seeds of the formation of The Stunning, how art and artistry has changed in Ireland and the new phase of his life as an actor.

Fresh off the boat from an Irish language course on Inis Meáin, travel writer,Thom Breathnach, talks holidays where you learn something new. He told Brendan about DIY and construction courses at Common Knowledge in Co Clare; a blacksmithing course at Hot Milk Forge in North Antrim; and a wild tea foraging tour with Two Green Shoots in Glengarriff.

Eileen Dunne-Creszenci gives Brendan a tour of the dishes that make an Italian summer from a simple melon starter to flavourful pasta salads and the zingy delight of a sgroppino cocktail.

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday Papers are Mary Hannafin, Barrister and former Fianna Fail Minister for Education; Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute UCD; Lorna Fitzpatrick, Communications Consultant, and Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor.

LGBTQ+ activist, journalist and DJ Tonie Walsh talks to Brendan about the songs that soundtrack his life. He recalls his 'lyrical childhood' and speaks about the transgressive power of simply dancing as a gay man at the Hirschfeld Centre. And he reflects on the challenges still faced by the gay community today.

With the announcement this week that Dune director Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, Cara O'Doherty, film critic and Bond fan, explores what he might do with Bond and questions do we even care about Bond anymore

Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O'Regan, and John Maguire, film critic with the Business Post give Brendan their recommendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.

Graham Norton talks to Brendan about selling his New York home, his new ITV1 show, getting back to West Cork every summer, being in San Francisco when the AIDS epidemic broke out, why Julia Roberts has true star quality, and how he's sporting a new shoulder. His latest novel 'Frankie' is just out in paperback.

As he prepares to leave the region, Alistair Bunkall speaks to Brendan about his four years as Sky News Middle East Correspondent. He describes the challenges for journalists in conveying the scale of devastation in Gaza without independent access.

Caroline Casey, Water Safety Development with Cork County Council has a practical tips on how to stay safe in the water this summer.

Psychotherapist Richard Hogan on what causes rage, what it's doing to our bodies and our minds and what to do when you lose your cool.

Registered Dietician Sarah Keogh demystifies minerals and explains how a food-first approach can help us feel energised and well.

Chef and Influencer Trisha Lewis gives Brendan tips on how to meal prep like a pro without sacrificing taste and she introduces Brendan to the Weetabix cheesecake!

Joining Dearbhail to dissect the Sunday papers are Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics at the school of Law and Government, DCU, Kate English, Chief Economist for Deloitte, Philip Ryan, Head of Content with the Sunday Times, and Novelist, Catherine Prasifka

Ita O'Brien the intimacy co-ordinator behind smash hit shows Normal People and Bad Sisters, talks to Dearbhail about her career and her new book Intimacy which is an in-depth and informative look at how her work for the screen can help enhance our own relationships.

Poet and author Dermot Bolger talks to Dearbhail about books that transport the reader to far flung places and beautiful shores; from Colm Tóibin's evocation of the sizzling heat of Brooklyn, New York in 'Brooklyn', to the historic Italian costal city of Trieste with Jan Morris' acclaimed book 'Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere'.

Gráinne Humphreys, Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and T.V. and Radio Producer Eoin Sweeney give their big and small screen recommendations for the week ahead.

Jacinda Ardern, former prime minister of New Zealand joins Dearbhail to talk about her new memoir ‘A Different Kind of Power'. She reflects on growing up in the Mormon faith, her time in politics, knowing when to call it quits, motherhood in the public eye and imposter syndrome.

Country singer and radio host Clodagh Lawlor gives Dearbhail her verdict on the first of the three Zach Bryan shows at the Pheonix Park in Dublin this weekend.

Biologist Dr. Andrew Steele joins Dearbhail ahead of the Dublin Longevity Summitt to talk about how we can all live better and longer and why he believes we can age without getting old.

Ahead of ‘Marty in the Evening' with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra this September at Dublin's Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, actor and singer Angeline Ball talks to Dearbhail about the five songs that have soundtracked her life so far.

Technology journalist with The Irish Times, Ciara O' Brien talks to Dearbhail about how to navigate screentime use with your children during the long summer months and how to implement parental controls on their devices

Chef, Domini Kemp chats to Dearbhail about all the wonderful ways to cook with rhubarb this summer from savoury treats to cocktails and desserts

Joining Dearbhail to dissect the Sunday papers are Dr Graham Finlay, Assistant Prof. of Politics and International Relations, UCD; Dr Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Advisor at the ESRI, Cormac Lucey, Economics Columnist with The Sunday Times, and Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times.

Anna Carey's new novel 'Our Song', explores a will-they-won't-they relationship between Tadgh and Laura - ex-bandmates from their college days. Anna chatted with Dearbhail about her life in bands, delving into her teenage diaries, and coming to terms with infertility.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of chef Anthony Bourdain's explosive memoir 'Kitchen Confidential'. Dave Hanratty explores the aspects of Bourdain's life and work, which made him a cultural touchstone for many.

Entertainment journalist Brian Lloyd, and writer Henrietta McKervey, give their recommendations on what to watch for the week ahead.

Singer songwriter Brian Kennedy choses five songs that tell the story of his life. He talked to Dearbhail about growing up in Belfast during the troubles, busking on the streets of London before playing with Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. His music includes ABBA, U2, and Kate Bush

As Washington DC prepares for a massive military parade later today, marking the 250th birthday of the US Army, and coinciding with President Trump's 79th birthday, broadcaster and writer, Bonnie Greer, spoke with Dearbhail about current events in the US, and about Juneteenth - the holiday sometimes considered 'Black America's Independence Day'.

Professor Brendan Kelly joins Dearbhail on the science behind how the heat affects our moods and what you can do to keep calm on those hot summer days.

Anne Marie Allen speaks to Dearbhail about her experiences with Opus Dei as a young woman in the late 1970s. Her biography 'Serve', tells the story of her path from initially joining a training course, to becoming an 'Assistant Numerary'. Anne Marie describes how immersing herself in education allowed her to thrive in her life after Opus Dei.

The arrival of summer brings different routines in our lives... and can cause a bit of chaos around the home. Professional organiser, Vera Keohane, gave Dearbhail some tips to help tackle clutter, and streamline our homes.

"You just have to abide by a few simple rules..." Ann Marie Dunne from TU Dublin School of Bakery gives a masterclass on the traditional summer sponge cake

Joining Dearbhail to dissect the Sunday papers are Sarah Carey, Irish Independent Columnist, Prof. Rónán Collins, Consultant Geriatrician, Sam Tranum, Editor of the Dublin Inquirer and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent for the Irish Mirror.

Singer, musician, and actor, Camille O'Sullivan talks Dearbhail through five songs that have shaped her life. From Bob Dylan soundtracking a second chance at life, to the Lloyd Cole song that symbolises her relationship with actor Aidan Gillen.