Brendan O'Connor

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times, Elaine Burke, Science and Technology journalist, Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD and Brenda Power, Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail and Sunday Times.

Having turned 50 in May, Jamie Oliver is in a reflective mood when he speaks to Brendan. He talks about his dyslexia, and shares health hacks on getting more fruit and veg, how to make treats healthier [like tofu with chocolate!], and how to get a good night's sleep.  Jamie's new book is ‘Eat Yourself Healthy: Food to change your life'.

With the evenings drawing in, poet Enda Wyley chose uplifting poems to read. Nourishing poems of Soul and Light and The Poetry Pharmacy Returns, ‘The Washing' by Jaan Kaplinski; ‘Rain' by Raymond Carver; ‘Romanesque Arches' by Tomas Tranströmer; ‘Although the Wind,' by Izumi Shikibu; ‘This Moment' by Eavan Boland; and ‘The Door' by Miroslav Holub.

Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O'Regan and host of the Screenland Podcast, Brian Lloyd join Brendan to talk through the week's best films and TV shows, including ‘The Long Walk', ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' and ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues'.

As he publishes his memoir ‘Speaking My Mind' former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, joins Brendan in studio to talk about his personal and political life so far. The conversation spans his upbringing, his political awakening, coming out publicly in 2015, leading Ireland through the pandemic, and his professional regrets.

Autumn is here, and so are our friends, the dust mites! But what are they, where do they live, and what can we do to avoid them? Christine Loscher, Professor of Immunology at DCU, has the answers!

Author and Broadcaster Manchán Magan joins Brendan to open-up about his widespread cancer, his disdain for pity, drinking his own urine in the Himalayas, the curse of being a writer and his latest book, "Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun)".

Following the assassination of American conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, many social media users were unwittingly exposed to graphic videos of his horrific shooting. Technology journalist with the Irish Times, Ciara O'Brien.

Pastry Chef and CEO of Grá Chocolates, Gráinne Mullins talks Brendan through her favourite chocolate recipes, and why it's such an appealing and versatile ingredient.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Prof Niamh Hourigan, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College; Jack Horgan Jones, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times; Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of The Children's Rights Alliance and Peter Brown, Managing Director of Baggot Investment Partners.

Tech entrepreneur and journalist, Mark Little, discusses the challenges Gen-Z are facing and – importantly – the resilience they are showing and what the rest of us can learn from them.

Dr Mark Rowe, GP and author of “Things your future self will thank you for” has ten ways to navigate the change in season such as avoiding ‘indoor-itis', using the new season to embrace new habits and remembering the importance of human connections.

Senita Appiakarong, Culture Commentator and Eoin Sweeney, TV and Radio Producer give Brendan their recommendations for the best TV and films to watch for the week ahead.

Hollywood legend Alicia Silverstone tells Brendan about filming her new series ‘Irish Blood' in Ireland, why she loves Dalkey, what ‘doing the deep work' means for her and reflects on the iconic 90s film ‘Clueless' on its 30 year anniversary and how she's trying to get its sequel off the ground.

Mark Paul, The Irish Times' London Correspondent on the resignation of the British Labour Party's Deputy Prime Minister for underpayment of stamp duty on her new flat and why the right-wing British press dislike her.

Irish Examiner Fashion Editor Annmarie O'Connor was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's in her 40s and has written about it in her new book, ‘Twitch', in which she talks about denial, acceptance, learning to play by Parkinson's rules, learning to let others in and thinking about the future.

Actor and playwright Emmet Kirwan picks five songs that have meant something special to him throughout his life from The Housemartins to Dee-Lite to The Pharcyde. He also talks about his new play ‘The Leap' and why he's eschewing streaming music in favour of the beauty of the physical CD.

Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson unveiled his slimmed-down physique at the Venice Film Festival this week as he promoted his new MMA film ‘The Smashing Machine'. Many say the highest-paid actor in the world is hoping for an Oscar with his latest movie and Dave Hanratty, host of the ‘No Encore' podcast, suggests he might have an eye on the White House too,

Pastry chef Shane Smith has make-at-home recipes to replicate classic biscuits like Fig Rolls, Mikados and a simple recipe for a Bounty taste-a-like.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers this week are Professor Alan Barrett, Research Professor at the ESRI, Liz Carolan Publisher of thebriefing.ie, and Political Scientist, Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Analyst, Mary Regan, Political Editor with the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent

Clinical Psychologist Dr Tony Bates joins Brendan to talk about the nature of secrets, how they can be a burden throughout people's lives, how vulnerability in the face of secrets can be a strength and the power of connecting with your true self

South Park has started its 27th season with a bang: with its most controversial and divisive episode yet including a photographic representation of President Donald Trump, Satan and the end of 'woke'. Why is an animated series that is almost 30 years old the lone voice of decent? Writer Sarah Maria Griffin explains.

RTÉ Guide Movies Editor, Michael Doherty and Freelance Culture Journalist, Zara Hedderman give Brendan their recommendations for the best TV and films to watch for the week ahead.

Dr Suzanne Crowe consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care and President of the Irish Medical Council joins Brendan to talk about her book 'Intensive Care' about caring for children at the end of their lives, dealing with grief within the healthcare system and how her own personal losses have shaped her work.

With Autumn almost here, the t-shirts and shorts are being packed away but what are they being replaced with? Brendan talks to stylist Cathy O'Connor about how to avoid having a fashion mid-life crisis, navigating the new trends and the best way to elevate your wardrobe.

Chef and occasional DJ, Neven Maguire, shares five songs that have soundtracked his life from Tina Turner to the deep house of Felix, he tells Brendan about the impact and inspiration of his parents on his career, his love for dance music, the camaraderie of restaurant work and the importance of kindness in the kitchen.

As Taylor Swift announced her engagement to American footballer Travis Kelce, the internet was ablaze about whether the Kansas City Chiefs player is actually the megastar's type? Freelance journalist Édaein O'Connell chats to Brendan about the concept of dating against you type and whether opposites attract.

Chef Domini Kemp, from Lottie's Restaurant in Rathmines, talks to Brendan about the most important meal of the day: how to be nutritious with spinach and scrambled eggs, the versatility of oats, and gym-friendly smoothies.

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday papers are: Alison O'Connor, Sunday Times Columnist; Declan Power, Security Analyst; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant and Irish Times Columnist and Lorna Fitzpatrick, Strategic Communications Advisor & member of the Labour Party. Former presidential candidate Joan Freeman joined the discussion by phone.

Ailbhe Griffith tells her harrowing story about suffering a violent sexual assault and then choosing to meet her attacker afterwards. She is now an advocate for victim-initiated restorative justice.

Ahead of Van Morrison's 80th birthday, broadcaster and Van superfan Marty Whelan talks about Van's 60+ year career, meeting and interviewing him over the years and what he thinks is his best-ever song.

Sabrina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Podcaster and John Maguire, Film Critic with the Business Post join Brendan to preview the latest film and TV releases.

Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan on how to spot the Drama Queens and Kings in your life, why they are the way they are, how to manage your relationship with a dramatic person and when it's time for an overly-dramatic person to seek help.

International diplomacy has always seemed very much behind-the-scenes work but in recent times it seems more front and centre. Former Irish Ambassador to the United States, Dan Mulhall demystifies the job and explains some of the tricks of the diplomacy trade, including how to woo Donald Trump.

Influencer, Trisha Lewis talks with Brendan about going on her first bootcamp holiday as she continues her weight loss journey. She talked about the gifts her transformation has given her, why holidays were always difficult before and her new take on weighing scales

Comedian, actor and writer Ardal O'Hanlon talks to Brendan about his career, his new stand-up tour starting next month and why comedians are control freaks. He also chooses five songs that have meant something special to him throughout his life from Joan Baez to Talking Heads to Lankum

How often do you clean out your fridge? Irish Examiner columnist, Caitrionna Redmond, gives great tips on fridge hygiene, avoiding waste and preserving food.

Comparing genuine complaining and good negotiators, Tim Hayward, Financial Times food writer and restauranteur, explains the difference between giving genuine feedback versus 'performative complaining' in a restaurant.

Joining Dearbhail to dissect the Sunday papers are Brenda Power, Columnist at the Irish Daily Mail & Sunday Times, Graham Finlay, Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations at UCD, Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, for The Irish Examiner, and Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Advisor, ESRI,

Broadcaster, journalist and raconteur, Terry Christian chats to Dearbhail about his Irish Catholic upbringing which informs his new Edinburgh Festival Show, his experiences being working class in the media in the '80s and '90s, his time presenting taboo-busting T.V. show The Word and giving Oasis their big break.

With the Bravo franchise expanding to 45 countries including its latest incarnation The Real Housewives of London, DJ and broadcaster Conor Behan gives Dearbhail a potted history of the Real Housewives. What makes it a reality T.V. hit, and the surprising depth its viewers find in it

Dublin International Film Festival Director, Gráinne Humphreys and Host of the Extra Vision Podcast, Andy McCarroll join Dearbhail to give their verdict on the latest film and TV releases