Brendan O'Connor

Joining Claire Brock to discuss the top stories in Sunday's newspapers are Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, Aisling Meehan, Agricultural Solicitor, Tax Advisor and Farmer, Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Prof. Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

With wedding season in full swing, the celebrations can also bring up some difficult issues. Claire is joined by Chartered Psychologist Allison Keating and Wedding Planner and Photographer Jenny McCarthy to talk through various dilemmas including the cost for guests, choosing what to give to the happy couple and handling tricky family dynamics.

Registered dietician Sarah Keogh talks to Claire about effective hydration, how to combat dehydration, how much water we should be drinking, the best time of day for water intake and other essential tips.

Writer Henrietta McKervey and Dave O' Callaghan, host of the ‘Here and Back Again' podcast join Claire to preview the latest T.V. and cinema releases including mother and baby home documentary Testimony, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, thriller Lucky and the inaugural World Cup halftime show.

Singer, activist, and independent senator Frances Black joins Claire for My Life in Five Songs. From Bill Withers to Beginish. She talks about growing up in a musical family, stage-fright, how motherhood transformed her, her journey to the Seanad and her tireless work on the Occupied Territories Bill.

Martin Glynn from the DIY Academy shares his advice about common household concerns, bleeding radiators, simple plumbing, avoiding electrics and when to call the professionals in.

With temperatures hitting all-time highs across Europe this summer, holidaymakers are seeking cooler climates. Sarah Slattery from The Travel Expert.ie tells Claire about alternative destinations from Sweden to Madeira to escape the sweat and the sunburn.

Mother of two Leona Macken is living with incurable Stage Four Cervical Cancer. She talks to Claire about receiving an apology and settlement from the HSE after she learnt that abnormalities on smear test result analyses were missed. She speaks about the need for further improvements to the National Screening Programme.

As Luke Combs takes to the stage at Slane Castle for his first of two sold out shows tonight, country singer and country radio host, Clodagh Lawlor tells Claire about his meteoric rise to fame, why Luke Combs is connecting with a new generation of listeners and what fans can expect from him tonight.

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Joining Brendan to discuss the newspapers are: Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, Social Democrats Candidate in recent Galway West by-election; Tanya Ward, Chief Executive, Children's Rights Alliance; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and former Government advisor and Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at UCD's Clinton Institute.

Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tony Bates, talks about why we cry in sad or beautiful moments. He also explains the power of tears, their release effect, why people might try to hide their tears and why he worries about the people who never cry.

Christine Bohan, tennis fan and Deputy Editor of TheJournal.ie explains why Wimbledon has something for everyone nowadays, whether they're a tennis fan or not. She talks about the influencers, fashion and food at this year's tournament, how you get invited into the Royal Box and she previews the Men's Singles Final this afternoon.

Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Zara Hedderman, Culture Journalist and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision Podcast. They talk about Moana, Evil Dead Burn, Rosebush Pruning, The Hawk, Nothing To Hide and Love Island amongst many more productions.

Summer can be a stressful time for some. Changes in routine, high expectations, changes in your environment and loneliness. Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan answers your summer dilemmas and gives tips on navigating potential stressors over the next few weeks.

Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE has advice on managing the hotter days of summer. He has practical tips around staying cool, sleeping, hydration, suncream and tells us why we should all know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Freelance journalist Édaein O'Connell takes a look at new dating trends like ‘wildflowering', ‘chalant dating', ‘communal vetting' and ‘sunset clauses'. She also talks about her new relationship and when to have the ‘boyfriend chat'.

Broadcaster Mary Kennedy charts her life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from ‘Frankie and Johnny' to ‘Don't Rain On My Parade” to her nephew, Dermot Kennedy's, ‘Funeral'. She talks about her parents' party pieces, the sudden death of her father, finding confidence in later life, and choosing to have a very active retirement.

Colin Baker, CEO of Back To The Future, explains why a refurbished laptop or computer might actually be a smarter purchase than a brand-new machine. He explains they are commercial grade, factory-refurbished and often last longer and perform better than cheaper, new, retail grade devices.

Darina Allen, Chef and Founder of the Ballymaloe Cookery School joins Brendan as a cookery agony aunt, solving common kitchen issues. She explains the importance of quality kitchen equipment and understanding how your appliances work. She also tackles common problems making soda bread and sponge cake.

Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD, Lisa Chambers; political editor of the Irish Times, Pat Leahy; Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP, Louise Bayliss; security analyst, Declan Power and University of Galway law lecturer, Larry Donnelly.

Musician and broadcaster, Tom Dunne, joins Brendan to celebrate the iconic soundtrack from Danny Boyle's 1996 hit film Trainspotting. The album included songs by Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Pulp and Underworld.

Fashion stylist and personal shopper, Cathy O'Connor, joins Brendan with some top tips on holiday packing. She has strategies for organising your clothes, embracing ‘the slow pack', and not filling your suitcase with things you won't actually wear.

Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphreys and host of the Screenland podcast, Brian Lloyd. Their choices include ‘The Girl in the Water', ‘Jackass: Best and Last' and a new adaptation of ‘Little House on the Prairie'.

Looking for some great books for your summer holidays? Broadcaster Bryan Dobson, author Emer McLysaght, and actor Jason O'Mara all join Brendan to discuss what makes the perfect summer read and recommend some of their all-time favourites.

Niall Moyna, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology from the School of Health and Human Performance in DCU, explains how that heart attack at age 60 could have started when you were 20-years-old, but that it's never too late to start working on your exercise and nutrition. He also discusses biological age tests.

The multi award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Enda Walsh – whose film credits include ‘Disco Pigs', ‘Hunger' and ‘Small Things Like These' - joins Brendan to discuss the music that has influenced him through the years. He describes moving to Cork, meeting a young Cillian Murphy. His music choices include songs by Bjork and David Bowie.

Judie Lopes, mother of Crumlin-born Cape Verde defender – and Shamrock Rovers' captain – Roberto ‘Pico' Lopes tells Brendan about the biggest game in her son's career, against reigning World Cup champions, Argentina. RTE Sports reporter Tony O'Donoghue puts Cape Verde's achievement in context.

Chef and Owner of the Seafood Café and CEO of Sustainable Seafood Ireland, Niall Sabongi, tells Brendan how to get the best out of crabs, lobster, clams and mussels. He shares his recipes for Dublin Bay prawns with a homemade lemon mayo, oysters and a classic moules marinière.

Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Liz Carolan, publisher of TheBriefing.ie; Economist, David W. Higgins; Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent at the Irish Examiner; and Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute.

Writer Ann Ingle and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry in Trinity College Dublin, talk about the important conversations to have with your parents, especially if they're older. They discuss how to suss out your parents' receptiveness, how to have the chats, what to talk about and whether it's okay if some family secrets go to the grave.

It's reported Taylor Swift has booked out Manhattan's Madison Square Garden next weekend. Is it for her wedding? Would she really get married in a windowless sports stadium? Or is it just smoke and mirrors? Pop culture journalist and self-confessed Swiftie, Fionnuala Jones, dissects it all with Brendan.

Joining Brendan to discuss the week's film and TV highlights are Nadine O'Regan, Features Writer with the Irish Times and Michael Doherty, Movie Editor of the RTE Guide. They talk about the ‘Legally Blonde' prequel, ‘Elle'; Réabhlóid Mheiriceá - Na Laochra Gael on TG4 and ‘The Invite' amongst many more.

Caryna Camerino, from the Camerino Bakery, tells Brendan how to make the viral dot cake, and why this cake-in-a-cup has become such a hit with the next generation of bakers.

Irishwoman Ann Lane was on board the MV Hondius on which three people died from Hantavirus infection. Ann came out of her isolation period this week and tells Brendan about her six Antarctic expeditions, the horror of fellow passengers starting to die aboard the MV Hondius, the relief of not contracting Hantavirus and how she navigated isolation.

Poet Enda Wyley has selected some seasonal poems to read that complement the weather and the summer. Poems such as ‘This Morning' by Moya Cannon; ‘Inniskeen' Road by Patrick Kavanagh; ‘Strawberries' by Edwin Morgan and Jean O'Brien's ‘Skinny Dipping'.

Novelist, Ian Rankin talks to Brendan about the story of his life through the prism of five songs that have a special meaning for him. He talks about his son who lives with Angelman's Syndrome, why he's glad he wasn't an overnight success story and the complex life of a writer being so absorbed in another fictional world.

LED Facemasks are all the rage at the moment, but what are their benefits and what are the other skincare gadgets on the market and do they actually work? Consultant Dermatologist, Prof Caitriona Ryan from the Institute of Dermatologists talks Brendan through the electronic and non-electronic skincare gadgets she'd recommend.

Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday's newspapers are director of stroke services, at Tallaght Hospital, Professor Rónán Collins; political correspondent with The Irish Examiner, Louise Burne; professor of politics at DCU, Donnacha Ó Beacháin; columnist, Brenda Power; and Irish Times London correspondent, Mark Paul.

Entrepreneur and journalist, Mark Little, joins Brendan to reflect on the AI hype cycle, the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech companies, and the staggering amounts of money being poured into this fast moving industry. He also gives his predictions and recommendations for improvement over the next three years.

Author Edel Coffey joins Brendan to discuss the enduring wit and insight of author Nora Ephron, best remembered as the writer of iconic rom-coms: ‘When Harry Met Sally', ‘You've Got Mail' and ‘Sleepless in Seattle'.

Joining Brendan to discuss the week's film and TV highlights are podcast hosts Sarina Bellissimo, of ‘The Bellissimo Files', and Dave O'Callaghan, of ‘There and Back Again'. Among their choices are ‘Toy Story 5', ‘House of the Dragon' and Graham Norton's exclusive interview with Madonna – ‘Madonna and Graham'.