Brendan O'Connor

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Brendan O'Connor has all you need for the weekend with time to pause and reflect on the week just gone. Featuring a selection of human interest, consumer and lifestyle stories, as well as keeping you up to date on the news stories that matter. Listen live Saturday and Sunday at 11am - 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1.

RTÉ Radio 1


    • Jul 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 2,425 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Brendan O'Connor

    The Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 54:06


    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.

    Joseph O'Connor on 1975 - A Milestone Year for Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 31:45


    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.

    “Interpret dreams, look in lakes” - how to find the next Dalai Lama

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 10:20


    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.

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 10:07


    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.

    watchlist zara hedderman andy mccarroll
    “Romantic love is fine but platonic love is so deep”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 30:16


    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.

    “An 18-year old is an adult: don't track your child's location!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 10:04


    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.

    “The best bit of merch is the Oasis duct tape!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 8:34


    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 - “1990 in Ireland was our Summer of Love”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 32:01


    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.

    “Your stress-levels drop right away”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 7:49


    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.

    Simple Italian Summer Dishes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 7:35


    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.

    Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 50:06


    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.

    Tonie Walsh "We had to unlearn shame and find a new language of love"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 33:14


    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.

    The Bond Conundrum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 5:50


    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

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 10:44


    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 -"I'm just the comedy butler"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 26:37


    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.

    Alistair Bunkall "You are dealing with death and war every single day"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 14:44


    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.

    Keeping kids and teens safe at the beach this summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 5:59


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

    Richard Hogan - "Address your rage when your cognition cools down"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 29:27


    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.

    Facts from fads - what you need to know about minerals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 8:30


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

    Trisha Lewis on how to meal prep with joy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 7:07


    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!

    The Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 54:24


    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

    Lifting the Lid on Intimacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 27:51


    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.

    "Books can be an atlas in your mind"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 10:22


    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'.

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 12:49


    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 - “The easiest trick in politics is blame”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 26:56


    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.

    “Top tip – break-in your cowboy boots before the Zach Bryan gig!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 6:48


    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.

    Could humans age without getting old?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 14:38


    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.

    Angeline Ball “I lost my anonymity overnight playing Imelda Quirke”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 32:51


    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.

    How to avoid a summer of screens!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 7:25


    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

    Domini Kemp's rhubarb recipes to relish

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 6:30


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

    Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 53:57


    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 "In my teenage diaries, I just found a messier version of myself!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 26:51


    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.

    Anthony Bourdain -= "His legacy transcends food"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 10:37


    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.

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 10:57


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

    Brian Kennedy "I used to harmonise with ambulances on the Falls Road"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 28:24


    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

    "This is Trump's little birthday to himself" - Bonnie Greer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 10:36


    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'.

    Why we get angry in hot weather, and what to do about it!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 11:07


    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.

    Life after Opus Dei: I lived with shame...but I had to speak out

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 29:23


    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.

    "Ask for help!" - How to declutter for the summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 10:17


    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.

    Sponge Masterclass

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 9:40


    "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

    Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 54:21


    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.

    Camille O'Sullivan “The worse my relationships go, the better my singing gets!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 27:20


    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.

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