Brendan O'Connor

Joining Brendan to analyse the Sunday papers are; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist; Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD; Louise Byrne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner; and Dr Emma Howard, Economist.

Colm Tóibín took on the task of exploring what makes a good love story. Drawing on the works of Nina Simone, Derek Mahon, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and more, he suggests that while we may not all have 'one true love', most of us have at least one 'what if?'

Broadcaster Afric O'Connell on the "absolutely razor-sharp" new album Lily Allen and the ongoing fallout from the soap opera story behind it.

Brian Lloyd, Freelance entertainment journalist and broadcaster, and Sarina Bellisimo, Broadcaster and entertainment journalist review the best of this week's TV and cinema.

Actor Jeremy Irons joined Brendan to talk about his new film, 'Palestine 36'. He also reflected on his boarding school years, choosing his acting roles, fatherhood, life priorities, playing the viola in his Cork castle and winning a style award for his fashion choices.

Producer/director and colleague and friend of Manchán Mangan, Brian Reddin, spoke to Brendan en route to the Hill of Uisneach today for a celebration of the life, and scattering of the ashes, of the late broadcaster and scríbhneoir

Clodagh McKenna joined Brendan to talk about her new cookbook 'Clodagh's Happy Cooking'. She also talked about her childhood in Cork, getting happiness lessons from her mother, her career, turning 50, taking over the farm on the grounds of 'Downton Abbey' in England with her husband, Harry Herert who also made an impromptu appearance in studio!

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer. GP, Dr Brendan O'Shea explains why it's important to monitor your blood pressure and what steps you can take to reduce it when necessary.

Prof Ronán Collins talks about his life in fishing, from early days line-fishing as a boy in Kinsale, to embracing the wilderness of far-flung regions. And he explores the meditative nature of fly-fishing, describing the river as his 'Buddhist temple'.

Joining Brendan to analyse the Sunday newspapers and Catherine Connolly's election are Irish Times' political editor, Pat Leahy; former Fine Gael TD, Noel Rock; Sunday Times' columnist, Alison O'Connor; VP of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, and former Labour candidate, Niamh Hourigan; and former Fianna Fáil minister, Mary Hanafin.

Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon and best-selling author Harlan Coben talk to Brendan about their joint novel – a thriller about an army surgeon who uses her skills to conduct questionable operations for supremely wealthy, international clients... Gone Before Goodbye.

Mark Little – entrepreneur and journalist – casts his eye over the recent Presidential election campaign to see what it might tell us about politics and media in 2025.

Radio and TV producer Eoin Sweeney and writer Henrietta McKervey join Brendan to review the best of this week's TV and cinema, including Nobody Wants This, Regretting You and Oíche Shamhna: An Ancient Mystery.

As the full tallies began to land, Brendan was joined by Sinn Féin TD, Claire Kerrane; Fine Gael Minister of State, Emer Higgins; Communications Consultant and Labour Party member, Lorna Fitzpatrick; DCU Politics Professor, Gary Murphy; newspaper columnist, David Quinn; Former Fine Gael TD, Michael Ring; and RTÉ's Barry Lenihan.

Former Irish Olympian and European indoor gold medalist, David Gillick talks to Brendan about the excitement, heartbreak and anxiety of competing in top-level sport, and transitioning to a post-athletics career, as outlined in his memoir “The Race”.

The Connolly campaign mobilised artists and musicians to the cause over the summer. One of whom was her childhood friend from Shantalla, musician Mary Coughlan, who joined Brendan on the line.

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday newspapers are Lisa Chambers, Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD and Senator, Oisin Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Jennifer Bray, Political Editor with the Sunday Times and Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government at DCU .

Musician and podcaster Niall Breslin AKA Bressie has taken a new direction with his new album of piano compositions, ‘The Place That Has Never Been Wounded'. He talks to Brendan about his early love of piano; using music to calm you down and why he feels modern culture can swindle us out of spending time with the people we love.

Podcaster and Broadcaster, Fionnuala Jones tells Brendan where the Gen Z obsession with Halloween comes from, the top costume trends for 2025 from the Kiss Cam couple to Travis and Taylor as well as tips on the best low effort pun costumes!

Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O'Regan and Dave O'Callaghan, host of the Here and Back Again Podcast talk Brendan through the hits and misses from the week's watchlist from the new Bruce Springsteen movie to the BBC adaptation of Rónán Hession novel Leonard & Hungry Paul.

Dr. Trudy Meehan, Lecturer and researcher in positive psychology at the RCSI talks to Brendan about navigating the suicide of her ex- partner and how she has guided her daughter through her grief. She and her daughter have written a book ‘The Way Home' to help others deal with the deep grief of losing a loved one to suicide.

Irish Times Crime and Security Correspondent, Conor Gallagher talks to Brendan about how modern-day financial scams work; the skill of the people making scam calls, how they manipulate unsuspecting victims to defraud them of large sums, and the fallout when people fall victim.

Elizabeth Day, presenter of the ‘How To Fail' podcast has written a new novel, ‘One Of Us'. She talks about growing up in Northern Ireland, navigating elite circles in Cambridge and how she's observed weight loss drugs become a lifestyle choice. She also chose five songs that have meant something special to her throughout her life.

The Free Travel Scheme has just been extended with the launch of the Over 70s' Free Companion pass and also a new free Leap card for the under-9s so where are we going to go with all this free travel? Travel Enthusiast Lisa Regan has ideas for intergenerational daytrips and daytrips for all around Ireland.

Jennie Bond, former BBC Royal Correspondent joins Brendan as Prince Andrew announces that he will give up his royal titles after discussing the matter with King Charles. Jennie discusses the implications for Andrew, his wife Sarah Ferguson, their daughters and the wider royal family.

Irish Examiner Food columnist, Catriona Redmond tells Brendan why we're not making the most of our microwaves! She gives Brendan recipes for a microwave Bakewell pie, an egg muffin, and a baked potato!

Joining Brendan to talk through highlights from the Sunday newspapers is political editor with The Irish Independent, Mary Regan; Irish Times columnist and public affairs consultant, Gerard Howlin; Nutriband founder and former presidential hopeful, Gareth Sheridan and Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute, Brigid Laffan.

Writer Michael Harding joins Brendan to discuss death, mental health and the natural world – all themes in his latest novel ‘Midwinter'.

Cork singer-songwriter Lyra explains why – over 50 years after they formed - Fleetwood Mac are enjoying a resurgence with younger listeners.

Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphries, and host of the "Xtravision" podcast Andy McCarroll, discuss the best TV and film of the week, including Celebrity Traitors, House of Dynamite and Mr. Scorsese.

Author Colum McCann, who has worked closely with two grieving fathers, on either side of the Israeli/Palestinian divide, speaks to Brendan about this week's peace deal in the long-running conflict.

Former US Poet Laureate, Billy Collins – dubbed ‘America's favourite poet' – joins Brendan to reflect on his approach to writing and reads two poems, including one from his latest collection, ‘Dog Show'. Billy will be in Dublin for ‘An evening with Billy Collins' on 21st October. More details: PoetryIreland.ie

In a wide-ranging conversation filled with laughter, agony (or ecstasy) aunts, mother and daughter, Ann and Róisín Ingle, join Brendan to discuss ageing, birthdays and men.

Consultant Endocrinologist Professor Mary Ryan tells Brendan about melatonin: what helps the body to produce it naturally, what impact it has, and the side effects of taking it inappropriately.

Catherine Fulvio talks Brendan through some of her favourite, hearty pasta dishes for Autumn – and answers the age-old question: does the shape of your pasta impact the flavour?

Ireland and Lions Men's Rugby Coach Andy Farrell tells Brendan about becoming a teenage father, his own playing career and his evolution to coaching for Ireland and The Lions, marking the publication of his autobiography ‘The Only Way I Know'.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Dr. Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer, ICTU; Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway; Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times and David W. Higgins, Economist.

Actor and broadcaster Baz Ashmawy joined Brendan to talk about first discovering funk and disco in Cairo, backpacking, the return of his TV shows ‘The Money List', ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build' and ‘Faithless'. He also chose five songs to reflect his life ranging from Duran Duran to Weezer to Foster The People.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you'll know that Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl was released on Friday. As Swift is famous for using her lyrics to settle old scores, journalist and broadcaster, Jenn Gannon, dropped in to decode the latest songs and explain whose noses should be out of joint this time around.

Michael Doherty, RTE Guide Movies Editor and Arts journalist Zara Hedderman join Brendan to preview the film and TV highlights of the week.

Do discount shop reading glasses harm your eyes? Does staring at screens really harm our eyesight? If you need glasses to eat a meal, is something wrong? Kirk Stephenson, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Mater Private Network, gives Brendan tips on minding your eyes as you age.

Chef, writer and co-founder of Ballymalloe Cookery School gives Brendan a lesson in making traditional Irish soda bread, which she claims is baked from start to finish in less than 30 minutes. She covers white, brown, gluten free and even gives a few pimped-up versions with fruit and chocolate!