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


    • Sep 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 2,512 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Brendan O'Connor

    The Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 54:02


    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.

    ‘Touching grass', Gen-Z's fight back against big tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 26:46


    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.

    “Dance with the Season Change!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 9:30


    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.

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 9:59


    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.

    Alicia Silverstone “I was very naughty on the DART”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 26:28


    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.

    Could Nigel Farage be the next UK Prime Minister?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 5:43


    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.

    “You make a deal with Parkinson's”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 17:02


    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.

    “Music helped me find my tribe” - Emmet Kirwan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 25:21


    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.

    Could Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson be heading for an Oscar?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 8:39


    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,

    How to avoid a soggy bottom in a retro biscuit

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 11:51


    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.

    The Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 52:02


    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

    Dr Tony Bates - "Secrets are like little mini-traumas"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 29:20


    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 is needed in this cultural climate"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 7:54


    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.

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 11:46


    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.

    "My child's death deepened my purpose as a doctor"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 33:23


    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.

    "Give up on the skinny jeans guys!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 13:03


    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.

    Neven Maguire - "I used spend all my wages on cookbooks and vinyl"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 31:39


    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.

    Should you date against your type?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 9:47


    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.

    Breakfast of Champions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 6:47


    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.

    The Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 51:18


    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.

    "I met the man who attacked me and my fear evaporated" - Ailbhe Griffith on the healing of restorative justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 25:35


    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.

    Marty Whelan - "It was Van Morrison's mysticism and poetry that got me hooked"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 10:37


    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.

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 10:59


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

    Dr Richard Hogan - "Dramatic people need to feel they're enough"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 28:59


    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.

    "Booking a night in Doonbeg paid dividends with Trump"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 10:04


    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.

    Trisha Lewis "I was afraid of fitness camps"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 11:07


    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

    Ardal O'Hanlon - "Inside I was a punk"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 32:09


    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

    Fridge-organising Masterclass

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 6:38


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

    The art of complaining

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 11:15


    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.

    Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 51:39


    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,

    "I had to fight to get Oasis on TV" - Terry Christian

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 33:43


    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.

    The Real Housewives Phenomenon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 10:38


    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

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 8:35


    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

    "It's an ambiguous loss - we are in the middle"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 33:28


    Father and son Eben and Kealan Stewart Join Dearbhail to speak about becoming carers for wife and mother Sandrine who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia at age 49. They speak about the early days of family life; the difficulties they are navigating now, and how the illness has transformed their love and appreciation for each other.

    How Irish homes survive the heat

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 13:54


    Atchitect, broadcaster, and lecturer, Róisín Murphy joins Dearbhail to discuss tackling the heat in houses and apartments - how insulation, skylights, heat pumps and awnings can all aid the battle of keeping cool at home.

    "Being someone else helped me discover myself" - James Patrice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 38:30


    TV presenter and content creator James Patrice takes Dearbhail through the soundtrack of his life which includes Judy Garland, Girls Aloud and Enya. He talks about dealing with bullies, the importance of resilience, the freedom in being truly yourself and how he found joy and peace in acting and performing.

    "Don't get all your stimulation from work"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 11:07


    Chartered Work and Coaching Psychologist, Leisha Redmond McGrath talks to Dearbhail about the beauty of boredom, how to use patches of boredom to feed creativity and move away from toxic productivity.

    No Bake Bites

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 7:53


    Krissy Gibson owner of Take the Cake bakery gives Dearbhail a range of fuss free 'no bake' treats from the layered Canadian Nanaimo Bars to Brazilian "Brigadeiros" and zingy lemon truffles

    The Newspaper Panel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 54:42


    Joining Dearbhail to discuss the Sunday papers are Jennifer Bray, Political editor with The Sunday Times, Prof Ray Murphy from The Irish centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway, Emma Howard, Economist at TU Dublin, and Louise Bayliss, Head of Social and Justice policy at SVP Ireland, and co-founder of single parent's organisation, SPARK

    "Fear was my comfort... but joy comes a lot easier now" - living with OCD

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 26:24


    Grace Cahill, founder of Studio Grace, speaks to Dearbhail about living with OCD. She talks about the intrusive thoughts that she experienced as a child, and how becoming a mother led to her diagnosis. Throughout, Grace describes her determination to pursue her passions and to live by her motto, "courage over comfort."

    Why coolcations are the hot new travel trend

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 10:06


    If you hate the heat and can't stand sweaty holidays, travel obsessive Lisa Regan has you covered - she talks to Dearbhail about cooler holiday spots to consider this summer

    The Watchlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 12:23


    Radio producer and broadcaster Eoin Sweeney and Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O'Regan give Dearbhail their recomendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.

    radio watchlist eoin sweeney

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