Insights with Sean O'Rourke

Author and advocate Jody Plauché speaks to Seán about surviving child abuse, the aftermath of his abuser's killing by his father, and his journey toward healing. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and trauma. Support resources are available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/

Neonatologist Prof Afif El-Khuffash joins Sean to share his journey from intensive care units to advocacy for Gaza. A proud Palestinian-Irish voice, he opens up about breaking stigma in maternal care—and the healing power of both science and art.

Nigerian-born, Offaly-raised singer Tolü Makay joins Sean to share her journey from church choirs to viral fame. A soulful artist and mental health advocate, she opens up about leaving the corporate world to follow her passion—and what future success truly looks like.

Dr Brian Pennie speaks to Seán about his journey from heroin addiction to recovery, and how it led him to a new life studying the mind and helping others change theirs. They discuss addiction, trauma, and the hope that comes with healing. Note: Help available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/

Writer and journalist Cathy Kelly speaks to Seán about her journey from journalist to becoming one of Ireland's best-loved authors, as well as the personal challenges she has faced in recent years. Note: This discussion includes a reference to suicide. Advice is available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/

A pioneer in Irish media and the arts, Lelia Doolan reflects on her resignation from Teilifís Éireann to becoming the first female Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre.  She also discusses her ongoing activism, including the fight to reopen Galway's Pálás cinema.

In the final days before the papal conclave to elect the next Pope, Seán speaks to Vatican-based journalist and Clare native, Colm Flynn. They discuss possible contenders and why Colm will always be grateful to the late Pope Francis for helping him meet his wife.

Well-known designer Paul Costelloe discusses his relationship with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, his ongoing ambition as he approaches his 80th birthday this summer and turns the tables when he asks Sean a burning question.

Laura Coleman is psychologist and psychotherapist for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. She reveals why she believes we do not need to fear death. Trigger warning: This podcast includes a discussion around suicide, please find a link to a webpage with relevant contact information Helplines - https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/

Éamon Ó Cuív is not only a former Government Minister and TD but as he explains to Sean O'Rourke, he is also a dedicated campaigner and prison negotiator. Éamon also opens up about his grandfather, Fianna Fáil founder, Taoiseach and former President of Ireland Éamon de Valera plus he shares his own aspirations for the party his Grandfather began.

Sinéad Burke is a writer, primary school teacher, and disability campaigner. From starting a blog in her bedroom to becoming one of 15 trailblazing women featured on the cover of British Vogue, Sinéad Burke demonstrates that style and inclusivity go hand in hand.

Colm O'Rourke is a Gaelic football manager, retired secondary school principal, sports broadcaster, and columnist. He also has two All-Irelands medals and was Player of the Year in 1991. He discusses his passion for education, his biggest achievements away from the medals and glory, plus he reflects on the changes and challenges facing the GAA.

Psychotherapist and Counsellor Dr Thomas McCann speaks to Sean about his love for the travelling community he is part of, as well as the issues and challenges they face, including that of mental health. Note: This discussion includes a reference to suicide. Help and Advice are available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/

Social media star, podcaster and breast cancer survivor Georgie Crawford opens up about the night her life changed utterly in 2017 when she discovered a lump in her breast. Georgie speaks about the lengthy journey she and her husband had to take in order to expand their family, the costs involved, and she recruits a new follower in Sean O'Rourke.

Ollie Jennings is the Manager of ‘The Saw Doctors', a founding member of The Galway Arts Festival, and the award-winning spectacle theatre company Macnas.

Irish garden designer and presenter Diarmuid Gavin opens up to Sean about why he passionately wanted to change gardening forever, he speaks about his friendship with Charlie Haughey, mingling with the Royal family, and what the unwavering support of Journalist Terry Keane and her family did for his career.  

Deputy Catherine Connolly discusses her unexpected path into politics. She speaks about her surprise election as the first woman to hold the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. And reveals if she really is open to running for President.

Former managing partner of PWC and current Chairperson of the IDA Feargal O'Rourke speaks with Sean about his mother, Mary O'Rourke, the sliding door moment that could have led to a career in politics, and his opinion of possible threats to Ireland's future economic success.

Kevin Bakhurst started his position as Director General of RTÉ in July 2023. The RTÉ payments scandal was dominating the headlines at the time so the role brought more challenges than anticipated. Kevin reflects on the past 15 months, as well as his early career, interest in Ireland, friendships made and what he hopes to achieve during his tenure.

Bryan Dobson retired last month after 37 years in the RTÉ newsroom. Bryan reflects on his career and shares his view on the future of journalism.

Gerry Hussey is a performance psychologist, author and co-founder of Soul Space. He has been at the forefront of building teams and individuals in Olympic and Professional sport and corporate organisations for 20 years. He tells Sean how he prepares top-level sports and business teams for success

Former prisoner, triathlete, coach and mentor for young offenders, Ger Redmond tells Sean about his childhood, his dreams of becoming a pro footballer, joining a gang, his time in prison and the importance of changing the generational shift.

Peter Murtagh is an award-winning, journalist and author. He spent almost 40 years in newspapers (working for The Irish Times and the Sunday Tribune in Ireland, and the Sunday Times and The Guardian in the UK) before retiring in 2019. He reflects on some of the big stories he has covered, and how he travelled from Chile to Alaska on his motorbike.

Anne Anderson is one of Ireland's most high-profile diplomats. Former Ambassador to The United Nations in Geneva and New York, The European Union, France, and United States. Anne was the first woman to hold each of these positions. She reflects on her time serving at the highest level of Irish diplomacy.

Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny is the founding Principal Investigator of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Professor Kenny tells Sean how she got into Medical Gerontology, and reveals some interesting findings from the study, including the need to prioritise social engagement as loneliness has become much more common in Ireland.

Bill Browder is an international campaigner against corruption and human rights abuses in Russia. Bill was an investor in Russia prior to his expulsion from the country in 2005. The death of his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky prompted him to turn his firm Hermitage Capital Management into a campaigning organisation promoting the Magnitsky Act.

In 2012 Jack Kavanagh suffered a life changing spinal cord injury leaving him with 15% muscle function. Now, Jack delivers speeches on wellbeing, resilience and diversity at schools and corporate events. Jack tells Sean about the impact his accident had on his family and how he wants to progress equity and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Aileen Hickie, former barrister and journalist shares memories and stories with Sean about her time in Drishane Convent, Millstreet, her various career paths, how she met her husband broadcaster Matt Cooper, marathon running and her current role as CEO of Parentline.

Rob Kearney is one of Ireland's most decorated rugby players. He retired from professional rugby in 2021 with 95 caps as well as 3 British and Irish Lions test caps under his belt. He reflects on the highs and lows of his rugby career, the various coaches he's worked with, how the game has changed over the years, retirement, and family life.

Following his appointment as new president of the GAA Jarlath Burns tells Sean what he hopes to achieve during his three-year term. He also reflects on his life growing up in South Armagh during the troubles, his role as principal of one of the largest secondary schools in the country and his long career in Gaelic games.

Annalise Murphy received a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first Irish woman to win an Olympic sailing medal. She reflects on the highs and lows of preparation and competing, how it felt to win a medal, moving on from her career in sailing and her current pursuit in competitive cycling.

Sinn Féin Senator Fintan Warfield tells Sean about his early interest in politics and how he was politicised by music and songs. Since his election in the Seanad, he has tabled two legislative bills. He talks about how he deals with online trolling, his passion for music, and his campaign to achieve equality for members of the LGBT community

Trainer John Hanlon known universally as ‘Shark' tells Sean how he went from cattle dealing to training horses. He recalls some of his favourite wins over the years and how he helped Rachael Blackmore in the early days of her career. Excitement is building this week as his horse Hewick, who he bought for just €850 is racing in Cheltenham's Gold Cup

Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Enda Brady talks about his introduction to journalism, he also reflects on his time at Sky, where he interviewed world leaders, Hollywood A-Listers and elite sports people. Having competed in 48 marathons to date, Enda tells Sean about the importance of resilience and his passion for running.

In this special archive episode, Sean is in conversation with renowned sports broadcaster Colm Murray. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Aviva Stadium and first broadcast in January 2012, Colm revealed his inner thoughts on life, his career and his battle with Motor Neuron Disease. Colm sadly passed away from the illness in July 2013.

Edel Coffey is a journalist, broadcaster and #1 bestselling author of Breaking Point, her debut novel which won best crime novel at the An Post Irish Book awards in 2022. Edel tells Sean about her introduction to journalism, moving from Dublin to Galway for love, and how motherhood was good for her career.

Professor Janice Walshe is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent's hospital specialising in breast cancer. Described as a superstar in the oncology day ward, Professor Walshe tells Sean about the relationship she builds with her patients and the importance of being honest and empathetic in her approach.

Conor Buckley is a social entrepreneur and founder of sustainable clothing brand Human Collective. Son of campaigner Christine Buckley, he shared his own experience of racism growing up, and his mission to spread the message of equality through his brand. He also spoke about his mother's time in Goldenbridge and the horror she suffered there.

Richard Bruton, TD for Dublin Bay North and Fine Gael spokesperson for the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed that he will not seek re-election after 41 years in the Dáil. An inveterate canvasser, Bruton reflects on his life in politics, and he tells Sean about his decision to stand down.

Sonya Lennon is a fashion designer, social entrepreneur, broadcaster, and businesswoman. She tells Sean how it all began in her career, about her inspirational parents, and her drive and passion for positive social impact.

Stewart Kenny is one of the founders of Paddy Power, he tells Sean about his career in the betting industry which spanned over four decades. He also speaks about the dangers of gambling, in particular online gambling, the importance of introducing gambling regulation in Ireland and his move into psychotherapy and counselling.

International media lawyer Paul Tweed joins Sean to talk about how he built up one of the most lucrative defamation law practices in the world. From cream buns to Hollywood, Paul has represented the likes of Liam Neeson, Johnny Depp and Britney Spears. He also tells Sean how he sought to challenge the power of the social media and online giants.

SDLP veteran Bríd Rodgers reflects on her life in Politics, both in the North and South of Ireland, her relationship with Seamus Mallon and John Hume, and her thoughts on what she thinks John Hume would say today about the current situation in Northern Ireland.

Former Minister Liz O Donnell talks about her life in Politics including her decade as Junior Minister during the Peace Process, the influence of the Progressive Democrats in Irish Politics, and the shock of losing her seat. She also discusses her role as Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority.

Newly appointed President of UCD Orla Feely speaks about her stellar career in engineering research, the challenges she faces in her new role and she shares memories of both her late father, former Dublin City Manager Frank Feely and her late sister Emer, a successful Public Health doctor who passed away during the Covid pandemic.

Sunday Independent Editor Alan English talks about the challenges he had taking up his new position during the pandemic, the changes he would like to make and is making to the Sunday Independent, his early days heading up the Limerick Leader, and his passion for all things sport.

Leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns joins Sean to talk about the challenges of her new position, growing up on a small dairy farm in West Cork and if the Social Democrats were to become part of Government in the next election, the political positions she would like to hold.

Sean talks to Professor Fiona Mulcahy about the many challenges she faced at the start of her career in genito-urinary medicine when there was very little known about HIV/AIDS, her strong relationship with her patients, and how she felt when Rory O‘Neill aka Panti Bliss dedicated their tribute dance on Dancing with the Stars to her.

The Minister of State at the Department of Finance talks about how she is getting on in the first few months of her new role, her desire to see more women in Government, and why Fine Gael will not go into Government with Sinn Fein.

The former Rugby International talks about what drove him to be the very best player on the pitch, the contrasting coaching styles of Eddie O Sullivan, Declan Kidney, and Joe Schmidt, and why this current Irish Team could go all the way and win the World Cup.

New series "Insights with Sean O'Rourke" starts Thursday 18th May.