The Indo Daily

Description/Copy Can you really hear the difference between AI and human music anymore? and does it even matter? On this week's episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler speaks to John Corley, chief executive of Spanish Point Technologies, about the rapid rise of AI generated music. With research from Deezer suggesting most listeners cannot tell the difference, the conversation explores copyright, ownership and whether AI is creating or simply remixing human work, and what that means for artists trying to earn a living. You can listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strait of Hormuz is once more the centre of the Middle East crisis, despite Donald Trump's previous hasty proclamations of peace and quiet. Iran has accused the US of an “act of piracy” as peace talks hang in the balance. Meanwhile, the spotlight is intensifying on the man leading Trump's combat operations – the highly-contentious secretary of war, Pete Hegseth. Host: Dave Hanratty Guests: Scott Lucas and Nikki McCann RamirezSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Farage is back in the headlines, and this time it's not Brexit or boats, but bitcoin. As the Reform UK leader dabbles in a new cryptocurrency venture, his political stock is rising too, with polls suggesting his path to power is no longer entirely far-fetched. So, what's really happening in British politics? And why is Farage interested in us here in Ireland? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Enda BradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Silicon Valley supremo Peter Thiel has quite the CV, including co-founding PayPal, backing Facebook in its early days, links to Tesla, and co-founding Palantir Technologies. Lately, however, the billionaire has turned his attention to more apocalyptic fare as he delivers lectures around the world in which he warns that the Antichrist is among us. Why has Thiel gone down this route? And where do the likes of Greta Thunberg and Bill Gates fit in? Host: Adrian Weckler Guest: Massimo Faggioli This episode comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech ShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai. It represents a potential turning point in the pursuit of one of Ireland's most powerful and elusive organised crime figures. For more than a decade, Kinahan appeared beyond the reach of Irish law enforcement, operating internationally while linked by gardaí to murders, large‑scale drug trafficking and money laundering. Today on this extra episode of The Indo Daily , Kevin Doyle is joined by Crime World's Eimear Rabbitte to discuss this major development for Irish gangland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a busy first week back in the Dail, as the effects nationwide fuel protests continue to be felt within the coalition government. With Micheál Martin's leadership of Fianna Fáil facing renewed threats, with a group of TDs approaching senior ministers to discuss a change at the top. While it is understood the disgruntled backbenchers are not close to having the numbers for a successful no-confidence motion. They are trying to build support. And are in search of a leader to lead a heave. Host: Mary Regan Guest: Aisling MoloneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once recognised as the embodiment of Ireland's economic boom and bust, Johnny Ronan is back and may be facing legal action over a contentious property development. We look at that dispute and chronicle his previously turbulent life and times. Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Wayne O'Connor and Donal O'DonovanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Gill looked like he hadn't a care in the world when he turned up at Temple Street Children's Hospital last December to deliver presents to sick children. But at the same time, the self-proffessed professional mediator, was being investigated for killing of mobster Robbie Lawlor. Now authorities in the North want to prosecute the 44-year-old, from Malahide Road on the capital's northside for Lawlor's assassination in Belfast on April 4, 2020. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Eamonn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The protests may be over but the government isn't in the clear yet. In dramatic fashion Michael Healy-Rae has announced that he will be tendering his resignation as a Minister of State, as he prepares to vote with the opposition in a motion of no confidence against the Government. But will he be the only defector? Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Fionnán SheahanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week begins, and with it another breakdown in talks as the Iran War rolls on. The US is enacting a fresh blockade of Iranian ports, while Donald Trump has hit out at a fresh opponent – Pope Leo XIV. Meanwhile, back on Irish soil, the fallout from last week's fuel protests continues apace. Is the Government's €505m fuel package enough to calm things down? And just how big a scar will the shutdown leave? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Mary Regan, John Downing and Bel TrewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Late Late Show is a true national institution, one that has provided plenty of water-cooler moments over the decades, but has its day in the sun reached an end? The status of current host Patrick Kielty is under scrutiny as his contract draws to a close and RTÉ bosses remain tight-lipped about his future. Is it time to turn out the lights in Studio 4? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Kirsty Blake Knox and Melanie FinnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The capital's roads are now reopening and oil is leaving depots in Cork and Galway but it will take days for the country to get back to normal as commuters try to find petrol stations with full tanks. A deeper question now arises: Is this actually the end of the fuel protest or is it the start of something much bigger? Host: Kevin Doyle. Guests: Mark Condren, Ralph Riegel and Maeve McTaggart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifty years on from its creation, what were Apple's hits? Misses? And is AI use a no-go for journalists? Todays Indo Daily is brought to you by The Big Tech Show, as Adrian Weckler is joined by Darragh Nolan to mark 50 years of Apple, from the Macintosh to the iPod and iPhone, and what still drives its success today. They explore Apple's design first philosophy, its resilience in the AI era. Also, the pair and debate the growing use of artificial intelligence in journalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the dramatic US military raid on Venezuela in January, the Trump administration has turned its attention to Cuba. The objective? To topple the island's communist leadership. By cutting off vital oil shipments that once flowed from Venezuela, Washington has pushed Cuba into a deepening energy crisis. So, what fate awaits this Caribbean island of 10 million people, and its crumbling economy? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Ruaridh Nicoll, Helen YaffeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are coming to you from O'Connell Street in a gridlocked Dublin city centre. For the past few days, this has been the hub of a nationwide protest by hauliers, farmers and contractors in the face of rising fuel costs. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described the action as “national sabotage”, while insisting that “a gun won't be put” to the head of the Government. As talk of Defence Forces deployment mounts, how much longer will this protest last? ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Ciaran Moran and Michael FarrellySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the start of the week, the London-based Wireless Festival was the hot-button ticket of the summer, thanks to three-night headliner Kanye West. Protests, debates and drama put the booking on the UK government's priority list. Now West is banned from the country and the festival is cancelled entirely. How did this controversy unfold? Was the right call made? And can Kanye West ever truly be forgiven? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Jenn Gannon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After days of rising tension and a looming US deadline, a last-minute ceasefire between the US and Iran has been brokered. But while the headlines signal calm, the reality behind the scenes may be far more fragile. What does this ceasefire really mean, and is it likely to hold? Host: Tessa Fleming Guest: Gregg CarlstromSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once again Holly Cairns remains on top of the party leader approval ratings, but the Soc Dems still trail in the polls. As Sinn Fein and Labour fight to hold ground, the question is, can anyone actually unite the left? Today on the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by Political Correspondent Cónal Thomas and Political Reporter Aisling Moloney, as they look at the battle for the leadership of Irelands somewhat united left.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish Independent restaurant critic Katy McGuinness has a wealth of experience when it comes to her professional relationship with food, but having recently turned to weight-loss drugs, it was inevitable that her day job would be hugely affected. She tells the Indo Daily about her experience, while also examining the effect Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy are having on the bar and restaurant trade. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Katy McGuinness See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By the early 1980s, Odessa, Texas was regarded as the murder capital of the United States. And so, the discovery of a body, bound and beaten, in a blood-soaked room at the Sand and Sage wasn't all that shocking to the local authorities. Except... there was one piece that didn't quite fit. The victim. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was supposed to be an oral record of the Troubles, made by the paramilitaries, and initially the ‘Boston Tapes' project seemed like a really good idea, albeit one which would include descriptions of violence and terror. But it became clear that the scheme was flawed and that the recordings were not as secret as participants assumed. Host: Ciaran Dunbar, Guest; Andrew Madden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, three Limerick-based gardaí accused of perverting the course of justice walked free from court after a total of 33 charges were withdrawn against them. Having endured a “six-year hell”, the gardaí now intend to commence legal action against the State. The saga has prompted fresh questions about discipline in the gardaí. Is the level of scrutiny on the guards affecting their performance and creating an atmosphere of fear and paranoia? And has the battle to weed out ‘bad eggs' gone too far? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: David Raleigh and Paul Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiger Woods will forever be recognised as a sporting icon, but somewhere along the way, the headlines took on a much different, more alarming tone. Highly-publicised affairs, PR-prompted apologies and a string of car crashes have become as associated with Woods as his many triumphs on the links. As the detritus piles up around him, we examine the cause and effect of a most difficult downfall. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Jack Rathborn and Paul Kimmage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new chapter could be unfolding in the aftermath of Conor McGregor's civil rape case, with a Garda investigation into Nikita Hands one-time neighbours, now approaching its conclusion. Also in recent weeks, it has been announced that the public will soon get a behind the scenes account of the 2024 civil judgement, from Nikita Hand herself in a forthcoming book. Elsewhere in an unrelated case, Conor McGregor's sister's business has also come before Dublin courts. Aoife McGregor has been ordered to make a charity donation after her salon admitted selling a sunbed session to an underage girl. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Ali Bracken and Andrew Phelan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chilling student film and a bizarre fake journalist phone call are among the details the jury never got to hear in Stephen McCullagh's trial. Years before murdering Natalie McNally, he had already hinted at violent fantasies in a short film he made as a media student. Now, fresh revelations are giving a deeper look at what he did and how he tried to cover his tracks. Host; Ciaran Dunbar, Guest; Angela DavisonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who really owns the Lord of the Dance live spectacular? That's the crux of the ongoing and quite spiky legal battle between Michael Flatley and the Northern Irish company contracted to run the show. Now, a pair of helpful billionaires have come to Flatley's financial rescue. Who are these generous benefactors, and why are they stepping up? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Shane Phelan and Donal O'DonovanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dodgy-box end users face legal action from Sky for the first time, the broadcaster has told the High Court. Sky has obtained the names, addresses and bank details of 304 dodgy-box subscribers from a court case against a distributor of the services. It says that it intends to use the information “to take legal actions against the resellers and some of the end users”. Legal proceedings have already started against two of the 12 resellers, Sky says. This Sunday's episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast The Big Tech show, as JJ Clarke, joins Adrian to discuss the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US president Donald Trump's America First agenda was the cornerstone of his election victory. But has all that pre‑election rhetoric now come back to haunt him? As the US deploys thousands of troops to the Middle East, the conflict is looking less like a brief flare‑up and more like the start of a long, grinding war. Despite Mr Trump's insistence that Washington is in talks with senior Iranian figures to strike a deal, Tehran denies any negotiations are taking place. So, who exactly is talking to whom? And as suspicion swirls about insider trading in the oil markets, who is cashing in on the chaos in the Strait of Hormuz? Host: Tessa Fleming; Guests: David Smith, Scott Lucas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 years on from the violent killing of publican Tom Nevin, part two of this Indo Daily special looks at how Nevin's wife, Catherine Nevin, emerged as the prime suspect; the murder trial and media blitz that followed; and why Ireland's ‘Black Widow' still fascinates us to this day. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Mary Wilson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirty years ago, publican Tom Nevin was shot dead as he counted the takings following a busy day at Jack White's Inn. Initially, the incident appeared to be a robbery gone wrong, but grieving wife Catherine Nevin would eventually emerge as the prime suspect and later come to be known as ‘The Black Widow'. On the first of a two-part Indo Daily special, we look back at how one of Ireland's most famous criminals came into the spotlight. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Mary WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were cries of relief from the family of Natalie McNally yesterday, as the jury convicted Stephen McCullagh of killing his 32-year-old partner in her Lurgan home in December 2022. During the four-week trial, the prosecution claimed that McCullagh murdered Ms McNally after setting up a “false alibi” that he was livestreaming a video gaming session on YouTube. Host: Ciaran Dunbar Guest: Allison Morris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A surprise announcement from Donald Trump has raised hopes of a breakthrough in the Middle East conflict, with a five day pause in strikes on energy infrastructure now in place. What will this mean back at home in Ireland, as Tánaiste Simon Harris is expected to introduce cuts at the petrol pumps this week. Host; Kevin Doyle, Guest; Senan Molony See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have noticed there's a very important football match this week. It's also the week that marks the 40th anniversary of when Jack Charlton first took the reins as Republic of Ireland manager. One of our most beloved honorary Irishmen, Big Jack boasts an unrivalled legacy. On this episode, we look at how he transformed not just our football team, but how Ireland itself was dragged out of the mire under his watch. ­ Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: John Meagher and Tony ConsidineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode of The Indo Daily is brought to us by our sister podcast, Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli. Most will be familiar with the term narcissism. We've all heard it, ‘My ex was such a narcissist', but how much of that is internet language, and how much of it points to something far more serious? This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer is joined by family psychotherapist Richard Hogan to unpack the difference between someone being selfish and someone being truly narcissistic. From love bombing and manipulation to family estrangement and the struggle to leave, it's a clear, sobering conversation about the patterns that can quietly pull people under. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, Gerry Adams has denied being a member of the Provisional IRA. Now, for the first time, that claim is being challenged in an English courtroom. Three men, all victims of separate IRA bombings, have taken civil action against the former Sinn Féin leader for the symbolic sum of £1 in damages. But after his resounding libel victory over the BBC last year, how will he fare under this new and very different legal scrutiny? And what could the consequences be if the judge rules in favour of the victims? Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Kurtis Reid, John Downing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty-six years ago, young Irish woman Kelly-Ann Corcoran fell to her death from the balcony of a five-star hotel in Spain. Her husband Dermot McArdle was later convicted of manslaughter. Now, footage has emerged of a confrontation between McArdle and Ms Corcoran's relatives, in which he literally laughed off the altercation. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Patrick O'Connell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin sat down with US president Donald Trump for the traditional St Patrick's Day summit, with Mr Trump in typically boisterous form. How did the Taoiseach get on, though, with Iran, Keir Starmer, and a potential Doonbeg visit all on the agenda? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Mary Regan and Cónal ThomasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Jessie Buckley closed out her victorious Oscar speech with a cúpla focal, one might wonder if the majority of Hollywood stars looking on knew what she was saying. But that's hardly the point – it sounded cool. Being Irish is cool. The Irish language is cool. Irish culture is cool. Has it always been, though? And if there has been a spirited revival in recent times, who led the charge and where does it go from here? Host: Dave Hanratty Guests: Hugh Carr and Laura PakenhamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The term ‘looksmaxxing' has been around for longer than you may think, but it has become a daily go-to for a new generation of people seeking to maximise their physical attractiveness by any means necessary. How did the movement explode in recent times? Why is it mostly associated with men? And why is the Trump administration adopting it in a time of war? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Nikki McCann Ramirez See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who is Sam Altman and why does he matter so much to artificial intelligence? What do we really know about his views on risk, control and power in the AI race? Todays episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The Big Tech Show, as Ellen Huet, features writer with Bloomberg News and host of the Foundering podcast, joins Adrian Weckler. Altman, CEO of OpenAI, runs the company behind ChatGPT. The episode explores his rise, his warnings about AI dangers and the controversies surrounding OpenAI. This podcast was first published on Wednesday March 11th 2026. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 18 December 2022, 32-year-old Natalie McNally was found dead in her Lurgan home. According to her autopsy, she suffered multiple stab wounds, strangulation and several heavy blows to the head. She was also 15 weeks pregnant at the time. Her partner, Stephen McCullagh, is now on trial for her murder in one of the highest-profile cases Northern Ireland's courts have seen in years. Central to the trial is a gaming livestream which the prosecution allege was staged to create an alibi for the accused. Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest; Allison Morris We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was grasping an American-flag emblazoned short straw, playing second fiddle to Conor McGregor as our disgraced UFC representative took the St Patrick's Day podium. Now that the Taoiseach has been restored to March 17 parity, he has one hell of a job on his hands. What kind of reception awaits him in Donald Trump's Oval Office next week? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Mary ReganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petrol prices are flashing past €2 a litre as conflict in the Middle East rattles global energy markets. From food bills to mortgage rates, the shockwaves could hit far beyond the forecourt. So are we facing a return to 1970s-style energy chaos, and how bad could it get?  Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guests: Kim Bielenberg and Charlie Weston See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The enduring saga of Enoch Burke and his family has a fresh chapter, with Martina and Ammi Burke set for a stint behind bars. Last week, Justice Brian Cregan handed down an imprisonment order as he called for “a halt to this family circus”. Initial attempts to arrest Martina and Ammi Burke proved unsuccessful. So, what can they expect in prison? And what does the timeline of the entire Burke story look like? ­ Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Shane PhelanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International war probably wasn't the expectation when the Kinahan Cartel decamped to Dubai in a bid to escape the authorities, but it has arrived on their opulent doorstep, nonetheless. So, what does the joint US-Israel offensive on Iran mean for Daniel Kinahan and company? What are their connections to Hezbollah, and will they ever be extradited? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Miles Johnson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June 2025, when 78-year-old Sonia ‘Sunny' Jacobs, along with her carer Kevin Kelly (31) died in a house fire at the Connemara home she called her “sanctuary", it seemed like a tragically ironic end for a celebrated activist. But Jacobs was no stranger to life's juxtapositions. The well-liked and peaceful woman spent five years on death row in the US before her conviction over the murder of two police officers in Florida in 1976 was overturned after procedural errors were identified. Now, as a Florida inmate speaks out about the circumstances leading to her incarceration, we ask who was the real Sunny Jacobs? Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Eavan Murray This podcast was first published in June 2025. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As conflict in Iran pushes up energy prices, the Government faces mounting pressure over possible emergency supports. New rent reforms are already causing controversy in the Housing Minister's own constituency, while Phil Hogan re-emerges as Ireland's candidate for a top UN job. Tabitha Monahan and Conal Thomas chat through down a tense week in Leinster House. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Hogan, the former Fine Gael heavyweight, carved out a political career few could match. But in the middle of the Covid crisis, it all came crashing down and he was forced into resigning his post as EU trade commissioner following the notorious Golf-gate controversy. But now, out of nowhere, he's back. And this time he's a contender for a major role at the UN. So. is this a political phoenix rising from the ashes? Or is it a controversial political appointment that could come back to haunt the Government? Host: Tessa Fleming. Guests: Mary Regan and John Downing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill and Hillary Clinton are back under the spotlight after explosive deposition tapes linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation were released. From Hillary's angry walkout to Bill's questions over flights and hot-tub photographs, the US power couple faced hours of grilling from a Republican-led committee. ­ Host: Dave Hanratty, Guest: Terry Sheridan ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism ­See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before they were sworn enemies, Iran and the United States were close allies. So how did decades of cooperation descend into revolution, hostage crises, secret arms deals and nuclear brinkmanship? Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Professor Scott Lucas to trace the long and volatile history between Washington and Tehran and to ask what happens next as tensions rise once more. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Convicted child killer Ian Huntley is recovering in hospital following an assault by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland. Huntley, who is currently serving a life sentence for the 2002 killing of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, has previously been a target of prison violence. On this episode of The Indo Daily, we look back at the horrifying case of the Soham murders. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Martin BluntSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.