U105 Podcasts

In the latest episode of our Shared Island Perspectives series, we examine the growing cost-of-living pressures facing families and businesses across the island of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are rules making drivers with ADHD or anxiety issues eligible for a blue parking badge being exploited? The Taxpayers Alliance has raised concerns amid a rise in the numbers being issued Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Masterchef's youngest contestant, Killyleagh's Adam Morrison, talked to Frank about how it feels to be selected from thousands of applicants, cooking in front of the cameras and against the clock and putting NI food and producers on the map Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we ban 'conversion therapy'? In 2021, MLAs voted to ban the practice, but as yet, no legal change has been made. A doctor, Gareth Patterson, originally from NI, has spoken of the harm he believes is being done Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Potholes - are the roads looking better, following an eight-week push that saw around 10,000 repairs? The DUP's Peter Martin highlighted figures that suggest we could be on course to fix fewer this year than in 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest in our Shared Island Perspectives series, we're looking at healthcare - two jurisdictions, one island - two different approaches to delivering care. Will we ever see the long-promised transformation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Police had a difficult job, but they should have shut it down much sooner, they should have been more prepared' Independent councillor Paul Doherty spoke to Frank after scramblers and cars were recklessly driven in West Belfast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Stormont's childcare strategy help the economy, as well as hard-pressed families? Business groups have said making it affordable is 'essential' especially for female workers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should bare-bummed bikers be banned? The annual World Naked Bike Ride is due to take place in London, but a petition has been launched, over safeguarding concerns. Frank spoke to Gary Kennedy from British Naturism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should fox hunting be banned? A bill has been brought at Stormont, five years on from the last attempt to outlaw hunting wild animals with dogs. Frank spoke to the bill's sponsor, Alliance's John Blair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is a 20% tip excessive? Gordon Ramsay's been criticised after one of his restaurants applied the hefty ' discretionary service charge' to seasonal menus. Peter spoke to NI's top restaurant critic, Joris Minne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you visited an Emergency Department recently? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine described the current state of our EDs as 'horrifying' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have self-checkouts made people more likely to shoplift? M&S chair Archie Norman's suggested 'good, decent people' are being driven to steal, by difficulty using the machines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Housing is an issue that dominates everyday life - whether you rent a room in Dublin or you're trying to buy your first home in Belfast. Adrian Kennedy from LMFM spoke to Belfast campaigner Paul McCusker & Lorcan Sirr from TU Dublin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The loneliest country in Europe'? A recent report found higher rates of social isolation on the island of Ireland than anywhere else in Europe. Could encouraging participation in walking groups help tackle this 'silent epidemic'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He's performed in front of 10,000 people with legendary rockers INXS and written songs for stars like Madonna and even Al Pacino - now he's back performing live - including in Belfast - Ciaran Gribbin called into chat to Frank Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'There's no doubt in my mind, he's Europe's greatest ever golfer' - chief sports writer Steven Beacom and Jonny MacCann from The Bogey Men podcast spoke to Frank after Rory McIlroy secured a second successive US Masters Title Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there still a taboo around toupées? Sales of hairpieces have gone up 43% in the last year, with between a third and half of men under 50 experiencing hair loss. Would you wear one? Frank spoke to Alanna Sharratt from Man Grooming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'We're probably never going to get to zero, but if we can all think about the things we're doing, we can hopefully reduce the numbers' - Helen Bowman from Business in the Community talked about the importance of remembering the Fatal Five Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'We normally support around 1,200 people a year - we're only going to be able to support 3,000 - so it's a big shortfall' - Sean Hanna, from the NOW Group that helps people with learning disabilities into work highlights the impact of imminent funding cuts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest of our Shared Island Perspectives series, we examine the Irish language - how it's taught, its role in pop culture and its evolution across the island - TD Ruairi O Murchu & Irish language commissioner Pol Deeds spoke to Adrian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is social media too addictive? A jury in a landmark case has ruled that platforms were built deliberately to be addictive and that had harmed a young person's mental health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pigeons - pest or pal? They're a common sight in our towns and cities - and not always welcomed - is it time we change how we view them? Sue Joyce from the National Pigeon Advocacy Association thinks so Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Belfast City Centre be closed to cars and buses during the Fleadh? The council says it's a matter of safety, with some 800,000 visitors expected. Frank spoke to Cllr Donal Lyons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we recycle graves to deal with the shortage of burial space? That's a plan being considered by the Law Commission in England - where plots over a century old could be reused. Frank spoke to Malachi O'Doherty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do we all turn into our parents? A new study found that by 37, we start to do and say things our parents did. Are we just copying their example or is it something deeper than that? Frank talked to Mick Fealty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who or what should be on our money? Sir Winston Churchill and Jane Austen are set to be replaced by wildlife scenes on Bank of England bank notes. Who deserves their place on our currency? Frank spoke to author Malachi O'Doherty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you keep a secret? A new study found the average person is keeping nine secrets. Does it do us any harm? Will the truth always out? Frank spoke to wellness expert Deirdre Maguire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of our Shared Island Perspectives Series, in partnership with LMFM, Frank discussed the Narrow Water Bridge project - with Coleen Tinnelly-Dowdall, president of the WBR Chamber and Richard Brennan founder of Visit Carlingford Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'We have some of the most fun performances from all over the world, as well as homegrown talent - you don't have to be a child or have a child with you to enjoy Belfast Childrens Festival' - Frank spoke to festival director Eibhlín de Barra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The outbreak of war with Iran will have serious long-term consequences, not just for the region, but the world' - historian and anti-war activist Dr Brian Kelly spoke to Peter ahead of a Belfast protest against the US-led bombing in Iran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should the UK get involved in the conflict in Iran? What's it like being stationed in the Gulf states during a war? Peter spoke to security analyst Philip Ingram and ex-RAF reservist Michael Cairns, who was stationed in Qatar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will GB price cap lower bills in NI? If not, why not? And is it still possible to get a better deal on your gas, oil or electricity? John spoke to Aodhan O'Donnell, founder of Power to Switch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family group chats, being a support human to your poodle and writing a semi-autobiographical sitom - Emer Maguire called in for a chat with John about her latest standup show 'Notions' and starring on panel show Hot Takes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'I'm an introverted extrovert - a live audience is fantastic, it's addictive, seeing in real time what people think of your comedy' - Serena Terry spoke to Frank about her new show 'Therapy', what's next and how Lisa McGee is her 'blueprint' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been arrested and the former prince's old residence Royal Lodge raided as he's held on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Frank spoke to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams & historian Gareth Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are petrol prices at a five year low? Could they go down further? Why is diesel not falling at the same rate? Frank spoke to Karen Smyth from the Consumer Council Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you happy to pay more than £1,000 to renovate the Houses of Parliament? The planned works could take 60 years and cost nearly £40billion - would they be better building from scratch? Peter spoke to Mick Fealty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we all be learning AI? The government's offering free training - but is there a danger the courses will be out of date by the time they're taught? Peter spoke to digital expert Wayne Denner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'It's just unacceptable, it's embarrassing and it looks like incompetence on someone's part' - UUP leader and former PSNI officer Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after names of serving police were made public on the NI Courts website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'57 people lost their lives on our roads last year - there's still a lot of work to do' - Alastair Lambe from McLaughlin & Harvey spoke to Frank about the role businesses can play in safer roads, ahead of a Responsible Driving event Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should girls have the choice to wear trousers as well as skirts to school? Frank spoke to Education Committee deputy chair Pat Sheehan, who says that for reasons of practicality, equality and comfort the option should be offered Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'It can't stand - we'll lose pubs and other hospitality businesses - jobs will be lost, it'll be a blow to tourism and impact on things like loneliness' SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole spoke to Frank about the hospitality rates revaluation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are new restrictions on learner drivers a good idea? NI is to introduce a 6 month wait time before you can take your test, a limit on night-time driving and curbs on passenger numbers. Frank spoke to experts including instructor Anthony Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Trump apologise for comments minimising the role of NATO troops, including those from the UK, in Afghanistan? Frank spoke to MLA and former soldier Doug Beattie and several other army veterans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes you old? How you think and behave or the date on your birth certificate? A recent work tribunal said it was lawful to call a colleague 'old' if you struggle with technology. The worker in question was 39! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LISTEN¦ Should MPs remove a clause from the goverment's latest legacy bill, that would grant immunity from prosecution to those who co-operated with a truth recovery process? Frank spoke to crime correspondent Allison Morris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Co Antrim Shield win 'means the world' - Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter told Frank the club was 'living the dream' after beating Cliftonville in last night's final Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has AI become too easy to misuse? One of NI's top schools has investigated reports pupils were creating and sharing explicit deepfake images of their classmates. Frank spoke to top cyber security expert Wayne Denner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often do you use maths? More than you might think! The festival explores the everyone from hairdressers and electricians to pyramid builders have used maths. Frank spoke to founder Dr Sumeeta Gupta & financial planner Sinead Meenan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Anywhere from 80-90%' of women appearing on 'pimping websites' in Northern Ireland have been trafficked. Frank spoke to the chair of a new All Party group, investigating the increase in websites offering prostitution services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.