U105 Podcasts

Do you agree with the Supreme Court's ruling that Christian-focused RE classes are unlawful? Frank spoke to TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell and Jack Russell from Parents for Inclusive Education Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5464: LISTEN¦ It's the most expensive time of year for many families - how can you save money at Christmas and why should we be concerned with what's the upcoming Budget? Clare Murray from Mortgage Solutions spoke to Frank Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Amy Winehouse can't support the Stones, in Dusseldorf, tomorrow, can you do it?' The Answer front-man Cormac Neeson shared some great rock and roll stories with Frank ahead of the band's Ulster Hall gig on 29 November Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy birthday to us! The first voice to appear on U105, 20 years ago today - 'Mr Radio' - John Rosborough came on to wish us a happy birthday and to talk about how the station came to be Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'When you're being compelled and coerced to have it by the state, that's a really dangerous precedent' the DUP's Paul Frew and Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw spoke to Frank as all Stormont parties united against Digital IDs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary and Patrick were very much in love, but unwed. When she became pregnant, it began a 'perfect storm of rejection, denouncements and separation'. Frank Brehany talked about his book, showing the impact of the Magdalene Laundries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meeting artists like Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and The Clancys, performing all round the world and their connection with Belfast audiences - George and Eddie Furey talked to Frank ahead of their Farewell Tour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Keep going - even Snow Patrol took some time to get their first hit - then all of a sudden they took off' - Tim Wheeler from Ash and Claire Hall from Sound of Belfast talked to Frank about fostering the upcoming talent in the city Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'How confident do our Executive feel in being able to deliver for families here, if they're reaching out and asking Westminster for a solution?', ' Dr Casey McGivern from Melted Parents spoke to Frank Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'I've been able to do so many exciting things, it's hard to remember them all - I didn't even recall interviewing Dolly Parton or David Bowie!' Eamonn Holmes talked to Frank about his career, ahead of his live theatre tour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could playing bingo help you live longer and stay healthier? A new study found it could boost mental and physical health and reduce loneliness. Frank spoke to Phil Doherty from Planet Bingo in Portadown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should all children learn to swim? A local council is aiming to ensure all children have access to swimming lessons, as a 'vital life skill'. Frank spoke to the councillor behind the motion, Cllr James Cochrane Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the price of chocolate rising so much and can you tell the difference between 'chocolate flavour' biscuits and the real thing? Frank spoke to top chocolatier Geri Martin from Chocolate Manor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many questions remain unanswered, nearly 40 years on from the Enniskillen Bomb on Remembrance Sunday, 1987. Frank spoke to the journalist behind a gripping new podcast as well as Cathy Gault whose father in law was killed in the atrocity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel safe in Belfast City Centre? A well-known busker, John Garrity, has spoken out, after he was attacked while performing. John spoke to Frank about the experience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The crisis in resourcing is preventing the PSNI providing the service it should and exhausting officers' - UUP MLA Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after the Police Federation's 'unprecedented' appeal for support from the Secretary of State Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The flood clean-up continues after some of the worst rains in years left some Newcastle residents trapped in their homes. Frank spoke to local Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray and Sam Anderson from the Regional Community Resilience Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland lagging behind other regions? Are there societal barriers that prevent some women from doing it? Frank spoke to Dr Jennifer Hanratty from the Centre for Effective Services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should NI get its own Citizens' Assembly? Alliance's Michelle Guy has pointed to the success of similar bodies, including in the Republic, as a template 'engaging members of the public in those conversations and feeling part of the process' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Nobody's saying peaceful protest isn't allowed, but why at the home? It's really appalling that people would try to intimidate in the way they have - it's more than crossed the line' UUP justice spokesman Doug Beattie spoke to Frank Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this the worst Executive ever? SDLP MLA has pointed at undelivered projects like the A5 and Casement Park are examples of 'the incompetence of the DUP and Sinn Fein in government' - Frank spoke to the West Tyrone MLA and Prof Jon Tonge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should the Irish language have more prominence around Belfast? Councillors are to vote on a proposal that would see a bilingual logo appear on council buildings, uniforms and vehicles. Frank spoke to DUP and Sinn Fein councillors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump has caused controversy by suggesting there may be a link between women taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism rates. EU & UK government officials say it's safe. Frank spoke to GP Dr Frances O'Hagan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was the PM right to recognise a Palestinian state? Frank spoke to Alliance deputy leader Eóin Tennyson and TUV leader Jim Allister Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'I've had colleagues receive many threats. People put on a brave face for the public, but in private it does take its toll' Alliance's Nuala McAllister spoke to Frank after it was revealed police issued nearly 6000 'threat to life' warnings in five years Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The stars of a new coming-of-age film, Unholylands, set in Belfast, called in to the studio to chat to Frank, ahead of its release next month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should prison inmates have access to a 'comfort dog'? Officials insist safeguards are in place to ensure the welfare of a dog in Magilligan, but MLA and dog owner Jon Burrows has raised concerns with the justice minister Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Were police wrong to arrest Father Ted writer Graham Linehan for gender-critical tweets? The Metropolitan police have faced significant backlash since the arrest. Frank spoke to Connie Shaw from the Free Speech Union Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we teach self defense to children at school? A new book revealed that as a teenager, Queen Camilla fought off a would-be attacker on a train. Frank spoke to Glyn Ashton from Vault self-defence and Treasa Rice from Glow NI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Record-breaking Armagh man Marty Rafferty spoke to Frank the day after just his 27 hour buskathon - which raised valuable funds for the Secret Santa charity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it time to scrap school uniforms? A new poll found nearly half of parents suffer stress over the cost and some are resorting to buy-now-pay-later services to afford them Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Online Safety Act was meant to stop children from accessing porn websites, but many are using VPNs to bypass safeguards. What do parents need to know about these apps and can they carry hidden risks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should the former Maze prison be used as a Troubles museum? How else might we use the site? Alliance's David Honeyford told Frank there are 'huge economic benefits' yet to be realised and political vetoes need to end Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should dual-language road signs in Belfast require more than the current 15% support to be approved? A new poll found fewer than one in three people support the rules at present. Frank spoke to Liam Tunney, from the Belfast Telegraph, who's been writing about the polling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should well-off people pay more for their healthcare? A senior GP, Dr Tom Black, told Frank that the NHS is so underfunded and understaffed that it's affecting life expectancies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LISTEN¦ 'If not now, when?' - SDLP MP Claire Hanna has penned a letter to the Prime Minister, calling for the UK government to apply pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza and to recognise the rights of both Israel and the Palestinians Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could the TUV become the biggest unionist party? Would they go into opposition or take up a place in the Executive? Frank spoke to Prof Jon Tonge and Dr David McCann Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With warmer weather upon us, should we celebrate or censor the male form? A survey found nearly three quarters don't believe men should be seen topless away from the beach or swimming pool. Frank spoke to Gary Kennedy from British Naturism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'We've been talked over, talked about and talked for - now we're talking for ourselves' - abuse survivors Haileigh Ashton Lamont, Michelle Duffy & journalist Amanda Ferguson spoke to Frank about the need for victims' voices to be heard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'I see so many problems with Northern Ireland - I just wanted to put something back, make a difference and serve the people of North Antrim - Stormont's newest MLA, the UUP's Jon Burrows, told Frank why he was embarking on a new career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'You're next' - domestic abusers often use media reporting of local women's violent deaths to threaten their victims, according to Women's Aid NI. Frank spoke to journalist Amanda Ferguson and Sonya McMullan from the charity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should animal cruelty be met with harsher punishments? Online cat torture rings, sharing videos of animals being mutilated and killed have spread to the UK, with two teens appearing in court in London. Frank spoke to Siobhan from the USPCA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From this Sunday, for the next 10 weeks, there will be an art market on Hill Street, which will give local artists a platform to showcase their talents and visitors and residents a taste of what pedestrianising the road would be like Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the Beckhams right to refuse to buy their children houses? They said it was to teach them the value of 'hard graft'. Should parents financially support their adult children? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Northern Ireland introduce a tourist tax? Deputy PM Angela Rayner is pushing for its introduction in England, to capitalise on booming demand. Some tourism operators warn it would harm their business. What do you think? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Grief is grief, no matter the weeks' - Nikcolette McPeake from Little Forget Me Nots Trust told Frank that the formal recognition of the loss of a baby before 24 weeks would be 'huge' for many parents across NI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Careful what you wish for? Labour says it's fulfilling a campaign promise by allowing 16 year olds to vote, but will they be the ones to benefit? Frank spoke to former speech writer and columnist Tom Kelly and GB News reporter Dougie Beattie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A host of volunteers is needed to make sure visitors get the warmest welcome and have a friendly face to point them in the right direction. Frank spoke to Lindsay, Brigid and Roy, who are all giving their time at the Open with Volunteer Now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The arrival of around 280,000 vistors to Portrush is the ideal opportunity to showcase the best local food and drink producers have to offer. Frank spoke to Siobhan McGuigan from Tourism NI and Emily McCorkle from bbq specialists Lo & Slo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you capture the flavour of the open? Iconic ice cream makers Morellis were tasked with producing a special flavour for the Open. Frank spoke to Daniela Morelli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes Royal Portrush one of the world's greatest golf venues? Frank spoke to Jasper Miners, editor of Top 100 Golf Courses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.