U105 Podcasts

'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.

Has The Open inspired you to consider a career in golf? Ulster University has launched a new course that's already attracting worldwide attention. Frank spoke to the man behind the course, Dr Peter Bolan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new study found that one in three parents here has been pushed into debt by the cost of school uniforms and back to school supplies. Frank spoke to Cllr Paul Doherty, from Foodstock. about some of their programmes and about holiday hunger Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should boys play with Barbie dolls? Sports presenter Alan Brazil started a debate after a young male relative would have no interest in 'playing with dollies'. Does he have a point? Frank spoke to Amanda Ferguson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter Richard Madeley described NI as 'close to a basket case' from an economic standpoint - does he have a point? Does it reduce the likelihood of a United Ireland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot weather can be dangerous for our pets - how can you keep them safe during a heatwave? Frank spoke to Tara Cunningham from Causeway Coast Dog Rescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unemployed people on sickness benefits could soon be £2,500 a year better off than those working full-time on the national living wage. Is that fair? Frank spoke to commentators Tom Kelly and Mick Fealty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new documentary is to air, showing the impact Ulster Scots people had on the founding of America and the source of their Bill of Rights - Frank spoke to the man behind it, GB News reporter Dougie Beattie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you fancy an Extra Virgin Daiquiri? How about a straight shot of olive oil? The UK's first olive oil bar has just opened in London. What are the health benefits of this 'green gold' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would a £100 fine for vaping in a bus shelter be too harsh? Or is it a necessary clamp-down, by the government, on anti-social behaviour? Frank spoke to Mick Fealty, editor of Slugger O'Toole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.