Podcasts about The Irish Times

This week, the grand final of the Irish Times Debate will take place in Dublin, where teams will debate the motion: This house believes the United Nations has had its day. The debating competition was founded in 1960 and counts many distinguished alumni among the ranks of its participants and winners, including comedian Dara O'Briain and the late broadcaster Marian Finucane. In today's episode, Róisín Ingle is joined by this year's debate convenor and former winner Ciara McLoughlinn, plus Clíodhna McHugh, who won the individual speaker prize in 2024. Both work in the legal profession and say this debating experience was crucial in building their confidence and public speaking skills, before leaving university. But first Irish Times features writer Nadine O'Regan is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including Katie Taylor's retirement announcement, the latest in the disappearance of US pensioner Nancy Guthrie and the backlash that followed a proposal to reduce the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in Irish schools. She also shares her thoughts on the new Wuthering Heights movie, starring Margot Robbie and Jason Elordi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When gardaí raided the homes of 11 senior members of the Black Axe crime organisation this week they found more than they expected.As well as data-crammed mobile phones and laptops, they found merchandise emblazoned with the logo of the international fraud and money laundering gang.The caps and bags – the sort of memorabilia a golf club might offer – feature “Ireland” and also slogans such as “Ireland Zone, Stay Safe”.The gang has a significant operation in Ireland, having been linked to the theft and laundering of €94 million since 2020. Gardaí have arrested 636 people in relation to Black Axe activities, with 1,400 potential suspects. The gang originates in Nigeria.Also seized was something that will be of interest to law enforcement agencies around the world: a copy of the gang's constitution. Security sources believe it is the first time the document has ever been found by a police force in a western country.Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Lally explains how the Black Axe gang operates in Ireland and the threat its growing membership poses.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Andrew McNair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up on this week's Inside Business are US tariffs. Last Friday, the Supreme Court there ruled that Donald Trump's tariffs from last year via emergency legislation were illegal. Trump responded by introducing a 10 per cent global tariff under separate legislation. So, what does this mean for Irish exporters? And what does it mean for the trade deal agreed last year with the European Union?Cliff Taylor of The Irish Times has been writing about the tariffs decision while Pat Rigney of the Shed Distillery exports gin and whiskey to the American market, which is a huge part of his business. They explain the Supreme Court's decision and outline what the position is right now for Irish exporters in terms of how much they will have to pay in tariffs. Also on this episode, we look at the Central Statistics Office figures published last week that showed the number of employees working remotely declined for three successive quarters to the end of 2025. Although just shy of 1 million workers are still working from home. Louisa Meehan is a HR expert with Woodview HRM and she joins host Ciarán Hancock on the line to tease out whether the tables have turned on hybrid working or if this is just a statistical blip. Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday, February 24th 2026 makes it 4 years since Ukraine was invaded by Russian forces. In those four years, it's estimated that over 15,000 civilians have been killed, with 2025 recording the highest death toll since 2022.Lara Marlowe, journalist and contributor to the Irish Times, speaks to Matt about the reality that Ukrainians have faced since the invasion and whether their faith in Europe to help end the war is fading.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Patrick Freyne, feature writer with the Irish Times columnist, reviews the secret gig by Foo Fighters

Cúrsaí polaitíochta an deireadh seachtaine.

Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent for the Irish Times; Elizabeth Farries of University College Dublin's Centre for Digital Policy; and Danny Shaw, RUSI Senior Associate Fellow and commentator on Crime and Policing

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are Adam Harris, Founder and CEO of AsIAm; Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times and Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillor and Green Party Deputy Leader.

Irish Times consumer affairs correspondent Conor Pope talks Brendan through the most common scams doing the rounds right now and how we can all protect ourselves from fraudsters.

Joining Bobby to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Caroline Reidy, Head of HR Solutions with NFP & Ciaran Hancock, Business Editor with the Irish Times.Bobby also spoke with Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency, Dan O'Brien, about the US Supreme Court striking down President Trump's sweeping emergency tariffs.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Pat Leahy join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The sharp criticism that greeted a review of allocation of special needs assistants in schools around the country prompted a hasty retreat by Government. The review has now been paused which should buy the Government some time to soothe tensions.· The Government are yet to act on their own voiced concerns around under-16s using social media. The problems arising from children using these platforms has been thoroughly diagnosed, but what will actually be put in place to address them?· Ireland's only directly-elected mayor, Limerick mayor John Moran, is finding it difficult to achieve what he has set out to do in his role, and has questioned whether there is a strategy in place to “create sufficient pressure that I might simply walk away”.· The International Protection Bill is quickly working its way through the Dáil to be in place by June, in time for the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum which will take effect then.· And splashed across every front page on the planet this week was former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor who had been detained by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· A revolt against Microsoft in a small German state (which Hugh fully supports), doyen of the Irish business world Michael Smurfit, and the street sweepers who keep Dhaka in Bangladesh ticking over.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What started as a one-man play about the life and times of Gerry Hutch became a two-hander this week when, in a curtain-raising surprise, Hutch himself appears on stage to deliver a prologue.Rex Ryan premiered his play The Monk – called after the widely used nick-name of his subject – last summer but for its second outing it moved to a much larger Dublin venue, The Ambassador, for a weeklong run.Ryan, who produces, stars and directs The Monk is, says Irish Times crime and security editor Conor Lally, a powerful presence on stage.Hutch, adds little says Lally – except audience pulling power. He went along to a performance to see how Hutch, whose career he has followed closely, is portrayed. He gives his plain-speaking review here.Lally found the section on the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin deeply distasteful and the extent to which RTÉ journalist Paul Reynolds lives rent-free in Hutch's head simply bizarre.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we want our young boys to be gay so they don't harm women? The Irish Times says yes, Sarah says no. Also in the podcast this week: Macron's fertility drive, Culleton's PR disaster, Ireland's tax crisis, and Mary Lou's White House snub:

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.This time we have a contemporary dance piece where fearless dancers summon a whirlwind of myth and magic to traditional Irish music with Dance Consortium 'MÁM' at the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn.About ‘MÁM'MÁM is international dance-theatre at its finest. Described as ‘80 minutes of ritualised ecstasy' by The Irish Times, this visionary piece playfully and provocatively takes you on an otherworldly journey steeped in the landscape and culture of West Kerry in Ireland.MÁM sees 12 fearless dancers summon a whirlwind of myth and magic, moved by the collaborative music making of virtuoso Irish traditional concertina player Cormac Begley and European classical contemporary collective s t a r g a z e, performed live on stage.Nominated for an Olivier Award, MÁM has enjoyed sell-out performances at Sadler's Wells, London and across Festivals world-wide. This rapturous production is now on its debut UK tour for Dance Consortium.For more about the tour of Dance Consortium ‘MÁM' do visit - https://danceconsortium.com

Should we want our young boys to be gay so they don't harm women? The Irish Times says yes, Sarah says no. Also in the podcast this week: Macron's fertility drive, Culleton's PR disaster, Ireland's tax crisis, and Mary Lou's White House snub:

Is the term working mothers offensive?The BBC posted a video during the week where their broadcasters were having a conversation about the term working mothers and they labelled it a “societal gaslighting issue”.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Terry Prone, Chair of the Communication Clinic, Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast, Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of Early Edition from the Irish Times and Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent…

When America's Next Top Model arrived on our screens in 2003, it was an instant hit with viewers around the world. The reality TV competition, hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, saw young aspiring models compete for the chance to win a lucrative modelling contract. Although the show ended almost a decade ago, it's back on our screens in Netflix's new documentary series, Inside America's Next Top Model.The three-part show revisits the modelling competitions' most shocking moments and includes interviews with former contestants and judges that paint a picture of a toxic and harmful filming environment. In today's episode, Irish Times contributor Rachel O'Dwyer and model and actress Amber Jean Rowan join Róisín Ingle to share their thoughts on the show and how the young women who took part were treated. Rowan also discusses her experience on The Model Agent, an Irish reality show which she took part in at just 15 years old. But first Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O'Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the newly released EP by U2, the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the ongoing search in Co Wicklow for missing Irish women JoJo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Geran-2 is a deadly weapon; a drone bomb that can be launched from thousands of kilometres away and yet hit its target with precision accuracy.Low cost and easy to make, this winter it has become a key weapon in Russia's armoury as it pummels Ukraine, causing hundreds of deaths and cutting off energy supply.And a key component in the Geran-2 design is a chip manufactured years ago by Taoglas, which is headquartered in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.So how did it make its way into Russia's armament supply chain – especially given EU rules which ban the export to Russia of “high priority” dual-use technology that can have both civilian and military applications.An investigation by The Irish Times in partnership with the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project and others has revealed that technology from EU companies is making its way into Russia in vast quantities, where it is used in weapons such as the Geran-2.This includes various components manufactured by Taoglas and another Irish-based company, TE Connectivity.Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher was part of that investigative consortium and he explains how these drones work and why stopping their manufacture has proven difficult.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday morning, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by Mountbatten Windsor with Jeffrey Epstein.The former prince, who turns 66 today, has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.Mark Paul, London Correspondent with the Irish Times, updates Matt on The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

It's time for "Did You See”. Where we take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Ronan McGreevey, Journalist with The Irish Times.

‘Leg danglers are the swimming pool equivalent of people who stand at the end of an escalator' so says Ceire Sadlier, Irish Times contributor who suggests that we all need a lesson in pool etiquette. It is an opinion shared by Dr Clare Moriarty, a Research Fellow at the TCD Long Room Hub, so is it time we all got a lesson in how to behave in the pool?Céire and Clare join Ciara to discuss the etiquette and importance of access to pools across the country.

It's time for "Did You See”. Where we take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Ronan McGreevey, Journalist with The Irish Times.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris announced a plan this week to introduce a new savings scheme to unlock the €170 billion that people here are keeping in mostly low-yield bank deposit accounts.His plan is to devise a scheme that generates good returns for savers in a way that puts the money on deposit to better use in the economy.Cliff Taylor of The Irish Times covered the story this week, he joins host Ciarán Hancock in studio to assess how such a scheme might work and what might be on the table come budget time.In the second half of this episode, we discuss how visitor numbers to Ireland were down last year, the weather in 2026 has been lousy so far and the country has been getting a reputation as a high-cost location for a holiday.On the flip side of the coin, the Government has decided to scrap the passenger cap at Dublin Airport and has eased rules that would have banned short term holiday lets in rural locations.Eoghan O'Mara Walsh is chief executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and joined Ciarán on the line to discuss the issues facing the tourism industry this year and its likely asks of Government in the next budget.And with St Patrick's Day on the horizon and it being the typical starting point of the Irish tourism season, how is the year ahead shaping up for the industry?Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parts for deadly drones, and made by companies headquartered in Ireland, have made their way to Russia despite EU bans on such activity, thanks to downstream sales.Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times, has been involved in an investigation into this matter and joins Seán to discuss.Image: Reuters

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris announced a plan this week to introduce a new savings scheme to unlock the €170 billion that people here are keeping in mostly low-yield bank deposit accounts.His plan is to devise a scheme that generates good returns for savers in a way that puts the money on deposit to better use in the economy.Cliff Taylor of The Irish Times covered the story this week, he joins host Ciarán Hancock in studio to assess how such a scheme might work and what might be on the table come budget time.In the second half of this episode, we discuss how visitor numbers to Ireland were down last year, the weather in 2026 has been lousy so far and the country has been getting a reputation as a high-cost location for a holiday.On the flip side of the coin, the Government has decided to scrap the passenger cap at Dublin Airport and has eased rules that would have banned short term holiday lets in rural locations.Eoghan O'Mara Walsh is chief executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and joined Ciarán on the line to discuss the issues facing the tourism industry this year and its likely asks of Government in the next budget.And with St Patrick's Day on the horizon and it being the typical starting point of the Irish tourism season, how is the year ahead shaping up for the industry?Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast man James O'Neill, or Jim as he was known, led an unconventional life. He was according to his family a highly intelligent man in his 40s who lived nomadically, sometimes sleeping rough, moving between cities. His body found was found in Dublin's Phoenix Park in November 2023 but his parents, Paul and Ann O'Neill were not informed of their son's death until 13 months later. That's because his body was not identified when he was found or during the postmortem despite the fact that he had nine forms of ID in the pocket of his anorak. So how were they found and why did it take so long to find them? Irish Times columnist Una Mullally talked to his parents about their son and about the questions they want answered by Fiosrú, the Office of the Garda Ombudsman, which is investigating the force's handling of the puzzling case. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disputes over freedom of speech, censorship and the shifting norms of acceptable discourse are part and parcel of modern political debate. Now the debate has come to the Leaving Cert. A review of content of the optional Politics and Society subject is underway, with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment saying consideration will be given “to potential risks associated with including theories that may be at odds with a human rights approach”. In response, one teacher wrote to Irish Times philosophy columnist Joe Humphreys to voice concern that proposed changes will prevent students from learning about 'difficult' ideas. Joe wrote about it in his latest Unthinkable column and on today's podcast he talks to Hugh about the teaching of politics in school, the leftward skew of 'key thinkers' featured in the curriculum and how the race for CAO points means the exploration of ideas is of secondary importance to second level students. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The issue of the childrens science museum has dragged on for two decades now and both its backers and the OPW were at the Public Accounts Committee yesterday. For more on this Martin Wall, Public Affairs correspondent with the Irish Times.

The Jeffrey Epstein files reveal the convicted child sex offender was fascinated by magicians, and detail a years-long relationship between Epstein and David Blaine as well as an FBI investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by David Copperfield.Since the files were released by the US department of justice two weeks ago, Irish Times journalist Naomi O'Leary has been combing through the documents.It is not, she says, an easy cache to navigate, with a clunky search function and opaque filing system.However she has been able to find multiple emails which reveal a relationship between Epstein and several famous magicians including Blaine and Copperfield – after the disgraced financier had been convicted and served prison time for soliciting sex with children.O'Leary came into studio to detail her experience of searching the consistently disturbing files – so big that only a fraction of them have been excavated by journalists worldwide. She explains how sex trafficker Epstein, collector of powerful people and expert at developing transactional relationships with them, had a weird fascination with magicians.Being mentioned in the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Andrew McNair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we're covering a topic that isn't often spoken about, but is estimated to affect around one in four families: family estrangement. It's a subject that writer and Irish Times contributor Laura Kennedy wrote about recently in her Substack, detailing the complicated grief she experienced following the death of her father late last year - a man she hadn't seen in over a decade. In today's episode, Kennedy joins Róisín Ingle to reflect on the strange, unsettling reality of losing a parent whose death changes almost nothing in her daily life. You can find her piece on family estrangement on Substack here https://lkennedy.substack.com/But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O'Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including France's ‘Handmaid's Tale' moment and a revealing confession made by an Olympic athlete at the winter games this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin City Council has opened a public consultation for its 80-million-euro design for a pedestrianised College Green plaza – eight years since the last plaza plans were rejected by An Bord Pleanála. Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor for the Irish Times explained what's on offer. To discuss this more we heard from Dr Carole Pollard, former president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland & Co-Editor of the book Irish Cities in Crisis.

First up on this week's episode of Inside Business, we look at new research this week from Revolut suggests that social media companies made €32 million in revenue from scam ads to Irish users in 2025. The figure for Europe as a whole was a whopping €4.4 billion.Host Ciarán Hancock is joined by Irish Times reporter Hugh Dooley to takes us through the headline findings from the Revolut research, while Irish Times columnist and economist David McWilliams discusses how his image was used by scammers last year to con people out of money.Also, research this week from the ESRI suggests the property industry is using ghost bids and other tactics to create a frenzy and nudge buyers into increasing their bids for properties here.It found participants' bids were pushed higher in open auctions managed by estate agents or online platforms than in sealed bid auctions.Owen Reilly is a leading estate agent in Dublin, and he discusses how the research chimed with his own experience in the industry.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Palace of Westminster, which houses Big Ben and the House of Commons, is falling apart. With parts of the rodent-infested building complex over a 1000 years old, the troubled iconic UNESCO world heritage site came to light last week when a mouse ran past the Leader of the Opposition during a televised interview. A new report has been published on the path forward. Joining Sean was a man who spends most of his days holed up there Mark Paul, London correspondent for the Irish Times.

The Irish Times wants to hear listener feedback on our two news podcasts: In The News and Early Edition.This survey is open to anyone who has listened to either In The News or Early Edition – whether you listen regularly, occasionally, or have listened in the past.On Monday, British prime minister Keir Starmer survived a day that could have ended his political career. The momentum against him had grown from Westminster whispers to the leader of Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar coming straight out and calling for him to step down. The release of the Epstein Files - which showed deeply damaging evidence against Starmer's ambassadorial appointment to Washington, Peter Mandelson - was the excuse for the move against the prime minister, not the cause. His party has deep divisions. But Starmer rallied his party who publicly pledged support.So he has survived – for now. But as Irish Times London correspondent Mark Paul explains there are several pitfalls ahead that may prove fatal for his leadership. Coming up as key days in Starmer's diary are the release of the so-called “Mandelson Files”; the byelection on February 26th in Manchester and most dangerous for him according to Paul, the Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections on May 7th when Labour is expected to get an electoral drubbing. So if by the summer Starmer is forced out, what will it mean for Ireland and its relationship with the UK? And who might succeed him?Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teacher Enoch Burke has been in and out of court – and of prison – over his refusal to stay away from the school he once worked for.His legal challenges have clogged up the courts, but he is also involved in another process – an appeal against his dismissal before a disciplinary appeal panel.Last month that panel fell apart when two of its three members stood down. But the courts need the disciplinary panel to finish its work before Burke's case can be resolved.So how is this new delay being viewed by the lawyers attempting to bring this long running saga to an end?And how does the panel work? What is the holdup and why has their been two panels so far with a third one now likely?Irish Times legal affairs correspondent Mary Carolan explains this new twist in the Enoch Burke affair.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan.The Irish Times wants to hear listener feedback on our two news podcasts: In The News and Early Edition.This survey is open to anyone who has listened to either In The News or Early Edition – whether you listen regularly, occasionally, or have listened in the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cúrsaí polaitíochta an deire seachtaine - cuairt an Taoisigh ar an Teach Bán á réiteach.

On the night of his second birthday in May 1991, Seamus Daniel Howell's mother Lesley was murdered by his father, Colin Howell, and his father's lover, Hazel Stewart.The pair also killed Stewart's husband Trevor Buchanan.They left the two bodies in a garage in Castlerock, Co Derry, staging the scene to make it look as if they had taken their own lives.The pair had committed the perfect murder so they could be together. And they had got away with it.That is until 2009 when Colin Howell, a respected dentist and devout evangelical Christian, walked into a police station out of the blue and confessed to the killings. He and Stewart were convicted of the murders and jailed for a minimum of 21 years and 18 years respectively.Seamus grew up being told that his mother had killed herself, until the truth came out. By then he was a medical student in England. Now a doctor in New York he tells In the News what it was like growing up in the Howell house and how his discovered that his father was a murderer. He explains how it impacted on his life, and how it has made him acutely aware of injustice which now for him includes advocating for Palestine.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan and Suzanne Brennan.The Irish Times wants to hear listener feedback on our two news podcasts: In The News and Early Edition.This survey is open to anyone who has listened to either In The News or Early Edition - whether you listen regularly, occasionally, or have listened in the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new trend of asking ChatGPT to make a caricature based on you has gone viral, but the more sinister side of things is that it is based on the data AI has on you. How worried should we be? Joining Shane to explain was Ciara O'Brien, Irish Times business and technology journalist.

The DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs stood down from his position this week, after reaching a High Court settlement with the airport's operator and receiving an undisclosed payment.   For more on this we're joined by Arthur Beesley, Current Affairs Editor with the Irish Times. 

Pat Leahy and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· When it comes to the housing crisis or whether to spend the exchequer surplus, the results from the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll suggest an electorate that wants to see some action. This is despite Government's claims that real progress has been made on housing. · One of the most noteworthy finds of the latest Irish/Ipsos B&A opinion poll is the uptick in Taoiseach Micheál Martin's approval rating. He is now the most popular party leader here who continues to have the backing of more than 80 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters. Perhaps he has now put Jim Gavin's fiasco of a presidential campaign behind him?· And the latest tranche of Epstein files is proving to be quite damaging for UK prime minister Keir Starmer, with an apology issued this week to victims of Jeffrey Epstein over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador at a time when his friendship with Epstein was already public knowledge.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The Melania Trump film, a world without nuclear arms control, and why transgender rights misinformation is the last thing schools need.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We live in a world flooded with stories, opinions, and noise, and I find myself wondering which ones are actually worth giving our attention to. In this conversation, I sit down with mythologist and storyteller Martin Shaw to explore why some stories shape us toward life while others quietly hollow us out. We talk about myths that function like prayers rather than spells, why Jesus taught through parables, and how stories still have the power to form us into more loving, grounded human beings.Martin shares his own unexpected journey back to Christianity through a long wilderness vigil and reflects on grief, evil, beauty, and the kind of attention that makes something holy. This is a conversation about becoming human again, about learning how to see clearly, and about allowing the story of Jesus to break our enchantments and draw us toward love.Martin Shaw is a writer, mythographer and Christian thinker. He's Visiting Scholar at the Divinity Faculty of Cambridge University, and a Fellow of the Temenos Academy. Author of seventeen books, Dr Shaw is the director of the Westcountry School of Myth and founder of the Oral Tradition and Mythic Life courses at Stanford University. His book Bardskull was described as “rich and transgressive” by Erica Wagner in The Sunday Times and was Book of the Day in The Guardian. A hugely respected oral storyteller, Shaw has toured internationally numerous times, and led symposiums at both Oxford and Cambridge University, Robert Bly describing him as “a true master, one of the very greatest storytellers we have.” His more recent work is what he describes as a developing “Christian mythopoetics”—a reminder of the depth and mysticism latent in this middle-eastern mystery religion. Shaw converted to Eastern Orthodoxy after a 101-day vigil in a Dartmoor forest. He still lives nearby to the wood, writing and teaching. The Irish Times call Martin “a seanchaí, an interloper from the medieval.”, Charles Foster adding, “there's Shaw and there's everyone else.”Martin's Book:Liturgies of the WildMartin's Recommendation:Our Thoughts Determine Our LivesConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowGet Your Sidekick Support the show

On Monday coming, the latest Michelin stars will be distributed to restaurants in the UK and Ireland. But how do the inspections work? Sean was joined by Joanne Cronin, food writer with the Irish Times, who has been investigating it.

There's a rough rule of thumb when it comes to paying to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant: stars cost around €100 each. That's according to Irish Times restaurant reviewer Corinna Hardgrave, who explains what it takes for a restaurant to win a Michelin star and what it means for them when they do.Ireland has 18 one-star and five two-star restaurants – but no three stars.For the first time the Michelin Guide is holding its awards ceremony in Dublin, on Monday, and Hardgrave gives her predictions on who might get a new star and who might be awarded an extra one. However she says nothing is predictable with the highly secretive Michelin.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.The Irish Times wants to hear listener feedback on our two news podcasts: In The News and Early Edition.This survey is open to anyone who has listened to either In The News or Early Edition - whether you listen regularly, occasionally, or have listened in the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, Action Aid Ireland published a new report highlighting the challenges that lone migrant parents, mainly women, experience when they leave state accommodation. Many face discrimination, unaffordable rents and inadequate supports, leaving them effectively trapped between direct provision and homelessness. In today's episode, Deborah Oniah and Owodunni Mustapha (Ola) - two Nigerian women who have made the move from direct provision into secure housing - share their experience of finding accommodation as single parents in the middle of a housing crisis. We also hear from Karol Balfe, CEO of ActionAid Ireland, who explains what recommendations have come from the report and why for lone migrant parents, the barriers to securing housing are often multiplied. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O'Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including the latest tranche of Epstein files released last Friday and a new Netflix documentary which questions the guilt of the UK's “most prolific child killer” Lucy Letby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cúrsaí polaitíochta an lae - pobalbhreith an Irish Times a foilsíodh ar maidin.

On this week's episode of Inside Business, we hear the argument for scrapping mandatory retirement here.Host Cliff Taylor is joined on the line by Irish Times contributor John Fitzgerald who thinks Ireland should follow the lead of Scandinavia, the Baltics and the Netherlands, where three-quarters of the population aged 60-64 are in the labour force. He makes the case that such a move could not only reduce the numbers on the State pension, ease the cost of ageing to the exchequer, but also help alleviate the housing crisis.Also on this episode, we look at the German economy, which is frequently referred to as the Engine of Europe, but has begun to sputter quite a bit in recent times.A lack of much-needed reform, low levels of foreign investment and ineffective fiscal stimulus measures are just some of the reasons the German Chancellor Freidrich Merz is under increasing pressure to revive the economy, and quickly.But what needs to be done before that revival can start? And is there any cause for positivity in the economic outlook for Germany this year? Irish Times Berlin correspondent Derek Scally offers some insights.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Melania', the documentary about US first lady Melania Trump, took in an estimated $7m when it hit US cinema screens at the weekend making it the highest debut by a non-music documentary or concert film in more than a decade. These are the sort of figures other documentaries can only dream of, so it's a hit? Far from it says Irish Times journalist Hugh Linehan who points out that it cost Amazon $45 million to make plus a reported $35 million in marketing costs so financially it makes no sense. And critically? Well “boring” is probably the nicest thing reviewers have said. Over nearly two hours it reveals very little about the former Slovenian model other than she wears nice clothes and even nicer shoes. For Linehan, it's a classic Trump family grift, this time with Melania making the money. She is expected to be paid $28 million for the documentary which charts the 20 days in the lead-up to her husband's 2025 inauguration. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded at the 2025 Capital Irish Film Festival in Washington DC, this episode features a conversation with two Irish women who have both made significant transitions into film from other careers. Kathleen Harris, a former Irish Times video journalist, discusses her environmental documentary Birdsong, which won the 2025 CIFF Audience Award for Favorite Irish Feature. Denise Deegan, a novelist, talks about her award-winning short, The Innkeeper. Birdsong follows ornithologist Seán Ronayne as he attempts to record every bird species in Ireland, traveling to some of the country's most remote locations along the way. The Innkeeper is a short comedy drama set around a school nativity play, which carries a quiet but powerful message about homelessness in Ireland.Both guests left stable careers — Harris from journalism, Deegan from running a PR business — to pursue film making, and both talk candidly about the leap involved. A thread running through the conversation is how each approached social issues in their work: Harris structured Birdsong to balance wonder with concern about Ireland's biodiversity crisis, while Deegan deliberately withheld The Innkeeper's central point until the final moment. Neither wanted to lecture. Both wanted to leave the audience feeling something had shifted.LinksCapital Irish Film FestivalKathleen HarrisWebsiteLinkedInDenise DeeganWebsiteInstagramThe FilmsBirdsongWebsitePreviewThe InnkeeperPreviewIMDBIrish Stew LinksWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInMedia Partner: IrishCentralEpisode Details: Season 8, Episode 6; Total Episode Count: 147

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:· The floods brought by Storm Chandra earlier this week devastated eastern parts of the country, and once again exposed our lack of preparation for extreme weather events. The painfully slow delivery of flood defence infrastructure will be highlighted repeatedly as climate change makes such weather events more common.· Some of the biggest developers in the State are unhappy with the rental reforms scheduled to be introduced on March 1st. They view them as unconstitutional and have threatened legal action against the Government if they fail to engage with them on it.· And the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch, hit by a scrambler motorbike on a pedestrian crossing on the Ratoath Road last Sunday, shows the urgent need for proper enforcement of laws to stop illegal use of scramblers in urban areas of the country.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· US composer Philip Glass upsets Donald Trump, why not all rankings are worth paying attention to, and the mega success of K-Pop Demon Hunters.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Sunday 1st February is St Brigid's Day and to celebrate the occasion we're learning all about Brigid - the woman, the myth, the legend - from author and writer Kim Curran. Curran has just published her new book Brigid - a reimagining of Ireland's most beloved saint - in which she details the life of Brigid, the miracles she made and the women she saved. It's the story of a trailblazer who carved her own path, rebelled against the status quo and could never be caged by men, by gods, or even by history itself. So if you've ever wondered who the real Brigid was, what's the story behind the cross and what inspired her to live as she did, then this is the episode for you. But first, Irish Times opinion editor Jennifer O'Connell is here to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week, including the tragic death of a homeless woman in Dublin city centre this month and why more women in Ireland are having babies in their 40s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.