Brendan O'Connor
Episodes
Newspaper Panel
14 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Mary Regan, Political Editor, Irish Independent & Sunday Independent; Alan Bar...
Patrick Freyne -“There’s a beauty in accepting that you’re probably just average”
14 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Times Writer Patrick Freyne has written his first novel, ‘Experts In A Dying Field’. He talks to Brendan about identifying as a yuppie in hi...
The Watchlist
14 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are writer, Henrietta McKervey and producer, Eoin Sweeney. They discuss Spielberg’s D...
The rise of the Naked Nail
14 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell explains the trickle-down effect of top influencers and catwalk shows abandoning gel manicures in favour of a return to...
Salman Rushdie - “It wasn’t true, I never lived in Bono’s back garden!”
13 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Booker Prize-winning author, Salman Rushdie, talked to Brendan about recovering from a knife attack which saw him lose his right eye, how laughter hel...
Ciara Mageean - “If I’m going to die, I’m going to fit in as much living as possible now”
13 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Olympian Ciara Mageean spent her career representing Ireland and Northern Ireland, including a Gold at the 1500m European Championships in 2024, a yea...
Stefanie Preissner’s Father’s Day Gift Guide
13 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Writer and broadcaster Stefanie Preissner is back with one of her, by now, legendary gift guides. This time it’s ideas for buying for your father. S...
Irish priest and spiritual advisor to Anthropic reacts to U.S. ban on foreign use
13 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Brendan McGuire, AI advisor to the Pope and sometimes spiritual advisor to Anthropic, gives his take as Anthropic halts access to top AI models fo...
“Porridge with chocolate milk? Yes! Change up the liquids you use!”
13 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Chef and Instagrammer Alannah Sheehan gives ideas and recipes on jazzing up your daily porridge, how to make porridge bread and also a recipe for a he...
The Newspaper Panel
07 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are consultant in paediatric intensive care at CHI Crumlin, Dr Suzanne Crowe; head...
Elvis Costello: “This is my face – there's nothing I can do about it!”
07 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It’s fifty years since Declan Patrick MacManus burst on to the music scene as Elvis Costello. Ahead of a visit to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens for a co...
“It felt like a secret world, with music from another planet” - The Pretty in Pink soundtrack at 40
07 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Musician and broadcaster, Tom Dunne joins Brendan to mark the fortieth anniversary of the brat-pack comedy, ‘Pretty in Pink’ - and the iconic soun...
The Watchlist
07 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are broadcaster, Fionnuala Jones and Andy McCarroll, host of the Extra Vision Podcast. ...
Richard Hogan: “Too many feel their boundaries should never be breached”
06 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychotherapist Richard Hogan joins Brendan to talk about boundaries: teaching people how to treat you, putting down boundaries within your family and...
Greenways: “Cycling is about much more than getting from A to B”
06 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
President of Cycling Ireland, and former TD, Ciaran Cannon, offers a guide to Ireland’s 750km of greenways. He describes the tourism, commuting and ...
Masterchef’s Anna Haugh: “Appalling treatment of restaurant staff makes my blood boil”
06 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Host of BBC Masterchef, and owner of Myrtle restaurant, chef Anna Haugh talks to Brendan about unacceptable behaviour in restaurant kitchens, her firs...
Author, Elizabeth Strout: “A marriage can be a lonely place”
06 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Elizabeth Strout, joined Brendan to talk about contemporary life in the US, loneliness within marriages, and her latest...
“After your show aired, the guy I loved, from years back, got in touch...”
06 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In February, Brendan read out a letter from a listener, about his love affair with a rival athlete, 30 years ago. While watching Heated Rivalry, this ...
“I thought I was the saviour of the planet” - GOT actor, Hannah Murray
31 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Game of Thrones actor, Hannah Murray, joins Brendan to discuss her memoir The Make Believe, which recounts her experience becoming involved in a welln...
The Newspaper Panel
31 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Oisín Coghlan, public policy advisor; Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the I...
Does technology mean that our cars are no longer private spaces?
31 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Independent technology editor, Adrian Weckler, joins Brendan to explore the increasingly sophisticated technology built-in to modern cars. From ...
The Watchlist
31 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are writer, Zara Hedderman, and Business Post Film Critic, John Maguire. They discuss t...
“I’m telling his story, because Brian can’t” - Emily O’Reilly
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Three years after the death of her brother, Brian, former European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, tells Brendan about her search for answers. Since contra...
"Did I want to be an actor or a movie star? That was the question for me" - Jack Reynor
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Actor Jack Reynor joins Brendan for My Life in Five Songs, reflecting on a career that has taken him from Wicklow to Hollywood. He discusses the reali...
“Although the U.S. has an awful lot of problems, most Americans will still celebrate the 250th anniversary”
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Larry Donnelly joins Brendan ahead of an MMA cage fight at the White House – to celebrate President Trump’s birthday. They also discuss the Trump ...
“Lot of lemon juice, lots of lemon zest; delicious”
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Chef and food writer Domini Kemp joins Brendan to champion the versatility of lemons in everyday cooking. She explores how zest and juice can lift eve...
“Being an influencer is the loneliest job” - TikToker, Miriam Mullins
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tables for one... solo travel... jogging alone... After turning 30, TikToker, Miriam Mullins, has decided to do more activities on her own – with a ...
“I was a very shy kid and suffered from shyness right up until my 40s”
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Garden designer and TV presenter, Diarmuid Gavin joins Dearbhail to talk through the songs that bring him back to moments and milestones through his l...
“I was so moved by the experience of hopelessness I shared with these women”
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins Dearbhail to discuss her haunting new book ‘Said The Dead’, which explores the archive, history and lives lived...
Why brack is not just for Halloween
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Cupcake Guy Graham Herterich gives Dearbhail baking ideas that include nuts and dried fruit - from a coffee and peacan brack to the ultimate bread...
The low down on cholesterol
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Robert Byrne, Director of Cardiology at the Mater Private talks to Dearbhail through the difference between good and bad cholesterol, why yo...
The Watchlist
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphries and Movies ...
Playwright Deirdre Kinahan - “Living to retire is such a cod. None of us knows what’s coming next”
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Playwright Deirdre Kinahan joins Dearbhail to talk about her latest play ‘Refuge’ which explores Ireland’s complex history with migration, throu...
How to holiday with friends without falling out
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Travel expert Lisa Regan, fresh from a trip to Amsterdam with friends to see Harry Styles, joins Dearbhail to talk about group holidays and why groups...
The Newspaper Panel
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers, are disability advocate and mother of the late Harvey Morrisson Sherratt, Gilli...
“I was so moved by the experience of hopelessness I shared with these women”
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Doireann Ní Ghríofa joins Dearbhail to discuss her haunting new book ‘Said The Dead’, which explores the archive, history and lives lived...
“I was a very shy kid and suffered from shyness right up until my 40s”
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Garden designer and TV presenter, Diarmuid Gavin joins Dearbhail to talk through the songs that bring him back to moments and milestones through his l...
Why brack is not just for Halloween
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Cupcake Guy Graham Herterich gives Dearbhail baking ideas that include nuts and dried fruit - from a coffee and peacan brack to the ultimate bread...
The low down on cholesterol
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Robert Byrne, Director of Cardiology at the Mater Private talks to Dearbhail through the difference between good and bad cholesterol, why yo...
The Newspaper Panel
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the stories making the papers today were teacher and broadcaster Emer O’Neill; Jennifer Bray, Political Editor with the S...
The Watchlist
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Features writer with the Irish Times, Nadine O’Regan and Culture Journalist, Brian Lloyd bring us the hits and misses of the week’s TV and movie o...
“When dressing for an event, don’t forget who you are!”
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Stylist and personal shopper Cathy O’Connor chats to Brendan about dressing for all your summer occasions without compromising your personal style: ...
Can a chatbot be a good friend? Two Gen Z guinea pigs find out
17 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kai Brosnan and Sophie Hynes - two younger people who undertook a one-week digital detox for the show last January - return to talk about a week of us...
Director, John Carney: “I had an almost priestly calling to film-making"
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Film-maker John Carney chooses five songs from that bring him back to places, people and moments in his life. He talks about the beauty of the sibling...
“The God I grew up with was all about hell and punishment” - Fr. Iggy O’Donovan
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Iggy O' Donovan reflects on the papacy of his old Augustinian classmate, Pope Leo XIV, a year into office, including recent interactions with the ...
What’s your flexibility score? (and why it matters) flexibility
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Physiotherapist Aisling Frawley joins Brendan to talk about why flexibility matters at every age, why consistent movement and strength are key and exe...
Mick Lynch - “People feel Britain needs a radical change right now”
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the Labour Party launches a battle for the soul of Britain, former trade unionist Mick Lynch talks to Brendan about whether Andy Burnham, Mayor of ...
Salad dressings that don’t skimp on flavour
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Food writer with The Financial Times, Tim Hayward, tells Brendan why sad lettuce needs an epic dressing. He talks Brendan through how to make an authe...
Newspaper Panel
10 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: doctor and columnist, Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh; Sunday Business Post policy...
The Watchlist
10 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to pick their highlights from TV, streaming and cinema this week, are entertainment journalist and broadcaster, Serina Bellissimo and ...
The irrational optimism of driving a convertible in Ireland
10 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Head of Automotive Content at Donedeal, Paddy Comyn, joins Brendan to discuss the enduring appeal, and practical challenges, of driving a convertible ...
Theo Dorgan: “My Dad buried himself early so that we might live”
10 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Poet and Writer Theo Dorgan joins Brendan to discuss the songs that have meant most to him, throughout his life and career. He talks about being one o...
Bill Nighy: “Now I’m Irish, I’m going to have to rebrand”
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Actor Bill Nighy, joins Brendan to discuss his fashion sense, his anxiety and the tension between his Irish heritage and his persona as ‘the quintes...
“Australia’s Martha Stewart” Donna Hay
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On her first trip to Ireland, the best-selling author and cook, dubbed “Australia’s Martha Stewart” Donna Hay, joins Brendan in studio. She disc...
“Thank you isn’t nearly enough” - finding the good Samaritan who saved his life
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A week after he told Brendan about having a cardiac arrest on a Dublin street, Irish Times columnist Brian Boyd is reunited on air with two of those w...
Maria Walsh MEP: “It takes a village – that’s the image I’m leaning on, as a gay, single mum-to-be"
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
MEP for Midlands-North-West and former Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, joins Brendan to talk about her fertility journey. She outlines her options as a s...
Why we need holidays
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Chartered work and coaching psychologist, Leisha Redmond McGrath, joins Brendan to discuss the psychological importance of holidays. She talks about t...
James Kavanagh - “My bully found all manner of creative ways to make my life hell”
03 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Podcaster and presenter, James Kavanagh, tells Brendan about his life through the prism of five songs from Enya to Kate Bush to The Spice Girls. He ta...
Newspaper Panel
03 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Talk show host and former Independent Ireland candidate in the European elections...
The Watchlist
03 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Writer, Henrietta McKervey and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision podcast join Brendan to talk through some of the biggest films and TV shows of...
“‘Yesteryear’ shines another light on the Trad Wife culture war”
03 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The new novel ‘Yesteryear’ imagines what would happen if a modern-day trad wife influencer woke up in the brutal reality of 1855, forced to actual...
“Teaching Love to medical students allows them to bring their own vulnerabilities to the job”
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Prof Colin Doherty, Consultant Neurologist and Head of the School of Medicine in Trinity College Dublin tells Brendan why they have put Love on the ne...
Fruiting up your salads!
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Blazing Salads Chef Lorraine Fitzmaurice has recipes for delicious summer salads that include a sweet pop of fruit flavours. She uses grilled peaches,...
“I’m looking for the woman who saved my life”
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Times columnist Brian Boyd suffered sudden cardiac arrest while cycling past Donnybrook Garda Station in Dublin on April 1st and clinically died...
Dr Richard Hogan - “The birth mothers who’ve come to my clinic have stayed in my soul”
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan talks about historical Adoption in Ireland and its psychological ripples from the perspective of the birth mother, bi...
Summer Life Hacks
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Life Hacks Columnist of the Irish Examiner, Denise O’Donoghue, has a heap of summer hacks like: why baby powder is a summer essential; how to wash y...
Michael Bublé - “I’m a pretty big deal, you need to see me before I die!”
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian crooner Michael Bublé is coming back to Ireland this summer for three tour dates. He talked to Brendan about his father, his faith, meeting ...
Michael Harding: “The sun gaslights us in Ireland. We’re never sure of it”
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Michael Harding joins Brendan to discuss the psychological and spiritual impact which sunshine and summertime have on Irish people. He reminisc...
The Watchlist
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Producer, Eoin Sweeney and Presenter and Podcaster, Fionnuala Jones, join Brendan to talk through some of the biggest films and TV shows of the week. ...
The Newspaper Panel
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers and Washington shooting are BBC News Chief Anchor, Caitriona Perry; Vulcan Consulting CEO and former ...
“The last hurrah, for a golden age of fashion magazines” the enduring appeal of The Devil Wears Prada
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Twenty years after its release, and on the eve of a highly-anticipated sequel, author and magazine superfan Anna Carey joins Brendan to discuss the en...
Katriona O’Sullivan: “I felt like a fat bride, and I still hate the wedding photos”
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author of ‘Poor’, Katriona O Sullivan joins Brendan to talk about her new book ‘Hunger’, which details her relationship with her b...
PJ Gallagher: “You’d never let anyone talk to you, the way you talk to yourself when you’re unwell”
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian, writer and radio presenter PJ Gallagher tells Brendan about five songs that have deeply impacted his life. He also opens up about his childh...
All the tricks you need for an authentic Caribbean BBQ
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Irish-Trinidadian chef, Eamon de Freitas gives Brendan his top tips for cooking an authentic, Caribbean-flavoured barbecue – from fuel choice to mar...
From the archive: Manchán Magan kicks-off summer with a naked dew-roll
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A great excuse to hear the late and much missed Manchán Magan marking the start of Irish Summer with a bit of naked dew rolling. Not for the faint of...
How long will the sunshine last?
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BBC weather presenter Barra Best tells Brendan about the unusually sunny weather Ireland is experiencing. Barra also looks ahead to see how long the s...
“YouTubers are increasingly invading our TVs”
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Daddy and daughter duo Salish and Jordan Matter are the latest YouTubers, who make content aimed at kids, to move to Netflix. Broadcaster Aifric O’C...
Actor, Eileen Walsh: “It’s so gross....but women are like avocados – nearly ready and then gone off”
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Actor Eileen Walsh is well known for her roles on stage, films like Small Things Like These and The Magdelene Sisters, and TV shows like Catastrophe. ...
The Watchlist
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Dearbhail to preview the best films and TV shows this week are Zara Hedderman, Culture Journalist, and Michael Doherty, Movies Editor with the...
Newspaper Panel
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Officer at the ESRI & Sunday Independent columnist;...
Jan Carson - “Maybe the whole of Northern Ireland should have gone to therapy”
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Northern Irish author Jan Carson’s new novel is ‘Few and Far Between’. She tells Dearbhail about her strict, Evangelical, Presbyterian upbringin...
Neurologist: “Procrastination is a tug-of-war between parts of your brain”
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Do you tend to put tasks on the long finger? Neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan explains why we procrastinate. She outlines some different types of proc...
Theologian: “Trump’s post was blasphemous and utterly un-Christian"
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we saw unprecedented exchanges between Pope Leo and the Trump administration. The Pope said that the world is being ‘ravaged by a handful ...
Holidays Of A Lifetime “If you’re dreaming about it, just go”
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
RTÉ Sport presenter, Jacqui Hurley, Travel Blogger, Marie Noonan and former Luxury Travel Editor of the Daily Telegraph, John O’Ceallaigh join Dear...
French classics with an Irish twist
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Head Chef at Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford, Jean-Baptiste Dubois, came up to Dublin to talk Dearbhail through four recipes for French dishes, wi...
How to Walk, with Karl Henry
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It’s often overlooked as a form of exercise, but WALKING is actually an extremely beneficial form of exercise – that's according to personal train...
The Watchlist
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to preview the best films and TV shows this week – including Season two of Beef, Margo’s Got Money and Big Mistakes are; Sarina Be...
The Newspaper Panel
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the lead stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Mary Regan, Political Editor with the Irish Independent and Sunday Independe...
Niall Quinn “Football is the answer to a lot of problems in modern Ireland”
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former Republic of Ireland soccer player Niall Quinn joins Brendan to share the five songs that have soundtracked his journey from the pitch to the bo...
Apps that make travel easy with Conor Pope
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Times Consumer Affairs Correspondent Conor Pope joins the show to highlight the essential apps you need before you head to the airport. From bag...
“You lose 30% of your collagen around perimenopause”
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Consultant dermatologist Professor Catriona Ryan breaks down the world of “tweakments”, from Botox to skin boosters, and what people should know b...
What is likely to happen now in the stand-off over the fuel protests?
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy joins Brendan to discuss the fuel protests, what’s driving the anger on the ground, and how the Government is...
Baking this weekend? Chef Una Leonard has some tips!
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Baker and founder of 2210 Patisserie Una Leonard joins Brendan to talk about the joy of baking at home, why she loves recreating tastes from her child...
Do you know your love language? Psychologist, Allison Keating explains!
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Chartered psychologist Allison Keating explains the psychology behind love languages, how they shape our relationships, and why understanding them can...
“My father thought I was part bird, because I was born without arms”
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Artist, Mary Duffy talks to Brendan about living without arms. She talks about how her parents found it hard to accept her disability, how living inde...
Dermot Bannon “People say they need storage, but what are they storing?!”
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
TV architect Dermot Bannon talks Brendan through what’s hot and what’s not in our homes right now. He talks about retrofitting, the benefits of in...
The Newspaper Panel
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Brendan to discuss the stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor; Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with ...
Kathryn Thomas - “I would never have admitted to Botox five years ago”
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
TV and radio Presenter Kathryn Thomas talks to Brendan about her new two-part documentary series for RTE ‘Young Forever: The Death of Ageing?’. Sh...
Nóirín Ní Riain – “The modern world badly needs a spiritual transplant”
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Singer and interfaith minister Nóirín Ní Riain joins Brendan to talk about the story of the resurrection and why it has such resonance for humanity...
The Watchlist
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Grainne Humphreys, Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and Dave O’ Callaghan, host of the ‘Here and Back Again’ podcast talk Bren...