Brendan O'Connor

The Watchlist

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss the best TV and films coming this week are Grainne Humphries, Festival Director of the Dublin International Film Festival a...

The Newspaper Panel

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times; Gerard Howlin, former government adviser and...

“I thought art didn’t exist in Ireland” - artist, Dorothy Cross

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Artist Dorothy Cross tells Brendan about her Cork childhood, competitive swimming, the thrill of having her art first exhibited by the Tate in London,...

Pokémon at 30: “I’ve rediscovered it now as an adult and realise it’s a great way of keeping you company”

08 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Novelist and video game critic for The Guardian, Sarah Maria Griffin explains to Brendan how she has rediscovered the 30-year-old Nintendo game recent...

“I was a bit player in my parents’ drama, a parentified eldest daughter”

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

First-time author Clíodhna O’Sullivan has written a romantasy novel, ‘Her Hidden Fire’ which has been chosen as a Good Morning America Bookclub...

Neil Jordan “Everyone knew what Weinstein was”

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Oscar winner and award-winning writer Neil Jordan tells Brendan about his first foray into science-fiction with ‘The Library of Traumatic Memory’....

Leo Varadkar: ‘I think the European-Atlantic relationship is changed forever’

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who has recently returned from the US, gives his take on the fall of the Iranian regime as the war enters its second we...

Ireland’s Prettiest Towns and Villages

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pól O’Conghaile, Travel Editor of the Irish Independent, joins Brendan with his pick of the prettiest places to visit in Ireland.See omnystudio.com...

Ex-Trump advisor, Anthony Scaramucci: “I was in the Epstein Files”

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Where is JD Vance? Is Rubio the coming man? One week into the US-Israel war on Iran, Brendan speaks to host of The Rest is Politics US, and President ...

Eva Pau’s Sensational Stir Fries!

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

TV Chef & Asia Market MD, Eva Pau, has easy recipes for delicious stir fry recipes such as simple fried rice, black pepper beef and a veggie stir fry....

The Newspaper Panel

01 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers, are publisher at TheBriefing.ie, Liz Carolan; research professor at the ESRI, Alan Barrett; Sunday Indep...

Colum McCann “With my brain condition - the medicine altered me more than the pain”

01 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Award winning novelist, Colum McCann joins Brendan to discuss the songs that have formed the soundtrack to his life, including Ray Charles’ ‘Hit t...

The Watchlist

01 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss the best TV and films coming this week, are Business Post film critic, John Maguire and Irish Times arts journalist, Nadine...

Love is Blind controversy: Body Shaming or Romantic Honesty?

01 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Culture journalist, Zara Hederman joins Brendan to discuss a growing controversy in the latest season of ‘Love is Blind’, a dating show r. After o...

Colin Farrell - “I have enormous feeling around Emma, love for her, anger for her EB, sorrow for things EB has taken from her”

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Colin Farrell and campaigner Emma Fogarty join Brendan to discuss their deep friendship, their campaigning work on EB (known as ‘butterfly ski...

Róisín and Ann Ingle on steady eddies, what makes a good sex scene and why we need to talk about death

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Ann Ingle, and her daughter, Irish Times journalist and Co-host of the Women’s Podcast, Róisín Ingle join Brendan to discuss the changing n...

A dietician’s definitive guide to protein

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dietician Sarah Keogh joins Brendan to discuss how much protein we really need, and the impact of eating too much or too little and gives her verdict ...

“De-escalation is out of the question” Middle East Update

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Following joint US/Israeli strikes on Iran overnight, Iranian-American journalist Borzou Daragahi joins Brendan with the latest updates, as the impact...

Quick and tasty homemade dips with chef, Alannah Sheehan

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From salsa to tzatziki, and hummus to pesto, Chef Alannah Sheehan gives Brendan a how-to guide to making dips that are quick, simple and super tasty.S...

The Newspaper Panel

22 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are Adam Harris, Founder and CEO of AsIAm; Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European Universi...

Prof Luke O’Neill - How to get through ‘Sniper’s Alley’ and optimise your health in midlife

22 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Luke O’Neill, Professor of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College, talks to Brendan about ‘Sniper’s Alley’ - the period of time around...

The Watchlist

22 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan gets the lowdown on the best films and TV shows this week with Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster/Podcaster and Dave O’Callaghan, Host of the He...

How AI is changing the face of filmmaking and content creation

22 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Elaine Burke, host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast talks to Brendan about the impact of AI on Hollywood; from this week’s viral video which showe...

The only muffin recipes you’ll ever need with Caryna Camerino

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Caryna Camerino from The Camerino bakery gives Brendan her all-time favourite muffin recipes. She’s got a savoury muffin and a crowd pleasing classi...

Dads at the cutting edge - the half zip jumper is now fashion!

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Life coach and personal shopper Cathy O’ Connor tells Brendan about the new stars of your wardrobe for spring, including the quarter zip jumper, and...

David Gray “My Dad pulled out his chemo tubes and came and cheered Bowie up”

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

David Gray’s White Ladder album remains the biggest selling album in Ireland, ever. He talks to Brendan about that time through the prism of five so...

Dr. Mike Ryan: “My mother took me by the two hands and said ‘don’t you die over there”

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Mike Ryan, former Deputy Director General of the World Health Organization tells Brendan about heading up the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme du...

Do you know your smishing from your vishing? - The top scams to watch out for right now

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

Jacqui Hurley previews Ireland v England in Twickenham

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jacqui brings her characteristic optimism to bear on her analysis of today’s high stakes clash between Ireland and England. She says Irish fans are ...

Newspaper Panel

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are commentator and former presidential hopeful, Maria Steen; head of the ERSI's Behavioural Research...

The Watchlist

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to preview the best films and TV shows this week - including Swindlers, Crime 101 and Eternity - are Director of the Dublin Internatio...

Painter, Sean Scully: "I wet the bed until I was 20"

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Born into poverty in Dublin, Sean Scully is now a widely regarded as one of the world's greatest living visual artists, whose paintings regularly sell...

Gruffalo Granny and the enduring appeal of Julia Donaldson

15 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson has had her children's books translated into more than 100 languages. Mother of three Sinead Fox AKA parenting blogger...

Glen Hansard: "My headmaster told me to leave school to busk at 13"

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Academy Award winning songwriter, solo artist and Frames frontman, tells Brendan about leaving school at 13 with the support of his headmaster, fa...

Richard Hogan on family estrangement: "The biggest liberation is finding the courage to forgive"

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan on why you can become estranged from family or friends, when it's worth extending an olive branch, how to do so and h...

A Steak Masterclass

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why does steak taste so much better in a restaurant? And are there any easy hacks to replicate the professional version? On Valentine's Day, chef, Bro...

'There's a surge of pleasure writing poetry that's akin to physical eroticism!'

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Poet Enda Wyley chooses some 'non-Hallmark' love poems for the day that's in it and quotes Carol Ann Duffy to Adrian Mitchell.See omnystudio.com/liste...

The Newspaper Panel

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday Newspapers are Mick Clifford, Irish Examiner Special Correspondent; Mary Hanafin, barrister and former Fian...

“The first 2 years of my life were a gap – where was I for those years?” - Paul Cullen

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Former Irish Times journalist Paul Cullen is adopted and has written a memoir, ‘Outsider’, about meeting his birth mother, finding his birth fathe...

The Watchlist

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan previews the best TV shows and films coming to a screen near you with Michael Doherty, RTÉ Guide Movies Editor and Fionnuala Jones, Podcaster...

Old songs having TikTok revivals

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell explains why certain older songs such as New Radicals’ ‘Get What You Give’, Aphex Twin’s ‘QKThr’ and Enya’...

Mairéad McGuinness: “It was either my health or the race”

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Six months after she dramatically quit the race for the Irish Presidency, former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael MEP, Mairéad McGuinness, tells Brendan...

Pat McCabe “Joy is the most beautiful emotion, it can come upon you unexpectedly”

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

‘The Butcher Boy’ author, Pat McCabe, has just been announced as the 2026 IPUT Writer-in-Residence. He talks Brendan through his early Monaghan da...

“‘Memento Mori’ reminds us to live”

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Neuroscientist Brian Pennie once had a near death experience as a heroin addict. He now has a countdown calendar in his kitchen where he marks off the...

“Fakeaways don’t need to be too fancy”

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Cafe talks Brendan through making takeaway food at home. She has delicious recipes for homemade loaded fries a...

"30 years later, I think about him every day and I still love him"

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A listener writes a letter telling Brendan of a secret love affair in his 20s with another man. Despite being married now with grown up children, he s...

Newspaper Panel

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday Newspapers are former Fine Gael TD for Waterford, John Deasy; Political Correspondent at The Irish Examiner...

"Watching my mother die was an arduous privilege" - 'Pretty in Pink' star Andrew McCarthy

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Star of 'Weekend at Bernie's' and 'Pretty in Pink', Andrew McCarthy talks to Brendan about his career as a Brat pack star, and TV director. He also di...

Six Nations Preview

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of Ireland's opening Six Nations match against reigning champions France this Thursday, Brendan is joined by sports reporter Jacqui Hurley. She ...

The Watchlist

01 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan previews the best films and TV shows coming to a screen near you, with Business Post film critic, John Maguire and freelance culture journalis...

Katie Taylor - "Being a stepmother has been a blessing, but it's definitely a challenge!"

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Olympic Gold Medal winning boxer Katie Taylor joins Brendan to talk about her childhood, her ground-breaking career, what she hates about professional...

"If your child is silent, but gasping like a fish, they're choking" - Dr. Niamh Lynch

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Paediatric consultant and mother of two. Dr Niamh Lynch, joins Brendan to discuss her new book 'Should I be worried?' - a stage-by-stage guide to help...

"My pet snake merely tolerates me!" - Collie Ennis

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trinity College Dublin's biodiversity officer, Collie Ennis talks to Brendan about his pet boa constrictor, how snakes go about eating their prey and ...

Flooding Update with Marc O'Driscoll

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

RTÉ's South East correspondent, Marc O'Driscoll joins Brendan with the latest on flooding across region. While the worst was avoided overnight, conce...

"My favourite ingredient" - Domini Kemp on Eggy breakfasts

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chef and restauranteur, Domini Kemp gives Brendan a tutorial on one of her favourite foods; eggs. From how to boil an egg, to a frittata that uses up ...

The Newspaper Panel

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss this week’s Sunday Newspapers are: Louise Bayliss, from the Society of St Vincent De Paul; Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Profess...

‘I was spending 17 hours a day on my phone’

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sophie Hynes (19), Natasha Maimba (24) and Kai Brosnan (26) explain how they coped this week when they did a digital detox giving up social media, Goo...

Marty Whelan - “Phil Collins was a huge influence on my drumming”

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As Phil Collins turns 75, broadcasting [and fellow drumming] legend Marty Whelan reflects on his life and musical career: spanning Phil Collins’ Gen...

The Watchlist

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan talks through the latest highlights on the big and small screen with Nadine O’Regan, Irish Times arts journalist and Brian Lloyd, freelance ...

“Johnny Cash and June Carter, my parents, knew both love and addiction”

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Carter Cash, son of singers Johnny Cash and June Carter talks to Brendan about his parents’ love story, their addictions, his father’s fall f...

Bob Geldof “I felt I saw Peaches at the traffic lights last week and the tears just flowed”

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bob Geldof reflects on his life through the medium of five songs ranging from The Who to The Rolling Stones. He speaks about his early childhood, 50 y...

What is Martyr Syndrome?

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Allison Keating, Chartered Psychologist & Author of ‘It’s All Too Much’ talks to Brendan about why some people can’t sit down ‘til the dishe...

Heathier alternatives to processed foods

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chef Erica Drum on how to make some easy unprocessed alternatives from recipes for homemade mayonnaise and pasta sauce to making chicken nuggets with ...

The Newspaper Panel

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss this week’s Sunday Newspapers are: Ballyfermot community activist, and former People Before Profit TD, Brid Smith; Public...

Mark Little - “We are in an information war”

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Entrepreneur and journalist, Mark Little offers his analysis of the first year of Donald Trump’s second term as US President – from MAGA to the ec...

The Watchlist

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan talks through the latest highlights on the big and small screen with entertainment journalist, Sarina Belissimo and Dave O’Callaghan, host o...

“Benson Boone pack up your jumpsuit – Harry Styles is back!”

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Culture journalist Jenn Gannon tells Brendan about Harry Styles’ first album in four years: ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally”. She also t...

Ralph McTell - “I joined the army at 15. Growing up without my dad was hard.”

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of his final Irish tour, and appearance at TradFest, Award-winning folk singer, Ralph McTell talks Brendan through the songs that have shaped hi...

Dr. Richard Hogan - “Feeling powerless is central to being triggered”

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Psychotherapist Dr. Richard Hogan tells Brendan about how our brains are triggered into a panicked ‘fight-or-flight' response. Talking through pract...

“Autistic people are human beings, we’re all different” - The Assembly reporters on their new TV show

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Two stars of Virgin Media’s new show ‘The Assembly’ tell Brendan about the series, in which a neurodiverse audience interview well-known Irish p...

Handling hair loss with Prof. Caitriona Ryan

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Consultant Dermatologist, Professor Caitriona Ryan talks to Brendan about the causes of hair loss in men and women, and gives her assessment of which ...

How to make the best ragu with chef, Eileen Dunne Crescenzi

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Owner of Dunne and Crescenzi, Eileen Dunne Crescenzi gives Brendan her top tips on cooking different styles of ragu, including ragu bianco, and the hu...

The Newspaper Panel

11 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan this week are: Eamon Ryan, former government Minister and Chair of the European Housing Advisory Board,Prof Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Pr...

The Watchlist

11 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, Henrietta McKervey and TV and Radio Producer Eoin Sweeney talked Brendan through the hits and misses from the big and small screen this week.S...

“I was a rugby player, an actor and a goth” - Jason O’Mara

11 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Jason O’Mara has just moved home to Dublin after over 20 years in L.A. He’s acted in DC’s Batman, Band of Brothers, Life on Mars, The Good...

The Technology coming for us all in 2026!

11 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Elaine Burke, host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast on why we’ll all be talking to our computers in 2026 and how AI will infiltrate all sphere...

“Adolescence lasts til age 32 in the brain” - Prof Brendan Kelly

10 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Brendan to explain how the brain develops over the decades and why 32 is a cru...

Chris de Burgh & Paul Howard on their friendship

10 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Singer-songwriter Chris De Burgh and Ross-O'Carroll-Kelly creator Paul Howard joined Brendan to talk about becoming friends later in life, wine-relate...

Radiator masterclass with architect Róisín Murphy

10 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Architect Róisín Murphy wades in on the Great Radiator Debate with her views on how to run a radiator, the cost benefits of turning the radiator dow...

Darina Allen - “I have become a spice nerd!”

10 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chef Darina Allen talks to Brendan about her favourite curries for these cold winter evenings, her inspiring travels to India and Sri-Lanka in search ...

“The Iran protests feel different this time”

10 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Channel 4 News’ Foreign Correspondent Páraic O’Brien talks to Brendan about the potential collapse of the regime in Iran.See omnystudio.com/liste...

Gavin Friday - “With Bowie suddenly I had someone who understood me”

10 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Musician Gavin Friday joins Brendan on the 10th anniversary of David Bowie’s death to talk about what Bowie meant to him as a teenager growing up in...

The Newspaper Panel

04 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Dearbhail to parse through the Sunday newspapers are former Fine Gael government minister, Josepha Madigan; Professor of US and International ...

“The Trad Wife thing has very little to do with what real women did 50 years ago” Nollaig na mBan in 2026

04 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the modern meaning and relevance of Nollaig na mBan (“women’s Christmas”) are activist and founder of Topical Popic...

“How do you match your personality type to your relationship with money?” - how to save in 2026

04 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Dearbhail to talk through some top tips for taking control of your money in 2026 is Financial Advisor and CEO of Fairstone Ireland, Paul Merri...

The Watchlist

04 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Previewing the very best of the big and small screen this week – including Traitors, Dancing with the Stars and soap mash-up ‘Corrie-dale’ – a...

“It’s like a conversation interrupted in mid-sentence" - Garry Hynes

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Founder and Artistic Director of Druid Theatre company, Garry Hynes joins Dearbhail to talk about the songs of her life, the death of her beloved wife...

“We lost trust... during Covid we saw an increase in free-birthing” Prof Shane Higgins – Outgoing Master of Holles St Hospital

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

“We lost trust... during Covid we saw an increase in free-birthing” Prof Shane Higgins – Outgoing Master of Holles St HospitalSee omnystudio.com...

US attacks Venezuela, captures President Maduro.

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Following dramatic strikes in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro. Chief Diplomatic Co...

“A perfect day for a fry” Kevin Dundon’s Irish Fry masterclass

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The differences between the Full Irish and the Ulster Fry, and the little nuances that make a fry special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

“We take to the streets: rabid supporters of the New Year party” Enda Wyley’s poems for New Year.

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Poet Enda Wyley pick outs poems to ring in the New Year, and get us through the cold winter months – blending humour, optimism and wonder at the nat...

The Creepy Cookie Theory: Conor Pope’s hacks for cheaper travel

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are cookies watching your online holiday booking habits and costing you more? Is 2am on a Wednesday the best time to book a flight online? Conor Pope ...

The Newspaper Panel

28 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Dearbhail McDonald to discuss the stories in this Sunday's newspapers are: Prof. Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist and Vice-President of Academic Af...

The Newspaper Panel

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories in this Sunday's newspapers are; Professor of Politics at DCU, Gary Murphy; Barrister and former Fianna Fail Mi...

The Watchlist

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Doherty, Entertainment Editor at the RTE Guide and arts journalist Zara Hedderman pick out their highlights from a bumper week of Christmas TV...

“My prawn cocktail involves ketchup and whiskey” - Rick Stein

21 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Acclaimed chef and broadcaster Rick Stein joined Brendan to discuss all manner of Christmas cooking concerns, including how to keep turkey moist, why ...

The Big Quiz of 2025

20 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two teams made up of Ireland's greatest minds battle it out to be crowned the champions of Brendan O'Connor's inaugural Big Quiz of the Year 2025. Pat...

"I'm going to travel through my life and have very significant moments with Paul" Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley

20 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actors Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley talks to Brendan about their raw and emotional performances in 'Hamnet' - which have received glowing reviews, m...

The Christmas Hacks you need

20 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas Hacks expert Denise O'Donoghue talks us through some top tips this festive season, on packing the car, making the most of 'the big shop', an...

"If Jesus turned up at most Christmas parties, he'd be an intruder" - Fr. Iggy O'Donovan

20 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Father Iggy O'Donovan talks to Brendan about the meaning of Christmas, and how we understand God and meaning in a world beset by war, conflict and suf...