Brendan O'Connor

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 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...

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...

“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...

The Newspaper Panel

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss today’s newspapers are Dr Muireann Lynch, Senior Research Officer with the ESRI; Former Irish Ambassador to the United St...

Female Sexual Empowerment - Prof Katriona O’Sullivan

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prof Katriona O’Sullivan from the Dept of Psychology in Maynooth University talks about having her own sexual empowerment epiphany in her early twen...

The Watchlist

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Nadine O’Regan, Irish Times Arts journalist and Brian Lloyd, Freelance Entertainment journalist, cast a discerning eye over the TV shows and mov...

Stephanie Preissner’s Gift Guide for Women: "Everybody wants stuff... Even the people who say ‘don’t get me anything’!”

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actor, screenwriter and gifting expert Stefanie Preissner gives her top tips for the women in your life – whether they're your friends, partners, mo...

Bondi Beach attacks update – Brianna Parkins

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Irish Times columnist Brianna Parkins joined Brendan on the line from the scene at Sydney’s Bondi Beach where 12 people so far have been confirmed t...

Joseph O’Connor - “Even Christmas in New York couldn’t match an Irish Christmas”

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author Joseph O’Connor won the An Post Irish Book of the Year this week for ‘Ghosts of Rome’. He joined Brendan to talk about his delight and gr...

Book gift ideas from John Banville, Clelia Murphy & Leo Varadkar

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Booker Prize-winning writer, John Banville, screen and stage actor, Clelia Murphy and former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar joined Brendan with books, old an...

Tommy Tiernan - “My wife and I make love at midnight each Christmas Eve”

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian and broadcaster Tommy Tiernan told Brendan about his mixed feelings around Christmas, his Christmas rituals, learning to sing for an upcoming...

Twink - “My parrot, Timberlake, was my soulmate”

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Adele King, AKA Twink, told Brendan about the devastation she is feeling over the death of her parrot and panto co-star, ‘Timby’, after 26 y...

Hot Cocktails

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Aoife Carrigy, Food and Drink writer and columnist with The Irish Independent, talks us through the cocktails that will heat us this winter including ...

The Newspaper Panel

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to dissect the stories making the headlines today, are Executive Director of TASC, Shana Cohen; Special Correspondent for the Irish Ex...

Blindboy on battling agoraphobia, the trauma of school and how Stevie Wonder stood in his living room!

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Podcaster and writer, Blindboy talks Brendan through the soundtrack to his life, including songs by Stevie Wonder, Randy Newman and Gil Scott-Heron.Se...

The Watchlist

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Henrietta McKervey and host of the ‘Here and Back Again’ podcast, Dave O’Callaghan join Brendan to discuss some of the best film and TV t...

Tickets for Christmas? The best music and comedy gigs coming in 2026

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell tells Brendan about some of the best live music and comedy gigs in Ireland next year, to help anyone putting tickets on...

How Manchán Magan changed Bobby Ewing’s life

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Patrick Duffy, AKA Bobby Ewing from Dallas, and his partner, actor Linda Purl, talk about their new RTÉ show, ‘Duffy’s Pub’ which will ai...

Family drama, loss and unwanted guests– Richard Hogan on real Christmas dilemmas

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Psychotherapist Richard Hogan offers advice on how to navigate difficult family relationships over Christmas, answering listeners’ questions about u...

Simple head, neck and shoulder hacks with physiotherapist Aisling Frawley

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chartered Physiotherapist Aisling Frawley tells Brendan why we experience stiffness in our head, neck and shoulders, and talks him through some easy e...

What’s behind the crypto meltdown

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Managing Director of Baggot Investment Partners, Peter Brown, explains to Brendan why a trillion dollars was wiped off the value of cryptocurrencies i...

Simple chocolatey Christmas showstoppers

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pastry Chef and CEO of Grá Chocolates, Grainne Mullins talks Brendan through some delicious recipes to help you celebrate the festive season.See omny...

The Newspaper Panel

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to dissect the stories making the headlines today, were Mary Regan, Political editor with The Irish Independent; David W. Higgins, Eco...

Two old pals on rediscovering their friendship in the shadow of mortality

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist and writer Tony Bates and his old pal Denis Cagney join Brendan to talk about reconnecting more than 50 years after first striking up a c...

The Watchlist

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Entertainment journalist, Sarina Bellisimo and TV and radio producer Eoin Sweeney cast a discerning eye over the TV shows and movies that are worth a ...

Victoria Mary Clarke “I’m haunted by Shane and Sinead”

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of the second anniversary of the death of her husband, Shane McGowan, writer Victoria Mary Clarke talks about grief, ice baths and breath w...

What does the corruption crisis in Ukraine mean for President Zelensky?

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As President Zelensky’s chief of staff resigns following an anti-corruption scandal, Christopher Miller, Ukraine Correspondent with the Financial Ti...

Benedict Cumberbatch - “I want Hollywood to clean up its own act”

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch tells Brendan about his activism, the waste created in the making of a movie, why toxic masculinity needs to constantly be ...

Magnificent Irish lakes

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are 12,000 lakes in Ireland. Pól O’Conghaile, Travel Editor of Independent.ie talks about the tourism amenities added to many Irish lakes ove...

Epic Toasties with Chef Maggie Roche

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Café owner and chef Maggie Roche brings Brendan the best and tastiest toasted sandwiches for all moods and taste buds. She talks Brendan through an e...

Fallen out of love with your job? Tips to brighten your day at the office!

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Occupational psychologist and shaman, Leisha Redmond McGrath talks to Brendan about the small changes you can make to create a better day at work, how...

Nick Fuentes, Groypers and the battle for the future of Trump’s MAGA movement

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump’s MAGA movement is embroiled in internal disputes over the status of white nationalist, Nick Fuentes, and the surprise resignation of G...

Newspaper Panel

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times; novelist, Catherine Prasifka; Brenda Power, Columnist...

The Watchlist

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Arts journalist, Zara Hedderman and Entertainment Editor at the RTE Guide, Michael Doherty tell Brendan about the TV and Cinema highlights of the week...

“He died three days later. Nobody knew where he came from” - Alice Leahy

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Homeless campaigner, and founder of The Alice Leahy Trust, Alice Leahy, tells Brendan about her vocation, her late husband Charlie, and how she nearly...

American desserts, to celebrate Thanksgiving

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Caryna Camerino, owner of Dublin’s Camerino Bakery, tells Brendan about some American desserts, for anyone hoping to mark the American holiday this ...

Stephanie Preissner’s Gift Guide for Men

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actor and screenwriter Stephanie Preissner joins Brendan for the first of a two-part series on gift-buying this festive season. This week Stephanie of...

“I thought I’d just have a few beers... I went back on the vodka” - Jockey, Oisín Murphy

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kerryman, Oisin Murphy – who recently won the British Flat Jockeys Championship title for the fifth time – tells Brendan about his destructive rel...

John Cleese: “I had a big laugh about my divorce; then I had a breakdown”

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Comedy legend John Cleese tells Brendan about Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, the power of laughter, and his reflections on what happens after death. He ...

The Watchlist

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nadine O'Regan, Irish Times Arts journalist, and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vison Podcast talk Brendan through the best TV and Cinema this week...

"Could AI have a goal to destroy us?" "Yes"

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Godfather of AI" Professor Geoffrey Hinton won a Nobel Prize for his early work on machine learning which were the foundations for modern Artificial ...

Your guide to (finally!) buying a proper raincoat

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew McConnell, Editor of Outsider.ie, tells Brendan everything you need to know about buying an effective raincoat AND maintaining its waterproofi...

Newspaper Panel

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to talk through what's making the news today are: Tabitha Monahan, Political Reporter at the Irish Independent; Oisin Coghlan, Public ...

"I fell asleep during my love scene with Roger Moore" - Jane Seymour

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hollywood actor, Jane Seymour, and her partner of two years, musician and producer, John Zambetti, are back living in Ireland this winter, so they dro...

Navigating the Momosphere - "The mums DO say it's all on them"

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The new Sky show, 'All Her Fault', shines a light on marraige, motherhood, judgement and who-does-what around the house. Author Edel Coffey, and Kara ...

"Obesity stigma is rising due to new weight-loss drugs" - Prof. Donal O'Shea

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The continuing explosion in demand for new wight-loss drugs is raising difficult questions about how society talks about weight, and how it treats peo...

A Roast Chicken Masterclass with Chef Rory O'Connell

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us can roast a chicken, but how can we make it next level? Chef, teacher, TV presenter and co-founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Rory O'Con...

"Acne affects 35% of women and 20% of men"

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prof Caitríona Ryan, from the Institute of Dermatologists explains the causes and treatments for acne, why it's not just a teenage phenomenon and why...

The Watchlist

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Maguire, film critic with The Sunday Business Post and Grainne Humphries, Director of the Dublin International Film Festival give us the definiti...

You’ve Still Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story turns 30

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Disney – Pixar classis first premiered on November 22nd, 1995, starring the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, as Sherrif Woody and Buzz Lightye...

“I almost stole Bowie’s stubbed out cigarette!” - Ian Dempsey

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ultra cool and charming radio icon Ian Dempsey talks Brendan through his life in five songs, from his early days working in pirate radio, his imminent...

The Newspaper Panel

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to talk through what’s making the news today are Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy at Saint Vincent de Paul, Dr Aman...

“At 30, the last thing I thought was happening to me was a stroke” - influencer Shauna Lindsay

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Influencer and model Shauna Lindsay talks to Brendan about experiencing a stroke at the age of 30. She describes how she was doing boxing work in the ...

Farewell Uachtarán Michael D Higgins!

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Singer Songwriter, Dermot Kennedy, Poet, Rita-Ann Higgins, Professor of Politics at DCU Gary Murphy, and Social Justice Campaigner Ruairí McKiernan l...

“I had a deep fear that I would be a bad dad because of my childhood” - Richard Hogan

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Psychotherapist and author Richard Hogan joins Brendan to talk about how to be a good dad, how the job has changed through the generations, how to cha...

The soup recipes you need for cold dark winter days

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Need a comforting warming soup recipe? Chef Domini Kemp can deliver. From home-made stock and an easy fish soup to a vegan friendly red pepper soup an...

How to look after your microbiome while it looks after you.

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Gut is the "second brain" with the biggest collection of nerve cells outside of the brain itself. Registered Dietician Sarah Keogh talks to Brenda...

Does COP30 have a marketing problem?

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

David Robbins, Co-director of the Institute for Climate and Society gives his take on why the messaging around climate change is not working and expla...

Lily Allen - "This is a work of auto fiction... not gospel"

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Broadcaster Afric O'Connell on the "absolutely razor-sharp" new album Lily Allen and the ongoing fallout from the soap opera story behind it.See omnys...

Colm Tóibín - "A good love story for me has snarls"

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Colm Tóibín took on the task of exploring what makes a good love story. Drawing on the works of Nina Simone, Derek Mahon, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, an...

The Watchlist

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Lloyd, Freelance entertainment journalist and broadcaster, and Sarina Bellisimo, Broadcaster and entertainment journalist review the best of thi...

Newspaper Panel

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Brendan to analyse the Sunday papers are; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist; Scott Lucas, Professor of US and...

High blood pressure, the silent killer

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer. GP, Dr Brendan O'Shea explains why it's important to monitor your blood pressure and what steps you...

Manchán Mangan's month's mind - "There's hundreds gathered here to remember him"

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Producer/director and colleague and friend of Manchán Mangan, Brian Reddin, spoke to Brendan en route to the Hill of Uisneach today for a celebration...

What fishing teaches you about living well and embracing nature

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prof Ronán Collins talks about his life in fishing, from early days line-fishing as a boy in Kinsale, to embracing the wilderness of far-flung region...

Jeremy Irons - "It was only after boarding school I really started to connect with my emotions"

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Jeremy Irons joined Brendan to talk about his new film, 'Palestine 36'. He also reflected on his boarding school years, choosing his acting role...

Clodagh McKenna "My mother would Irish dance with us in the lift!"

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Clodagh McKenna joined Brendan to talk about her new cookbook 'Clodagh's Happy Cooking'. She also talked about her childhood in Cork, getting happines...