Let Me Explain with Seán Defoe

132. The city that banned salt

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take a look at the South American city that banned salt shakers from restaurant tables in a bid to tackle excess sodium intake and the ra...

131. Six way-too-early election trends to watch

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Irish general election will happen at some point over the next few months and while politicians are taking the last break they'll get for a while ...

130. Why are vegetables getting less nutritious?

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're always told to eat our veg and plants are key for nutrition. But many fruits and veggies, from apples to zucchinis, are less nutritious than the...

129. Poison, painting and pigeon shooting - a weird history of The Olympics

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we look at some of the weirdest events to ever grace the Olympics. From the 1904 marathon which was marred by poison, hitchhiking and brandy...

128. Who is Kamala Harris?

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Who is Kamala Harris - the presumptive Democratic nominee to be the next US President? From a career as a California prosecutor to the second most imp...

127. The life and times of Leo Varadkar

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The former Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar announced this week he won't be contesting the next election and will be retiring from front li...

126. Looking for a man in Finance? Jack Chambers and the Giant Budget

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for a man in Finance? 6'5? Blue Eyes? Well who is the new man in the Department of Finance, Jack Chambers? He's in charge of arguably the most...

125. Should Ireland ban tanning beds?

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland and tanning beds increase the risk of contracting the disease by 60% with just a single use. ...

124. How do judges decide jail terms?

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the wake of the suspended sentence for Defence Forces member Cathal Crotty the woman he attacked, Natasha O'Brien, has called for mandatory minimum...

123: Why Do Men Die Younger Than Women? A Men's Health Week Special

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss Men's Health Week and talk about the leading causes of death among men including cancer and heart disease as well as looking at s...

122: Who has won the Euro elections?

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We go around the grounds to our reporters in Dublin, Cork, Mayo and Limerick to get the wrap up of the European elections. And who is John Moran, the ...

121: Life in Numbers

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what our world and what we've achieved looks like when it's compiled down to just figures?Let Jamie O'Hara explain.

120: My Cancer Journey

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You've probably been wondering where Seán Defoe has been over the last 8 months - let him explain.

119: The Criminal Justice System

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever wonder how journalists navigate court reports and crime stories? Let Andrew Louth explain.

118: Responsible Dog Ownership

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With a rise in dog ownership over the last few years, we've also seen a surge in dog attacks...What does it take to be a responsible dog owner? Let Jo...

117: Rise in Botox

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What has caused the rise in botox? Laura Donnelly explains all in this week's episode of Let Me Explain.

116: Cash or Card?

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you prefer to pay by cash or card? With more businesses opting for card-only payment methods, questions about a 'cashless society' begin to crop up...

115: 999

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you call 999, and what do we have to do to get help to us as quickly as possible? Let Alex Rowley explain.

114: Measles

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We came close to eradicating measles before we saw a recent increase in cases at home and across Europe - with Ireland recording a measles-related dea...

113: Malawi

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The country of Malawi is increasingly becoming under threat due to climate change.Let Ben Finnegan, who has just visited the landlocked African countr...

112: Replacing a Taoiseach

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After Leo Varadkar announced his intention to step down as Taoiseach, Ellen Butler explains how a Taoiseach is replaced.

111: Nominative Determinism

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Usain Bolt, PC Rob Banks, Thomas Crapper... Nominative Determinism is the term for when people are attracted to jobs and hobbies that match their name...

110: The Soft Power of St Patrick's Day

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is the world actually jealous of the access St Patrick's Day gives us to the White House? Let Shane Beatty explain.

109: The Everyday Affects of Climate Change

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How will climate change affect everyday life? Let Ben Finnegan explain.

108: A Reunited Ireland

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about a 'united Ireland', why don't we call it a 'reunited Ireland'? Simon Tierney is in the hot seat on this week's Let Me Explain.

107: Diamonds

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Diamonds: They've fuelled conflicts, marketing campaigns and inspired robberies. How have diamonds captivated the world for hundreds of years? Find ou...

106: Concerts, the Economy and You

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Music concerts are bigger than ever, but what does that mean for the industry, music fans - even the economy?Jamie O'Hara is here to tell on this week...

105: Wedding Prep

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wedding prep season is in full swing and we have Josh Crosbie in for Seán Defoe to give us a full planning guide!

104: Deposit Return Scheme

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On February 1st Ireland will adopt a new deposit return scheme for bottles and cans. Consumers will be able to return the items to their local sh...

103: Burns Night

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On the 25th of January, people in Scotland and Scottish people around the world celebrate Burns Night. Did you know people in Ireland also celebrate? ...

102: Reality TV

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why is reality TV thriving more than ever right now? Let Laura Donnelly explain.

101: Traffic

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feel like traffic is at an all-time high? Let Jamie O Hara Explain.

100: Main Character Syndrome

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you're the main character in the movie that is life? You might have main character syndrome... Let Jamie O'Hara explain.

99: The Commercialisation of Christmas

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Crosbie is back in the hot seat for another episode of Let Me Explain - this week we look at the commercialisation of Christmas.

98: Christmas Ads

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Crosbie takes us on a tour of some of the most iconic Christmas adverts.

97: Dodgy Boxes

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's Let Me Explain we have Laura Donnelly in the hot seat to explain the rise of 'dodgy boxes'.

96: The Origins of Sayings - 'Bite the bullet'

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe looks at some of the most common sayings in the world and where they come from.Let Me Explain.

95: The Origins of Sayings - 'Best thing since sliced bread'

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe looks at some of the most common sayings in the world and where they come from.Let Me Explain.

94: The Origins of Sayings - 'Elephant in the room'

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe looks at some of the most common sayings in the world and where they come from.Let Me Explain.

93: The Origins of Sayings - 'Salt of the earth'

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe looks at some of the most common sayings in the world and where they come from.Let Me Explain.

92: What is the Multiverse? - Bitesized

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Listen back to an excerpt from Episode 31 - What would happen if you made a big decision differently?

91: The Haunting of Loftus Hall - Bitesized

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Listen back to an excerpt from Episode 30...when the devil roamed the coast of Wexford...

90: The Rise of Plant Based Milks - Bitesized

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Listen back to an excerpt from Episode 20 ... how do you milk an oat?

89. How to invest

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we delve into how to invest your money. Is it best off sitting in a bank or could you be making some more cash with it?Let Me Explain.

88. Why Was Kevin McCarthy Sacked?

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week a bit of history where the US House speaker Kevin McCarthy has been removed - the first time that's ever happened. Let Me Explain.

87. Inside Ireland's Biggest Drugs Bust

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we go inside the dramatic events on the high seas as the authorities busted €157m worth of cocaine on a cargo vessel known as 'The Mothers...

86. Does the UN actually matter anymore?

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From the UN we get reaction to critical comments about the organisation from President Michael D Higgins as four Cabinet members continue their New Yo...

85. Eamon Ryan on battling the climate crisis

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Climate Minister Eamon Ryan speaks to us from New York ahead of a key United Nations summit on climate

84. The new Commission reshaping Irish elections

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we chat to the Chief Executive of Ireland's new Electoral Commission about reform, fake news, lowering the voting age and much more.

83. Tommy Bowe on life at a Rugby World Cup

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we chat to former Ireland winger and Ireland AM star Tommy Bowe about what life is like for the players at a World Cup. He chats best and wo...

82. The biggest search for the Loch Ness monster in 50 years

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week hundreds of people gathered at Loch Ness for the biggest hunt for the monster in a generation. How did they get on? And what are the Irish c...

81. The Dáil Boundary Review Bonus Pod

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's like Leaving Cert results day for TDs as they learn how their constituencies have changed - we run through the runners and riders. Who comes out ...

80. We Could Have 21 New TDs Announced This Week - The Boundary Changes Preview Pod

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week the Electoral Commission will announce one of the biggest changes to Dáil constituencies in history as the boundaries are changed to accomm...

79. Could Sailing Ships Save The Planet?

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we look at how the cargo shipping industry is going back to the future with the return of sails to cut down carbon emissions.

78. A Tour Through History

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking back at some of the top historical episodes of the show from the past year

77. Dying With Dignity

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we pay tribute to the late Brendan Clarke, who spoke to use in May about living with Motor Neuron Disease

76. The Curse of Silly Season

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is the curse of August which has haunted politicians as they try to take their summer holidays?

75. Why Don't Electric Cars Have Solar Panels?

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode does what it says on the tin, we're asking why electric cars aren't all fitted with solar panels to generate their own electricity

74. An Interview With....Chat GPT

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we speak to....Chat GPT...

73. What is the Nature Restoration Law?

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The European Parliament has been tearing itself apart arguing over the Nature Restoration Law. But why is it so controversial? Let Me Explain

72. Tubscast

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly appeared before two Oireachtas Committees and we sat through every minute so you didn't have to. I'm joined for...

71. Instant Reaction RTÉ Committee Pod

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded in our flip flops myself and Paul Hosford break down a busy and difficult day for RTÉ. More and more revelations about the finances at the ...

70. Who Are The Wagner Group?

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who are the mercenary group which has been fighting in Ukraine and ALMOST led a full throated rebellion against the Russian leadership? What about th...

69. The Titanic Sub Mystery

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we go inside the design and making of the missing sub which had been taking a small crew to view the world's most famous shipwreck

68. Why Young People Are Avoiding the News

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New data reveals a serious drop off in the amount of under 25s reading news and a rising number of people deliberately censoring themselves from certa...

67. Leaving Cert War Stories

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we've asking YOU for your nightmare Leaving Cert experiences. Sleep through the exam? How about bringing a TV remote instead of your calcu...

66. Making Census Things

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do people have more sex during recessions? Well some of the Census data suggests yes, and we might have to plan the future around it More of the biz...

65. Why Don't We Want The Apple Tax Money?

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is fighting tooth and nail NOT to be given €13 billion from Apple for back taxes the European Commission claims are owed. So, why do...

64. When Renewable Energy Almost Bankrupted The State

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking into one of the most dramatic projects ever undertaken by an Irish Government when politicians opted to spend 20% of their ent...

63. Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking at the Government's plans to introduce cigarette-pack style warning labels on alcohol and the connections between the disease ...

62. How Netflix Plans to Stop You Password Sharing

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Netflix wants you to stop sharing passwords so it can make more money. But how do they plan on doing it? And how can you get around it? Let Me Expla...

61. Why Are US Banks Collapsing And Should We Panic?

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Three of the four biggest US bank collapses have happened in the past....two months. What's going on and is it time to be worried? Let Me Explain

60. What's Happening in Sudan?

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two coups in four years and armed factions fighting for control of one of Africa's biggest countries. On this week's episode we dive into what's happ...

59. Inside the Hutch Trial

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we go inside one of the biggest trials in the history of the State which saw Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch acquitted of murder in the Special Crimi...

58. Dummies Guide to The Good Friday Agreement

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you find yourself having an 'I don't know what a Tracker Mortgage is' moment when talking about the Good Friday Agreement? Well this is your podca...

57. Keeping the US President Alive

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just what goes into the security operation around a US President when he travels abroad? With Joe Biden set to visit Ireland next week we look at ho...

56. Leaving Politics is like Quitting Smoking

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A chat with the former Minister for Mental Health Jim Daly who says his decision to quit politics ahead of the last election was like giving up smokin...

55. Who is Humza? The new Scottish FM

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scotland elected a new SNP leader and First Ministers this week. But who is Humza Yousef? The man set up as Nicola Sturgeon's replacement.

54. Ireland's First Satellite

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're in UCD to chat to the team who built Ireland's first satellite EIRSAT-1 which is due to launch into orbit this year.

53. What's it like meeting the US President?

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A special episode this week from Washington DC as the Taoiseach meets President Joe Biden. But what's it like being in the room when meeting the most...

52. The Death of Ireland's Golden Visa

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For as little as €400,000 international millionaires have been able to buy Irish residency since 2012. But amid a surge of applications from China...

51. What the Hell is the Windsor Framework?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is your dummies guide to the latest Brexit agreement. Just what is in the Windsor Framework? And will unionists go for it? Let Me Explain.

50. Roald Dahl, Puffin's Marvelous Censorship

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, should we be ok with editing books after the author is dead? Roald Dahl books are being updated to remove terms some people consider offen...

49. BONUS: Conservatives vs Sexy Chocolate 2.0

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're back with a post-Superbowl update on the M&Ms scandal

48. Aliens or Chinese Spies?

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Has the USA been shooting down Chinese spy balloons or UFOs of a much more intergalactic nature? Let Me Explain

47. The History of Bank Holidays

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've all enjoyed the fun of a three day weekend and the short four day work week that comes after. But where did Bank Holidays come from? And why di...

46. Just Who Was St. Brigid Anyway?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

CEO, entrepreneur, girl boss. Not words I'd have associated with St. Brigid - before listening to this episode! Let Me Explain

45. Conservatives vs Sexy Chocolate

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yes you read the title right. Conservatives in the US have hit out at M&Ms for changing their 'spokescandies' to make them less sexy. Leading to t...

44. Animals You Should Be Glad Are Extinct

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode does what it says on the tin. We're taking a tour through history looking at some of the weird, impressive and downright creepy animals ...

43. White, Pink and Brown Noise For Sleep

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know, noise has colours? You’ve heard of white noise, but what about pink, or brown noise? And what impact can they have on your sleep? L...

42. What TDs Did Before Getting Elected

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take a look at the CVs of our TDs. Which Deputy was a whale watching guide? And who worked in a car dealership? Let Me Explain

41. British Prime Ministers Could Fire Nukes From Beyond The Grave

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Yes you read that title right. This week we look at the UK's nuclear defence system and the orders Prime Ministers give in case they're killed by a ...

40. The 2022 Review! Part Two

25 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The second part of this year's look back on the year that was.

39. The 2022 Review! Part One

25 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let's take a look back through the mad and wacky year that was 2022.

38. Big Historical Events Which Happened on Christmas Day

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas Day is usually a time for rest and relaxation. But over the centuries some pretty momentus things have happened on the 25th of December. Fr...

37. Making Space Accessible for People With Disabilities

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is space flight accessible for people with disabilities? I’d almost bet if you don’t have a disability you’ve never thought about it before B...

36. Christmas Traditions Across Europe

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take a whistlestop tour across Europe looking at Christmas traditions in other countries. Which country has a Christmas witch? And wher...

35. How Does a Cabinet Reshuffle Work?

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How do you reshuffle a Cabinet without pissing people off? That's the challenge for Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar as they prepare to swap jobs. ...

34. Sportswashing

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The World Cup in Qatar is a classic example of sportswashing. When a country tries to use a big sporting event to rehabilitate its image and hide con...

33. What Happened At Cervical Check?

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week saw the sad passing of campaigner Vicky Phelan. But why did the entire country come to know her? And what happened at Cervical Check? Let ...