Let Me Explain with Seán Defoe
Episodes
232. How Ireland Women's Rugby went from college misfits to record-breakers
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland are gearing up for a potentially historic Women's Six Nations clash with Scotland next week, with 20,000 tickets already sold for the final-ro...
231. How does pricing for wind energy work and could it reduce your bills?
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking wind and whether the wind revolution that's been promised by the Government will actually reduce your bills long term
230. What do injuries in contact sports do to your brain?
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're chatting to one of the Irish scientists behind new work to examine what injuries picked up during sports like rugby and boxing do to t...
229. Can googly eyes stop seagulls from eating your chips?
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking to a conservation expert who has been studying ways to keep greedy seagulls away from your food.
228. The Healy-Raesignation
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week the inside story on the dramatic exit from the Government of the brothers Healy Rae
227. How do fuel caps work?
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking about how Malta is keeping the cost of fuel low and whether the Irish Government could follow suit
226. A history of the Straits of Hormuz
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at the history of the straits of Hormuz as the small body of water takes over the news agenda
225. Should we adopt a first past the post system for voting?
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at whether Ireland should borrow something from the UK and steal their voting system
224. The Origins of Daylight Savings Time
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we delve into the strange and wonderful origins of daylight savings time. What did the author of Sherlock Homles have to do with it? And we ...
223. Dadhood: The hidden risks of being drunk at conception
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're getting the rather scary update on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the fact that Dad having a drink also carries risks.
222. Inside Micheál Martin vs Donald Trump 2.0
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're catching up with our reporter in Washington Jamie O'Hara to get the inside track from the St Patrick's Day Oval Office trip
221. How does fuel pricing actually work? And are you being gouged?
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week Kevin McPartland from Fuels Ireland joins Sean to talk through how fuel pricing actually works during a crisis like the current one.
220. Dadhood: Supporting mum pre and postpartum
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking about what dads can do in the early days to support mum and baby
219: Will Katie Taylor get her dream farewell fight at Croke Park?
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Katie Taylor has made it pretty clear: she's retiring this year, and wants to sign off her stellar career with something that's always eluded her: a h...
218. Two weeks of paternity leave is not nearly enough
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week Sean and Labour TD Ciaran Ahern discuss why two weeks of statutory paternity leave is not nearly enough for new dads
217. Dadhood: The psychology of becoming a parent
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week psychotherapist Stella O'Malley joins the podcast to talk about what literally goes through our heads when we become parents
216. Dadhood: How to survive sleep deprivation torture
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're joined by sleep expert and recent dad Tom Coleman to chat through how to cope with those sleepless nights
215. Dadhood: The things they don't tell you in antenatal classes
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On a new series 'Dadhood' Sean delves into the real lives of working dads with resident Newstalk fathers Frank Greaney and Shane Hannon. It's the star...
214. The 22 countries the Government doesn't want you travelling to
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we explore the Government's no travel list - the 22 countries it strongly advises you don't visit
213. What is the EU's 'Trade Bazooka' it could use against Donald Trump?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at the EU's Anti Coercion Instrument - AKA its trade bazooka. What is it? How could it be used? And should it be fired at the ...
212. The last time the US tried to take over Greenland
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at historical attempts by the US to take over Greenland - from offers of island swaps to the massive amount of gold offered af...
211. What is the Mercosur deal?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week - what is the Mercosur deal? Why are farmers against it? And should it be passed anyway?
210. 2026 BINGO
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we're making predictions for the news year to come! Saoirse Hanley, Jane Matthews and Ciara Treacy join Sean Defoe to make some bold p...
209. The 12-week year productivity theory
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like there wasn't enough time to get your New Years' Resolutions done? Or maybe you had too much time? This week we're exploring the 12 week...
208. The psychology of New Years' Resolutions
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Prof. Brendan Kelly from Trinity College joins Sean to discuss the psychology of New Years' Resolutions, the mistakes people make and why yo...
207. The Top 50 Stories of 2025
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Defoe runs through the top 50 stories of the year across news, sports and entertainment as we say goodbye to 2025
206. Christmas before Christians
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week the wonderful Dr Niamh Wycherly from Maynooth University joins us to discuss what medieval Christmas was like in Ireland and whether pagans ...
205. Ireland's Only Toy Soldier Factory
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode we're chatting to Lars Edman, the man behind the Prince August Toy Soldier factory in Co. Cork as they gear up for Christmas
204. The Secret Life of Stars
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking to Dr Emma Whelan from Maynooth University about a new research project involving the launch of a very niche satellite which w...
203. Should Dublin Airport Become Sean Lemass Airport?
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe explores the controversial proposal to rename Dublin Airport after former Taoiseach Sean L...
202. Why is Simon Harris the new Finance Minister?
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe dives into the sudden departure of Irish Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe. As he transitions t...
201. Inauguration Nation - Which President Gave The Best Opening Speech?
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking back through Irish Presidents and their inauguration speeches. From Catherine Connolly to Douglas Hyde's 74 word address, and ...
200. LME turns 200!
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Let Me Explain hits its 200th episode we relive some of the best moments.
199. Casting the Irish Celebrity Traitors
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe leads us into a fantasy draft like no other! Join the discussion as the team picks their idea...
198. What Makes A Great Political Slogan
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe takes a fascinating detour from the usual political drama to explore what truly makes a great politica...
197. Can Jim Gavin still become President? And how to NOT spoil your vote
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we sit down with the Chair of the Electoral Commission Ms Justice Marie Baker to discuss what happens now for Jim Gavin, the rules about wha...
196. Jim Gavin, Budgets and Micheál Martin's future
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe navigates the hustle and bustle of Budget Week, revealing how it’s taken a backseat to the Jim Gavin...
195. Who won the first Presidential debate?
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Defoe runs his eye over the first Presidential election debate grading the winners and losers
194. Trump tries to sink the UN
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode comes to you from Canada and the travelling pack covering Ireland's appearance at the UN summit in New York and meeting the Prime Ministe...
193. Asian Hornets in Ireland
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jamie O Hara examines what the discovery of two Asian Hornet nests could mean for the country.
192. Jim Gavin's First Newstalk Interview
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Sean catches up with Fianna Fáil Presidential candidate Jim Gavin after he secured the nomination ahead of MEP Billy Kelleher
191. What will Jim Gavin be like as a politician?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Jim Gavin enters the race for the Presidency Off The Ball's GAA Correspondent Tommy Rooney joins Sean Defoe to discuss what Gavin might be like as ...
190. The Biggest Controversies in Presidential Election History
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe takes a fascinating trip down memory lane to explore the controversies that have shaped Irish presidenti...
189. What is the President not allowed to say?
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe dives into the intriguing world of presidential powers and constraints in Ireland. What can the Presiden...
188: BONUS: Mairead McGuinness pulls out of the race for the Presidency
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mairead McGuinness has pulled out of the Presidential race.In a shock statement this afternoon the former EU Commissioner said she was doing so on med...
187. Could the Presidential election be a head-to-head battle?
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could Ireland see its first head-to-head presidential election in 50 years this November? In this episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe analyzes the...
186: LIVE at All Together Now: The Top 10 of Waterford
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Coming to you live from All Together Now it's the first LIVE Let Me Explain podcast. Join Sean Defoe, Niall Power, Claire Power and Mick Kelly as they...
185. What prisons can teach us about living on Mars
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if a mission to Mars resembles a stay in prison more than a scientific adventure? In this episode of Let Me Explain, Sean Defoe delves into the...
184. Who is the new Garda Commissioner?
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Kelly has been appointed the next Garda Commissioner - but who is he and why did he get the job?
183. Why Budget 2026 might disappoint you
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With our first real look at the books you'd have to say Budget 2026 is built on some shaky maths. Let Me Explain
182. The ABCs of running for President
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week - how do you get to run for President? Who is in with a shout? And what powers will they actually have? Let Me Explain
181. How do direct to streaming TV shows make money?
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're delving into the streaming wars and exploring how TV shows and movies that go straight to streaming make enough cash to pay for themse...
180. Naming and Shaming Councils on Social Housing Delivery
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week the Housing Minister James Browne has decided to release new league tables which name and shame under-delivering local authorities when it c...
179. Behind the scenes on the DART
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Alex Rowley goes behind the scenes with the people who make your daily DART commute function
178. What would you do with €250 million in a Lotto win?
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're discussing the biggest ever lotto wins from across the world and asking what you would spend €250m on
177. Penile Cancer
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To mark Men's Health Week we're discussing the little known but devastating cancer diagnosis more than 50 men in Ireland get every year - penile cance...
176. The Grimm Origins of Snow White
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe uncovers the dark and twisted origins of the beloved fairy tale, Snow White. While many know the Disne...
175. The Grimm Origins of Cinderella
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe takes us on a dark journey back to the original tale of Cinderella, unearthing the grimmer aspects tha...
174. The Business Case for Disney's Live Action Remakes
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe dives deep into the vibrant world of Disney's live-action remakes. What drives this nostalgic trend, a...
173. The Worst Popes In History
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After the election of Pope Leo XIV we're taking a look at some of his worst predecessors in office. From the Popes who used the Vatican like a brothel...
172. 100 days of the Government. Newstalk's first Insider Poll
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week introduces the first Newstalk Insider Poll talking to TDs, Senators, advisors and political correspondents to get a sense of how the Governm...
171. Who are the favourites to be the next Pope?
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe dives into the significant transition within the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis...
170. How to spot the signs of bowel cancer
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To mark bowel cancer awareness month we discuss the disease, the warning signs and the importance of screening in identifying it early.Sean speaks wit...
169. The intricacies of court reporting
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Jamie O Hara explores the intricacies of court reporting with Newstalk's Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney to understand why ...
168. What are tariffs and how do they work?
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've heard the name bandied about on every news bulletin for weeks but what exactly are tariffs? How do they work? Who do they hurt? And what will D...
167. British Ambassador Paul Johnston on the future for Ireland and the UK
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Seán Defoe sits down with Paul Johnston, the British Ambassador to Ireland, for an insightful discussion on...
166. Why Conor McGregor has no chance of being President of Ireland
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Seán Defoe breaks down why Conor McGregor's political ambitions are dust in the wind and analyses who might actually win the Irish Pr...
165. The post match on Micheál Martin's visit to the White House
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe takes you right into the chaos of a momentous press conference between Taoiseach Micheál Martin ...
164. How Micheál Martin should deal with Donald Trump
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe tackles the pressing question: How do you approach a problem like Donald Trump? With Taois...
163. How does Oscar voting work?
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we're rolling out the red carpet and diving into the glitz and glamour of the Oscars. With the awards show just around the cor...
162. Inside the plan to build a nuclear power plant in Wexford
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're deep diving back to the 1970s when Jack Lynch's Government drew up plans for a nuclear power station which was defeated by...roc...
161. Should Ministers travel to the US this St Patrick's Day?
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week - in the wake of Donald Trump's pronouncements on Gaza, should the Government be having a party with him in March?
160. A history of Superbowl advertising
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With 30 second ad spots costing as much as eight million dollars do they work and what are some of the most famous ads in Superbowl history?
159. Is organic food actually better for you?
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we get into the weeds on organic food with Colman Power as we discuss whether it's actually any better for you
158. What makes a Trump supporter tick?
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the capital of the USA Sean reports from the inauguration of Donald J Trump.
157. What's in the Programme for Government?
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The programme for Government has been released this afternoon - but what's actually been promised?
156. How the hell do Seanad elections work?
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're delving into the most difficult to understand elections held in Ireland - the race to the Seanad.
155. The Origins of Santa Clause
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, just where did Santa come from anyway?
154. Why did new TD Eoin Hayes get suspended from the Social Democrats?
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're looking at the controversy surrounding new TD Eoin Hayes and the shares he held in Palantir Enterprises.
153. Election Reflection
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we're looking back on the outcome of election 2024 and what it means for all the main parties
152. What's In the Sinn Féin Manifesto?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we're looking at what's made it into the Sinn Féin manifesto
151. What's in the Fine Gael manifesto?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we're looking at what's made it into the Fine Gael manifesto
150. How To Vote
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With all the focus on WHO to vote for in the past few weeks on this episode we go into HOW to vote. How do you fill out the ballot correctly and avoid...
149. The Leader Interviews: Peadar Toibin
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Peadar Toibin of Aontu chats about reducing the cost of a pint, holding Ministers accountable and making cider in his bathtub.
148. The Leaders' Interview: Micheál Martin
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we sit down with Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to discuss his party's plans, housing and his perfect breakfast.
147. The Leader Interviews: Ivana Bacik
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we're joined by the Labour leader Ivana Bacik to run through her party's policies, why she thinks people should choose them over simil...
146. More women are running for election than ever - but will it result in more Dáil seats?
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Katie Deegan from Women for Election joins the show today to run through the implications of the 40% gender quota in this year's election
145. What's in the Green Party manifesto?
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our election series looking at what the Green Party is promising as it tries to seek another term in Government and how the party is likel...
144. What's In Fianna Fáil's Manifesto?
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Starting a new series running through the detail of all the main party manifestos as we head into this general election campaign and asking how each p...
143. How to register to vote
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Sean is joined by Tim Carey from the Electoral Commission with a warning about the time you have left to register to vote and who can apply ...
142. The Death of All Things
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jamie O'Hara runs through some of the things once indispensable to life that have faded into non existence
141. Conker Cheats Cheat Us All
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're going bonkers for conkers as we examine the revelation which threw the committee for competitive conkering into chaos this week. If yo...
140. Three of the hardest Dáil constituencies to predict
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're breaking out the crystal ball to have a look at some of the toughest Dáil constituencies to predict ahead of the general election
139. The Lion, the Wallaby and Dublin's Elephant Graveyard
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Emma Tyrell brings us on a tour of Dublin's animalistic highlights
138. Budget gesticulation and election speculation
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we ruminate on the biggest budget in the history of the State and whether it means an election is imminent
137. Do we need to take food supplements?
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're asking whether the $177bn supplements industry is actually necessary or whether people are popping pills they don't need
136. Lies, damn lies and election dates
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we've been hitting up the pre-Dáil party think-ins to get the skinny on the general election date
135. "We live by two words - what if?" The hidden risks of sepsis
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week for Sepsis Awareness Day we're speaking to a number of families who've been tragically affected by sepsis and discussing how to spot the sig...
134. Naloxone - the medicine that can pause an overdose
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're marking International Overdose Awareness Day by talking about a medicine which can temporarily stop an overdose. The injection or nasa...
133. 30 years since the IRA ceasefire of 1994
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This year marks three decades since the IRA ceasefire of 1994 - a pivotal moment on the path to peace in Northern Ireland. Eamonn Torsney remembers li...