Podcasts · News

Brendan O'Connor

RTÉ Radio 1

100 episodes

Brendan O'Connor has all you need for the weekend with time to pause and reflect on the week just gone. Featuring a selection of human interest, consumer and lifestyle stories, as well as keeping you up to date on the news stories that matter. Listen live Saturday and Sunday at 11am - 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1.

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  1. Peter O' Mahony - "I had a chance to reflect on myself, how I minded people"

    · 33 min

    Former Ireland and Munster Rugby Captain, Peter O’ Mahony joins Brendan to discuss his amazing grandmother, his lifelong temper, and his extraordinary playing career. Marking the publication of his memoir ‘All In’ he…

  2. Marco Pierre White - "Everything I do is rebuilding my childhood"

    · 15 min

    Chef and Restauranteur Marco Pierre White joins Brendan to discuss his pivot from restaurants into curating a hotel, his ongoing quest to recreate his childhood and how kitchen culture has changed during his career. He…

  3. The Newspaper Panel

    · 53 min

    Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute; Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times; Finian McGrath,…

  4. Mark Little - We can take back our power over AI

    · 31 min

    Mark Little, tech entrepreneur and journalist, has written a new book 'The Last Good Day on the Internet' in which he charts the initial innocence of the internet and its 'shared playground' feel to the rise of the…

  5. Jennie Bond - "It's an absolute character assassination of King Charles"

    · 4:38

    In a new book by the brother of the late Princess Diana, Charles Spencer makes various claims highlighting King Charles' cold-heartedness at the time of Diana's death. Jennie Bond, Journalist and former BBC Royal…

  6. The Watchlist

    · 12 min

    Joining Brendan to pick out the week's best offerings on the big and small screen are: Esther O’Moore Donohoe, writer and podcaster and John Maguire, Business Post Film Critic for the Business Post. Among some of the…

  7. "Sitting with Manchán while his soul left his body was life-changing"

    · 27 min

    Aisling Rogerson, founder of The Fumbally Café and the widow of the late Manchán Magan, talks about how all of Manchán's life's work culminates in the final book of his trilogy, 'Seeing What's Happening', with its…

  8. Anthony Scaramucci - "I simply got seduced by the power"

    · 15 min

    Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Director of Communications (for 11days!) and co-host of The Rest is Politics US spoke to Brendan about his childhood on the Jersey Shore and how he ended up mixing with the elite.…

  9. “Nikita has empowered other survivors to get support”

    · 10 min

    Rachel Morrogh, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre spoke to Brendan about the impact of Nikita Hand’s interview on other survivors of sexual violence, she talked about how difficult it can be for a survivor to come…

  10. Nikita Hand - “I tried to fight but I couldn’t overpower somebody like him”

    · 39 min

    Nikita Hand, who won her case in 2025 when a civil jury in the high court found that Conor McGregor assaulted her by raping her, joined Brendan to talk about her new book ‘Not the Perfect Victim’. She spoke about the…

  11. The Newspaper Panel

    · 55 min

    Joining Dearbhail to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are Irish Examiner political correspondent, Louise Burne; Executive Director of TASC, Dr Shana Coen; commentator and CEO of the Iona Institute, David…

  12. The Watchlist

    · 12 min

    Joining Dearbhail to pick out the week's best offerings on the big and small screen are arts journalist, Zara Hedderman and RTE Guide movies editor, Michael Doherty. They discuss season 6 of 'Slow Horses', new reality…

  13. How to warm up like a pro

    · 9:38

    Chartered physiotherapist, Aisling Frawley discusses the true value of warming up before sustained exercise. She talks Dearbhail through some key warm-ups for anyone going for a run, playing a match, or heading to the…

  14. Caitlin Moran - "We wouldn’t eat ‘doom-cake’, why do we ‘doom-scroll’??"

    · 26 min

    Best-selling writer Caitlin Moran talks ditching doomscrolling, finding hope in a heartfelt, practical way and how her "furry Fitbit" dog Luna reminds her to play; all explored in her new book 'How to be Hopeful: A…

  15. President Trump - "A united Ireland would be a very cool thing"

    · 1 h 07 min

    As US President Donald Trump visits Ireland, Dearbhail is joined for live analysis by CEO of ActionAid Ireland, Karol Balfe; Professor of Politics at UCC, Theresa Reidy; Aontú leader, Peadar Tóibín; US political…

  16. Patrick Kielty - "It never gets dark in Kielty Park"

    · 33 min

    Broadcaster and comedian Patrick Kielty talks about stand-up during dark times and family life with his boys, as he takes us through his life in five songs, with stories about Roy Orbison playing the Parochial Hall in…

  17. The Watchlist

    · 14 min

    Joining Dearbhail to preview some of the best films and TV shows available this week are: Grainne Humphreys, director of the Dublin International Film Festival and Eoin Sweeney, producer. Some of the productions…

  18. "When a new Grand Theft Auto comes out many people take a day off work to play it"

    · 9:56

    Ciara O'Brien, Irish Times business and technology journalist and Grand Theft Auto fan talks Dearbhail through the history of what’s been called the most controversial video game of all time. November sees the eagerly…

  19. "‘Mar-a-Lago Face’ is now being requested from cosmetic doctors"

    · 28 min

    Author Róisín Kiberd talks botox, beauty standards, steroids and wellness with Dearbhail - topics she considers in her new book ‘The Most Normal Woman: Essays on Appearances’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

  20. Newspaper Panel

    · 54 min

    Joining Dearbhail to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Colm O'Gorman, commentator and former executive director of Amnesty International Ireland; Dr Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, doctor and Irish…

  21. "There won't be a dry eye in Croke Park tonight when 'Grace' is sung before Katie's fight"

    · 13 min

    RTE Sport’s Jacqui Hurley is presenting tonight’s coverage of Katie Taylor’s final-ever boxing fight in Croke Park. She reflects on Katie’s career, on interviewing her this week and she tells us everything we need to…

  22. Bronagh Gallagher - "I met Aretha and told her she was our queen"

    · 37 min

    Derry woman Bronagh Gallagher tells Dearbhail about growing up in the Troubles and her amazing acting life, including roles in The Commitments, Pulp Fiction, and Star Wars. She also discusses her soul-singing career…

  23. 'Dan Jukes was often described as "like a son" to Nigel Farage'

    · 7:23

    Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times, updates Dearbhail on the latest scandal involving Nigel Farage, as he addresses Reform UK's party conference. Undercover filming broadcast by Channel 4 News showed…

  24. Yotam Ottolenghi - "I crush crisps onto my salads for fun!"

    · 24 min

    Celebrity Chef Yotam Ottolenghi tells Dearbhail about how he’s trying to simplify good cooking with amazing hacks in his brand new cookbook, 'Simple Too'. He also talks about growing up in Jerusalem with a lot of…

  25. Off-Peak Travel - "A €30 flight jumps up to €250 during midterm break"

    · 13 min

    As students go back to school, holiday prices plummet. Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor of the Irish Independent, brings Dearbhail through some of the value to be had in Irish and foreign holidays in the off-peak period…

  26. The Newspaper Panel

    · 55 min

    Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: publisher of The Briefing.ie, Liz Carolan; independent economist, David W Higgins; political columnist with the Sunday Times, Alison O’Connor; and…

  27. "How did I go from playing for Ireland to a prison cell?"

    · 36 min

    Former Irish and Ulster rugby player, Ryan Caldwell, tells Brendan about his descent, from playing professional rugby into drug addiction and prison. Ryan’s autobiography ‘White Lines’ details this journey and how he…

  28. A rare clip of Dolly Parton singing with her family

    · 5:16

    Following the death of Dolly Parton, we reflect on her Appalachian roots and musical heritage, heavily influenced by songs brought to the region by Irish migrants. In an archive recording from Dolly’s TV show, we hear…

  29. The Watchlist

    · 9:51

    Joining Brendan to preview some of the best films and TV shows available this week are author, Henrietta McKervey and host of the “Here and Back Again” podcast, Dave O’Callaghan. Their choices include the second season…

  30. Garron Noone - “I couldn’t leave the house, so they sent me to the priest!”

    · 32 min

    Comedian and musician Garron Noone joins Brendan to discuss his debut album, his talent for reviewing ‘delicious’ cups of tea, and the crippling agoraphobia that kept him housebound for years. He also tells Brendan…

  31. Is your routine bad for you?

    · 12 min

    Chartered Work and Coaching Psychologist, Leisha Redmond McGrath tells Brendan about the benefits, and costs, of having routine. She discusses how gauging our ‘tolerance of ambiguity’ can help identify how much routine…

  32. Paul Howard on Irish unity - “A new capital in the bellybutton of Ireland”

    · 29 min

    Author and creator of Ross O’Carroll Kelly, Paul Howard, joins Brendan to discuss his play in the Edinburgh Fringe, his biography of Sean Hughes and his latest satirical novel. ‘A Nation Once Again’ follows the mishaps…

  33. A dermatologist's guide to the only skincare you really need

    · 13 min

    Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at The Institute of Dermatologists lists the products that we should be using daily on our skin – from zinc-based sunscreen to retinoids – and debunks some of the…

  34. Simple quick midweek pastas with Eunice Power

    · 7:20

    Eunice Power, Chef and owner of the gourmet takeaway 'And Chips' in Dungarvan joins Brendan to discuss the delights of butter, and how to get the most out of it in your cooking. Her recipes include Tomato Butter with…

  35. The Newspaper Panel

    · 54 min

    Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: James Leonard, Community Worker, criminologist and one half of the Two Norries; Maria Steen, Commentator, Catherine Prasifka, Author and Mick…

  36. Jon Ronson - “When men try out vulnerability, women sometimes recoil in horror”

    · 28 min

    Jon Ronson, author and podcaster, joins Brendan to talk about his new book ‘The Castle: Adventures in a World of Unravelling Men’ which explores the modern masculinity crisis. Among other things, he examines internet…

  37. "A white Cadillac pulls up beside Tupac and opens fire"

    · 9:23

    TupacThe trial opened this week in Las Vegas of Duane "Keffe D" Davis – in connection with the fatal shooting thirty years ago of legedary rapper, Tupac Shakur. But who was Tupac Shakur and why is he still relevant…

  38. The Watchlist

    · 12 min

    Joining Brendan to pick the best shows and films available this week are Nadine O’Regan, Arts and Features writer with the Irish Times and Brian Lloyd, Host of the Screenland podcast. Some of the productions they talk…

  39. “Washing Up” - a poem by Derek Mahon

    · 4:51

    Brendan played a recording of actor Stephen Rea reciting the Derek Mahon poem, Washing Up. The recording was originally broadcast as part of the RTÉ Television series Tradfest: the Dublin…

  40. Dr Richard Hogan on work: “I don’t think anyone on their death bed thinks ‘I should have worked more’”

    · 30 min

    Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan talks to Brendan about work. He talks about the pressure on teens to know what they want to be, how to find the job that’s right for you, how to deal with workplace stress and bullies…

  41. Seán Ronayne - “Being a new father is like living a magical new life”

    · 15 min

    Ornithologist and author Seán Ronayne talks about becoming a father, his awe at watching his daughter’s developing love of nature, how his autism informs his parenting, the influence of the late Manchán Magan, his…

  42. Blindboy Boatclub - “Dogs can smell in stereo, they can smell time!”

    · 23 min

    Podcaster and Author Blindboy BoatClub has had some of his short stories adapted by director Dan Colley into a new Abbey Theatre play, ‘Animals’. He talks to Brendan about the philosophical theory, ‘Umwelt’, his own…

  43. “My head-on joyrider crash left me scared of the dark, driving, everything”

    · 11 min

    Cork woman Róisín Stakelum suffered a head-on motorway crash in July 2023 when she was driving to Dublin Airport and a car of teenage joyriders were driving the wrong way down the M8 motorway. Her plans to emigrate to…

  44. Late Summer Indulgence Recipes!

    · 9:36

    Chef Maggie Roche tells Brendan about her cafe, The Little Acorn, shutting down tomorrow and about her career ranging from The Merrion Hotel to working with Michel Roux. Her sumptuous recipes before we head back to the…

  45. The Watchlist

    · 11 min

    Joining Brendan to pick the best shows and films available this week are host of the Extra Vision Podcast, Andy McCarroll and entertainment journalist and host of The Bellissimo Files, Sarina Bellisimo. Their choices…

  46. “I’m not worried about Millennials; I’m worried a fear of cringe is ruling Gen Z lives!”

    · 7:52

    Podcaster and Presenter, Fionnuala Jones, joins Brendan to discuss the growing obsession with cringe. We are now at the point in our culture where anything millennials do is full on cringe according to Gen Z – but do…

  47. "My big ambition? That my wife is happy" - writer, Richard Ford

    · 31 min

    Novelist Richard Ford, joins Brendan to discuss the current state of Donald Trump’s America, rediscovering his Irish heritage and the dynamics of his life-long marriage. He also explores his changing relationship to…

  48. Newspaper Panel

    · 54 min

    Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: farmer & presenter of Ear to the Ground, Darragh McCullough; Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail and Sunday Independent, Brenda Power; Law Lecturer…

  49. “Odyssey Round the A&E”, a new poem by Rita Ann Higgins

    · 3:34

    Acclaimed poet Rita Ann Higgins reads a new poem “Odyssey Round the A&E” inspired by her husband Christy’s recent visit to the Emergency Department. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  50. Homemade Ice Cream for Dummies with Kevin Dundon

    · 6:45

    Chef Kevin Dundon joins Brendan to discuss the delights of home-made ice cream. He talks through how to make simple ice-cream at home and tweak it with a range of own favourite flavours, from brown bread to orange to…

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