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Brendan O'Connor

ByRTÉ Radio 1
100 episodes

Podcast Summary

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.

#1

The Watchlist

RTÉ Guide Movie Editor Michael Doherty and Entertainment Journalist and Broadcaster Sarina Bellissimo join Brendan for our weekly look at the latest TV and film releases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-06-01•9mins
#2

The Newspaper Panel

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday papers are Brenda Power, Sunday Times & Irish Daily Mail columnist; Economist David W Higgins; Louise Bayliss, Head of Justice & Social Policy, St Vincent de Paul and Larry Donnelly, Lecturer in the School of Law in the University of Galway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-06-01•52mins
#3

Prof Katriona O’Sullivan - “Barry Keoghan wants to play my husband, Dave! He’s thrilled!”

Professor Katriona O’Sullivan reflects on the last two years since her award-winning memoir, ‘Poor’ came out, charting her life growing up in addiction and poverty. She also reveals details of the new play adaptation of ‘Poor’ in The Gate Theatre and her DNA journey to uncover her late father’s true backstory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-06-01•30mins
#4

Is Pope Leo XIV the ‘Centrist Dad’ Pope?

Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) was chosen a month ago as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Brendan is joined by former editor of the Irish Catholic and director of public affairs for Aid to the Church in Need, Michael Kelly. His book details the life and beliefs of the new Pope and what direction he could bring the Church in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-06-01•7mins
#5

“I never would’ve left Ireland if it had been the creative country it is today!”

Award-winning actress Fiona Shaw talks about her Cork upbringing, her career in theatre, opera, film and TV and meeting her wife, Sonali, who lost her husband and children in a tsunami. She also picks five songs that have meant something special to her throughout her life from Bob Marley to Tracy Chapman to Leonard Cohen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-31•29mins
#6

Meabh Quoirin - “Nóra is always there holding my hand”

Nóra Quoirin was 15 years old when she died in tragic circumstances while on a family holiday in Malaysia in 2019. Today, on Nóra's birthday, her mother Meabh talks to Brendan about her brave, brilliant daughter. Meabh describes a powerful evening at Queen's University Belfast, where Nóra was celebrated through poetry and music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-31•13mins
#7

How to marinade like a pro

Eamon de Freitas, Irish-Trinidadian Chef tells Brendan why a marinade might be your ticket to big flavour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-31•7mins
#8

Why your kids need to be doing household chores

Leisha Redmond McGrath, chartered work and coaching psychologist talks to Brendan about the long-lasting benefits of kids helping-out with household chores, the tricks to getting kids and teenagers on board, and how chores can build confidence and resilience long into their adulthood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-31•8mins

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#9

Your summer reading list by Naoise Dolan, John Banville and Emer McLysaght

Authors Naoise Dolan, John Banville & Emer McLysaght bring us an eclectic list of book recommendations for your suitcase this summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-31•30mins
#10

The Watchlist

Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O’Regan and Dave O’Callaghan, host of the Here and Back Again Podcast, give Brendan their recommendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-25•9mins
#11

“My acts of self-sabotage made my life a million times worse”

Academic Mary Ann Kenny joins Brendan to talk about her new book The Episode which details her mental health struggles after the death of her husband, how her overwhelming guilt and fears for her children consumed her to an extreme level causing her to lose touch with reality and the events that led to her eventual recovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-25•29mins
#12

"Bands would do well to have a HR figure"

Guns ‘n’ Roses, Foo Fighters, and The Who – three bands which have fired their drummers in recent weeks. Why? Musician Cait O'Riordain has been studying "small team dynamics" - a.k.a. Bands!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-25•10mins
#13

The Newspaper Panel

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, The Irish Examiner; Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute, Peter Brown, Managing Director of Baggot Investment Partners, Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst, Social Justice Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-25•52mins
#14

Summertime Sips

Food and drink writer with the Irish Independent, Aoife Carrigy provides a selection of seasonal mocktail and cocktails to suit those evenings of entertaining and garden barbecues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-24•6mins
#15

Holiday Finances

With the summer holidays just on the horizon, Brendan is joined by Bill Tyson Consumer Correspondent for The Irish Daily Mail who has some tips on how to budget for your break, dealing with international currencies exchange rates and pacing yourself financially.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-24•6mins
#16

Bono: "I'm just a little bit boring to my kids now!"

In the week that U2 were honoured at the Ivor Novello Awards, Bono spoke to Brendan about fatherhood, music, politics, and the criticism he received earlier this year for accepting an award from President Joe Biden. He also spoke about the new film, Bono: Stories of Surrender, which will be released next week on Apple TV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-24•47mins
#17

“I’ve come to terms with my weight, but I’ll still pull out the scales”

Writers Ann and Róisín Ingle join Brendan to talk about how they are dealing with the ageing process, how a life of dieting affected them, self-image and health, the importance of a top-sheet and how they are managing to let go of those minor everyday irritations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-24•31mins
#18

How Gardaí deal with Psychic tip offs

Gardaí conducting searches for missing people informed by the premonitions of clairvoyants may sound like something from an Ireland long gone, but, not so, according to Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security correspondent with The Irish TimesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-18•10mins
#19

Vogue Williams "To Fail So Publicly - I wasn't Equipped"

Broadcaster Vogue Williams talks to Brendan about her memoir 'Big Mouth', in which she explores her early forays into fame, the death of her Father, Freddie, and shedding the shame of her divorce from former Westlife singer Brian McFadden.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-18•25mins
#20

The Newspaper Panel

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday Papers are Ailbhe Smyth, Activist and Campaigner, Oísin Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Scott Lucas, Professor of U.S. and International Politics, the Clinton Institute at UCD, and, Sinéad McSweeney, Former Global Head of Public Policy at Twitter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-18•55mins
#21

The Watchlist

Business Post film critic John Maguire and Podcaster and Presenter Fionnuala Jones give Brendan their recommendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-18•13mins
#22

The Kitchen gadgets - from best to worst

Caitríona Redmond, Food and consumer columnist with The Irish Examiner, walks Brendan through the dizzying world of kitchen gadgets, what's worth the splurge and what you can live without.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-17•7mins
#23

Countdown to the Eurovision final

Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, AKA "The Gastro Gays" select their must-watch entries ahead of the Eurovision final in Basel tonight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-17•11mins

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#24

How much sleep do children really need?

Prof Annie Curtis, immunologist and Bodyclock expert guides Brendan through the ages and stages of childhood sleep patterns and bedtime routines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-17•13mins
#25

Tommy Tiernan "I have no peace in me"

Tommy Tiernan joins Brendan to talk about his upcoming performance in Kevin Barry's newest play, "The Cave". He shares his insights into the energy he feels on stage among a cast, and how it may shape his next steps in comedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-17•28mins
#26

We can do no more for Jason, but we can fight for those living in fear

Sarah and Tracey Corbett-Lynch talk to Brendan about their beloved dad, and brother, Jason. They describe their decade-long battle for justice since Jason was killed by his wife Molly Martens and her father, Tom, which is the subject of the Netflix documentary "A Deadly American Marriage".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-17•35mins
#27

Why the apocalypse is still entertainment

With the return of the Last of Us and The Handmaid’s Tale and the prequel to 28 Days Later arriving in cinemas this summer, writer Peter Murphy talks to Brendan about the enduring cultural fascination with the apocalypse and how it has inspired films, television, books and music since the end of the second world war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-11•11mins
#28

The Watchlist

Writer and podcaster Esther O’Moore Donohoe and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision Podcast give Brendan their recommendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-11•10mins
#29

RACHAEL BLACKMORE "I always wanted to be a jockey. I made my dream come true”

Jockey Rachael Blackmore has made history in the world of horse racing, and now, she tells Brendan about her latest challenge, writing a children’s book. Rachael talks about her idyllic childhood and her life in five songs from The Cranberries to Fred Again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-11•23mins
#30

The Newspaper Panel

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday papers are Fr. Iggy O’Donovan, Augustinian Priest, Ellen Coyne, Special Correspondent, Irish Independent, Dan O’ Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency, Lisa Chambers, Former Fianna Fáil Seanad Leader and Head of Public Affairs at Consello.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-11•55mins
#31

Darina Allen’s Meringue Masterclass

With Summer party season just beginning there is the pressure to deliver a crowd-pleasing dessert, chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Darina Allen joins Brendan to give a meringue masterclass with advice on how to perfect the sweet treat,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•8mins
#32

RITA ANN HIGGINS – Abort the Skorts

Poet Rita Ann Higgins joins Brendan with a topical poem about the Munster camogie teamwear controversy - ‘Abort the Skorts’ .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•2mins
#33

Scotland – the overlooked holiday destination

More than just a weekend break destination, travel writer and road tripper Thom Breathnach gives Brendan the lowdown on the Highlands and the magic of travelling around the Scottish Islands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•9mins
#34

RICHARD HOGAN - “Adolescence is a hormonal storm, but it passes”

Psychotherapist Richard Hogan offers advice about navigating the tricky teenage years, the healthy way to approach new behaviours during adolescence, how to deal with raging hormones and the inevitable clashes that come with this phase of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•27mins
#35

Windows closed, sunglasses on - how to dodge the pollen bomb

DCU Professor of Immunology Christine Loscher explains to Brendan how to get through the hay fever season with minimal impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•11mins
#36

JACQUELINE CONNOLLY - “Clodagh was my sister – we are not what he did”

Jacqueline Connolly speaks to Brendan about her book Deadly Silence which details the aftermath of her sister Clodagh’s murder by her husband Alan Hawe in 2016, she talks about identifying the coercive control her sister suffered within her marriage, trying to see a way through grief, dealing with trauma and finding hope in the darkest times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•29mins
#37

Pope Leo made teenager Donal Walsh an Augustinian days before he died

With the newly elected pope Leo XIV hitting the headlines, Elma Walsh chats to Brendan about how the then Fr. Robert Prevost was so impressed by her son Donal Walsh’s strength and grace in the face of his cancer diagnosis that he made Donal an honorary Augustinian before his death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•6mins
#38

Jacqueline Connolly - "Clodagh was my sister – we are not what he did"

Jacqueline Connolly speaks to Brendan about her book Deadly Silence which details the aftermath of her sister Clodagh’s murder by her husband Alan Hawe in 2016, she talks about identifying the coercive control her sister suffered within her marriage, trying to see a way through grief, dealing with trauma and finding hope in the darkest times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-10•29mins
#39

Katy Perry ‘Human Piñata’

Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell charts the course of Katy Perry’s career and the public backlash that has left the popstar claiming she can’t do right for doing wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-04•9mins
#40

“Doing nothing is doing more than you think”

Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry in Trinity College Dublin explains how we can tune out of the to-do lists, combat the racing mind with physical sensations and learn to truly switch off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-04•29mins
#41

The Newspaper Panel

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers: Dr Muireann Lynch, Senior Research Officer with the ESRI; Dan Mulhall, Former Irish Ambassador to the US; Prof Niamh Hourigan, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College and Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-04•55mins
#42

The Watchlist

Ciara King, Broadcaster and Culture Critic and TV and Radio Producer Eoin Sweeney have picked their recommendations for the best TV and films to watch for the week ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-04•11mins
#43

“The Chinese public wonder has America gone mad”

Irish Times China Correspondent in Beijing Denis Staunton explains the trade tariffs standoff between USA and China and why the feeling on the ground in China is that they’ve been correct to stand their ground so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-03•10mins
#44

LEO VARADKAR - “At one point I had to stand on Ray’s head to climb up”

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former Special Forces Army Ranger Ray Goggins team up with Cork singer Lyra in the first episode of new RTÉ show ‘Uncharted’ where Goggins brings pairs of well-known public figures off on wilderness challenges across the world. The series starts on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Wednesday May 14 at 9.35pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-03•23mins
#45

Gluten facts vs fads

Registered dietician Sarah Keogh sorts the facts from the fads when it comes to gluten in your diet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-03•12mins
#46

JOHN BOYNE - “Kate Bush’s music helped me through some dark times”

Award-winning author John Boyne has just brought out the 4th and final novella, ‘Air’, in his ‘Elements’ series of books. He talked about the book and chose five songs that have meant something special to him throughout his life from Backstreet Boys to Kate Bush to Drake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-03•26mins
#47

Tipping and haggling holiday etiquette

Globetrotter Lisa Regan has practical tips on how to haggle at markets and in shops and which countries you should tip in and by how much.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-03•7mins
#48

“Kebabs are much more than after-pub food”

Arun Kapil, founder of Green Saffron, on the origins, varieties and magic of the humble kebab as well as some ingredient and cooking tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-03•8mins
#49

The Newspaper Panel

Joining Dearbhail to dissect the Sunday papers are Alison O’Connor, Columnist with the Sunday Times, Dr Graham Finlay, Assistant Prof of Politics and International Relations at UCD, Aideen Heydon, Housing Policy Expert, and David Quinn, Columnist with the Sunday Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-04-27•54mins
#50

The mystery of Sex and the City’s enduring appeal

Writer Edel Coffey joined Dearbhail to talk about what made the series groundbreaking in the late 1990s, why female characters don’t always have to be likable and how a new generation have fallen under the spell of Carrie Bradshaw all over again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-04-27•12mins

Listen to your favourite podcasts.

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