Shows / Brendan O'Connor
Brendan O'Connor
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.
Episodes
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Professor of Political Economy at UCD, Aidan Regan; barrister and former Fianna Fail…
Brendan O'Connor“I miss physical touch” Ann Ingle on aging
Writer Ann Ingle joins Brendan to discuss her new book ‘Still Here: Everything I Know About Being Older’. She describes letting go of pride, embracing…
Brendan O'ConnorWhat is the Fall Girl Aesthetic?
Broadcaster and ‘intergenerational translator’ Aifric O'Connell joins Brendan to talk about the rise of the ‘Fall girl aesthetic’. She tracks its origins from…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
Writer Henrietta McKervey and Film and TV producer, Eoin Sweeney join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their choices include a…
Brendan O'ConnorBrian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian on online hate, fatherhood and fame.
Broadcaster Brian Dowling and Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian join Brendan to discuss their family life together and their remarkable careers…
Brendan O'Connor“Lobotomies were an act of therapeutic desperation”
Musician and mental health advocate, Niall Breslin, joins Brendan to discuss his new podcast series ‘Severed Minds’. It explores the history of the lobotomy in…
Brendan O'Connor'Elder Speak'
Poet Rita Ann Higgins joins Brendan with a new poem ‘Elder Speak’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brendan O'ConnorDon't let influencers freak you out about your blood sugar
Community Pharmacist and host of the Irish Pharmacy Podcast, Sheena Mitchell, talks to Brendan about how to manage your blood sugar. She explains how blood…
Brendan O'ConnorDr. Richard Hogan - "I buried my father yesterday, I'm so glad we reconciled"
Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan joins Brendan to discuss resilience. He explores how to cultivate it in yourself and your children. Richard also talks about…
Brendan O'ConnorRut-busting midweek dinners
Chef and restauranteur Domini Kemp joins Brendan with some fresh suggestions for easy midweek dinners. She describes how to switch out ingredients, to spice up…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Máiría Cahill, Northern Irish author and columnist; Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist with…
Brendan O'ConnorAidan Gillen: “It takes a psychic toll to act certain roles”
Dublin actor Aidan Gillen has appeared in everything from Love/Hate to The Wire to Game of Thrones. His latest show is Stuart Carolan’s ‘Tall Tales & Murder’…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
Joining Brendan to pick out the week's best offerings on the big and small screen are: Nadine O'Regan, Arts and Features writer with the Irish Times and Dave…
Brendan O'ConnorSharon Horgan - “Putting yourself out there as a single person in your fifties is scary”
Brendan is joined by writer, director and actor Sharon Horgan, who talks about her latest TV series 'Youth'. Drawing from her own experience, she talks about…
Brendan O'ConnorTom Dunne’s History of Punk in Ireland
Broadcaster, Musician and Punk, Tom Dunne, charts the arrival of Punk to Ireland, why it took root in Belfast and Cork before Dublin, he talks about some of…
Brendan O'ConnorNaomi Klein - “We’ll all be living in the apocalypse of the tech bros’ creation, if we’re not careful”
Author and global thinker Naomi Klein has a knack for capturing the zeitgeist in her previous books like ‘No Logo’, ‘The Shock Doctrine’ and ‘Doppelganger’…
Brendan O'Connor“Greek Yoghurt is having a (protein-related) moment!”
Registered Dietician Orla Walsh helps decipher all the different yoghurt types on offer in supermarkets and their various health claims. She says most people…
Brendan O'ConnorRory O'Connell's Comfort Foods
Chef, teacher, TV presenter and co-founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Rory O'Connell talks us through what makes a food a comfort food? And why do the foods…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: ESRI research professor, Alan Barrett; Anglo Celt managing editor, Linda O’Reilly…
Brendan O'ConnorKeith Barry - "I'm very clear on who I don't want to be – an absent father"
Magician and mentalist Keith Barry joins Brendan to select 5 songs that have influenced his life. Keith talks about his late father Ken who died last year; on…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
Culture journalist and host of ‘The Bellissimo Files’, Sarina Bellissimo joins Brendan to talk through the best new offerings on the big and small screen. Her…
Brendan O'ConnorLouise O' Neill - "I was standing in the ashes of my former life"
Author Louise O’Neill joins Brendan to discuss her first memoir ‘A Bigger Life’. It details a dramatic break-up, which led her to completely reconsider her…
Brendan O'ConnorPoems to get you through the change of season
Poet Enda Wyley joins Brendan with a selection of autumnal poems, including classics by John Keats and Seamus Heaney, and lesser-known gems by Vona Groarke and…
Brendan O'ConnorPeter O' Mahony - "I had a chance to reflect on myself, how I minded people"
Former Ireland and Munster Rugby Captain, Peter O’ Mahony joins Brendan to discuss his amazing grandmother, his lifelong temper, and his extraordinary playing…
Brendan O'ConnorMarco Pierre White - "Everything I do is rebuilding my childhood"
Chef and Restauranteur Marco Pierre White joins Brendan to discuss his pivot from restaurants into curating a hotel, his ongoing quest to recreate his…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute; Ellen Coyne…
Brendan O'ConnorMark Little - We can take back our power over AI
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…
Brendan O'ConnorJennie Bond - "It's an absolute character assassination of King Charles"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
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…
Brendan O'Connor"Sitting with Manchán while his soul left his body was life-changing"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorAnthony Scaramucci - "I simply got seduced by the power"
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…
Brendan O'Connor“Nikita has empowered other survivors to get support”
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…
Brendan O'ConnorNikita Hand - “I tried to fight but I couldn’t overpower somebody like him”
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…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are Irish Examiner political correspondent, Louise Burne; Executive Director of TASC, Dr…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
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…
Brendan O'ConnorHow to warm up like a pro
Chartered physiotherapist, Aisling Frawley discusses the true value of warming up before sustained exercise. She talks Dearbhail through some key warm-ups for…
Brendan O'ConnorCaitlin Moran - "We wouldn’t eat ‘doom-cake’, why do we ‘doom-scroll’??"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorPresident Trump - "A united Ireland would be a very cool thing"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorPatrick Kielty - "It never gets dark in Kielty Park"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
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…
Brendan O'Connor"When a new Grand Theft Auto comes out many people take a day off work to play it"
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…
Brendan O'Connor"‘Mar-a-Lago Face’ is now being requested from cosmetic doctors"
Author Róisín Kiberd talks botox, beauty standards, steroids and wellness with Dearbhail - topics she considers in her new book ‘The Most Normal Woman: Essays…
Brendan O'ConnorNewspaper Panel
Joining Dearbhail to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Colm O'Gorman, commentator and former executive director of Amnesty International…
Brendan O'Connor"There won't be a dry eye in Croke Park tonight when 'Grace' is sung before Katie's fight"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorBronagh Gallagher - "I met Aretha and told her she was our queen"
Derry woman Bronagh Gallagher tells Dearbhail about growing up in the Troubles and her amazing acting life, including roles in The Commitments, Pulp Fiction…
Brendan O'Connor'Dan Jukes was often described as "like a son" to Nigel Farage'
Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times, updates Dearbhail on the latest scandal involving Nigel Farage, as he addresses Reform UK's party…
Brendan O'ConnorYotam Ottolenghi - "I crush crisps onto my salads for fun!"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorOff-Peak Travel - "A €30 flight jumps up to €250 during midterm break"
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…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: publisher of The Briefing.ie, Liz Carolan; independent economist, David W Higgins…
Brendan O'Connor"How did I go from playing for Ireland to a prison cell?"
Former Irish and Ulster rugby player, Ryan Caldwell, tells Brendan about his descent, from playing professional rugby into drug addiction and prison. Ryan’s…
Brendan O'ConnorA rare clip of Dolly Parton singing with her family
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…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
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”…
Brendan O'ConnorGarron Noone - “I couldn’t leave the house, so they sent me to the priest!”
Comedian and musician Garron Noone joins Brendan to discuss his debut album, his talent for reviewing ‘delicious’ cups of tea, and the crippling agoraphobia…
Brendan O'ConnorIs your routine bad for you?
Chartered Work and Coaching Psychologist, Leisha Redmond McGrath tells Brendan about the benefits, and costs, of having routine. She discusses how gauging our…
Brendan O'ConnorPaul Howard on Irish unity - “A new capital in the bellybutton of Ireland”
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…
Brendan O'ConnorA dermatologist's guide to the only skincare you really need
Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at The Institute of Dermatologists lists the products that we should be using daily on our skin – from…
Brendan O'ConnorSimple quick midweek pastas with Eunice Power
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…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
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…
Brendan O'ConnorJon Ronson - “When men try out vulnerability, women sometimes recoil in horror”
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…
Brendan O'Connor"A white Cadillac pulls up beside Tupac and opens fire"
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…