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'ConnorDiscover the Coolcation
With temperatures hitting all-time highs across Europe this summer, holidaymakers are seeking cooler climates. Sarah Slattery from The Travel Expert.ie tells…
Brendan O'ConnorFrances Black - “A Woman’s Heart was the inspiration for the Spice Girls!”
Singer, activist, and independent senator Frances Black joins Claire for My Life in Five Songs. From Bill Withers to Beginish. She talks about growing up in a…
Brendan O'ConnorLuke Combs at Slane - “Ordinary is the appeal”
As Luke Combs takes to the stage at Slane Castle for his first of two sold out shows tonight, country singer and country radio host, Clodagh Lawlor tells…
Brendan O'ConnorSensational Strawberries with Neven Maguire
As we hit peak berry season, MacNean House and Restaurant owner, chef Neven Maguire joins Claire to share some versatile strawberry recipes from the savoury to…
Brendan O'Connor“Don’t be afraid of your home” - Getting to Know Your House
Martin Glynn from the DIY Academy shares his advice about common household concerns, bleeding radiators, simple plumbing, avoiding electrics and when to call…
Brendan O'Connor“I want to make the women of Ireland safer” - Leona Mackin
Mother of two Leona Macken is living with incurable Stage Four Cervical Cancer. She talks to Claire about receiving an apology and settlement from the HSE…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the newspapers are: Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, Social Democrats Candidate in recent Galway West by-election; Tanya Ward, Chief…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Zara Hedderman, Culture Journalist and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision…
Brendan O'Connor“Crying shows us what really matters to us” - The Power of Crying with Dr Tony Bates
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tony Bates, talks about why we cry in sad or beautiful moments. He also explains the power of tears, their release effect, why people…
Brendan O'Connor“‘The Queue’ at Wimbledon is now a social media sensation in its own right”
Christine Bohan, tennis fan and Deputy Editor of TheJournal.ie explains why Wimbledon has something for everyone nowadays, whether they’re a tennis fan or not…
Brendan O'ConnorDarina Allen - "Your oven should never be moody”
Darina Allen, Chef and Founder of the Ballymaloe Cookery School joins Brendan as a cookery agony aunt, solving common kitchen issues. She explains the…
Brendan O'ConnorMary Kennedy - “I’m at an age now where I don’t care what people think of me”
Broadcaster Mary Kennedy charts her life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from ‘Frankie and Johnny’ to ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade” to her…
Brendan O'ConnorMinding Yourself In The Heat with Dr Colm Henry
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE has advice on managing the hotter days of summer. He has practical tips around staying cool, sleeping…
Brendan O'ConnorWhy Buying Refurbished Tech saves money and the planet
Colin Baker, CEO of Back To The Future, explains why a refurbished laptop or computer might actually be a smarter purchase than a brand-new machine. He…
Brendan O'ConnorYour Summer Dilemmas with Dr Richard Hogan
Summer can be a stressful time for some. Changes in routine, high expectations, changes in your environment and loneliness. Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan…
Brendan O'Connor“Breadcrumbing is where the man isn’t giving you the full loaf of bread!”
Freelance journalist Édaein O’Connell takes a look at new dating trends like ‘wildflowering’, ‘chalant dating’, ‘communal vetting’ and ‘sunset clauses’. She…
Brendan O'ConnorHow to Pack the Perfect Holiday Suitcase
Fashion stylist and personal shopper, Cathy O’Connor, joins Brendan with some top tips on holiday packing. She has strategies for organising your clothes…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD, Lisa Chambers…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphreys…
Brendan O'Connor“Choose Life” - The Trainspotting Soundtrack turns 30
Musician and broadcaster, Tom Dunne, joins Brendan to celebrate the iconic soundtrack from Danny Boyle’s 1996 hit film Trainspotting. The album included songs…
Brendan O'ConnorCape Verde’s World Cup Heroics: “It’s been a fairytale, but not an overnight success”
Judie Lopes, mother of Crumlin-born Cape Verde defender – and Shamrock Rovers’ captain – Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes tells Brendan about the biggest game in her son’s…
Brendan O'ConnorEnda Walsh: “Bowie told me he was sick – he wanted to leave on his own terms”
The multi award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Enda Walsh – whose film credits include ‘Disco Pigs’, ‘Hunger’ and ‘Small Things Like These’ - joins…
Brendan O'ConnorNiall Moyna: “Within four hours of this treatment, 18,000 bio-molecules are produced in your body”
Niall Moyna, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology from the School of Health and Human Performance in DCU, explains how that heart attack at age 60 could…
Brendan O'ConnorShellfish masterclass: “Irish people always think seafood will kill us. But it's very safe now”
Chef and Owner of the Seafood Café and CEO of Sustainable Seafood Ireland, Niall Sabongi, tells Brendan how to get the best out of crabs, lobster, clams and…
Brendan O'ConnorSummer Holiday Book Recommendations “It’s Sinead’s memoir, and she’s reading it – it’s very intimate”
Looking for some great books for your summer holidays? Broadcaster Bryan Dobson, author Emer McLysaght, and actor Jason O’Mara all join Brendan to discuss what…
Brendan O'ConnorConversations To Have With Your Parents Before They Die
Writer Ann Ingle and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry in Trinity College Dublin, talk about the important conversations to have with your parents…
Brendan O'ConnorNewspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Liz Carolan, publisher of TheBriefing.ie; Economist, David W. Higgins; Mick Clifford…
Brendan O'ConnorThe Watchlist
Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are Nadine O’Regan, Features Writer with the Irish Times and Michael Doherty, Movie Editor of the…
Brendan O'ConnorWedding bells in Madison Square Garden for Taylor Swift?
It’s reported Taylor Swift has booked out Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden next weekend. Is it for her wedding? Would she really get married in a windowless…
Brendan O'ConnorAnn Lane - “People started dying, the Captain told us it was Hantavirus”
Irishwoman Ann Lane was on board the MV Hondius on which three people died from Hantavirus infection. Ann came out of her isolation period this week and tells…
Brendan O'ConnorDo you need an LED face mask? - Prof Caitriona Ryan
LED Facemasks are all the rage at the moment, but what are their benefits and what are the other skincare gadgets on the market and do they actually work?…
Brendan O'ConnorEnda Wyley – Poems for Summer
Poet Enda Wyley has selected some seasonal poems to read that complement the weather and the summer. Poems such as ‘This Morning’ by Moya Cannon; ‘Inniskeen’…
Brendan O'Connor“Dot cakes are dopamine baking!”
Caryna Camerino, from the Camerino Bakery, tells Brendan how to make the viral dot cake, and why this cake-in-a-cup has become such a hit with the next…
Brendan O'Connor“Having a son with special needs introduces you to so many everyday heroes” - writer, Ian Rankin
Novelist, Ian Rankin talks to Brendan about the story of his life through the prism of five songs that have a special meaning for him. He talks about his son…
Brendan O'ConnorMark Little: ‘Technology doesn’t have a moral compass – WE need to rein it in and to push for that!’
Entrepreneur and journalist, Mark Little, joins Brendan to reflect on the AI hype cycle, the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech companies, and…
- Brendan O'Connor
Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are director of stroke services, at Tallaght Hospital, Professor Rónán Collins; political…
- Brendan O'Connor
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are podcast hosts Sarina Bellissimo, of ‘The Bellissimo Files’, and Dave O’Callaghan, of ‘There…
Brendan O'ConnorThe enduring appeal of Nora Ephron
Author Edel Coffey joins Brendan to discuss the enduring wit and insight of author Nora Ephron, best remembered as the writer of iconic rom-coms: ‘When Harry…
Brendan O'ConnorAdam Harris: Why I’m leaving ‘AsIAm’...
Adam Harris, CEO of autism charity, AsIAm, joins Brendan to explain why he’s moving on from the charity he founded, to become the CEO for Social Entrepreneurs…
Brendan O'ConnorDaniel Wiffen: “I’ll never replicate the joy of a really tough training session”
Ireland’s most successful male swimmer ever, Daniel Wiffen joins Brendan to discuss his path to Olympic victory, his training regime and the music that gets…
Brendan O'ConnorFinancial Cultures: avoiding the social pressure to overspend
Certified Financial Planner, Leah McMahon joins Brendan to discuss the financial cultures in different groups. How do you navigate a meal out, hen party, or…
Brendan O'ConnorRoddy Collins, Mary Coughlan, Kyla Cobbler & more - Advice for the Class of 2026
As the 2026 Leaving Cert class finish their exams, Brendan gets some words of wisdom on navigating adulthood, from singer Mary Coughlan; former footballer…
Brendan O'ConnorSprucing up your packed lunch
Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, or sending your kids off to summer camp, Chef Shane Smith joins Brendan to discuss some delicious – and safe – ways to…
- Brendan O'Connor
Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Mary Regan, Political Editor, Irish Independent & Sunday Independent; Alan Barrett…
Brendan O'ConnorPatrick Freyne -“There’s a beauty in accepting that you’re probably just average”
Irish Times Writer Patrick Freyne has written his first novel, ‘Experts In A Dying Field’. He talks to Brendan about identifying as a yuppie in his youth, his…
- Brendan O'Connor
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are writer, Henrietta McKervey and producer, Eoin Sweeney. They discuss Spielberg’s Disclosure…
Brendan O'ConnorThe rise of the Naked Nail
Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell explains the trickle-down effect of top influencers and catwalk shows abandoning gel manicures in favour of a return to a…
Brendan O'ConnorCiara Mageean - “If I’m going to die, I’m going to fit in as much living as possible now”
Olympian Ciara Mageean spent her career representing Ireland and Northern Ireland, including a Gold at the 1500m European Championships in 2024, a year before…
Brendan O'ConnorIrish priest and spiritual advisor to Anthropic reacts to U.S. ban on foreign use
Fr. Brendan McGuire, AI advisor to the Pope and sometimes spiritual advisor to Anthropic, gives his take as Anthropic halts access to top AI models following a…
Brendan O'ConnorSalman Rushdie - “It wasn’t true, I never lived in Bono’s back garden!”
Booker Prize-winning author, Salman Rushdie, talked to Brendan about recovering from a knife attack which saw him lose his right eye, how laughter helped in…
Brendan O'ConnorStefanie Preissner’s Father’s Day Gift Guide
Writer and broadcaster Stefanie Preissner is back with one of her, by now, legendary gift guides. This time it’s ideas for buying for your father. She’s…
Brendan O'Connor“Porridge with chocolate milk? Yes! Change up the liquids you use!”
Chef and Instagrammer Alannah Sheehan gives ideas and recipes on jazzing up your daily porridge, how to make porridge bread and also a recipe for a healthy and…
Brendan O'ConnorElvis Costello: “This is my face – there's nothing I can do about it!”
It’s fifty years since Declan Patrick MacManus burst on to the music scene as Elvis Costello. Ahead of a visit to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens for a concert on July…
- Brendan O'Connor
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the big stories in Sunday’s newspapers are consultant in paediatric intensive care at CHI Crumlin, Dr Suzanne Crowe; head of the…
- Brendan O'Connor
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to discuss the week’s film and TV highlights are broadcaster, Fionnuala Jones and Andy McCarroll, host of the Extra Vision Podcast. They…
Brendan O'Connor“It felt like a secret world, with music from another planet” - The Pretty in Pink soundtrack at 40
Musician and broadcaster, Tom Dunne joins Brendan to mark the fortieth anniversary of the brat-pack comedy, ‘Pretty in Pink’ - and the iconic soundtrack album…
Brendan O'ConnorAuthor, Elizabeth Strout: “A marriage can be a lonely place”
Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Elizabeth Strout, joined Brendan to talk about contemporary life in the US, loneliness within marriages, and her latest novel…
Brendan O'ConnorGreenways: “Cycling is about much more than getting from A to B”
Stress-free summertime hosting
Brendan O'ConnorMasterchef’s Anna Haugh: “Appalling treatment of restaurant staff makes my blood boil”
Host of BBC Masterchef, and owner of Myrtle restaurant, chef Anna Haugh talks to Brendan about unacceptable behaviour in restaurant kitchens, her first season…
Brendan O'ConnorRichard Hogan: “Too many feel their boundaries should never be breached”
Psychotherapist Richard Hogan joins Brendan to talk about boundaries: teaching people how to treat you, putting down boundaries within your family and dealing…