The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 28, 2026 • 11min
Simon Tierney on pre-Castro Cuba
Simon Tierney, journalist who researched pre-revolutionary Cuba, paints a vivid picture of 1950s Havana. He recalls frozen-in-time streets, classic cars and Hollywood glamour. He talks about Batista-era US business ties, casinos and rumoured mob links. He also traces cultural touchstones like Hemingway and vintage travel promos.
Mar 28, 2026 • 16min
Leo Varadkar on life after politics, Irish-US relations & more
Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach now focused on writing, teaching and public speaking. He reflects on life after office and enjoying newfound freedom. He discusses Irish–US relations, concerns about US democracy and midterms. He explores modern security threats like cyber and undersea cables and the challenges facing defence and recruitment.
Mar 28, 2026 • 9min
Boxed with John Fardy - The Pitt
John Fardy, Screen Time presenter and film/TV commentator, previews HBO Max highlights. He introduces The Pit, a real-time medical drama set in Pittsburgh. He outlines the tense ER scenes, key characters like Dr. Robbie and nurse Dana, and touches on medical realism, streaming catalogues, and upcoming TV announcements.
Mar 28, 2026 • 9min
Luke O’Neill on the latest developments in cancer treatment
Luke O’Neill, Professor of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, explains cutting-edge cancer advances. He describes engineered bacteria that eat tumours, how tweaks let them survive changing oxygen levels, and plans for human trials. He also covers personalised RNA vaccines guided by AI, rapid production, striking responses in pets and early human trial successes.
Mar 28, 2026 • 11min
Ben de Pear on the normalisation of war crimes
Ben de Pear, BAFTA-, Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated documentary producer known for Gaza films like For Sama, discusses the normalisation of war crimes. He talks about alleged impunity for strikes, patterns of attacks on hospitals and medical staff, media choices and censorship, and how historical narratives shape accountability. Short, sharp and unflinching.
Mar 28, 2026 • 12min
The state is failing some of its most vulnerable children - what can be done?
Dr Niall Muldoon, Children’s Ombudsman for Ireland who champions children in care, outlines a care system under strain. He discusses unregulated emergency placements and rising use of private residential care. He highlights falling foster numbers, kinship carers lacking legal recognition, social worker turnover, and gaps in aftercare and funding.
Mar 28, 2026 • 9min
Gareth Mullins on cooking with fish
Spring fish cooking ideas for Easter, from crispy panko haddock goujons to roasted sea trout with spring vegetables. Techniques for checking doneness, resting fish and keeping coatings crisp. Air fryer and oven alternatives plus steaming with Asian greens. Quick green egg fried rice and practical tips on mise en place and affordable equipment.
Mar 22, 2026 • 8min
Barra Fitzgibbon on his new play 'Patient: Soldier’
Irishman, Barra Fitzgibbon, came very close to dying during the first weeks of the covid pandemic. He has since turned his experience into a darkly comic play, ‘Patient: Soldier’, that is soon to tour Ireland. He joins Pat to discuss.
Mar 22, 2026 • 14min
How is China outpacing the world across most critical innovation fields?
China is rapidly emerging as a global technology superpower, outpacing the United States across most critical innovation fields. From AI and robotics to batteries and quantum communication, state-backed investment and strategic planning are driving an unprecedented surge in scientific output and industrial capability. Joining Pat to discuss is Denis Staunton, China correspondent of The Irish Times.
Mar 22, 2026 • 16min
What could a World Cup hosted by Donald Trump look like?
The country is bracing itself for two games in the next ten days that could see the Irish men's soccer team qualify for June’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. If the team does make it, what would a tournament hosted by Donald Trump look like? Joining Pat to discuss is Jonathan Wilson, Sportswriter with The Guardian and author of The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup.
