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
Jan 23, 2026 • 10min
Ireland’s first Winter Olympics
It’s just over two weeks until the 2026 Winter Olympic Games get underway in Milano-Cortina in Italy. The Team Ireland contingent is yet to be revealed, for what will be their ninth appearance at the Winter Games. Ireland’s debut at the Games in 1992 is a fascinating story, all starting with a note left taped to a boat at the Henley Regatta. Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill can tell us more.
Jan 22, 2026 • 8min
Boxed With John Fardy:
John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime reviews the His & Hers is the new Netflix mystery thriller on this week's Boxed.
Jan 22, 2026 • 21min
Off the scales:The Inside Story Of Ozempic And The Race To Cure Obesity
With so much talk about the use of weight loss drugs, what is the origin of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic drug? Aimee Donnellan Columnist with Reuters has charted the development of Ozempic in her new book Off the scales: The inside Story Of Ozempic And The Race To Cure Obesity.
Jan 22, 2026 • 12min
Your place in the family doesn't define who you are!
Are you the youngest, middle or eldest child? It turns out your place in the family doesn't define who you are. Researchers are calling it "The Birth Order Hoax." Middle child Henry McKean has been taking a closer look and he sent us this report.
Jan 22, 2026 • 5min
Positive thinking could boost immune response to vaccines
Positive thoughts may boost the immune system according to research that points to a connection between the mind and our body’s natural defences. Scientists have found people who used positive thinking to boost activity in the brain’s reward system responded better to vaccination, with their immune systems producing more antibodies than others after having the shot. Prof Luke O'Neill brings us the details of this research.
Jan 22, 2026 • 16min
Will data centres be the cause of an electricity shortage?
Ireland is in danger of facing an electricity shortage event in the next two to five years due to the rapid energy demand. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities published a new plan outlining how data centres are the primary source of the demand. But is there time to prepare for this? To discuss further Pat was joined on the show by Eamonn O’Reilly, Chairman of the Energy and Climate Action Committee at the Irish Academy of Engineering and also Dr Muireann Lynch senior research officer at the ESRI.
Jan 22, 2026 • 5min
The green habits you can implement in 2026
A study by Strava, the fitness App, found that most resolutions die off on Jan 19th! According to a 2023 Forbes Health and One Poll survey, the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months. So what are the green habits you can implement and keep in 2026 and beyond. To tell us more was Jo Linehan, Climate and Sustainability Journalist.
Jan 22, 2026 • 13min
Are we turning away from tapping in favour of cash?
What does a cashless bank really mean and who wins, and who loses when cash disappears? All to chat about with Paul Merriman, CEO Fairstone and Ask Paul online.
Jan 22, 2026 • 21min
President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum
US President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday in a speech which confused Greenland for Iceland multiple times and contained many other errors. We discussed what took place at Davos with Sam Kiley, World Affairs Editor, The Independent.
Jan 21, 2026 • 11min
Snowdrops, the harbinger of spring, symbol of hope!
Snowdrops, the harbinger of spring, symbol of hope and that winter is finally ending. It is the favourite plant of Paul Smyth Head Gardener at RHSI Bellefield, Shinrone, Co Offaly.
