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
Dec 4, 2025 • 13min
Australia to introduce age restrictions on social media
David Robert Grimes, an author and disinformation expert, dives into Australia’s groundbreaking decision to ban social media accounts for those under 16. He discusses the challenges of age verification, the public health framing of the law, and the mix of support and backlash from parents and teenagers. Grimes also highlights global interest in this initiative and outlines potential comparisons to public health laws like those governing alcohol and smoking. The conversation shifts to issues in the U.S. regarding vaccine misinformation and controversial CDC appointments.
Dec 4, 2025 • 11min
Is “new year, new career” really a good decision?
Donal O'Donoghue, Managing Director at Sanderson Recruitment, shares his insights on the complexities of a career change in a challenging job market. He emphasizes cautious considerations around moving jobs, especially regarding redundancy and lost protections. O'Donoghue discusses AI's evolving role in recruitment, highlighting benefits like interview practice tools but warns against over-reliance that could lead to mismatches. He also addresses midlife career shifts and stresses the importance of upskilling and understanding labor market dynamics.
Dec 4, 2025 • 12min
Talks between us and Ukraine resume today
Denis Staunton, the China correspondent for the Irish Times and author of the Daily Global Briefing, offers keen insights into the resumption of talks between the US and Ukraine. He discusses Putin’s visit to India and its significance for long-standing ties. The conversation explores India’s arms reliance on Russia and the complexities of energy economics due to US sanctions. Staunton also highlights China's ambiguous neutrality, Macron's peace efforts in China, and the implications of aging leadership on future geopolitical dynamics.
Dec 3, 2025 • 9min
Gardening Stories: La Majorelle an iconic garden in Marakaecch
Jacques Majorelle grew up in the soft industrial light of Nancy in north eastern France, the son of Louis Majorelle, a celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer.Young Jacques was supposed to follow a respectable path into architecture, but painting pulled more strongly. He studied at the École des Beaux Arts in Nancy, then at the Académie Julian in Paris, and began to exhibit as a promising Orientalist painter. The world he painted, however, was not yet his own. Then, illness and chance carried him south, across the Mediterranean, to Morocco.Diarmuid Gavin tells us about the La Majorelle, an iconic garden in Marakaecch.
Dec 3, 2025 • 13min
How does money flow throughout the Premier League?
With player salaries, Saudi investment and commercial licensing, the premier league deals with an astronomical amount of revenue every year. Recently, premier league clubs have agreed a new set of financial regulations to replace the divisive profit and sustainability rules (psr) with a new squad cost ratio system, but how does it work? and, how does the money flow down throughout clubs? All to discuss with Kieran Maguire, Lecturer in Football Finance at University of Liverpool. Author of ‘The Price of Football’.
Dec 3, 2025 • 19min
Are we witnessing the fall of the Kennedy dynasty?
The Kennedy dynasty is the equivalent of American royalty. From presidents to wealthy philanthropists, the Kennedys have left their mark on every part of American society. But what does the Kennedy reputation look like today? Joining Pat on this was Larry Donnelly, NUIG law lecturer and columnist with the journal.ie.
Dec 3, 2025 • 8min
Inside Hollywood: Why Santa on Film Matters!
This week on Inside Hollywood, Why Santa on Film Matters. Santa Claus has appeared in more than a hundred films, but only a handful have shaped the global image of who he is: jolly, generous, slightly mischievous, and always arriving just in time with a sleigh full of hope. Movie Santas carry a responsibility they must be real enough for children, nostalgic enough for adults, and magical enough for everyone in between.All to chat about with Lisa Cannon, Head of Studio, DMG Media.
Dec 3, 2025 • 14min
Should we have a four day school week?
Campaigners in the UK have urged ministers there to allow schools to pilot a four day work week in order to tackle worsening teacher burnout and recruitment and retention issues. The 4 Day Week Foundation says it’s not about doing less, but doing work smarter to ensure staff wellbeing. So should it be done here too?Pat spoke to James Reeves, Campaign Manager, 4 Day Week Foundation and Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal, St Munchin’s College.
Dec 3, 2025 • 20min
Volodymyr Zelensky's whirlwind visit to Ireland
Volodymyr Zelensky's whirlwind visit to Ireland is coming to a close. Yesterday he met with President Catherine Connolly before delivering his very first in-person address to the Oireachtas, thanking the Irish people for their continued support. We look back on visit and discuss the ongoing peace talks with Sean Defoe, Newstalk political correspondent and host of the Let Me Explain podcast and also Donnacha O Beacháin, professor of politics at DCU and author of Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad.
Dec 3, 2025 • 8min
A wheat plant capable of producing its own fertiliser
Scientists have discovered that consuming food and drink that is high in flavanols may lead to increase vascular health over prolonged periods of sitting regardless of fitness levels. This in turn can decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems including heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. Also Scientists have created a wheat plant capable of producing its own fertiliser. All to chat with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.
