Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis

Lucy Hawking is a science educator, journalist, documentary maker, campaigner and author. The series of children's books she wrote with her Dad Stephen, ‘George’s Secret Key to the Universe’ was a global hit. Over 400,000 books worldwide translated into 38 languages. Now, she releases a brand new book called ‘Princess Olivia Investigates: The Wrong Weather’ Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast chatted to Lucy about her inspirational and iconic father Stephen and why she continues to campaign for science to a younger audience. And what does spaghetti have to do with a black hole?? Lucy also had a fascinating Ted Talk on Science and Storytelling:

People around the country have definitely started booking off holiday time and many might not exactly know where to go! Travel restrictions are easing. The industry is really bouncing back, outpacing predictions. This has caused some problems too!! See Dublin Airport delays, hospitality staffing issues, price pressures in peak season. However, the need to get a holiday tops everything. Home or abroad. And guess what? We're worth it! (thanks L'Oreal) Irish Independent Travel Editor, Pol O’Conghaile has great ideas for breaks abroad this summer and hot staycation ideas for Ireland. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/04/23112214/POL-O-CONGHAILE-SUMMER-HOLS.mp3"][/audio] EXTRA TIPS FROM POL - Book early, and if you can, around fringes of peak (June/late August) - Have travel insurance (at least 14 days before travel) - Check passports are in date... eek! - You get best protection by booking with an Irish travel agent / tour op - Book airport parking in advance (it's selling out) - Think about extras like car hire, bag charges (half-board can save on food) - Book direct (hotels etc can offer up to 15pc off)   Follow him on Insta:   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Pól Ó Conghaile (@poloconghaile)    

Every year we resurrect ourselves for Easter. But, what's the best way to cook the lamb? And the best dessert? Top Telly chef and farmer foodie favourite Catherine Fulvio tells Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast: [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/04/16120727/TDFM-J9-CATHERINE-FULVIO-FINAL.mp3"][/audio]

When Bridgerton first hit Netflix it was the most streamed show ever before a certain Squid Game came along. It has been a phenomenon and season two kicked off this weekend. Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast had the privilege of taking a promenade walk with members of the cast. Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury) Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton) & Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte) Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton) & Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton)  PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/03/26104100/TDFM-J9-BRIDGERTON-FINAL-ALL-CAST-.mp3"][/audio]

The VHi Women's Mini Marathon 2022 will be emotional. After the last few years being a virtual event this will be the first time since Covid struck that it will finally be live again. Roz Purcell is this year's Ambassador and says that with so many people together for such a positive occasion it is sure to get emotional! Being a hiking hero Roz also tells Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast some top treks for adult groups and families.  JUST PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/03/09112259/TDFM-J9-ROZ-PURCELL-FINAL.mp3"][/audio] Check out Roz and her Hike Life Instagram for fab tips on treks.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by R O Z (@rozannapurcell)

Serena Terry is a true Derry Girl! The Tik-Tok / Instagram superstar has made a playful post of some daily Mum themed comedy sketches into a brilliant book. The creator of viral sensation 'Mammy Banter' spoke to Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast. She talks about imposter syndrome, turning Tik Toks into a book ()it incudes a Derryisms glossary!), dealing with anxiety, solidarity with Mums all over the world, why society has created impossible pressures on parenting and loads more PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN TO CHAT [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/03/05100630/TDFM-J9-SERENA-TERRY-FINAL.mp3"][/audio] Check out her hilarious World Book Day sketch! EVERY parent knows what this is like!     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mammy Banter (@mammybanter) And here is Serena hanging out with fellow Derry Girl and big fan Jamie Lee O'Donnell who plays 'Michelle'   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mammy Banter (@mammybanter)

Homelessness in Ireland has increased by 9% in the last year. In the last 6 months: 5 people became homeless every day 2 children became homeless every day One family became homeless every day One family became homeless every day in the last 6 months.  2,500 CHILDREN are living in emergency accommodation. These are the reasons TodayFM created 'The Big Busk' campaign. CEO Pat Dennigan spoke to Alison Curtis on Weekend Breakfast. Pat said if we can come together as a country and tackle Covid we can tackle homelessness:  PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/02/27110624/PAT-DENNIGAN-FOCUS-IRELAND.mp3"][/audio] Just go to todayfm.com/busk for more on 'The Big Busk' Sign up & sing out for The Big Busk for @FocusIreland on Friday March 11th! 🎤 Buskers will proudly perform live at @IrishRail stations, in their local communities & online, supporting the journey home for people experiencing homelessness Will you join us? 🎸🎵 — Today FM 💛 (@TodayFM) February 21, 2022 Scott is one of the people who have benefited from Focus Ireland. Check out his positive inspiring story here:

The Eagles classic Hotel California clocks in at a whopping 6:30 Just imagine holding your breath for close to that! The pandemic has reshaped a lot of our lives and made us consider many things in work and life. Some of us even gained new talents and none more so than this incredible woman from Waterford. Kathy MacDonald who set 10 new Irish Freediving records including holding her breath underwater for 6 minutes and 12 seconds only starting training in the middle of the pandemic! Kathy spoke to Weekend breakfast from the Cayman Islands. She is training 5 days a week hoping to make Freediving her new profession. PRESS PLAY TO HEAR CHAT [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/02/20133017/KATHY-MACDONALD-FREEDIVER-.mp3"][/audio] Follow Kathy on Instagram @huntertravel

Keith Brymer-Jones has a fabulous story to tell. Most people will know him as the Judge from The Great Pottery Throw Down who gets tearful over terracota! If there a piece of pottery he loves then he has no hesitation in creating an emotional bond. The Channel 4 show hosted by our very own Siobhán McSweeney (Sister Michael in Derry Girls). She broke her leg so Ellie Taylor took over presenting duties this season. Keith joined Weekend Breakfast and told Alison Curtis his amazing story overcoming severe dyslexia, how an art teacher and a ball of clay saved his life and all about The Great Pottery Throw Down. He has a brand new book called 'Boy In A China Shop' out now. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/02/19111642/KEITH-BRYMER-JONES.mp3"][/audio] Here's a supercut of Keith embracing his emotions:

TACOS! Ireland has fallen in love with Mexican food. And nobody knows this better than Lily Ramirez-Foran! She has just published her first book 'TACOS' in Ireland and it already has a fan in Telly chef superstar Nigella Lawson. Lily joined Weekend Breakfast to tell us more about herself, her story and all about Mexican cuisine. PRESS PLAY TO LISTEN TO CHAT [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2022/02/13134754/MEXICAN-CHEF-LILY-RM.mp3"][/audio]   I feel a little overwhelmed with all the great comments and messages. I just love that this is the very first book on Mexican food ever published in Ireland and I got the privilege to write it.   Speechless… and it doesn’t happen to me often 😳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/f8ue3Fbgsd — Lily Ramirez-Foran (@LilyRamirezFora) February 10, 2022