The Last Word with Matt Cooper

A Russian court has rejected an appeal by the US basketball player Brittney Griner against her nine-year prison sentence for possession of drugs. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone discuss this and more in our weekly US slot. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

When Richard's beloved wife Joan died in 2021 after almost four decades of marriage, she set him a challenge: to find a pocketful of happiness in every day. The result of that challenge is a memoir, reflecting on the personal and professional life of the Oscar-nominated actor. Richard joined Matt in studio to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This weekend saw Taylor Swift and Arctic Monkeys battle it out on the charts following the release of their new records. What do John Caddell and Dee Reddy have the say about these high-profile albums? Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New treatment guidelines that redefine obesity care have been launched with the support of doctors, patient groups and the HSE. The guidelines move away from obesity being a ‘lifestyle illness’ to recognising that obesity is a disease driven by complex factors. Professor Dónal O'Shea is HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joined Matt to discuss what these new guidelines mean for patients and doctors. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

‘Life Begins In Leitrim : From Kurdistan to Croke Park’ is Zak Moradi’s autobiography. The former intercounty hurler tells his story of being born in a refugee camp and how he and his family ended up travelling from Iraq to Carrick-on-Shannon, and then settled in Tallaght. The book has been nominated in the Best Irish Sports Book category at the 2022 An Post Irish Book Awards, and Zak joined Matt in studio to discuss it. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Due to the nature of it's storytelling, Netflix's hit show The Crown will now carry a 'fictionalised' disclaimer. Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

University College Cork will take on the archive of the late actor Richard Harris. The Limerick born actor was one of the first great Irish movie superstars from his breakthrough role in ‘The Sporting Life’ to his much-loved performance in the first two Harry Potter films. The donation to UCC has been made by the Harris family. Richard’s son, ‘Mad Men’ actor Jared Harris, joins Matt to discuss this new collection and the legacy of his father. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Malaga airport is frequented by millions of international visitors each year, but most use it as a gateway to stay in beach resorts on the Costa del Sol. However, the city itself is vibrant with lots to do and see. Sarah Slattery joined Matt to give her guide for visiting the Malaga city. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Given the extent of the current climate and energy crisis, Engineers Ireland have called on the Government to reconsider the legislative ban on generating nuclear energy. John Gibbons discusses this and other issues. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

After just 45 days in Number 10, Liz Truss has stepped down - becoming the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history. What happened in the 24 hours leading to her resignation and where does this leave the British government? Rachel Cunliffe, Senior Associate Editor of New Statesman and Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC join us to discuss.