The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Political commentator Cal Thomas and journalist Marion McKeone discuss the push for gun legislation in the US after the Uvalde tragedy. They explore perspectives on gun violence, regulations, American gun culture, Second Amendment, police response failures, calls for investigation, accountability in school shooting incident, and Donald Trump's behavior and US-Ukraine-Russia relations.

Author Nick Duerden discusses the struggles of popstars after fame, the reinvention of 1980s pop stars, and the challenges faced by musicians in the music industry, highlighting the importance of creative autonomy and personal well-being.

John Caddell, Dee Reddy, and Amanda Ferguson discuss how 'Stranger Things' boosts Kate Bush's chart success. They explore the influence of TV on music revivals, ABBA's holographic concert, Prince's iconic concert release, and the legacy of Andy Fletcher from Depeche Mode.

Football pundit Mark Lawrenson and sports journalist Miguel Delaney discuss the need for a reboot at Liverpool following their Champions League defeat. They touch on issues faced by fans, security concerns, player strategies, and Jurgen Klopp's managerial future.

TV enthusiast Joe and entertainment insider Jenn discuss the end of Claire Byrne Live, the Late Late show's 60th birthday, and Danny Boyle's latest venture on Disney Plus. They dive into RT's struggles with weekend politics, TV shows' challenges, the evolution of the Late Late Show, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Borgen TV series, and the 'Pistol' series based on Steve Jones and the Sex Pistols.

Airport spokesperson Kevin Cullinane and aviation expert Ruth Andrews discuss the chaos at Dublin Airport with 1,000 passengers missing flights. They analyze the shortage of security staff, impact of the pandemic, high job applicants, delays in baggage retrieval, and recommendations for improving passenger experience.

Travel expert Sarah Slattery discusses the latest trends in cruise travel, highlighting the luxurious amenities and diverse dining options on ships like the Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas and the upscale experience offered by the Celebrity Beyond. The conversation also delves into the benefits and costs of luxury cruise trips, including insights on organizing off-boat excursions and the value of all-inclusive packages.

Geraldine Herbert discusses the impact of high car hire costs on Irish tourism. The podcast delves into reasons for expensive car rentals in Ireland compared to other European cities like Malaga. It also explores the effects of the global chip shortage on car hire costs and provides tips for tourists to navigate the high prices and limited availability.

Author Colum McCann and security expert Lee Keylock discuss the complexity of gun rights and control in the wake of school shootings, emphasizing the role of empathy and storytelling to address underlying issues. They reflect on the grief and unity needed after tragic events like Sandy Hook, confronting conspiracy theories that perpetuate pain. The impact and psychology of school shootings are explored, advocating for stronger human connections to prevent such tragedies while questioning societal attachment to gun ownership.

Journalist Aoife Barry and media personality Eoghan Tomás McDermott discuss passport delays, diversity in An Garda Síochána, controversy around Ricky Gervais, and the passing of actor Ray Liotta on a trending topics podcast.