Brendan O'Connor

Richie Sadlier, former pro footballer turned psychotherapist and sports analyst, known for work on masculinity, consent, addiction and mental health. He talks about music that shaped his life, the drinking culture and a career-ending injury that led to substance use, raw grief and recovery, and his LetsTalkSPHE programme supporting schools.

Brian Lloyd, entertainment journalist and Screenland Podcast host, shares film and TV picks and sharp commentary. Henrietta McKervey, writer and entertainment commentator, offers recommendations and analysis. They chat quick takes on Project Hail Mary, The Other Bennett Sister, The Hard Acres, Theatre Camp, Arco and Last One Laughing UK in a lively roundup of what to watch next.

Declan Power, a security and defence analyst; Brid Smith, a Ballyfermot community activist and former TD; Louise Burne, an Irish Examiner political correspondent; and Dan O’Brien, chief economist, discuss front-page headlines. They cover a controversial house demolition, Taoiseach’s US visit, Iran and military escalation risks, energy support dilemmas, targeted help versus broad cuts, cyberbullying and rising online misogyny, plus a sport morale boost.

Jen Gannon, culture journalist and TV critic, unpacks the Disney+ drama about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. She discusses why the story fascinates, the backlash from real people like Daryl Hannah and family members, and Ryan Murphy’s pattern of fictionalising recent events. Short takes on 1990s nostalgia, public image and the ethics of dramatizing living figures.

Carrie Crowley, actress and broadcaster who grew up sea-swimming in Waterford and Donegal, talks about her passion for cold-water dips. She describes the immediate uplift and spiritual pull of immersion. Conversation covers community and healing at the shore, simple kit and warming routines, safety around rips and tides, and tips for starting and staying consistent.

John Banville, Booker Prize–winning novelist who also writes crime under the name Benjamin Black, reflects on Christie, Chandler and Simenon and why genre labels irritate him. He discusses Christine Falls’ 1950s mood, memory and social realities. He talks about ageing, insomnia, caregiving and how humble household items can unexpectedly trigger deep sorrow.

Liz Carolan, publisher of TheBriefing.ie and commentator on media and current affairs, explains online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. She covers how they work as yes/no peer-to-peer betting platforms. She discusses anonymous crypto bets, spikes that suggest insider information, and the military, legal and regulatory risks these markets raise.

Darina Allen, chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, shares her love of simple, quality cooking. She recalls learning risotto from Marcella Hazan. She explains rice varieties, key techniques like coating rice in butter and ladle-by-ladle stock, stirring for creaminess, testing for slight bite, and using leftovers for arancini.

Dr Richard Hogan, psychotherapist and columnist focused on mental health and relationships. He explores why guilt and shame are so pervasive, how they evolved as social repair systems, and how culture and institutions magnify them. He explains the difference between guilt and shame, practical ways to reduce rumination, support partners and children, and the healing role of disclosure and humour.

Tony O'Donoghue, RTÉ soccer correspondent with years covering major football events, revisits 'Troy Parrott Week' and previews a huge World Cup qualifier. He recounts Parrott's standout performances and emotional post-match interviews. He also discusses injury worries, club form and the logistics of getting players back for the Prague clash, plus the passionate Irish fan presence.