Brendan O'Connor

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.

Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, speaks on social impacts in news. Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway, provides legal and constitutional perspective. David Quinn, Iona Institute CEO and commentator, offers social and ethical commentary. Aisling Moloney, political reporter at the Irish Independent, brings reporting-driven analysis. They discuss the Taoiseach’s US visit, diplomatic choreography, Iran and regional security, US politics and economic fallout.

Édaein O'Connell, a Kerry freelance journalist who wrote about losing her mother, shares her warm, funny and complex memories. She talks about daily routines they treasured, the shock of a sudden illness and difficult medical choices. She reflects on grief’s physical surprises, small comforting signs and how family roles shifted after the loss.

Michael Doherty, RTÉ Guide movies editor, offers sharp film and TV picks. Aifric O'Connell, broadcaster and commentator, shares lively recommendations. They chat Oscars and Irish contenders. They preview Dancing with the Stars finale. They discuss Nicole Kidman in Scarpetta, Louis Theroux’s Manosphere piece, new documentaries including Moore Street and Turbulence, and standout series and films to watch.

Ed Guiney, CEO of Element Pictures and producer of Room, The Favourite and Normal People, shares Hollywood prep and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. He talks Oscar week networking, the logistics of Oscar morning and car queues, Element’s awards track record and why Irish filmmaking is booming. He also discusses offbeat films like Bugonia and long-term creative partnerships.