Brendan O'Connor

Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell explains why certain older songs such as New Radicals’ ‘Get What You Give’, Aphex Twin’s ‘QKThr’ and Enya’s ‘Orinoco Flow’ are resonating with Gen Z and Gen Alpha and having a renaissance on TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months after she dramatically quit the race for the Irish Presidency, former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael MEP, Mairéad McGuinness, tells Brendan about the severe post viral syndrome that forced her to withdraw. She also opens up about bereavement, menopause, and gave analysis of global political events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener writes a letter telling Brendan of a secret love affair in his 20s with another man. Despite being married now with grown up children, he says he still hopes they will meet again and wonders what "their endgame would be". He was prompted to share his story after watching the hugely popular TV show Heated Rivalry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Cafe talks Brendan through making takeaway food at home. She has delicious recipes for homemade loaded fries and fish tacos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neuroscientist Brian Pennie once had a near death experience as a heroin addict. He now has a countdown calendar in his kitchen where he marks off the weeks he has left on this earth. He explains why reflecting on the motto, ‘Memento Mori’/’Remember That You Will Die’ helps you live life more intentionally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Butcher Boy’ author, Pat McCabe, has just been announced as the 2026 IPUT Writer-in-Residence. He talks Brendan through his early Monaghan days, his writing career and the joy of being a grandfather through the prism of five songs from Brian Coll to Skid Row to Gilbert O’Sullivan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star of 'Weekend at Bernie's' and 'Pretty in Pink', Andrew McCarthy talks to Brendan about his career as a Brat Pack star, and TV director. He also discusses the death of his parents, meeting his Irish wife, his long relationship with Ireland, and his first theatre role in 20 years, in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' at The Gaiety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday Newspapers are former Fine Gael TD for Waterford, John Deasy; Political Correspondent at The Irish Examiner, Louise Burne; Professor of International Relations at UCD, Ben Tonra; Director and Co-Founder at Fenton-Fitzwilliam, Lorna Fitzpatrick; and White House Columnist with The Hill, Niall Stanage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Ireland's opening Six Nations match against reigning champions France this Thursday, Brendan is joined by sports reporter Jacqui Hurley. She talks through the injury concerns, squad depth, and the relative experience of the two teams and which nation is best poised to win the overall tournament in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan previews the best films and TV shows coming to a screen near you, with Business Post film critic, John Maguire and freelance culture journalist, Zara Hedderman. Their choices include 'These Sacred Vows', 'The Muppet Show' and 'Is This Thing On?'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.