Brendan O'Connor
RTÉ Radio 1
Brendan O'Connor has all you need for the weekend with time to pause and reflect on the week just gone. Featuring a selection of human interest, consumer and lifestyle stories, as well as keeping you up to date on the news stories that matter. Listen live Saturday and Sunday at 11am - 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 31, 2026 • 29min
"If your child is silent, but gasping like a fish, they're choking" - Dr. Niamh Lynch
Paediatric consultant and mother of two. Dr Niamh Lynch, joins Brendan to discuss her new book 'Should I be worried?' - a stage-by-stage guide to help new parents navigate the early years of their child's life. Brendan and Niamh chat about everyday illnesses but also discuss serious scenarios like choking, poisoning and sepsis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 31, 2026 • 47min
Katie Taylor - "Being a stepmother has been a blessing, but it's definitely a challenge!"
Olympic Gold Medal winning boxer Katie Taylor joins Brendan to talk about her childhood, her ground-breaking career, what she hates about professional boxing, her real relationship with her father and the joys of being a stepmother. Katie also picks five songs that have marked the chapters of her life including tracks by The Spice Girls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 31, 2026 • 10min
"My pet snake merely tolerates me!" - Collie Ennis
Trinity College Dublin's biodiversity officer, Collie Ennis talks to Brendan about his pet boa constrictor, how snakes go about eating their prey and why the most successful predators on the planet have fascinated him all his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 31, 2026 • 5min
Flooding Update with Marc O'Driscoll
RTÉ's South East correspondent, Marc O'Driscoll joins Brendan with the latest on flooding across region. While the worst was avoided overnight, concerns remain as rivers continue to swell, with more rain forecast on Bank Holiday Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 31, 2026 • 9min
"My favourite ingredient" - Domini Kemp on Eggy breakfasts
Chef and restauranteur, Domini Kemp gives Brendan a tutorial on one of her favourite foods; eggs. From how to boil an egg, to a frittata that uses up whatever's in the fridge, Domini shares her go-to recipes for tasty breakfasts and brunchesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 25, 2026 • 55min
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss this week’s Sunday Newspapers are: Louise Bayliss, from the Society of St Vincent De Paul; Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics, DCU; Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA Media; and Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant, Irish Times columnist and former Government advisor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 25, 2026 • 13min
The Watchlist
Brendan talks through the latest highlights on the big and small screen with Nadine O’Regan, Irish Times arts journalist and Brian Lloyd, freelance entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 25, 2026 • 11min
Marty Whelan - “Phil Collins was a huge influence on my drumming”
As Phil Collins turns 75, broadcasting [and fellow drumming] legend Marty Whelan reflects on his life and musical career: spanning Phil Collins’ Genesis years from, to going solo and his current health struggles. Marty explains why playing drums on ‘In The Air Tonight’ with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in 2024 was one of Marty’s career highlights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 25, 2026 • 25min
‘I was spending 17 hours a day on my phone’
Sophie Hynes (19), Natasha Maimba (24) and Kai Brosnan (26) explain how they coped this week when they did a digital detox giving up social media, Google Maps and Spotify - going from FOMO to sleeping better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 24, 2026 • 27min
“Johnny Cash and June Carter, my parents, knew both love and addiction”
John Carter Cash, musician and son of Johnny Cash and June Carter, helps preserve his parents' legacy. He shares stories about their love, struggles with addiction, the ostrich injury that reignited painkiller use, and Johnny's 1980s career slump. He also recounts Bono and U2's Dublin moment and Rick Rubin's stripped-back revival that led to the acclaimed American recordings.
