Newstalk Weekend

A familiar face on Channel 4’s longest-runninggame show, Countdown, and its comedic spin-off ‘8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’; Susie Dent has made a name for herself as a word expert. She joins Anton to chat about her career and her new book ‘Words for Life: To Boost Every Day of the Year'.

Joining Anton for this week's installment of Ask the Expert is Dr. Eleanor Galvin.

In recent months, Ireland’s defense posture has come under renewed scrutiny, from concerns about our capacity to monitor our own airspace to wider questions about how prepared we are for emerging geopolitical threats. Anton takes a closer look at what Ireland’s vulnerabilities actually are, why they matter, and what kind of response is realistically required. Joining Anton is Stephen Collins, columnist and former political editor of The Irish Times; Cathal Berry, former Independent TD and former Commandant in the Army Ranger Wing; and Raluca Saceanu, CEO of Smartech247.

Éanna Ní Lamhna, an Irish biologist and wildlife specialist, shares fascinating insights into winter wildlife behavior. She explains how animals, like the Brent geese, migrate to Ireland and emphasizes the intelligence of crows using tools. Discover the quirks of female reindeer retaining their antlers, and the creative blue tits that peck milk bottles for cream. Éanna also advises on helping injured crows and highlights the cautious instincts of squirrels in the face of predators. A treasure trove of animal wisdom awaits!

Joining Anton to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor at the Irish Times & Noelle O’Connell, Outgoing CEO of European Movement Ireland.

Ireland is the latest country impacted by the rise in high-potency MDMA in the European market, with the HSE issuing a statement confirming that small pills can inflict significant damage when taken. Prof Eamon Keenan, HSE national clinical lead for addiction services, outlines the risks and symptoms of usage with Anton.

An under-16s social media ban will take effect in Australia on December 10th. The imitative, which has garnered support and generated criticism, was brought forth in the name of online safety for minors.  Children aged ten to fifteen are left scrambling to save whatever data they have from apps like Instagram and Facebook before these apps become unavailable to them until their 16th birthday. The European Commission is due to convene and envisage what a similar incentive in Europe could mean. Anton to  discuss was founder and CEO of Cybersafe Kids Alex Cooney.    

Anton was joined by Zhao Xiyuan the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland. The two discussed the current state of Ireland–China relations, areas of cooperation, and the current geopolitical landscape .

How aware are you of a Gender Pay Gap where you work? With the inclusion of companies who employ 50 or more people, we are seeing more reporting. But the extent and impact of reporting is called into question. Even at the highest levels of governance, change may need to happen. Today, only two departments, the Department of Equality and the Department of Finance boast gender pay gaps that favor women. So, what do these figures say about the inclusion of women in the workforce and is reporting enough. To discuss was Jennifer Keane, founder of PayGap.ie 

For this weeks edition of In Conversation, was joined by Best-selling Dublin author of ‘All Her Fault’ Andrea Mara. She joined Anton to discuss her career and the surreal experience of seeing your writing brough to life and breaking into Hollywood.