Newstalk Weekend

A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists will depart from Barcelona today with the goal of establishing a humanitarian corridor to Gaza. One of the people who will be in support of the flotilla is Independent Senator Lynn Ruane, who joins Anton to discuss.

President Trump’s firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has opened a remarkable legal and political fight in Washington. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s Board, is suing the president, calling her removal unlawful and a direct threat to the central bank’s independence. Joining Anton to unpack the implications is Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.

Joining Anton to go through the main stories from the Sunday papers is Kate O’Connell, Former Fine Gael TD; Dan Mulhall, Former Irish ambassador; and Barry Doyle, Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Johnson Hana.Anton also speaks to Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent at Mediahuis Ireland, about Fianna Fáil's potential presidential nomination & Willie O'Reilly, former director of Today FM, FM104, Highland Radio, and former RTÉ Group Commercial Director, about Claire Byrne's move to Newstalk.

Anton is joined by Mark Wogan to talk about the challenges in selling the family home, his friendship with Heston Blumenthal, and more.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Keogh, a registered dietitian and founder of Eatwell, tackles vital nutrition topics. She breaks down the efficacy of vitamin supplements and emphasizes the importance of routine vitamin D, particularly in winter. Listeners learn about the risks of overdosing on fat-soluble vitamins and the challenges of extreme calorie restriction for weight loss. Sarah also shares practical tips for increasing protein intake and discusses the nutritional value of kiwi skin. A must-listen for anyone interested in practical dietary advice!

The Central Bank’s latest figures show Irish household wealth at record levels, though gains are uneven and concentrated in housing. At the same time, the Government is preparing to roll out its new pension auto-enrolment scheme, aiming to bring hundreds of thousands of workers into retirement saving. To discuss these issues, Anton is joined by Dara Calleary, TD for Mayo, Minister for Social Protection, and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

If you’ve ever had young kids in the house, you’ll know the dreaded note from school: ‘There’s been a case of head lice in the class.’ But what’s the best way to deal with them, and how can parents make sure they’re gone for good? Anton is joined by Natasha Lucas from The Nit Cracker, who specialises in tackling head lice in children. 

Joining Anton to go through the Saturday papers is Neale Richmond, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown & Minister of State with responsibility for International Development & Diaspora, and Gina London, Leadership Communications expert & Award-winning former CNN anchor.

Electric Picnic is well and truly underway as 80,000 people have made their way to Stradbally in Co Laois this weekend. Josh Crosbie, Newstalk Reporter was on hand in Stradbally to soak up some of the festival atmosphere.

Joining Anton in conversation is comedian Karl Spain.