Newstalk Weekend

In this episode of The Anton Savage Show, Luke O'Neill sits in to explore the intersection of AI and music with music producer and composer, Kormac, who offers his insights on the current state of AI in music, highlighting concerns over quality and originality while also noting some positive uses in the creative process. They discuss the rise of AI-generated music groups like Velvet Sundown and ponder if AI could pave the way for entirely new genres.

Personal finance editor at the Irish Independent, Charlie Weston joins Luke O'Neill to discuss the news that over 300,000 Irish households are now in arrears on their energy bills. They discuss the impact of rising food costs and the challenges many are facing amid soaring living expenses. Charlie offers insights into what resources are available for those struggling and emphasizes the importance of reaching out to energy providers for support.

Guest host Luke O'Neill is joined by Christina Finn from The Journal and journalist Valerie Cox, for Saturday's newspaper panel.They start by discussing the striking story about Donald Trump moving nuclear submarines in response to tensions with Russia, sparking discussions reminiscent of historical fears from the Cold War era. The conversation quickly shifts to the pressing issue of international trade tariffs, exploring how they impact economies, especially in Ireland, and the precarious state of government performance in handling them. Plus, they tackle the alarming overcrowding in Irish prisons, with serious implications for crime rates.

Stephen Burke, Regional Operations Senior Manager for Uisce Eireann joins Luke O'Neill to discuss the significant work that must be undertaken on a water supply pipeline to the greater Dublin area, with details on the specific areas affected and general advice on water conservation.

Luke O'Neill is our guest host this week on The Anton Savage show and is joined by Ed Jackson, a former professional rugby player whose life took an unexpected turn after a spinal injury left him with a significant disability. Ed’s journey from the rugby field to the mountains is a testament to his resilience and hope. Ed shares his gripping story of recovery, climbing the heights of Snowdon and embarking on thrilling mountaineering adventures, including an expedition to Nepal. He discusses his upcoming mission to ascend an unnamed peak in Kyrgyzstan, hoping to make history while raising awareness for his charity, Millimetres 2 Mountains. This is an uplifting conversation about overcoming challenges, the power of support, and the healing journey through adventure!

Nadia Power, an Olympian and former professional middle-distance runner who represented Ireland in the 800 metres at the Tokyo Games & James Madden, who plays for Dublin Senior Championship club Ballyboden St. Enda's and at inter-county level with Dublin, have turned their focus to entrepreneurship as the co-founders of Swifter, a rapidly growing accessories brand born out of the rise in social running. They join Mandy to talk about it all.

Summer is the perfect time to escape into a great book, whether you’re lounging by the pool or relaxing on a staycation. Mandy Johnston dives into the best summer reads - from chart-topping thrillers to heartwarming romances - and explores what’s trending on bookshelves right now with actor, Clelia Murphy & Aoife Ridgeway, Stock Manager with Dubray Books.

Kerry take on Donegal today in the All-Ireland Men’s Senior Football Final in what promises to be a pulsating game. Joining Mandy Johnston to preview the action is Daniel O’Donnell; Independent TD and Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Michael Healy-Rae; and Tommy Rooney, OTB's GAA Correspondent.

With Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen locked in intense trade negotiations late last night, just how economically damaging would a transatlantic tariff war be for Ireland? Joining Mandy Johnston to discuss are hotelier, John Fitzpatrick & Shona Murray, Europe editor at Euronews.

Joining Mandy Johnston to go through the main stories from the Sunday papers are Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Fingal West; Jack Horgan Jones, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times; and Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail TD for the Wicklow–Wexford constituency & Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence.