Brendan O'Connor

Joining Brendan to look at the best TV shows and films heading our way this week are Brian Lloyd, Entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast and writer, Henrietta McKervey.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Disney+ series, Love Story- which follows the story of JFK Junior and his wife Carolyn Bessette- has been provoking conversations about the liberties dramas take, when depicting real people who are still alive. Jenn Gannon brought Brendan up-to-speed, ahead of the series finale later this week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we face into potentially the biggest week in Irish soccer for a generation, RTÉ Soccer Correspondent, Tony O’Donoghue, reminds us of the magic of ‘Troy Parrott Week’ last November, and previews the World Cup qualifier against Czechia next Thursday.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, so Darina Allen - chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School – gives Brendan a masterclass in Risotto, suggesting foods that work well with it: from crispy pork lardons to foraged nettles.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online prediction markets are in the news at the moment with people betting big on particular outcomes in global affairs. Liz Carolan, publisher of TheBriefing.ie, talks Brendan through how sites such as Kalshi and Polymarket differ from traditional gambling, and the new perils they present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychotherapist, Dr Richard Hogan, on shame and guilt: where these feelings come from; when they change from being healthy to unhealthy; and how we can move on from them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcaster Carrie Crowley on the magic of sea swimming, beginners’ tips, safety tips and why it’s better to be in than out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Booker Prize-winner John Banville’s crime novel ‘Christine Falls’ has been chosen as Dublin City Council’s One Dublin One Book choice for 2026, 20 years after first being published. He joined Brendan to talk about love, relationships, grief, ageing and his five favourite crime thrillers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan are political reporter with the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney; Commentator and CEO of the Iona Institute, David Quinn; Law Lecturer at the University of Galway, Larry Donnelly; CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward and former army ranger, medical doctor and former independent TD, Cathal Berry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Guiney, CEO of Element Pictures – who made Room, Normal People and The Favourite – joins Brendan live from Hollywood, where he’s preparing to attend his fifth Oscars in 10 years. He tells Brendan what goes on behind the scenes, Ireland’s growing influence in Hollywood and Element’s latest movie, Bugonia, which has four Oscar nominations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.