Chef and Co-founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Rory O’Connell tells Brendan how to create the perfect roast pork and provides tips on how to get the best out of the humble pork chop.

With the diabetes drug ‘Ozempic’ becoming shorthand for weight loss, Brendan is joined by Dr. Ruth Yoder, Clinical Psychologist, and two Ozempic patients, Bernie Walsh and Pia Zain who talk about their relationship with food, the trials of dieting and their personal experiences with the drug.

Brendan is joined by Man Booker prize-winning author John Banville, author and journalist Aingeala Flannery and economist and writer David McWilliams who give their recommendations for the best books from nonfiction to novels to gift this festive season. Book recommendations, see Notes, Resources and Links - Brendan O'Connor show homepage.

Hostage negotiator Scott Walker talks to Brendan about how his skills can be adapted to successfully navigate through common challenges and conflicts in daily life.

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories of the week were Louise Bayliss, Focus Ireland and founder of S.P.A.R.K; Alison O’Connor, broadcaster and columnist; Oisín Coghlan, Friends of the Earth Ireland; Cormac Lucey, economics columnist with the Sunday Times Ireland; and Pat Shortt remembers his D'Unbelievables co-star and friend Jon Kenny.

Clinical psychologist Maureen Gaffney on forming friendships, the four types of friend and why maintaining friendships is so important.

Bridget Jones is coming back to the big screen for a fourth time with 'Mad About the Boy’. But is this return something to celebrate? Writer Aoife Barry looks at the legacy of this very ‘90s character.

Freelance culture journalist Zara Hedderman and Eoin Sweeney, TV and radio producer, deliver their verdict on the TV shows and movies of the week ahead.

Caryna Camerino, owner of Dublin’s Camerino Bakery, gave Brendan a masterclass on the tips and tricks needed to get biscuits just right. And she shared recipes for basic shortbread, chewy chocolate chip cookies and macaroons.

The Lord of the Dance himself Michael Flatley picks five important songs for him and talks Irish rugby; his boxing and dancing years and why we should all remain positive and kind in a crazy world.