Sociologist Prof Niamh Hourigan, Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College remembers the early days and novelty of the first Covid lockdown and reflects on the ripple effects of lockdowns on society.

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A new poem by Rita Ann Higgins.

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Clinical Psychologist Dr Tony Bates explains what anxiety feels like and how facing up to the anxiety can be part of the solution. He asks ‘what truth are we not facing that anxiety is trying to warn us about?’, gives coping skills and talks about how to navigate anxiety in children.

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Leadership consultant and Irish Times columnist, Margaret E. Ward joins Brendan to talk about how to manage a bad manager and the toxic traits to look out for in a workplace.

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Jeeny Maltese, TV chef and food writer talks Brendan through how to make authentic Korean BBQ in your own kitchen.

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Joining Brendan to discuss the stories of the week were Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor in the European University Institute, Peter Brown, Director at Baggot Investments and Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of The Children’s Rights Alliance.

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Managing Director and Phuket resident Emma Harney joins Brendan to talk about her new lifestyle and the best of Thailand, which is the setting for the third season of the smash hit drama The White Lotus.

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Author Colum McCann talks to Brendan about his new novel Twist which concentrates on our relationship with technology, who controls our information, how our communication has altered and what place storytelling has in the modern world.

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Entertainment Journalist and Broadcaster, Sarina Bellissimo and Freelance Entertainment Journalist, Brian Lloyd give Brendan their recommendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.

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Three amazing young people – Emily, Andrea and Kai - told Brendan their stories of growing up in foster and residential care in Ireland. They spoke about the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Each of the three sits on the Youth Council of the organisation, EPIC: Empowering People In Care.

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