Brendan O'Connor

Catriona Twomey, veteran volunteer with Cork Penny Dinners tells Brendan about what’s planned for Christmas Day.

Comedian Mario Rosenstock chooses five songs that have a special meaning to him from the melancholy of Gilbert O’Sullivan to the surprising sentimentality of Oasis that remind him of certain moments and milestones throughout his life.

Chef Rory O’ Connell gives a masterclass on how to liven up the side dishes on the Christmas dinner table – he’s got tips on roasting carrots, the secret to perfect sprouts and roast potatoes you’ll be dreaming about all year.

Over the past week or so social media has been flooded with images of Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in the shocking murder of Brian Thompson CEO of United Healthcare. An online circus has sprung up around Mangione and Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast joined Brendan to discuss.

Podcaster Fionnuala Jones and Freelance Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd deliver their verdict on the TV shows and movies of the week ahead.

West Cork writer, Mary-Kate Harrington, has just turned 26, but – in her short adult life – has been through multiple blackouts, bed-wetting, and two stints in rehab. She came into studio to tell Brendan about her journey through alcoholism and her continuing recovery.

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories of the week were, Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Mirror, Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute, UCD, Finian McGrath, former Independent TD and Minister of State for Disabilities and Ellen Coyne, Special Correspondent for the Irish Independent.

Baking Lecturer at TU Dublin, Ann Marie Dunne shares her classic Christmas dessert recipes, from the truly traditional trifle to a modern twist on the Christmas pudding.

With the ferry port at Holyhead closed due to storm damage, what should anxious Christmas shoppers – and travellers – do? Brendan gets advice from Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent at the Irish Times.

From robot vacuum cleaners to umbrellas; broadcaster and shopping addict, Stefanie Preissner, has a gift guide for the hard-to-buy-for people in our lives and practical present tips to avoid waste.