John and Sarah devote most of this week's episode to the cost of living, and the various ways Irish families are feeling financial pressure. Also: Nick Delehanty runs for President; Cathal Crowe defends the Brits; and the Children's Hospital remains a disaster.

The lads discuss the Kneecap terror charge, whether Oireachtas scrutiny of IPAS spending is likely to make any difference, and whether or not the Basic Income for the Arts scheme is a good idea after it was publicly backed by Minister Patrick O'Donovan.

John and Sarah ask if Gardai have questions to answer over the Michael Gaine investigation, discuss whether commemorating Normans is appropriate, ask if John's TDS is cured, and talk about the newest Bonnie Blue copycat.

The imminent climate course that will see Leaving Cert students engage in activism is on the agenda for Jason and Ben today, alongside Sinn Féin’s transgender woes and the tumultuous European elections at the weekend.

John and Sarah discuss the UK's sharp shift right on immigration, Sinn Fein's George Orwell moment on transgender issues, Sinead Gibney's painted nails, and the role of porn in the Hawes family murders.

Jason and Ben have a look at Ireland's apparent 'BANANA' problem, the EU's decision to start applying pressure to Ireland over its lack of hate speech regulation and share their initial thoughts of Pope Leo XIV.

John and Sarah discuss People before Profit's anti-Gript stance, the big political bunfight about what Camogie players should wear on the pitch, and Sarah offers interesting views on the "sex for rent" bill.

Grilling politicians, chartering flights for refugees into Ireland and the Government-Media-NGO nexus are all on the agenda for Ben and Jason this week - beginning with a brief diversion into the India-Pakistan tensions.

John and Sarah look in detail at the €4.4billion awarded to often obscure companies in Ireland to house migrants; examine Sinn Fein's hypocrisy in Carrickmacross, and discuss Regina Doherty's renewed confusion over men and women.

This week on 'The Long Game' podcast, Jason and Ben react to the weekend's protests and the coverage they received, Regina Doherty's ongoing gender journey and have a look at Ireland's new Counter Disinformation Strategy.