This week introduces the first Newstalk Insider Poll talking to TDs, Senators, advisors and political correspondents to get a sense of how the Government is performing 100 days in. We ask who the best and worst performing party leaders and Ministers are, what's likely to dominate the Dáil agenda this year and who they think will end up being the next President of Ireland.

In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe dives into the significant transition within the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Join us as we explore the legacy of Francis, who has often been hailed for his progressive stance, yet faced criticism over the Church’s handling of past abuses.

To mark bowel cancer awareness month we discuss the disease, the warning signs and the importance of screening in identifying it early.

Sean speaks with Galway man Joe Grogan who faced his own cancer battle after a routine screen warned him something was wrong. And consultant Dr Alan Smith from the HSE national screening service discusses plans to expand screening and the concerning rise in bowel cancer in young people which doctors have yet to find the cause of.

In this week's episode, Jamie O Hara explores the intricacies of court reporting with Newstalk's Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney to understand why the public can't always know everything said in court. Also, how the Justice Minister is exploring ways to potentially inform people about their partner's past. 

You've heard the name bandied about on every news bulletin for weeks but what exactly are tariffs? How do they work? Who do they hurt? And what will Donald Trump's latest announcements mean for the Irish economy?

In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Seán Defoe sits down with Paul Johnston, the British Ambassador to Ireland, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of UK-Irish relations. From the impact of Brexit to the recent positive shift marked by a high-profile summit, they dive into the complexities of diplomacy and what the future holds for both nations. Join Seán and Ambassador Johnston as they explore how past political shifts influenced their roles, the ongoing challenges of legacy issues in Northern Ireland, and the critical need for cooperation in areas like climate change and security. Discover the ambassador's take on navigating these intricate relationships while maintaining optimism for a collaborative future.

On this episode Seán Defoe breaks down why Conor McGregor's political ambitions are dust in the wind and analyses who might actually win the Irish Presidency later this year.

From a hotly contested battle for the Fine Gael nomination to the ghost of Bertie Ahern plaguing Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin's difficult position and a potential unity candidate on the left Seán looks through the runners and riders ahead of #PE25

In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe takes you right into the chaos of a momentous press conference between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and former President Donald Trump. With so much on the table—from trade wars and tariffs to housing crises—Sean breaks down the highlights of a 50-minute exchange that sparked more than a few eyebrows.

In this week's episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe tackles the pressing question: How do you approach a problem like Donald Trump? With Taoiseach Micheál Martin set to meet the US President at the White House, the stakes have never been higher.

Join us as Sean delves into the press conferences of world leaders—Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Volodymyr Zelensky—to dissect their strategies when facing Trump. From Macron’s diplomatic flattery to Starmer’s subtle nudges, we analyze what worked and what didn't. But when it comes to Zelensky, his direct confrontations with Trump flipped the script of diplomatic decorum, leading to a tense exchange.

As Micheál Martin prepares for his own high-stakes meeting, we offer insights on striking the right balance. Is it all about bending the knee? Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of how to navigate this complex political dynamic and hear what Martin might need to keep in his back pocket when the cameras start rolling. Don't miss out on Sean's first-hand reports from the upcoming trip to the US, with all the latest updates straight from the Oval Office!

In this week's episode, we're rolling out the red carpet and diving into the glitz and glamour of the Oscars. With the awards show just around the corner, we're asking the critical question: Who really decides who wins? Join Sean Defoe as he chats with John Fardy, host of Screen Time on Newstalk, to uncover the intricacies behind the famed Academy Awards. From the diverse membership of over 10,000 voters to the secretive voting process, we break down how nominations and winners are determined each year. We'll also discuss the impact of glitzy PR campaigns, the buzz around this year's contenders, and make some predictions for the big night. With performances from beloved films and the ever-present drama of Hollywood, there’s plenty to talk about. Tune in for an insider's take on the Oscars.