The Business

When a phone beeps with a new message and reveals a voice note, it often leads to a few minutes spent listening to someone ramble on. Fiona Looney argues it’s time to put an end to the flood of stale, self-indulgent audio messages that have become a staple in our daily lives.

Mark and Kira Walton, founders of Voya, have faced numerous challenges together. In 2006, they left their corporate jobs in Dublin to create a seaweed-based skincare brand in Sligo. Almost two decades later, Voya has grown into a multimillion-euro enterprise with products available in over 40 countries.

Recent headlines are filled with speculation about Trump’s possible actions if he regains the presidency. Irish government and business leaders are attentively observing the impact on US multinationals based in Ireland. Independent economist Jim Power offers his perspective on these developments.

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Coming soon is Meet the Rees-Moggs, a reality TV series featuring former British MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and his family as they approach the General Election. Joining us is Anna Nolan, Ireland’s first reality TV star from the inaugural Big Brother in 2000. Anna, is reality TV still thriving? Does it continue to draw big audiences?

Sticking with all things gold and glistening—though perhaps not as sparkling—it’s that time of year to enjoy barmbrack, hoping to discover a hidden ring. Siofra Mulqueen delves into the spooky challenges of balancing treat-making with business targets.

Nigel O'Reilly, a master goldsmith and high jewelry designer, is trailblazing in the industry. His creations have appeared in Vogue, adorned celebrities like Saoirse Ronan and Julianne Moore, and featured at Sotheby’s auctions. Yet, he remains rooted in his hometown, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Before discussing his success, he reflects on his childhood.

As election season nears, politicians memorize names, hoping voters remember theirs on election day. But how important is name recognition, and is forgetting a name a business dealbreaker? Comedy writer Aidan Fitzmaurice weighs in.

Focus in the U.S. presidential race shifts from issues like Trump and Harris’s debates on character to the topic of gender. Joining the discussion are Marion McKeone, U.S. Correspondent for the Sunday Business Post, and leadership expert Margaret Ward.

A fresh perspective on a cultured figure: Oscar Wilde was the original celebrity endorsed through marketing! While today’s stars promote everything from takeout to tents, Wilde did the same in the 1800s. Manuscripts Curator Caoimhe Ní Ghormáin shares more about this fascinating exhibit.

Billionaire investors are pouring resources into space ventures. Are these projects driven by vanity, or could they truly benefit humanity? Siofra Mulqueen investigates.