With surrogacy on the political agenda this week, John and Sarah have a frank discussion about the issues involved, and why they both have deep concerns about surrogacy for money. But first: Aodhan O’Riordain’s flip-flops, and a very predictable last minute COP deal.

John and Sarah discuss Helen McEntee’s very broad definition of “far right”, why they’re both voting NO twice on March 8th, and why men are so useless at domestic chores. Also: Paschal Donohoe’s future, and the increase in domestic violence.

John and Sarah discuss the week that really was, including the background to Gript’s deleted story, and the wider ongoing coverage and cultural concerns around events in Dublin over the past week.

“They cannot figure out that it is not the “far right” fuelling anti-immigration sentiment in Ireland, it is anti-immigration sentiment fuelling the “far right”. John and Sarah discuss yesterday’s events, and the week that led up to them.

John and Sarah discuss RTE’s doom documentary from the future, the broadcaster’s big bailout, Tubridy’s new gig, and why Sarah thinks the new Independent Ireland party is going places.

JUSTICE SERVED: John and Sarah react to the Ashling Murphy murder trial verdict, and discuss other legal matters of the week: Was Maria Bailey vindicated? Is Chris Andrews TD right to sue a journalist? And is Russia trying  to rig Irish elections?

Businesses suffering, marriages failed, faith in vaccines undermined: John and Sarah discuss the ongoing hangover from lockdown, the reasons nobody will accept any blame, and the lack of an enquiry. Also, how kids should play.

On Immigration, it turns out that the far right was… the far correct? John and Sarah are joined this week by Laura Perrins of @theconwom to discuss that, as well as conflicting UK/Irish narratives on Gaza, and whether Mary McAleese would make a good priest.

1:06 Intro 

1:37 Laura Perrins : There has been a change in tone of coverage following Gaza attack. 

5:30 - Context is crucial

9:10 - Irish Journalists 

9:33 - There are eyebrows being raised in the US at the Irish position on Israel.

19:07 - It has long been a far right talking point that Ireland is full. 

27:53 - Economic migration is the most devastating kind for the climate.

32:00 - Far Right 

34:35 - People use terms like Nazi to shut down debate on issues like immigration.

37:28 - Laura Perrins disagrees with Mary McAleese that women should have priests.

This week’s podcast covers Paddy Cosgrave’s sudden fall from grace, the disturbing revelations in Britney Spears’ new book, and asks: What’s become of us that we want to teach Irish children that they’re privileged for being white, or male, or Irish?

0:02:06 - Israeli State Visit and Misconceptions 

0:08:20 - Paddy Cosgrave

0:11:13 - Social Media's Impact on Reputation

0:14:36 - Irish Media's Influence on Pro-Palestine 

0:19:00 -  Britney Spears 

0:25:57 - Trauma 

0:33:38 - Norma Foley

0:35:00 - White privilege

0:35:50 - Minister of Education's Lack of Accountability 

0:44:43 - Perpetuating Victimhood and Mental Health Disparity 

0:48:30 - Talent problem 

0:51:00 - Voting Culture 

0:53:25 - Demands and Discouragement in Politics 

The budget and the war: Two topics dominate this week’s podcast, after a very depressing week. Do Irish politicians lack imagination? And is there any prospect at all of peace in the Middle East? John and Sarah discuss: