Behind the Story

Police authorities across Europe including Ireland have undercovered a massive money laundering network that included buying a bank! Crime correspondent, Paul Reynolds joins Fran and Aisling to explain how the network operated and how the Kinahan organised crime group are involved. Later, as Black Friday deals ramp up, sustainability expert, Laura Costello discusses how advertising is pushing consumers to buy more and more, but there are small signs things are changing, second hand websites are becoming more popular and 'de-influencing' is becoming a 'thing'!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcasts and conflicts of interest were under the microscope at the Dáil media committee today.  Political reporter, Juilette Gash joins Fran and Aisling to discuss Ivan Yates, the media regulator and the possibility that podcasts might be subject to new media rules. Later, the duo are joined by Clean Energy lecturer, Paul Deane of UCC, to tease out whether small nuclear reactors could be the answer to the country's future power supply. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie Fox and Aisling Kenny are joined by former Democratic Governor Howard Dean to discuss JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg entry into political life. Jackie also reveals the story behind how she came across Troy Parrott's granny on Portland Row. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US military continues to build up forces off the coast of Venezuela, but what is really going on there? Professor of International Politics, Scott Lucas joins Evelyn O'Rourke and Maggie Doyle to explain what is happening in the region and why it's possible, the so called war on narco-terrorists is really a pretext for regime change. Later, Evelyn and Maggie discuss the Tik Tok awards and how podcasts could soon make an appearance on the platform. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the release of the government's housing plan, Fran and Laura take at look at what is known so far and reel back the years on previous housing plans. Later, as EU Commissioner Michael McGrath announces his flagship policy: the Democracy Shield, Europe Editor, Tony Connelly joins the hosts to explain what the so called 'shield' is and how it might work to combat disinformation and protect democracies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two senior executives at the BBC have resigned over an edited clip used in a Panorama documentary about Trump and the Capitol Hill riots. But, what exactly happened inside the BBC over the past few days? and why is Trump now threatened legal action and demanding an apology? Reporter Enda Brady joins Fran and Aisling to explain what is going on and why it has become such a huge problem for the world's largest broadcaster. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love motels, cruise ships and new highways - some of the things you might not know about the Climate summit COP30. Laura Fletcher joins Fran to discuss the ins and outs of the biggest environment meeting in the world and the challenges that delegates face over the next two weeks to hammer out an agreement. Later, the duo are joined by freelance reporter, Kieran Cunningham to examine the inaugural FIFA's peace prize which is due to be presented at the World Cup draw next month. [No prizes for guessing who is going to win]! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporter John Cooke joins Fran to discuss the ongoing murder investigation into Co Clare woman, Emer O'Loughlin. Earlier today, a jury at an inquest returned a verdict of unlawful killing. Emer was killed on April 8th 2005 in what were deemed to be suspicious circumstances at the time. Fran and John discuss the case and how the main suspect, John 'Fozzie' Griffin, remains at large. Later, Fran is joined by RTÉ's Fiona Mitchell to analyse the dramatic wins for the Democratics in the US overnight and ask if this could mark a turning point in the party's fortunes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An expert in misinformation has warned about the amount of “AI slop” online as a new investigation found 172 instances of political mis- and disinformation on social media platforms in the six weeks leading up to the presidential election.Ciarán O’Connor from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue told Behind the Story they monitor social media platforms and identify instances of “online attacks on election integrity”.He told Fran and Jackie they identified "many false, misleading or delegitimising narratives" both about the electoral process and the candidates.Jackie also discusses covering the unrest at the weekend outside an IPAS centre in Drogheda, which saw a premises set alight.Mr O’Connor said the “online rumour mill” can be a dangerous element in such situations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The judge in the DJ Carey case told the former hurling legend that he can expect a prison sentence for defrauding people for falsely claiming he needed money for cancer treatment. Prime Time's Paul Murphy was in court today to hear the victim impact statements and details about DJ Carey's claim he had received treatment in a Seattle hospital. Paul joins Katie and Aisling to outline what was said in the packed court room. Later, Aisling and Katie are joined by The Hill's White House columnist Niall Stanage as he explains how millions of Americans will lose their food stamp benefits from this weekend due to the government shutdown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the dust settles on the presidential election, some Fianna Fáil members are questioning how their campaign went so wrong – with pressure said to be growing on Micheál Martin and his position as party leader. Fran and Evelyn sit down with RTÉ Radio 1’s election oracle Barry Lenihan to talk about what the future could hold? They also discuss RTÉ’s 2024 Annual Report - which saw income from the licence fee drop €4 million last year – and details the top 10 high earners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Dublin marathon taking place this weekend, David, Fran and Katie speak to Sean Ingle, Chief Sports reporter with the Guardian who recently visited the innovation lab at Nike HQ. Sean tried motorised runners and slides that claim to improve focus. Sportswear is a multi billion euro business and innovation is key for future success. The trio also discuss the latest trends and the challenges that Trump's tariffs are placing on companies. Later, Katie and Fran say goodbye to David and present him with an interesting gift! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was “serious concern for public life” during violence seen in Citywest in Dublin last night, a journalist has told Behind the Story. It comes after violent disturbances outside an accommodation centre for International Protection applicants last night in Citywest in Dublin. Crime editor with The Irish Sun, Stephen Breen, said gardaí were prepared for the unrest. He also spoke about how organisers are using social media platforms “as a weapon”. Fran and David also discuss a Serious Crime Review Team which is to look at the investigation into the death of Liam Farrell. The Co Leitrim farmer was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his home over five years ago which has been previously covered by Prime Time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David, Fran and Katie are live backstage at the final Presidential Election TV debate. Joined by Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at DCU, they analyse how the candidates performed and examine the key moments from the night. Later, presenters, Miriam O'Callaghan and Sarah McInerney, who hosted the debate drop in on the podcast to offer their perspective on how it all went. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being described as the 'heist of the century', priceless crown jewels were stolen on Sunday from the Louvre museum and now questions are being asked about the security and who could carry out such a daring raid. David, Katie and Fran are joined by reporter Sharon Gaffney who gives details on the investigation so far and the reaction in France. The hosts also chat to Claire Mestrallet, Head of Jewellery at Adams who explains how difficult it will be to sell the jewels on. Later, the trio discuss the Presidental campaign ahead of tomorrow's final TV debate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the rise of AI and deepfake videos, Brian O'Donovan joins Katie and David to discuss whether we can really trust what we are seeing online? Brian also explains new safeguards being brought in for teens interacting with AI tools. David also gives us his review of the Bruce Springsteen biopic.Anyone affected by issues raised in this podcast can go to rte.ie/helplinesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Campaign groups are raising serious concerns about how owner management companies are running apartment complexes. While some are well run, many are struggling to deal with a legacy of bad debt, insufficient sinking funds and a lack of expertise as the rules around OMCs get more onerous each year. Campaigner Pat Montague joins Fran and Jackie Fox to discuss the issue and how the state's remediation scheme for defective buildings [est. €2.4bn] could be dwarfed by future repairs works needed for apartments where the sinking fund is non-existent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump hailed as historic the ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas that came into effect over the weekend.  Earlier today, 20 Israeli hostages were freed and close to 2,000 Palestinians were released from prison. Fran and Evelyn are joined by international corrrespondant Bel Trew to discuss Trump's speech to the Knesset and the difficult road ahead for Palestinians hoping for a lasting peace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid a shake-up of RTÉ’s Radio 1 schedule, Katie reflects on her new job behind a different mic – and what it means for Fran.The duo also discuss the difficulties – and merits – of winning a Nobel Peace Prize.They are joined by Ed Burke, Assistant Professor in the History of War at UCD, who explains why US President Donald Trump may still get his hands on one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tenant at the centre of the Jim Gavin debacle unmasked himself on the Sunday World podcast today prompting more developments on the story! David, Fran and Katie digest the latest twists and turns as pressure rises ahead of the Fianna Fáil parlimentary party meeting this eve. Later, the trio speak to Professor Marc Weller of Chatham House who explains what is in the peace plan for Gaza and what the big obstacles are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ministers Donohue and Chambers outlined Budget 26 this afternoon in the Dáil. Katie and Fran are joined by Kate English, Chief Economist with Deloitte to analyse whether or not this means you will have more or less money in your pocket. Gone are the one-off payments and instead the government focused on longer term spending. Katie and Fran also discuss the continuing fallout from the withdrawal of Fianna Fáil's candidate Jim Gavin from the Presidential race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Fiasco' just one of the words used by Fianna Fáil politicians to describe the Presidential campaign for the party now. This follows the sudden withdrawal of FF's candidate, Jim Gavin over a dispute with a tenant dating back to 2009. Fran, Katie and David examine the timeline of the story over this weekend culminating in Gavin's decision to withdraw on Sunday night. Several senior Fianna Fáil politicians are calling for a review of the selection of Jim Gavin and many are questioning what this means for party leader Micheál Martin who chose Gavin as a candidate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the budget approaching, David, Fran and Katie look at how much the government has to spend. They are joined by Albert Dolan, Fianna Fail TD who has just released a public payments tracker that he and a friend created. Albert explains how the tracker works and why it's handy to see who is getting by which department. Later, the trio discuss Taylor Swift's new album "The Life of a Showgirl" and if happy albums are as good as tortured ones! Link to the public payments tracker: [best on a laptop/PC]https://bit.ly/Publicspendtracker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Fran discuss how drone footage has flown one presidential candidate into stormy skies. They also ask Brian O'Donovan if the Appeals Centre Europe is doing enough to take on the social media giants? And Adam Maguire talks about his new book and the insights it provides into a generation he calls "The Bailout Babies"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After one of the most gripping final rounds in Ryder Cup history, Katie, Fran and David tee off a discussion with golf commentator Greg Allen about the highs and lows of the tournament - from Offaly man Shane Lowry's joy after his final putt won it for Europe to the shocking verbal abuse from some American supporters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a terror charge against Kneecap's Mo Chara is dropped by a London court, David and Evelyn discuss the case and the decision by Eurovision organisers to hold a vote amongst EBU members on whether Israel should be allowed participate in next year's competition. Later, the duo are joined by Associate Professor of Politics in UCD, Alex Dukalskis who has co-written a book entitled 'Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics'. Alex believes the policies of President Trump are actually helping authoritarian regimes - while the west’s attempt to draw China into the global economic system has had the opposite effect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The producers of The Traitors Ireland join David, Katie and Fran for a deep dive behind the scenes of the hit TV show. Last night's finale clocked up over 730,000 viewers, representing 57% of the audience. Darren Smith and Mairead Whelan of Kite Entertainment, reveal how they cast the show and how they don't interfere with the game once it starts. Mairead shares some of her favourite moments and Darren explains how casting has already begun for the next series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MAHA or Make America Healthy Again has grown in influence since Robert Kennedy Jnr became US Health Secretary. But what is the movement? Alex Stockton of the New York Times Opinion has looked the people and organisations who are involved in MAHA, and the wellness industry. He reveals how people can be drawn into conspiracy theories around medicine. David, Fran and Katie talk to Alex about his use of AI to analyse wellness content and discuss the anticipated announcement around autism following comments by President Trump on Sunday. Alex Stockton's video: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/09/opinion/maha-health-wellness-influencers.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the backlash to the suspension of US chat host Jimmy Kimmel grows, Trump's attack on the media is escalating with threats to revoke broadcast licenses. David and Katie discuss 'cancel' culture v 'consequence' culture and what this means for freedom of speech. Later, Prime Time reporter Kate McDonald joined the duo to discuss how phone data is being sold and what the implications might be for security and military personnel. And on a separate note: Katie has a little bit of news about the hit show Traitors! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures released today show house prices are still increasing across the country but at a slightly lower rate. While at the same time, the number of houses being built is falling due to several factors. David, Katie and Fran are joined by UCD Assistant Professor of Architecture, Orla Hegarty to discuss housing supply and construction. Orla believes setting targets around the number of people housed rather than 'units' would be a better method to drive ambition in the housing supply. The trio also discuss the call by Independent Ireland Leader Michael Collins for a minute's silence in the Dáil for right wing activist Charlie Kirk who was assassinated last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran, Katie and David hit the road to Tullamore for the first day of the Ploughing.Joining them to discuss all matters farm related are Agriculture Correspondent Aengus Cox and Deputy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Caitriona Morrissey.Wellies, succession and Farm Tok chat with creators, Fin Walsh and Katie Larkin were just some of the topics discussed inside the big tent in Screggan! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, up to 150,000 people took to the streets of London to join a rally organised by far right activist Tommy Robinson. The size of the crowd took the authorities by surprise. David, Kate and Fran are joined by Professor Jon Tonge to discuss the increase in support for anti immigration protests. They also discuss support for Reform on the day a significant Tory MP defected to Nigel Farage's party. The trio analyse the challenging path to secure a nomination for the Irish Presidency. Later, they explore the legacy aspects of the trial of Soldier F for two murders on Bloody Sunday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The murder of political activist, Charlie Kirk shocked America but in the past twenty four hours, there have been some astonishing developments; the suspect was turned into authorities by a family member and the FBI revealed what was inscribed on the bullet casings. David, Katie and Fran discuss the FBI press conference and what is known about the suspect, Tyler Robinson. The trio examine recent figures on the rise of political violence in the US and ask if the divisions are getting wider. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Poland and NATO scramble fighter jets to intercept Russian drones in Polish airspace, the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk says his country is the closest to open conflict since World War II. David, Katie and Fran are joined by Associate Professor of Warfare and Counter Terrorism, Patrick Bury to discuss this 'unprecedented' violation of Poland's airspace. Patrick suggests that the purpose of this drone activity was to check for weaknesses in NATO's defences. Later, Fran reveals details of the suspicious death of 87 year old Leitrim man, Liam Farrell who died in 2020 and whose family say there are questions around what really happened to their loved one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Gardaí continue to investigate bomb threats to Tánaiste Simon Harris' home, David and Katie discuss the increasing number of threats against him and other politicians. Later, Emmanuelle Schon Quinlivan of UCC explains what is happening in France as the country looks set to lose another Prime Minister, this time, in a confidence vote, that the Prime Minister called on himself! Emmanuelle outline the scale of the debt burden and why President Macron is coming under increasing political pressure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the search continues for a young boy, presumed dead, Social Affairs correspondent Ailbhe Conneely joins Katie and David to discuss the disturbing case. Ailbhe shares her insights from covering the story during the week and her previous coverage of the case of Kyran Durnin, another boy, missing presumed dead by the authorities. Ailbhe outlines details from both cases, and while the cases are unrelated, there are similarities that poses wider questions regarding child welfare and child protection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.