Brendan O'Connor

Culture journalist, Zara Hederman joins Brendan to discuss a growing controversy in the latest season of ‘Love is Blind’, a dating show r. After one participant met his fiancée, he told her he was used to dating “who work out all the time”, sparking a furore of commentary about the intersection of physical attraction, misogyny and body shaming.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers, are publisher at TheBriefing.ie, Liz Carolan; research professor at the ESRI, Alan Barrett; Sunday Independent and Irish Daily Mail columnist, Brenda Power; Irish Times Political Editor, Pat Leahy; and professor of US and International Politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute, Scott Lucas.

Dietician Sarah Keogh joins Brendan to discuss how much protein we really need, and the impact of eating too much or too little and gives her verdict on protein powders and bars.

Writer Ann Ingle, and her daughter, Irish Times journalist and Co-host of the Women’s Podcast, Róisín Ingle join Brendan to discuss the changing nature of sex, the cultural highs and lows of their year, and how our parents’ choice of partner impacts our own.

From salsa to tzatziki, and hummus to pesto, Chef Alannah Sheehan gives Brendan a how-to guide to making dips that are quick, simple and super tasty.

Following joint US/Israeli strikes on Iran overnight, Iranian-American journalist Borzou Daragahi joins Brendan with the latest updates, as the impact of the attacks becomes clear and the Iranian leadership vows retaliation.

Actor Colin Farrell and campaigner Emma Fogarty join Brendan to discuss their deep friendship, their campaigning work on EB (known as ‘butterfly skin’) and their new documentary ‘The Slightest Touch’ which premieres at the Dublin International Film Festival this weekend.

Elaine Burke, host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast talks to Brendan about the impact of AI on Hollywood; from this week’s viral video which showed AI versions of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in a fight scene to how AI is being used day to day in filmmaking and content creation.

Brendan gets the lowdown on the best films and TV shows this week with Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster/Podcaster and Dave O’Callaghan, Host of the Here and Back Again Podcast.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are Adam Harris, Founder and CEO of AsIAm; Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute; Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times and Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillor and Green Party Deputy Leader.

Luke O’Neill, Professor of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College, talks to Brendan about ‘Sniper’s Alley’ - the period of time around your fifties when you start becoming more susceptible to negative health events. He explains how to bulletproof yourself before you enter Sniper's Alley and has general tips for better health for us all.

Life coach and personal shopper Cathy O’ Connor tells Brendan about the new stars of your wardrobe for spring, including the quarter zip jumper, and balloon jeans, and why regardless of what’s on the catwalk, you never need to stop wearing clothes you love.

Jacqui brings her characteristic optimism to bear on her analysis of today’s high stakes clash between Ireland and England. She says Irish fans are hopeful going into today’s game despite the decline the team has experienced in recent times.

David Gray’s White Ladder album remains the biggest selling album in Ireland, ever. He talks to Brendan about that time through the prism of five songs ranging from Madness to David Bowie to John McCormack.

Caryna Camerino from The Camerino bakery gives Brendan her all-time favourite muffin recipes. She’s got a savoury muffin and a crowd pleasing classic with her blueberry muffin recipe, and she tells Brendan how to create the prefect muffin top crunch!

Dr Mike Ryan, former Deputy Director General of the World Health Organization tells Brendan about heading up the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme during Covid, receiving death threats, his views on the anti-science movement, being held hostage, his anger over Gaza and why he’s now taking some time out.

Irish Times consumer affairs correspondent Conor Pope talks Brendan through the most common scams doing the rounds right now and how we can all protect ourselves from fraudsters.

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson has had her children's books translated into more than 100 languages. Mother of three Sinead Fox AKA parenting blogger 'Bumbles of Rice' tells Brendan about the enduring appeal of her books, including 'Stickman', 'Zog' and 'Room on the Broom' ahead of the publication of Donaldson's next book, 'Gruffalo Granny'.

joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are commentator and former presidential hopeful, Maria Steen; head of the ERSI's Behavioural Research Unit, Professor Pete Lunn; columnist and commentator, Alison O'Connor and Professor of US and international Politics at UCD's Clinton Institute, Scott Lucas.

Joining Brendan to preview the best films and TV shows this week - including Swindlers, Crime 101 and Eternity - are Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphries; and host of the Extra Vision podcast, Andy McCarroll.

Born into poverty in Dublin, Sean Scully is now a widely regarded as one of the world's greatest living visual artists, whose paintings regularly sell for over a million euro. He tells Brendan about his childhood experience of travellers, his parents' intensive arguments, and the origins of his creativity.

Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan on why you can become estranged from family or friends, when it's worth extending an olive branch, how to do so and how to protect yourself if you can't.

Why does steak taste so much better in a restaurant? And are there any easy hacks to replicate the professional version? On Valentine's Day, Anna Haugh, chef, broadcaster, and owner of Myrtle Restaurant in London, talks ageing, salting, and - controversially - the use of an oven.

Poet Enda Wyley chooses some 'non-Hallmark' love poems for the day that's in it and quotes Carol Ann Duffy to Adrian Mitchell.

The Academy Award winning songwriter, solo artist and Frames frontman, tells Brendan about leaving school at 13 with the support of his headmaster, fatherhood and his own parents, his evolving relationship with music and exciting projects for the year ahead.

Brendan previews the best TV shows and films coming to a screen near you with Michael Doherty, RTÉ Guide Movies Editor and Fionnuala Jones, Podcaster and Presenter.

Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell explains why certain older songs such as New Radicals’ ‘Get What You Give’, Aphex Twin’s ‘QKThr’ and Enya’s ‘Orinoco Flow’ are resonating with Gen Z and Gen Alpha and having a renaissance on TikTok.

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday Newspapers are Mick Clifford, Irish Examiner Special Correspondent; Mary Hanafin, barrister and former Fianna Fáil government minister; Jennifer Bray, Sunday Times Political Editor; and Graham Finlay. Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations, UCD.

Former Irish Times journalist Paul Cullen is adopted and has written a memoir, ‘Outsider’, about meeting his birth mother, finding his birth father through DNA and only recently being able to piece together his first two and a half years of foster care using old records.

Six months after she dramatically quit the race for the Irish Presidency, former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael MEP, Mairéad McGuinness, tells Brendan about the severe post viral syndrome that forced her to withdraw. She also opens up about bereavement, menopause, and gave analysis of global political events.

Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Cafe talks Brendan through making takeaway food at home. She has delicious recipes for homemade loaded fries and fish tacos.

‘The Butcher Boy’ author, Pat McCabe, has just been announced as the 2026 IPUT Writer-in-Residence. He talks Brendan through his early Monaghan days, his writing career and the joy of being a grandfather through the prism of five songs from Brian Coll to Skid Row to Gilbert O’Sullivan.

Neuroscientist Brian Pennie once had a near death experience as a heroin addict. He now has a countdown calendar in his kitchen where he marks off the weeks he has left on this earth. He explains why reflecting on the motto, ‘Memento Mori’/’Remember That You Will Die’ helps you live life more intentionally.

A listener writes a letter telling Brendan of a secret love affair in his 20s with another man. Despite being married now with grown up children, he says he still hopes they will meet again and wonders what "their endgame would be". He was prompted to share his story after watching the hugely popular TV show Heated Rivalry.

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday Newspapers are former Fine Gael TD for Waterford, John Deasy; Political Correspondent at The Irish Examiner, Louise Burne; Professor of International Relations at UCD, Ben Tonra; Director and Co-Founder at Fenton-Fitzwilliam, Lorna Fitzpatrick; and White House Columnist with The Hill, Niall Stanage.

Ahead of Ireland's opening Six Nations match against reigning champions France this Thursday, Brendan is joined by sports reporter Jacqui Hurley. She talks through the injury concerns, squad depth, and the relative experience of the two teams and which nation is best poised to win the overall tournament in 2026.

Brendan previews the best films and TV shows coming to a screen near you, with Business Post film critic, John Maguire and freelance culture journalist, Zara Hedderman. Their choices include 'These Sacred Vows' and 'Is This Thing On?'

Star of 'Weekend at Bernie's' and 'Pretty in Pink', Andrew McCarthy talks to Brendan about his career as a Brat Pack star, and TV director. He also discusses the death of his parents, meeting his Irish wife, his long relationship with Ireland, and his first theatre role in 20 years, in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' at The Gaiety.

RTÉ's South East correspondent, Marc O'Driscoll joins Brendan with the latest on flooding across region. While the worst was avoided overnight, concerns remain as rivers continue to swell, with more rain forecast on Bank Holiday Monday.

Trinity College Dublin's biodiversity officer, Collie Ennis talks to Brendan about his pet boa constrictor, how snakes go about eating their prey and why the most successful predators on the planet have fascinated him all his life.

Chef and restauranteur, Domini Kemp gives Brendan a tutorial on one of her favourite foods; eggs. From how to boil an egg, to a frittata that uses up whatever's in the fridge, Domini shares her go-to recipes for tasty breakfasts and brunches

Olympic Gold Medal winning boxer Katie Taylor joins Brendan to talk about her childhood, her ground-breaking career, what she hates about professional boxing, her real relationship with her father and the joys of being a stepmother. Katie also picks five songs that have marked the chapters of her life including 'Wannabe' by The Spice Girls.

Paediatric consultant and mother of two. Dr Niamh Lynch, joins Brendan to discuss her new book 'Should I be worried?' - a stage-by-stage guide to help new parents navigate the early years of their child's life. Brendan and Niamh chat about everyday illnesses but also discuss serious scenarios like choking, poisoning and sepsis.

Joining Brendan to discuss this week’s Sunday Newspapers are: Louise Bayliss, from the Society of St Vincent De Paul; Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics, DCU; Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA Media; and Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant, Irish Times columnist and former Government advisor.

Sophie Hynes (19), Natasha Maimba (24) and Kai Brosnan (26) explain how they coped this week when they did a digital detox giving up social media, Google Maps and Spotify - going from FOMO to sleeping better.

As Phil Collins turns 75, broadcasting [and fellow drumming] legend Marty Whelan reflects on his life and musical career: spanning Phil Collins’ Genesis years from, to going solo and his current health struggles. Marty explains why playing drums on ‘In The Air Tonight’ with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in 2024 was one of Marty’s career highlights.

Brendan talks through the latest highlights on the big and small screen with Nadine O’Regan, Irish Times arts journalist and Brian Lloyd, freelance entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast.

John Carter Cash, son of singers Johnny Cash and June Carter talks to Brendan about his parents’ love story, their addictions, his father’s fall from musical grace in the 1980s and how Bono and Rick Rubin kickstarted his musical renaissance in the 1990s. ‘The Ballad of Johnny and June’ starts in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on March 31st.

Allison Keating, Chartered Psychologist & Author of ‘It’s All Too Much’ talks to Brendan about why some people can’t sit down ‘til the dishes are done, why women might be disproportionately affected by Martyr Syndrome, how it can lead to resentment and the importance of rest.

Bob Geldof reflects on his life through the medium of five songs ranging from The Who to The Rolling Stones. He speaks about his early childhood, 50 years of The Boomtown Rats, hitchhiking to Brussels to meet David Bowie, the grief of losing his mother, former wife and daughter and why love was his ultimate saviour.