Brendan O'Connor

As we face into potentially the biggest week in Irish soccer for a generation, RTÉ Soccer Correspondent, Tony O’Donoghue, reminds us of the magic of ‘Troy Parrott Week’ last November, and previews the World Cup qualifier against Czechia next Thursday.

Psychotherapist, Dr Richard Hogan, on shame and guilt: where these feelings come from; when they change from being healthy to unhealthy; and how we can move on from them.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, so Darina Allen - chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School – gives Brendan a masterclass in Risotto, suggesting foods that work well with it: from crispy pork lardons to foraged nettles.

Online prediction markets are in the news at the moment with people betting big on particular outcomes in global affairs. Liz Carolan, publisher of TheBriefing.ie, talks Brendan through how sites such as Kalshi and Polymarket differ from traditional gambling, and the new perils they present.

Booker Prize-winner John Banville’s crime novel ‘Christine Falls’ has been chosen as Dublin City Council’s One Dublin One Book choice for 2026, 20 years after first being published. He joined Brendan to talk about love, relationships, grief, ageing and his five favourite crime thrillers

Broadcaster Carrie Crowley on the magic of sea swimming, beginners’ tips, safety tips and why it’s better to be in than out.

To mark Mother’s Day, freelance journalist Édaein O'Connell tells Brendan about her warm, loving and complex relationship with her late mother, who died in the past year. She describes how their relationship evolved from childhood into adulthood and how she’s mourning her loss and appreciating their relationship in a new light.

Ed Guiney, CEO of Element Pictures – who made Room, Normal People and The Favourite – joins Brendan live from Hollywood, where he’s preparing to attend his fifth Oscars in 10 years. He tells Brendan what goes on behind the scenes, Ireland’s growing influence in Hollywood and Element’s latest movie, Bugonia, which has four Oscar nominations.

Joining Brendan to look at the best TV shows and films heading our way this St Patrick’s week are broadcaster, Aifric O’Connell and Movie’s Editor with the RTE Guide, Michael Doherty. Their choices include tonight’s Oscars ceremony, the finale of Dancing with the Stars, Nicole Kidman’s latest adventure in ‘prestige trash’, and new documentaries.

Joining Brendan are political reporter with the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney; Commentator and CEO of the Iona Institute, David Quinn; Law Lecturer at the University of Galway, Larry Donnelly; CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward and former army ranger, medical doctor and former independent TD, Cathal Berry.

Bestselling and award-winning crime writer Liz Nugent chooses five songs that trigger memories of her life and career. She talks about the enduring impact of a childhood injury, embracing the dark side of humanity at a young age and the real-life inspiration for her crime novels.

Entrepreneur and Journalist Mark Little joins Brendan to talk about the how the war in the middle east is unfolding its impacts in the region and around the world. He discusses the tough guy culture present in US foreign policy today, the role of AI in war and the future of Iran.

As Ireland face Scotland for a Triple Crown decider in Dublin, RTE Sports’ Jacqui Hurley talks Brendan through the final day of the most unpredictable Six Nations in years. Jacqui outlines the unlikely path through which – if Ireland win with a bonus point, and France fall short against England in Paris – the championship is still to play for.

The OG fitness influencer Mr Motivator lit up our screens in the 1990s with his charismatic and energetic appeals to get off the couch and get moving. Now in his 70s, he’s still inspiring people to embrace activity – whatever their fitness level. He talks to Brendan about the joys of staying active and how he stays positive on the tough days.

Chef Brian “Danny Minnie” O’ Domhnaill is on hand today to give our home cooking a restaurant level polish. He talks Brendan through recipes, as gaeilge, for salmon in grapes, sea trout with crab sauce and easy fish cakes with a wild garlic mayo.

Dr. Amanullah de Sondy, head of the study of religions at UCC offers his own reflections on the ending of the holy month of Ramadan. He talks about how the hunger, brought on by fasting from dawn to dusk, alters his emotional state and creates space for gratitude and a slower pace.

Artist Dorothy Cross tells Brendan about her Cork childhood, competitive swimming, the thrill of having her art first exhibited by the Tate in London, turning 70 and the joys of the sea. She picked five songs that meant something special to her throughout her life.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times; Gerard Howlin, former government adviser and Public Affairs Consultant; Susanne Rogers, from Social Justice Ireland; and Dan Mulhall, Former Irish Ambassador to Washington. Security analyst Declan Power joins by phone.

Novelist and video game critic for The Guardian, Sarah Maria Griffin explains to Brendan how she has rediscovered the 30-year-old Nintendo game recently as a mother and has a new appreciation for it.

Joining Brendan to discuss the best TV and films coming this week are Grainne Humphries, Festival Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and Eoin Sweeney, TV and radio producer. Previews include Niall Breslin’s new documentary ‘All That Remains’ as well as movies like Jessie Buckley’s ‘The Bride’ and ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’.

First-time author Clíodhna O’Sullivan has written a romantasy novel, ‘Her Hidden Fire’ which has been chosen as a Good Morning America Bookclub pick for March 2026. She talked to Brendan about her father’s alcoholism, her mother’s mental health problems, the duties of the eldest daughter, and how fantasy novels were always an escape.

Where is JD Vance? Is Rubio the coming man? One week into the US-Israel war on Iran, Brendan speaks to host of The Rest is Politics US, and President Trump’s former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who has recently returned from the US, gives his take on the fall of the Iranian regime as the war enters its second week.

Oscar winner and award-winning writer Neil Jordan tells Brendan about his first foray into science-fiction with ‘The Library of Traumatic Memory’. As an Academy member, he also discusses casting his vote for this year’s Oscars, Jessie Buckley’s chance of taking home Best Actress, and why he was always wary of Harvey Weinstein.

TV Chef & Asia Market MD, Eva Pau, has easy recipes for delicious stir fry recipes such as simple fried rice, black pepper beef and a veggie stir fry. She also talks through the best equipment to use when stir frying. A new series of ‘Eva Pau’s Asian Kitchen’ started this week on RTÉ Television.

Pól O’Conghaile, Travel Editor of the Irish Independent, joins Brendan with his pick of the prettiest places to visit in Ireland.

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.

Joining Brendan to discuss the best TV and films coming this week, are Business Post film critic, John Maguire and Irish Times arts journalist, Nadine O’Regan. Their choices include ‘Vladamir’, ‘DTF St Louis’ and ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’.

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.

Award winning novelist, Colum McCann joins Brendan to discuss the songs that have formed the soundtrack to his life, including Ray Charles’ ‘Hit the Road, Jack’ and Colm Mac Con Iomaire’s ‘The Minbar of Saladin’. He also tracks his literary childhood, his 9/11 novel and his attempt to emulate Jack Kerouac by cycling across America.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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'.

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.