In The News

Multi-level marketing companies, or MLMs, have grown in popularity across the UK and Ireland in recent years, particularly during the pandemic when online companies wooed people with the promise of big money and work-from-home flexibility. They’re touted as one way tickets to financial success, but in reality many recruits end up working for free.Irish Times reporters Jessica Doyle and Adesewa Awobadejo speak to Sorcha Pollak about their investigation into MLMs in Ireland. One of the women they spoke to, Karina O'Dowd, describes the year she spent working for one of these companies.Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday April 3rd will be a big day for Ireland. It’s the day when every household in the country will complete the census, answering questions about who they are, what they do and what they believe in. So what insight does it give us into modern Ireland and how is the information used to plan for the future? Conor Pope speaks to Eileen Murphy, head of census administration at the Central Statistics Office and Kevin Cunningham, statistician and lecturer at TU Dublin. Produced by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why has Mariupol, a major port city in the south east of Ukraine, become the focal point of Putin's war? In today's episode, Lara Marlowe describes the devastation faced by the people of Mariupol over the last four weeks, while Dr Christian Kaunert, Professor of International Security at Dublin City University, explains what Russia stands to gain by capturing the city. Hosted by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Jennifer Ryan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A second wave of Omicron is hitting the country like a tsunami and hospital case numbers are on the rise. The Government is reluctant to re-introduce restrictions or mandatory mask wearing, so what options remain? In today’s episode Dr Gerald Barry, Assistant Professor of Virology at UCD, speaks to Conor Pope about this fresh wave of Omicron and what ‘living with the virus’ will really mean for people in the weeks and months ahead. Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over half a million cold calls have been made to random phone numbers in Russia in recent days, as part of an international campaign to bypass Putin’s propaganda. The people making these calls want to inform Russians about the real atrocities of the war, in an attempt to spur them into action. In today’s episode, Conor Pope speaks to one of the developers behind the Call Russia campaign, Irish-based Ukrainian Anton Krazun. We also hear from Joanna Szostek, a lecturer in political communication in Glasgow University, who has been monitoring the output coming from state run media in Russia.You can find out more at CallRussia.org/engProduced by Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's three weeks since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, expecting to fight a short war that he would win. While that hasn’t happened, people in besieged cities like Mariupol are suffering terribly under intense daily bombardment by Russian forces. Daniel McLaughlin and Lara Marlowe are reporting for The Irish Times from the western city of Lviv, which has not seen any fighting so far. They speak to Sorcha Pollak about life on the ground in Ukraine, the people they’ve met since the war began and why it’s still not clear how this will end.Produced by Jennifer Ryanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climate scientists are warning that the Amazon rainforest may be nearing a tipping point of “dieback”, the point where it dries out and turns to savannah. If it’s reached, it will have consequences across the planet.Sorcha Pollak talks to one of the scientists behind the research, Dr Chris Boulton of University of Exeter, about what they’ve learned. Irish Times South American correspondent, Tom Hennigan, reports on how Brazil’s policy failures are accelerating the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.Produced by Jennifer Ryan, Suzanne Brennan and Aideen Finnegan.www.irishtimes.com/podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish Times features writer Patrick Freyne delves into the confusing world of NFTs. What are they and why are they making people so rich? And how easy it to make one? He tells Conor Pope everything there is to know about the non-fungible token. Produced by Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered the fasting-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the second world war. Already, more than one and half million people have crossed into neighbouring countries to escape the onslaught. In today's episode, Conor Pope speaks to political correspondent Harry McGee about the Irish government's plan to take in 100-thousand refugees. We also hear from two Ukrainian women Olena Melentova and Elaina Ralovets, who arrived here this week and from Tetyana Maryshko who is helping with the humanitarian effort and assisting those coming in to the country.Produced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since late 2021, the United States was warning that Vladimir Putin was about to invade Ukraine. Yet despite two decades of deteriorating relations with the Russian president, EU leaders refused to believe it would happen.Now, nearly a fortnight into Putin’s war with Ukraine, it’s far from clear as to how this ends.In this episode, The Irish Times assistant editor Ruadhán Mac Cormaic profiles the Russian leader, whom biographer Masha Gessen dubbed ‘the man without a face’, from middle-ranking KGB officer, to Boris Yeltsin’s successor, to today’s isolated autocrat in Moscow. Presenter: Sorcha PollakProduced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour’s outgoing leader Alan Kelly surprised many when he announced his resignation on Wednesday after less than two years in the role, saying the parliamentary party had lost collective confidence in his leadership.The Irish Times political reporter Jack Horgan-Jones talks to producer Jennifer Ryan about what happened behind the scenes to bring about the Tipperary TD’s toppling.Producer: Declan Conlon  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara Marlowe travels from Paris to the Ukrainian border with a group of men returning to fight against the Russian invasion.Dan McLaughlin reports on hope and fear, kindness and determination in Kyiv, as the fate of the city hangs in the balance.And Naomi O'Leary observes a historic day in the EU parliament, where solidarity with Ukraine took precedence over old concerns about Europe's role in conflict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport is gone. In terms of rules and restrictions at least, things are "back to normal". But many things are different than they were in March 2020, from behaviour and lifestyle to crime, the economy and politics. Sorcha Pollak talks to Jennifer O'Connell and Simon Carswell about how things have changed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier today, we spoke to our reporter in Ukraine Dan McLaughlin about what he is witnessing on the ground in Ukraine as Russia invades, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, its president and its neighbours, and how although this moment was predicted, it still comes as a horrific shock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday was an extraordinary day of tension and drama as, in a series of televised events, Russian president Vladimir Putin made clear his decision to recognise the independence of two regions of Ukraine that broke away from the Kyiv government in 2014. Putin's dark reasoning for the move, explained in a lengthy address, raises the very real prospect of further action against Ukraine. Dan McLaughlin reports. Western allies announced a number of moves in retaliation against Russia, the most significant being the suspension of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project by Germany. Naomi O'Leary explains the implications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, a shocking HSE report into South Kerry’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Camhs), shed light on how some of our youngest mental health patients have been treated here in Ireland. In this episode, Irish Times Political correspondent Jennifer Bray takes us through the details of the report, while Dr Ian Kelleher, a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist tells Sorcha Pollak how the severe lack of resources is impacting mental health services.Produced by Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New figures reveal there has been a 14.4% year-on-year rise in the cost of buying a home in Ireland, bringing the price of a house almost back to its Celtic Tiger era peak.Eoin Burke-Kennedy on why there is little hope for optimism that housing will become more affordable as things stand. Karl Deeter on the risk of another Celtic Tiger phenomenon returning: the property crash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For nearly three years, Dublin businessman Richard O’Halloran was effectively trapped in China, after travelling there in February 2019 to handle a dispute between his employer and the Chinese authorities. Last month, after previous unsuccessful attempts to leave the country, he flew home to his wife Tara and their four children. Irish Times Public Affairs editor Simon Carswell visited the couple in their home last weekend. He tells Jennifer Ryan what the O'Hallorans had to say about their three-year fight for freedom.Producer: Declan Conlonwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loneliness is an emotion that most of us will experience at some stage in our lives. While it is often associated with the elderly or isolated, loneliness can still be felt in a relationship or group and can have profound effects on physical and mental health. Professor Roger O’Sullivan of the Institute of Public Health tells Sorcha Pollak why loneliness should be a top political priority and what measures must be put in place to address it. We also hear from Assistant News Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, Eimear McGovern, who shares her experiences of loneliness following a move away from family and friends.Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Jennifer Ryan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi is the centre of a legal battle over abortion in America that could soon see the right to terminate a pregnancy removed or curtailed in dozens of states, affecting millions of women. The southern state is also home to an abortion clinic that attracts protesters and activists on both sides of the bitter debate. Washington correspondent Martin Wall went there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winter energy bills are now costing hundreds of euro more than last year and prices are climbing up and down supermarket aisles. In this episode, consumer affairs correspondent Conor Pope tells Sorcha Pollak what is behind the rising cost of living and how long should we expect prices to soar. We also hear from single mother of two, Cheryl Barry, who shares her experience of living on the one-parent family payment, while trying to provide for her family. Produced by Suzanne Brennan, Jennifer Ryan and Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar is set to become Taoiseach again in December.  But a Garda investigation into the leaking by Varadkar of a document to a friend in April 2019 is a fly in the ointment.Political reporter Jack Horgan Jones talks to In the News about the background to the story and what it might mean for Irish politics in the year ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI has been named by Munich investigators as a potential accessory to child abuse in a file made available to state prosecutors. It's after a law firm commissioned by the archdiocese of Munich and Freising to study its archives presented a report flagging 497 cases of clerical sexual abuse and 67 alleged perpetrators. The investigators highlighted four cases of abusing priests during the 94-year-old’s term as archbishop of Munich from 1977 to 1982.Derek Scally, The Irish Times Berlin correspondent, and author of The Best Catholics in the World: The Irish, the Church and the End of a Special Relationship, reports on the story.Presenter: Sorcha PollakProducer: Jennifer Ryanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arts and Culture editor Hugh Linehan speaks to Conor Pope about Neil Young’s decision to leave Spotify and how the streaming service now plan to tackle misinformation on their platform.Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than two dozen “lunatic asylums” were built throughout Ireland in the 1800s. Today some are hospitals, while others are derelict. Through interviews and archive research, Rosita Boland pieces together what life was like inside the walls of these state-run institutions. She discovers that for many of the thousands of Irish citizens who passed through them, mental illness was not the only reason, or even a reason at all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can we do for ourselves to ensure that we live long, fulfilling, happy and fit lives? In this episode, Conor Pope speaks to Professor of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College, Rose Anne Kenny about the surprising and novel ways in which we can keep ourselves feeling younger.Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life by Prof Rose Anne Kenny is published by Lagom.Produced by Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A buildup of Russian troops along its border has the people of Ukraine on heightened alert, and the world wondering: what exactly does Vladimir Putin want to achieve and how far is he willing to go? Dan McLaughlin reports from Kramatorsk in the east of the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the parents of five children in Munster were jailed for a combined 24 years after being found guilty of abusing, exploiting and wilfully neglecting their five children between 2014 and 2016. The children’s father and mother, two of their uncles and an aunt were found guilty of all but one of the 78 charges against them. Today we hear the story of the Munster child abuse case from the reporter who covered it, and ask: what does the future hold for these children who were abused and neglected for so long?Guests: Court reporter Isabel Hayes and social worker Tara KeoghProduced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just 30 kilometres north of Dublin, lies a hidden oasis in Meath called Dunsany Castle. Home to Ireland’s biggest rewilding project, it’s run by Lord Randal Plunkett, a heavy metal-loving filmmaker and producer. In this episode, Sorcha Pollak travels out to Dunsany to discover how rewilding has changed the landscape and contributes to the fight against climate change. However, not everyone is happy with Randal’s unconventional approach to the land and new national transport plans could threaten everything he’s created so far. See more about Dunsany Nature Reserve here. https://www.instagram.com/dunsanynaturereserve/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With case numbers continuing to fall, the easing of Covid restrictions could begin as early as next week. Today, Conor Pope speaks to The Irish Times public affairs editor Simon Carswell and Professor of Immunology at DCU, Christine Loscher, about passing the peak of the Omicron wave and why leaders remain “cautiously hopeful”.Presenter: Conor PopeProducers: Suzanne Brennan and Jennifer Ryanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Wednesday afternoon, 23-year-old Ashling Murphy went for a run along the canal pathway just outside the town of Tullamore in Co Offaly. At around 4pm, the primary school teacher was attacked and killed.Her death led to an outpouring of grief and anger across the nation with calls for men to stand up and call out the abuse and harassment of women.Irish Times journalists Jennifer O’Connell and Malachy Clerkin talk about why it’s time for a change of mindset to help end male violence against women.Presenter: Sorcha PollakProduced by Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennanwww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson has never been under more pressure after revelations emerged that he attended a party during Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. The news came a month after accusations about breaches of Covid rules at Downing Street first emerged, embarrassing the Conservatives. Johnson may hang on, but "the magic is gone" says London editor Denis Staunton - and it may not be long until Tory backbenchers decide it is in their best interests to find a new leader.If Johnson goes, who will replace him, what will it mean for Brexit, and how will his time as PM be remembered? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novak Djokovic is on the cusp of becoming the best men’s tennis player in the history of the sport. In less than a week, he should be attempting to land a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam men's singles victory at the Australian Open. But the Australian immigration minister has the power to revoke the Serbian’s visa due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Sorcha Pollak talks to Irish Times sports writer Johnny Watterson and Laura Slattery, Irish Times business journalist and tennis fan, about a very strange week in the world of tennis.Produced by Jennifer Ryan, Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan.www.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

English national John Shaw has been in custody in Ireland since September 1976 when both he and another English man, Geoffrey Evans, were arrested for the abduction, rape, torture and murder of Elizabeth Plunkett and Mary Duffy. After more than 45 years behind bars, Shaw is now looking to secure temporary release, but should he get the chance to step back into the outside world? Irish Times security and crime editor Conor Lally speaks to Sorcha Pollak. Warning: This episode includes references to sexual assault and violence. Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years into the pandemic, it’s still not clear how, when, or if it will end. With health systems across the world in a permanent state of crisis mode, other pressing health and societal problems that require urgent attention remain sidelined. Tim Colbourn, professor of global health systems, epidemiology and evaluation at University College London, says we must accept that eradicating Covid-19 is impossible and learn to live with the virus.He talks to producer Jennifer Ryan about how Covid-19 should be viewed long term and why vaccines and new drugs will lessen the burden of the virus year-on-year.Produced by: Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne BrennanOpening music by Hugh Rodgerswww.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When rioters smashed their way into the US Capitol one year ago this week, it was seen as both a disaster for US democracy but also a potential turning point after the divisiveness of the Trump years. One year on, those hopes have faded and the polarisation of America is worse than ever, says our new Washington correspondent Martin Wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you watched Squid Game yet? Since its release, the South Korean drama has become a global sensation, making it Netflix’s biggest series launch to date. Sorcha Pollak speaks to Irish Times Features writer Patrick Freyne about the phenomenal success of the series and what's behind its global appeal, while Dr Kevin Cawley, Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies at UCC gives an insight into the socio-economic inequality at the heart of the story, reflected in the lives of the 456 contestants.Just a warning before you listen: there are some tiny spoilers mentioned in this episode- we don't think it ruins the show but if you're very anti-spoiler you might not want to listen.Produced by: Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne BrennanOpening music by Hugh Rodgers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon, the company founded by Jeff Bezos in a Seattle garage more than a quarter of a century ago, is building one of its massive fulfilment centres in Ireland. While that will mean faster deliveries, easier returns and greater choice for Irish customers, the arrival of an amazon.ie is not without its dark sides. In this episode, Conor Pope talks to US journalist and author Alec MacGillis, who has been documenting the growth of Amazon, about what it takes – or what it costs – to work in one of the online retail giant’s warehouses.Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan.Presented by Conor Pope.Music by Hugh Rodgers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Ireland's most notorious murderer Graham Dwyer win a retrial, or even walk free? Dwyer, who was convicted of the murder of Elaine O'Hara in 2015, reportedly believes so. In the years since Dwyer was handed a life sentence, court rulings on the legality of key evidence used against him - mobile phone metadata - have given him hope. On today's podcast, crime correspondent Conor Gallagher talks to Sorcha Pollak about the Dwyer case and his appeal. First they look back on the case and the mountain of evidence, including the mobile phone metadata, that was used to convict Dwyer. Then they go through the legal arguments at the heart of Dwyer's appeal to understand whether he has a chance of winning. Warning: this podcast contains some graphic descriptions of abuse and violence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly 100 years after his death, the truth about who assassinated Michael Collins remains one of the greatest unanswered questions in Irish history. Collins was murdered at Béal na mBláth in Cork on August 22nd, 1922. At the time he was chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State. Why then was his death never properly investigated? Over the last century there has been much speculation about who fired the single shot that killed him. Will we ever know who did it? Guests: Art historian and performer Paddy Cullivan and Irish Times reporter Ronan McGreevy. Host: Conor Pope Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a quintessentially American institution, where kids battle it out to correctly spell ten-dollar words like 'querimonious' and 'solidungulate'. This year, the long dominance of Indian-American competitors was broken by the first ever black American winner, 14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde. Documentary filmmaker Sam Rega tells us the story of the National Spelling Bee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland is in the midst of a rent crisis. Prices are increasing nationally at a rate of around 8%, housing stock is low and the cost of buying a home is beyond many people who would like to get a foot on the property ladder. In this episode we hear from two people with first-hand experience of the rental market. Conor Pope talks to Irish Times feature writer Jennifer O’Connell about the reality of the rent crisis, including the rise in a new phenomenon of family homelessness. And Irish Times reporter Jack Power explores what’s out there for would-be renters. Produced by Suzanne Brennan, Jennifer Ryan and Declan Conlon.www.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Sinn Féin adapt, evolve and rise to become the most popular political party in the Republic of Ireland? And if it does win power in a future election, can it satisfy the many disparate groups of voters who now support it? We talk to Pat Leahy, political editor of The Irish Times, and Aidan Regan, at UCD's School of Politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Omicron variant of Sars CoV 2 is the most transmissible variant yet and the percentage of cases here is growing dramatically. What is the Government going to do about it and what are the implications for the health service? Conor Popes talks to Irish Times health editor Paul Cullen and political correspondent Jennifer Bray.Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan.www.irishtimes.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this month, the government approved a landmark scheme to regularise thousands of undocumented migrants and their families who are living in Ireland. The scheme, which opens in January and runs for six months, will allow those living in the shadows of society to come forward and establish their status. Seen as a life changing development for the nearly 17,000 undocumented people living in the country, Sorcha Pollak speaks to those who will benefit from this new development.  Hosted by Conor Pope. Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Demand for cosmetic procedures is on the rise across Ireland, but what are the risks involved when the industry remains unregulated? Features writer Jennifer O’Connell speaks to Sorcha Pollak.Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denis Staunton on the latest scandal hitting UK prime minister Boris Johnson's government, after a week of denials that an illegal party took place in Downing Street last Christmas was brought to an embarrassing end by a leaked tape. Will the scandal weaken Johnson, or undermine the new Covid-19 restrictions he announced this week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of MEPs, citing civil liberties, are refusing to present a Covid vaccination certificate when entering the European Parliament. Their ringleader is Romanian MEP Christian Tehres. Tehres is supported in his campaign by his Irish press officer Hermann Kelly, better known for his presidency of the far-right Irish Freedom Party, his advocacy for Irexit and his association with Nigel Farage. Naomi O'Leary speaks to Tehres and Kelly to find out what their campaign is really all about, and what brought Tehres and Kelly together. She also speaks to Bulgarian MEP Peter Vitanov who blames misinformation, in part, for his country's unfolding Covid catastrophe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 6th of December 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was agreed, paving the way for the creation of the Irish state. A century later, we explore how it was negotiated, the impact it had then and its legacy today. Conor Pope talks to playwright Colin Murphy, author Gretchen Friemann, historian Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh and Irish Times journalist Ronan McGreevy.Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan.www.irishtimes.com/podcasts Clips from ‘The Treaty’ with thanks to Colin Murphy and the Fishamble theatre company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The emergence of the Omicron variant has us asking questions about the virus and vaccines. What exactly does it look like when Sars-CoV-2 mutates? Could it really mutate to be a "nicer" virus? Can we ever create a vaccine that remains totally effective against Covid-19 in the long term? To find out the answer to these and other questions, we talk to Dr Gerald Barry, a virologist at University College Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.