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Listen! With Frank Mitchell

Listen! With Frank Mitchell

1,472 episodes — Page 1 of 30

5527: LISTEN¦ Should we ban 'conversion therapy'? In 2021, MLAs voted to ban the practice, but as yet, no legal change has been made. A doctor, Gareth Patterson, originally from NI, wants to see the law change

May 8, 202618 min

5527: LISTEN¦ Could a review of the PSNI's handling of the Katie Simpson deter victims from coming forward? Would more female officers help? Ex-PSNI officer Linzi McLaren said there have been 'great strides, but there still needs to be a lot more done'

May 7, 202612 min

5526: LISTEN¦ Potholes - are the roads looking better, following an eight-week push that saw around 10,000 repairs? The DUP's Peter Martin highlighted figures that suggest we could be on course to fix fewer this year than in 2025

May 7, 20269 min

5525: LISTEN¦ In the latest in our Shared Island Perspectives series, we're looking at healthcare - two jurisdictions, one island - two different approaches to delivering care. Will we ever see the long-promised transformation?

May 6, 202627 min

5524: LISTEN¦ 'Police had a difficult job, but they should have shut it down much sooner, they should have been more prepared' Independent councillor Paul Doherty spoke to Frank after scramblers and cars were recklessly driven in West Belfast

May 5, 202612 min

5223: LISTEN¦ Could Stormont's childcare strategy help the economy, as well as hard-pressed families? Business groups have said making it affordable is 'essential' especially for female workers

Apr 30, 202610 min

5522: LISTEN¦ Should bare-bummed bikers be banned? The annual World Naked Bike Ride is due to take place in London, but a petition has been launched, over safeguarding concerns. Frank spoke to Gary Kennedy from British Naturism

Apr 30, 202610 min

5521: LISTEN¦ Should fox hunting be banned? A bill has been brought at Stormont, five years on from the last attempt to outlaw hunting with dogs. Frank spoke to the bill's sponsor, Alliance's John Blair

Apr 28, 20264 min

5520: LISTEN¦ Is a 20% tip excessive? Gordon Ramsay's been criticised after one of his restaurants applied the hefty ' discretionary service charge' to seasonal menus. Peter spoke to NI's top restaurant critic, Joris Minne

Apr 27, 202613 min

5519: LISTEN¦ Have you visited an Emergency Department recently? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine described the current state of our EDs as 'horrifying'

Apr 24, 202623 min

5518: LISTEN¦ Have self-checkouts made people more likely to shoplift? M&S chair Archie Norman's suggested 'good, decent people' are being driven to steal, by difficulty using the machines

Apr 24, 20269 min

5517: LISTEN¦ Housing is an issue that dominates everyday life - whether you rent a room in Dublin or you're trying to buy your first home in Belfast. Adrian Kennedy from LMFM spoke to Belfast campaigner Paul McCusker & Lorcan Sirr from TU Dublin

Apr 23, 202627 min

5516: LISTEN¦ 'The loneliest country in Europe'? A recent report found higher rates of social isolation on the island of Ireland than anywhere else in Europe. Could encouraging participation in walking groups help tackle this 'silent epidemic'?

Apr 17, 202620 min

5515: LISTEN¦ He's performed in front of 10,000 people with legendary rockers INXS and written songs for stars like Madonna and even Al Pacino - now he's back performing live - including in Belfast - Ciaran Gribbin called into chat to Frank

Apr 16, 202610 min

5514: LISTEN¦ 'There's no doubt in my mind, he's Europe's greatest ever golfer' - chief sports writer Steven Beacom and Jonny MacCann from The Bogey Men podcast spoke to Frank after Rory McIlroy secured a second successive US Masters Title

Apr 13, 202619 min

5513: LISTEN¦ Is there still a taboo around toupées? Sales of hairpieces have gone up 43% in the last year, with between a third and half of men under 50 experiencing hair loss. Would you wear one? Frank spoke to Alanna Sharratt from Man Grooming

Is there still a taboo around toupées? Sales of hairpieces have gone up 43% in the last year, with between a third and half of men under 50 experiencing hair loss. Would you wear one? Frank spoke to Alanna Sharratt from Man Grooming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 202610 min

5511: LISTEN¦ 'We're probably never going to get to zero, but if we can all think about the things we're doing, we can hopefully reduce the numbers' - Helen Bowman from Business in the Community talked about the importance of remembering the Fatal Five

'We're probably never going to get to zero, but if we can all think about the things we're doing, we can hopefully reduce the numbers' - Helen Bowman from Business in the Community talked about the importance of remembering the Fatal Five  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 20268 min

5512: LISTEN¦ 'We normally support around 1,200 people a year - we're only going to be able to support 3,000 - so it's a big shortfall' - Sean Hanna, from the NOW Group that helps people with learning disabilities into work highlights the impact of cuts

'We normally support around 1,200 people a year - we're only going to be able to support 3,000 - so it's a big shortfall' - Sean Hanna, from the NOW Group that helps people with learning disabilities into work highlights the impact of imminent funding cuts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 202610 min

5510: LISTEN¦ In the latest of our Shared Island Perspectives series, we examine the Irish language - how it's taught, its role in pop culture and its evolution across the island - TD Ruairi O Murchu & Irish language commissioner Pol Deeds spoke to Adrian

In the latest of our Shared Island Perspectives series, we examine the Irish language - how it's taught, its role in pop culture and its evolution across the island - TD Ruairi O Murchu & Irish language commissioner Pol Deeds spoke to Adrian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 202628 min

5509: LISTEN¦ Is social media deliberately addictive? A jury in a landmark case has ruled that platforms were built deliberately to be addictive and that had harmed a young person's mental health

Is social media too addictive? A jury in a landmark case has ruled that platforms were built deliberately to be addictive and that had harmed a young person's mental health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 20269 min

5508: LISTEN¦ Pigeons - pest or pal? They're a common sight in our towns and cities - and not always welcomed - is it time we change how we view them? Sue Joyce from the National Pigeon Advocacy Association thinks so

Pigeons - pest or pal? They're a common sight in our towns and cities - and not always welcomed - is it time we change how we view them? Sue Joyce from the National Pigeon Advocacy Association thinks so Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 202615 min

5507: LISTEN¦ Should Belfast City Centre be closed to cars and buses during the Fleadh? The council says it's a matter of safety, with some 800,000 visitors expected. Frank spoke to Cllr Donal Lyons

Should Belfast City Centre be closed to cars and buses during the Fleadh? The council says it's a matter of safety, with some 800,000 visitors expected. Frank spoke to Cllr Donal Lyons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 20267 min

5506: LISTEN¦ Should we recycle graves to deal with the shortage of burial space? That's a plan being considered by the Law Commission in England - where plots over a century old could be reused. Frank spoke to Malachi O'Doherty

Should we recycle graves to deal with the shortage of burial space? That's a plan being considered by the Law Commission in England - where plots over a century old could be reused. Frank spoke to Malachi O'Doherty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 20267 min

5505: LISTEN¦ Do we all turn into our parents? A new study found that by 37, we start to do and say things our parents did. Are we just copying their example or is it something deeper than that? Frank talked to Mick Fealty

Do we all turn into our parents? A new study found that by 37, we start to do and say things our parents did. Are we just copying their example or is it something deeper than that? Frank talked to Mick Fealty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 13, 20266 min

5504: LISTEN¦ Who or what should be on our money? Sir Winston Churchill and Jane Austen are set to be replaced by wildlife scenes on Bank of England bank notes. Who deserves their place on our currency? Frank spoke to author Malachi O'Doherty

Who or what should be on our money? Sir Winston Churchill and Jane Austen are set to be replaced by wildlife scenes on Bank of England bank notes. Who deserves their place on our currency? Frank spoke to author Malachi O'Doherty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 202615 min

5503: LISTEN¦ Can you keep a secret? A new study found the average person is keeping nine secrets. Does it do us any harm? Will the truth always out? Frank spoke to wellness expert Deirdre Maguire

Can you keep a secret? A new study found the average person is keeping nine secrets. Does it do us any harm? Will the truth always out? Frank spoke to wellness expert Deirdre Maguire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 202619 min

5502: LISTEN¦ In the first of our Shared Island Perspectives Series, in partnership with LMFM, Frank discussed the Narrow Water Bridge project - with Coleen Tinnelly-Dowdall, president of the WBR Chamber and Richard Brennan founder of Visit Carlingford

In the first of our Shared Island Perspectives Series, in partnership with LMFM, Frank discussed the Narrow Water Bridge project - with Coleen Tinnelly-Dowdall, president of the WBR Chamber and Richard Brennan founder of Visit Carlingford Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 11, 202618 min

5501: LISTEN¦ 'We have some of the most fun performances from all over the world, as well as homegrown talent - you don't have to be a child or have a child with you to enjoy Belfast Childrens Festival' - Frank spoke to festival director Eibhlín de Barra.

'We have some of the most fun performances from all over the world, as well as homegrown talent - you don't have to be a child or have a child with you to enjoy Belfast Childrens Festival' - Frank spoke to festival director Eibhlín de Barra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 4, 20264 min

5500: LISTEN¦ 'The outbreak of war with Iran will have serious long-term consequences, not just for the region, but the world' - historian and anti-war activist Dr Brian Kelly spoke to Peter ahead of a Belfast protest against the US-led bombing in Iran

'The outbreak of war with Iran will have serious long-term consequences, not just for the region, but the world' - historian and anti-war activist Dr Brian Kelly spoke to Peter ahead of a Belfast protest against the US-led bombing in Iran  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 2, 202617 min

5499: LISTEN¦ Should the UK get involved in the conflict in Iran? What's it like being stationed in the Gulf states during a war? Peter spoke to security analyst Philip Ingram and ex-RAF reservist Michael Cairns, who was stationed in Qatar

Should the UK get involved in the conflict in Iran? What's it like being stationed in the Gulf states during a war? Peter spoke to security analyst Philip Ingram and ex-RAF reservist Michael Cairns, who was stationed in Qatar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 2, 20269 min

5498: LISTEN¦ Will GB price cap lower bills in NI? If not, why not? And is it still possible to get a better deal on your gas, oil or electricity? John spoke to Aodhan O'Donnell, founder of Power to Switch

Will GB price cap lower bills in NI? If not, why not? And is it still possible to get a better deal on your gas, oil or electricity? John spoke to Aodhan O'Donnell, founder of Power to Switch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 20268 min

5297: LISTEN¦ Family group chats, being a support human to your poodle and writing a semi-autobiographical sitom - Emer Maguire called in for a chat with John about her latest standup show 'Notions' and starring on panel show Hot Takes

Family group chats, being a support human to your poodle and writing a semi-autobiographical sitom - Emer Maguire called in for a chat with John about her latest standup show 'Notions' and starring on panel show Hot Takes  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 202619 min

5497: LISTEN¦ 'I'm an introverted extrovert - a live audience is fantastic, it's addictive, seeing in real time what people think of your comedy' - Serena Terry spoke to Frank about her new show 'Therapy', what's next and how Lisa McGee is her 'blueprint'

'I'm an introverted extrovert - a live audience is fantastic, it's addictive, seeing in real time what people think of your comedy' - Serena Terry spoke to Frank about her new show 'Therapy', what's next and how Lisa McGee is her 'blueprint' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 202613 min

5496: LISTEN: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been arrested and the former prince's old residence Royal Lodge raided as he's held on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Frank spoke to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams & historian Gareth Russell

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been arrested and the former prince's old residence Royal Lodge raided as he's held on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Frank spoke to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams & historian Gareth Russell  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 202621 min

5495: LISTEN¦ Why are petrol prices at a five year low? Could they go down further? Why is diesel not falling at the same rate? Frank spoke to Karen Smyth from the Consumer Council

Why are petrol prices at a five year low? Could they go down further? Why is diesel not falling at the same rate? Frank spoke to Karen Smyth from the Consumer Council Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 11, 20264 min

5494: LISTEN¦ Are you happy to pay more than £1,000 to renovate the Houses of Parliament? The planned works could take 60 years and cost nearly £40billion - would they be better building from scratch? Peter spoke to Mick Fealty

Are you happy to pay more than £1,000 to renovate the Houses of Parliament? The planned works could take 60 years and cost nearly £40billion - would they be better building from scratch? Peter spoke to Mick Fealty  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 20269 min

5493: LISTEN¦ Should we all be learning AI? The government's offering free training - but is there a danger the courses will be out of date by the time they're taught? Peter spoke to digital expert Wayne Denner

Should we all be learning AI? The government's offering free training - but is there a danger the courses will be out of date by the time they're taught? Peter spoke to digital expert Wayne Denner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 20268 min

5492: LISTEN¦ 'It's just unacceptable, it's embarrassing and it looks like incompetence on someone's part' - UUP leader and former PSNI officer Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after names of serving police were made public on the NI Courts website

'It's just unacceptable, it's embarrassing and it looks like incompetence on someone's part' - UUP leader and former PSNI officer Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after names of serving police were made public on the NI Courts website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 4, 20269 min

5491: LISTEN¦ '57 people lost their lives on our roads last year - there's still a lot of work to do' - Alastair Lambe from McLaughlin & Harvey spoke to Frank about the role businesses can play in safer roads, ahead of a Responsible Driving event

'57 people lost their lives on our roads last year - there's still a lot of work to do' - Alastair Lambe from McLaughlin & Harvey spoke to Frank about the role businesses can play in safer roads, ahead of a Responsible Driving event Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 4, 20263 min

5490: LISTEN¦ Should girls have the choice to wear trousers as well as skirts to school? Frank spoke to Education Committee deputy chair Pat Sheehan, who says that for reasons of practicality, equality and comfort the option should be offered

Should girls have the choice to wear trousers as well as skirts to school? Frank spoke to Education Committee deputy chair Pat Sheehan, who says that for reasons of practicality, equality and comfort the option should be offered  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 20268 min

5489: LISTEN¦ 'It can't stand - we'll lose pubs and other hospitality businesses - jobs will be lost, it'll be a blow to tourism and impact on things like loneliness' SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole spoke to Frank about the hospitality rates revaluation

'It can't stand - we'll lose pubs and other hospitality businesses - jobs will be lost, it'll be a blow to tourism and impact on things like loneliness' SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole spoke to Frank about the hospitality rates revaluation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 202618 min

5488: LISTEN¦ Are new restrictions on learner drivers a good idea? NI is to introduce a 6 month wait time before you can take your test, a limit on night-time driving and curbs on passenger numbers. Frank spoke to experts including instructor Anthony

Are new restrictions on learner drivers a good idea? NI is to introduce a 6 month wait time before you can take your test, a limit on night-time driving and curbs on passenger numbers. Frank spoke to experts including instructor Anthony Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 202629 min

5487: LISTEN¦ Should Trump apologise for comments minimising the role of NATO troops, including those from the UK, in Afghanistan? Frank spoke to MLA and former soldier Doug Beattie and several other army veterans

Should Trump apologise for comments minimising the role of NATO troops, including those from the UK, in Afghanistan? Frank spoke to MLA and former soldier Doug Beattie and several other army veterans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 202619 min

5486: LISTEN¦ What makes you old? How you think and behave or the date on your birth certificate? A recent work tribunal said it was lawful to call a colleague 'old' if you struggle with technology. The worker in question was 39!

What makes you old? How you think and behave or the date on your birth certificate? A recent work tribunal said it was lawful to call a colleague 'old' if you struggle with technology. The worker in question was 39! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 202615 min

5485: LISTEN¦ Should MPs remove a clause from the goverment's latest legacy bill, that would grant immunity from prosecution to those who co-operated with a truth recovery process? Frank spoke to crime correspondent Allison Morris

LISTEN¦ Should MPs remove a clause from the goverment's latest legacy bill, that would grant immunity from prosecution to those who co-operated with a truth recovery process? Frank spoke to crime correspondent Allison Morris  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 202611 min

5484: LISTEN¦ Co Antrim Shield win 'means the world' - Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter told Frank the club was 'living the dream' after beating Cliftonville in last night's final

Co Antrim Shield win 'means the world' - Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter told Frank the club was 'living the dream' after beating Cliftonville in last night's final Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 20261 min

5483: LISTEN¦ Has AI become too easy to misuse? One of NI's top schools has investigated reports pupils were creating and sharing explicit deepfake images of their classmates. Frank spoke to top cyber security expert Wayne Denner

Has AI become too easy to misuse? One of NI's top schools has investigated reports pupils were creating and sharing explicit deepfake images of their classmates. Frank spoke to top cyber security expert Wayne Denner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 202613 min

5482: LISTEN¦ How often do you use maths? More than you might think! A festival in Derry explores how everyone from hairdressers & electricians to pyramid builders have used maths. Frank spoke to founder Dr Sumeeta Gupta & financial planner Sinead Meenan

How often do you use maths? More than you might think! The festival explores the everyone from hairdressers and electricians to pyramid builders have used maths. Frank spoke to founder Dr Sumeeta Gupta & financial planner Sinead Meenan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 202610 min

5481: LISTEN¦ 'Anywhere from 80-90%' of the 300 women appearing every day on 'pimping websites' in NI have been trafficked. Frank spoke to the chair of a new All Party group, investigating the increase in websites offering prostitution services

'Anywhere from 80-90%' of women appearing on 'pimping websites' in Northern Ireland have been trafficked. Frank spoke to the chair of a new All Party group, investigating the increase in websites offering prostitution services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 20266 min

5480: LISTEN¦ Is a Home Office TikTok account showing immigration raids an effective deterrent to criminals or unnecessarily cruel, as some NGOs have labelled it? Frank spoke to former police officer Colin Breen

Is a Home Office TikTok account showing immigration raids an effective deterrent to criminals or unnecessarily cruel, as some NGOs have labelled it? Frank spoke to former police officer Colin Breen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 20266 min