Newstalk Weekend

In this episode of The Anton Savage Show, Luke O'Neill sits in to explore the intersection of AI and music with music producer and composer, Kormac, who offers his insights on the current state of AI in music, highlighting concerns over quality and originality while also noting some positive uses in the creative process. They discuss the rise of AI-generated music groups like Velvet Sundown and ponder if AI could pave the way for entirely new genres.

Stephen Burke, Regional Operations Senior Manager for Uisce Eireann joins Luke O'Neill to discuss the significant work that must be undertaken on a water supply pipeline to the greater Dublin area, with details on the specific areas affected and general advice on water conservation.

Personal finance editor at the Irish Independent, Charlie Weston joins Luke O'Neill to discuss the news that over 300,000 Irish households are now in arrears on their energy bills. They discuss the impact of rising food costs and the challenges many are facing amid soaring living expenses. Charlie offers insights into what resources are available for those struggling and emphasizes the importance of reaching out to energy providers for support.

Guest host Luke O'Neill is joined by Christina Finn from The Journal and journalist Valerie Cox, for Saturday's newspaper panel.They start by discussing the striking story about Donald Trump moving nuclear submarines in response to tensions with Russia, sparking discussions reminiscent of historical fears from the Cold War era. The conversation quickly shifts to the pressing issue of international trade tariffs, exploring how they impact economies, especially in Ireland, and the precarious state of government performance in handling them. Plus, they tackle the alarming overcrowding in Irish prisons, with serious implications for crime rates.

Luke O'Neill is our guest host this week on The Anton Savage show and is joined by Ed Jackson, a former professional rugby player whose life took an unexpected turn after a spinal injury left him with a significant disability. Ed’s journey from the rugby field to the mountains is a testament to his resilience and hope. Ed shares his gripping story of recovery, climbing the heights of Snowdon and embarking on thrilling mountaineering adventures, including an expedition to Nepal. He discusses his upcoming mission to ascend an unnamed peak in Kyrgyzstan, hoping to make history while raising awareness for his charity, Millimetres 2 Mountains. This is an uplifting conversation about overcoming challenges, the power of support, and the healing journey through adventure!

Nadia Power, an Olympian and former professional middle-distance runner who represented Ireland in the 800 metres at the Tokyo Games & James Madden, who plays for Dublin Senior Championship club Ballyboden St. Enda's and at inter-county level with Dublin, have turned their focus to entrepreneurship as the co-founders of Swifter, a rapidly growing accessories brand born out of the rise in social running. They join Mandy to talk about it all.

Summer is the perfect time to escape into a great book, whether you’re lounging by the pool or relaxing on a staycation. Mandy Johnston dives into the best summer reads - from chart-topping thrillers to heartwarming romances - and explores what’s trending on bookshelves right now with actor, Clelia Murphy & Aoife Ridgeway, Stock Manager with Dubray Books.

Kerry take on Donegal today in the All-Ireland Men’s Senior Football Final in what promises to be a pulsating game. Joining Mandy Johnston to preview the action is Daniel O’Donnell; Independent TD and Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Michael Healy-Rae; and Tommy Rooney, OTB's GAA Correspondent.

With Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen locked in intense trade negotiations late last night, just how economically damaging would a transatlantic tariff war be for Ireland? Joining Mandy Johnston to discuss are hotelier, John Fitzpatrick & Shona Murray, Europe editor at Euronews.

Joining Mandy Johnston to go through the main stories from the Sunday papers are Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Fingal West; Jack Horgan Jones, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times; and Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail TD for the Wicklow–Wexford constituency & Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence.

David Nolan, Assistant Professor of Sport & Exercise Science at DCU, explains the science behind daily step counts and why 7,000 may be just as good as 10,000 (if not better).Listen here.

Allison Keating, chartered psychologist, author, and member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, answers listener questions about anxiety, burnout, emotional resilience, and mental wellbeing as an adult.Listen here.

Ciarán Cuffe, co-chair of the European Green Party, and Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, discuss the state of Ireland’s infrastructure and the urgency of long-term investment.Listen here.

Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor of Linguistics at UCD, talks about the latest teenage slang terms, where they come from, and what they might reveal about the direction of human language.Listen here.

Alberto Torasso, VP of Space Programs at InnaLabs, explains the launch of a major new Irish-developed navigation system and what it means for the industry.Listen here.

Journalist, Emmet Ryan, and Bríd Smith, former TD with People Before Profit, join Luke O'Neil for Anton to break down the week’s top stories.From Trump drama to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, get all the week's news here.

This week marks a major milestone in music history - Bob Dylan’s groundbreaking anthem 'Like a Rolling Stone' turns 60. Released on July 20th, 1965, it shattered expectations of what a rock song could be and changed the face of popular music forever. To talk about its legacy and his enduring love of Dylan, Mandy is joined by Screentime's John Fardy.

Joining Mandy Johnston to preview the hurling final between Tipperary and Cork this afternoon, and predict the outcome of the 153rd Open is Alan Kelly, Tipperary North Deputy & Chair of the Oireachtas Sports Committee; OTB's Ann-Marie Donelan and Tommy Rooney, as well as Nathan Murphy, in Portrush.

Dublin City Council has voted to increase the Local Property Tax for the first time in several years, sparking debate about fairness, affordability, and funding for local services. To discuss the impact of the decision and what it means for housing policy, Mandy Johnston is joined by Rory Hearne, TD Dublin North-West, and Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson & Roisin Murphy, Architect, Artist, Conservationist & Lecturer in Griffith College Dublin.  

Joining Mandy Johnston to run through the main stories from the Sunday papers is Pat Rabbitte, Chairperson of Tusla & former Leader of the Labour Party; Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times; and John Lee, Executive Editor of the Daily Mail Group Ireland.

The iconic Irish rock band, Horslips, recently released a CD + DVD set containing rare material from the archives of the BBC. Barry Devlin, Horslips bass player, vocalist, and front man, joins Tom Dunne in studio to discuss this and more.

Joining Tom Dunne for this week's installment of Ask the Expert is Dietician & founder of Eatwell, Sarah Keogh

Dr. Brendan O’Shea, Kildare GP, Medical Director at K Doc, and Assistant Professor of Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin & Jen Hogan, Columnist with the Irish Times join Tom Dunne to discuss the latest CSO report on children’s health, which highlights strong overall health among Irish children, but also raises concerns about dental care and access to services.

Comedian Willa White has gone from serving time in prison and fighting drug addiction to selling out the 3 Arena and the Gaiety Theatre. He has a new standup show, 'Dead Man Talking' - he joins Tom Dunne to chat about it all.

Darren Mooney, author, critic, and all-round expert on film and TV, joins Tom Dunne to dive into the current state of the TV industry and to discuss the possible reasons behind the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Joining Tom Dunne to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Lise Hand, journalist & Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann.

40 years ago on July 13th, 1985, rock and pop history was made when an estimated global TV audience of 1.9 billion, and a combined total of over 160,000 fans in attendance at the London and Philadelphia shows watched Live Aid. The show was originally conceived by Bob Geldof following the huge success of Do They Know It’s Christmas? with the aim of raising more money for those impacted by the then-ongoing famine in Ethiopia. Joining Sean Defoe to reflect on it all is journalist, Bairbre Power, who attended Live Aid Wembley & Live Aid Promoter, Harvey Goldsmith.

The CSO’s Irish Health Survey for 2024 has found that 56% of people aged 55-64 drink alcohol at least weekly compared to just 27% of 18–24-year-olds. But what is driving this trend, and what are the broader health implications? Joining Sean Defoe to discuss is Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.

OTB's Jonathan Higgins joins Sean Defoe to chat through the weekend's Wimbledon action, the All-Ireland SFC semi-finals, as well as the weekend's rugby.

Joining Sean Defoe to go through the main stories from the Sunday papers is Valerie Cox, Journalist and author; Colm O'Gorman, former director of One in Four; and John Connolly, TD for Galway West.

Joining Sean Defoe to discuss the likely candidates for the Irish presidential race, as well as Catherine Connolly publicly declaring that she will run in the presidential election, are broadcaster Ivan Yates & People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy.

Author Sinead Moriarty has sold over 900,000 books across the UK and Ireland. Her latest novel, ‘The In-Laws’ is a sharp and relatable tale on dealing with the family that you didn’t choose! Sinead joins Anna Daly to discuss this further.

Joining Annas Daly for this week's installment of Ask the Expert is Gerry Devlin, Owner of the Dublin Cookery School, to answer all of your cooking-related questions.

The Laois Walks Festival is back after a 5-year absence, and for the month of July, there are 22 walks to choose from. We sent Henry McKean last night on the Abbeyleix Bog Walk, and he joins Anna Daly in studio to tell us how he got on.

A report this week from Children’s Books Ireland has shown that almost a quarter of teenagers don’t read for pleasure, with more than 1 in 5 Irish children under the age of four not being read to at all.  Joining Anna Daly to discuss is: Jenny Murray, Deputy CEO from Children's Books Ireland Patricia Forde, children’s author Dr. Joanna Fortune, Psychotherapist & Author 

Joining Anna Daly to go through the main stories in the Saturday papers is Killian Woods, Senior Business Reporter with the Business Post & Michelle Murphy, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.

In a majority decision, Katie Taylor has defeated Amanda Serrano in their third, and likely final, bout, thus securing Taylor's legacy as the greatest women's boxer of all time. Newstalk reporter, Jack McDonald, was there to soak it all in - he joins Anna Daly to discuss.

Paddy Kehoe and mathematician Stefan Klincewicz join Anton to tell the true story behind Beat The Lotto, Ross Whitaker’s new documentary about their audacious 1992 plan to beat the Irish National Lottery. The film charts how they led a syndicate that aimed to buy every possible combination.Listen here.

Anton is joined by Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media, and Sport, who recently revealed his epilepsy diagnosis. He tells Anton all about living with the condition and why he chose to speak publicly about it.Listen here.

Terry Sheridan, Director of News at WSHU, joins the show to discuss the catastrophic flash floods in central Texas that have left at least 43 people dead, including 15 children. With dozens still missing and multiple counties affected, Sheridan outlines the scale of the disaster, the ongoing emergency response, and what comes next.Listen here.

Frances Fitzgerald, former Tánaiste, and member of the G7 Advisory Council; Peadar Tóibín, Aontú leader and TD for Meath-West; and Gabija Gataveckaite, political correspondent with the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent, join Anton to review the Sunday papers.From the latest Ireland Thinks Poll and Rachel Reeves' public showing of emotion, get all the week's news here.

The leader of the St John of God Order in Ireland should face criminal investigation for the reckless endangerment of Children according to the former CEO of Bernardos, Fergus Finlay.This coming from last week’s Mail on Sunday that published harrowing stories of child sexual abuse from victims in Malawi by serial paedophile Fr. Aidan ClohessyFergus joined Anton to discuss.Listen here.

The Mongol Rally is an intercontinental car rally that traverses Europe and Russia.

Dr. Eleanor Galvin joins Anton to answer your medical questions in our Ask The Expert segment

Gabby Bernstein is a world-renowned spiritual leader and best-selling self-help author and is bringing her manifestation masterclass to Dublin

Sky News journalist and broadcaster, Adam Bolton, joins Anton to give his verdict on UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer's first twelve months in office.

To discuss the week's biggest news stories, Anton is joined by Senator Aubrey McCarthy and Emer O'Higgins TD

Annabel Dimmock reflects on last year's win and why she won't be on the card at this year's KPMG Women's Irish Open

16 years after their last gig together - brothers Noel and Liam have put their differences aside and are embarking on a world tour. Presenter with Beat102103 Darren Rice was at the gig in the Principality stadium in Cardiff last night and speaks with Anton about what fans heading to their shows should expect.

Broadcasting legend. Bryan Dobson joins The Anton Savage Show to reflect on his decades at RTÉ, his approach to news, the state of journalism in Ireland today, and what comes next in this week's In Conversation.Listen here.