The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Can you be racist to a white person? Has political correctness gone too far? What's wrong with dog whistles? Are we responsible for structural injustice? That's a sample from the book called Arguing for a Better World. Arianne Shahvisi, the book's author joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump claims that wokeness cost the US Women's Soccer Team their place in the World Cup. Marion Mckeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post and Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Dermot Whelan, one-half of Dermot and Dave on Today FM, is leaving the station after 9 years. Before that, himself and his radio partner spent 12 years on 98FM in Dublin. The pair have spent 21 years together and as it's due to come to an end, Dermot joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.

Chris Sherlock was bullied in school to the point where he left before he completed his Junior Cert. Ever since then Chris has been trying to piece his life back together. He’s 31 now and joined Matt Cooper on The Last Word to discuss his journey. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page. Chris Sherlock, anti-bullying campaigner

We're back with our week trending, this week we're looking at Lizzo, Whether or not Ireland is becoming a tourist hot spot and if warnings should be added to processed food packages. Breda Brown, Co-founder of Unique Media and Eoghan Thomas McDermot, MD Communications Clinic join Matt to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

With only 5 weeks to go till the start of the Rugby World Cup, Ireland's pre-season training is in full swing with Italy being the first guests this week. Matt Williams joins Matt to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Don't let the rain stop you and the fam from having that outdoor family BBQ. Pat Conway from Smokin' Soul joins Matt to cover his go-to rainy-day BBQ recipes. All full recipes can be found below. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page. Not the normal Chicken Wings This recipe is a complete break from the norm to more mainstream hot/spicy or bbq wings. Ingredients 250 g Parmesan 2 tsp Chilli Flake 1 cup flat-leaf Parsley 75g Butter ½ cup Honey 1 kilo of chicken wings Directions Take your chicken wings and cook offset on your bbq at 180c until the core temp reaches 85 degrees, at this point the meat is getting ready to come away from the bone. This could take 45 mins. The wings are not seasoned OR marinated in any fashion at this point. You can take the wings and sear over the flames should you wish. Having reached the desired temp begin to put the wings into a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients except the butter and honey, as the wings are added to the mix keep stirring the contents of the bowl. Make sure as each new batch of wings that are added gets coated evenly. Keep repeating the processes until all the wings are in the bowl and there is no ingredient left at the bottom of the bowl. Now add the butter and honey and make sure all the wings are equally covered, serve immediately and enjoy. Smokin' Soul BBQ Sauce One of the most divisive recipes in Smokin' Soul history. Jim and I spent years playing with different versions and variants of bbq sauce. BBQ sauce when done well is a joy to behold, when done incorrectly it is horrendous. This is our everyday sauce, do make this week in advance, it is so much better once matured. Ingredients 5 kg Ketchup (average quality will do, don't use very vinegar-heavy ketchup.) 4 cups brown sugar 1 cup Worcester sauce 1/3 cup of American mustard 2 cups apple juice 1/3 cup garlic powder 1 cup apple cider vinegar Tablespoon of cayenne Tablespoon of salt 2 Tablespoons cracked black pepper Tablespoon paprika ½ tablespoon cumin ½ tablespoon coriander Directions In a large pot mix all ingredients together. Bring to a simmer very slowly, the slower the better. Keep the contents of the pot stirred regularly as the sugar will try to sink to the bottom and will burn to the base of the pot and ruin the sauce. Cool and decant to containers of your choice, and refrigerate. Due to the preservatives present in the ketchup, the sauce will keep indefinitely once refrigerated. Do allow the sauce time to come together, hence making a big match means the sauce gets a chance to mature and becomes better over time. Cauliflower steaks Soak a head of Cauliflower in water for an hour. Remove the Cauliflower and coat in a hot sauce of your choice, I like to mix sriracha and a lousiana vinegar-based hot sauce together for this. Put a dry rub of your choice on Cauliflower next, there are many options out there or you can make your own. Put it into your bbq and cook offset until it's tender. Remove and slice in inch-thick slices.

The Government's National Risk Assessment report has identified a number of rising concerns for the country, including war and AI. Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor with The Irish Examiner, and Declan Power, Security & Defence Analyst joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Greenpeace have accused the UK Government of sabotaging their climate commitments following recent decisions made by Prime Minister Sunak with regards to North Sea oil extraction licenses. Sadbh O’Neill, Co-ordinator at Stop Climate Chaos Coalition joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

With the school year approaching, what tech can you invest in to make to process smoother? Andy O’Donoghue joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

How has Google's presence economically impacted Ireland over the last 20 years? Andy O’Donoghue and Elaine Burke joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Novelist Claire Kilroy joined us this week for the Culture Club! She spoke to Matt about music, films, books and more. Her latest book is called Soldier Sailor and is available now. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Over the long weekend, you may find yourself in a position where a food truck is an option for your lunch or dinner! Russell Alford from GastroGays and food critic with The Sunday Times joined The Last Word to give his recommendations and help you make the right choice. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Donald Trump faces new legal charges, revealed last night over attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Larry Donnelly from the School of Law at the University of Galway joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Food inflation seems set to continue with percentage rises to potentially hit double digits over the next year. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Over a 12 month period, Diageo's net sales in Ireland have increased by around 16%. Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Joe Biden has publicly acknowledged his seventh grandchild, Navy Joan Roberts for the first time. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder which can affect 1 in every 50 people. What should you look out for, and how is it diagnosed? Dr. Brian Higgins, GP from Galway Primary Care joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A bigger and brighter moon known as a 'super moon' may be visible in the sky tonight. A 'blue moon' will also take place later this month. What does this mean, and how can you best observe it? David Moore from Astronomy Ireland joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A man has admitted murdering Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in Sligo. 23-year-old Yousef Palani, of Markievicz Heights in Sligo, will be sentenced for the double murder in October. Today FM's Courts Correspondent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Our weekly travel slot continues and this week, Lake Garda in Italy is the topic of conversation. Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris has pleaded for home owners to rent out a room to students as another crisis looms. Meanwhile, the Union of Students in Ireland wants more protection from students in digs. Their Welfare Vice President, Colette Murphy joined The Last Word.

After a hectic day in Croker yesterday, the Dubs have been crowned All-Ireland Champions following their win over Kerry. Dick Clerkin, former Monaghan footballer and Ray Silke, former Galway footballer joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Week Trending covers Morrissey criticising Sinead tributes, The further ticket pain Coldplay fans are dealing with and the national party's gold reserve and more. Matt was joined by Dave Hanratty - Host of the No Encore podcast and Aoife Barry - Arts journalist to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

The Garda have received an extra 10m to increase their presence on the streets of Dublin. But what has the reaction been? Brendan O'Connor, President of the Garda Representation Association joins Matt to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

July 2023 is on track to be the hottest month in recorded history, with UN chief António Guterres warning of 'global boiling'. What does this mean? John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

We took some time today on The Last Word to pay a proper tribute to the beautiful soul of Sinéad O'Connor. We heard music and clips from Sinéad, and heartfelt messages from our listeners. Listen to the entire piece by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Legendary singer Sinéad O'Connor has died at the age of 56. John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined The Last Word to remember her life and career. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Eamon Ryan's rail review makes a case for more investment in roads. Eugene Drennan, IRHA President, and John Gibbons, Environmental Commentator, joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

1 in 10 adults in a relationship have a secret bank account, Aviva has found. Why is this? Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The US Embassy in Dublin has issued a security warning to those from the US planning to travel to the capital city. Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie, and Paul Gallagher, General Manager of Buswells Hotel in Dublin city Centre joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Huge demand has resulted in thousands of hopefuls missing out on tickets to see one of Coldplay's Croke Park shows. John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Spotify are the latest streaming giant to increase their subscription prices, with a premium subscription to increase by €1 per month. Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Country artist Jason Aldean's song 'Try That In A Small Town' has amassed millions of streams amid controversy surrounding its lyrics. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Government has announced that publicly funded utility treatments will be provided from September, with some exceptions. Dr. Brian Higgins, GP from Galway Primary Care joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Gardaí are warning of the potential of "cocaine tourists" following a number of suspected drug wash-ups along the Donegal coast. They're urging people not to engage in such activity. Stephen Maguire from The Donegal Daily joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Captain Nichola Fryday has announced her retirement from international rugby. Joining The Last Word to discuss was Murray Kinsella - Rugby Writer with The42.ie. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

What is phubbing? Is Barbie a Communist? Should we start banning ads for cars? Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress Magazine and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star joined The Last Word for The Week Trending. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Following the horrific findings at Tuam, the Minister has announced that they will be attempting to send the remains of some children back to their families. However, many may not be identified. Daniel McSweeney, director of authorised intervention with responsibility for the excavation of the children's burial site at Tuam joins the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Heading abroad to escape the rain and wondering how you could improve that holiday even more? Tech journalist Andy O'Donoghue joins the show to tell us the best tech you can use to improve your holidays. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Whilst it may be bucketing in Ireland, abroad has the opposite issue of major heatwaves. But, are they here to stay? John Gibbons - Environmental Commentator joins the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

A new report by the ESRI has shown that 80% of people in Ireland over the age of 40 own their own home, but only one-third of people under the age of 40 currently own a home. Rachel Slaymaker, Research officer ESRI and Sarah McGuinness, Assistant News Editor, Business Post join the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Recently, the Sunday Independent tracked down a "Money for Jam" scheme supposedly ran by former Head of the FAI, John Delaney. Mark Tighe, Co-Author of Champagne Football and Journalist with the Sunday Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Diageo has announced yet another price rise from August. Draught beer of Hop House, Guinness, Carlsberg, Rockshore, and Smithwhicks will rise by at least 4c. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Low Pay Commission is set to recommend a 12 percent or €1.40 increase in the hourly minimum wage. Joining The Last Word to discuss is Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME and Dr. Tom McDonnell, Co-Director of the Nevin Economic Research Institute. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

CSO figures have shown that house prices are falling, but is this a positive thing? Ian Guider, Business columnist, Business Post joins the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Following a dramatic turn of events at dinner, RFK's family condemned his claims that covid was deliberately engineered to kill people. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone, US correspondent, The Business Post join the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

A new report from Met Eireann today states that Ireland has become 'Warmer and Wetter' in the last 30 years. John Sweeney, emeritus professor of geography at Maynooth University and Ciara Ryan, climatologist, Met Éireann join the show to discuss why they believe this is. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

You don't have to be a 'Swifty' to know the world is going mental for Taylor Swift tickets, and the madness has just hit Ireland. John Caddell and Dee Reddy join the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

A new report has highlighted the lack of places for vulnerable children. Joining The Last Word to discuss was Maria Corbett, Chief Executive of the Child Law Project and Kathleen Funchion, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.