The Pat Kenny Show

The Kennedy dynasty is the equivalent of American royalty. From presidents to wealthy philanthropists, the Kennedys have left their mark on every part of American society. But what does the Kennedy reputation look like today?  Joining Pat on this was Larry Donnelly, NUIG law lecturer and columnist with the journal.ie.

This week on Inside Hollywood, Why Santa on Film Matters. Santa Claus has appeared in more than a hundred films, but only a handful have shaped the global image of who he is: jolly, generous, slightly mischievous, and always arriving just in time with a sleigh full of hope. Movie Santas carry a responsibility they must be real enough for children, nostalgic enough for adults, and magical enough for everyone in between.All to chat about with Lisa Cannon, Head of Studio, DMG Media.

Campaigners in the UK have urged ministers there to allow schools to pilot a four day work week in order to tackle worsening teacher burnout and recruitment and retention issues. The 4 Day Week Foundation says it’s not about doing less, but doing work smarter to ensure staff wellbeing. So should it be done here too?Pat spoke to James Reeves, Campaign Manager, 4 Day Week Foundation and Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal, St Munchin’s College. 

Scientists have discovered that consuming food and drink that is high in flavanols may lead to increase vascular health over prolonged periods of sitting regardless of fitness levels. This in turn can decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems including heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. Also Scientists have created a wheat plant capable of producing its own fertiliser. All to chat with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Volodymyr Zelensky's whirlwind visit to Ireland is coming to a close. Yesterday he met with President Catherine Connolly before delivering his very first in-person address to the Oireachtas, thanking the Irish people for their continued support. We look back on visit and discuss the ongoing peace talks with Sean Defoe, Newstalk political correspondent and host of the Let Me Explain podcast and also Donnacha O Beacháin, professor of politics at DCU and author of Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad.

Three Austrian nuns, all in their 80s, have absconded from their retirement home residence to return to their former convent. Sister Bernadette, Sister Regina, and sister Rita, are now the last three nuns at the Kloster Goldenstein convent in Elsbethen, just outside Salzburg. For more on this Pat spoke to Kate Connolly, Berlin Correspondent with The Guardian.

A new survey from the Children’s Ombudsman has found that 63% of young people come across extremist views online, when only 6% of them come across those views in real life. The content seen by younger people of secondary school age include negative commentary on immigration and views that society should reverse to ‘traditional’ gender roles. However, children still say that parents or guardians are the biggest influence in their livesWe discuss this all further with Colman Noctor, Child and Adolescent Psycotherapist.

TII has admitted that the M50 is ‘maxed out’ and that there are no interventions or upgrades planned that will fix it. All to discuss with Conor Faughnan, Transport Consultant. 

On this week’s Tech, Jess Kelly is continuing the gift guide. Today Jess brings us details of  Photo prints, books gifts, STEM gifts for kids. An affordable laptop for teen and much more. All great suggestions for Christmas.With thanks to Renault.

Herbert Simms was Dublin City’s first Housing Architect, beginning his term in 1932. But how much of an impact did he make over his 16 year tenure? And can we still see his impact today? Eoin Ó Broin TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Sinn Féin; Author of Flats and Cottages

A new pilot programme is launching this week in which 100 gardai will be equipped with taser stun guns.  This new proposal from Justice Minister O’Callaghan will argue that currently frontline gardaí have “limited tactical options” in potentially violent encounters. So, will this be supported by members of an Garda Síochána? All to discuss with Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association.

UNICEF is emphasising that despite the ceasefire starting on 11 October, nearly two children are still dying every day in Gaza. The situation is dire as winter takes hold. Recent storms have washed away tents and belongings, leaving countless families exposed to freezing conditions. Pat discuss this with Tess Ingram UNICEF Spokesperson.

Three years on from when he first addressed the Oireachtas, Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Ireland. He landed in Dublin Airport yesterday and is set to call in to President Catherine Connolly before meeting with the Taoiseach and addressing the Oireachtas in person. Joining Patto chat about Ireland's support for Ukraine since Russia's invasion is Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne. 

As you may know, Christmas is a very busy time for the diamond market. with many people spending large on dazzling diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.But, did you know that many people are now opting for lab grown diamonds, rather than the traditional mined mineral. All to discuss with Chris Andrews, Weirs and Sons.

Dublin has developed a reputation for anti-social behaviour and danger after dark, but since the summer, a new initiative has tried to enhance community safety with a non-judgmental welfare zone on busy Camden street. Funded by the department of justice, Dublin City Council’s Nee Naw service will finish up it’s trial period after Christmas, but is there a permanent place for the Nee Naw in the Capital? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden went out over the weekend with it’s operators to find out.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenzky has landed in Ireland for his first official visit. It is not, however, his first time in Ireland having previously visited as part of his comedy group in 2017. It comes as Donald Trump’s envoy visits Russia today to discuss a potential peace plan. For more on this state visit Pat spoke to Seán Defoe, Political Correspondent and also Duncan Bullivant, CEO, Henderson Risk Group.

Nothing kills connection faster than glancing at your phone every few minutes the screen lighting up-what does it say it says I'm not important enough to hold your attention-it's an insult Timing. Being too late or too early a few minutes is fine 20 minutes is significant and says something . How a dealbreaker can be a mood killer on a date. All to chat about with Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and Co-Host of The Tough Love podcast.

As the end of the year is near so too is the end of the financial year. So how can you make the most of your returns? Our expert today gave us tips and advice. Mairéad O'Driscoll, professional tax advisor AKA The Tax Nerd joined Pat this morning.

Last week, the Beacon hospital became the first hospital in Ireland or the UK and only the 5th in Europe, to treat a patient using Varian's new RapidArc Dynamic technology. It is an advancement in radiotherapy technology for cancer care that improves precision, reduces treatment time, and lowers radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.To explain more about the technology Pat spoke to Dr Siobhra O’Sullivan, Consultant radiation oncologist in the Beacon hospital.

Well-known architect and TV presenter Hugh Wallace has died suddenly at the age of 68. Paying tribute to Hugh was close friend Diarmuid Gavin.

Much is discussed about mindfulness and the impact the mind can have on our body. But what about the science behind it all? From coaching elite athletes to business leaders, Performance Psychologist Gerry Hussey has focused much of his work on the importance of this body-mind connection. Also all the science that is behind it.

Could mandatory military service be a possibility for Ireland in the future? both France and Germany have announced they will be bringing back some form of military service in response to growing fear of a Russian invasion. German Defense Chief General Carsten Breuer said we can expect a Russian attack as soon as 2029. Could mandatory military service be the new norm for Europe? Speaking to Pat was Senior Security Lecturer at the University of Bath and former NATO analyst Patrick Bury and former Irish Army officer and columnist with the Irish Examiner Colin Sheridan. 

We look at the reaction here and abroad as proposals to rename Herzog Park are withdrawn. Speaking to Pat this morning was Maurice Cohen, Chair, Jewish Representative Council in Ireland and also Brian Kingston MLA, DUP, North Belfast.

It was a disappointing weekend for Australian F1 driver Oscar Piastri as Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix. There are now only 12 points between Verstappen and Lando Norris in the battle for the championship. In rugby, Connacht and Leinster both secured wins in the URC while Munster's unbeaten streak came to an end in Thomond Park against the Stormers. And in the NFL, down native Charlie Smyth scored a 56-yard field goal on his first start for the New Orleans Saints.Colm Boohig takes a look back on the weekend of sport.

As of July this year, open AI has reported over 500 million active users weekly. But what happens when it is used in court? Barrister Tomás Keys who has examined instances of when lawyers were criticised for using generative AI tools in legal submissions joined Pat in studio.

US Secretary of state Marco Rubio says talks with Ukraine over a deal to end the Russia Ukraine war were productive, but there's "more work to be done". To discuss this and more Pat was joined on the show by Alastair Campbell, Host of The Rest is Politics and former Downing Street Director of communications and strategy for Tony Blair.

In last night’s Europa league, Troy Parrott was denied 20th goal of season but his team Az Alkmaar still came out victorious against Shelbourne. Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot is under pressure to secure a win this weekend as they face west ham in the premier league. The Dutch coach pledged to fight on in the wake of the club's worst run in over 70 years. The URC returns for a new season with Leinster and the Dragons kicking off this evening.Colm Boohig from Off The Ball looks ahead to the weekend of sport.  

This week, chef and author Erica Drumm joins Pat to chat through how to make a Pork Medallions with a Apple and Mustard Cream for the perfect midweek dinner. 

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly brings us the great gadget gift guide. A great selection of tech gifts in all price ranges.To see all of the gadgets on offer, head to youtube.com/newstalkfm

The health service is currently facing into its time of greatest pressure with rising flu heading into December. So how will the system cope? Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill discusses this and the launch of the updated Sectoral Plan for Health. 

In 2011 Shane O'Farrell was knocked off his bicycle by a driver who should have been in jail at the time. As part of his public apology to Shane's family in May of this year, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan requested Senior Counsel Lorcan Staines to do a full review of the bail laws in Ireland.   Lorcan joined Pat in studio to discuss all 15 of his recommendations.

Michael McGrath has said the European Commission has recommended to extend the nitrates derogation for Ireland. The Nitrates Directive is an EU law for farms that puts limits on the amount of fertiliser including slurry that farmers can use on their land, and effectively the number of livestock that they can have, to protect water from pollution by agriculture.ie.We debate this with Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy at An Taisce and also Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland MEP. 

Donald Trump's overseas envoy Steve Witkoff will hold talks at the kremlin next week as the us continues to push for a deal to end the war in Ukraine. speaking on last week's 28 point “peace plan”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, the draft peace plan could serve as a basis for future negotiations to end the war, but insisted Ukraine would have to surrender territory for any deal to be possible. Pat discusses this and more with Lara Marlowe, Paris based Journalist and Author.

When somebody is arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, how much should we, the public, be told about the suspect before the formal charge. In the absence of concrete information about the alleged perpetrator, rumours can spread suggesting the suspect may have a particular background and this can, and has, led to public unrest.To discuss this further Pat spoke to David Robert Grimes, Author of ‘The Irrational Ape, How Flawed Logic Puts Us All At Risk’

Ireland has long been a veritable backwater when it comes fashion - never touching the likes of London or Paris in terms of local style, creativity or trends.  But with Irishman Jonathan Anderson now at the helm of Dior, and homegrown fashionistas like Verona Farrell gaining more than 700,000 followers online, is Ireland's time to shine nigh? Is Irish fashion now in vogue? 

Here’s one for you: which relatively niche sport may be responsible for one of the greatest scientific discoveries in human history? Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill can reveal all.

The Christmas season brings with it lots of merrymaking and in spite of less drinking happening overall  and the availability of many zero alcohol products, many of us will be getting drunk. And soon afterwards, many of us will regret it. Surely the answer is simple: to avoid a hangover, just drink less? Alas, that is easier said than done. Alcohol’s inhibition-reducing effects can undermine the steeliest resolve.All to discuss with Professor Luke O Neill , Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College.   

Taxi drivers are set to bring Dublin to a standstill at rush hour today as part of an ongoing protest against a new feature introduced by uber, which they say will decimate their income. Pat spoke to David Mitchell, Taxi driver and protest coordinator and also Richard Boyd-Barrett, People Before Profit Leader ahead of the protest today.

Over the next few weeks as you buy presents for loved ones, you are going to be presented with endless amounts of packaging when purchasing and more when you begin wrapping the gifts. But have you become more conscious when purchasing Christmas gifts? And are you aware of all the ways to reduce the impact of potential Christmas waste?Joining Pat on the show this morning was Zoe Kavanagh, CEO at Repak.

Black Friday is the annual online shopping event that sees almost every brand and business offer promotions and tantalising incentives to spur pre-Christmas purchasing. But a so-called unmissable deal isn't a win if that item sits on the shelf or, worse, ends up in landfill.But what is the environmental impact of Black Friday? Pat discussed with Climate Journalist Jo Linehan.

What is ‘Microshifting’? How can it improve our work-life balance? Is it the future of work? Microshifting is the practice of breaking up the workday into short, flexible blocks rather than adhering to a continuous eight-hour stretch. But is it the future of work?All to discuss with Damien McCarthy, Founder and MD of HR Buddy.

A new campaign called ‘Project Aware’ is being launched this morning by E.Y which aims to raise awareness on human trafficking in Ireland. But what are the signs we should be looking out for, what industries is it happening in and what is the link to financial services? To discuss further Pat spoke to EY Ireland Financial Services Partner Jenny Pattwell and also Detective Superintendent - Derek Maguire - from An Garda Síochána.

Presenter and author Richard Osman is the mind behind the record-breaking ‘Thursday Murder Club’ series. Off the back of this year’s Netflix film adaptation, he’s released the newest installment in the series - ‘The Impossible Fortune’. Which debuted at no.1 on the Sunday Times best seller list. 

In Hollywood, we often imagine actors chasing roles, clawing their way toward the perfect character or the perfect script. But the Golden Age of Hollywood and even much of modern Hollywood is full of stories where actors didn’t choose their iconic roles they endured them.All to chat with Lisa Cannon, Head of Studio, DMG Media.

On the agenda for cabinet today is a ban on electro-convulsive therapy for under –18's, a reform of migration procedures and they will seek approval to allow people affected by defective concrete blocks to apply for increased grants. But the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council have warned that the government are spending the budget “like there’s no tomorrow”.  All to discuss with Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe.

As the evenings are colder and darker more people are opting for the car to travel. But why does it become so tedious in the winter months? With big HGVs taking up space and other motorists slowing down on motorways are drivers not following driver etiquette? Also why are there so many roadworks in the month of November.

US President Donald Trump has said he will send his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to the Kremlin next week to hold talks as work continues on a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. We get the latest on this with Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of The Red Matrix Podcast.

There are over 300 different dog breeds across the world, through ancient fossils and DNA sequences, scientists have now discovered this diversity in breed dates to thousands of years ago. Also scientists have observed chimpanzees weighing up evidence in to make decisions and then changing that decision when presented with new clues. This level of rational thinking was thought to be reserved for humans.All to discuss on this week's Green Scene with Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.With thanks to Repak.

Something as simple as walking can be incredibly effective for losing weight, improving your mental health, and building strength. In his new book, The Walking Effect, health and fitness expert Karl Henry reveals how walking can transform your life and shares his guide to Ireland's best walking trails. Karl joins us now, you're very welcome to the show. 

Lack of public transport, derelict buildings, the growing housing crisis and now another delay to Dublin's Metro Link. The list of issues facing Irish cities seems to be getting longer every day. Pat discusses this and more with Alice Charles Director for Cities, Planning & Design Arup.