The Pat Kenny Show

The tale of atomic seeds captures the paradox of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It was both a marketing gimmick and a genuine scientific endeavour. It was propelled by a sincere belief that new technology could banish hunger and improve lives, and by a taste for novelty and spectacle. It bridged the lab and the lawn, the scientist and the housewife, the promise of a better tomato and the hope of a better world. All to chat with Diarmuid Gavin, award winning Garden Designer.  

It’s that time of year where you may be preparing to get the kids back in school. But for many kids, this can be a very difficult time; putting up a fuss with the idea of getting back in the classroom. This even has a term in psychological term called Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA. Pat discusses this further with James Callaghan CAMHS experienced CBT Therapist, EMDR Consultant and mental health nurse lecturer and author behind Leo Roars: A brave lion’s guide to overcoming panic attacks.

Evyatar David was abducted from the Nova music festival on Oct 7th and is one of 50 hostages still in Gaza, of whom 20 are still believed to be alive. Hamas released footage of the emaciated 24-year-old Evyatar David on Saturday, Aug 2nd. Evyatar’s brother Ilay David is advocating for his immediate return home and he spoke to Pat this morning.

In the Green Scene this week we hear how virtual reality can actually trigger the brain’s own pain suppression mechanisms to deal with chronic pain. Also new research has revealed that plain-body octopuses can be fooled by a version of the famous rubber-hand illusion, a psychological trick first observed in humans. This is the first time scientists have seen evidence of this kind of body ownership in a non-mammalian species.All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

This week on Inside Hollywood, we continue our look at The Perfect Movie and Lisa Cannon breaks down the artistry of The Godfather.

A group of 26 people banded together to buy a pub in the Co. Limerick town of Kilteely to keep it from closing after the previous owners retired. The former Ahern’s pub has now been rebranded as The Street Bar.  Pat spoke to gardener and one of the pub investors Noel O’Dea.

In 2018, author Claudia Carroll appeared on The Pat Kenny Show to speak about her novel, The Secrets of Primrose Square. Producer Pat Moylan happened to be listening to the radio at the time and called Claudia after the interview to ask if she would be open to adapting the book into a play. The stage adaptation opens at the Gaiety Theatre under the same title as the book on Sept 9th. Both Claudia and Pat came into studio this morning,

As talks take place across the globe over the fate of Ukraine, there remains an uncertainty for the people of Ukraine over what these peace talks may bring. More specifically, what could be gained or lost in the event of a peace deal with Putin's Russia. Lara Marlowe, has been talking to people on the streets of Kyiv, to understand the real feeling of those in the Ukrainian capital. 

Music generated by artificial intelligence, which can take only two minutes to produce, has sparked ethical concerns in the industry.  Tech Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent Adrian Weckler looks at easy it is to create music with AI. 

Couples tend to argue about a handful of common themes that come up again and again in relationships. Research shows the top five things couples fight about. What are they these themes. All to discuss with Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist.

According to the Economic and Social Research Institute, if the home ownership continues to fall at its current rate, the poverty rate among over-65s will more than double from 14 to 31 per cent. This begs the question how are older renters able to afford these average rents? Pat discusses this further with Lorcan Sirr Senior Housing Lecturer, Technological University Dublin and also 70 year old Brendan O’Neill who spent 18 years as a renter in Dublin.

Russian president Vladimir Putin, has agreed to face-to-face talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a peace deal in Ukraine. We discuss the historic White House meeting that took place with Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University and also Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine correspondent for France24.

Scaled back India Day celebrations went ahead this past weekend following a number of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland. But our two countries have a lot more in common. Starting with our nations’ origins both after independence from Britain. Cauvery Madhavan, a Kildare based author discusses her and her family’s experience of moving to another country that has such a similar origin story to the one she was leaving.

Irish Rail is in the process of planning and executing massive expansions and updates to its services, with levels of demand for timely and efficient public transportation at an all-time high. What can we expect from our public transport in the next 10 years? All to discuss with Irish Rail Chairman Steve Murphy.

We’re all making weekly trips to the local deposit return machine to claim back our 15 or 25 cent for bottles and cans used. But a certain group of people in the capital have turned collecting into an enterprise, picking through public bins and recycling for a profit. So, is the rising re-turn industry good or bad for Dublin city? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports:  

We’re constantly being told that the State is one of the richest in the world but we don’t make the cut among The Economist’s list of 178 countries. We discuss this further with Economist  Austin Hughes. 

Obtaining a mortgage is often stressful, even for people who have the traditional requirements for securing one. It can be even more difficult when you’re self-employed or seeking a second-time mortgage.  Margaret Barrett, Managing Director of Mortgage Navigators answered your mortgage-related questions.

Recent debates question whether the President of Ireland should be expected, if not required, to be fluent in Irish. As the national figurehead, the President is expected to promote Irish culture and language. However, should fluency in Irish trump their other values when considering who to vote for? Pat discusses this with Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development at Conradh na Gaeilge.

Standing Desks are becoming more and more common in workplaces. But is there a health benefit to using them? And should we be considering using them more? All to discuss with Jenny Brannigan, Chartered Physiotherapist and Peter Cosgrove, MD of Futurewise.

The past number of years has seen a surge in people getting diagnosed with ADHD. While doctors warn of overdiagnoses, there are a number of people living undiagnosed for years.   One woman who waited until she was 26 to get diagnosed as she didn’t present with the stereotypical symptoms.   So how do symptoms vary from each individual and how can it impact day to day life? All to discuss with Molly Roberts a Content Creator. 

Espionage and ‘destructive ideologies’ are among main threats to State, says Garda report. Ireland may be target for foreign spies' intent on stealing intellectual property and sensitive information. Pat discusses this further with Cathal Berry, former Defence Forces Member.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will today, along with a host of European leaders, meet with Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a potential path to peace. It follows Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. We discuss this further with Rosie Birchard, Brussels Correspondent, DW News and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway, Columnist with The Journal.

The weekend was packed full of action, with the round of 16 fixtures taking place in the FAI Cup. Scottie Scheffler claims his fifth win of the season at the BMW championship, and of course the opening round of Premier League fixtures. All to chat about with Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off the Ball.

David Attenborough once said the world’s ecosystem would collapse if all the bees, wasps, ants and flies were to disappear. So why are we allowing one third of them to be under threat of extinction?  Without insects, we wouldn’t have decomposition, nutrient recycling, seed spreading or pollination. But pollution, intensive farming and habitat loss are causing that to suffer.  All to discuss with Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin.

According to a survey released this week, almost 70% of school leaders reported that they had unfilled vacancies due to difficulties recruiting staff. More than 600 vacant teaching posts are still vacant. Pat discusses this issue with Teachers Union of Ireland President Anthony Quinn and also Principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís Aaron Wolfe.

A presidential race that was shaping up to be relatively uneventful has been shaken up by the surprise withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness due to health issues. Heather Humphries and Sean Kelly are potential nominees from Fine Gael. While pharma tycoon Gareth Sheridan attempts to secure a spot on the ticket, Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only official candidate at this stage.  All to discuss with Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent. 

We take a look back on the main news stories on the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was Christina Finn, Political Editor, The Journal, Darren O’Rourke TD, Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Meath East, Sinn Féin and Aisling Dempsey TD, Spokesperson on Children, Meath West, Fianna Fáil.

The river seine, which carves its way through the heart of Paris has lifted a ban on bathing, which was in effect since 1923. This has been motivated of course by the sweltering heatwave which is eclipsing Europe at the moment.  Aside from Paris, many other major cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam actually encourage their locals to swim in their rivers.  But not in Dublin, as many know the River Liffey is not exactly a hotspot for local swimming enthusiasts, but why is that? 

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Alaska later today, with the US President's hopes of sealing a ceasefire agreement on Ukraine uncertain. We discuss this further with Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euronews.

Gareth Mullins talks through an Irish Lamb, grilled on the barbeque served with this flavor packed green sauce, beef nachos and a  panzaella salad for entertaining this summer

The weekend is finally here, and that of course is the highly anticipated Oasis concert. The Manchester brothers will pay two sold-out reunion shows at Croke Park this weekend.  the last time the band were together in Ireland was in Slane in 2009, just weeks before they split.  Since the announcement of the tour last year, they’ve had collaborations with fashion brands, pop-up merch stores in cities across the UK and Ireland, partnerships with football teams and even a museum tour dedicated to the brothers. Newstalk reporter Alex Rowley got an exclusive look at one of these tours.  

There is plenty of sporting action this weekend, with the Premier League season kicking off, round 3 of the FAI cup, and golf’s big hitters taking to Maryland to battle it out, all to look forward to this weekend. Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off the Ball previews it all.

As Mairéad McGuinness drops out of the Presidential Race for health reasons, where does Fine Gael and the race go from here? Barry McLoughlin, Head of Client Engagement at the Communications Clinic and Sean Defoe Newstalk's Political Correspondent discuss that and the official launch of Gareth Sheridan’s campaign.

TikTok officially launched TikTok Shop in Ireland in late 2024 with 2.2 million monthly users now able to shop directly via videos, livestreams, and product showcases all within the app. Small Irish businesses can reach younger audiences but it how does it work and is it causing an increase in impulse buying. Is TikTok the next getaway for impulse buying? All to discuss with StyleSavvy founder Laura Jordan.

Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of its new Star of the Seas ship. It is the second if its Icon-class ships which are the largest cruise ships in the world. Eoghan Corry is currently aboard the ship on its maiden voyage and told us what the experience is like.

Car loans have hit the highest levels on record. That’s according to new data which shows a year on year increase in the volume and value of the car loan with almost 20,000 of them worth €259 million. Why is Ireland going on a car shopping spree? All to discuss with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent and Paul Merriman, Financial Advisor and CEO of AskPaul.

As we know the price of food staples are continuing to rise, so with grocery inflation only going one way, is there anything consumers can do to seek better value? Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte find out how people are finding the rise of costs and trying to save

An Garda Síochána have this morning published the Crowe Report. The report was a review of Roads Policing activity and operations, Pat was joined on the show by Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent, The Irish Times to discuss the findings.

Next month, Taoiseach Micháel Martin and Canadian Ambassador Dennis King are set to pay tribute to a little-known migration of 2,000 Irish people, who left from the port of Cobh to Canada back in 1825, in what is collectively known as the “Peter Robinson experiment”. To tell us more about this Pat spoke to Amanda Slattery, Development Manager with Ballyhoura Development CLG.

Scientists find link between genes and ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, and a disturbance in gut bacteria . Early findings from the world’s largest study into the genetics of the condition pinpointed eight regions of the human genome that were substantially different in people with an ME/CFS diagnosis compared to those without the illness.  All to discuss with Luke O’Neill Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College and host of Show Me The Science podcast.

We are currently in the midst of what is being termed a “demographic timebomb”. Globally our population is shrinking, but while shrinking, it is also getting older. This is a trend that is likely to have profound consequences for the global economy.  How do falling birth rates effect our global economy? All to discuss with Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics DCU.

The fascinating life and untimely death of Robert Hilliard is the subject of a new book, ‘Swift Blaze of Fire,’ by his granddaughter, Lin Rose Clark. As well as a folk hero, Hilliard was one of Ireland’s first Olympians, and a complicated figure, to say the least. To tell us more about Hilliard, Cameron Hill from Off The Ball.

The Stranger Inside is the latest crime novel from Irish Times bestseller Amanda Cassidy. Amanda chatted to Pat this morning all about her writing process and new book.

Its August, which means families all over the country are gearing up for the return to schools. Uniforms, nametags, pencil cases, school books and school bags, the endless array of items needed to get their little ones through school. Jo Linehan give us advice to help you cut costs and emissions when returning to the classroom this September.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet tomorrow in Alaska to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump has previously promised to end the war in one day, but has described this meeting as purely a “listening exercise.” Volodimir Zelenskyy is also due to meet Keir Starmer in Downing Street prior to the Alaska summit. Will these meetings prove progressive and could a deal be on the table?  All to discuss with Donnacha Ó’Béachagáin Professor of Politics at DCU and author of Unfinished Empire: Russian imperialism in Ukraine and the near.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing to expand his friendship with North Korea, just this week reaffirming the relationship with the reclusive nation. But while North Korean soldiers and labourers are sent to Russia, what is in it for them and their nation?All to discuss with Robert E Kelly, Professor of Political Science, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea. 

New figures show that there is a sizeable gender gap in the leaving cert subject choice, with boys more likely than girls to be studying Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and other STEM subjects. Why is this so? Pat discusses this further with Stella O’Malley, Psychotherapist and Author and Brendan Gildea, Maths teacher and Author.

Tired, apathetic and unmotivated. These are some of the words associated with what many call “work burnout”. Many experiencing this burnout report a feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion, but what can be done to combat this? All to discuss with Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.

Brazil Roberto Burle Marx arrived in the world in August 1909, born into culturally layered roots in SãoPaulo. His mother hailed from a French descended Brazilian family, his father from a German-Jewish lineage, and when the family moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1913, an early passion took seed. Under the gentle encouragement of his mother and beloved nanny, Roberto learned to sow seeds and tend blooms long before he could ever read a landscape plan. These formative years quietly nurtured a lifelong devotion to plants. Diarmuid Gavin bring us his gardening life story.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has confirmed that it has captured an Asian Hornet in Cork. The invasive species was reported by a member of the public and can have a devastating effect on the native honeybee population.