The Pat Kenny Show

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said that online pornography is driving violence against women. His comments come after it was reported Gardai received 1,600 domestic violence-related calls each week over the Christmas period. Pat discusses this further with Peadar Tóibín, Leader of Aontú.

Sperm cells carry traces of childhood stress, epigenetic study finds. Fathers may carry traces of their childhood trauma in their sperm cells, a new study finds. Prof Luke O'Neill brings us the details of this study.

When a politician is embroiled in scandal, they often resign or move to the shadows of the media spotlight. But as time passes, can a comeback be made? Gabija Gataveckaite from the Irish Independent looks at the art of the political comeback. 

VHI announces an average price increase of 3% across its health insurance plans from 1st March 2025. We speak to Dermot Goode Insurance Expert at Total Healthcover.ie a Lockton company about this increase and what it means for customers.

In 2018 the government introduced new legislation around domestic violence. A year later Ireland ratified the Istanbul Convention a European legal commitment which aims to combat violence against women.But is the state meeting their legal obligations?Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock has been looking into the referral process for perpetrators of domestic violence.

Former Leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan joined Pat in studio. Up for discussion was promoting  roads-based solutions to traffic problems and his career post politics. 

David Robert Grimes brings us through what Irish schools can learn from Finland about tackling media literacy early on and shares how fake cancer cures are being peddled on hugely popular podcasts.

Donald Trump has paused US Aid programmes around the world. One country this is already having an impact in is Ukraine. With more on this, Pat spoke to Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent, RFI and France 24.

Many of us feel that being more sustainable will be time-consuming, expensive, or a chore, but what if being more environmentally and socially active could improve our moods? Jo Linehan digs into the psychology of being sustainable.

Three-quarters of secondary school's report having no applicants for recent teaching vacancies due to the ongoing retention and recruitment crisis. This is according to a survey carried out by the Principals and Deputy Principals Association. Pat discussed these findings with and we are now joined by the Principals and Deputy Principals Association President, Michael Murphy

An American Airlines flight carrying dozens of passengers has collided with a military helicopter as it approached Washington DC's Ronald Reagan National Airport. We get the details from Kevin Byrne a Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety and Security Expert. 

On Sunday, Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko won his seventh election in a row claiming 86.62% of the vote in an election that has been described by both the European Union and opposition leaders as a sham. Joining Pat this morning to discuss the election result was Franak Viacorka, Chief Advisor to exiled opposition leader Sveltana Tikhanovskaya.

Five years ago, then teacher Roisin O'Donnell was approached by radio one’s ‘spoken stories’ to produce a piece for air. The resulting 3,000 words would form the basis of her debut novel ‘Nesting’.

Garden Designer Diarmuid Gavin tells us all about Milan's vertical gardens. 

Thirty years on from when they started, Boyzone is back with a series on their road to stardom in the 90s. The documentary explores the rise, challenges they faced, the death of Stephen Gately and the enduring legacy of one of the biggest boy bands in the world. Our own Henry McKean was at the

An estimated 376,000 Palestinians return north following the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. We heard from from UNICEF's Jonathan Crickx on the situation there.

Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland Dr Ruth Freeman explains the great pacific garbage patch and the wonder material that is biochar.

In this week’s Commuter Slot, Conor Faughnan explains to us what to do if you have a minor accident, and also what can you do if someone damages your car when it is parked.

Sinn Féin’s Pa Daly has initiated a High Court challenge to the constitutionality of Super Junior Ministers. Pa Daly joined Pat to explain why he is taking the action and Professor David Kenny of Trinity College Dublin brings us through the Constitution.

Ukraine is one of the many international issues on Donald Trump’s desk. But just what exactly does the new US President mean for the conflict? Lara Marlowe Paris based Journalist and Author. 

The incoming government is facing criticism for its decision to review hybrid working for Civil Servants in the new programme for government.What does this say about the future of work here? Should employees have the option to work from home, or is it time to return to the office.Pat discusses this further with Leisha Redmond McGrath, Work and Coaching Psychologist.

Global tech shares fall as China AI chatbot DeepSeek spooks investors. We get all the details with Newstalk Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

Micheál Martin and Simon Harris are continuing to decide Junior Minister appointments amidst criticism surrounding the lack of women in cabinet. There are also growing calls for the Dáil to be recalled to discuss the damage caused by Storm Éowyn. Pat discusses the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. Siobhan Wynne, ESB Networks Regional Manager, Shane P O. Reilly, Cavan County Councillor. and Fionnán Sheehan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent updated us with all the political news.

Taking too many supplements, obsessing over sugar and intermittent fasting. We take a look at the most common food myths with Dietitian Sarah Keogh.

According to a new CSO survey, more than 6 in 10 of 25-year-olds are still living with their parents and 1 in 8 have emigrated.  To discuss these findings further Pat spoke to Emily Keegan, Newstalk Reporter and Karl Ormsby, DCUSU President. 

Today, an inquiry into the Omagh bombings will begin. After 26 years since the deadliest killings in the troubles, families will be able to uncover why  examine whether the bombing could have been prevented. Michael Gallagher is the father of son Aiden who died in the bombing and said this was an incredibly important day for families. Michael spoke to Pat this morning on the show. 

Interest Rates are coming down and there’s fresh competition in Ireland’s mortgage market.This means now is a better time than ever for first-time buyers to look for a mortgage.Pat is joined by Margaret Barrett, Managing Director at Mortgage Navigators and a qualified Financial Advisor to discuss all your mortgage queries.

Pat is joined by our resident psychotherapist, Stephanie Regan to dissect our issues this week.Whether we’re calm or panicked, why do certain stresses affect us the way they do. This is the psychology of keeping your cool

Colombia agrees to accept deportation flights after tariffs threats while more than a dozen inspectors general get the axe as trump continues his whirlwind of activity.Terry Sheridan, Managing Editor at WSHU Public Radio has the latest.

Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent brings us up to date with the latest motoring news.Expect to hear all the latest, including details of Volkswagen’s year in 2024, a new study on EV reliability, Tesla’s sales slumping and plenty more.

Migraine is the most common neurological condition in the world. 1 in 7 people suffer from migraines in Ireland. It is also three times more common for women than men.Pat is joined by Orla Walsh, a dietitian who suffers from chronic migraines. 

Over 100,000 people are still left without water and schools still without power remain closed following Storm Eowyn.We get an update from Margaret Attridge of Uisce Eireann and Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent.

According to a recent report by the New World Health, over 10-thousand millionaires left the UK last year- a 157 per cent increase since 2023. That’s the equivalent to losing half a million taxpayers. It comes as this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos faced criticism for gathering billionaires and millionaires to debate the growing inequality between the wealthy elite and the rest of the world. Pat is joined by Enda Brady, TRT Presenter to discuss these figures.

Mannix Flynn, Independent Councillor for Dublin City Council, sits down with Pat to discuss new rules that have just come into effect that aim to ban plastic refuse sacks on select streets,Businesses that fail to comply from 1 January could face fines of €150, as the transitionary period of just over three months has now ended. From now on, all occupiers of buildings on the list of streets on the south side of the city will not be permitted to present waste in plastic bags on city streets for collection.

Israel has opened checkpoints to allow Palestinians to return to the north of Gaza. It follows a delay that Israel says was caused by Hamas reneging on part of the ceasefire agreement.US President Donald Trump also made comments over the weekend suggesting the Gaza strip be ‘cleaned out’.Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, joins Pat to discuss.

Gardai have launched a crackdown on illegal hunting due to rising concerns over hare ‘lamping’ and ‘baiting’ of foxes and badgers. There are fears that gangs from cities are travelling to rural parts of the country to set up illegal hunting rings including the use of ‘blooded’ dogs to hunt rabbits, badgers and foxes. To discuss this further Pat was joined on the show by Pat McLoughlin, a Farmer from near Birr, Co. Offaly.

America leaving the WHO and the consequences for health plus the lies Disinformation, propaganda, and dangerous precedents from Trump’s inauguration. All to discuss in our disinformation slot with David Robert Grimes.

On this week's Boxed, John Fardy fills us in on scifi dystopian thriller Apple TV series Severance.

Resumption of the Dáil is pushed back again, will we see election of a Taoiseach? All to discuss with Daniel McConnell, Editor Business Post.

Science is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision makers act on the basis of the best available evidence, especially during crises. The good news is in a recent survey Ireland does very well in trusting scientists ranking 14th out of 68 countries, and is second in the EU after Spain. For more on this Pat chatted to Prof Luke O'Neill.

With only a few days back in the White House, Donald Trump has signed multiple executive orders and started a feud with a bishop.  Meanwhile, in California a new wildfire fire erupts north of Los Angeles. 

Dr Eva Orsmond joined Pat on the show to chat about her new book 'The Belly Fat Solution'. The book contains over 50 recipes which are backed up by science, helping readers understand on how to lose that tummy fat.

The Dáil descended into chaos yesterday with four suspensions, the opposition on their feet and no election of Taoiseach. Will there be progress when the Dáil resumes this morning?TD, People Before Profit-Solidarity, Dublin South Wes Paul Murphy TD joined Pat on the show to discuss.

Cathal Crotty, a former soldier, received a three-year suspended sentence in June, after pleading guilty to carrying out an unprovoked attack on Natasha O’Brien in Limerick City. Following public outcry over the leniency of his sentence, the DPP has decided to appeal the sentence today in Dublin’s District Courts. Newstalk Courts Correspondent, Frank Greaney, gave us the latest on the case.

An historic storm set to hit our shores tonight what will it mean for your electricity, transport and flights? Pat discuss all with Graeme McQueen, Head of Media Relations, DAA, Siobhan Wynne Regional Manager with ESB Networks and also Jeremy Ryan Director of Public Transport Services National Transport Authority.

With Joe Biden now officially a former tenant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, his biographer Chris Whipple looks back on his time in office.

Hollywood actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's court battles continues to grace the headlines as last Thursday, Baldoni sued lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds $400 million for defamation, extortion and invasion of privacy. We get the latest on this with BBC Entertainment Reporter Yasmin Ruzzo.

Today we are joined by Sam Blake to discuss her new book, ‘The Killing Sense.’ The book follows the life of Kate Wilde, a single mum who wins a five-day trip to Paris to learn about perfume. Kate is in desperate need of a holiday and decides to hop on the Eurostar in hope of running away from her abusive ex-husband. But when a killer begins targeting red-haired women who look like her, Kate's instincts are put to the ultimate test. 

Diarmuid Gavin joins us to talk about the creation of the Garden at Garnish Island.

The continuing rise of the far right in Europe over the next number of weeks will be trained on both Austria and Germany. Austria’s far-right freedom party is currently leading efforts to form a government there while, next month. To talk about the rise of the far right and its impact in those countries and across the EU, we are joined from Paris by Jean-Yves Camus, Political Analyst and Associate Research Fellow at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs.