The Pat Kenny Show

On this week's Green Scene Dr Ruth Freeman tells us how male bowerbirds are amazing sound engineers and we discuss a new report says that urgent action is needed as the Earth’s worsening vital signs indicate a "critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis". All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Sheila Hamilton, author of ‘Can I have your Charm bracelet when you Die?’, but also barrister, singer, actress and comedian, joined Pat in studio to chat about her new memoir, her first book.  

We dive into the latest controversies shaking Sinn Féin and what’s next for the party’s leadership with Fionnan Sheahan Ireland Edito rat the Irish independent.

Lake Como has been Italy’s ‘luxury lake’ for centuries but has shot to new heights thanks to the Clooney effect. Pól Ó Conghaile, Irish independent Travel Editor, is just back and he gave us his top tips when visiting this stunning location.All with thanks to Ryanair.

 The level of contact with you and your ex and what’s healthy and acceptable. Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist discusses with Pat.

Dr Arthur Cummings, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the Wellington Eye Clinic was our expert today and gave advice to our listeners on all things eye health.

Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor of Sunday Independent brought us the sights and sounds from this year's Paris Motor Show in Paris.

A new 3d scan has revealed previously unseen details of the wreck of explorer Ernest Shackleton's Endurance, using high resolution images, was captured when the ship was found in 2022. To discuss the story of the 'Endurance' and the new findings was Jonathan Shackleton, second cousin of Ernest Shackleton and also Esther Addley, Senior News Writer at The Guardian.

With deadly attacks on both sides and tensions mounting across the Middle East, we explore the risks of an all-out regional conflict. Speaking to Pat this morning was Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science and also Declan Power,a Defence and Security Expert.

the shocking truth behind Barbie’s female empowering image. Speaking to Pat this morning was Journalist and International Correspondent with CNN Isobel Yeung who exposed the dark secrets of Mattel’s factories in a new documentary.

With loneliness, anxiety, and burn out commonplace in 2024, people are seeking out community and nature like never before. So, could communal living be the solution to our modern malaise? Newstalk Reporter Sara Madden reports.

Sinn Féin has been rocked after party leader Mary Lou McDonald revealed the matter that led to the resignation of TD Brian Stanley has been referred to gardaí. We get the latest on this with Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor at the Irish independent.

Our Friday Forum looks back on the main stories of the week. Joining Pat today in studio was Marian Harkin, TD for Sligo, Leitrim, N Roscommon and South Donegal, Pauline O’Reilly, Green Party general election candidate for Galway west and Hugh O’ Connell Deputy Political Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent.  

We hear about ‘Planet Youth’ a new project introducing preventative measures to combat drug and alcohol use among teenagers. Josh Crosbie sent us this report.

Gareth Mullins Executive Chef of The Anantara Marker Hotel will be talking us through pumpkin and age risotto.

October 16th marks eight years since the passing of Munster and Ireland legend Anthony Foley. Pat McCarry's play ‘Soldier Field' pays homage to the Anthony and it will be staged at the Moat theatre, Naas on October 15th. Joining Pat on the show was Pat McCarry, best-selling rugby author and playwright and the writer and director of ‘Soldier Field.’ Also with Pat was Orla Foley, Founder of ‘Orla's Wild Ways’ fundraiser, proactive way to honour her brother, Anthony Foley, and raise money for the mid-western cancer foundation.

Joining Pat on the show Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces to discuss peacekeeping challenges in Lebanon, recruitment issues, and the future of Ireland’s defence strategy.

Irish singer-songwriter Lyra joined Pat in studio to chat about her new single ‘The Ending’ and her upcoming tour.

22 grand slam winner Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis yesterday and a big weekend for the rugby as Leinster face Munster in Croke Park. We get all the sports news with Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off The Ball.

Social media food and diet untruths. Dietician Orla Walsh will debunk the viral social media diet fads.

Peter Power, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland joined Pat on the show to reiterate that UNICEF are an independent, non-profit organisation who are helping the children of Gaza, Lebanon and Israel in their new appeal.

Going solo on a date or out with the kids, Eadaoin Fitzmaurice gives us her tips on what to get up to this weekend. 

John Nolan, Irish man resident in Tampa, Florida spoke to Pat this morning as his hometown sees the devastation from Hurricane Milton. Dubliner John Nolan, has been living in Tampa for nearly 30 years.

Minister for Housing Darragh O Brien joined Pat in studio this morning to discuss the Planning and Development bill, which aims to majorly overhaul of the planning system.

What do Gerry Adams, the Kardashians, Sarah Ferguson and Louis Walsh have in common? They have all been represented by Northern Irish media Lawyer Paul Tweed, who has been at the heart of some of the biggest libel and defamation cases of recent. Paul has written a book about his career and he joined Pat on the show to chat all about it.

The drug Ozempic and drugs like it are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity but recent research is suggesting that their benefits may go way beyond that. We hear how with Luke O'Neill Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College.

With hurricane Milton battering Florida, millions of households are now without power, emergency services have been suspended, and damage continues to unfold as the storm moves across the state. We get the latest on the situation there with Terry Sheridan, Managing Editor, WSHU Public Radio.

Research conducted among 1,000 people by Coyne Research on behalf of ALDI and FoodCloud found that, on average, Irish consumers waste €832 worth of food annually.  We discuss these findings with Jo Linehan, Editor of the Climate Supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland .

This week we take a look at FEMA disinformation as a massive hurricane barrels down on Florida and HRT misinformation in the UK in this weeks disinformation slot with David Robert Grimes.

More than 60% of Irish dentists reported recruitment difficulties, with the sector reporting a 23% workforce reduction over the past 15 years according to research by the Irish Dental Association. Joining Pat to discuss the situation concerning dentists recruitment was Caroline Robbins: Chair of the GP committee of the Irish Dental Association, and a Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow. 

Award winning garden designer Diarmuid Gavin joined Pat on the show this morning to answer listeners green fingered questions but also to explain why our autumn colour is expected to be so good this year, its all to do with the weather!

Terry Sheridan, Managing Editor, WSHU, on the latest US news, as people in Florida are urged to evacuate as Category 5 Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall this evening.

Cecelia Ahern joined Pat in studio this morning with her new book, her 20th book, called ‘Into the Storm.’  

As STI numbers skyrocket and no cervical cancer cases are being detected in vaccinated women following HPV immunisation, Dr Aisling Loy Consultant in Sexual Health at St James' Hospital and at the Himerus Health Clinic explains the trends in these traditional and non-traditional infections.

This week on our tech slot, Killian Ginnity takes a look at Google's Notebook LM (AI for quick summarization and note taking) which can turn notes into a short podcast.

More famous screen tests and open castings feature in 'Inside Hollywood this week with Lisa Cannon.

46 cold cases are being re-examined by Interpol in a campaign that extends across Europe. We get the details with Jack Parrock, Europe Correspondent.

We discuss how Israel could retaliate against Iran by targeting sensitive sites, including oil infrastructure, after Benjamin Netanyahu stated he believes the time has come for a game-changing strike on Iran. Pat discuss this and more with Patrick Bury Senior Associate Professor in Warfare and Counterterrorism at University of Bath and also a former NATO analyst.

Dr Ruth Freeman Director, Research Ireland will take a look at how social media is threatening vulnerable species and habitats and do tethered caps actually help the environment? All up for discussion in this week's 'Green Scene'/All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Between 2019 and 2023 there were 164 pedestrians killed and 1,426 seriously injured. Conor Faughnan Transport Commentator and Consultant to the RIAC tells us more about these findings as part of Road Safety week.

Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald has threatened to involve Senior government figures in a controversy surrounding the party’s handling of a child sex abuser. We get reaction and the latest on this with Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor at the Irish Independent.  

Pat was joined by television broadcaster Kathryn Thomas and GP Dr. Máire Finn to discuss the 'Together Against RSV' campaign. Kathryn shared her personal experience with RSV, a leading cause of respiratory illness in infants, when her own child contracted the virus at just 11 weeks old.

Pat was joined by Alexandra Ryan, Founder and CEO of Goss Media, to discuss the latest developments in the Wagatha Christie saga. Rebekah Vardy is disputing the legal costs she must pay after being accused by Colleen Rooney of leaking private information to the press.

Pat was joined by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald to discuss the party’s plans for a governance overhaul. This comes after Michelle O’Neill's apology over references provided for a convicted child sex offender. Mary Lou explained how Sinn Féin plans to address the growing controversy.

In this special hour on Dublin crime, Pat was joined by reporter Josh Crosbie, Dublin City Independent Councillor Mannix Flynn, and a panel of experts to discuss the growing concerns about crime in the capital. Josh shared the views of residents and business owners, while Mannix Flynn and the expert panel, Irish Independent Journalist Paul Williams, Criminologist Triona O’Connor, and CEO of Dublin Town Richard Guiney offered their insights on what needs to be done before it’s too late.

Writer and playwright, Michael Harding, joined Pat to discuss his latest memoir, 'I Loved Him From the Day He Died'. Michael reflected on his spiritual journey along the Camino, accompanied by memories of his late father, whom he describes as a 'ghost' joining him along the way.

Pat was joined by Avril Clare, Owner and Managing Director of Avril Clare Recruitment, to talk about the property market. As flexible working conditions and benefits make the field more enticing, Avril shared insights on the challenges of retaining talent in Ireland.

Pat was joined by Declan Power, Defence and Security Analyst, to discuss the escalating situation in Lebanon. After an emergency meeting between Taoiseach Simon Harris and Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, questions arose about Ireland's role. Declan Power shared his perspective on why withdrawing our peacekeepers may not be an option.

Fighting, arguing and raising difficult issues with the people in your life. We get some guidance from Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist.

David Quinn, Managing Director, Investwise Financial Planning is our expert today and he gives advice and guidance on all things mortgages.