Brendan O'Connor
Society & Culture
About
Brendan O'Connor has all you need for the weekend with time to pause and reflect on the week just gone. Featuring a selection of human interest, consumer and lifestyle stories, as well as keeping you up to date on the news stories that matter. Listen live Saturday and Sunday at 11am - 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1.
Episodes
- Theo Dorgan: “My Dad buried himself early so that we might live”
Theo Dorgan joins Brendan O'Connor to talk about songs, his family life, and his correspondence with Leonard Cohen. He shares insights from his life and career.
- The Watchlist
Serina Bellissimo and Dave O'Callaghan join Brendan O'Connor to discuss their entertainment highlights. They review 'Amandaland,' 'A Traveller Family,' and 'The Dark Wizard.'
- The irrational optimism of driving a convertible in Ireland
In this episode, Paddy Comyn and Brendan O'Connor discuss the appeal and practical challenges of driving a convertible in Ireland.
- Newspaper Panel
Brendan O'Connor is joined by Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh, Daniel Murray, Ben Tonra, Brenda Power, and Mark Paul. They discuss the main stories from Sunday's newspapers.
- Bill Nighy: “Now I’m Irish, I’m going to have to rebrand”
Bill Nighy joins Brendan O'Connor to talk about his fashion sense, anxiety, and the dynamic between his Irish heritage and his public image as 'the quintessential Englishman.' He also discusses his role as an Irish grandfather in his new f…
- “Thank you isn’t nearly enough” - finding the good Samaritan who saved his life
Brian Boyd is reunited on air with Laura Madden, a physiotherapist, and Dr. Cathal de Buitléir, an emergency medicine consultant. They discuss how they intervened to help save his life after he had a cardiac arrest on a Dublin street.
- Why we need holidays
In this episode, Leisha Redmond McGrath and Brendan O'Connor discuss the psychological importance of holidays. They cover the impact of bringing work on vacation and the benefits of self-care.
- “Australia’s Martha Stewart” Donna Hay
Donna Hay, known as "Australia's Martha Stewart," joins Brendan O'Connor to discuss Australian cuisine, her culinary empire, and rejecting a job offer from Martha Stewart. She also provides tips for an Australian breakfast and introduces h…
- Maria Walsh MEP: “It takes a village – that’s the image I’m leaning on, as a gay, single mum-to-be"
Maria Walsh MEP joins Brendan O'Connor to discuss her fertility journey. She shares her experience with the European Sperm Bank and the impact of pregnancy on her life and family.
- The Watchlist
Henrietta McKervey and Andy McCarroll join Brendan O'Connor to discuss the films and TV shows Criminal Record, Come To Your Census, Widow's Bay, and Lord Of The Flies.
- James Kavanagh - “My bully found all manner of creative ways to make my life hell”
James Kavanagh joins Brendan O'Connor to share his life story, including experiences with homophobic bullying, coming out, and panic attacks, as reflected in five significant songs. He also discusses moving to rural Kilkenny and finding hi…
- “‘Yesteryear’ shines another light on the Trad Wife culture war”
Brendan O'Connor and Ellen Coyne discuss 'Yesteryear,' a novel about a trad wife influencer transported to 1855. They explore the book's relevance to the trad wife culture war and questions about mothers' choices.
- Newspaper Panel
Niall Boylan, Alison O'Connor, Alan Barrett, and Dr. Shana Cohen join Brendan O'Connor to discuss the stories in Sunday's newspapers.
- “I’m looking for the woman who saved my life”
Irish Times columnist Brian Boyd suffered sudden cardiac arrest and was clinically dead. A woman performed CPR, saving his life. He is now looking for her to express his gratitude.
- Summer Life Hacks
Denise O’Donoghue, Life Hacks Columnist for the Irish Examiner, provides a variety of summer life hacks. These tips cover topics such as using baby powder, washing a wheelie bin, tick bite prevention, protecting hair, and packing a carry-o…
- Fruiting up your salads!
In this episode, Chef Lorraine Fitzmaurice discusses recipes for summer salads. She includes various fruits like grilled peaches, grapes, papaya, and strawberries, and incorporates orange with fennel.
- Michael Bublé - “I’m a pretty big deal, you need to see me before I die!”
Michael Bublé joins Brendan O'Connor to talk about his return to Ireland, his family, beliefs, and an encounter with the Pope. He emphasizes the importance of actions over words.
- Dr Richard Hogan - “The birth mothers who’ve come to my clinic have stayed in my soul”
In this episode, Dr. Richard Hogan discusses historical adoption in Ireland. He explores its psychological effects on birth mothers, birth fathers, adoptive parents, and children.
- “Teaching Love to medical students allows them to bring their own vulnerabilities to the job”
Prof. Colin Doherty, Head of the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, explains the new curriculum that incorporates "Love" for medical students. This aims to allow students to bring their vulnerabilities to their roles and improve…
- The Newspaper Panel
Brendan O'Connor is joined by a panel including Caitriona Perry, Lucinda Creighton, Louise Burne, Fergus Finlay, and Larry Donnelly to discuss stories from the Sunday newspapers and the shooting in Washington.
- “The last hurrah, for a golden age of fashion magazines” the enduring appeal of The Devil Wears Prada
Author and magazine fan Anna Carey joins Brendan to discuss the enduring popularity of the film 'The Devil Wears Prada' twenty years after its release, as a sequel is expected.
- Michael Harding: “The sun gaslights us in Ireland. We’re never sure of it”
Author Michael Harding joins Brendan O’Connor to examine the psychological and spiritual effects of summertime and sunshine on the Irish people. Their conversation also covers themes of aging, festivals, and past romantic experiences.
- The Watchlist
Brendan O'Connor is joined by producer Eoin Sweeney and podcaster Fionnuala Jones to discuss current film and television news, including upcoming projects like Michael, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Hokum.
- PJ Gallagher: “You’d never let anyone talk to you, the way you talk to yourself when you’re unwell”
Comedian PJ Gallagher joins Brendan O'Connor to discuss five songs that have shaped his life. He also reflects on his childhood, career, fatherhood, and his experiences motorbiking in the Himalayas.
- From the archive: Manchán Magan kicks-off summer with a naked dew-roll
This archive episode of the Brendan O'Connor show features Manchán Magan discussing the Irish summer tradition of naked dew rolling on May 1st, a practice said to bestow beauty upon the participant.
- Katriona O’Sullivan: “I felt like a fat bride, and I still hate the wedding photos”
Author Katriona O'Sullivan joins Brendan O'Connor to discuss her new book, 'Hunger', and her relationship with her body. They explore the impact of childhood trauma and the concept of 'the fat-girl algorithm' on women's body perceptions.
- All the tricks you need for an authentic Caribbean BBQ
Chef Eamon de Freitas joins Brendan O'Connor to share advice on preparing an authentic Caribbean barbecue, covering topics from choosing the right fuel to creating marinades.
- How long will the sunshine last?
BBC weather presenter Barra Best joins Brendan O'Connor to discuss the current sunny weather in Ireland, its expected duration, and the associated risk of wildfires.
- Newspaper Panel
Dearbhail is joined by a panel including Keire Murphy, Derek Mooney, Mick Clifford, and Aisling Meehan to discuss stories from the Sunday newspapers.
- The Watchlist
Journalist Zara Hedderman and RTÉ Guide Movies Editor Michael Doherty join host Dearbhail to discuss the latest film and television recommendations for the week.
- “YouTubers are increasingly invading our TVs”
Broadcaster Aifric O'Connell joins Dearbhail to discuss the trend of YouTubers, such as Salish and Jordan Matter, Ms. Rachel, and MrBeast, transitioning their content to streaming platforms like Netflix.
- My Life in Five Songs: actor, Eileen Walsh
Actor Eileen Walsh discusses the significant songs that have soundtracked her life and career, ranging from Annie Lennox to John Prine.
- Theologian: “Trump’s post was blasphemous and utterly un-Christian"
Theologian Gina Menzies joins host Dearbhail to discuss the recent public exchange between Pope Leo and the Trump administration regarding global leadership and the role of the papacy.
- Neurologist: “Procrastination is a tug-of-war between parts of your brain”
Neuroscientist Dr. Sabina Brennan discusses the brain mechanics behind procrastination. She explains various types, including productive and pleasure-seeking procrastination, and provides strategies for managing problematic procrastination.
- French classics with an Irish twist
Head Chef Jean-Baptiste Dubois joins the programme to discuss four French recipes with Irish influences. He also explains his zero-waste kitchen approach and provides tips for utilizing leftovers.
- Holidays Of A Lifetime “If you’re dreaming about it, just go”
Jacqui Hurley, Marie Noonan, and John O’Ceallaigh join Dearbhail to discuss their travel experiences. They cover various international destinations and offer suggestions for campervan holidays within Ireland.
- Jan Carson - “Maybe the whole of Northern Ireland should have gone to therapy”
Author Jan Carson joins Dearbhail to discuss her new novel, 'Few and Far Between'. She explores her Evangelical Presbyterian upbringing, her experiences living abroad, and her reflections on Northern Ireland following the Good Friday Agree…
- How to Walk, with Karl Henry
Brendan O'Connor features personal trainer Karl Henry discussing the benefits of walking as a form of exercise. Henry provides a masterclass on the topic to guest host Dearbhail.
- Apps that make travel easy with Conor Pope
Irish Times Consumer Affairs Correspondent Conor Pope joins Brendan O'Connor to discuss essential travel apps. The conversation covers tools for finding better currency rates and navigating local transport safely.
- The Newspaper Panel
Brendan O'Connor is joined by Mary Regan, Gerard Howlin, Anna Marie McHugh, and Dr. Graham Finlay to discuss the top stories from the Sunday newspapers.
- Niall Quinn “Football is the answer to a lot of problems in modern Ireland”
Former Republic of Ireland soccer player Niall Quinn discusses the five songs that have soundtracked his life and career with host Brendan O'Connor. The conversation explores his journey from the pitch to the boardroom through his personal…
- The Watchlist
Sarina Bellissimo and John Maguire join Brendan O'Connor to preview the latest films and television series, including the second season of Beef and Margo’s Got Money and Big Mistakes.
- What is likely to happen now in the stand-off over the fuel protests?
Pat Leahy, political editor of The Irish Times, joins Brendan O'Connor to analyze the ongoing fuel protests. They discuss the causes of the public unrest, the Government's response, and the potential future political implications.
- Dermot Bannon “People say they need storage, but what are they storing?!”
TV architect Dermot Bannon discusses home improvement trends with host Brendan O'Connor. The conversation covers retrofitting, the importance of insulation, and how minor changes like new windows or countertops can impact a space.
- Do you know your love language? Psychologist, Allison Keating explains!
Chartered psychologist Allison Keating discusses the concept of love languages and their impact on how individuals connect within relationships. She explains the psychology behind these frameworks and how they can be used to improve interp…
- “You lose 30% of your collagen around perimenopause”
Consultant dermatologist Professor Catriona Ryan discusses the effects of perimenopause on skin collagen and provides an overview of various cosmetic procedures, including Botox and skin boosters. The episode covers important consideration…
- Baking this weekend? Chef Una Leonard has some tips!
Chef Una Leonard, founder of 2210 Patisserie, discusses the joy of home baking and the nostalgic appeal of childhood treats. She also shares instructions for making cheesecake buns with host Brendan O'Connor.
- “My father thought I was part bird, because I was born without arms”
Artist Mary Duffy discusses her life experiences with Brendan O’Connor, including growing up without arms, achieving independence, and her marriage to her husband, Denis.
- Nóirín Ní Riain – “The modern world badly needs a spiritual transplant”
Singer and interfaith minister Nóirín Ní Riain discusses the resonance of the resurrection story with Brendan O'Connor. The episode also features a performance of an Alleluia for Easter Sunday.
- Kathryn Thomas - “I would never have admitted to Botox five years ago”
Broadcaster Kathryn Thomas discusses her career, the experience of aging in the public eye, and her RTE documentary series 'Young Forever: The Death of Ageing?'. She also addresses her use of Botox and the impact of technology on perceptio…