Insights with Sean O'Rourke

Society & Culture

About

One-to-one conversations between Sean O'Rourke and well-known individuals. Featured guests are prominent in public service, culture, sport and business and these long-form conversations explore their motivations, achievements and regrets; in short, what made them the people they are.

Episodes

  • John Saunders

    John Saunders shares his journey from growing up in Artane to becoming chairman of FleishmanHillard. He reflects on his career in journalism and public relations, and addresses his daughter's abuse publicly for the first time.

  • Fr John Joe Duffy

    Fr John Joe Duffy discusses the tragedy that occurred in Cresslough, Donegal, on October 7th, 2022. He shares his experience arriving at the scene of the Applegreen Service Station explosion and how the community has been coping since.

  • Caitríona Perry

    Caitríona Perry, Chief Presenter with BBC News, discusses her life in Washington and her career trajectory from Newstalk, Today FM, and RTÉ to presenting for a global audience. She shares her experiences with Sean O'Rourke.

  • Professor Colin O’Gara

    Professor Colin O’Gara, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Professor at UCD’s School of Medicine, speaks with Sean O'Rourke. He discusses his upbringing and his current work in addiction services and advocacy.

  • Kevin Healy

    Kevin Healy, former RTÉ Director of Radio Programming, shares his experiences as a journalist, his transition to becoming a barrister in his fifties, and reflects on significant personal events including the passing of his wife Deirdre Pur…

  • Leslie Shoemaker

    Chartered Counselling Psychologist Leslie Shoemaker discusses her background from Pittsburgh to Ireland, her family history, and her work with OCD Ireland. She also explains the nature of OCD and her treatment methods.

  • Daniel Lambert

    Daniel Lambert joins Sean O'Rourke to discuss his career transition from working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations to becoming a football executive and music manager. Lambert details his roles as CCO of Bohemian…

  • Darragh Ennis

    Professional quizzer Darragh Ennis discusses his life and career with Sean O'Rourke, covering his upbringing in Dublin, his academic achievements, and his time living in Canada and Oxford.

  • Daíthí O’Ceallaigh

    Former Irish ambassador Daíthí O’Ceallaigh discusses his diplomatic career during the Troubles, his roots in Dublin, and his family experiences with dementia.

  • Alex Cooney

    Alex Cooney, CEO and Co-Founder of Cyber Safe Kids, discusses her professional journey from international development to online safety advocacy. She explores her work empowering children, parents, and schools to navigate the challenges of…

  • Eoghan Murphy

    Former Minister for Housing and Fine Gael TD Eoghan Murphy discusses his life after leaving politics and the impact his time in office had on his mental health.

  • Fintan Drury

    Journalist, author, and migration activist Fintan Drury discusses his career journey with Sean O'Rourke. Topics include his time in the RTÉ newsroom, work in Northern Ireland, public relations, and his board roles at Paddy Power and Anglo…

  • Isabel Garvey

    Former Warner Music UK COO Isabel Garvey discusses her career transition from investment banking to the music industry with host Sean O'Rourke. She reflects on her experiences meeting notable figures such as Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Kei…

  • David McRedmond

    David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, shares his career journey from retail and telecommunications to leading Ireland's commercial state body, An Post, discussing recent opportunities and challenges.

  • Jennifer Rock

    Skincare expert Jennifer Rock shares insights on building a successful business while navigating significant life events such as motherhood, illness, loss, and resilience.

  • Jody Plauché

    Author and advocate Jody Plauché shares his experience of surviving child abuse and the subsequent killing of his abuser by his father. The episode details his journey toward healing and includes a trigger warning for discussions of sexual…

  • Prof Afif El-Khuffash

    Neonatologist Prof Afif El-Khuffash shares his experiences in intensive care, his advocacy for Gaza, and his insights on breaking stigma in maternal care, highlighting the impact of both science and art.

  • Tolu Makay

    Singer Tolü Makay shares her inspiring journey from church choirs to viral fame, detailing her transition from the corporate world to pursuing her passion in music and her advocacy for mental health.

  • Dr Brian Pennie

    Dr Brian Pennie discusses his recovery from heroin addiction and his subsequent work studying the mind to help others change. The conversation covers addiction, trauma, and the process of healing.

  • Cathy Kelly

    Cathy Kelly, writer and journalist, shares her experience transitioning from journalism to becoming a popular author. She also discusses personal challenges faced in recent years. The episode contains a reference to suicide.

  • Lelia Doolan

    Lelia Doolan reflects on her groundbreaking career in Irish media and the arts, from her leadership roles to her continued activism for cultural spaces.

  • Colm Flynn

    Vatican journalist Colm Flynn discusses the upcoming papal conclave and potential successors to the Pope with Seán O'Rourke. Flynn also shares a personal story about how the late Pope Francis facilitated his meeting with his wife.

  • Paul Costelloe

    Designer Paul Costelloe reflects on his connection with Princess Diana and his enduring ambition as he approaches his 80th birthday, turning the tables to ask host Sean O'Rourke a question.

  • Laura Coleman

    Laura Coleman, a psychologist and psychotherapist, shares her perspective on why death should not be feared. A trigger warning is included regarding a discussion of suicide.

  • Éamon Ó Cuiv

    Éamon Ó Cuív, a former Government Minister and TD, speaks with Sean O'Rourke about his work as a campaigner and prison negotiator. Ó Cuív also touches on his family legacy, including his grandfather Éamon de Valera, and his hopes for Fiann…

  • Sinéad Burke

    Sinéad Burke, a writer, disability campaigner, and entrepreneur, details her mission to create a more equitable and accessible world. She also discusses the anticipated impact of the European Accessibility Act, set to take effect in June 2…

  • Colm O'Rourke

    Colm O’Rourke, a Gaelic football manager and former Player of the Year, reflects on his passion for education and achievements beyond sport. He also shares insights into the evolving landscape of the GAA.

  • Dr Thomas McCann

    Psychotherapist Dr. Thomas McCann shares his experiences with the travelling community, detailing the challenges they face, including mental health concerns. The discussion references suicide, and resources are available.

  • Georgie Crawford

    Georgie Crawford shares her personal experience with breast cancer, diagnosed in 2017, and details the challenging path to starting a family with her husband, including the financial aspects.

  • Ollie Jennings

    Ollie Jennings has managed 'The Saw Doctors' and co-founded the Galway Arts Festival and the theatre company Macnas.

  • Diarmuid Gavin

    Diarmuid Gavin shares his drive to revolutionize gardening, his connection with Charlie Haughey, experiences with the Royal family, and the impact of journalist Terry Keane's support on his career.

  • Catherine Connolly

    Deputy Catherine Connolly shares her unplanned journey into politics and her surprise election as the first female Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. She also addresses whether she would consider running for President.

  • Feargal O'Rourke

    Feargal O'Rourke, former managing partner of PWC and Chairperson of the IDA, talks to Sean O'Rourke about his mother, Mary O’Rourke. He also discusses a potential political career and his views on future economic challenges for Ireland.

  • Kevin Bakhurst

    Kevin Bakhurst reflects on his challenging first 15 months as Director General of RTÉ, starting in July 2023 amidst the payments scandal. He also discusses his career, friendships, and future goals for the organization.

  • Bryan Dobson

    Bryan Dobson, after retiring from the RTÉ newsroom, reflects on his 37-year career and offers his views on the evolving landscape of journalism.

  • Gerry Hussey

    Gerry Hussey, a performance psychologist and author, shares his 20 years of experience in preparing Olympic, professional sports, and corporate teams for success with host Sean O'Rourke.

  • Ger Redmond

    Ger Redmond discusses his journey from aspiring footballer and gang member to prisoner, and his current work as a coach and mentor for young offenders, emphasizing the need to alter generational patterns.

  • Peter Murtagh

    Peter Murtagh, an award-winning journalist and author with nearly 40 years of experience at Irish and UK newspapers, reflects on significant stories he covered and his experiences traveling by motorbike from Chile to Alaska.

  • Anne Anderson

    Anne Anderson, a prominent Irish diplomat and the first woman to hold ambassadorships to the UN, EU, France, and US, shares reflections on her extensive career serving at the highest levels of international relations.

  • Professor Rose Anne Kenny

    Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny shares her journey into Medical Gerontology and discusses key findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), emphasizing the growing issue of loneliness in Ireland and the importance of socia…

  • Bill Browder

    Bill Browder, formerly an investor in Russia, now campaigns against corruption and human rights abuses. His work led to the Magnitsky Act after the death of his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky.

  • Jack Kavanagh

    Jack Kavanagh shares his experience after a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2012, discussing his journey with wellbeing, resilience, and his work promoting equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

  • Aileen Hickie

    Aileen Hickie shares her experiences at Drishane Convent, career changes, meeting broadcaster Matt Cooper, and her current position as CEO of Parentline.

  • Rob Kearney

    Rob Kearney, one of Ireland's most decorated rugby players, reflects on his career, including his 95 caps and 3 Lions test caps. He shares insights on the sport's changes, coaching, retirement, and personal life.

  • Jarlath Burns

    Jarlath Burns, the newly appointed GAA president, shares his aspirations for his three-year term. He also reflects on his upbringing in South Armagh during the Troubles, his experience as a school principal, and his extensive involvement i…

  • Annalise Murphy

    Annalise Murphy, an Olympic silver medalist in sailing, shares her experiences with preparation and competition, including the emotional impact of winning. She also talks about her career transition from sailing to competitive cycling.

  • Fintan Warfield

    Sinn Féin Senator Fintan Warfield shares his experiences with Sean O'Rourke, detailing his political awakening through music, his legislative work, and his commitment to LGBT equality.

  • Shark Hanlon

    John 'Shark' Hanlon discusses his transition from cattle dealing to horse training with Sean O'Rourke. He reflects on notable victories and his early support for Rachael Blackmore, ahead of his horse Hewick's run in the Gold Cup.

  • Enda Brady

    Award-winning journalist Enda Brady shares his experiences in journalism, including interviews with world leaders and celebrities, and discusses the importance of resilience, drawing from his participation in 48 marathons.

  • Colm Murray

    This archive episode features Sean O'Rourke interviewing sports broadcaster Colm Murray about his life, career, and battle with Motor Neuron Disease. The conversation was recorded in 2012 in front of a live audience.