The Business
Business & Finance
About
A weekly look at the world of business and personal finance with Richard Curran. Listen live Saturday at 10am on RTÉ Radio 1.
Episodes
- Businesses in Bloom
Siofra Mulqueen reports on topics related to the flower business. The episode also mentions wildflowers in Ireland.
- Sun Seekers Face Some Storms
Eoghan Corry, Editor of Travel Extra, provides insights into how recent developments in the travel industry may impact summer holidays. He discusses topics ranging from jet fuel shortages to the hantavirus.
- Why the Global Elite Have Dropped Good Grammar
Comedian Anne Gildea reflects on how some of the most influential people in the world have lost the art of good grammar. This episode is from The Business podcast.
- Skincare by the Sea with Jane and Katherine Mulrooney
Jane and Katherine Mulrooney share the story of Seavite, a skincare brand founded by their father Patrick, and how his entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish Dr. Mulrooney Clinic.
- The Demise of the UK Economy
Economist Frances Coppola joins Richard to discuss the state of the UK economy. They cover the impact of recent local election gains for Reform UK.
- The Changing Face of Customer Service
Professor Diane Negra joins Richard on 'The Business' to discuss her book 'I'm Sorry You Feel That Way' and the impact of AI developments on customer service.
- Cashing in on Cows with Deborah Donnelly
Deborah Donnelly discusses her personal and career challenges with Aine from her studio in Marley Park. She shares her experiences as a painter and the obstacles she has overcome.
- How Do You Deal with a Crisis?
Professor Brendan Kelly of Trinity College Dublin shares insights on how people react during crises and what these responses reveal about human nature. This episode of "The Business" explores the psychology behind crisis reactions.
- The Financial Might of Hate
Professor Gavan Titley of Maynooth University joins Aine to discuss 'conflict entrepreneurs' and their methods of profiting from the spread of hate. The conversation dissects the implications of these activities.
- Withdrawing Troops from Germany: Threat or Truth?
Timothy Ash and Aine discuss the US Defence Department's plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. This follows a disagreement between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the conflict with Iran.
- Bank Holiday Blues for the Self Employed
In this episode, Emer McLysaght reflects on the experience of being self-employed during bank holidays. She discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of this situation.
- Data Centres Under Pressure
Liz Carolan of The Briefing discusses the role of data centres and their significant electricity consumption in the country. This episode explores how these facilities are using a substantial share of the country's electricity.
- As Energy Takes a Hit, Could We All Do with a Recharge?
Aidan Fitzmaurice discusses the energy crisis, its impact on prices and supply, and how it affects personal energy. This episode explores the broader implications of the energy shortage.
- Tom O'Brien: The Cork Native Powering Ireland's Fuel Sector
Tom O'Brien, head of Nephin Energy, joins Richard to discuss his career in the fuel sector and Ireland's energy supply vulnerabilities. This episode explores the challenges and potential solutions within Ireland's fuel sector.
- Late Again: Bad Manners or Hardwired Habit?
Siofra Mulqueen investigates the reasons behind chronic lateness, exploring whether it stems from bad manners or deeply ingrained habits. The episode discusses potential causes for individuals consistently running behind schedule.
- Dire Straits: Counting the Cost of Conflict
This episode of The Business features Simon MacAllister, co-head of geopolitical strategy with EY. He joins Richard to discuss the economic implications of the energy shortage and the pessimism among EU leaders.
- Hoarding Goes Global
Economist Dr. Emma Howard from TU Dublin discusses the global implications of countries stockpiling and hoarding natural resources.
- Jet Fuel Shortages: Fact or Fiction?
Joe Gill from Goodbody stockbrokers joins Richard to discuss the ongoing impact of jet fuel shortages on the aviation industry.
- Cashing in on Conspiracy Theories
David Gilbert from Wired Magazine discusses how conspiracy theories are being monetized through social media interaction, book sales, and conferences.
- Ed Guiney: The Movie Man in His Element
Ed Guiney of Element Pictures speaks with Richard about his career in the film industry, including his work on award-winning movies. He discusses his transition from a childhood passion for film to achieving recognition at the Academy Awar…
- Doing the Dirty Work
Norma Sheahan provides advice on how to handle being assigned difficult tasks at work. This discussion follows observations regarding Donald Trump delegating tough tasks to JD Vance.
- Arc de Trump: The Man, the Myth, the Monument
Historian Dr. Nikki Carter joins Richard to discuss the proposed 'Arc de Trump,' a triumphal arch project associated with Donald Trump.
- The Latest Developments from the Fuel Protests
Kevin McPartlan, CEO of Fuels for Ireland, joins Richard to discuss the ongoing fuel cost protests and their implications.
- Baltimore's Take on the Fuel Protests
Maria Archer of Dede Restaurant and Patrick Murphy of O’Murchu Muscles Ltd discuss the impact of the fuel crisis on their businesses.
- When Your Office is a Space Ship
Fiona Looney reflects on the Artemis II crew's ten-day mission and considers whether she could endure similar close quarters with her own colleagues.
- How the Government is Tackling the Fuel Crisis
Energy specialist Muireann Lynch and Karol Kissane from the Irish Farm Accounting Cooperative join Richard to discuss potential government measures to address the fuel crisis.
- Heat Shields in Space: A Giant Leap for a Wexford Man
John O’Donoghue joins Richard to discuss his company, Enbio Space Tech, and their work on heat shields for space exploration following the return of the Artemis II mission.
- Business, Bands and Banter in Ballydehob
Joe O'Leary and Caroline O'Donnell of Levis Corner House discuss their experience as publicans, Joe O'Leary's history with the indie band FRED, and their mutual passion for music.
- Is Iran the World's Biggest Social Media Troll?
Journalist Marion McKeone joins Aine to discuss the ongoing online conflict between the United States and Iran, focusing on the use of memes and AI-generated videos.
- Fighter Jets and Finance
Dr. Patrick Bury, a warfare and counter-terrorism specialist, discusses the downing of a US F-15 fighter jet over Iran and the ongoing search for its missing crew member with host Aine.
- Sweet Moments in the World of Sweets
Siofra Mulqueen reports on the business of confectionary manufacturing during the Easter season.
- EU Warns to Brace for Energy Shocks
Suzanne Lynch of Bloomberg joins Aine to discuss the European Union's warning regarding long-lasting energy shocks resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.
- Growing Up in the Funeral Business with David and Bridin McGowan
David and Bridin McGowan of McGowan Funeral Directors discuss their experiences working in the funeral industry and what it is like to integrate death into their everyday lives.
- Why Do Some People Have Their Names Everywhere?
Comedy writer Aidan Fitzmaurice discusses the motivation behind some people's desire to have their names and images prominently displayed, following news about Donald Trump's presidential library plans.
- The Tween Beauty Industry
Dr. Karen Hand discusses the Italian Competition Authority's investigation into Sephora and Benefit cosmetics regarding their marketing directed at tweens. The conversation examines the potential impact of these strategies on skincare habi…
- How the World is Responding to the Energy Crisis
Professor Lisa Ryan from the UCD School of Economics discusses international responses to the global energy crisis. She provides insights into the different strategies countries are employing to address the situation.
- Outwest Clothing: Crashing Waves Inspire on the West Coast
Shane Finn and Rebecca Hoban join Richard on The Business to discuss the origins of their outdoor clothing brand, Outwest Clothing, and how their passion for the outdoors and County Kerry inspired the venture.
- Iran cashes in on the Strait of Hormuz
Dr. Patrick Bury discusses the implications of potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The episode examines how these tensions are impacting global markets.
- How to Appease the Alpha Male
Neuroscientist and author Ian Robertson discusses strategies for appealing to alpha males, drawing parallels from the behavior of gorillas.
- Finding an Easter Camp for the Kids
Dave McArdle reports on the business of Easter camps, as children across the country participate in activities like singing, swimming, and sailing.
- How to Make a Good Idea a Reality
Leadership Strategist and Organisational Psychologist Dr. Melrona Kirrane discusses strategies for completing long-standing projects. She offers insights on how to bring ideas to reality.
- A Life Under the Sea with Ken O'Sullivan
Ken O'Sullivan joins Richard to discuss his career as an underwater documentary filmmaker and his passion for the ocean.
- Moments of Reflection at Work
Siofra Mulqueen reports on the significance of incorporating moments of reflection into the workday.
- A View from The Middle East
Richard Fitzgerald of Lovin Dubai discusses the impact of the Middle East conflict on local businesses, and Dr. Brendan Flynn from the University of Galway examines its effects on the shipping industry.
- How the Middle East Conflict is Impacting Energy Costs
Professor of Economics Edgar Morganroth joins Richard on The Business to discuss the impact of Middle East conflict on energy markets and upcoming government measures to address fuel costs.
- Jury Finds Musk Misled Twitter Shareholders
Technology editor Adrian Weckler joins Richard to discuss the implications of a federal jury ruling that Elon Musk misled Twitter shareholders regarding his 44 billion dollar acquisition of the company.
- Aindreas de Staic: Backpacking, Busking and Battling Booze
Award-winning storyteller and musician Aindreas de Staic joins host Richard to discuss his creative career and overcoming past challenges ahead of St. Patrick's Day.
- The Business of Being a Bard
Historian Nikki Carter explores William Shakespeare's ability to turn his creative work into a successful commercial enterprise, coinciding with the film Hamnet's nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars.
- The Cost of War with David McWilliams
David McWilliams discusses the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil markets and trade, amidst escalating regional tensions and military campaigns.
- Winning Words: Speech Secrets from the Oscar
Siofra Mulqueen explores the art of speechwriting through the lens of the Academy Awards. The episode discusses how techniques used in Oscar speeches can be applied to business presentations, pitches, and public speaking.