The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.Listen and subscribe to The Pat Kenny Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 30, 2025 • 24min
Government tries to entice builders home
Peter Flynn, known as Pete the Builder, shares insights on why builders prefer working abroad, citing respect and lifestyle as significant factors. Orla Hegarty, an architect at UCD, delves into the pitfalls of procurement practices that stifle small businesses and inflate housing costs. Sean Downey discusses the skills gap in the construction sector and emphasizes the need for clear job pathways to attract returning emigrants. Together, they explore the government's efforts to entice builders back to Ireland and the serious challenges that lie ahead.
Oct 29, 2025 • 20min
The impacts that come with toxic masculinity
The threat of toxic masculinity and the manosphere is really concerning especially when you see research showing how more than a third of young men who watch masculinity influencers, act on their advice. But what actually is it? What are the impacts that come with it? And how do we overcome it? To discuss further Pat was joined on the show by Richard Hogan, Author, Family Therapist and Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Dylan Hand, Newstalk Reporter.
Oct 29, 2025 • 13min
Elizabeth Day's new book ‘One of Us’
Elizabeth Day's new book ‘One of Us’, a sequel to her bestseller ‘The Party’, is a “compulsive story of betrayal, old bonds and buried scandals”. It follows “one British establishment family comes face to face with the consequences of privilege, and the true cost of power.”Elizabeth joined Pat in studio this morning.
Oct 29, 2025 • 9min
Inside Hollywood: The Exorcist
Few films have left as indelible a mark on the horror genre as The Exorcist. Released in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, it remains one of the most terrifying cinematic experiences ever created. Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, which itself was inspired by a real-life exorcism of a 13-year-old boy in Maryland, the film shocked audiences with its visceral depiction of demonic possession and spiritual warfare. But what happened behind the scenes was arguably even more chilling. Lisa Cannon tells us all about this Halloween horror.
Oct 29, 2025 • 7min
Commuting in winter for pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooters
The clocks have gone back and we are back to commuting in darkness. Add in poor weather and unsurprisingly this makes roads more dangerous especially for pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users. Pat discusses this and more with Conor Faughnan, Transport Consultant.
Oct 29, 2025 • 12min
Just what does the spooky season mean in 2025?
From pumpkin patches, to haunted houses, Samhain celebrations and puca parades. There's more to do this Halloween than ever before. But just what does the spooky season mean in 2025? Is commercial creepiness, or a Celtic comeback on the cards? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports:
Oct 29, 2025 • 13min
At least thirty three killed in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes
At least 33 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza following Israeli strikes last night. Is the Gaza ceasefire at risk? Pat discussed this and more with Professor Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University.
Oct 29, 2025 • 8min
Green Scene: How coral reefs have reached a tipping point
This week on the Green Scene how coral reefs have reached a tipping point, and new research on how burying wood could be an unexpected low-tech solution to capture carbon. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.With thanks to Repak.
Oct 29, 2025 • 14min
Life inside Ghislaine Maxwell's prison
In August, Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was moved from a Florida prison to a minimum security facility in Texas. So how might this have come about and what is life like inside the facility in Bryan, Texas where Maxwell is now held? All to discuss with Sam Mangel, Federal Prison Consultant.
Oct 29, 2025 • 14min
Two thirds of hospital waiting list targets are missed
Two thirds of hospital waiting list targets are missed despite a 420-million-euro investment and a pledge to reduce it by the end of this year, according to the Irish Daily Mail. While over in Limerick, doctors are warning that a ‘capacity emergency’ should be declared at UHL. All to discuss with Steve McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association.
