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.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 20, 2025 • 12min
Is there a social toll to be paid for our increasingly sober society?
Journalist Sarah Madden, known for her insightful reporting at Newstalk, dives into the paradox of Ireland's declining drinking rates and rising loneliness. She explores the shifting preferences of young people in Dublin, who now often choose alcohol alternatives. Discussion arises around WHO's guidance on alcohol and the defensive social value of moderate drinking. Experts weigh in on the cognitive risks of loneliness compared to alcohol, while the loss of communal spaces like pubs raises concerns over social isolation. Can moderate drinking reignite community bonds?
Nov 20, 2025 • 10min
Keeping our skin healthy during the winter months
Join Professor Nicola Ralph, a consultant dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatologists, as she shares her expert tips for keeping skin healthy this winter. Discover why colder weather necessitates a skincare routine revamp and learn the importance of moisturising right after showers. She emphasizes that sunscreen is crucial year-round and offers insight on tackling winter-related eczema flare-ups. Professor Ralph also advises on choosing the right moisturiser for different skin types and discusses the rising challenges of scabies treatment.
Nov 20, 2025 • 13min
How short term letting provides vital income for households
Lorna Cahill, a local host from County Clare, has been renting out a granny flat for almost nine years, relying on this income to support her family. She shares how her short-term letting has funded her daughters' education and will aid her son's college plans. Lorna discusses the impact of upcoming regulations on her income, expressing concerns about compliance costs and fears of being unjustly labeled as part of the housing crisis. She argues that losing these rentals could hurt local tourism and businesses, advocating for more nuanced regulations.
Nov 19, 2025 • 10min
Edward James surrealist garden Las Pozas
Edward James was one of the most enigmatic figures of the twentieth century, a poet, collector, patron and visionary whose life blurred the boundaries between art and dream. He was born in 1907 into immense privilege, the only son of William James, an American millionaire whose fortune had grown out of the railway industry, and Evelyn Forbes, a Scottish aristocrat celebrated for her beauty.Diarmuid Gavin tell us about most enigmatic figures of the twentieth century.
Nov 19, 2025 • 13min
It’s International Fraud Awareness Week
It’s International Fraud Awareness Week, and we’ve teamed up with Bank of Ireland to help educate and inform how to protect our online profiles and land the simple message: Stop Think. Check. To discuss this Pat was joined on the show by Dr Mary Aiken, Professor of Cyberpsychology. For more information check out Security Zone - Bank of Ireland Group Website.
Nov 19, 2025 • 19min
We hear about 'Lines of Enquiry' a GoLoud original podcast
From 25 years in the Garda Technical Bureau, former Detective John Sweetman has now launched a new GoLoud original podcast, Lines of Enquiry, detailing some of the cases he worked on including as a handwriting expert. John joined Pat on the show to chat all about his work and the new podcast.
Nov 19, 2025 • 16min
Both Chamber of Congress agree to the release of the Epstein files
Name calling and tense press conferences. President Trump reacts to the release of the Epstein files. We discuss this and more with Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer with the University of Galway and Columnist with TheJournal.ie.
Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
Paschal Donohoe on his move to Washington
Paschal Donohoe, Incoming Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, World Bank joined Pat in studio to chat about his new job and move to Washington.
Nov 19, 2025 • 10min
The extinction of the last Australian shrew
Australia’s last native shrew has been officially declared extinct, and it’s a sobering reminder of how human actions ripple through ecosystems. Also For months, eerie scenes have haunted South Australia's beaches dead sea creatures, foam-covered waters, and residents with breathing problems. Now, scientists have found the surprising culprit. A little-known algal species unleashing a powerful neurotoxin. But what triggered this deadly bloom and could it happen elsewhere? All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.With thanks to Repak.
Nov 19, 2025 • 10min
Motoring:The smart speed bump
We hear about in use in both Australia and Sweden, a smart speed bump only deploys when a car is actually speeding.AI is getting smarter, both for the good guys and the bad guys. There is something of an AI arms race going on at the moment between fraudsters and those in the detection industry like insurers who are trying to stop them. All to discuss with Transport Consultant Conor Faughnan.
