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
Aug 29, 2025 • 15min
Is university the first point of call for every student?
Paddy Kavanagh, General Secretary of Connect, champions apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional university paths. He discusses the evolving nature of career choices, emphasizing the significance of trade unions in supporting craft workers. The conversation highlights the benefits of the Irish craft apprenticeship system, including secure, well-paying job opportunities and international recognition. Kavanagh also sheds light on how career trajectories can shift, showcasing personal stories of individuals who found success through non-university routes.
Aug 29, 2025 • 15min
How concerned should the public be about listeria?
Earlier this week a batch of ricotta and buffalo cheeses were recalled by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. And this hasn’t been the first outbreak of listeriosis in Ireland this Summer. But how concerned should the public actually be? Our chief reporter Barry Whyte has been finding out…
Aug 28, 2025 • 9min
School secretaries and caretakers protest out the Dail today
School secretaries and caretakers marched on the streets to the Dáil this morning. This march comes as school secretaries and caretakers have begun indefinite strike action. Our reporter Josh Crosbie was there to talk to secretaries and caretakers this morning.
Aug 28, 2025 • 11min
‘Under Their Roof’ living with Fred and Rose West
In November 1977, Kathleen Richards, with her sister Deirdre and baby nephew, arrived to 25 Cromwell St, the home of Fred and Rose West. Looking to rent a room from the couple perceived by locals to be ‘nice people’. Kathleen has, for the first time, documented her story of her time there, along with her childhood in Dublin and England, and her life after in a new book ‘Under Their Roof’. Kathleen joined Pat this morning.
Aug 28, 2025 • 8min
Boxed With John Fardy: Hostage
This week on Boxed, John Fardy reviews 'Hostage' which is showing on Netflix.
Aug 28, 2025 • 6min
Job seekers at risk amid surge in CV-writing scams
Job seekers at risk amid surge in CV-writing scams, warns LinkedIn. The professional networking site revealed over a third of job scams reported on the platform globally now involve offers to write or improve CVs. We discuss this further with Donal O'Donoghue Managing Director Sanderson Recruitment.
Aug 28, 2025 • 12min
The demographic time bomb!
Professor Luke O'Neill, a biochemistry expert from Trinity College Dublin, dives deep into the pressing issue of declining birth rates worldwide. He highlights alarming trends in global population decline, particularly in Ireland, and discusses how education and women's empowerment play key roles in this shift. O'Neill examines the impact of technology and societal changes on family structures and the pervasive pessimism around parenthood. He raises critical questions about the future of our species and potential strategies to reverse these demographic trends.
Aug 28, 2025 • 21min
Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General of the Defence Forces
Rossa Mulcahy, the newly appointed Chief of Staff and Lieutenant General of the Defence Forces, discusses critical challenges facing the Irish military. He delves into the uncertain future of the Lebanon peace mission and urgent recruitment and retention issues. Mulcahy emphasizes the need for strategic adaptation to the evolving global military landscape. Highlighting Ireland's role in international military efforts, he also addresses the Defence Forces' commitment to tackling legacy issues and fostering a culture of accountability.
Aug 28, 2025 • 6min
Just what is the Second Hand September campaign?
Second Hand September is an annual campaign, primarily by Oxfam Ireland, that encourages people to refuse to buy new clothes for the entire month of September and instead choose to buy and wear second-hand items. We hear all about it with Sustainability Journalist Jo Linehan.
Aug 28, 2025 • 7min
The countdown for the Áras race continues
As the countdown for the Áras race continues, Fianna Fáil are edging closer to announcing their nominee. While former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin remains to be a strong favourite, another candidate by the name of Louise Richardson has now entered the fore. So who will Michael Martin’s party choose to run? All to discuss with Ireland Editor with The Irish Independent Fionnán Sheehan.
