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 19, 2025 • 18min
Putin agrees to talks with Zelenskyy over potential peace deal
Russian president Vladimir Putin, has agreed to face-to-face talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a peace deal in Ukraine. We discuss the historic White House meeting that took place with Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University and also Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine correspondent for France24.
Aug 19, 2025 • 18min
How are older renters able to afford average rents?
According to the Economic and Social Research Institute, if the home ownership continues to fall at its current rate, the poverty rate among over-65s will more than double from 14 to 31 per cent. This begs the question how are older renters able to afford these average rents? Pat discusses this further with Lorcan Sirr Senior Housing Lecturer, Technological University Dublin and also 70 year old Brendan O’Neill who spent 18 years as a renter in Dublin.
Aug 19, 2025 • 19min
The future plans for Irish Rail
Irish Rail is in the process of planning and executing massive expansions and updates to its services, with levels of demand for timely and efficient public transportation at an all-time high. What can we expect from our public transport in the next 10 years? All to discuss with Irish Rail Chairman Steve Murphy.
Aug 19, 2025 • 15min
How Ireland and India have a lot in common as nations
Scaled back India Day celebrations went ahead this past weekend following a number of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland. But our two countries have a lot more in common. Starting with our nations’ origins both after independence from Britain. Cauvery Madhavan, a Kildare based author discusses her and her family’s experience of moving to another country that has such a similar origin story to the one she was leaving.
Aug 19, 2025 • 11min
Is the rising re-turn industry good or bad for Dublin city?
We’re all making weekly trips to the local deposit return machine to claim back our 15 or 25 cent for bottles and cans used. But a certain group of people in the capital have turned collecting into an enterprise, picking through public bins and recycling for a profit. So, is the rising re-turn industry good or bad for Dublin city? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports:
Aug 19, 2025 • 14min
Ireland does not make The Economist’s rich list!
We’re constantly being told that the State is one of the richest in the world but we don’t make the cut among The Economist’s list of 178 countries. We discuss this further with Economist Austin Hughes.
Aug 18, 2025 • 12min
Ask The Expert: On mortgages
Obtaining a mortgage is often stressful, even for people who have the traditional requirements for securing one. It can be even more difficult when you’re self-employed or seeking a second-time mortgage. Margaret Barrett, Managing Director of Mortgage Navigators answered your mortgage-related questions.
Aug 18, 2025 • 14min
Should the President of Ireland be expected to be fluent in Irish?
Recent debates question whether the President of Ireland should be expected, if not required, to be fluent in Irish. As the national figurehead, the President is expected to promote Irish culture and language. However, should fluency in Irish trump their other values when considering who to vote for? Pat discusses this with Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development at Conradh na Gaeilge.
Aug 18, 2025 • 9min
Should we swap out the standard desk for standing desks?
Is swapping sitting for standing desks a game changer for health? Experts debate the benefits and drawbacks of each option. They emphasize the importance of changing positions and share essential tips for maintaining good posture. The discussion also shines a light on employees' rights concerning workstation ergonomics, particularly in adapting to modern work settings. Can standing desks really improve our work habits, or are they just a trend? Tune in for insights that could reshape your workspace!
Aug 18, 2025 • 7min
What are the biggest threats facing the State?
The dangers outlined in a Garda intelligence report reveal espionage and extremist ideologies threatening Ireland. Foreign spies, particularly from hostile states, are eyeing the nation’s high-tech and pharmaceutical sectors for intellectual property theft. Techniques range from physical infiltration to cyber hacking. Additionally, the podcast dives into the risks of election interference, mainly from Russia, and examines the growing concern of homegrown extremism fueled by social media. The discussion emphasizes the need for enhanced intelligence and resources to tackle these evolving threats.
