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 8, 2025 • 14min
Are social media algorithms driving anti-migrant violence?
Videos of far-right agitators threatening and attacking homeless asylum seekers are being boosted by social media algorithms, according to a “snapshot” study from The Hope and Courage Collective. We discuss these findings with Niamh McDonald, Director of Community Engagement for the Hope and Courage Collective and Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.
Aug 8, 2025 • 14min
What makes a good advertisement?
The recent American Eagle ad has received widespread backlash. However, the campaign has garnered global attention and is the recent focus of Fox news stories in the US. So, as this ad remains engulfed in controversy what are some of ones that stick with us? All to discuss with Claire Hyland, Thinkhouse Media.
Aug 8, 2025 • 26min
The conflicts in Russia and Ukraine and also Gaza
Israel's political security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza city, as the country expands its military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the devastating almost two-year-old war. To discuss this further was Sean Bell, Former fighter pilot, military analyst, and co-host of the red matrix podcast.Also joining Pat was John Bolton, Former National Security Advisor for Trump to discuss the conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, and also Gaza.
Aug 8, 2025 • 16min
Should TD and Senator perks be restored to “pre-crash” levels?
Independent senator Gerard Craughwell has called for TD and Senator perks to be restored to “pre-crash” levels. These perks were reduced in 2009 as part of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act. Gerard joined Pat this morning to discuss further.
Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
Dáithí O’Sé calls for Irish men to wise up to the dangers of sun exposure
According to research by Lidl, only 8% of the population are following expert sun protection advice. additionally, 1 in 6 Irish men aged 55+ admit to never using suncream. Dáithí O’Sé joined Pat this morning as he calls for Irish men to wise up to the dangers of sun exposure.
Aug 7, 2025 • 10min
Science Fraud and the dark future of science misinformation
On this segment, we often rely on science to clear misconceptions and challenge misinformation. But what happens when we cannot rely on science? All to discuss with David Robert Grimes, Disinformation Expert and Author.
Aug 7, 2025 • 11min
Story of Peter O’Connor, the Irish Olympian at the 1906 Athens games
Cameron Hill from Off The Ball tells us story of Peter O’Connor, the Irish Olympian at the 1906 Athens games. He refused to be recognised under the British flag and took matters into his own hands when the Union Jack was raised during his medal ceremony.
Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
This week marks the 150th anniversary of the Dublin Horse Show
This week marks the 150th anniversary of the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS. Its one of the biggest events of the summer with 1600 horses coming through the RDS during the week, attracting over 120,000 spectators. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie went to the RDS and spoke with people about why they attend.
Aug 7, 2025 • 6min
Science with Luke: New and better batteries
Researchers from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have used artificial intelligence to tackle a critical problem facing the future of energy storage: finding affordable, sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. And another lab has devised an AI-driven system to discover new chemicals ten times faster than current approaches. Luke O’Neill Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College and host of Show Me The Science podcast explains all.
Aug 7, 2025 • 18min
How manufacturing has lifted China’s economy
As the United States moved much of its manufacturing to China, what impact has that had on the Chinese economy? And has it lifted all of Chinese society when the perception is that it only lifts the richest stateside? Dr Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow on China, Chatham House discusses further with Pat.
