The Explainer

The hugely successful reality competition series The Traitors is about to land in Ireland, following much loved versions in the UK, US, Australia and beyond. It’s the latest in a long line of television programmes to go from concept to global franchise - think Big Brother, Love Island, MasterChef. This trend seems to be taking up more and more airtime on our screens.But how does a show actually make that leap? What’s the business behind international formats? And what does the rise of these "global-but-local" shows tell us about how we watch TV today? We’re joined by Sunday Times columnist and arts journalist Aoife Barry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pope Leo XIV took charge of the Catholic Church in May this year and already opinions are sharply divided between conservative and progressive Catholics. He has been painted by some as a cautious and unifying figure taking a more 'middle of the road' approach compared to his predecessor Francis, but other reviews are not so glowing: former president Mary McAleese pulled no punches and labelled his start as 'bog-standard patriarchal'. Our reporter Diarmuid Pepper joins us to examine what the first American pope has actually done, what his priorities are, and what his approach signals for the future of the Church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many, the flexibility of working from home was one of the few silver linings of the pandemic. But now, that flexibility seems to be disappearing. In recent weeks, a growing number of companies have started calling their staff back to the office, sparking a major debate about the future of work. Employers say it's about boosting collaboration, innovation, and company culture, but employees are pushing back, with surveys showing many would change jobs to maintain flexibility. Professor Alma McCarthy, the executive dean at the College of Business, Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, joins us to answer: is the golden age of remote work over, or is the genie well and truly out of the bottle with no going back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A coordinated international approach to events in Gaza appeared to emerge last week, with countries like the UK, France and Canada announcing their plans for formal recognition of the State of Palestine. They were following the earlier lead of Ireland, Spain and Norway. The catalyst for the move is clear — the unfolding genocide, deepening humanitarian crisis and harrowing scenes of starvation in Gaza have intensified both public outrage and political pressure, pushing governments to act. The question now is, what real difference, if any, will this make for Palestinians on the ground? In this episode, we explore what lies behind the shift, its implications for global diplomacy, and any possible outcomes. Our own reporter, David Mac Redmond, joins us to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Emma Howard, an economist and lecturer at TU Dublin, dissects the recent EU-US tariff deal, revealing its complex implications for international trade. She discusses the significant tariffs impacting vital sectors like pharmaceuticals and whiskey, highlighting the asymmetrical benefits favoring the US. Emma also examines the reliability of trade partnerships and internal EU conflicts affecting negotiations, while assessing the broader impact on consumer prices and economies on both sides of the Atlantic.

Jeffrey Epstein's name has long cast a shadow over America's elites, but new reporting has dragged one prominent figure back into the swirl of accusations: President Donald Trump.Supporters who once demanded the release of the so-called Epstein Files have watched as the Trump administration shifted tone after the president’s own name appeared in court filings and related documents. What exactly is in the files? And what is Trump’s real connection to the disgraced financier?We’re joined by our own columnist, Larry Donnelly, a lawyer and law lecturer at the University of Galway, to untangle the facts from the conspiracy theories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2024, Ireland made announced it would divest from six companies associated with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. New reporting says otherwise.The Journal's FactCheck Editor Stephen McDermott detailed how in 2013 the State’s sovereign wealth fund held more than €10 million in eight companies flagged by the UN for links to settlement activity. These companies include global names like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Motorola Solutions, as well as Israeli firms supplying fuel and telecoms infrastructure inside settlements. Why do these investments remain? How are they justified? And what pressure is there for Ireland to go further? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland was named the loneliest country in Europe, but how did we get here?This week on The Explainer, we’re looking at the scale and impact of loneliness in Irish society. From bereavement to social isolation, housing to remote work, our recent Your Stories piece highlighted just how many people are affected, and how deeply.Dr Joanna McHugh Power of Maynooth University and chair of the Loneliness Taskforce Research Network joins us to explain the causes and consequences of long-term loneliness, what the latest research tells us, and what practical steps individuals and policymakers can take.Help is available: you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie or ALONE on 0818 222 024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It had all the makings of a Hollywood thriller — a dramatic high-seas chase, elite Army Rangers fast-roping onto the deck, and a massive cocaine haul hidden in plain sight. In September 2023, the seizure of the cargo ship MV Matthew led to the discovery of 2,000 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of €157 million euro.  It was the State's largest ever drug seizure.Since that dramatic day, courtrooms have heard about encrypted phones, international smuggling routes, and plans to destroy the evidence. And now, we’re taking a step back to explain the full story.We're joined by Niall O'Connor, News Correspondent with The Journal, who has been covering the story in detail.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louise Corrigan, a Managing Attorney specializing in immigration law, discusses the new US visa challenges faced by Irish travelers. She explains the increased scrutiny now required during applications, including a demand for social media history. Concerns grow over potential visa denials and heightened anxiety for students and families planning trips. Corrigan also addresses the legal rights of travelers at US borders, emphasizing the balance between personal privacy and border regulations, while offering essential travel advice to enhance immigration awareness.