The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Louise Cantillon, a Today FM lunchtime presenter and gadget reviewer, shares her hands-on experiences with various health and beauty tech. She dives into her week-long trial with the Therabody LED face mask, discussing its skin-brightening effects and safety features. Louise also reviews the Shark Facial Pro Glow for at-home extraction and compares its practicality. Finally, she highlights the smart features of the Dyson Airwrap ID and lightly critiques the Snooze Band sleep headphones as more of a gimmick.

Russell Alford, a producer and half of the gastroGays, brings his expertise in food and drink tech to the conversation. He reviews innovative kitchen gadgets like the Ninja Lux Premier coffee maker and a versatile three-in-one toaster that makes delicious toasties. Russell also dives into the family-friendly Ninja Double Stack air fryer and a playful at-home beer tap system. He shares insights on making soft-serve yogurt, crafting cocktails with the Bartesian, and a smart pet feeder that even talks to your pets!

Explore the latest in tech with reviews on the stylish Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses and their privacy concerns. Hear about the affordable Moto G35 5G smartphone, balancing value and performance. Delve into wireless charging with MagSafe insights and the limitations for non-Apple devices. Plus, check out a standout Bluetooth turntable perfect for compact living and retro vibes. With insightful discussions on each gadget, there's plenty for tech enthusiasts to enjoy!

Marian McKeown, a political commentator focused on US politics and foreign affairs, joins Cal Thomas, a conservative columnist with keen insights into international relations. They delve into the contentious Ukraine peace talks, debating the implications of a leaked plan that could cede territory to Russia. McKeown highlights the pressure on Zelensky from US interests, while Thomas casts doubt on a potential Trump-Zelensky meeting. The discussion also touches on political implications of legal rulings in the US, revealing a complex landscape of power and diplomacy.

In this engaging discussion, Sadhbh O’Neill, a climate and transport expert, highlights Waterford's public transport deficits and the barriers to sustainable travel. Donnchadh Mulcahy, a Sinn Féin councillor, shares his experiences of rural commuting and the challenges posed by existing infrastructure. Éadaoin Carrick, President of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, expresses concerns over traffic impacts on local retail and emphasizes the necessity for improved public transport solutions. Together, they paint a vivid picture of commuting challenges in Waterford.

Craig Hughes, Political Editor at the Irish Daily Mail, dives into the complexities of tracking public spending under GDPR constraints. He highlights how the lack of a centralized database and historical cuts to procurement data are hindering transparency. Hughes discusses proposed legislation aimed at linking tender estimates to actual costs, which could help identify spending overruns earlier. He provides alarming examples of cost escalations in projects like the Merrion Square tearooms, revealing a pattern of financial mismanagement that raises urgent political concerns.

Join bestselling novelist and TV presenter Richard Osman as he delves into his new book, The Impossible Fortune, part of the Thursday Murder Club series. He shares the journey of embracing writing in his late 40s and how inspiration struck from his mother’s retirement village. Osman discusses the humor and real-life pain in his stories, while reflecting on aging and mortality. He also touches on his love for game shows and the future of shared viewing experiences, plus insights into his podcast, The Rest is Entertainment.

Cathal McSweeney, an advocate for transport in Cork, discusses the complexities of the new Duncettle interchange, questioning if it alleviates or complicates congestion. Seamus McGrath emphasizes the need for reliable bus services, lamenting cancellations that drive commuters away. Deirdre O’Shaughnessy highlights how limited parking at rail stations hampers commutes. Together, they champion integrated planning and active travel solutions to enhance Cork's transport landscape, aiming to transform daily commuting experiences.

Lara Marlowe, a veteran war correspondent and contributor to the Irish Times, dives deep into the complexities of the newly leaked US-backed peace plan regarding Ukraine. She calls the plan absurd, highlighting the territorial concessions that could give Russia control of Donetsk. Marlowe discusses the financial implications, suggesting that a US-led reconstruction could primarily benefit American interests. She also warns that the draft risks rewarding aggression and calls for Europe to stand firm against potential capitulation in the peace talks.

Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic, and Elaine Burke, host of For Tech’s Sake, share insights on political and social issues. They celebrate Troy Parrott's hattrick that sparked joy in Dublin, emphasizing the unifying power of football. Elaine discusses dynamic pricing for the Czechia playoff, while Lorcan advocates for reforms in event pricing. They also delve into the dangers politicians face, highlighting the need for protective measures, and critique the chaotic handling of the UK COVID inquiry, reflecting on leadership failures.