The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Tech journalist Andy O'Donoghue shares his expertise on the latest fitness tech trends. He discusses why autumn is the perfect time to kickstart a fitness routine. O'Donoghue evaluates popular devices like the Apple Watch and Pixel Watch, comparing their features for iPhone and Android users. He highlights the rugged Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, ideal for adventurers, and sheds light on Garmin's GPS capabilities for runners. He also reviews Whoop's unique metrics for athletes and the discreet Oura ring. For those on a budget, he recommends smartphone apps for fitness tracking.

Myles O'Reilly, musician and filmmaker, spoke to Matt about working with President Michael D Higgins on his spoken-word album, Against All Certainty.He also discussed his favourite music, films, TV shows and books that have influenced his own work and life.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, outlined the newly launched National Human Rights Strategy For Disabled People 2025-2030.The minister also addressed the case a young boy in Donabate, missing, presumed dead.Tulsa had previously engaged with the boy and his family.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

Research conducted by the Irish-owned network of financial advisers Ask Acorn has found that the average Irish woman’s pension pot is 40% lower than a man.While one in four men have no retirement savings, the figure rises to more than a third for women in Ireland.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s show.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States, including swirling rumours about Donald Trump's health.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

It’s looking increasingly likely that there will be a contest within Fianna Fáil ahead of the presidential election as both MEP Billy Kelleher and former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin gather support from inside the party.Mr. Kelleher joined Daniel McConnell on The Last Word to discuss why he thinks he’d be the best candidate for the job.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Irish actor Liam Cunningham joined Matt as he returned to Ireland from Barcelona where he supported the launch of the Global Sumud Flotilla of 50 vessels. He explained what aid is being carried by the flotilla, and what his meetings with Greta Thunberg have been like.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Travel expert Sarah Slattery, founder of thetravelexpert.ie, shares her top picks for winter sun destinations. She underscores the appeal of the Canary Islands' mid-20s temperatures and exciting activities like whale-watching and hiking. Sarah also discusses the vibrant culture of Seville, the stunning scenery in Madeira, budget-friendly options in Morocco, and the ease of exploring Malta’s UNESCO sites. Plus, she reveals new flights to Cancun, perfect for quiet escapes. Get ready to plan your sunny getaway!

Pat Kenny is moving to the weekends on Newstalk and Claire Byrne is taking his morning slot.Jim Gavin is to seek the Fianna Fáil Presidential nomination according to the party's director of elections, Minister Jack Chambers.To discuss the day's news, and other trending stories from the week, Matt was joined by Lise Hand and Joe O'Shea.Hit play on this page to listen now. 

A new import tax on small packages sent to the United States has come into effect which means that people in the US who receive packages worth over €85 will now have to pay a 15% import tax.Garrett Bridgeman, managing director of An Post Commerce, joins The Last Word to discuss how they are facilitating the change and what Irish customers must do when sending parcels to the US.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!