Brendan O'Connor

Emily Sheridan and Niamh Biddulph, stars of The Assembly Ireland, share insights into their experiences as autistic interviewers. Emily discusses the supportive production environment that helped her shine, while Niamh highlights the unique perspectives neurodiverse individuals bring to journalism. They delve into personal stories about their diagnoses, the importance of representation, and challenging stereotypes. Both stress that autism enriches individuality and advocate for understanding and acceptance, offering a fresh take on inclusion and empowerment.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Richard Hogan, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma, dives into the mechanics of our nervous system and the triggers that arise from past experiences. He explains the connection between childhood attachment styles and adult anxiety, and offers practical techniques for managing triggers, like self-talk and grounding. Hogan emphasizes the importance of kindness toward oneself and others, encouraging listeners to recognize powerlessness as a core aspect of their emotional responses.

In this insightful discussion, Professor Caitriona Ryan, a consultant dermatologist with expertise in hair disorders, delves into the stigma surrounding hair loss, especially among young men and women. She highlights the emotional toll of female pattern hair loss, particularly during perimenopause. Caitriona explains common causes, including stress-related shedding, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention for effective treatments. She also advises against unproven remedies and outlines reliable medical treatments, including topical minoxidil and hair transplants.

Eileen Dunne Crescenzi, chef and owner of Dunne and Crescenzi, shares her mastery of ragu, including bolognese and ragu bianco, emphasizing diversity and regional variations across Italy. She highlights the importance of slow-cooking and sofrito in building deep flavors. Eileen offers a step-by-step guide to the perfect bolognese and suggests tagliatelle as the ideal pasta pairing. She also reveals her secrets for authentic bruschetta, turning simple ingredients into a delicious Italian garlic bread.

Ralph McTell, the award-winning British folk singer-songwriter famous for 'Streets of London', shares a cauldron of heartfelt stories. He opens up about growing up with a single mother and the impact of his father's WWII legacy. Joining the army at just 15, Ralph reflects on the balance between duty and dreams. He traces his musical journey from Elvis to Bob Dylan, exploring their profound influences. With a mixture of gratitude and complexity, he discusses his biggest hit and the emotional weight it carries while looking forward to touring at 81.

Actor Jason O’Mara has just moved home to Dublin after over 20 years in L.A. He’s acted in DC’s Batman, Band of Brothers, Life on Mars, The Good Wife, The Lincoln Lawyer and will be in RTE’s These Sacred Vows next month. He chose five songs to represent his life ranging from Simon & Garfunkel to The Jesus and Mary Chain to Max Richter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer, Henrietta McKervey and TV and Radio Producer Eoin Sweeney talked Brendan through the hits and misses from the big and small screen this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan this week are: Eamon Ryan, former government Minister and Chair of the European Housing Advisory Board,Prof Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute, Mary Regan, Political editor of the Irish and Sunday Independent and Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elaine Burke, host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast on why we’ll all be talking to our computers in 2026 and how AI will infiltrate all spheres of life this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Brendan to explain how the brain develops over the decades and why 32 is a crucial age for the brain’s re-wiring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.