
Brendan O'Connor
Brendan O'Connor has all you need for the weekend with time to pause and reflect on the week just gone. Featuring a selection of human interest, consumer and lifestyle stories, as well as keeping you up to date on the news stories that matter. Listen live Saturday and Sunday at 11am - 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1.
Latest episodes

May 17, 2025 • 12min
Countdown to the Eurovision final
Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, AKA "The Gastro Gays" select their must-watch entries ahead of the Eurovision final in Basel tonight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 17, 2025 • 8min
The Kitchen gadgets - from best to worst
Caitríona Redmond, Food and consumer columnist with The Irish Examiner, walks Brendan through the dizzying world of kitchen gadgets, what's worth the splurge and what you can live without.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 2025 • 55min
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday papers are Fr. Iggy O’Donovan, Augustinian Priest, Ellen Coyne, Special Correspondent, Irish Independent, Dan O’ Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency, Lisa Chambers, Former Fianna Fáil Seanad Leader and Head of Public Affairs at Consello.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 2025 • 11min
The Watchlist
Writer and podcaster Esther O’Moore Donohoe and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision Podcast give Brendan their recommendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 2025 • 11min
Why the apocalypse is still entertainment
With the return of the Last of Us and The Handmaid’s Tale and the prequel to 28 Days Later arriving in cinemas this summer, writer Peter Murphy talks to Brendan about the enduring cultural fascination with the apocalypse and how it has inspired films, television, books and music since the end of the second world war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 2025 • 23min
RACHAEL BLACKMORE "I always wanted to be a jockey. I made my dream come true”
Jockey Rachael Blackmore has made history in the world of horse racing, and now, she tells Brendan about her latest challenge, writing a children’s book. Rachael talks about her idyllic childhood and her life in five songs from The Cranberries to Fred Again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 10, 2025 • 11min
Windows closed, sunglasses on - how to dodge the pollen bomb
DCU Professor of Immunology Christine Loscher explains to Brendan how to get through the hay fever season with minimal impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 10, 2025 • 28min
RICHARD HOGAN - “Adolescence is a hormonal storm, but it passes”
Psychotherapist Richard Hogan offers advice about navigating the tricky teenage years, the healthy way to approach new behaviours during adolescence, how to deal with raging hormones and the inevitable clashes that come with this phase of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 10, 2025 • 10min
Scotland – the overlooked holiday destination
More than just a weekend break destination, travel writer and road tripper Thom Breathnach gives Brendan the lowdown on the Highlands and the magic of travelling around the Scottish Islands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 10, 2025 • 2min
RITA ANN HIGGINS – Abort the Skorts
Poet Rita Ann Higgins joins Brendan with a topical poem about the Munster camogie teamwear controversy - ‘Abort the Skorts’ .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.