Brendan O'Connor

Actor Jeremy Irons joined Brendan to talk about his new film, 'Palestine 36'. He also reflected on his boarding school years, choosing his acting roles, fatherhood, life priorities, playing the viola in his Cork castle and winning a style award for his fashion choices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producer/director and colleague and friend of Manchán Mangan, Brian Reddin, spoke to Brendan en route to the Hill of Uisneach today for a celebration of the life, and scattering of the ashes, of the late broadcaster and scríbhneoir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this discussion, Dr. Brendan O'Shea, a GP and medical director with a focus on public health, tackles the critical issue of hypertension. He reveals that high blood pressure is often undiagnosed, posing serious risks like stroke and heart failure. Dr. O'Shea emphasizes the benefits of home monitoring and outlines effective methods for measuring blood pressure. He also discusses how lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake and exercising, can significantly lower blood pressure and postpone the need for medication.

Clodagh McKenna joined Brendan to talk about her new cookbook 'Clodagh's Happy Cooking'. She also talked about her childhood in Cork, getting happiness lessons from her mother, her career, turning 50, taking over the farm on the grounds of 'Downton Abbey' in England with her husband, Harry Herert who also made an impromptu appearance in studio!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Ronán Collins talks about his life in fishing, from early days line-fishing as a boy in Kinsale, to embracing the wilderness of far-flung regions. And he explores the meditative nature of fly-fishing, describing the river as his 'Buddhist temple'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio and TV producer Eoin Sweeney and writer Henrietta McKervey join Brendan to review the best of this week’s TV and cinema, including Nobody Wants This, Regretting You and Oíche Shamhna: An Ancient Mystery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon and best-selling author Harlan Coben talk to Brendan about their joint novel – a thriller about an army surgeon who uses her skills to conduct questionable operations for supremely wealthy, international clients... Gone Before Goodbye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to analyse the Sunday newspapers and Catherine Connolly’s election are Irish Times’ political editor, Pat Leahy; former Fine Gael TD, Noel Rock; Sunday Times’ columnist, Alison O’Connor; VP of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, and former Labour candidate, Niamh Hourigan; and former Fianna Fáil minister, Mary Hanafin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Little, an entrepreneur and journalist, explores the intricate landscape of modern politics through the lens of the recent presidential campaign. He highlights how online culture has reshaped voter engagement, particularly for Gen Z, who seek authenticity over traditional news. Little discusses the emergence of different online realities impacting political perceptions and the importance of emotional connection, particularly noted in Catherine Connolly's campaign. He argues that humor and genuine content resonate more with younger audiences than engineered virality, emphasizing the evolving nature of political communication.

As the full tallies began to land, Brendan was joined by Sinn Féin TD, Claire Kerrane; Fine Gael Minister of State, Emer Higgins; Communications Consultant and Labour Party member, Lorna Fitzpatrick; DCU Politics Professor, Gary Murphy; newspaper columnist, David Quinn; Former Fine Gael TD, Michael Ring; and RTÉ’s Barry Lenihan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.