

Brendan O'Connor
RTÉ Radio 1
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 30, 2025 • 32min
Neven Maguire - "I used spend all my wages on cookbooks and vinyl"
Chef and occasional DJ, Neven Maguire, shares five songs that have soundtracked his life from Tina Turner to the deep house of Felix, he tells Brendan about the impact and inspiration of his parents on his career, his love for dance music, the camaraderie of restaurant work and the importance of kindness in the kitchen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 30, 2025 • 7min
Breakfast of Champions
Chef Domini Kemp spills secrets on the most important meal of the day! Discover nutritious breakfast options, like protein-packed spinach and scrambled eggs. Learn about the versatility of oats and how to whip up gym-friendly smoothies without loading up on sugars. Get tips on balancing flavors and nutrition, with a delicious low-carb berry smoothie or a hearty baked beans dish for weekends. It's all about making breakfast both tasty and health-conscious!

Aug 30, 2025 • 13min
"Give up on the skinny jeans guys!"
Join stylist Cathy O'Connor, a fashion expert guiding men through the autumn wardrobe transition. She shares tips on elevating athleisure by mixing classic pieces and offers practical advice to navigate new trends without losing personal style. Cathy emphasizes the shift from skinny jeans to versatile chinos, helping guys embrace comfort and individuality. Plus, discover how to transform trainers into stylish footwear and the interplay between timeless fashion and quirky 'Granny Chic' trends, making autumn chic and accessible.

Aug 30, 2025 • 10min
Should you date against your type?
Freelance journalist Édaein O'Connell shares her insights on dating outside of traditional 'types,' sparked by Taylor Swift's surprising engagement to Travis Kelce. The conversation dives into modern dating habits, humorously examining trends like mustaches and the decline of social interactions in bars. Édaein discusses the societal judgments surrounding unconventional couples and personal anecdotes from dating apps, emphasizing how stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to unexpected connections and deeper compatibility.

Aug 30, 2025 • 34min
"My child's death deepened my purpose as a doctor"
Dr Suzanne Crowe consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care and President of the Irish Medical Council joins Brendan to talk about her book 'Intensive Care' about caring for children at the end of their lives, dealing with grief within the healthcare system and how her own personal losses have shaped her work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 24, 2025 • 11min
The Watchlist
Sabrina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Podcaster and John Maguire, Film Critic with the Business Post join Brendan to preview the latest film and TV releases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 24, 2025 • 51min
The Newspaper Panel
Alison O'Connor, a Sunday Times columnist, joins security analyst Declan Power, strategic communications advisor Lorna Fitzpatrick, and public affairs consultant Gerard Howlin to dissect pressing current events. They delve into the political turmoil within Fianna Fáil, explore the emotional toll of political campaigning, and critique exam pressures and mental health issues plaguing students in Ireland. The discussion also touches on the complex Gaza conflict and urgent healthcare reform, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives on today's challenges.

Aug 24, 2025 • 26min
"I met the man who attacked me and my fear evaporated" - Ailbhe Griffiths on the healing of restorative justice
Ailbhe Griffiths tells her harrowing story about suffering a violent sexual assault and then choosing to meet her attacker afterwards. She is now an advocate for victim-initiated restorative justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 24, 2025 • 11min
Marty Whelan - "It was Van Morrison's mysticism and poetry that got me hooked"
Ahead of Van Morrison's 80th birthday, broadcaster and Van superfan Marty Whelan talks about Van's 60+ year career, meeting and interviewing him over the years and what he thinks is his best-ever song.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 23, 2025 • 11min
Trisha Lewis "I was afraid of fitness camps"
Influencer, Trisha Lewis talks with Brendan about going on her first bootcamp holiday as she continues her weight loss journey. She talked about the gifts her transformation has given her, why holidays were always difficult before and her new take on weighing scalesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.