Brendan O'Connor

Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O’Regan and Dave O’Callaghan, host of the Here and Back Again Podcast talk Brendan through the hits and misses from the week’s watchlist from the new Bruce Springsteen movie to the BBC adaptation of Rónán Hession novel Leonard & Hungry Paul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennie Bond, former BBC Royal Correspondent joins Brendan as Prince Andrew announces that he will give up his royal titles after discussing the matter with King Charles. Jennie discusses the implications for Andrew, his wife Sarah Ferguson, their daughters and the wider royal family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Free Travel Scheme has just been extended with the launch of the Over 70s’ Free Companion pass and also a new free Leap card for the under-9s so where are we going to go with all this free travel? Travel Enthusiast Lisa Regan has ideas for intergenerational daytrips and daytrips for all around Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish Examiner Food columnist, Catriona Redmond tells Brendan why we’re not making the most of our microwaves! She gives Brendan recipes for a microwave Bakewell pie, an egg muffin, and a baked potato!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Day, presenter of the ‘How To Fail’ podcast has written a new novel, ‘One Of Us’. She talks about growing up in Northern Ireland, navigating elite circles in Cambridge and how she’s observed weight loss drugs become a lifestyle choice. She also chose five songs that have meant something special to her throughout her life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Trudy Meehan, a positive psychology lecturer and author of The Way Home, shares her deeply personal journey of grieving the suicide of her ex-partner. She discusses how to navigate difficult conversations with young children, using metaphors to explain painful realities and create safe spaces for mourning. Trudy highlights the importance of rituals, parental honesty, and the unique bond formed through shared grief. She emphasizes that feelings of anger towards a loved one’s suicide are natural and urges those struggling to recognize their connections and seek help.

Irish Times Crime and Security Correspondent, Conor Gallagher talks to Brendan about how modern-day financial scams work; the skill of the people making scam calls, how they manipulate unsuspecting victims to defraud them of large sums, and the fallout when people fall victim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cork singer-songwriter Lyra explains why – over 50 years after they formed - Fleetwood Mac are enjoying a resurgence with younger listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphries, and host of the "Xtravision" podcast Andy McCarroll, discuss the best TV and film of the week, including Celebrity Traitors, House of Dynamite and Mr. Scorsese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer Michael Harding joins Brendan to discuss death, mental health and the natural world – all themes in his latest novel ‘Midwinter’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.