Brendan O'Connor

Father and son Eben and Kealan Stewart Join Dearbhail to speak about becoming carers for wife and mother Sandrine who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia at age 49. They speak about the early days of family life; the difficulties they are navigating now, and how the illness has transformed their love and appreciation for each other.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Róisín Murphy, an architect, broadcaster, and lecturer, dives into innovative ways to tackle heat in Irish homes. She explains how traditional housing struggles with rising temperatures and the benefits of retrofitting. The discussion moves to sustainable solutions like green roofs and improving urban planning to combat heat islands. Róisín advocates for passive cooling techniques over air conditioning, emphasizing design strategies that balance comfort and environmental impact while navigating the challenges posed by extreme temperatures.

Dive into the delightful world of no-bake desserts! Discover how to whip up layered Canadian Nanaimo Bars and Brazilian Brigadeiros effortlessly. Learn the secrets behind zesty lemon truffles that impress without the oven. Get inspired with easy chocolate treat recipes perfect for bakers of all ages, and explore variations that make dessert time fun. Plus, uncover how to create truffles and cream cheese mints, ideal for any gathering. These fuss-free treats will have you celebrating sweets without the heat!

Leisha Redmond McGrath, a Chartered Work and Coaching Psychologist, dives into the surprising advantages of boredom, urging listeners to embrace it as a spark for creativity instead of shunning it. She discusses how personality traits shape our need for stimulation and the societal pressures that push us toward constant busyness. Leisha emphasizes the importance of downtime for children's creativity and offers practical strategies for integrating breaks into our workdays, advocating for a healthier balance between productivity and mental well-being.

If you hate the heat and can't stand sweaty holidays, travel obsessive Lisa Regan has you covered - she talks to Dearbhail about cooler holiday spots to consider this summerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the Sunday papers are Jennifer Bray, Political editor with The Sunday Times, Prof Ray Murphy from The Irish centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway, Emma Howard, Economist at TU Dublin, and Louise Bayliss, Head of Social and Justice policy at SVP Ireland, and co-founder of single parent's organisation, SPARKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace Cahill, founder of Studio Grace, speaks to Dearbhail about living with OCD. She talks about the intrusive thoughts that she experienced as a child, and how becoming a mother led to her diagnosis. Throughout, Grace describes her determination to pursue her passions and to live by her motto, "courage over comfort."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio producer and broadcaster Eoin Sweeney and Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O'Regan give Dearbhail their recomendations for the best T.V. and films to watch for the week ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland, tells Dearbhail how attitudes to drug use have changed in Ireland over recent decades. He highlights the disconnect between "recreational" drug users who may see themselves as morally distinct from those who are drug dependent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poet Paula Meehan joined Dearbhail to talk about her life in five songs. She talked about her childhood in Dublin's inner city, arriving at Trinity College where she says she began to understand class divides for the first time and how deeply music and poetry have always affected her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.