Brendan O'Connor

Joining Brendan to talk through highlights from the Sunday newspapers is political editor with The Irish Independent, Mary Regan; Irish Times columnist and public affairs consultant, Gerard Howlin; Nutriband founder and former presidential hopeful, Gareth Sheridan and Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute, Brigid Laffan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US Poet Laureate, Billy Collins – dubbed ‘America’s favourite poet’ – joins Brendan to reflect on his approach to writing and reads two poems, including one from his latest collection, ‘Dog Show’. Billy will be in Dublin for ‘An evening with Billy Collins’ on 21st October. More details: PoetryIreland.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland and Lions Men’s Rugby Coach Andy Farrell tells Brendan about becoming a teenage father, his own playing career and his evolution to coaching for Ireland and The Lions, marking the publication of his autobiography ‘The Only Way I Know’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a wide-ranging conversation filled with laughter, agony (or ecstasy) aunts, mother and daughter, Ann and Róisín Ingle, join Brendan to discuss ageing, birthdays and men.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Mary Ryan, a Consultant Endocrinologist, dives deep into melatonin, revealing how it regulates our sleep cycle and the factors that can disrupt its production, like stress and light exposure. She shares practical sleep-hygiene tips and discusses the appropriate use of melatonin supplements, highlighting optimal doses for issues like jet lag. The conversation also explores other sleep aids, such as magnesium, and offers strategies for overcoming nighttime wakings, focusing on relaxation techniques like breathing and meditation.

Author Colum McCann, who has worked closely with two grieving fathers, on either side of the Israeli/Palestinian divide, speaks to Brendan about this week’s peace deal in the long-running conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into comforting autumn pasta dishes with delicious creamy sauces! Explore how pasta shape can influence flavor and sauce retention. Learn about a cheesy chicken pasta bake that's perfect for leftovers, as well as tips for a spicy penne alla vodka. Discover the magic of pasta water for creamy textures. Plus, enjoy a unique twist with Sicilian aubergine balls served with orzo. Each dish is not just hearty but also simple to make, making your autumn meals a delightful experience!

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll know that Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl was released on Friday. As Swift is famous for using her lyrics to settle old scores, journalist and broadcaster, Jenn Gannon, dropped in to decode the latest songs and explain whose noses should be out of joint this time around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and broadcaster Baz Ashmawy joined Brendan to talk about first discovering funk and disco in Cairo, backpacking, the return of his TV shows ‘The Money List’, ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ and ‘Faithless’. He also chose five songs to reflect his life ranging from Duran Duran to Weezer to Foster The People.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Dr. Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer, ICTU; Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway; Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times and David W. Higgins, Economist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.