Newstalk Weekend

'Dancing with the Stars' is back on our screens on RTÉ and to mark the event, Anton is joined by co-host Jennifer Zamparelli to chat about all that we might expect in the weeks to come.

Tomorrow is 'World Religion Day', a day for those of us who have faith to reflect and celebrate all the positive attributes religion has to offer. But with so much change happening in Ireland over the last number of years, are we still a religious society? What role does religion play now and is it on the wane? To discuss this Anton is joined by: - Simon Lewis, host of the ‘If I Were the Minister for Education Podcast’ and a primary school principal - Redemptorist Roman Catholic Priest, Tony Flannery and author ‘A Question of Conscience’. - Fr John Kenny, Parish priest of Partry and Tourmakeady, in Co Mayo.

Dr. Matthew Sadlier, Chairman of the Consultant Committee of the IMO has said that staff are experiencing what he calls “warzone-like conditions” that are not just the result of temporary Covid, flu, and respiratory illness and that it is likely some patients may have died due to avoidable delays. Dr. Sadlier joins Anton to discuss the issues involved.

On the 10th of January 2016, the world lost one of the most beloved and influential musical artists of the 20th century - David Bowie. All this week, as part of the annual Dublin Bowie Festival, artists have been showcasing the best of Bowie through events ranging from live music, classical ensembles, art exhibitions, to drag shows, and more. And so, Anton couldn’t let the occasion pass him by without talking about the great man himself with one of our own greats, Ian Dempsey.

Joining Anton to go through the main top stories hitting the headlines is Brenda Power from the Sunday Times & Gerard Howlin, public affairs consultant, former senior government adviser, and Irish Daily Mail Columnist.

Kickstarting Your Weekend is broadcaster and author, Mary Kennedy. 'Moving West' airs on TG4 on Wednesdays at 8.30pm and will focus on Mayo on January 18th, Kerry on January 25th, Donegal on February 1st, Galway on February 8th, and the Islands on February 15th.

Joining Anton to discuss the nature of the backlash following the appointment of Neale Richmond to Minister of State is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe.

Joining Anton for this week's episode of 'Ask the Expert' is Sonia McEntee, Principal Solicitor at Sonia McEntee Solicitors & Chair of the Law Society PR Committee.

The 80th Golden Globes take place this coming Tuesday in Beverly Hills, with the ceremony to potentially influence success at the upcoming Oscars and SAG Awards. Joining Anton to chat through Ireland’s chances is Rory Cashin, Entertainment Editor at Joe.ie.

Last night US president Joe Biden paid tribute to those who defended democracy during the January 6th Capitol riots in a White House ceremony, as he awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to election officials and law enforcement officers. But what have the consequences of the insurrection been and could the election of Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker change the trajectory of the ongoing investigations? Joining Anton from Washington DC to discuss is Jeff Mordock, White House Reporter with the Washington Times.