Brendan O’Connor
- Episodes
- 100
- Released
- daily
- Latest episode
- Nov 14, 2026
About the podcast
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 100
"I see myself as a nuisance" - looking for work when you have a disabilty
'Able' is a three-part TV series starting on RTÉ One on Wednesday Nov 25th, presented by Brendan, which charts six disabled young people trying to find work over the course of a year. Three of the show's …
Show notes
'Able' is a three-part TV series starting on RTÉ One on Wednesday Nov 25th, presented by Brendan, which charts six disabled young people trying to find work over the course of a year. Three of the show's participants, Emma Ward, Kevin Whelan and Melissa Ryan join Brendan today to talk about themselves and their experience on the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eileen Dunne Crescenzi shares her favourite Italian soup recipes
Restauranteur, Eileen Dunne Crescenzi gives Brendan her top tips on Italian soups, from the classic minestrone, to Zuppa di pesce (fish soup) and Stracciatella soup (broth with egg), including recipes and notes …
Show notes
Restauranteur, Eileen Dunne Crescenzi gives Brendan her top tips on Italian soups, from the classic minestrone, to Zuppa di pesce (fish soup) and Stracciatella soup (broth with egg), including recipes and notes on how to live like an Italian.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hangxiety explained
Professor of Psychiatry in Trinity College Dublin Brendan Kelly, explains how to deal with 'hangxiety', making the best of the day after the night before, and learning better coping strategies when you've had …
Show notes
Professor of Psychiatry in Trinity College Dublin Brendan Kelly, explains how to deal with 'hangxiety', making the best of the day after the night before, and learning better coping strategies when you've had one too many.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maria Doyle Kennedy on how The Commitments changed her life
Singer, actor and director Maria Doyle Kennedy talks Brendan through her life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from Billie Holiday to Jeff Buckley to The Bothy Band. She also speaks about …
Show notes
Singer, actor and director Maria Doyle Kennedy talks Brendan through her life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from Billie Holiday to Jeff Buckley to The Bothy Band. She also speaks about disability advocacy, life in Canada, and the enduring partnership with her husband and musical collaborator Kieran Kennedy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David McWilliams on the A.I. Bubble
Economist, podcaster and author David Mc Williams joins Brendan to discuss the concerns about an A.I. stock bubble, and stock bubbles of the past. He also explains how, if it succeeds, the new technology could …
Show notes
Economist, podcaster and author David Mc Williams joins Brendan to discuss the concerns about an A.I. stock bubble, and stock bubbles of the past. He also explains how, if it succeeds, the new technology could cause a world-wide recession but, how in a world of AI, uniqueness and creativity will have a new value.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Arts and Features writer with the Irish Times, Nadine O' Regan and TV producer Eoin Sweeney join Brendan to talk about the TV and movie offerings of the week, from The Good Daughter to La Bola Nehra and …
Show notes
Arts and Features writer with the Irish Times, Nadine O' Regan and TV producer Eoin Sweeney join Brendan to talk about the TV and movie offerings of the week, from The Good Daughter to La Bola Nehra and Netflix's Black Doves, starring Kiera Knightly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ros Hubbard - "My gift is to see the magic in somebody"
Hollywood casting director Ros Hubbard joins Brendan to talk about her long career in the film industry, and the upcoming Dingle Film Festival. Ros remembers discovering Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan and Andrew …
Show notes
Hollywood casting director Ros Hubbard joins Brendan to talk about her long career in the film industry, and the upcoming Dingle Film Festival. Ros remembers discovering Colin Farrell, Saoirse Ronan and Andrew Scott and why being Irish is a secret weapon in Hollywood. Ros also very movingly tells Brendan about the death of her granddaughter, by suicide and how heartbreaking that loss has been for her and her family.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and former Government advisor; Dr Emma Howard, Senior lecturer at TU Dublin; Scott Lucas …
Show notes
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and former Government advisor; Dr Emma Howard, Senior lecturer at TU Dublin; Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute and Mary Regan, Political Editor of the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bono - "In Ireland we have a deep memory of being bullied"
U2 join Brendan in studio to talk about their latest album; Carnaval de Luz. Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam chat about making music together for 50 years, why Adam is feeling sexier than ever on the bass, how Larry …
Show notes
U2 join Brendan in studio to talk about their latest album; Carnaval de Luz. Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam chat about making music together for 50 years, why Adam is feeling sexier than ever on the bass, how Larry has recovered from a serious back injury, and why they're reaching for defiant joy with this record.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clíodhna O' Sullivan "People could pick it up off me, that I wasn't normal"
The newest star of the global romantasy genre, Cliodhna O' Sullivan is back to talk to Brendan about her latest novel; Her Hidden Flame. She tells Brendan about being diagnosed with Autism later in life …
Show notes
The newest star of the global romantasy genre, Cliodhna O' Sullivan is back to talk to Brendan about her latest novel; Her Hidden Flame. She tells Brendan about being diagnosed with Autism later in life, experiencing autism burnout, and how she's been adapting to live as a bestselling Romantasy author.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Victoria Mary Clarke - "There is a missing piece right beside me all the time"
Victoria Mary Clarke chats to Brendan about the new Shane MacGowan tribute album; 'Twentieth Century Paddy', a collection of Pogues songs performed by some of Shane's closest friends and collaborators …
Show notes
Victoria Mary Clarke chats to Brendan about the new Shane MacGowan tribute album; 'Twentieth Century Paddy', a collection of Pogues songs performed by some of Shane's closest friends and collaborators, including Johnny Depp, Hozier and Jessie Buckley. She tells Brendan that she talks and writes to Shane every day, and how she feels about the idea that Shane wasted his talent in his later years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shane's Smith's Epic Sandwich recipes
Chef, Shane Smith talks Brendan through his favourite hot sandwich recipes for lunchtime and beyond. He goes through the bread rules for a good sandwich, why it's ok to double sauce, and why he loves a batch …
Show notes
Chef, Shane Smith talks Brendan through his favourite hot sandwich recipes for lunchtime and beyond. He goes through the bread rules for a good sandwich, why it's ok to double sauce, and why he loves a batch loaf. He gives us mouth-watering recipes for a roast-beef sandwich, a bacon butty and a Philly cheese steak.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Death of Ciara Mageean - "The Irish athletic community are mourning a beautiful person today"
Athlete and Broadcaster David Gillick and RTE Sport's Des Cahill pay tribute to the Irish Olympian and European Champion Ciara Mageean whose death was announced this morning after a battle with cancer.See …
Show notes
Athlete and Broadcaster David Gillick and RTE Sport's Des Cahill pay tribute to the Irish Olympian and European Champion Ciara Mageean whose death was announced this morning after a battle with cancer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Oisín Coghlan, public policy advisor, Louise Burne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, Peter Brown, Managing Director The …
Show notes
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Oisín Coghlan, public policy advisor, Louise Burne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, Peter Brown, Managing Director The Irish Institute of Financial Trading, Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Trump has squandered all his good opportunities in these midterms"
Author, Tech Entrepreneur and former RTÉ Washington Correspondent, Mark Little, previews Tuesday's US midterm elections, explains why he thinks they're more consequential than a US Presidential election would …
Show notes
Author, Tech Entrepreneur and former RTÉ Washington Correspondent, Mark Little, previews Tuesday's US midterm elections, explains why he thinks they're more consequential than a US Presidential election would be and outlines how the various final scenarios would affect America and the wider world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I had no intention of being a chef, I just opened a restaurant to pay the bills"
Food guru Rick Stein joins Brendan to share some of what he's learned since starting out in the business. His new book 'Rick Stein’s Cookery Course' draws on 60 years of cooking, with everything anyone could …
Show notes
Food guru Rick Stein joins Brendan to share some of what he's learned since starting out in the business. His new book 'Rick Stein’s Cookery Course' draws on 60 years of cooking, with everything anyone could need to know, including how to joint a rabbit and why he likes his beef from a castrated male!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Writer and podcaster Esther O'Moore Donohoe and host of the 'Here and Back Again' podcast Dave O'Callaghan join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their previews include: 'Dexter …
Show notes
Writer and podcaster Esther O'Moore Donohoe and host of the 'Here and Back Again' podcast Dave O'Callaghan join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their previews include: 'Dexter: Resurrection', 'Nocturne' starring Stephen Graham, 'Wild Horse Nine', 'Primetime' with Robert Pattinson and George Michael: The Faith Tour.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Maureen Gaffney - "The biggest predictor of a long and healthy life? Your close relationships.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Maureen Gaffney has spent six decades in the world of psychology, writing bestselling books 'Flourishing' and 'Your One Wild and Precious Life'. Her latest book is 'About Life: Notes on …
Show notes
Clinical Psychologist Dr Maureen Gaffney has spent six decades in the world of psychology, writing bestselling books 'Flourishing' and 'Your One Wild and Precious Life'. Her latest book is 'About Life: Notes on Staying Grounded in Unsettled Times', based on lessons she's learned from her personal and professional life on how to live your best life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hector Ó hEochagáin - "My brain surgery involved scooping around my pituitary gland"
Hector Ó hEochagáin joined Brendan to talk about facing brain surgery last summer, having had a small tumour removed. He's marking 30 years of TG4 with his new South American adventure series. HIs latest book …
Show notes
Hector Ó hEochagáin joined Brendan to talk about facing brain surgery last summer, having had a small tumour removed. He's marking 30 years of TG4 with his new South American adventure series. HIs latest book, Irish Words for Every Occasion: Conversations in Irish for every day of your life, is the last in a trilogy designed to get people talking rather than worrying about the modh coinníollach.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I felt that I got grabbed and hugged by my mother in Knock Basilica"
Actor John Connors is starring in the new RTÉ series, The Galway Bay Murders. He talks Brendan through his life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from Patsy Cline to Damien Dempsey to DMX. He …
Show notes
Actor John Connors is starring in the new RTÉ series, The Galway Bay Murders. He talks Brendan through his life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from Patsy Cline to Damien Dempsey to DMX. He also speaks about losing his father to suicide, being segregated into a traveller class in primary school, going to anger management classes as a child, his love of boxing, his close bond with his grandfather and developing religious faith later in life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Twixmas Travel Tips
If you feel that Christmas sometimes drags, Communications Consultant and Travel Enthusiast Lisa Regan has travel ideas for breaking up the 'Twixmas' period by taking a break to cities like Paris, Copenhagen …
Show notes
If you feel that Christmas sometimes drags, Communications Consultant and Travel Enthusiast Lisa Regan has travel ideas for breaking up the 'Twixmas' period by taking a break to cities like Paris, Copenhagen, Tallinn or London. Or the potential blue skies in Spanish cities like Malaga or Seville
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Watchlist
Zara Hedderman, Arts and Music Journalist, and Brian Lloyd, Freelance entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their …
Show notes
Zara Hedderman, Arts and Music Journalist, and Brian Lloyd, Freelance entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast join Brendan to discuss the biggest new shows and films this week. Their previews include: Dr Marie Cassidy Investigates Ireland's Last Witch Trial, Slow Horses, Norm: The Tale of Norm McDonald, The Lowdown, Wildwood, The Devils.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Creedon - “I got a crash course in tying laces before boarding school”
John Creedon joins Brendan to discuss the five songs that have been there at turning points in his life. He shares a special recording of his late father Con singing. He remembers what Rory Gallagher meant to a …
Show notes
John Creedon joins Brendan to discuss the five songs that have been there at turning points in his life. He shares a special recording of his late father Con singing. He remembers what Rory Gallagher meant to a generation of Cork teenagers and brings us all back to the styles and sounds of Ireland's discos in the late 70's and early 80's
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times. Brenda Power Columnist with The Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. Hazel Chu …
Show notes
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times. Brenda Power Columnist with The Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. Hazel Chu, Deputy Leader of the Green party and Dublin City Councillor, and Larry Donnelly law lecturer, NUIG & Legal Counsel of Democrats Abroad. Updates from Tel Aviv from Channel 4's Matt Frei.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times. Brenda Power Columnist with The Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. Hazel Chu …
Show notes
Joining Brendan to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times. Brenda Power Columnist with The Daily Mail and the Sunday Times. Hazel Chu, Deputy Leader of the Green party and Dublin City Councillor, and Larry Donnelly law lecturer, NUIG & Legal Counsel of Democrats Abroad. Updates from Tel Aviv from Channel 4's Matt Frei.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
James McClean - "This is a conversation I've never had before"
Former Irish International James McClean joins Brendan to talk about his critically acclaimed autobiography 'The Walls'. Brendan and James have a wide-ranging chat about trauma, therapy, politics, fatherhood …
Show notes
Former Irish International James McClean joins Brendan to talk about his critically acclaimed autobiography 'The Walls'. Brendan and James have a wide-ranging chat about trauma, therapy, politics, fatherhood and his long marriage to Erin, who he has known since they were teenagers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No fashion victims - easy ways to wear this season's trends
Stylist and personal shopper Cathy O Connor talks Brendan through the trends landing in the high street this season. From terracotta tinted sunglasses to embracing maximalism, she gives tips on how to look up …
Show notes
Stylist and personal shopper Cathy O Connor talks Brendan through the trends landing in the high street this season. From terracotta tinted sunglasses to embracing maximalism, she gives tips on how to look up to date without being a slave to fashion and above all still feeling like yourself.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Katriona O' Sullivan - "We all need to plan out the joy in our lives!"
Psychologist and author Professor Katriona O' Sullivan asks why aren't we having more fun?? She joins Brendan to talk about how joy and pleasure have taken a back seat in our modern world, and how we need to …
Show notes
Psychologist and author Professor Katriona O' Sullivan asks why aren't we having more fun?? She joins Brendan to talk about how joy and pleasure have taken a back seat in our modern world, and how we need to factor "joy planning" into our lives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chef Maggie Roche on the perfect pie
Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Stór talks Brendan through making the perfect pie at home. She has delicious recipes for savoury, veggie and sweet pies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Derabhail to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Liz Carolan, Publisher of the Briefing.ie; Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Physician in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, at Tallaght …
Show notes
Joining Derabhail to discuss the main stories in Sunday's newspapers are: Liz Carolan, Publisher of the Briefing.ie; Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Physician in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, at Tallaght University Hospital; Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner and Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst. Naomi O'Leary, Irish Times Europe Correspondent, joins from Paris with an update on the protests and riots there.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
These are the latest 40 of 100 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Similar podcasts
More News podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.