Behind the Story
- Épisodes
- 247
- Parution
- plusieurs fois par semaine
- Dernier épisode
- 13 Nov 2026
À propos du podcast
Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.
Email: [email protected]
New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Épisodes 247
Gone to the dogs! Is there too much money funding greyhound racing?
Greyhound racing will receive €20 million in public funding next year despite a decline in the numbers attending race meets. There are significant concerns also around animal welfare. Sport correspondent with …
Notes de l’épisode
Greyhound racing will receive €20 million in public funding next year despite a decline in the numbers attending race meets. There are significant concerns also around animal welfare. Sport correspondent with the Irish Times, Gavin Cooney joins Karen Creed to discuss a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Later, Sam Wolfson of the Guardian outlines how the manosphere and bro-casters have lost interest in Trump.
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Security at the Summit & Pay Deal
How do our security forces manage the murky cyber threats that have dominated the headlines as we approach the largest gathering of world leaders Ireland has ever hosted? On this episode, we talk to former …
Notes de l’épisode
How do our security forces manage the murky cyber threats that have dominated the headlines as we approach the largest gathering of world leaders Ireland has ever hosted?
On this episode, we talk to former chief of staff of the Defence Mark Mellett on the spate of recent cyber threats and the scale of the security operation involved in hosting two major EU summits on Thursday and Friday.And those pay talks that finally ended overnight with a deal- our work and technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan goes through what has been agreed and what happens next.
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Brawl at boxing and a Chinese honeytrap
Arrests were made after a brawl broke out at an influencer organised boxing event in Kilkenny at the weekend. Far right activist Tommy Robinson attended the event which led to a fight breaking out outside the …
Notes de l’épisode
Arrests were made after a brawl broke out at an influencer organised boxing event in Kilkenny at the weekend. Far right activist Tommy Robinson attended the event which led to a fight breaking out outside the ring. Reporter Christopher Dunne with the Kilkenny People joins Karen Creed to explain what happened.
Later, business reporter with The Currency, Tom Lyons outlines what is known about Nvidia's boss Jensen Huang and his affair with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy.
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Bomb scares, Tech bros and mogging!
Several Irish media outlets received bomb threats on Friday which coincided with more aviation threats. Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Fran and Eamon to explain what happened at the Donnybrook site …
Notes de l’épisode
Several Irish media outlets received bomb threats on Friday which coincided with more aviation threats. Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Fran and Eamon to explain what happened at the Donnybrook site.
Later, Charlie Taylor, Technology Editor with the Business Post discusses the fall in tech stocks and how the Tech Bros may need to broaden their political allegiences following the Democrats win in the US mid terms.
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Blue wave and a red wipeout but where to now?
Democrats are celebrating massive wins in the US mid term elections while Trump and the Republic Party reel from the size of the losses. Justin McCarthy joins Paul from Washington to talk about election night …
Notes de l’épisode
Democrats are celebrating massive wins in the US mid term elections while Trump and the Republic Party reel from the size of the losses. Justin McCarthy joins Paul from Washington to talk about election night and how things unfolded.
Later, Michael Ricci, Prof of Public Policy at Georgetown University analyses the results, what this win means and whether the MAGA movement is in decline.
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Pay talks collapse and inside the seizure of the MV Matthew
Despite days of negotiations, the public sector pay talks collapsed and Unions plan a 24 hour strike on Thursday Nov 12th. Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Karen Creed to explain what …
Notes de l’épisode
Despite days of negotiations, the public sector pay talks collapsed and Unions plan a 24 hour strike on Thursday Nov 12th. Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Karen Creed to explain what happened and why the government is under more pressure now.
Later, Martime Operations Manager with Customs, Andrew Ryan speaks about one of the most dramatic drug seizures in the history of the state. In 2023, over two tonnes of cocaine was discovered on the MV Matthew. Army Rangers boarded and took control of the vessel in storm conditions off the coast of Cork.
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A conversation with Kevin Bakhurst
Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ's Director General joins Fran and Paul for a wide ranging interview following the sudden withdrawal of €20 million from the broadcaster's budget for 2027. Mr Bakhurst discusses his shock at …
Notes de l’épisode
Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ's Director General joins Fran and Paul for a wide ranging interview following the sudden withdrawal of €20 million from the broadcaster's budget for 2027.
Mr Bakhurst discusses his shock at the funding cut but expresses confidence a solution will be reached. Fran and Paul quiz the DG on Ireland, Israel and the Eurovision, Ger Gilroy's new podcast, Fair City and license fee.
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Israeli elections - what next?
Voters turned out in their highest numbers in decades in an election that was described as make-or-break for Israel, but provisional results suggested no clear path to power for either Prime Minister Benjamin …
Notes de l’épisode
Voters turned out in their highest numbers in decades in an election that was described as make-or-break for Israel, but provisional results suggested no clear path to power for either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or his main opponent, Gadi Eisenkot.
On this episode, Alexander Cornwell, senior correspondent for Reuters in Tel Aviv joined Paul Cunningham to explain the political fallout, what happens next and what it means for the wider Middle East region
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All you need to know about the US midterms
Although President Trump is not on the ballot paper, the US midterm elections will decide how the final phase of his presidency will play out. And there is a lot at stake as Democrats try to win majority …
Notes de l’épisode
Although President Trump is not on the ballot paper, the US midterm elections will decide how the final phase of his presidency will play out. And there is a lot at stake as Democrats try to win majority control of the US Congress.
On this episode, Dan Geary - Mark Pigott Professor in U.S. History at Trinity College Dublin – guides us through what is happening, where to watch and what it all means for US politics.
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Israel's key election and hurling's new rules
Israel's general election takes place next week, the first since the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Our Deputy Foreign Editor Heaphy talks to us from Tel Aviv, on what many see as the most pivotal …
Notes de l’épisode
Israel's general election takes place next week, the first since the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Our Deputy Foreign Editor Heaphy talks to us from Tel Aviv, on what many see as the most pivotal elections in Israel's history, with global implications.
Later, RTÉ’s GAA correspondent Marty Morrissey takes Eamon Horan through the proposed rule changes in hurling.
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Irish Rail - signal failure and the Triple Lock row
Iarnród Eireann's scrapped IT project is back in the headlines, when it was revealed today that Indra, the company contracted to do the work, is seeking €30m as part of final accounts. Public Policy …
Notes de l’épisode
Iarnród Eireann's scrapped IT project is back in the headlines, when it was revealed today that Indra, the company contracted to do the work, is seeking €30m as part of final accounts. Public Policy correspondent with the Irish Times, Martin Wall, joins Paul to explain the background to the failed project and what the plan is to rescue it.
Later, Security analyst, Declan Power discusses the possible end of the Triple Lock and UNFIL mission in Lebanon.
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France on the brink
Violent protests and looting spread across several cities in France over the weekend, as over a half a million people took to the streets on a wide variety of issues. The authorities plan to implement localised …
Notes de l’épisode
Violent protests and looting spread across several cities in France over the weekend, as over a half a million people took to the streets on a wide variety of issues. The authorities plan to implement localised curfews in some areas to deal with the deteriorating situation. Senior lecturer in European Politics at UCC, Emmanuelle Schon Quinlivan joins Paul to explain the background to the crisis.
Later, Adam Maguire discusses the popularity of Chinese EVs and why the EU has security concerns around the increasing level of tech available in the cars.
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Sally Rooney's stand
Award winning author Sally Rooney's books will no longer be available for sale in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action. Human rights lawyer, Caoilfhoinn Gallagher joins Fran to discuss the situation …
Notes de l’épisode
Award winning author Sally Rooney's books will no longer be available for sale in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action. Human rights lawyer, Caoilfhoinn Gallagher joins Fran to discuss the situation and why sweeping anti-terrorism legislation is having a far reaching impact on protest and culture.
Later, Arts and Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke goes behind the scenes of NBC's Today show and looks at the success of Tourism Ireland's strategy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What's happening at the AI Summit?
Big Tech, Big Business and lots of politicians are attending the International AI Summit at the RDS. Fran and Paul are joined by Bloomberg's Tom MacKenzie to discuss AI in Europe. Later, Liz Carolan of The …
Notes de l’épisode
Big Tech, Big Business and lots of politicians are attending the International AI Summit at the RDS. Fran and Paul are joined by Bloomberg's Tom MacKenzie to discuss AI in Europe.
Later, Liz Carolan of The Briefing.ie and Charlie Taylor of the Business Post chat about the ups and downs of AI, dress codes and bad merch!
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How Robert Pether got out of Iraq
After five and a half years of illegal detention in Iraq, Robert Pether landed in Dublin airport on Monday morning. He was greeted by family and friends and spoke of his time in a Baghdad prison and subsequent …
Notes de l’épisode
After five and a half years of illegal detention in Iraq, Robert Pether landed in Dublin airport on Monday morning. He was greeted by family and friends and spoke of his time in a Baghdad prison and subsequent struggle to survive before he was allowed leave the country.
His lawyer, Irish man Peter Griffin, took up his case, pro-bono in 2021 having heard about Robert's case in his son's school newsletter. Peter speaks to host Karen Creed about the legal fight to secure Robert's release.
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Execution by firing squad and live streamed
The decision by the US Defence Department to live stream the execution of a man convicted of murdering thirteen unarmed soldiers at a military post in Texas in 2009 has sparked global headlines. The Pentagon …
Notes de l’épisode
The decision by the US Defence Department to live stream the execution of a man convicted of murdering thirteen unarmed soldiers at a military post in Texas in 2009 has sparked global headlines.
The Pentagon announced earlier this week it would execute Nidal Hasan in December in the first military execution for more than 60 years.
On this episode of Behind The Story we talk to death row lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith who has represented hundreds of people sentenced to death over the past four decades.
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IVF costs and concern over 'add-on' fertility treatments
IVF services have expanded dramatically over the last few decades. Infertility treatments are widely promoted but concerns are mounting over how effective and/or safe some of these 'add-ons' are. RTÉ …
Notes de l’épisode
IVF services have expanded dramatically over the last few decades. Infertility treatments are widely promoted but concerns are mounting over how effective and/or safe some of these 'add-ons' are.
RTÉ Investigates Deputy Editor Aoife Hegarty joins Paul to discuss 'Fertility Uncovered' documentary that includes stories of couples trying to have a baby and also looks at public funding for IVF.
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BONUS - Budget special - will there be any more money in your pocket?
Ministers Harris and Chambers unveiled Budget 27 in the Dáil this afternoon. Income tax changes, welfare increases, carbon tax paused, just some of the headline announcements but will there be any more money in …
Notes de l’épisode
Ministers Harris and Chambers unveiled Budget 27 in the Dáil this afternoon. Income tax changes, welfare increases, carbon tax paused, just some of the headline announcements but will there be any more money in your pocket when inflation is taken into account?
Chief Economist with Deloitte Ireland, Kate English joins Fran and Paul on a whistlestop tour of the key points of the budget.
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New charges on parcels and Andrew takes legal action
From next month, another new charge will come into effect on goods bought outside the EU. The €2 'union handling fee' will be implemented on Nov 1st, this is in addition to the €3 customs charge that had …
Notes de l’épisode
From next month, another new charge will come into effect on goods bought outside the EU. The €2 'union handling fee' will be implemented on Nov 1st, this is in addition to the €3 customs charge that had applied since July. Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Fiona Mitchell to explain the new fees and how customers may not be aware of the new charges.
Later, Chief Royal Correspondent with Newsweek, Jack Royston discuss ex Prince Andrew's decision to take legal action against the police over the search warrants used during his arrest in February this year.
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Proteinmaxxing: just how much protein do you really need?
Protein water? protein cereal or how about protein infused vodka? Protein products are everywhere but earlier this week the Bank of America issued a warning to the food industry that the protein craze could …
Notes de l’épisode
Protein water? protein cereal or how about protein infused vodka? Protein products are everywhere but earlier this week the Bank of America issued a warning to the food industry that the protein craze could have peaked.
Dietician Sarah Keogh and RTE business desk reporter Adam Maguire join Fran to discuss the products, proteinmaxxing, who's making money and how much protein does a person really need.
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Strikes on the horizon? and foul play at Man City!
Thousands of public sector workers began a work to rule in protest at the government's reluctance to talk pay! Teachers, nurses and other sectors are threatening further strike action in the coming weeks. Work …
Notes de l’épisode
Thousands of public sector workers began a work to rule in protest at the government's reluctance to talk pay! Teachers, nurses and other sectors are threatening further strike action in the coming weeks. Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Paul to explain what's going on.
Later, hacking, leaking and dishonesty at the heart of one of the Premier League's biggest clubs. Football finance expert, Associate Professor Kieran Maguire discusses the allegations of dodging dealings at Manchester City.
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Garvaghy Road stand-off and online house bidding
The stand-off between protestors and the Orange Order continues on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown. Sinn Fein and the DUP clash over the proposed parade with the row threatening to collapse the power sharing …
Notes de l’épisode
The stand-off between protestors and the Orange Order continues on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown. Sinn Fein and the DUP clash over the proposed parade with the row threatening to collapse the power sharing executive at Stormont. Host Karen Creed is joined by Prof Deirdre Heenan to analyse the situaton.
Later, Political Editor with the Examiner, Elaine Loughlin discusses the online bidding process for buying a house and how concerns are rising around the 'gamification' of bidding and instant alerts.
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Politics on the pitch - Ireland v Israel
The Republic of Ireland are due to play Israel on Sunday in the Nations League tournament in Hungary but pressure continues to mount on the players and the FAI to pull out of the fixture. Fran and Eamon discuss …
Notes de l’épisode
The Republic of Ireland are due to play Israel on Sunday in the Nations League tournament in Hungary but pressure continues to mount on the players and the FAI to pull out of the fixture. Fran and Eamon discuss the increasingly tense situation as more protests are planned this weekend against the games.
Later, UCD Lecturer in Politics Graham Finlay discuss the speeches made at the United Nations this week and whether the UN is fit for purpose as conflicts continue acround the world.
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The financial shock of cancer
A cancer diagnosis can cost far more than many patients expect. Cancer survivor Aoife Murphy and Irish Cancer Society CEO Nikki Gallagher join Paul Cunningham to reveal how falling incomes and mounting medical …
Notes de l’épisode
A cancer diagnosis can cost far more than many patients expect. Cancer survivor Aoife Murphy and Irish Cancer Society CEO Nikki Gallagher join Paul Cunningham to reveal how falling incomes and mounting medical and travel expenses can leave families facing a financial crisis alongside treatment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research on energy drinks and a large fine for Google!
New research by Safefood shows that 12% of 15-24 years old consume an energy drink once a day. Support is also growing for age restrictions on the sugar and caffeine rich drinks. Dietician Sarah Keogh joins …
Notes de l’épisode
New research by Safefood shows that 12% of 15-24 years old consume an energy drink once a day. Support is also growing for age restrictions on the sugar and caffeine rich drinks. Dietician Sarah Keogh joins Maggie Doyle to discuss the findings and explains why caffeine is linked to sport performance.
Later, Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan outlines why tech giant Google has been fined over €400 million over the processing of location data.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Award winning actor Chris Addison on dark comedy and politics today
Emmy award winning actor, producer and comedian Chris Addison joins Paul and Evelyn to discuss his new comedy drama, Tall Tales and Murder. Chris, who is also known for playing 'Ollie Reeder' in the cult TV …
Notes de l’épisode
Emmy award winning actor, producer and comedian Chris Addison joins Paul and Evelyn to discuss his new comedy drama, Tall Tales and Murder.
Chris, who is also known for playing 'Ollie Reeder' in the cult TV show, The Thick of it, chats political satire in a Trump dominated world, Nigel Farage and why audiences like a bit of dark comedy.
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Irish acts quit Ed Sheeran tour over 'Free Palestine' row
On Monday, US rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's support acts following comments he made in early September in support of Palestine. Irish artists, Aaron Rowe and Beoga quit the tour in support of …
Notes de l’épisode
On Monday, US rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's support acts following comments he made in early September in support of Palestine. Irish artists, Aaron Rowe and Beoga quit the tour in support of Macklemore on Tuesday. Arts and Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Paul to explain how this is the biggest controversy facing singer-songwriter ED Sheeran.
Later, Suzanne Lynch of Bloomberg analyses EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech
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All hail Lowry, whiskey tariffs no more!
Golf diplomacy came to the fore this weekend, when President Trump announced he would drop tariffs on Irish whiskey as he presented the Irish Open trophy to Shane Lowry. The dropping of the tariff came as a …
Notes de l’épisode
Golf diplomacy came to the fore this weekend, when President Trump announced he would drop tariffs on Irish whiskey as he presented the Irish Open trophy to Shane Lowry. The dropping of the tariff came as a welcome surprise to the sector. Agriculture and Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Maggie Doyle to discuss the tariff and what's expected dominate the agenda at the Ploughing Championships.
Later Euronews reporter Shona Murray explains why Canadian Prime Minister is visiting Europe this week in the hope of deepening the relationship with the EU.
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Award winning author Colum McCann on 9/11 and Trump's America
'A damp white loaf' that's how Colum McCann describes US President Donald Trump who arrives in Ireland this weekend. Colum joins Fran to discuss the anniversay of 9/11 and how America has changed since 2001 …
Notes de l’épisode
'A damp white loaf' that's how Colum McCann describes US President Donald Trump who arrives in Ireland this weekend. Colum joins Fran to discuss the anniversay of 9/11 and how America has changed since 2001. Colum, who lives in New York with his family shares his thoughts on Mayor Zohran Mamdani, JD Vance and why he remains positive when he thinks about the future of American politics.
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Hell hath no fury - the row at the heart of the GAA
The plan to integrate camogie and ladies football into the GAA appears to have derailed with the resignation of former President Dr Mary McAleese from the Steering Committee. Dr McAleese didn't hold back in her …
Notes de l’épisode
The plan to integrate camogie and ladies football into the GAA appears to have derailed with the resignation of former President Dr Mary McAleese from the Steering Committee. Dr McAleese didn't hold back in her criticism of the leadership of the association. Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA rejected accusations of misogyny and said the organisation was committed to integration.
Sinead O'Carroll, Editor of The Journal joins Paul to explain what is going on and why this row is a major setback for women and girls playing on teams.
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