MAHA or Make America Healthy Again has grown in influence since Robert Kennedy Jnr became US Health Secretary. But what is the movement? Alex Stockton of the New York Times Opinion has looked the people and organisations who are involved in MAHA, and the wellness industry. He reveals how people can be drawn into conspiracy theories around medicine. 

David, Fran and Katie talk to Alex about his use of AI to analyse wellness content and discuss the anticipated announcement around autism following comments by President Trump on Sunday. 

Alex Stockton's video: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/09/opinion/maha-health-wellness-influencers.html 

MAHA or Make America Healthy Again has grown in influence since Robert Kennedy Jnr became US Health Secretary. But what is the movement? Alex Stockton of the New York Times Opinion has looked the people and organisations who are involved in MAHA, and the wellness industry. He reveals how people can be drawn into conspiracy theories around medicine.&nbsp;David, Fran and Katie talk to Alex about his use of AI to analyse wellness content and discuss the anticipated announcement around autism following comments by President Trump on Sunday.&nbsp;Alex Stockton's video: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/09/opinion/maha-health-wellness-influencers.html&nbsp;

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: behindthestory@rte.ie

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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: <a class="relay-http-link" href="mailto:behindthestory@rte.ie">behindthestory@rte.ie</a>New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Behind the Story

RFK and the growing influence of MAHA

An election on Thursday in the UK could ultimately determine who leads the country. 

Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield bye-election with his eyes set on a subsequent British Labour Party leadership battle. 

James Lyons, former director of strategic communications at 10 Downing Street under Keir Starmer, tells Fran and Paul why the stakes could not be higher.

They also discuss if they would move to Lovely Leitrim, and how MEPs voted on so-called 'return hubs' for illegal migrants in the EU.

An election on Thursday in the UK could ultimately determine who leads the country. Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield bye-election with his eyes set on a subsequent British Labour Party leadership battle. James Lyons, former director of strategic communications at 10 Downing Street under Keir Starmer, tells Fran and Paul why the stakes could not be higher.They also discuss if they would move to Lovely Leitrim, and how MEPs voted on so-called 'return hubs' for illegal migrants in the EU.

Will Andy Burnham make it in Makerfield?

Children under age 16 will soon be banned from social media in the UK under proposals announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer today.

It comes as Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ireland should follow suit with the UK – but added that he hopes “this is an issue that Europe can arrive at a consensus on”.

Work and Technology Correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Fran to discuss why there are so many variations of bans around - and how they're not as airtight as some people would like.

Brian also talks about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Ireland and why he missed his country's World Cup game.

Later, Crime Editor with the Irish Sun Stephen Breen discusses the latest search for missing women Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard amid hopes for a breakthrough.

Children under age 16 will soon be banned from social media in the UK under proposals announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer today.It comes as Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ireland should follow suit with the UK – but added that he hopes “this is an issue that Europe can arrive at a consensus on”.Work and Technology Correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Fran to discuss why there are so many variations of bans around - and how they're not as airtight as some people would like.Brian also talks about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Ireland and why he missed his country's World Cup game.Later, Crime Editor with the Irish Sun Stephen Breen discusses the latest search for missing women Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard amid hopes for a breakthrough.

Social media ban for under 16s in the UK and new search for missing women

The Republic of Ireland's upcoming match against Israel will no longer be played in Dublin, a decision that has sparked debate far beyond football.

Fran McNulty and Evelyn O'Rourke are joined by Irish Times Sports Correspondent Gavin Cooney to discuss one of the most talked-about stories in Irish sport.

They also take in the opening days of the World Cup, the spectacle of UFC heading to the White House and the huge summer of concerts beginning across Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland's upcoming match against Israel will no longer be played in Dublin, a decision that has sparked debate far beyond football. Fran McNulty and Evelyn O'Rourke are joined by Irish Times Sports Correspondent Gavin Cooney to discuss one of the most talked-about stories in Irish sport. They also take in the opening days of the World Cup, the spectacle of UFC heading to the White House and the huge summer of concerts beginning across Ireland.

RFK and the growing influence of MAHA

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