Brendan O'Connor
Brendan O'Connor
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.Social links:
Follow the podcast:
The real-life drama surrounding TV show ‘Love Story’
The Disney+ series, Love Story- which follows the story of JFK Junior and his wife Carolyn Bessette- has been provoking conversations about the liberties dramas take, when depicting real people who are still alive. Jenn Gannon brought Brendan up-to-speed, ahead of the series finale later this week.
05:37
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to look at the best TV shows and films heading our way this week are Brian Lloyd, Entertainment journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast and writer, Henrietta McKervey.
12:12
Richie Sadlier: “I was in this pit of self-pity and anger and loss all wrapped into one”
Footballer, psychotherapist and sports analyst, Richie Sadlier, brings Brendan through his Life in Five Songs, including live performances by Oasis, Tina Turner, and Queen. And he told Brendan about his new SPHE programme LetsTalkSPHE.com.
33:22
Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist, Institute of International and European Affairs; Louise Burne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner; Brid Smith, Ballyfermot community activist and former People Before Profit-Solidarity TD and Declan Power,…
56:58
John Banville - “Humble items around the house might bring me to tears”
Booker Prize-winner John Banville’s crime novel ‘Christine Falls’ has been chosen as Dublin City Council’s One Dublin One Book choice for 2026, 20 years after first being published. He joined Brendan to talk about love, relationships, grief, ageing and his five favourite crime thrillers
30:46
Darina Allen: “Risotto is the ultimate stand-by dish”
It’s the ultimate comfort food, so Darina Allen - chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School – gives Brendan a masterclass in Risotto, suggesting foods that work well with it: from crispy pork lardons to foraged nettles.
08:30
Dr Richard Hogan: “Guilt & shame have their tentacles in everything”
Psychotherapist, Dr Richard Hogan, on shame and guilt: where these feelings come from; when they change from being healthy to unhealthy; and how we can move on from them.
28:38
Carrie Crowley on the joys of sea-swimming
Broadcaster Carrie Crowley on the magic of sea swimming, beginners’ tips, safety tips and why it’s better to be in than out.
09:26
“Troy Parrott is just in flying form right now” - Tony O’Donoghue
As we face into potentially the biggest week in Irish soccer for a generation, RTÉ Soccer Correspondent, Tony O’Donoghue, reminds us of the magic of ‘Troy Parrott Week’ last November, and previews the World Cup qualifier against Czechia next Thursday.
08:01
“This used to be called insider trading!” – the rise of online prediction markets
Online prediction markets are in the news at the moment with people betting big on particular outcomes in global affairs. Liz Carolan, publisher of TheBriefing.ie, talks Brendan through how sites such as Kalshi and Polymarket differ from traditional gambling, and the new perils they present.
10:08