"Between hope and despair" - Elizabeth Strout on US politics

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories of the week were Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor with The Irish Examiner, Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute UCD, Aisling Meehan, Solicitor, Farmer and Tax Consultant, Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist, Institute of International and European Affairs.

Humanitarian, activist and campaigner for nuclear disarmament, Adi Roche joins Brendan to talk about the transformative songs that soundtrack her life from the protest music that fires up her consciousness to the peace and hope she finds in the words of John Lennon.

Host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast Elaine Burke delves into the internet phenomenon of Reddit’s AITA an anonymous forum where people pose queries and crowdsource a variety of responses causing debate and discussion about the biggest and smallest of dilemmas.

Business Post Film Critic, John Maguire and Entertainment Journalist and Broadcaster, Sarina Bellissimo deliver their verdict on the TV shows and movies of the week ahead.

Prof. Annie Curtis is a Professor of Biology at the Royal College of Surgeons and joined Brendan to discuss the sudden onset of mental illness she experienced last year, which led to her hospitalisation. She also spoke about the distinction between mental health and mental illness.

With the arrival of secondhand clothes re-sellers Vinted in Ireland, Moya Doogan founder of Environmental Eadaí joins Brendan to talk about sustainable shopping, how to buy and sell clothes online and how secondhand shopping is back in style.

Writer Michael Harding joins Brendan to reframe the month of November, what this time of year means and why it can be a much-needed time of solace and reflection

Tech Entrepeneur and journalist Mark Little reflected on Donal Trump’s electoral landslide this week, and about the roles of podcasts, AI and misinformation that came to the fore during the US Presidential campaign.

Travel enthusiast and Galway businesswoman, Lisa Regan chats to Brendan about the most charming cities to visit for the perfect cosy winter city break.

Sauces, herbs, meats and vegetables... with the nights closing in, Chef Kevin Dundon from Dunbrody House in Wexford has some hearty, soul-warming stews.