Colm Tóibín - "A good love story for me has snarls"

Joining Brendan to analyse the Sunday papers are; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist; Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD; Louise Byrne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner; and Dr Emma Howard, Economist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colm Tóibín took on the task of exploring what makes a good love story. Drawing on the works of Nina Simone, Derek Mahon, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and more, he suggests that while we may not all have 'one true love', most of us have at least one 'what if?'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Lloyd, Freelance entertainment journalist and broadcaster, and Sarina Bellisimo, Broadcaster and entertainment journalist review the best of this week's TV and cinema.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcaster Afric O'Connell on the "absolutely razor-sharp" new album Lily Allen and the ongoing fallout from the soap opera story behind it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Ronán Collins talks about his life in fishing, from early days line-fishing as a boy in Kinsale, to embracing the wilderness of far-flung regions. And he explores the meditative nature of fly-fishing, describing the river as his 'Buddhist temple'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer. GP, Dr Brendan O'Shea explains why it's important to monitor your blood pressure and what steps you can take to reduce it when necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producer/director and colleague and friend of Manchán Mangan, Brian Reddin, spoke to Brendan en route to the Hill of Uisneach today for a celebration of the life, and scattering of the ashes, of the late broadcaster and scríbhneoirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Jeremy Irons joined Brendan to talk about his new film, 'Palestine 36'. He also reflected on his boarding school years, choosing his acting roles, fatherhood, life priorities, playing the viola in his Cork castle and winning a style award for his fashion choices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clodagh McKenna joined Brendan to talk about her new cookbook 'Clodagh's Happy Cooking'. She also talked about her childhood in Cork, getting happiness lessons from her mother, her career, turning 50, taking over the farm on the grounds of 'Downton Abbey' in England with her husband, Harry Herert who also made an impromptu appearance in studio!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to analyse the Sunday newspapers and Catherine Connolly’s election are Irish Times’ political editor, Pat Leahy; former Fine Gael TD, Noel Rock; Sunday Times’ columnist, Alison O’Connor; VP of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, and former Labour candidate, Niamh Hourigan; and former Fianna Fáil minister, Mary Hanafin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.