The Watchlist

To mark Mother’s Day, freelance journalist Édaein O'Connell tells Brendan about her warm, loving and complex relationship with her late mother, who died in the past year. She describes how their relationship evolved from childhood into adulthood and how she’s mourning her loss and appreciating their relationship in a new light.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Guiney, CEO of Element Pictures – who made Room, Normal People and The Favourite – joins Brendan live from Hollywood, where he’s preparing to attend his fifth Oscars in 10 years. He tells Brendan what goes on behind the scenes, Ireland’s growing influence in Hollywood and Element’s latest movie, Bugonia, which has four Oscar nominations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan are political reporter with the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney; Commentator and CEO of the Iona Institute, David Quinn; Law Lecturer at the University of Galway, Larry Donnelly; CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward and former army ranger, medical doctor and former independent TD, Cathal Berry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to look at the best TV shows and films heading our way this St Patrick’s week are broadcaster, Aifric O’Connell and Movie’s Editor with the RTE Guide, Michael Doherty. Their choices include tonight’s Oscars ceremony, the finale of Dancing with the Stars, Nicole Kidman’s latest adventure in ‘prestige trash’, and new documentaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OG fitness influencer Mr Motivator lit up our screens in the 1990s with his charismatic and energetic appeals to get off the couch and get moving. Now in his 70s, he’s still inspiring people to embrace activity – whatever their fitness level. He talks to Brendan about the joys of staying active and how he stays positive on the tough days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Brian “Danny Minnie” O’ Domhnaill is on hand today to give our home cooking a restaurant level polish. He talks Brendan through recipes, as gaeilge, for salmon in grapes, sea trout with crab sauce and easy fish cakes with a wild garlic mayo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ireland face Scotland for a Triple Crown decider in Dublin, RTE Sports’ Jacqui Hurley talks Brendan through the final day of the most unpredictable Six Nations in years. Jacqui outlines the unlikely path through which – if Ireland win with a bonus point, and France fall short against England in Paris – the championship is still to play for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bestselling and award-winning crime writer Liz Nugent chooses five songs that trigger memories of her life and career. She talks about the enduring impact of a childhood injury, embracing the dark side of humanity at a young age and the real-life inspiration for her crime novels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneur and Journalist Mark Little joins Brendan to talk about the how the war in the middle east is unfolding its impacts in the region and around the world. He discusses the tough guy culture present in US foreign policy today, the role of AI in war and the future of Iran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Amanullah de Sondy, head of the study of religions at UCC offers his own reflections on the ending of the holy month of Ramadan. He talks about how the hunger, brought on by fasting from dawn to dusk, alters his emotional state and creates space for gratitude and a slower pace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.