“Romantic love is fine but platonic love is so deep”

In the week that the Dalai Lama marked his 90th official birthday [and confirmed his future reincarnation], Brendan marks the occasion by chatting to Denis Staunton, Irish Times China Correspondent, about how the new Dalai Lama will be located, what the role involves, and why we might soon have TWO Dalai Lamas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best-selling author Joseph O’Connor joins Brendan to talk about his theory that 1975 was a seminal moment for music. The socio-economic and historic moments that informed this year which saw monumental, groundbreaking albums released from Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, ABBA, Patti Smith and the significant influence they had on music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to dissect the Sunday papers are Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, The Irish Examiner, Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor in the European University Institute, David W. Higgins, Economist and Dr. Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Doctor and Columnist with the Irish Independent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freelance Culture Journalist, Zara Hedderman and Host of the Extra Vision Podcast, Andy McCarroll, give their big and small screen recommendations for the week aheadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best friends, comedian PJ Gallagher and writer Stefanie Preissner join Brendan to talk about the bond they have developed through their adulthood, the unique intimacy and value of platonic relationships, how humour sustained them and how they managed to navigate the difficult moments of their lives together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eileen Dunne-Creszenci gives Brendan a tour of the dishes that make an Italian summer from a simple melon starter to flavourful pasta salads and the zingy delight of a sgroppino cocktail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founder of the fansite OasisWTS Gareth Dunleavy gives Brendan his verdict on the opening night of the Oasis reunion tour, Live ‘25 at the Cardiff Principality Stadium and his thoughts on the reuniting Gallagher brothers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Wall shares five songs that changed his world, the influence and power of Rory Gallagher, the excitement of the Beatles. He talks about the songs that sowed the seeds of the formation of The Stunning, how art and artistry has changed in Ireland and the new phase of his life as an actor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trend with Leaving Cert holidays seems to be parents letting their kids go on holidays, on condition that they allow their parents to track their location during the holiday. Cyberpsychology lecturer at IADT, and co-host of the ‘In Bits’ podcast, Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, chatted with Brendan about the rights and wrongs of tracking technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the boat from an Irish language course on Inis Meáin, travel writer,Thom Breathnach, talks holidays where you learn something new. He told Brendan about DIY and construction courses at Common Knowledge in Co Clare; a blacksmithing course at Hot Milk Forge in North Antrim; and a wild tea foraging tour with Two Green Shoots in Glengarriff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.