“Eid has become so commercialised – the price of dates is ridiculous”

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.

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.

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.

Artist Dorothy Cross tells Brendan about her Cork childhood, competitive swimming, the thrill of having her art first exhibited by the Tate in London, turning 70 and the joys of the sea. She picked five songs that meant something special to her throughout her life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novelist and video game critic for The Guardian, Sarah Maria Griffin explains to Brendan how she has rediscovered the 30-year-old Nintendo game recently as a mother and has a new appreciation for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times; Gerard Howlin, former government adviser and Public Affairs Consultant; Susanne Rogers, with Social Justice Ireland and Dan Mulhall, Former Irish Ambassador to Washington. Security Analyst Declan Power joins by phone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to discuss the best TV and films coming this week are Grainne Humphries, Festival Director of the Dublin International Film Festival and Eoin Sweeney, TV and radio producer. Previews include Niall Breslin’s new documentary ‘All That Remains’ as well as movies like Jessie Buckley’s ‘The Bride’ and ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.