'There's a surge of pleasure writing poetry that's akin to physical eroticism!'

Born into poverty in Dublin, Sean Scully is now a widely regarded as one of the world's greatest living visual artists, whose paintings regularly sell for over a million euro. He tells Brendan about his childhood experience of travellers, his parents' intensive arguments, and the origins of his creativity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday newspapers are commentator and former presidential hopeful, Maria Steen; head of the ERSI's Behavioural Research Unit, Professor Pete Lunn; columnist and commentator, Alison O'Connor and Professor of US and international Politics at UCD's Clinton Institute, Scott Lucas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to preview the best films and TV shows this week - including Swindlers, Crime 101 and Eternity - are Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphries; and host of the Extra Vision podcast, Andy McCarroll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson has had her children's books translated into more than 100 languages. Mother of three Sinead Fox AKA parenting blogger 'Bumbles of Rice' tells Brendan about the enduring appeal of her books, including 'Stickman', 'Zog' and 'Room on the Broom' ahead of the publication of Donaldson's next book, 'Gruffalo Granny'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does steak taste so much better in a restaurant? And are there any easy hacks to replicate the professional version? On Valentine's Day, chef, Broadcaster, and owner of Myrtle Restaurant in London, talks ageing, salting, and - controversially - the use of an oven.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poet Enda Wyley chooses some 'non-Hallmark' love poems for the day that's in it and quotes Carol Ann Duffy to Adrian Mitchell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan on why you can become estranged from family or friends, when it's worth extending an olive branch, how to do so and how to protect yourself if you can't.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Academy Award winning songwriter, solo artist and Frames frontman, tells Brendan about leaving school at 13 with the support of his headmaster, fatherhood and his own parents, his evolving relationship with music and exciting projects for the year ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Brendan to talk through the Sunday Newspapers are Mick Clifford, Irish Examiner Special Correspondent; Mary Hanafin, barrister and former Fianna Fáil government minister; Jennifer Bray, Sunday Times Political Editor; and Graham Finlay. Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations, UCD.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan previews the best TV shows and films coming to a screen near you with Michael Doherty, RTÉ Guide Movies Editor and Fionnuala Jones, Podcaster and Presenter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.