The Watchlist

Joining Brendan to discuss the Sunday papers are Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times, Elaine Burke, Science and Technology journalist, Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD and Brenda Power, Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail and Sunday Times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish Times Arts Journalist, Nadine O’Regan and host of the Screenland Podcast, Brian Lloyd join Brendan to talk through the week’s best films and TV shows, including ‘The Long Walk’, ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ and ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the evenings drawing in, poet Enda Wyley chose uplifting poems to read. Nourishing poems of Soul and Light and The Poetry Pharmacy Returns, ‘The Washing’ by Jaan Kaplinski; ‘Rain’ by Raymond Carver; ‘Romanesque Arches’ by Tomas Tranströmer; ‘Although the Wind,’ by Izumi Shikibu; ‘This Moment’ by Eavan Boland; and ‘The Door’ by Miroslav Holub.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having turned 50 in May, Jamie Oliver is in a reflective mood when he speaks to Brendan. He talks about his dyslexia, and shares health hacks on getting more fruit and veg, how to make treats healthier [like tofu with chocolate!], and how to get a good night’s sleep.  Jamie’s new book is ‘Eat Yourself Healthy: Food to change your life’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As he publishes his memoir ‘Speaking My Mind’ former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, joins Brendan in studio to talk about his personal and political life so far. The conversation spans his upbringing, his political awakening, coming out publicly in 2015, leading Ireland through the pandemic, and his professional regrets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autumn is here, and so are our friends, the dust mites! But what are they, where do they live, and what can we do to avoid them? Christine Loscher, Professor of Immunology at DCU, has the answers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastry Chef and CEO of Grá Chocolates, Gráinne Mullins talks Brendan through her favourite chocolate recipes, and why it’s such an appealing and versatile ingredient.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and Broadcaster Manchán Magan joins Brendan to open-up about his widespread cancer, his disdain for pity, drinking his own urine in the Himalayas, the curse of being a writer and his latest book, "Ninety-Nine Words for Rain (and One for Sun)".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the assassination of American conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, many social media users were unwittingly exposed to graphic videos of his horrific shooting. Technology journalist with the Irish Times, Ciara O’Brien.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senita Appiakarong, Culture Commentator and Eoin Sweeney, TV and Radio Producer give Brendan their recommendations for the best TV and films to watch for the week ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.