The Watchlist

Joining Brendan to discuss the stories in this Sunday's newspapers are; Professor of Politics at DCU, Gary Murphy; Barrister and former Fianna Fail Minister, Mary Hanafin; Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, Louise Burne; and Public Policy Advisor, Oisin Coghlan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Doherty, Entertainment Editor at the RTE Guide and arts journalist Zara Hedderman pick out their highlights from a bumper week of Christmas TV specials and major movies. Spanning the big and small screen over Christmas week and into the New Year, their choices include Saipan, Oppenheimer and An Cailín Ciúin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed chef and broadcaster Rick Stein joined Brendan to discuss all manner of Christmas cooking concerns, including how to keep turkey moist, why choosing the right starter is key for a successful Christmas dinner and how he copes with is own grief at this time of year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father Iggy O'Donovan talks to Brendan about the meaning of Christmas, and how we understand God and meaning in a world beset by war, conflict and suffering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teams made up of Ireland's greatest minds battle it out to be crowned the champions of Brendan O'Connor's inaugural Big Quiz of the Year 2025. Pat Shortt, Emer McLysaght, Fionnuala Jones and Brian Dobson grappled with questions on the year's bestselling memoirs, mystery voices, the political year as well as a special round called Who is TallerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas Hacks expert Denise O'Donoghue talks us through some top tips this festive season, on packing the car, making the most of 'the big shop', and keeping your turkey moistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actors Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley talks to Brendan about their raw and emotional performances in 'Hamnet' - which have received glowing reviews, multiple Golden Globe nominations, and sparked hopes of further success at the Oscars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, screenwriter and gifting expert Stefanie Preissner gives her top tips for the women in your life – whether they're your friends, partners, mothers or nieces. She chooses Tymos and bags to journals and scented LED candles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Katriona O’Sullivan from the Dept of Psychology in Maynooth University talks about having her own sexual empowerment epiphany in her early twenties and explains how women should think about their own sexual pleasure, how to communicate, how to instigate and how to spice things up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nadine O’Regan, Irish Times Arts journalist and Brian Lloyd, Freelance Entertainment journalist, cast a discerning eye over the TV shows and movies that are worth a watch this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.