Brendan O'Connor

RTÉ Radio 1

Brendan O'Connor has all you need for the weekend with time to pause and reflect on the week just gone. Featuring a selection of human interest, consumer and lifestyle stories, as well as keeping you up to date on the news stories that matter. Listen live Saturday and Sunday at 11am - 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1.

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100 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes100

Newest first

July 19 · 29 min
“Are bank details on a wedding invite the new norm?”
With wedding season in full swing, the celebrations can also bring up some difficult issues. Claire is joined by Chartered Psychologist Allison Keating and Wedding Planner and Photographer Jenny McCarthy to talk through various dilemmas including the cost for guests, choosing what to give to the happy couple and handling tricky family dynamics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 19 · 55 min
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Claire Brock to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, Aisling Meehan, Agricultural Solicitor, Tax Advisor and Farmer, Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Prof. Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 · 5 min
Discover the Coolcation
With temperatures hitting all-time highs across Europe this summer, holidaymakers are seeking cooler climates. Sarah Slattery from The Travel Expert.ie tells Claire about alternative destinations from Sweden to Madeira to escape the sweat and the sunburn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 · 8 min
Luke Combs at Slane - “Ordinary is the appeal”
As Luke Combs takes to the stage at Slane Castle for his first of two sold out shows tonight, country singer and country radio host, Clodagh Lawlor tells Claire about his meteoric rise to fame, why Luke Combs is connecting with a new generation of listeners and what fans can expect from him tonight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 · 6 min
“Don’t be afraid of your home” - Getting to Know Your House
Martin Glynn from the DIY Academy shares his advice about common household concerns, bleeding radiators, simple plumbing, avoiding electrics and when to call the professionals in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 · 10 min
Sensational Strawberries with Neven Maguire
As we hit peak berry season, MacNean House and Restaurant owner, chef Neven Maguire joins Claire to share some versatile strawberry recipes from the savoury to the sweet. Including a smoked duck salad with a strawberry sauce to classics like strawberry sundaes and cheesecake and kids' favourites, fruity ice pops See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 · 28 min
“I want to make the women of Ireland safer” - Leona Mackin
Mother of two Leona Macken is living with incurable Stage Four Cervical Cancer. She talks to Claire about receiving an apology and settlement from the HSE after she learnt that abnormalities on smear test result analyses were missed. She speaks about the need for further improvements to the National Screening Programme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 18 · 29 min
Frances Black - “A Woman’s Heart was the inspiration for the Spice Girls!”
Singer, activist, and independent senator Frances Black joins Claire for My Life in Five Songs. From Bill Withers to Beginish. She talks about growing up in a musical family, stage-fright, how motherhood transformed her, her journey to the Seanad and her tireless work on the Occupied Territories Bill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 12 · 12 min
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Zara Hedderman, Culture Journalist and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision Podcast. They talk about Moana, Evil Dead Burn, Rosebush Pruning, The Hawk, Nothing To Hide and Love Island amongst many more productions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 12 · 9 min
“‘The Queue’ at Wimbledon is now a social media sensation in its own right”
Christine Bohan, tennis fan and Deputy Editor of TheJournal.ie explains why Wimbledon has something for everyone nowadays, whether they’re a tennis fan or not. She talks about the influencers, fashion and food at this year’s tournament, how you get invited into the Royal Box and she previews the Men’s Singles Final this afternoon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 12 · 30 min
“Crying shows us what really matters to us” - The Power of Crying with Dr Tony Bates
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tony Bates, talks about why we cry in sad or beautiful moments. He also explains the power of tears, their release effect, why people might try to hide their tears and why he worries about the people who never cry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 12 · 55 min
The Newspaper Panel
Joining Brendan to discuss the newspapers are: Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, Social Democrats Candidate in recent Galway West by-election; Tanya Ward, Chief Executive, Children's Rights Alliance; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and former Government advisor and Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 11 · 6 min
Why Buying Refurbished Tech saves money and the planet
Colin Baker, CEO of Back To The Future, explains why a refurbished laptop or computer might actually be a smarter purchase than a brand-new machine. He explains they are commercial grade, factory-refurbished and often last longer and perform better than cheaper, new, retail grade devices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 11 · 8 min
Minding Yourself In The Heat with Dr Colm Henry
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE has advice on managing the hotter days of summer. He has practical tips around staying cool, sleeping, hydration, suncream and tells us why we should all know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 11 · 12 min
“Breadcrumbing is where the man isn’t giving you the full loaf of bread!”
Freelance journalist Édaein O’Connell takes a look at new dating trends like ‘wildflowering’, ‘chalant dating’, ‘communal vetting’ and ‘sunset clauses’. She also talks about her new relationship and when to have the ‘boyfriend chat’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 11 · 9 min
Darina Allen - "Your oven should never be moody”
Darina Allen, Chef and Founder of the Ballymaloe Cookery School joins Brendan as a cookery agony aunt, solving common kitchen issues. She explains the importance of quality kitchen equipment and understanding how your appliances work. She also tackles common problems making soda bread and sponge cake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 11 · 27 min
Your Summer Dilemmas with Dr Richard Hogan
Summer can be a stressful time for some. Changes in routine, high expectations, changes in your environment and loneliness. Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan answers your summer dilemmas and gives tips on navigating potential stressors over the next few weeks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 11 · 30 min
Mary Kennedy - “I’m at an age now where I don’t care what people think of me”
Broadcaster Mary Kennedy charts her life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from ‘Frankie and Johnny’ to ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade” to her nephew, Dermot Kennedy’s, ‘Funeral’. She talks about her parents’ party pieces, the sudden death of her father, moving from teaching to broadcasting, finding confidence in later life, her faith, her friendships, her love for her seven grandchildren and choosing to have a very active retirement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 5 · 10 min
How to Pack the Perfect Holiday Suitcase
Fashion stylist and personal shopper, Cathy O’Connor, joins Brendan with some top tips on holiday packing. She has strategies for organising your clothes, embracing ‘the slow pack’, and not filling your suitcase with things you won’t actually wear. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 5 · 12 min
The Watchlist
Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphreys and host of the Screenland podcast, Brian Lloyd. Their choices include ‘The Girl in the Water’, ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ and a new adaptation of ‘Little House on the Prairie’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.