Newstalk Weekend

What would happen if somebody put you under constant surveillance, deprived you of sleep, encouraged you to distrust everyone around you, and then broadcast the results to the nation? For most of us, it sounds like a nightmare. For Vanessa Ogbonna, it was a winning strategy. This week, Claire sits down with one of the stars of The Traitors Ireland to talk about what reality TV is really like once the cameras start rolling. Vanessa lifts the lid on the strange psychological experiment at the heart of one of Ireland’s biggest TV hits. Born in Nigeria and raised in Waterford Vanessa reflects on growing up in direct provision, finding belonging through football and the devastating setbacks that forced her to rethink her future. As World Cup fever takes a grip, she shares how football became an escape and an identity — and why losing it was one of the hardest challenges she’s ever faced. Together, Claire and Vanessa talk about what it feels like to be watched and judged by complete strangers. And of course, Claire asks the question many listeners will already be wondering: should she sign up for Celebrity Traitors? If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating, and tell a friend. And if there's a Never Have I Ever confession you'd like Claire to tackle, we'd love to hear from you: [email protected]. 

Never Have I Ever is the podcast where Claire Byrne explores things she's never done by talking to people who have. This week, she steps up to the front of the room. Claire's been to plenty of weddings and funerals, but she's never been the person leading the ceremony. So, in episode three, she meets Karen Dempsey, one of Ireland's best-known celebrants and the founder of Entheos Ireland. They explore what it means to be invited into people's most intimate moments. From weddings filled with hope to deathbed ceremonies and the funerals of babies and children, Karen reflects on the privilege and emotional weight of her work. Claire asks how anyone can carry those experiences, while Karen explains her mission to create spaces for people who feel excluded from traditional faith, including many LGBTQ+ people who still want spirituality to be part of their lives. And the big question: should Claire keep being a guest, or is it time she stepped up and became a celebrant herself? Email: [email protected] 💒 Weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies and more — discover Karen's work and the story of Entheos at: https://entheos.ie/ 

Never Have I Ever is the podcast where Claire Byrne explores things she's never done by talking to people who have. This week, she enters the world of wigs, make-up, high heels, and larger-than-life characters. What does it feel like to transform yourself completely? To step into someone else's clothes, adopt a different persona and perform it in front of thousands of people? In episode two, Claire meets actor and drama teacher Rob Murphy, who every Christmas becomes one of Ireland's best-known panto dames – Buffy. Together, they explore the magic of performance, the freedom that comes with becoming somebody else, and how dressing up sometimes reveals more about who you really are. Rob reflects on growing up as a gay teenager in an all-boys school, counting down the days until Friday night when he could finally sing and twirl alongside the girls. And the big question: can Rob persuade Claire to put on the wig and become someone else for a night? Email: [email protected] Aladdin – a Sammy & Buffy Adventure, starring Alan Hughes and Rob Murphy, runs from 8th Dec 2026 – 3rd Jan 2027 at the National Stadium in Dublin. More information at www.panto.ie 

Never Have I Ever is the new podcast where Claire Byrne explores things she's never done by talking to people who have. And where better to begin than with a book? Everybody says they have a book in them. But what would happen if you actually sat down and wrote it? In episode one, Claire meets bestselling author and psychologist Katriona O'Sullivan, whose books Poor and Hungry have made her one of Ireland's most distinctive voices. Together, they explore what it really means to tell your story. How honest can you be about the people you love? Who gets to call themselves a writer? And why do so many of us feel that writing a book is something ‘other’ people do? Along the way, they talk about class, confidence, fear, motherhood... and stand-up comedy! And the big question: can Katriona persuade Claire to give writing a go?  

Claire Byrne steps outside her own experience — and into other people’s lives — one “I’ve never…” at a time. Because it turns out that the things we’ve never done can say quite a lot about who we are.Her first guest is author and psychologist Katriona O'Sullivan.New episodes available every Wednesday morning.

Claire Byrne steps outside her own experience — and into other people’s lives — one “I’ve never…” at a time. Because it turns out that the things we’ve never done can say quite a lot about who we are.

This year’s DIFF saw the premiere of The Charlie O’Leary Story, a film celebrating the extraordinary 102-year-old who helped build the foundations of modern Irish soccer, from the Street Leagues of East Wall to the glory days of Jack Charlton’s Ireland. Emmet Oliver is joined by Fergus Dowd, Producer of The Charlie O'Leary Story & Former League of Ireland footballer, Martin Lawlor, to discuss.

A new study in Frontiers in Aging suggests so-called ‘forever chemicals,’ or PFAS, may be linked to faster biological aging in men aged 50 to 65. But what could be causing this and why just in men? Joining Emmet Oliver to try to get to grips with what’s happening is Ruairi Brannigan, Assistant Professor from DCU’s School of Chemical Sciences.

Joining Emmet Oliver to go through what we know following the US & Israel's attacks on Iran are Tara Kangarlou, Award Winning Global Affairs Journalist; Simon Calde, travel correspondent for The Independent; and Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports Founder.

Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss the latest developments following the US & Israel's attack on Iran, as well as the other stories of the day are Gregg Carlstom, Middle East Corr with the Economist; Scott Lucas, Scott Lucas Professor of US and International Politics the Clinton Institute UCD; Pat Rabbitte, former Leader of the Labour Party; Gina London Communications specialist, Former CNN Correspondent and Sunday Independent Columnist; and Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South Central.

Spring has sprung, at least if you’re looking at things from a meteorological standpoint, and that means the temperatures will generally be getting higher, and the first shoots of life are beginning to re-emerge. Joining Emmet Oliver to chat through some light and healthy springtime meals we can prepare for this time of new beginnings is Gerry Devlin, Owner of the Dublin Cookery School.

Joining Emmet Oliver to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor of The Irish Times & Adrienne Stewart, Founder of hotelandsparesorts.com / Director at Powerscourt Springs Health Farm & Owner at Rainforest Spa in Summerhill House Hotel, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.

New rules are come into force for people beginning to rent for the first time. While the Government says it will provide “greater certainty and stability”, not everyone is convinced that will happen. Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West & party spokesperson for Housing, Eoin Ó'Broin.

The Government is promising a new savings and investment scheme aimed at Ireland’s middle class, but what will it actually look like? Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is Aine McPhilemy, Financial Advisor Contracting Plus.

Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss the latest developments following the US & Israeli-led attacks on Iran are Tel Aviv-based journalist, Paul Kearns & Cathal Berry, former Independent TD and former member of the Defense Forces.

The US & Israel have launched what it calls “major combat operations” against Iran, with retaliatory strikes being made against US bases in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Joining Emmet Oliver to get the latest is Mark Weiss, Irish Times Contributor Based In Israel & Scott Lucas, Professor & Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin.

Drone delivery firm Manna Air Delivery has announced a new pilot programme to take place in Cork City. Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss this and future plans for the company is CEO & Founder, Bobby Healy.

Gardaí have launched a major excavation at a disused quarry in Castleruddery Upper, Co Wicklow in the search for Josephine “Jo Jo” Dullard and Deirdre Jacob. The search was triggered by a new witness statement described as “very specific” and “credible”, pinpointing an exact burial location within the extensive quarry site. Stephen Breen, Crime Editor with The Irish Sun, joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

Therapy dogs are the latest creative method schools are using to improve student wellbeing and support children with additional needs. Newstalk reporter, Ella Anderson, went out to one of these schools in Dublin, to meet 'Kate', St Kevin’s Boys School’s newest addition to the learning support team.

Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss Ireland's emphatic win against England in the Six Nations is Off the Ball's John Duggan.

What should we be doing going forward to make the country more resilient against extreme conditions? Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is EU Climate Pact Ambassador, Liam Doyle & Assistant Professor in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering in TCD, Dr Aimee Byrne.

All eyes will be on London tonight as the BAFTA film awards take place. As was the case in the last few years, there is a strong Irish interest in many of the main awards. There is only one man we could send to such an auspicious event. Henry McKean joins Emmet Oliver from London to discuss.

Joining Emmet Oliver to go through the main stories from the Sunday papers is Emma Blain, Fine Gael Councillor & former Lord Mayor of Dublin; Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer, University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal.ie; and Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University.

The US Supreme Court has struck down President Trump’s sweeping emergency tariffs, but within hours the White House announced a new 10% global levy, raising fresh uncertainty for businesses and markets worldwide. To unpack the legal, economic and global trade implications

In the past few months, providers such as SKY or Virgin have been discussing how to use information gleaned from things such as WhatsApp messages to target both providers and end users of so-called ‘dodgy boxers’. Could we see a penalty point system be introduced in the months ahead? Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor at the Irish Independent and host of the Big Tech show podcast, joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

The story of the week has been the arrest of Andrew Mountbatton Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The disgraced former prince has been under increasing pressure following the release of more Epstein files. Broadcaster & political commentator, Adam Boulton, joins Emmet Oliver to discuss what happens next for ANdrew and the royal family in general.

Joining Emmet Oliver to chat through all the weekend's sporting action is OTB's Cameron Hill.

Emmet Oliver is joined by legendary Ireland international footballer, Ray Houghton, to reflect on the halcyon days of Ireland's football.

Shane Hannon, Senior Weekend Producer for Off The Ball joins Shane Beatty to chat all things sport.

Avril Clare, founder and owner of Avril Clare Recruitment Ltd, Property Recruitment Specialists shares with Shane her top tips for quitting your job without burning your bridges.

Director David Burke joins Shane Beatty to discuss his film, 'Have You Never Heard of Bill Fuller?', which will be shown at this year's Dublin International Film Festival. The film follows the life of Bill Fuller, an Irish entrepeneur and and musical Impresario who managed some of the biggest clubs in the UK and US, whose acts included Johnny Cash and Thin Lizzy!

Shane Beatty is joined in studio by Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West & party spokesperson for Housing Eoin Ó'Broin, who believes that renters are caught in a limbo between social housing and cost rental schemes.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, Journalist and Broadcaster Flor McCarthy and Jon Ihle, Deputy Business Editor at the Sunday Times Ireland join Shane Beatty to discuss what's in the papers.They discuss rent reforms, ICE detainments, Air Traffic Control issues and much more.

Pat Noctor, president of the Irish Air Traffic Controllers Association, has said that “we are heading for a summer of chaos" due to a growing air traffic control staffing crisis. Joining the Sunday paper panel to discuss is Paul Hackett, CEO of Click and Go & Vice-President of the Irish Travel Agents Association.

First dates are a delicate operation - part interview, part chemistry experiment, part social tightrope. From oversharing and phone-checking to talking about exes, politics, or money, certain moves can kill the vibe instantly. So for the day that's in it, we’re asking: what are the biggest first-date dealbreakers and have we all been guilty of at least one? Cathal O'Sullivan, 98FM Producer & Ali Ryan, Founder & CEO of Goss.ie join Shane Beatty to discuss.

For this week's Ask the Expert, Shane Beatty is joined by Sarah Keogh, Dietitian and Founder of Eatwell.

It’s round two of the Six Nations as Ireland hosts Italy in the Aviva today at 2.15pm. While Ireland suffered a heavy defeat in Paris last week, Italy arrive in Dublin buoyed by a victory over Scotland. How will it go? Shane Beatty is joined by Shane Hannon, Senior Producer, Off The Ball Weekend, to discuss.

Novo Nordisk has significantly lowered the cash price of Wegovy. What does this mean for users of the drug in Ireland, and will it have wider implications for the weight-loss drug is administered or treated in Ireland more broadly? Joining Shane Beatty to discuss is Dr Brendan O’Shea, Assistant Professor of Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin & Bernadette Keenan, Committee Member of the Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO).

World leaders are meeting at the Munich Security Conference this weekend as U.S-European relations face renewed strain. Concerns have also been raised that gaps in Ireland’s military and security capabilities, with European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne saying that Ireland should be open to foreign police helping Gardai with security during the upcoming EU Presidency. Joining Shane Beatty to discuss is News Correspondent at Journal Media, Niall O'Connor.

Joining Shane Beatty to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Jack Horgan-Jones, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times & Aisling Moloney, Newstalk Reporter.

It is forty-five years after the Stardust nightclub fire claimed 48 lives. Joining Shane Beatty to discuss how the narrative shifted after decades of controversy, and how the story is no longer just about a nightclub disaster, but institutional failure and the long-awaited justice for familiesis Sean Murray, co-author of The Last Disco.

This weekend marks the 60th annual Superbowl which is being held in Santa Clara in California. Emmet Oliver is joined by Michael McQuaid  host of the Pro Ireland Football: The NFL Podcast, Freelance Journalist Emmet Ryan and Off The Ball's John Duggan to discuss the Superbowl, ^ Nations, Winter Olympics and more.

At first, they seem magnetic, generous, and deeply interested in you, but slowly the dynamic shifts and your boundaries begin to disappear. Clinical psychologist Dr Stephanie Regan joins Emmet Oliver to unpack how narcissists and manipulators use charm, grooming, and subtle psychological tactics to infiltrate relationships, gain control, and keep it, often without their targets realising what’s happening

Emmet Oliver is joined by Holly O’Neill from Met Eireann to discuss what the weather forecast is looking like for the next week after a spell of particularly bad weather

New documents released delve into how Jeffrey Epstein used an elite Dublin summit to forge contacts with world leaders. New laws to remove the highly controversial 32 million Dublin Airport passenger cap and permanently preclude any future caps are to be approved by cabinet. Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is John Cunningham, Marketing Insights Director for BAM Ireland, Fergus Finlay, columnist with the Irish Examiner & Former CEO of Barnardos and Hazel Chu Deputy Leader Green Party.

The US and Iran are holding high-stakes talks in Oman as fears of a direct military confrontation grow. With Trump warning of strikes, Iran under internal pressure, and a massive US naval build-up in the region, these negotiations may determine whether diplomacy or escalation comes next. Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports Founder, joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

Cathal Berry, Former Independent TD and former member of the Defense Forces joins Emmet Oliver to discuss the Royal Air Force agreeing to protect Irish Airspace, our military hardware that leaves us vulnerable and Russian oil ships entering Irish water.

AI “afterlife” services let people create digital twins that outlive them, trained on voice, memories and data, but current legal frameworks don’t recognise personality rights or ownership beyond simple data protection, raising crucial questions about consent, legacy, privacy and the risk of misrepresentation in an unregulated digital graveyard. Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is Andy O'Donoghue, technology broadcaster and columnist.

This week on Ask the Expert, Pete the Vet joins Emmet Oliver to answer all of your pet-related questions.

From underdog kids on the ice to Cold War politics played out in a hockey rink, some of the greatest sports films don’t just entertain; they tell us something about who we are. Emmet Oliver is joined by Brian Lloyd, Movie Critic and Entertainment Journalist, to break down why these films still resonate and what separates a good sports movie from a great one