BOOKED IN

PROF OMER BARTOV: Israel, What Went Wrong? 26.05.2026 53min

Professor Omer Bartov is a leading scholar on the Holocaust, and history of genocide. He is also a man who was born and raised in Israel, served in the IDF during the Yom Kippur war in 1973, and was raised in the country just a decade after the end of World War II and the Holocaust - in the beginning years of the establishment of the state. In July 2025, Bartov wrote a piece in The New York Times entitled; ‘I’m a Genocide Scholar, I Know It When I See It’. In it, he wrote about reaching the ‘inescapable conclusion’ that Israel was committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. He recently spoke to me about his recently published book called ‘Israel: What Went Wrong?’, where he argues Zionism in its current form is beyond repair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CHRISTINA HILLSBERG: Women in the CIA, Agents of Change 19.05.2026 48min

What is it like to be a female spy in the CIA? It’s a mysterious world we as members of the public have very little access to. However, Christina Hillsberg - herself a former agent - has written a fantastic book called Agents of Change. It explores the untold stories of some of the most revered and respected women to have worked for the intelligence agency despite the significant challenges a life in espionage often presented to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RICHARD CHAMBERS: Make Ireland Great Again 16.05.2026 42min

They say that about a tenth of Americans proudly claim Irish ancestry,  but how do American lawmakers view Ireland these days? That’s the question journalist Richard chambers explored in his new documentary Make Ireland Great Again - a documentary that touches on White House visits, economic ties, geopolitical differences and questions around defence. It airs this Wednesday May 20 on Virgin, but in advance of its release I got an exclusive look at the documentary and had a nice little chat with Richard all about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ISABEL VINCENT: RFK Jr, The Fall & Rise 28.04.2026 46min

Robert F Kennedy Jr is undoubtedly one of the most polairisng political figures in the US right now - some say his comments on vaccines are dangerous misinformation, others applaud him for sparking a conversation about nutrition in America. From a political dynasty deeply intertwined with the Democrat party, to President Trump’s Health Secretary - RFK Jr has lived an unusual, extraordinary, colourful life - however you want to describe it! Much of his personal life before becoming a cabinet member has been documented by reporter isabel vincent, in a fascinating new book, RFK Jr, the fall and rise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOMINIC MCGREGOR: I'm Never Drinking Again 21.04.2026 36min

Dominic McGregor is the more private of a very successful duo. He and his co-founder, Steven Bartlett, set up the Social Chain and were immensely successful in their early twenties. However, it was also a time of huge pressures for Dom, who turned to alcohol to numb his emotions. In his book, I'm Never Drinking Again, he very bravely lays out some of the lowest moments that led to a lasting change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ELIE HONIG: Nixon to Trump, The White House & The DOJ 14.04.2026 44min

When you come at the king, you best not miss. Over the past decade it seems the US Justice Department has generated as many headlines as the White House. To understand the political landscape in America, it is vital to understand the law, and how it works. Elie Honig, CNN’s senior legal analyst, provides captivating insight to it all with a book that looks at each administration from Nixon to Trump, and everything in between.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DR BROOKE NEWMAN: The Crown's Silence, British Monarchy & The Transatlantic Slave Trade 07.04.2026 38min

Over the course of more than 350 years, an estimated 12 to 15 million people were forced on transatlantic slave ships from West Africa to the Americas. In a recent symbolic vote, the UN passed a landmark resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade “the gravest crime against humanity”. I spoke to Dr Brooke Newman about her recently published book, The Crown’s Silence, a deeply researched account of the British monarchy’s involvement and financial gain from the slave trade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TIM LISTER: Nine Lives, Al-Qaeda and the British Spy 31.03.2026 35min

How did an Al Qaeda bomb maker who spent time with the mastermind of 9/11 end up as one of the most important agents for British intelligence? Tim Lister co-authored the fascinating book, Nine Lives, about Aimen Dean’s extraordinary life. In it, he documents everything from Dean’s respect for Osama bin Laden to the moral conflict he grappled with, while also delving into his own fascinating career as one of the most respected journalists at CNN.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JANE FERGUSON: No Ordinary Assignment 17.03.2026 35min

Jane Ferguson is without a doubt one of the most accomplished and respected war correspondents of our generation. In her memoir, No Ordinary Assignment, she documents with extraordinary candour how a difficult upbringing in Northern Ireland during The Troubles led her to some of the most dangerous front lines around the world. As The New York Times review noted, it is "a brutally honest exploration of what it means to be a war reporter". She is a woman I have immense respect for, and I was honoured to chat with her recently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JAMES LONGMAN: The Inherited Mind 10.03.2026 35min

James Longman, as ABC's Chief International Correspondent, is used to telling the deeply personal stories of people from around the world. But last year he published his book, The Inherited Mind, and it hit much closer to home. In it, James explores the history and impact of mental illness in his family, including - and I must warn you - depression, schizophrenia, and suicide. It is an incredibly candid book, and while James confronts his family's history he intertwines it with fascinating research and science and delivers a book that, unlike what you might expect, feels incredible hopeful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ANDREW LOWNIE: The Entitled Former Prince 03.03.2026 34min

Andrew Lownie is the author of 'Entitled', a damning look at the former Prince Andrew. After four years of research, Lownie was one of the first to say the King's brother could be arrested for misconduct in public office - a point he was making about the disgraced royal months before the recent release of the Epstein files. During our conversation, he also made the explosive claim that Andrew could one day face charges of treason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRUMP WINS THE ELECTION 06.11.2024 24min

Donald Trump is on his way back to the White House, and I thought it warranted a special overview.Normally I chat to an author on this podcast about the book they've written - but I felt there is so much content, and so much information out there since Donald Trump was announced the winner of the election - that I felt the best use of an episode today would be to almost filter through the most helpful information I've come across.It looks at where the latest developments, historical context, where Trump's legal challenges currently stand, Biden's legacy, and an insight into what diplomacy might look like for a second Trump term. No matter how you feel about this election, let's be real - it's going to be discussed at your work, with your friends, in social settings etc over the coming days and weeks.I have no interest in telling anyone how to feel today, I only care that I'm a helpful source of impartial analysis and context - so I hope you find today's episode helpful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RASHID KHALIDI: The Hundred Years' War on Palestine 29.10.2024 37min

Rashid Khalidi is the author of a bestselling book called 'The Hundred Years' War on Palestine' - looking at the tumultuous century from the Balfour declaration in 1917 up until 2017. This book is not just a historical overview - it is also a deeply personal look at the author's family roots in the region. We spoke about his perspectives - as a Palestinian, an American, and a historian - on everything from the establishment of Israel, the unwavering bond it shares with America, and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ANDREW LOWNIE: Lord Mountbatten 22.10.2024 33min

Lord Mountbatten was a great grandson of Queen Victoria and an uncle of Prince Philip. During his marriage to Countess Edwina, he famously said they spent all their married lives "getting into other people's beds". In 1979, he was murdered by the IRA off the coast of Sligo in one of the most significant moments of The Troubles. Yet, decades after his death, he made headlines once again in 2022, when a man accused him of sexually abusing him when was an 11-year-old boy. Author Andrew Lownie has written the most comprehensive biography of this complex figure, and was generous enough to chat with me about his research. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RORY CARROLL: Killing Thatcher 15.10.2024 27min

Last weekend marked 40 years since an IRA bomb very nearly killed the British Prime Minister at the time, Margaret Thatcher. The bombing of a hotel in Brighton during the 1984 Conservative Party Conference was one of the most significant moments during the Troubles. In a chilling line while taking responsibility for the attack, the IRA said "today we were unlucky, but remember we have only to be lucky once, you will have to be lucky always". Rory Carroll, author of 'Killing Thatcher', sat down with me to talk about the significance of this moment, and its unintended consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MARY BONNET: Selling Sunset, Sunshine & Strength 08.10.2024 38min

For eight seasons, Mary Bonnet has been one of the most popular members cast on the hit show, Selling Sunset. Always the one to stay out of the drama, it came as no surprise to me that she decided to name her newly published memoir, 'Selling Sunshine'. However, what I had not appreciated nor understood from the show, was just how many challenges Mary has faced throughout her life. She has a tattoo on her arm that reads 'but the fighter still remains', and in a twisted sense of irony - she never knew how much the day she got the tattoo would test that fighting spirit. Please note: this episode touches on grief, miscarriage, abuse, rape and teenage pregnancy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FRED TRUMP III: All In The Family 01.10.2024 39min

Donald Trump is arguably the most famous person - and most polarising political figure - on the planet. Few people know him more personally, or understand his upbringing better than his nephew, Fred Trump III. Fred was kind enough to chat with me about his bestselling book, All In The Family, an intimate look at the Trump clan, and his own evolution of opinions towards his uncle. While having a president in the family is not something most can relate to, the topics explored in the book are understood and experienced across the globe - from addiction to inheritance and family fallouts. In a way, so much of the family's dynamic can be understood while learning about William, Fred's youngest son - who is non-verbal and in need of around the clock care. As you'll hear throughout our conversation, Fred always grappled with the fact he didn't vote for his uncle in either election - and doesn't plan on doing so this year either - but he attended the inauguration, feeling it could provide a platform for his advocacy work for others like William. He has asked me to share two links for Irish organisations that advocate for intellectual disability rights in Ireland - where most of my listeners are. According to Social Justice Ireland, the 2022 census showed 13.5% of the population - more than 600,000 people - are living with a disability. The first link is for Inclusion Ireland, and the second is for Advocacy.ie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SATHNAM SANGHERA: Empireland 24.09.2024 38min

We've all heard the famous saying, that at one point in time the sun never set on the British Empire. But, what is its lasting impact and complex legacy? How much does reflecting back on the past assist in understanding the present? Author Sathnam Sanghera has explored the impact of Britain's colonial past - both within the UK through his book 'Empireland', and further afield assessing its global influence in his latest book, Empireworld. It was an absolute joy chatting to Sathnam about his books - I hope you find the conversation as interesting as I did! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VALERIE BAUERLEIN: Alex Murdaugh; Crime, Corruption, Cover-Ups & Murder 17.09.2024 36min

It is a gripping story of family dynasties, abuse of power, corruption, cover ups and murder. While on trial for the 2021 murders of his wife and son - Maggie and Paul - Alex Murdaugh spoke of the 'tangled web we weave'. Wall Street Journal reporter Valerie Bauerlein has masterfully untangled that web in her new book, The Devil at His Elbow, and - as someone who followed every detail of this case - I could not get over just how much I learned reading this book.I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I appreciated chatting with Valerie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DAVID MCWILLIAMS: Money - A Story of Humanity 10.09.2024 38min

David McWilliams hosts one of the most successful podcasts in Ireland - and it also happens to be my favourite. I had the privilege and pleasure of chatting to him this week about his new book called Money - A Story of Humanity. It is not a book about how to become an economist (I'm relieved to report), but rather a fascinating history book, exploring the idea of money and its impact on society. If you've any interest in the underlying message of The Wizard of Oz, where the name for The Dixie Chicks comes from, or just how close Hitler came to destabilising the British economy, this might just be the episode for you!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.