Behind the Story

Episodios

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  Irish acts quit Ed Sheeran tour over 'Free Palestine' row 16.09.2026 25m

  On Monday, US rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's support acts following comments he made in early September in support of Palestine. Irish artists, Aaron Rowe and Beoga quit the tour in support of Macklemore on Tuesday. Arts and Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Paul to explain how this is the biggest controversy facing singer-songwriter ED Sheeran. Later, Suzanne Lynch of Bloomberg analyses EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  All hail Lowry, whiskey tariffs no more! 14.09.2026 27m

  Golf diplomacy came to the fore this weekend, when President Trump announced he would drop tariffs on Irish whiskey as he presented the Irish Open trophy to Shane Lowry. The dropping of the tariff came as a welcome surprise to the sector. Agriculture and Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Maggie Doyle to discuss the tariff and what's expected dominate the agenda at the Ploughing Championships. Later Euronews reporter Shona Murray explains why Canadian Prime Minister is visiting Europe this week in the hope of deepening the relationship with the EU. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Award winning author Colum McCann on 9/11 and Trump's America 11.09.2026 34m

  'A damp white loaf' that's how Colum McCann describes US President Donald Trump who arrives in Ireland this weekend. Colum joins Fran to discuss the anniversay of 9/11 and how America has changed since 2001. Colum, who lives in New York with his family shares his thoughts on Mayor Zohran Mamdani, JD Vance and why he remains positive when he thinks about the future of American politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Hell hath no fury - the row at the heart of the GAA 09.09.2026 26m

  The plan to integrate camogie and ladies football into the GAA appears to have derailed with the resignation of former President Dr Mary McAleese from the Steering Committee. Dr McAleese didn't hold back in her criticism of the leadership of the association. Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA rejected accusations of misogyny and said the organisation was committed to integration. Sinead O'Carroll, Editor of The Journal joins Paul to explain what is going on and why this row is a major setback for women and girls playing on teams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Are higher prices here to stay? 07.09.2026 30m

  Take-away chips, cans of tomatoes, petrol and Netflix - just some of the products that have increased in price and have hit people's pockets. Consumer journalist Caitríona Redmond joins Paul to explain why everything seems to be increasing in price in the supermarket and beyond. Later, Economics and Public Affairs editor David Murphy discusses how the budget might bring some relief for people and the choices that will face Simon Harris as he unveils his first budget as Minister for Finance in a few weeks time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Murder of Mr Moonlight - a new drama 04.09.2026 42m

  A new drama series, The Murder of Mr Moonlight will be coming to screens next year. Commissioned by RTÉ, the cast includes Brendan Coyle as Bobby Ryan, aka Mr Moonlight who was murdered by Patrick Quirke in 2011. Arrested in 2013 and found guilty by a jury in 2019, the Quirke trial was one of Ireland's longest running court cases. The case prompted huge public interest and is now being made into a drama for national and international audiences. Barry Cummins, Author and co-host of the podcast 'Unsolved', joins Fran and Evelyn to reflect on the case and reveal some of Quirke's behaviour in and out of the court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is Europe going to get tough with Russia? 02.09.2026 27m

  Tough talk from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hung over the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Wicklow. On Tuesday, Germany blamed Russia for a failed drone attack on Leipzig airport in August. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said it was clear Russia was trying to divide the EU while EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas labelled the Russia attack as 'state-sponsored terrorism'. Paul and Laura are joined by Eddy Wax of Euractiv and by Keir Giles, Russia expert to discuss the developments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What do we know about the new state-backed investment scheme? 31.08.2026 28m

  Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris gave some details today on the new state-backed personal investment account which aims to make investing more accessible to the wider public. Financial planner and podcaster Eoin McGee joins Laura Fletcher to discuss what's known about the scheme and why it differs from previous schemes like SSIAs. And while some details are known, Eoin reveals what he will be looking for on budget day when the finer detail will be announced. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Lake 'America' - Canada goes 'Elbows Up'! 28.08.2026 32m

  At the stroke of a pen, Lake Ontario became Lake 'America' according to US President Donald Trump. This move was in retaliation for Canada announcing it would impose tariffs on the United States following the collapse of trade talks between the two countries. Justin Ling, columnist with the Toronto Sar joins Eamon Horan to talk lakes, trade and the ever-changing relationship between the US and Canada. Meanwhile in Laois, Electric Picnic kicks off with Irish acts dominating the lineup and fans looking forward to a weekend of music and entertainment. RTÉ's Evelyn O’Rourke chats Fontaines DC, CMAT and 'the Green and Red of Mayo'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Remembering Dolly 26.08.2026 32m

  Fran is joined by Grammy award winning musician Rhiannon Giddens and by Tennessee native and Communications specialist Amy Seigenthaler to reflect on the extraordinary career of music legend Dolly Parton who passed away on Tuesday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  New rules on repairs and 'Economic Fury'! 24.08.2026 24m

  New EU rules come into force today to encourage people to repair rather than replace broken appliances. Work and Technology correspondent, Brian O'Donovan joins host Karen Creed to explain how the new rules work and the types of devices that are covered under the new system. Later, as the US threatens Iran with more sanctions, DCU Associate Professor Michael Breen discusses the so called 'Economic Fury' that the administration is planning to unleash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  'Reverse Megxit' - Harry and Meghan's return to the UK 21.08.2026 31m

  Harry and Meghan's surprise announcement that they are moving back to the UK in the coming weeks caught most people by surprise [including the Palace]. Aengus Cox is joined by historian Prof Kate Williams to unravel the complex family relationships that this relocation is going to create. How will William and Kate respond to the move? Later, brand expert with marketing company Core, Ruth Gleeson discusses Harry and Meghan's brand and whether £12 strawberry jam will sell on this side of the Atlantic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Synthetic drugs, vapes and a closer look at the Healy-Rae row 19.08.2026 32m

  New psychoactive substances are being discovered in vape products sold in Ireland. The HSE says 'agile' legislation is needed to deal with this trend. Prof Matthew Sadlier joins Juilette Gash to discuss the concerns around HHC and synthetic drugs or so called 'spice'. Later, documentary maker Jerry Kennelly discusses his new TV doc on the Healy-Raes and how one interview in particular got quite heated! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The fatal M9 crash and social media 'likes'. 17.08.2026 23m

  Five teenagers dead, four people from the same family in a serious condition in hospital. The teens were driving a stolen BMW on the wrongside of the motorway when they hit the other car. There have been several other similar incidents over the past few months of teens driving dangerously and posting on social media. Presenter Karen Creed is joined by Robin Schiller of the Irish Independent to get the latest on the crash. Later Professor Niamh Hourigan of MI and UCD Researcher Donal O'Hare discuss the role social media plays in driver behaviour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Who killed Mayo GAA fan Joe Deacy? 14.08.2026 21m

  How did a 21-year-old London Irish man who loved his ancestral home of Mayo come to meet a violent death in the place he adored ? Mystery still surrounds how Joe Deacy ended up on the driveway of a rural house in the early hours, with serious injuries nine years ago. Barry Lenihan speaks to Fran and explains the complex and tragic story of what happened to Joe and how the family are desperate for help to find justice for their son. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Trump's Great 'Catering Truck' Escape! 12.08.2026 37m

  President Trump was secretly moved off Air Force One and put on another plane owing to a credible threat from Iran on July 8th. But how did the plan come together? Fran is joined by former US Secret Service agent, Bobby McDonald who reveals the thinking behind some of these decisions. Later, journalist and entrepreneur Mark Little, who travelled on Air Force One when working as RTÉ's Washington correspondent, discusses the elaborate plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Farming in hot weather and Nigel Farage v Count Binface 10.08.2026 25m

  The continuing dry spells and increasing temperatures are proving a challenging environment for farmers. Host Aengus Cox speaks to Tom Curran of Teagasc to hear how farming may have to adapt to warmer summers in the future.  Later, Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor with the Financial Times, discusses the forthcoming Clacton by election where Count Binface is mounting a charge against Nigel Farage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Meta glasses: cool tech or pervert specs? and what's happening with Hamas? 07.08.2026 35m

  As some pubs and venues in the UK move to ban Meta glasses, Fran is joined by tech reporter, Kelly Earley to chat about the growing demand for smart specs, the use of Kylie Jenner in Meta's branding and why concerns loom large over features like secret recording. Later, Dr Julie Norman, Middle East Fellow with Chatham House speaks to Fran about Hamas and how Northern Ireland's decommissioning process is featuring in the talks.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A hot July and oil companies make billions in profit 05.08.2026 28m

  New figures from Met Éireann show July was one of the hottest, driest and sunniest months on record. But will Irish society have to adjust to cope with the changing climate? And what does it mean for food production? Also, some of the world's largest oil companies announced huge profits despite the US-Iran war. Oisin Coghlan, policy advisor to the Irish Environmental Network joins Fran and Juilette to discuss the changing climate and what it means for government policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Are listed buildings holding up development? 03.08.2026 28m

  Moore St, GPO, James Weir building, RTÉ campus: just some of the many listed buildings that are part of Ireland's heritage, but are restrictions on their use and climate obligations holding up future development of these buildings? UCD Assistant Professor of Architecture Orla Hegarty joins Fran for a chat about why buildings are protected and what can be done with some of the ones lying idle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.