The Indo Daily

Brawl at the White House: What drives Donald Trump’s UFC obsession? 02.06.2026 26min

Despite an endless number of problems at home and overseas, Donald Trump and his United States of America are in a celebratory mood. The occasion? Trump’s imminent 80th birthday, for one. There’s also the small matter of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, or “Freedom 250”, if you’re so inclined. Though the actual anniversary isn’t until July 4, the White House – or more specifically, its south lawn – will play host to the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 14 with a card that isn’t quite what Trump promised some time ago. Still, there will be plenty of morbid curiosity, if nothing else. The event is estimated to cost the UFC around $60m (€52m), and it’s not expected to turn a profit. No big deal, the organisation and its CEO Dana White already have plenty of riches, and though White swears he isn’t political, he enjoys both a long-running friendship and professionally beneficial relationship with the leader of the free world. But why is Trump so enamoured by the UFC, and the significantly more choreographed WWE, for that matter? And has he deliberately moulded himself in the image of an entertainment-focused modern-day gladiator? On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by freelance combat sports journalist Philip O’Connor and by the Irish Independent’s Dave Hanratty, to look ahead to the big brawl at the White House. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace Alice O’Shea solves your most intimate bedroom issues 01.06.2026 37min

If you’ve ever wondered whether your sex life is “normal”, this episode is for you. This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli. In this special listener Q&A episode, Jen is joined by sex educator and intimacy coach Grace Alice O’Shea to answer the questions people are often too embarrassed to ask out loud. From awkward body reactions to feeling undesired in a relationship, no topic is off limits. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revisited: Inside the Baader-Meinhof Gang - How ‘neighbourly 65-year-old woman’ evaded German police for 30 years 31.05.2026 18min

Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof gang, whose members killed more than 30 people in the 1970s and 80s and ask if the organisation is having a resurgence? Note: This podcast was originally published in March 2024. This week a German court sentenced Daniela Klette to 13 years in prison for her actions as part of the RAF. The podcast does not contain reference to this new update. Host: Fionnán Sheehan. Guest: James Jackson. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indo Politics: Sinn Féin’s identity crisis, the Soc Dem surge and the growing battle over OTB 30.05.2026 20min

The Occupied Territories Bill is finally heading to the Oireachtas, but the government's decision to exclude services has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are celebrating major by-election victories, raising fresh questions about Sinn Féin's position on the left and Holly Cairns' growing appeal. You can listen to Indo Politics a day early by searching Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. Host; Mary Regan, Guest; Maeve McTaggart We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran war: How ‘Little’ Marco Rubio embraced Trump’s inner circle and why he may dethrone him 28.05.2026 24min

It’s been well over a month since April 8, when Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in Iran, but now that truce appears to be under real strain. This week, tensions between the US and the Middle Eastern country have escalated, with both sides exchanging strikes just as a possible breakthrough in peace talks seemed imminent. So, how realistic is the prospect of a peace deal at this point? And, as the situation deteriorates, how has one political figure edged ever closer to the centre of power? US secretary of state Marco Rubio has increasingly rowed in behind his president’s foreign-policy agenda, but who exactly is the political hawk turned Trump cheerleader? And how did he climb the Mar-a-Lago ladder to join Trump’s inner circle? On today’s The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD, to discuss the latest on Iran and the rise of Marco Rubio. We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I will contest it”: Daughter of slain Mr Moonlight vows to block killer’s bid for freedom 28.05.2026 27min

Every time June 3 comes around, Michelle Ryan marks the anniversary of her father’s death in her own private way. She stays away from his grave. For Michelle, her dad simply isn’t there. On that summer morning in 2011, 52-year-old Bobby Ryan, a quarry worker and part-time DJ known by the stage name ‘Mr Moonlight’, vanished from rural Tipperary without a trace. Almost two years later, his body was discovered in an underground run-off tank near the farmhouse where he was last seen. The trial that followed was one of the longest in the history of the Irish State. By its conclusion, a love rivalry would be publicly exposed, a man would be jailed, and another man long buried. In May 2019, Patrick Quirke (then 50) was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He continues to deny any involvement in Mr Ryan’s death. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan to review the case, and by Michelle Ryan, daughter of Bobby Ryan, who speaks about the experience of losing her father and her vow to contest any potential release of his killer. We want to earn your trust and are members of The Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extra – Jeffrey Donaldson trial: Jury hears complainant wrote to defendants over “secret” 27.05.2026 8min

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson apologised to one of his alleged victims at a church retreat in the mid-1990s, a court heard today. Jurors were also told second complainant wrote letter to two defendants about the secret ‘she had to keep’ The prosecution delivered its opening address in the Donaldson trial on Wednesday. The former DUP leader is on trial at Newry Crown Court for alleged historical sexual offences. The 63 year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. This Indo Daily Extra is brought to you by our sister podcast The BelTel where Allison Morris was in court and speaks to Ciaran Dunbar. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The very public break-up of Tommy Fleming and Tina Mitchell 27.05.2026 25min

Tommy Fleming has for decades been a star of international acclaim. The Sligo singer has played to sold out crowds, toured with Phil Coulter, and enjoyed much of his success with his wife Tina by his side. Tommy called Tina the “most decent and loving” person he knew, while Tina said her relationship with him was “special and fulfilling”. But last year, the cracks in their life together started to show. Details of their separation, of Tommy’s affairs and drug use, of his “living a lie”, have been aired in a leaked phone call recording and explosive interviews from both Tommy and Tina. Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Darragh Nolan, multimedia reporter with the Irish Independent, to look at the full story of Tommy Fleming. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The many masks of serial con artist Samantha Cookes 26.05.2026 21min

Carrie Jade Williams. Sadie Harris. Lucy Fitzwilliams. Jade Cookes. Samantha Black. Rebecca Fitzgerald. These are just some of the fabricated identities used by serial con artist Samantha Cookes. In 2024, her Walter Mitty-style life finally collapsed as online communities, journalists and a WhatsApp group of victims cross-referenced the inconsistencies in her story, joining the dots that authorities had missed. In March 2025, Samantha Cookes was jailed for three years for deception and theft. Yet her story keeps getting fresh chapters. On this episode of The Indo Daily, host Katie Byrne is joined by Alan Bradley, documentary filmmaker and author of new book Unmasking Samantha Cookes: The Many Lives of a Serial Fraudster, to discuss the breadth and the impact of an incredible deception. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extra: Woman known to Kyran Durnin arrested as gardaí search home in Co Louth 25.05.2026 7min

A woman in her 50s, who has been arrested by gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin, was known to the young boy and has had multiple previous interactions with gardaí about his disappearance. Gardaí said in a statement that the woman was arrested on Monday morning and a new search was underway at a house in Drogheda. She is the third suspect to be arrested in the case of the young boy who would have celebrated his 10th birthday earlier this month. Today on this Indo Daily Extra, Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent News and Security Correspondent Robin Schiller for the latest. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coldplay and Louis Vuitton: Irish woman’s $1.6m shopping spree after allegedly defrauding Australian billionaire 25.05.2026 25min

Irish woman Annalouise Spence stands accused of fraud that resulted in an incredible spending spree to the tune of $1.6m. Ms Spence previously worked as a private secretary for Australian billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson. Spence is currently behind bars, charged with 68 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, with premium concert tickets, opulent hotel bookings and high-fashion luxury items listed among the court documents. So, how did such an extraordinary deception come to pass? On this episode of The Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Kate McClymont, investigative reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald, who first broke this story, to hear the many twists and turns it has taken thus far. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Kate McClymont We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/our journalism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By-Elections: Daniel Ennis leads the way in Dublin as Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil falter 23.05.2026 25min

This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast Indo Politics. A “just delighted” Daniel Ennis of the Social Democrats is racing ahead in the Dublin Central by-election, leaving rival candidates from heavyweight parties in the dust. A historic day for the Social Democrats proved to be a difficult one for both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil as Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin lost momentum. Meanwhile, events in Galway West have been considerably tighter, with a final result not expected until lunchtime on Sunday. As it stands - at least at the time of recording this podcast - Noel Thomas of Independent Ireland is leading the charge, with Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne trailing slightly behind. So, what does it all mean? Micheál Martin may be putting on a brave face, but he faces a tricky forecast. Mary Lou McDonald says there’s no threat to her leadership, but how damaging is this latest election loss under her watch? Did the novelty of Gerry Hutch wear off in the end? And are the Greens back in business? It's all up for discussion on this edition of Indo Politics as host Cónal Thomas hears from Irish Independent political editor Mary Regan in Galway, and from Irish Independent political reporter Aisling Moloney in Dublin. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Collins disappeared 26 years ago. Why can nobody find her? 22.05.2026 24min

On a cold winter night in December 2000 Sandra Collins went missing from a small fishing village in Mayo. Five days later, her fleece was found on a local pier, but despite extensive searches, no other trace of Sandra has ever been found. There have been arrests, trials, and even a reclassification to murder, yet the case endures as one of Ireland’s most tragic and unsolved mysteries. Crime World’s Nicola Tallant and Jenny Friel discuss their latest nine-part podcast series, Ghost, which digs deep into the life and the enduring questions that surround Sandra Collins’ disappearance. Host: Tessa Fleming, Guests: Nicola Tallant, Jenny Friel We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extra: RTÉ encore – the payments scandal gets yet another plot twist 21.05.2026 28min

How many encores can one scandal have? There were more fireworks as RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst and his executives found themselves brought before yet another tense Oireachtas Media Committee. Emotions were high as the payment status of late Arena presenter Seán Rocks and the perilous situation of his family were brought to light and challenged. Elsewhere, similar question marks were applied to Oliver Callan, Tommy Tiernan, Derek Mooney, George Lee and Kevin Bakhurst himself. So, where does this saga go from here? And how is the future of Patrick Kielty as the host of The Late Late Show tied in? On this Extra episode of The Indo Daily, host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish Independent Ireland Editor Fionnán Sheahan to break down the latest revelations and rancour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How a judge’s comments led to a murder conviction being quashed 21.05.2026 20min

In May 2018, the body of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly was found by a dog walker in a field in County Louth. Local teenager Aaron Connolly was eventually convicted of murder four years later. This week, his conviction was quashed and a retrial could be granted. On this episode of The Indo Daily, senior journalist with the Irish Independent Conor Feehan joins host Kevin Doyle to review the case and the latest developments.   Host: Kevin Doyle  Guest: Conor Feehan  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brexit reloaded: Is it time to welcome Britain back to the EU? And why should we? 20.05.2026 27min

Somehow, the Brexit Wars have returned. As a defiant Keir Starmer barely clings on to his throne at 10 Downing Street, former health secretary Wes Streeting has thrown the cat among the pigeons by calling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and implying that Britain should indeed rejoin the EU. The resurrected debate is obviously of interest to us here on this side of the Irish Sea. But, 10 years on, has Brexit been positive or negative for Ireland? And, if a return vote were to pass, should we welcome Britain back into the fold? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Enda Brady and John Burns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moira Killeen: A disputed “violent and suspicious” death and a family's fight for answers 19.05.2026 27min

Just a heads-up: This episode contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation, so please take care when listening. In December of 2019, the body of Moira Killeen was discovered in her apartment in the Belair distract of Luxembourg. Her death quickly became a matter of dispute. On one side, the medical examiner cited Ms Killeen's death as “violent and suspicious”. On the other, the prosecutor ruled that Ms Killeen's died by suicide and declined to carry out a post-mortem examination. Moira Killeen was later cremated. Her family has consistently rejected the conclusion of suicide and continue to fight for answers seven years later. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Robin Schiller and Brian Killeen If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised on this episode, there’s a list of helplines available – just search ‘someone to talk to’ on the Irish Independent. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tattle Life: Why the case against gossip site fell apart 18.05.2026 23min

Tattle Life is a self-described “commentary website”.  Supporters of the site say it’s free speech, protects consumers, and that influencers are fair game, with the website saying it has a zero-tolerance policy to any abusive, hateful or harmful content. But critics claim users have published private documents, that the site facilitates vile and cruel trolling – even stalking.    Last year, it was revealed County Antrim couple Neil and Donna Sands seemed to have taken the so-called ‘king of the trolls’, alleged owner of the site, Sebastian Bond, down. But now court has ruled he didn’t even know his crown was being seized – and the couple have to pay back £300,000 in damages.     This episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast the BelTel, as Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid.  We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RTÉ rocked by fresh payments scandal over Derek Mooney salary amid ratings slump 16.05.2026 25min

In the wake of a new payments scandal, RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has defended the broadcaster's decision to reclassify presenter Derek Mooney as a producer back in 2020 and said the move was not a side deal. How big of an embarrassment is this development for RTÉ? How resilient will it be moving forward? And is it losing the hotly-contested radio war?  Host: Dave Hanratty  Guest: Fionnán Sheahan  We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bertie Ahern: ‘I’m in no way racist’ - Former Taoiseach discusses secret recording, ‘radicalization’ concerns and his controversial immigration comments 15.05.2026 32min

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stood by comments he made in a viral clip of him saying “there are too many” immigrants coming into Ireland. In an exclusive interview with The Indo Daily, he told Kevin Doyle he believed he was “speaking privately” while the clip was being recorded, and he was being recorded without his knowledge. Mr Ahern told The Indo Daily he rejects racism “in all its forms”, and he should not have singled out any one nationality or group of people in his comments. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.