The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Veteran sports writer Vincent Hogan discusses his new book, 'The Lost Sports Writer,' which explores the increasing difficulty of gaining media access to athletes and sporting bodies. He reflects on significant moments in sports history, including the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster and his admiration for legendary figures like Brian O'Driscoll and Paul McGrath. The conversation also covers the personal challenges of interviewing sports icons, contrasting a disappointing encounter with Steve Heighway against a positive experience with Kenny Dalglish. The episode concludes by acknowledging Dalglish's profound impact on Liverpool following the Hillsborough tragedy.

This episode explores the current crisis at Manchester United under Michael Carrick, focusing on poor results and a lack of energy within the squad. The discussion also addresses broader issues in English football, including the commercialization of clubs and the controversial transfer situation involving 15-year-old talent JJ Gabriel. The conversation extends to Premier League dynamics, covering the financial imbalance caused by large clubs signing young players and Chelsea's recent instability under new ownership. Additionally, the speakers analyze upcoming fixtures for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Brighton, while debating tactical shifts at Liverpool and the importance of aerial dominance in the league.

This episode explores several recent controversies, beginning with Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary's formal apology for offensive remarks regarding competitor fares. The discussion also covers the ongoing debate involving Ed Sheeran and Macklemore regarding Palestinian causes, as well as the backlash against Sydney Sweeney's recent betting advertisement. Additionally, the episode examines scandalous claims in Earl Spencer's new book about King Charles, a bizarre incident during a Hyrox fitness competition, and the emergence of an indecipherable language developed by AI models.

In this episode of The Last Word, Brian Lloyd discusses several high-profile developments in the film industry. The conversation begins with a look at the trailer for Bad Apples, a social satire starring Saoirse Ronan about a teacher who takes extreme measures to manage a violent student. The discussion then shifts to a complete reboot of the Resident Evil franchise, described as a well-made horror-comedy. The episode also covers significant political and corporate controversies surrounding documentary filmmaking. This includes the Israeli government's attempt to revoke the citizenship of directors behind the NASA documentary and concerns regarding Universal's potential suppression of an Alex Gibney documentary about Elon Musk due to regulatory pressures. Finally, the hosts touch upon Catherine Zeta-Jones' recent comments regarding the 'Nepo Baby' label in Hollywood.

In this episode of The Last Word, author Robert Harris discusses his new historical novel, Agrippa. Set in ancient Rome, the book is written as a fictionalized memoir of Marcus Agrippa, the robust soldier and co-ruler who helped Augustus establish an empire. Harris explores the transition from the Roman Republic to an oligarchic state, drawing parallels between the political volatility of the era and modern global politics. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Agrippa's life, his relationship with Augustus, and the brutal realities of Roman warfare and power struggles. Harris also touches upon the challenges of writing in a blunt, first-person voice and the growing importance of the audiobook format in contemporary publishing.

Professor Gary Murphy discusses his new biography of former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, exploring the subject's controversial legacy during the Irish financial crash. The conversation covers Cowen's role in the bank guarantee, allegations of economic treason, and the challenges of writing a biography without access to official papers. The discussion further explores the heavy impact of the bank guarantee and the Troika era on Cowen's legacy. It also touches upon his personal life, his retirement at a young age, and his subsequent health struggles following a stroke.

In this episode of Tech Thursday on Today FM, Andy O'Donoghue discusses the benefits and practical considerations of using projectors as an alternative to large, space-consuming televisions. He explores how modern projectors can reclaim living room space by utilizing short throw or ultra short throw technology, while also noting the eye-comfort benefits of diffused light compared to high-intensity direct light from TVs. The discussion covers specific product recommendations, including the XGME MoGo 3 Pro for portability and the Hisense PL1/PL2 for a premium 4K cinema experience. O'Donoghue also provides guidance on audio enhancement with soundbars, ranging from the budget-friendly Sony HT-SF150 to the high-end Sonos Arc Ultra, alongside technical advice regarding installation and connectivity.

Senator Yvonne Nequillen discusses her new children's book, 'Squad Girls,' which focuses on themes of friendship and sportsmanship. The conversation explores her personal tastes in music, ranging from Oasis and Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, as well as her admiration for actress Julia Roberts. The episode also touches on her love for crime fiction, memories of learning the clarinet, and the nostalgia of watching weekly television like 'Friends' compared to modern binge-watching. The discussion concludes with a recommendation for the Cork-based podcast 'Red Raw.'

In this interview, Lorcan O'Connor, Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), discusses the progress and updated business case for the Metrolink project in Dublin. The discussion addresses the significant increase in projected costs, which now range from 14.5 to 17.5 billion euro, attributing the rise to inflation and increased design maturity. O'Connor defends the investment by highlighting the long-term benefits, including reduced commute times, CO2 reduction, and the facilitation of over 200,000 residential units through transport-oriented development. He also addresses concerns regarding project management, procurement, and the potential for international consortia to deliver the infrastructure.

Personal finance editor Charlie Weston discusses the significant surge in home heating oil prices, noting a 32% increase for 500 litres over a six-week period. The conversation explores the economic impact on rural and lower-income households, the potential for government intervention through VAT adjustments or carbon tax postponements, and the disparity between essential fuel costs and discretionary aviation taxes. Additionally, the episode examines the declining profitability of exporting excess electricity from residential solar panels back to the national grid.

This episode explores the escalating controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's US tour following the removal of Macklemore from the lineup. The discussion details a domino effect where various support acts, including Aaron Rowe, Phineas, and Lucas Graham, have withdrawn in solidarity with Macklemore. The conversation examines the tension between commercial interests and freedom of speech, specifically addressing allegations that venue operators and promoters influenced the decision to drop the artist. The analysis further delves into the broader societal implications of the situation, touching upon the role of influential figures like Robert Kraft and the impact on Sheeran's reputation, particularly within Ireland. The hosts debate whether an artist of Sheeran's stature can truly remain apolitical when faced with humanitarian crises and the potential for long-term consequences to his global touring career.

The episode explores the intersection of celebrity, politics, and commerce, beginning with a discussion on Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour following his pro-Palestine statements. The hosts debate the responsibilities of stadium owners regarding freedom of speech versus the right to curate performers. The conversation then shifts to the economics of live music in Ireland, examining how fans afford high-demand tickets for artists like Harry Styles and Oasis amidst a cost-of-living crisis. The program concludes with musical highlights, featuring a deep dive into a new Phil Lynott box set and a recommendation from Dee for Sorka Richardson. The hosts also touch upon upcoming projects from Bruce Springsteen, reflecting on the enduring impact of legendary musicians on the cultural landscape.

In this episode of the Last Word, analysts Cal Thomas and Marion McKeown discuss recent legal and political developments involving Donald Trump. The conversation covers the US Supreme Court's rejection of efforts to restrict mail ballots for the midterm elections and the potential implications for election integrity. The discussion also explores geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically regarding Iran, the Houthis, and Saudi Arabian oil security. The analysts further examine controversial campaign promises, including a proposed dividend to voters, which Cal Thomas characterizes as vote buying. The episode concludes with a debate on the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence and the necessity for regulatory guardrails, alongside critiques of recent social connections between members of the Trump family and Russian oligarchs.

Dr. Shane Timmons, a Senior Research Officer at the ESRI, discusses a recent study commissioned by the Department of Transport regarding the true cost of car ownership in Ireland. The research reveals that Irish drivers significantly underestimate their vehicle running costs by an average of €1,000, with seven in ten drivers failing to account for expenses such as maintenance, repairs, and depreciation. The episode explores the financial disparities between different vehicle types, highlighting that electric vehicles (EVs) cost approximately half as much to run annually compared to petrol or diesel alternatives. The discussion also touches upon how fuel types, driving habits, and demographic factors influence these estimates, providing insights into the potential for household savings through more accurate cost tracking.

This episode examines the escalating financial burden of hospital car parking charges within the HSE. Featuring Sinn Féin TD John Brady and Emma Hart from the Irish Cancer Society, the discussion explores how rising parking revenues—estimated at nearly 75 million euro since 2020—are being viewed by critics as a way to plug funding gaps in the healthcare system. The conversation addresses the impact of these costs on vulnerable patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment, and debates whether high fees serve as an effective tool for demand management or act as a stealth tax on those facing medical crises.

Joe Shea and Kate Henshaw discuss the shifting economics of streaming services, specifically evaluating whether Netflix remains worth its rising annual cost of €227.88 compared to the stagnant €160 RTÉ TV licence. The conversation explores the perceived decline in Netflix's drama quality and the benefits of weekly release models found on platforms like Apple TV, particularly regarding the series Slow Horses. The discussion also touches upon the value of public service broadcasting in Ireland, providing local relevance and supporting the domestic production sector. The episode concludes with a look at the challenges facing the current season of The Traitors and a recommendation for the BBC documentary Epstein: Money, Power and Abuse.

Former Sinn Féin press officer Siobhan Fenton discusses her new book, 'Ourselves Alone', providing an insider's account of the party's internal dynamics. She explores how issues such as immigration, the far-right, and the handling of the Dublin riots contributed to a decline in the party's polling and morale. The episode also examines a review of Sinn Féin's performance following the 2024 elections, noting its lack of detail regarding recent electoral underperformance. Additionally, Fenton analyzes how Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael maintain power through economic resources and suggests that a change in the economic climate is necessary for a political shift.

The podcast episode discusses the highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour, specifically focusing on upcoming concert dates at Slane Castle and other international venues. The hosts discuss the registration process required to purchase tickets, noting that fans must register via a specific website to ensure a fair distribution process. The conversation covers the band's history with various venues, including anecdotes about their past performances in Slane and Newcastle, as well as a notable incident involving the band being prevented from reaching Amsterdam in 1994. The hosts also reflect on the band's enduring appeal to both older fans who grew up with them and a new generation of younger listeners.

The hosts examine the career trajectories of Irish footballers Troy Parrott and Seamus Coleman, weighing Parrott's European success against the challenges of the loan system and discussing Coleman's potential retirement. The conversation also addresses the growing political tensions in football, specifically regarding player availability for upcoming matches against Israel. The episode further explores the intersection of politics and sport, alongside detailed Premier League analysis. This includes critiques of Manchester United's lack of dynamism, Manchester City's clinical nature, Hull City's defensive performance, and the contract situation surrounding Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister.

In this episode of The Last Word, authors Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark discuss their new biography, American Scoundrel, which explores the life of Roy Cohn. The discussion traces Cohn's trajectory from a relentless prosecutor in the Rosenberg atomic spy case to the mastermind behind Senator Joe McCarthy's anti-communist witch hunts. The book details his role as a powerful New York fixer with connections to the mafia and his influential mentorship of a young Donald Trump. The conversation examines how Cohn's aggressive legal tactics, transactional politics, and ideological framework—characterized by resentment and anti-establishment sentiment—served as a blueprint for Trump's political persona. The authors also touch upon Cohn's later years, his battle with AIDS, and the enduring political legacy of his methods in modern American discourse.

The hosts examine the existential risks posed by unregulated, self-improving superintelligence, referencing warnings from a former Anthropic researcher regarding the dangerous trajectory of AI development. While debating the motivations of tech leaders and the potential for widespread harm, they also acknowledge the significant benefits of AI in healthcare. The episode further explores themes of power and influence through Alex Gibney's new documentary on Elon Musk. The discussion concludes with a critique of how recent Calvin Klein advertisements have been weaponized within culture wars to debate body representation and 'wokeness'.

This episode features firsthand accounts of the September 11 attacks, including archived audio from air traffic controllers and eyewitness testimony from a journalist. Former NYPD commanding officer Paul McCormack describes the chaos of the mobilization and the personal toll of the tragedy. McCormack and journalist Marion McKeown also discuss the long-term health impacts of 9/11, specifically the toxic exposure faced by first responders. They reflect on the bravery of firefighters, police, and ironworkers, as well as the profound sense of national unity that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.

Cara O'Doherty joins the program to discuss three recent film releases: the historical drama Pressure, the Oasis documentary Don't Look Back in Anger, and the biographical piece Everybody Digs Bill Evans.

In this episode, John Gibbons discusses recent findings from the Lancet Countdown regarding declining air pollution-related deaths in Irish cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway. He attributes these improvements to historical bans on smoky coal and modern housing standards that reduce domestic emissions. Gibbons critiques current government policies, specifically addressing the economic and health costs of maintaining low diesel prices and the need for a faster transition to heavy goods vehicle electrification. The discussion also covers the potential for large-scale solar energy deployment in Ireland, using the Netherlands as a successful model, and challenges the viability of biomethane as a solution for livestock emissions due to high production costs.

In this interview, Minister Daryl O'Brien addresses controversial comments made by Ryanair's Michael O'Leary and discusses the impact of rising energy prices on Irish households. The Minister outlines government strategies for managing high energy costs through renewables, retrofitting grants, and potential budget supports, while defending the use of carbon tax for home improvements. The discussion also covers public transport fare increases, the energy demands of data centers, and the progress of renewable energy infrastructure in Ireland. Key topics include the justification for fare hikes through service expansion, supporting the ICT sector, and updates on offshore wind and the Metrolink project.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue discusses Meta's new AI personal agent, Muse, which is designed to integrate with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. The discussion covers the potential capabilities of Muse, such as booking travel and making purchases via Stripe integration, while also addressing significant privacy concerns regarding how the AI might access user data to provide personalized suggestions. The second half of the episode focuses on a review of various smart speakers available on the market. Andy provides details on entry-level options like the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini, high-end audio solutions such as the Amazon Echo Studio, Sonos Era 100, and the JBL Authentics 300, highlighting their features, pricing, and suitability for different user needs.

Kyla Dobbler discusses her memoir, which explores her experiences with coercive control in an abusive relationship and the inspiration behind its title. The conversation then transitions into a 'Culture Club' segment, where the speakers share their diverse musical influences, ranging from Hozier to Limp Bizkit. The discussion continues through various cultural interests, including favorite movies, comedy performances like Gary Starr, and beloved authors. The episode concludes with reflections on television nostalgia, specifically discussing the appeal of The Office (US) and recommendations for pop culture podcasts.

Journalist John Sweeney joins the programme to discuss his new investigative book, The Real Nigel Farage: The Would-Be Prime Minister on Trial. The discussion explores Farage's political persona, drawing comparisons between him and Donald Trump, while examining allegations of cruelty, chaos, and greed within his inner circle. Sweeney provides insights from former associates and allies who describe a man of immense charisma but also one capable of bullying and calculated performance. The conversation further delves into the rise of the far right in Britain, attributing its growth to economic grievances, the loss of living memory regarding 20th-century atrocities, and the toxicity of social media. The episode concludes with an examination of recent financial controversies involving Reform UK and the potential long-term political implications for the United Kingdom.

This episode explores the growing tension within the GAA regarding the proposed integration of camogie and ladies football into the central GAA structure. Featuring insights from Irish Independent correspondent Colm Keyes and Senator Ivana Gluckin, the discussion centers on the financial hurdles and administrative uncertainties that have led to fears that an integration motion may be voted down at the upcoming Special Congress. The conversation delves into the estimated 10 to 11 million euro funding gap, the lack of transparency in communication from GAA leadership, and the systemic inequalities observed at the club level. The panelists examine the potential impact on government funding and the necessity for a more robust approach to achieving true equality between men's and women's games.

Personal finance expert Charlie Weston joins Today FM to discuss a series of significant cost-of-living increases hitting Irish households. The discussion covers rising energy prices from suppliers like Bord Gáis, SSE Airtricity, and Electric Ireland, alongside surging costs for heating oil, petrol, and diesel. Weston highlights the cumulative impact of rising network charges, potential mortgage rate hikes, and increasing health insurance premiums. The episode explores the economic pressures facing families as fuel prices breach the two-euro mark and global crude oil volatility threatens further inflation. With the upcoming budget approaching, the conversation examines the tension between government tax relief measures and the simultaneous rise in essential utility and transport costs.

Cal Thomas discusses his recent successful treatment for prostate cancer and emphasizes the importance of regular PSA testing for men. The episode also covers reflections on 9/11, including the impact on Cal's son, criticisms of Donald Trump's claims regarding his presence at Ground Zero, and the controversy surrounding Rudy Giuliani. The discussion continues with an analysis of Donald Trump's political tactics and fundraising efforts in Dallas. The speakers also critique his approach to foreign policy, specifically how personality-driven diplomacy may be exploited by leaders like Putin and Xi.

In this episode of The Last Word, Mimi Tatlow-Golden discusses the ongoing imprisonment of her son, Daniel Tatlow de Valle, and four others known as the 'Ulm Five.' The group was detained in Germany following an action at a factory in Ulm aimed at protesting the genocide in Gaza. Mimi describes the highly irregular nature of their pre-trial detention, including 23-hour daily lock-ups and restrictions on legal counsel. She also addresses the controversial nature of the trial, alleging political influence over the prosecution and questioning the fairness of the judicial proceedings in Germany.

In this episode, obesity expert Professor Donald O'Shea discusses recent figures from the European Commission showing that 22% of Irish adults are excessively overweight, marking one of the highest rates in the EU. He explores the complexities of defining obesity as a disease and analyzes how Ireland's rates compare to other nations. The discussion delves into the 'perfect storm' created by an environment of ultra-processed foods designed to be irresistible through combinations of fat, sugar, and salt. Professor O'Shea addresses the socio-economic divide in obesity trends, the impact of food industry marketing on children, and the limitations of personal responsibility when faced with a pervasive landscape of unhealthy options.

The presenters discuss the massive scale and broadcasting challenges of Katie Taylor's recent boxing match, noting its cultural impact alongside production issues. The episode also explores upcoming RTÉ true crime dramatizations and the rise of 'Instadocs'—short-turnaround documentaries popularized by Netflix. The hosts debate whether 'Instadocs' represent true innovation or merely algorithmic journalism, comparing them to newspaper features rather than full-length books. The episode concludes with personal television recommendations, including a Liverpool crime drama and a documentary about Mr. T.

An examination of the growing crisis in the Irish criminal courts caused by a dispute over the legal aid payment structure. The episode features Law Lecturer Conor Handley and solicitor Owen O'Sullivan, who discuss how solicitors have withdrawn from the criminal legal aid panel following changes introduced by the Department of Justice. The discussion covers the practical consequences of this withdrawal, including significant court delays, the potential for serious crimes like murder to go unrepresented, and the specific impact on vulnerable youths in the Children's Court. The guests debate the workability of the new flat-fee scheme and explore potential resolutions through compromise and renewed negotiation between the Law Society and the Department of Justice.

An in-depth discussion regarding the upcoming final professional fight of boxing legend Katie Taylor at Croke Park. Featuring sports writer Gavin Casey, the episode explores the significance of this event as a celebration of Irish sporting history rather than just a title defense against Flora Peely. The conversation covers Taylor's physical evolution, her transition from an artistic amateur to a resilient professional warrior, and the potential impact of emotion on her performance in front of 8/0,000 fans. Additionally, the episode touches upon the technical matchup with Peely, the cultural significance of Taylor's career in reshaping female boxing, and what spectators can expect from the night's festivities and musical performances.

The hosts discuss controversial claims made by former Premier League referee Mike Dean regarding intentional lapses in officiating, leading to a debate on the integrity of English football. The conversation also addresses the financial disparity in the Premier League and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's 115 financial charges. The discussion further explores financial instability within the league, comparing current transfer spending to the 'Celtic Tiger' era of borrowed money. The episode concludes with previews of upcoming matches involving Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, and a high-profile clash between Arsenal and Chelsea.

This episode explores the environmental impact of abandoned festival gear following Electric Picnic, examining how disposable goods and social psychology contribute to littering. The conversation then shifts to geographical perception, discussing how the Mercator projection distorts our understanding of continental sizes. The discussion also covers local issues such as noise complaints from a data centre in Clondalkin and the geo-blocking of 'The Traitors' in Northern Ireland due to licensing constraints. Finally, the episode concludes with a reflection on significant age gaps within high-profile relationships.

This episode features a discussion on the current state of the Irish property market following a report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). Paul Egan, Senior Research Officer at the ESRI, explains why recent estimates suggest Irish property values are approximately 17% overvalued compared to economic fundamentals like income and interest rates. The conversation explores the structural differences between the current market and the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on supply-side shortages and the impact of macroprudential rules. Joining the discussion is Marion Finnegan, Chief Executive of Sherry FitzGerald Group, who provides insight into the housing crisis from an industry perspective. The dialogue covers the critical lack of second-hand housing stock, the specific inflationary pressures currently felt in rural Ireland compared to Dublin, and the widening affordability gap for middle-income households. The episode concludes by examining the long-term necessity of increasing housing supply to achieve market stability and prevent potential economic shocks.

In this episode of The Last Word, acclaimed novelist Sebastian Barry discusses his latest book, The New World, which explores the complexities of 19th-century America. Barry delves into themes of immigration, religious tension, and the historical parallels between the mid-1800s and modern American society. He reflects on the creative process, specifically addressing the ethics of writing about marginalized histories and the role of imagination in fiction. The conversation also touches upon the pervasive presence of violence and firearms in American history, as well as the Irish connection to the American experience—both as victims and oppressors. Barry shares insights into his research methods and his personal connection to the characters he brings to life through prose.

This episode examines the high-profile trial of Lindsay Clancy, an American nurse accused of murdering her three young children in Massachusetts. The discussion explores the complex legal battle between the prosecution's claim of a calculated murder and the defense's argument for not guilty by reason of insanity due to postpartum psychosis. Through testimony from family members and her husband, the episode details Clancy's deteriorating mental health, her history of seeking medical help, and the intense deliberation process currently facing the jury.

John Gibbons discusses the recent extreme summer temperatures in Ireland and the phenomenon of rising nighttime temperatures caused by heat-trapping gases. He explores the impact of a 'Godzilla-sized' El Niño event and the catastrophic global consequences of breaching the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold, including the risks of mass starvation and population loss associated with a three-degree rise. The episode also addresses local issues regarding rising public transport fares in Ireland. The conversation critiques the government's perceived failure to support sustainable transit, noting that while motorists receive tax breaks, public transport users face financial penalties and insufficient green infrastructure.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue explores various digital tools and subscription services designed to streamline news consumption and reduce the cost of multiple individual newspaper subscriptions. The discussion covers 'read it later' engines like Readwise and Instapaper, which summarize long-form journalism, as well as all-you-can-eat aggregators such as Readly and Apple News Plus. The segment also examines specialized services including Ground News, which focuses on identifying media bias, and Haystack News, which aggregates global broadcast clips. Additionally, the conversation touches upon unexpected value found in premium banking tiers like Revolut Ultra and the benefits of digital replicas available through PressReader.

Musician Paul Noonan discusses the formation of his new project, Pilgrims, alongside his transition into music therapy to support individuals with neurological conditions and autism. He reflects on the necessity of diversifying musical careers and shares early memories of discovering music through pop compilations. The conversation also explores early musical influences, ranging from childhood memories of Top of the Pops to formative albums by Radiohead and The Sundays. The episode concludes with a discussion on the influence of Irish literature and language on songwriting, television preferences for prestige dramas, and a tribute to the musician Cathy Davey.

An analysis of the annual CyberSafe Kids report reveals significant failures in Ireland's online safety regime. The findings highlight that 70% of children aged 8 to 12 are accessing social media platforms despite age restrictions, alongside a massive explosion in AI usage among young demographics. The discussion explores the rise of exposure to sexual content, the limitations of current age-gate regulations based on US legislation, and the specific risks associated with gaming universes like Roblox. Experts discuss the inadequacy of government enforcement and the phenomenon of children suffering in silence from cyberbullying. The episode examines how recommendation algorithms optimized for engagement are driving increased exposure to mature content and why legislative responses often fail to keep pace with rapid technological evolution.

In this episode of The Last Word, personal finance expert Charlie Weston joins host Will to discuss practical strategies for managing household finances amidst rising energy and food prices. The discussion covers the '2,000 euro challenge,' focusing on reducing discretionary spending through tracking expenses and implementing 'no spend days.' Weston provides actionable advice on claiming tax reliefs for medical expenses and remote working, as well as the importance of switching energy suppliers to avoid high standard rates. The conversation also explores ways to optimize grocery shopping through meal planning and 'shelfember' techniques, alongside the benefits of selling unused items on resale platforms like Vinted. Finally, the episode addresses more complex financial concerns, including navigating rising interest rates for mortgage holders and the potential introduction of a new levy to address the growing crisis of flood insurance availability in Ireland.

Former rugby player Ryan Caldwell shares his profound journey through addiction, prison, and eventual redemption. He reflects on how the loss of his athletic identity led to instability and explores the impact of concussions on his mental health and moral compass. Caldwell also discusses his path to sobriety, driven by a desire to maintain the spiritual connection found during an ayahuasca experience in Colombia. He now utilizes ancient methods like meditation and breathwork to help others regulate their nervous systems while reflecting on his personal growth and relationships.

Matt, Cal Thomas, and Marion McKeown discuss the geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, highlighting the lack of a coherent American strategy and leadership instability within the Pentagon. The conversation also addresses Trump's threats to media freedom and the controversy surrounding the renaming of Lake Ontario. The discussion further explores the proposed expansion of the White House grounds via a new ballroom and its impact on historical modesty. Additionally, the speakers debate the economic implications of alleged deals regarding Venezuelan oil and the deportation of Milo Yiannopoulos due to visa violations.

In this episode of The Last Word, hosts Elaine Burke and Joe Shea discuss the cultural impact of recent television and sporting events. They begin by analyzing the return of The Traitors, noting the high level of local recognition for certain contestants in Cork and the communal viewing experience the show provides. The conversation shifts to Katie Taylor's upcoming farewell fight at Croke Park, examining the promotional efforts by RTE and the massive national impact her sporting moments have historically had on Ireland. The hosts also explore the career trajectory of Maura Higgins, discussing her transition from reality TV star to international presenter for Disney+. The episode concludes with individual recommendations for the week, including a Netflix documentary on the viral Australian breakdancer Raygun and a new RTÉ digital series featuring primary school students.

In this episode, author Paul Howard discusses his satirical novel, A Nation Once Again, which explores the complex and often absurd prospects of Irish reunification. Through the lens of a fictional government department tasked with managing unification, Howard uses humor to tackle heavy political themes such as the border poll, national identity, flags, and the potential for administrative chaos. The conversation delves into the practical and symbolic challenges facing both sides of the island, including the impact of demographic shifts and the integration of different social systems. The discussion moves beyond mere satire to examine the real-world complexities of a United Ireland, comparing the potential referendum to the divisive outcomes of Brexit and Scottish independence. Howard highlights how incremental changes in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure are already creating a sense of unity below the political radar, even as significant hurdles like policing, education, and national anthems remain unresolved.