Best Forensic Focus Podcasts (2025)

1
Election promises under scrutiny: The Government’s six-month report card 26:18

28m ago26:18

26:18

Six months into the new Government, and all seems to be oddly quiet in the world of Irish politics. Yes, we’ve had the furore over the Regional Independent Group’s support for the Coalition, Verona Murphy’s survival of no-confidence and the ruckus that followed Michael Lowry’s memorable two-finger salute. But since the dust settled on all the “ruai…

1
‘Tattle Life’ exposed: When gossip ends in court 24:13

1d ago24:13

24:13

Neil and Donna Sands took on gossip site Tattle Life - and won. Today we ask why is this landmark libel payout sending shockwaves through the online influencer world? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Neil Sands See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Irish Independent

1
Extra: ‘It was absolute chaos’ - Kneecap’s Mo Chara appears in court over terror charge 15:20

1d ago15:20

15:20

It was pandemonium in London on Wednesday morning as Kneecap’s Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court. Hundreds turned out to support the rapper, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, as he entered court – having arrived in a mocked up RUC landover. The west Belfast rapper is charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a…

1
Wild Scottish Flavour Wheel 21:09

1d ago21:09

21:09

The Perthshire scientist hopes the wheel will encourage people to rediscover some of the lost tastes and uses of our wild plants.By BBC Radio Scotland

1
Parallels PT 2 49:44

1d ago49:44

49:44

In this week’s conclusion of a two-parter, Paul and Kate return to 1970 Sacramento where an open murder case seems to be eerily similar to another active investigation. Using crime scene data and extensive bloodwork, the police do their best to strengthen both cases. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this l…

1
Politics and Money in UK Justice: Juries, Abortion and the Double Jeopardy Postbag 45:03

2d ago45:03

45:03

What happens when a justice system is asked to do more with less and at what cost to fairness, freedom, and the rule of law? Crime and justice commentator Danny Shaw appears on the show to examine the political and legal fallout from the UK government’s spending review. With stretched police forces, an underfunded probation service, and mounting pr…

1
Israel-Iran: “The next 24 to 36 hours are crucial in the way this war may develop” 25:47

3d ago25:47

25:47

Is the Middle East on the verge of a regional all-out war? Could the situation turn nuclear and cause yet another cost-of-living crisis? The next 24 to 36 hours are critical. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guests: Bel Trew & Paul Rogers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Irish Independent

1
The rise, fall and resurgence of Brian ‘King Rat’ Rattigan 22:38

3d ago22:38

22:38

In early June, a shooting took place near a Dublin playground in broad daylight. There were no injuries, but a clear message was sent. Among the group that was targeted were associates of one of Irelands most feared crime bosses, Brian “King Ratt” Rattigan. Once one of Ireland’s most notorious mobsters, Rattigan's rise was as dramatic as the Crumli…

1
Brian O’Driscoll & Amy Huberman Incorporated: The €12 million empire 22:52

4d ago22:52

22:52

Behind the banter and Instagram charm lies a multimillion-euro machine. How did Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman turn celebrity into serious capital? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: John Meagher You can read John Meagher’s article BOD and Amy Inc: How the ‘happy, outgoing’ power couple built a €12m business brand See omnystudio.com/listener for priva…

1
Revisited: Donal Fallon’s walking tour of infamous Dublin monuments 21:27

5d ago21:27

21:27

The Chime in the Slime, the Floozy in the Jacuzzi, the Stiletto in the Ghetto. These are just a few of the dubious nicknames Dubliners have given to certain notorious landmarks that have left an impression over the years. And in 2024, the Dublin Portal – dubbed The Eye in the Stye - joined the ranks of the headline-generating monuments that have ca…

1
Findhorn Water Taxi, Roundabout Gardens and Elie Sand Portraits 1:23:04

5d ago1:23:04

1:23:04

Rachel catches up with Nick Ray who previously kayaked around the coast of Scotland, sharing his journey and mental health challenges on social media throughout that year.He’s just completed another journey but walking this time, from far north to south via east and west. Rachel finds out why he decided to hang up his kayak for this challenge. Mark…

1
Extra: Revisiting the disappearance of Annie McCarrick, as man (60s) arrested on suspicion of murder 11:06

7d ago11:06

11:06

*This podcast was originally recorded in February 2023* On Thursday in Dublin, Gardaí arrested a man in relation to the murder of Annie McCarrick, who went missing on March 26, 1993. There they searched at a home in Clondalkin but have stressed that the current residents of this home are not connected in anyway with Annie McCarrick or her disappear…

1
Fires and fury: Third night of violent disorder at Northern Ireland’s anti-migrant riots 26:43

8d ago26:43

26:43

Unrest and violence continued for a third night this in Northern Ireland, with petrol bombs thrown, buildings and vehicles set ablaze, and dozens of police officers being injured. The violence initially erupted in Ballymena on Monday after two 14-year-old Romanian boys were charged with a serious sexual assault. Anti-immigration protestors gathered…

1
Why it’s last-chance saloon for the Government to get housing right 24:43

8d ago24:43

24:43

We’ve now been living some version of a housing crisis for two decades. First there was the Celtic Tiger and its crazy house prices. Then there was “the crash” and its ghost estates. Now there’s the booming economy and the lack of supply. The latest effort from the Government is a rewriting of the rules around rent pressure zones, but it will take …

1
The Whithorn Way - Part 2 - Paisley to Lochwinnoch 29:21

8d ago29:21

29:21

The Whithorn Way follows an ancient pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. In this episode, Mark and Rachel start with a quick stop off at Renfrew to contemplate the motivation for pilgrimage in medieval times. Then they head to Paisley Cathedral to learn about the unearthing of a drain which revealed a slate containing mu…

1
Parallels PT 1 52:31

9d ago52:31

52:31

In this week's episode, the first part of a two-part-episode, Kate and Paul head to 1970 Sacramento, California where a young woman is found dead after not showing up for work. After interviewing over 500 people, something connected to the investigation happens that police cannot ignore. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and…

1
UK Politics and Bad Science: Investigating the Graveyard Spiral of Forensic Science in England and Wales 41:59

9d ago41:59

41:59

Is Britain still a world leader in forensic science or are we sleepwalking into a criminal justice crisis? Once considered the gold standard, the UK’s forensic science system is not working well for anyone – not for the police, not for the suppliers of services, not for the courts and, by extension, not for the public. Yet we all believe it to be a…

1
Missing and murdered - garda handling of Mike Gaine and Tina Satchwell cases in the spotlight 26:04

9d ago26:04

26:04

Why did it take gardaí six years to find the body of Tina Satchwell under the stairs of her own home? And why didn't the search of a slurry tank just yards from where Mike Gaine disappeared, result in his body being found? ?Gardaí are under pressure to answer those questions as the two high-profile murder cases continue to grip the country. Host:…

1
'A different level of evil’: The convicted rapist who stalked three Sunday World journalists 28:40

10d ago28:40

28:40

Last week a convicted rapist who threatened and harassed three female Sunday World journalists has been jailed for 11 years. Mark McAnaw repeatedly sent Amanda Brunker, Deirdre Reynolds and Nicola Tallant emails and messages of a violent and sexually threatening nature, which escalated to him threatening to “put bullets” in one of them. He also ref…

1
Rugby stars, Leaving Cert grinds, lewd jokes and a High Court case 19:54

11d ago19:54

19:54

The world of online grinds isn’t usually the focus of a High Court battle, and yet the high-profile transfer of a well-respected maths teacher from his previous employer to a hybrid learning platform backed by Brian O’Driscoll and Caelan Doris led to a bitter dispute. Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Mark Tighe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor…

1
Is AI putting your job at risk: ‘Unemployment could hit 20% in the next five years’ 33:16

12d ago33:16

33:16

Could AI potentially blackmail humans in the future? Would it be a help or hindrance to schools? And will it lead to mass unemployment? Today’s Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast, The Big Tech Show. Conor Kelly, head of growth at Human Loop, joins Adrian to discuss how AI models could turn bad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat…

1
Shetland Dandelions, a Moray Firth Whale and a Paisley Drain 1:21:05

12d ago1:21:05

1:21:05

A new initiative in Buchan called Sma Wids to encourage farmers and landowners to plant trees, the largest surviving ice house in the UK at Spey Bay, lapwing chick ringing in Upper Deeside, the rare dandelions of Shetland, the seabird village of Fowlsheugh near Stonehaven and the latest news from the osprey nest at Loch Garten plus the tale of a me…

1
Crypto President: Inside Trump’s billion-dollar business empire 27:26

14d ago27:26

27:26

During Donald Trump’s first term as president, his family continued to generate millions in revenue on things like merchandise such as MAGA hats and, of course, a booming property portfolio. But what was a nice return on investment for the 45th president of the US is mere pocket change for the 47th. Initially sceptical of cryptocurrency, Trump has …

1
Tech, Trends & Tactics Unlock the Future of Real Estate with Industry Trailblazers —From AI & Cybersecurity to Market Shifts and 2030 Predictions with The CRECo.ai Real Estate Roundtable: 1:00:43

14d ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Send us a text CRECo.ai Presents: The Real Estate Roundtable: Your all-in-one comprehensive view of what's happening across the real estate industry -- straight from some of the industry's earliest technology adopters and foremost experts. Join the Roundtable hosts as they discuss commercial market growth amid residential market slowdown, MLS chang…

1
ROUNDTABLE DEEP DIVE ON USING AI, LINKEDIN, AND YOUR PERSONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO DRIVE GROWTH 59:46

15d ago59:46

59:46

Send us a text Join the CRE Collaborative Roundtable hosts for a candid conversation and insights into the latest ways to make your business more discoverable online, through AI; prioritizing video content, alogirthim shifts at Linkedinhow to foster the right connections and for the right reasons. This month's show dives deep into both the marketin…

1
Carlow gun attack: How a wave of disinformation spread like wildfire 26:51

15d ago26:51

26:51

On Sunday, 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald discharged multiple rounds at Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow before taking his own life. As the incident unfolded, a wave of disinformation flooded social media. Who gains from causing such confusion, and why did gardaí disclose the ethnicity of the gunman? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Maeve McTaggart and …

1
Extra: ‘A monster’ – Richard Satchwell sentenced to life in prison as Tina’s family speak in court 15:30

16d ago15:30

15:30

The five-week murder trial of Richard Satchwell has captivated the nation — and today, it came to a close. Satchwell has been sentenced for the killing of his wife, Tina, in March 2017. During today’s proceedings, the court heard highly personal and emotional victim impact statements from those who knew and loved Tina. Ralph Riegel joins Fionnán Sh…

1
Lapwing Ringing on Deeside 23:21

15d ago23:21

23:21

Mark Stephen visits Auchnerran, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust farm on Deeside to watch some lapwing chicks being ringed by research assistant Max Wright and data collector Honor JonesBy BBC Radio Scotland

1
Off Track 57:46

16d ago57:46

57:46

On today’s episode, Paul and Kate head to 1972 Washington where a couple finds a badly injured young woman. Taking in all the elements of the crime scene and ultimately the DNA aspects, will it all be enough to find the offender? Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4buCoMc See omnyst…

1
David Gauke: Solving the UK Prison Crisis 41:38

16d ago41:38

41:38

Why does Britain lock up so many people and is there a better way? The UK has the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe, yet reoffending remains rampant and prisons are at breaking point. What’s gone wrong in our approach to crime and punishment - and is the public ready for a smarter, more effective system? Former Justice Secretary David Ga…

1
Gerry Adams: What €100K defamation win against the BBC means for his legacy, Sinn Féin and Irish media 28:20

16d ago28:20

28:20

Last Friday, Gerry Adams won a High Court defamation action against the BBC and has been awarded €100,000 in damages. Mr Adams’ legacy and how he will be viewed in the history books was very much at stake in the trial. Has this landmark case set a precedent for how media organisations can cover the Troubles going forward? Host: Fionnán Sheahan. Gue…

1
Why does nobody want to become the next President of Ireland? 27:27

17d ago27:27

27:27

What do the following have in common? Micheál Martin, Mary Lou McDonald, Heather Humphreys, Sean O Fhergail, Michael McDowell and Miriam O’Callaghan. None of them want to be the next President of Ireland. Kevin Doyle is joined by the Irish Independent’s Tabitha Monahan and John Downing, to look at why so many big names are afraid to run for the pre…

1
Meet the Macrons: The teacher, the pupil and the slap that broke the internet 27:05

18d ago27:05

27:05

They were just playfighting. That was French president Emmanuel Macron’s explanation last week for video images that show his wife, Brigitte, pushing her husband away with both hands on his face. Macron later told reporters that the couple – married since 2007 – were simply joking around. This episode of The Indo Daily, is brought to you by our sis…

1
Revisited: Scandals, affairs and death threats — The Sunday night tradition of Glenroe 21:07

19d ago21:07

21:07

From its inception in 1983 to the final episode in 2001, we look at how Glenroe became must-see TV in Ireland and discover how it made the nation question its attitudes on sex, divorce and religion. This podcast was originally published in September 2024. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Sarah Caden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Dendrochronology, Seals and The Salt Path 1:23:34

19d ago1:23:34

1:23:34

Dendrochronology is a niche field of study, used to work out the age of trees, forests and wooden objects. However, it is not only useful for looking at the past, but also for considering how to manage wooded areas in the future. Mark met with expert dendrochronologist Dr Coralie Mills, and Borders Forest Trust Project Officer, Catriona Patience, t…

1
Satchwell guilty: The six key lies that sealed a murderer’s fate 28:08

20d ago28:08

28:08

Richard Satchwell has been found guilty of the murder of his wife Tina, following a five-week trial at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court. We look at how events played out on the final day in court, the questions left unanswered, and the six key lies Richard Satchwell told that ultimately secured his fate. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Ralph Riegel You…

1
Fiona Pender: ‘Credible’ information from witness sparked fresh searches this week 21:55

21d ago21:55

21:55

This week, gardai have searched multiple sites in the Leinster area, after information was received about the murder of Fiona Pender. Pender was last seen alive almost 29 years ago. There has been a number of previous high-profile garda searches for the 25-year-old murder victim. Today’s Indo Daily explores the latest developments in the murder inv…

1
Children's Health Ireland: Metal, mistakes and a medical scandal 26:38

22d ago26:38

26:38

We go to hospitals to get better. To feel safe. But for some families in Ireland, the story that’s playing out at Children’s Health Ireland has become a nightmare. Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Áine Gladney-Knox & Mary Regan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Irish Independent

1
The Whithorn Way - Part 1 - Glasgow 31:05

22d ago31:05

31:05

The Whithorn Way follows an ancient pilgrim route from Glasgow to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway. In this episode, Mark and Rachel focus on the start of the journey at Glasgow Cathedral. Mark and Helen cycle down to Glasgow Green and imagine how pilgrims would have crossed the River Clyde. They then follow the River westwards to the new Govan- P…

1
State Threats and Subversion: Keeping UK Politics Clean 41:20

22d ago41:20

41:20

What if your political beliefs on Brexit, climate change or even gender identity were being subtly shaped by a foreign power? From hostile state actors exploiting social media to the legal grey zone between terrorism and subversion, Jonathan Hall KC, the UK’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism and State Threat Legislation joins Double Jeopardy to un…

1
From kidnapped heiress to on-the-run terrorist – the Patty Hearst story 27:20

23d ago27:20

27:20

In mid-1970s America, the world was watching in as the bizarre story of the kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst became a viral – and violent – real-time news spectacle. How and why did Hearst wind up on the side of her captors? And just who was telling the truth? Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Jeffrey Toobin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf…

1
Nikki Hayes: “I lost my job, I lost my house – I was out of control with my addiction” 27:15

24d ago27:15

27:15

How did Nikki Hayes go from being one of the nation’s most successful radio DJs to living on the streets of Dublin? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Nikki Hayes You can read Niamh Horan's interview with Nikki Hayes : https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/i-never-thought-id-go-from-working-in-rte-to-sleeping-on-the-streets-former-2fm-dj-nikki-hayes-on…

1
Biden: The bombshell new book, the political coverup and a president in decline 26:32

25d ago26:32

26:32

Joe Biden blanking George Clooney is just one of many shocking anecdotes included in Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again – a bombshell new book about the final months of the 46th US president's administration. So what does this shocking behind-the-scenes story mean for Mr Biden’s political l…

1
Oliver Callan - 'The first sign I was gay was I didn't drive the tractor until I was 11' 56:29

26d ago56:29

56:29

We are bringing Indo Daily listeners an episode from The Sunday World's food and lifestyle podcast 'Under the Grill' this weekend. In each episode Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young sit around the kitchen table with some of Ireland’s best loved personalities. Today Oliver Callan joins Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young in the kitchen on this week's episode…

1
A Coast to Coast Backpack Challenge, Beekeeping in Kinross and the Capercaillie of Speyside 1:22:35

26d ago1:22:35

1:22:35

Nature-based solutions are a key tool in solving environmental problems such as flooding. Rachel met with Dr Rebecca Wade from Abertay University, who is a big advocate for these solutions, to find out more about how they are actually implemented, and why they are so important. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s demonstration farm in Auchne…

1
“Controlling and odd”: What the court heard about Richard Satchwell from Tina’s family 18:52

28d ago18:52

18:52

She was called a “trophy wife” by the man accused of killing her. Tina Satchwell’s half-sister told the jury at Richard Satchwell’s trial for murder how she found him “controlling and odd” in the latest courtroom testimony. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Ralph Riegel You can read more about the Richard Satchwell trial below Tina Satchwell confided in…

1
Extra: From stage to courtroom – Kneecap’s Mo Chara faces the music 13:13

29d ago13:13

13:13

DESCRIPTION: When rapper Mo Chara of Kneecap allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag on stage in London, he didn’t just spark controversy – he triggered a UK terrorism charge. The group says it’s political policing: the UK authorities says it’s national security. So where does protest end and prosecution begin? Host: Dave Hanratty Guest: Enda Brady Se…

1
How the National Children's Hospital became a political headache 23:58

29d ago23:58

23:58

Decades after it was first conceived, the National Children's Hospital has become a saga worthy of its own medical drama. From planning rows, site disputes, pandemic delays, design overruns and the inevitable finger-pointing between contractors and politicians, just how did Ireland's flagship healthcare project become a national headache? Host: Ell…

1
Nature-based Solutions and the Changing Climate 25:48

29d ago25:48

25:48

Rachel Stewart meets environmental scientist Dr Rebecca Wade from Abertay University.By BBC Radio Scotland

1
Paper Trail 1:10:25

1M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

In this week's episode, Kate and Paul head to 1855 rural Ohio, where a farmer has died under suspicious circumstances. After an investigation and the rounding up of the usual suspects, a very unique situation arises. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4buCoMc See omnystudio.com/list…

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Forensic Focus Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen