Best Fossil Vs Future Podcasts (2025)

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WHAT ABOUT CITIES? Engines of emissions or hubs of innovation? 45:46

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26d ago45:46

45:46

More than half of the world’s population now lives in cities – and that number keeps growing. Cities are engines of opportunity and economic growth, but they also generate vast amounts of waste, pollution, and emissions. Yet by bringing together people, ideas, and investments, cities also become hubs of innovation where climate solutions can emerge…

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The Week Trending: Remote Work Labelled A 'Mistake' & Calls To Reduce Voting Age 24:47

1d ago24:47

24:47

Businessman Denis O'Brien has said remote working is a 'mistake' and graduates are 'entitled'; the Social Democrats have called for the voting age to be reduced to 16; and what are Pope Leo's favourite movies? Orla Ryan, news reporter with the Irish Times, and Joe O’Shea, editor of Cork Beo, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories…

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Keogh's Crisps Founder On Reviving The Reputation Of The Irish Potato 11:34

1d ago11:34

11:34

Tom Keogh, founder of Keogh's Crisps, talks to Matt about being the overall family business winner at the Irish Family Business Awards. He also talks about the farming tradition on his family farm in North Country Dublin and why he diversified into crisps production at time when sales of Irish potatoes were in a down turn. To catch the full convers…

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Ireland Keep Their World Cup Dreams Alive, Can They Follow Through? 16:08

1d ago16:08

16:08

Ireland's shock 2-0 win against Portugal has kept their dreams of qualifying for next year's World Cup alive. Gavin Cooney, sportswriter with The42.ie, & former Ireland striker Tony Cascarino join The Last Word to discuss Thursday's incredible performance at the Aviva and to look ahead the team's final group game away to Hungary on Sunday. Catch th…

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Sinn Féin Says Government's Housing Plan Ignores “Ordinary People” 13:46

2d ago13:46

13:46

On Thursday, the government unveiled its new housing plan, promising a minimum of 300,000 new homes to be built by 2030. However, Sinn Féin has criticised the plan, with the party’s housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin saying that it was written for “big developers to benefit their private interests” and that “families have once again been ignored”. M…

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Dependence On Fossil Fuels “Biggest Block” To Ireland’s Climate Targets 14:03

3d ago14:03

14:03

The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that carbon emissions in Ireland’s transport sector remain “stubbornly high” and that more will need to be done if the country is to achieve its 2030 climate targets. John Gibbons spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.…

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Tech Thursday: Robo Hoovers 7:47

37m ago7:47

7:47

Want to put your feet up while your house is cleaned? Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through some of the best smart vacuums on the market. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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Heavy Duty, Low Carbon: How Trucks Are Going Electric 33:12

3d ago33:12

33:12

The 85 million medium- and heavy-duty trucks on the road last year were responsible for nearly a 10th of global emissions, and an array of technologies and business models are in trial as a way to cut these vehicles’ carbon footprint. A lack of charging infrastructure and high upfront prices remain high hurdles to clear. Yet China boasts record e-t…

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Culture Club: Clodagh McKenna 31:01

6m ago31:01

31:01

Chef and author Clodagh McKenna is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. She talks to Matt about her book, Clodagh's Happy Cooking. She also runs through her favourite music, movies, TV and books that other cultural treasures that have she returns to time and again. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.…

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Gambling, Gaming, Shopping & Porn - Significant Rise In Online Addictions 10:55

4d ago10:55

10:55

A major conference this week heard that Ireland has seen a significant rise in behavioural addictions including excessive gambling, screen use and online shopping. Professor Colin O’Gara, head of addiction services at St John Of God Hospital and clinical professor of psychiatry at UCD, joins The Last Word to discuss the rise in people presenting wi…

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Are You Due A Tax Refund? 10:12

35m ago10:12

10:12

Revenue has estimated that over 300,000 people are due an income tax refund which could be claimed back just before Christmas. People who filed a tax return last year got an average of €900 back into their pockets. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on …

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116: Why Most Coffee Is Slowly Destroying Your Health… 21:38

3h ago21:38

21:38

Coffee can be both a tool and a toxin, depending on how it's grown, prepared and used. In this episode, I take a closer look at caffeine and coffee through a practical lens — what science says, what I've experienced, and what really determines whether that morning cup helps or harms you. Caffeine blocks adenosine, which makes you feel less tired an…

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The Last Word On The US: Senate Passes Bill To End Government Shutdown 15:32

10m ago15:32

15:32

The US Senate has approved a Bill that would end the longest government shutdown in US history which has disrupted food benefits and left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss all of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page…

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Single People Paying A Premium For Same Lifestyle As Couples 9:23

30m ago9:23

9:23

Single adults need to earn significantly more than couples if they want to enjoy a comparable lifestyle, according to new research. Kelly Warburton, a single first-time buyer, and Michael Dowling, Managing Director of Michael Dowling Mortgage and Financial Services, joined The Last Word to discuss the financial challenges faced by single people. Ca…

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Catherine Connolly Becomes 10th President of Ireland 19:14

5m ago19:14

19:14

Catherine Connolly has been formally declared the 10th president of Ireland following her inauguration at Dublin Castle on Tuesday. In her speech, she said she would “embrace the role with dignity, determination and courage”. She also vowed to be a “unifying presence” and a “catalyst for change”. What will Connolly’s presidency look like? Lise Hand…

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The Last Word Podcast Pick: Lines of Enquiry 3:52

4d ago3:52

3:52

Matt Cooper introduces Lines of Enquiry, a new true crime podcast from GoLoud. Presented by retired Garda forensic specialist John Sweetman, the series examines some of Ireland’s most compelling cases with clarity, compassion and rare inside detail. Each episode breaks down how cases were built, what the evidence revealed, and the turning points th…

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David Gillick On Life After The Cutthroat World Of Athletics 16:41

16m ago16:41

16:41

Irish Olympian and former 400m runner, David Gillick spoke to Matt Cooper about his memoir The Race, charting the highs and lows of his athletics career. He also spoke about life away from the track. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

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Donald Trump Threatens To Sue The BBC 13:06

36m ago13:06

13:06

On Sunday, the BBC’s Director General Tim Davie and Chief Executive of News Deborah Turness both resigned after they were accused of misleading viewers by editing a speech by US President Donald Trump in a Panorama documentary. Mr. Trump has welcomed the resignations and threatened to sue the broadcasting company if it does not "immediately retract…

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The Last Word On Travel: Set Jetting 10:26

20m ago10:26

10:26

From a luxury resort in Thailand to the rocky island of Skellig Michael, TV shows and movies are influencing travellers to see places they may not have thought of before. Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joined The Last Word to chat about some incredible holiday destinations that feature in TV and film. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Pl…

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The Week Trending: 'Lion' Spotted in Clare, New York Chooses Mamdani 25:14

23m ago25:14

25:14

This week for The Week Trending Matt is joined by Journalist Lise Hand and Managing Director of the Communications Clinic Eoghan Tomás McDermott. They discuss the 'lion' spotted in County Clare, people cloning their pets, Zohran Mamdani's historic election win and much more. Hit Play on this page to listen now…

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Ireland Footballer Jake O'Brien: How He Manages Sport with Diabetes 11:57

28m ago11:57

11:57

Republic of Ireland Footballer & Diabetes Ireland Ambassador Jake O'Brien sits down with Matt to discuss how he manages his diabetes while playing elite sport. Hit Play on this page to listen now.

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The Incredible Life Of Jackie McCarthy O'Brien 21:12

5d ago21:12

21:12

Jackie McCarthy O'Brien is a Limerick sporting legend, a former Ireland international soccer and rugby player. Jackie joined Matt in studio to talk about her life in sport, being separated from her mother at a young age and dealing with racism in Ireland. Jackie recently published her memoir, We Made It Kid: Living Life In Full Colour. To catch the…

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Why Bill Gates Is Wrong About Climate Change 10:55

10d ago10:55

10:55

Climate scientists have criticised billionaire Bill Gates for comments he made on climate change last week. Gates published a 17-page memo in which he called for a “strategic pivot” away from reducing emissions. He also went on to say that global warming “will not lead to humanity’s demise”. Elsewhere, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin is among the world…

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Culture Club: Hector Ó hEochagáin 32:12

2d ago32:12

32:12

Presenter, writer and passionate advocate for the Irish language, Hector Ó hEochagáin was the latest inductee into the Culture Club. He spoke to Matt about his latest book, An Irish Word A Day and explained where his love for Irish came from. He also discussed his favourite music, films, books, TV and more. To catch the full conversation, press the…

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Where Will Ireland's Economy Be In Forty Years? 22:02

11d ago22:02

22:02

The Department of Finance this week published a major report which looks to provide a long-term economic and fiscal outlook for Ireland, set out over four decades. 'Future Forty: A Fiscal and Economic Outlook to 2065' projects falling tax revenues, an ageing population and no immediate end to the housing crisis. Daniel McConnell, editor of the Busi…

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Is Ireland’s Banking System Dysfunctional? 13:22

20h ago13:22

13:22

AIB, PTSB and Bank of Ireland were responsible for 93% of new mortgage lending in September 2025, which is considerably higher than the 60% figure reported in 2018. Does this suggest that Ireland’s banking system is dysfunctional? Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday. Hit the ‘Play’ button o…

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The Hydrogen Hurdle: Costs, Policy and Progress 32:16

11d ago32:16

32:16

Hydrogen was once the golden child of the energy transition. Yet high costs and limited policy support proved high hurdles for the technology’s progress, global deployment has fallen well short of expectations. Forecasts now project around 5.5 million tons of production by 2030 – half of what was expected just a few years ago and far below industry…

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115: Building Real Resilience in Kids (Even When It's Hard) 16:41

11d ago16:41

16:41

A few days ago, Kathy asked me to listen to a parenting podcast by Dr. Becky that stopped me in my tracks. In it, the host told a story about planning a movie night as a kid — driving to Blockbuster, hoping the film you wanted wasn't already rented, and learning to deal with the disappointment when it was. That memory hit hard because it reminded m…

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Last Word On Music: John Lewis Ad Goes In '90s Direction 19:57

12d ago19:57

19:57

As the annual John Lewis Christmas advert was released, Dee Reddy and John Caddell discussed the change in direction, as Alice Limerick's Where Love Lives was the chosen soundtrack. They also debated whether album charts are obsolete and talked about a series of secret gigs from Spotify's 'billionaires cub', as Ed Sheeran surprised fans in Dublin f…

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The Last Word On The US: Dick Cheney Dies Aged 84 15:44

8d ago15:44

15:44

Former US vice president Dick Cheney, who served under President George W Bush from 2001 to 2009, has died aged 84. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss Cheney's legacy and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!…

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The Double Life Of Richard Satchwell 13:35

7d ago13:35

13:35

Earlier this year, Richard Satchwell was found guilty of the murder of his wife Tina in 2017. Journalists Ralph Riegel and Paul Byrne have released a new book called “Beneath the Stairs”, in which they explore the details surrounding Tina’s disappearance and death, Richard’s appearances in the media appealing for information and the court case that…

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Miriam O'Callaghan On Taking On Facebook 22:48

3d ago22:48

22:48

Broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan spoke to Matt about her new memoir Miriam: Life, Work, Everything. She spoke about her 30 year career at RTÉ, juggling family life and taking on Facebook over fake ads. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

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The Last Word On Travel: Glasgow & Krakow As Food Destinations 10:18

3d ago10:18

10:18

Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic for the Sunday Times and one-half of the GastroGays, joined The Last Word to chat about more holiday destinations for food lovers. This time he told us all about Glasgow in Scotland and Krakow in Poland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!…

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DJ Carey Gets Five And A Half Year Jail Term For Fraud 9:12

13d ago9:12

9:12

Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey has been jailed for five and a half years for defrauding 22 people by falsely claiming he was receiving treatment for cancer. Mr. Carey conned his victims out of almost €400,000 and has repaid €44,200 of it. Frank Greaney, Today FM’s Courts Correspondent, spoke to Matt on Monday. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to…

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Ireland vs New Zealand Preview 22:34

6d ago22:34

22:34

Ireland will play New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday night in a repeat fixture of Ireland's memorable 40-29 win in 2016. Billy Holland, Paul Wallace and Matt Williams previewed the game on Friday's The Last Word. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

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The Week Trending: Is Having A Boyfriend Embarassing? 24:17

16d ago24:17

24:17

Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? A Vogue article, which went viral this week, has claimed that women are increasingly keeping their relationship under wraps. Cathal O’Sullivan, 98FM producer, and Emily Keegan, multimedia reporter with Today FM, joined The Last Word to discuss this and more of the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by p…

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DJ Carey To Be Sentenced On Monday 15:39

6d ago15:39

15:39

Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, and Eimear Ni Bhraonain, author of The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal, were at the sentencing hearing of DJ Carey. The former Kilkenny hurling legend will be sentenced on Monday after he admitted defrauding 13 people by claiming he needed money to pay for cancer treatment. Judge Martin Nolan sa…

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Michael Harding On His Journey Through The Irish Midwinter 14:44

12d ago14:44

14:44

Writer Michael Harding joined The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Midwinter: A Journey Through a Season' which explores the cycle of death and renewal that winter brings. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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'I Wish The Internet Had Never Been Invented' - Writer & Comedian Ben Elton 12:13

17d ago12:13

12:13

Writer and comedian Ben Elton joined The Last Word to discuss his new memoir 'What Have I Done?'. He spoke about his reflections on his career, the death of studio sitcoms like 'Blackadder', and why he wishes the internet had never been invented. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!…

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COP30 Countdown: Ambition, Politics, Reality 31:33

17d ago31:33

31:33

In a few days’ time, world leaders will gather in Brazil for the COP30 climate conference. It’s been 10 years since the Paris Agreement laid out ambitions for a net-zero future, yet momentum is waning. Fewer than a third of nations have submitted their 2035 climate pledges, and current trajectories suggest that the global warming threshold agreed i…

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Culture Club: Elizabeth Day 31:12

8d ago31:12

31:12

To celebrate the release of her new book 'One of Us', author Elizabeth Day joined Matt on The Last Word for the latest edition of the Culture Club. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear all her choices.

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"I'm Quite Resentful Of It" - Carl Kinsella On His Life With OCD 14:20

18d ago14:20

14:20

Columnist and author Carl Kinsella joined The Last Word to chat about his new book 'At Least it Looks Good from Space: A Catalogue of Modern, Millennial and Personal Catastrophes'. He talks about his experience of living with OCD, the dangers of social media and why he hates Irish mammy jokes. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on th…

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Why Are Motorway Tolls Increasing Again? 10:02

8d ago10:02

10:02

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has announced toll increases on a number of motorways and the Dublin Port Tunnel effective from January 1 next year. Transport commentator Conor Faughnan and Peader Tóibín, Áontú leader and TD for Meath West, join The Last Word to discuss why these tolls are increasing and whether they are the best way to fund the m…

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Ireland Ranked Almost Worst For Income Tax Burden On Workers 9:22

18d ago9:22

9:22

Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Independent, outlined the findings of a new report from think tank Tax Foundation, that ranked Ireland 37th out of 38 countries for personal taxes. He explained how the wealth gap between the super rich and the rest of us is widening. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this pa…

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114: The Dirty Secret in Protein Powders – What Consumer Reports Found! 16:59

18d ago16:59

16:59

When Consumer Reports recently claimed that protein powders contain "high levels of lead," it sparked fear and confusion. In this episode, I break down what's actually going on, including how heavy metals end up in supplements, which types are most affected, and how to protect yourself without overreacting. Plant-based protein powders like rice, pe…

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British Airways Pulls Louis Theroux Sponsorship After Bob Vylan Appearance 23:25

19d ago23:25

23:25

British Airways has paused its sponsorship of journalist Louis Theroux’s podcast over an interview with Bob Vylan frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster. The group had previously received criticism for chanting “death to the IDF” at this year’s Glastonbury festival. Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast and Dee Reddy joined Daniel McConnell for Tue…

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Dermot Desmond Hits Out after Brendan Rodgers Resigns as Celtic Manager 8:07

9d ago8:07

8:07

Off The Ball's and The Last Word's Stephen Doyle joins Daniel McConnell to discuss the explosive reaction to Celtic manager Brendan Rodger's resigning. Billionaire Celtic shareholder Dermot Desmond said Rodger's "words and actions" have been "divisive, misleading and unacceptable" in a very critical statement. Hit Play on this page to listen now…