Best Good And Substantial Podcasts (2025)

On Tuesday, we will finally hear the details of how €120 billion will be spent in Budget 2026. Is the government spending more than it should? We hear from Dr. Emma Howard, lecturer from the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at TU Dublin.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Reaction to the latest TV Presidential debate 13:21

Play Pause

3d ago13:21

13:21

With opinion polls showing Catherine Connolly in a clear lead in the 2025 Presidential election, the independent candidate debated with Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin on The Week in Politics. Prof Gary Murphy of DCU and RTÉ's Sandra Hurley give their analysis.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Thomas Byrne on the Presidential election and Budget 2026 9:02

3d ago9:02

9:02

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, speaks about the Presidential election and the upcoming budget.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
Is there finally a prospect for peace in Gaza? 11:46

3d ago11:46

11:46

Israeli planes and tanks pounded areas across Gaza overnight and this morning, destroying several residential buildings, witnesses said, as Palestinians hoped a US plan to end the war would soon ease their suffering. Aisling Kenny reports from Tel Aviv before we hear analysis from Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent with The Economist.…

1
What changes in Local Property Tax will mean for you? 7:26

3d ago7:26

7:26

You may have recently received a letter from Revenue asking for a re-evaluation of your property's value. Homeowners have until the 7th of November to file a Local Property Tax return. Eithne Dodd reports on how these changes will affect homeowners.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Hanuman and the Ego and How to Transcend 9:33

7d ago9:33

9:33

Hanuman and the Ego and How to Transcend by Paul FredricBy Paul Fredric

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Is it good economics to pay €10 million for an NFL match in Dublin? 6:17

10d ago6:17

6:17

Thousands of American tourists have come to Dublin this weekend to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Minnesota Vikings in Croke Park. But is it right for the Irish state to provide funding for such an event? Eithne Dodd reports.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
Starmer under pressure as Labour conference begins in Liverpool 5:20

12d ago5:20

5:20

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure over his leadership of the Labour Party as Reform UK leads opinion polls. Mr Starmer has said that he believes Labour can "pull this round" as the party meets for its annual conference in Liverpool. Tommy Meskill, London Correspondent, reports.…

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The latest on the Presidential campaign 16:31

12d ago16:31

16:31

The 2025 Presidential campaign clicks into gear as Jim Gavin launches his campaign in Dublin. Mícheál Lehane, Political Correspondent, reports before we hear analysis from Ger Howlin, political columnist and public affairs consultant, and Liz Carolan of thebriefing.ie comments on their social media strategies.…

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Bodies found in Dublin believed to be those of a father and daughter 2:15

12d ago2:15

2:15

Gardaí believe the bodies of a man and child discovered at a house in Finglas in Dublin are those of a father and his daughter. Sinéad Hussey, Midlands Correspondent, reports.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Europe take substantial lead into final day of the Ryder Cup 4:31

12d ago4:31

4:31

In the face of a hostile New York crowd, Luke Donald's European side head into the final day of the 2025 Ryder Cup with an impressive 11.5-4.5 lead over the United States. Greg Allen gives us the latest update.By RTÉ Radio 1

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HSE Chief Bernard Gloster on the decision to fold Children's Health Ireland into the HSE 15:39

12d ago15:39

15:39

After months of controversy at Children’s Health Ireland, the group is to be incorporated into the HSE. CHI has been under pressure after controversies involving orthopaedic and spinal surgeries, and long waiting lists for children with scoliosis. HSE CEO Bernard Gloster joins us from Limerick.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Will the UK's recognition of the state of Palestine change anything? 5:59

19d ago5:59

5:59

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce today that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine. But will it change anything? We hear from Vincent Fean, retired British diplomat and a trustee with the British Palestine Project.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Should the government reduce the VAT rate for food serving businesses? 5:29

19d ago5:29

5:29

With the budget on the horizon, there have been calls for the government to reduce the VAT rate on food serving businesses back to 9% from the current 13.5%. Eithne Dodd reports.By RTÉ Radio 1

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The latest update on the travel disruption at Dublin Airport 3:20

19d ago3:20

3:20

Aer Lingus says customers travelling through Dublin Airport can expect delays and cancellations due to disruption caused by a Europe-wide technical issue impacting check-in and boarding systems. We get the latest from aviation journalist Eoghan Corry.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Minister Jack Chambers on energy credits, restaurant VAT and tightening the purse strings 17:49

19d ago17:49

17:49

With two weeks to go until the budget, the Central Bank, ESRI and Fiscal Advisory Council believe that the government package will be too large. We speak to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy on why the party decided not to run a presidential candidate 7:52

19d ago7:52

7:52

After weeks of speculation, Sinn Féin yesterday decided not to run a party candidate in the Presidential election, instead putting their support behind Catherine Connolly. Matt Carthy TD explains the decision.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Why are energy bills so high? 4:56

19d ago4:56

4:56

With winter on the way, consumers will need to prepare for the increasing costs of staying warm. Why is energy so expensive in Ireland? Paul Deane, senior lecturer in clean energy futures at UCC explains.By RTÉ Radio 1

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How is the presidential race shaping up? 7:39

19d ago7:39

7:39

With Sinn Féin's decision to back Catherine Connolly, the presidential field may now be set though Maria Steen is still pursuing a place in the race. Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent, gives his analysis.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Heather Humphreys launches campaign as presidential race heats up 6:29

26d ago6:29

6:29

If you want to find a confirmed presidential candidate, head to the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly. In attendance are the three confirmed candidates: Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin, and Independent Catherine Connolly. RTÉ Political Correspondent Paul Cunningham joined us to examine the candidates' strategies.…

1
Testing the waters: why are swimmers kept in the dark about water quality for half the year? 5:33

26d ago5:33

5:33

How do you know if the water quality is good enough to swim in? Tomorrow the official bathing season, when the quality of Irish bathing waters must be tested by law, ends. It means swimmers won't be able to tell if the water is clean enough to swim in. RTÉ reporter Eithne Dodd has been asking if people will still be getting into the water.…

1
Learner drivers who fail repeated driving tests will be required to take new lessons - Minister Seán Canney 11:29

26d ago11:29

11:29

Learner drivers who fail their driving test twice will be required to take additional driving lessons in order to go back on the road under new proposals. Learner drivers will also be required to sit a driving test after their third learner permit. The Minister responsible for road safety, Seán Canney, joined the show to break down the proposals.…

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No second tier of child benefit in next month's Budget 7:24

26d ago7:24

7:24

The government has confirmed that the energy credits which were paid in the wake of last year's budget have come to an end and will not be included in next month's budget. We were joined by the Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary to talk through the government's plan in regards to social welfare.…

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Three mothers on the pressure to pay bills and put food on the table amid rising prices 9:20

26d ago9:20

9:20

Earlier this week Bord Gáis and Pinergy announced price increases for residential electricity customers. The Children's Rights Alliance says the cost of living crisis continues to rain down on poorer families. Justin went to Ballyfermot in Dublin to meet three mothers, who told him about the stresses and struggles of living on the breadline.…

1
The knives are out for Keir Starmer after his worst week in office 5:05

26d ago5:05

5:05

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer lost his US Ambassador Peter Mandelson this week over his links to the convicted child sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein, and his deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor resigned over a tax scandal. Can Kier Starmer himself survive? We posed this question to London Independent's Chief Political Commentator John Rentoul.…

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America on the brink in the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk 5:39

26d ago5:39

5:39

In the aftermath of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday, the US President and his advisors have escalated their attacks on left wing opponents, even before a suspect was identified. Doyle McManus, a contributing writer with the LA Times, reported on the assassination's aftershocks.…

1
LHP and Eastern Religion with Special Guest Shane Bugbee 1:06:59

28d ago1:06:59

1:06:59

LHP and Eastern Religion with Special Guest Shane Bugbee by Paul FredricBy Paul Fredric

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The psychology of Traitors - why is it so difficult to spot a liar? 6:24

1M ago6:24

6:24

The TV show Traitors returns to RTÉ 1 television this evening. The show displays how difficult it can be to spot a liar, and how easy it can be to engage in deception. I spoke to Dr Gillian Murphy, senior lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology at UCC, about whether it's difficult to be a good liar.…

1
National Review Panel to examine missing boy case amid ongoing search 15:33

1M ago15:33

15:33

A search is continuing in Donabate, Co Dublin for a missing boy, who is presumed dead. The child - who would now be aged seven - has not been seen for the past four years. We heard from RTÉ reporter Sharon Lynch and the chairperson of the National Review Panel Dr Helen Buckley.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Kerry County Council to hear pitches from prospective independent presidential candidates 6:29

1M ago6:29

6:29

On Tuesday Fianna Fail will select its candidate to enter the presidential election. And tomorrow 12 hopefuls will address Kerry County Council seeking a nomination for the presidency. The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Fine Gael Councillor Michael Foley joined us to shed light on the nominating process and his party's strategy.…

1
The presidential race: an analysis 5:16

1M ago5:16

5:16

RTÉ political reporter Sandra Hurley broke down the odds of the main candidates - as well as the dark horses - in the race for the presidency.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
The green shoots in Ireland's rural economy 6:51

1M ago6:51

6:51

More than 2000 pubs closed across the country since 2005 with rural towns worst affected. But despite the headlines, there are signs of recovery in rural Ireland as previously closed premises are reopening to help provide important services in rural towns and villages. RTÉ reporter Sally-Ann Barrett went to County Tipperary to find out more.…

1
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon on the pressure coming on Ireland to drop its objections to the Mercosur trade deal 12:36

1M ago12:36

12:36

How much pressure will Ireland come under to agree to the 49-billion euro Mercosur trade deal? It would see a 39% increase in EU exports to South American countries, but Ireland opposes it due to fears of South American beef flooding the European market. Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon laid out the government's strategy in regards to the deal.…

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Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly on her campaign and critics 26:30

1M ago26:30

26:30

While there has been feverish activity amongst the other parties to find a suitable candidate, the only declared runner with sufficient support is the independent TD Catherine Connolly. She speaks to This Week.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
The Gavin Gamble: FF minister Norma Foley on why the leadership is backing a party outsider for the presidency 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

After weeks of speculation, Taoiseach Micheál Martin finally revealed yesterday that he wants former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin to represent Fianna Fáil in the presidential election. Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, and Fianna Fáil TD, Norma Foley speaks to This Week.By RTÉ Radio 1

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The Master of the National Maternity Hopsital on women having children later in life 7:10

1M ago7:10

7:10

Almost half of all the mothers who gave birth at the National Maternity Hospital last year were in their late 30s or 40s. One in ten mothers were aged over 40. The master of the National Maternity Hospital Professor Shane Higgins joins This Week to speak about the trends.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta on the radical changes in the United States under Donald Trump 10:14

1M ago10:14

10:14

President Donald Trump continues to shake global news and markets with the positions he has taken in his second term. This Week gets analysis from Jim Acosta, broadcaster and former CNN Correspondent, who made an address to the Kennedy Summer School in Wexford this weekend.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Crunch time approaches for Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein to decide on Presidential candidate 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

With two months until the Presidential Election, there is still just one candidate (Catherine Connolly) in the field while we await Fine Gael's choice. But what about Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil? We hear from Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne; former deputy head of press for Sinn Fein, Siobhan Fenton; and then analysis from the Irish Times' Harry McGee.…

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A consultant in rehabilitation medicine on the life altering injuries caused by electric scooter collissions 7:54

2M ago7:54

7:54

There has been a large rise in the number of e-scooters on the roads and footpaths across the country. Collisions involving the devices can have devastating consequences. Dr Raymond Carson, a consultant in rehabilitation medicine at the National Rehabilitation University Hospital, speaks to This Week.…

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Donald Trump attempts to redraw the political map to hold power 6:55

2M ago6:55

6:55

Seven months out from a US midterm election which will determine whether President Donald Trump maintains control over the US House of Representatives, a key piece of legislation was passed in Texas to redraw the political map. Bob Schmuhl, Professor of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame, gives his analysis.…

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A rise in problem gambling among women 5:19

2M ago5:19

5:19

Concerns about a rise in harmful gambling among women came to the fore this week in the wake of a garda investigation into reports of online ticket fraud. Harmful gambling among females in Ireland rose tenfold between 2019 and 2023, according to the ESRI. Nicola Kelly from the Cuain Mhuire treatment centre in Athy speaks to This Week.…

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UNICEF on the declaration of famine in Gaza 6:41

2M ago6:41

6:41

A quarter of all Palestinians in Gaza are starving. That is more than half a million people. That number is expected to rise to more than 640,000 within the next six weeks. Rosalia Bollen, UNICEF communications specialist for Palestine, outlines the situation on the ground.By RTÉ Radio 1

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European leaders to attend Trump meeting with Zelensky 10:03

2M ago10:03

10:03

After the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will now be joined by EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron for his meeting with the US President in Washington. We get reaction from Ukrainian MP Maria Metsentseva and BBC journalist Vitaly Shevchenko.…

1
Could we see the end of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon? 5:33

2M ago5:33

5:33

There is mounting concern that the United Nation's peacekeeping operation may not have its mandate renewed at the end of this month. Ireland has participated in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon - on and off - since 1978 and has more than 340 troops stationed there. Retired Brigader General Ger Ahern joins us from our Athlone Studio.…

1
Could new DNA testing help identify the killer of Sophie Toscan du Plantier? 6:33

2M ago6:33

6:33

Items belonging to Sophie Toscan du Plantier, who was murdered in 1996, have been analysed with new DNA testing called M-VAC. A Garda cold case team are awaiting results. This Week speaks to Frank Buttimer, the solicitor who represented the late Ian Bailey for over twenty years.By RTÉ Radio 1

1
'You don't see Palestinians' - how Israeli media is covering the Gaza war 7:30

2M ago7:30

7:30

The Israeli military has said it is preparing for the next stage of its offensive to seize control of northern Gaza City. With dozens reported dead each day including children, aid seekers and journalists, how is the conflict reported on through Israeli media? Kate Varley reports.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Where now for the Presidential Election after Mairead McGuinness' withdrawal? 13:14

2M ago13:14

13:14

After Mairead McGuinness' withdrawal on health grounds, Fine Gael are now searching for another candidate for the Presidential Election. So who looks the most likely? We first hear from Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty, and then get analysis from the Political Editor of the Irish Independent, Mary Regan.…

1
Accommodation shortages worsen for college students 5:42

2M ago5:42

5:42

Supply shortages and the cost of accommodation continue to be major issues for students and their families. Bryan O'Mahoney, President of the Union of Students in Ireland, tells This Week how students are coping ahead of the new academic year.By RTÉ Radio 1

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Oasis fans say it loud and sing it proud at Croke Park reunion 4:06

2M ago4:06

4:06

The event everyone has been talking about in Ireland is taking place this weekend as Oasis play two sold out nights at Croke Park. The Manchester icons played their first Irish gig since 2009 last night and RTÉ's Alan Corr was there.By RTÉ Radio 1