Best Barely Contained Podcasts (2025)

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Oasis impotence epidemic and Gillian McKeith's traumatic spaghetti flashback 35:04

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12d ago35:04

35:04

Matt Withers and Chris Beckett return for another look at the latest online celebrity journalism, including an Oasis impotence epidemic, Gillian McKeith's traumatic spaghetti flashback and Ali Fedotowsky-Manno's mortifying dental veneer loss.By Barely Contained

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Supermarkets have pushed back against claims of price gouging 4:08

1d ago4:08

4:08

Supermarkets have pushed back against claims of price gouging, saying their prices remain competitive and their profit margins are slim. We discuss further with Charlie Weston, Personal Finances Editor with the Independent.

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What are the rules of beach etiquette? 5:44

1d ago5:44

5:44

With temperatures hitting 30 degrees this weekend, beach trips are a no-brainer but do you know your seaside do’s and don’ts? Features Journalist at the Irish Independent, Kirsty Blake Knox tells us.

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Research shows Stigma around addiction still very real 7:01

1d ago7:01

7:01

81% of Irish people say the drugs problem is out of control in this country – that’s according to new research published by Merchants Quay Ireland. It also shows that stigma remains a real and pressing concern for those in addiction in Ireland To discuss further Ciara spoke to Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchant’s Quay.…

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A loyalist bonfire with an effigy of migrants in a boat has been lit 6:59

1d ago6:59

6:59

A loyalist bonfire in Co Tyrone controversially topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat has been lit. The Police Service of Northern Ireland earlier said they were investigating a hate incident in reference to the pyre. An Irish tricolour flag was also placed on the bonfire, which is among about 300 which will be burned ahead of the Orange Orde…

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Calls for legally defined temperature limits in the workplace 6:16

1d ago6:16

6:16

Many will be embracing the warm weather facing us this weekend, but Labour Party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock is calling for legally defined temperature limits for all workplaces to protect employees. Marie spoke to Ciara this morning.

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More reaction to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications refused 4:17

1d ago4:17

4:17

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that 'careful consideration' was given to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications. As we reported earlier this week, 47 members of the team were due to come from the West Bank next week, but they were refused due to “insufficient documentation”. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gill Waters, GAA Palestine Press Offi…

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40 years since Live Aid 4:58

1d ago4:58

4:58

Sunday marks 40 years since Live Aid, the benefit concert organised by Bob Geldof in 1985 following the success of the successful charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?". It is estimated that 150 million pounds has been raised for famine relief since Live Aid – but what other impacts have the concerts had? All to ask Dipo Faloyin author of “A…

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Social Democrats proposing a savings scheme to fund affordable housing 5:42

1d ago5:42

5:42

The Social Democrats are proposing a savings scheme to fund affordable housing, saying it could deliver thousands of homes a year and help tackle the housing crisis. With more on this we spoke to Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson.

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Tips on cooking the perfect summer BBQ next 6:22

2d ago6:22

6:22

We’re looking into a weekend of glorious weather, and with the sun comes barbecue season! So, what are the best recipes to make the most of the sunshine? Telling us all was TV Chef Aisling Larkin.

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A half-built school lying idle in North Dublin 4:20

2d ago4:20

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A half-built school lying idle in North Dublin is a lesson in the State's inability to get things done. That’s according to Mick Clifford Special correspondent with the Irish Examiner. Mick spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

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Airline delays could be worst than ever this summer! 4:47

2d ago4:47

4:47

The EU has warned that airline delays could be at their worst ever this summer as understaffed air traffic controllers battle strikes, wildfires and high demand. To discuss further was Pádraig Ó Céidigh Founder of Aer Lingus Regional and Former Chair of Shannon Group.

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Growing calls for comprehensive maternity care review 6:43

2d ago6:43

6:43

An expert group has urged a nationwide review of maternity services following a report into care at Portiuncula University Hospital Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast with more on this was David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Health.

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Loyalist bonfire containing an effigy of migrants condemned 9:20

2d ago9:20

9:20

A loyalist bonfire in Tyrone with an effigy of migrants in a boat has come in for widespread condemnation. Speaking to Shane this morning was Jamie Bryson, Editor of the Unionist Voice.

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Calls for extra late-night transport for Dublin concertgoers 6:37

2d ago6:37

6:37

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal West, Grace Boland has called for urgent action to boost public transport during major concerts, after reports of fans being stranded or forced to walk home due to limited late-night services.

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Why are more and more Irish adults choosing to get baptised? 5:38

2d ago5:38

5:38

Seventy adults were baptised in the Archdiocese of Dublin this April, up from just 39 in 2024. It’s the highest number ever recorded by the diocese and the majority of converts were in their twenties and thirties. So, why is religion having a revival with some young people? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports:…

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Ursula Von der Leyen faces a vote of no confidence 4:34

2d ago4:34

4:34

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen is facing a motion of no confidence in the European Parliament today. To hear more on this Ciara was joined by Jack Parrock, Brussels Based Journalist.

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Sun, sun, sun this weekend! 1:54

2d ago1:54

1:54

The country is set for a scorcher this weekend! We get the latest on what the weather is going to be like for the next couple of days with Met Eireann Forecaster Aoife Kealy.

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Dublin’s North Inner City still waiting for cctv cameras 3:52

3d ago3:52

3:52

CCTV cameras are yet to be installed on lamp posts in Dublin’s North Inner City to catch illegal dumping, despite initial plans to have them in place from last January. Why the delay? We asked Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor Dublin North inner city.

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Why insurance policyholders aren’t seeing savings? 4:19

3d ago4:19

4:19

Savings being generated by the Injuries Resolution Board not being seen by policyholders. That’s according to Brian Hanley, CEO Alliance for Insurance Reform, who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

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Religious groups involved in historical sexual abuse "will be held accountable" 6:17

3d ago6:17

6:17

Minister for Education Helen McEntee has said the religious groups involved in historical sexual abuse "will be held accountable" following the Government's commitment to establish a Commission of Investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse in schools across the country. Speaking to Ciara this morning was John Coulter, Member of the s…

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Delays on tests and treatments for cancer are causing avoidable deaths 6:25

3d ago6:25

6:25

Delays on tests and treatments for cancer are causing avoidable deaths, as every four weeks waiting for treatment can increase mortality by 10 per cent. That’s the latest warning from the Irish Cancer Society and Shane spoke to their CEO Averil Power.

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Will there be extra rail services for All-Ireland Final? 4:16

3d ago4:16

4:16

There have been calls for extra rail services for hurling fans travelling to the Tipperary v Cork All-Ireland Final. Will there be extra services? We asked Barry Kenny, Chief Communications Manager at Iarnrod Eireann.

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Hold your hoses and conserve water! 4:56

3d ago4:56

4:56

With a long spell of warm weather on the way, Uisce Éireann is urging everyone to help protect our water supplies. We spoke to Mairead Conlon Asset Strategy Manager at Uisce Éireann.

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Eighth cousin of Barack Obama Henry Healy 3:29

4d ago3:29

3:29

Barack Obama will visit Ireland in September and people can pay two thousand euro for a photo opportunity with him. With us to continue the discussion is someone who might know the former US President a bit better than us. Henry Healy, Moneygall native and eighth cousin of Barack Obama.

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Do you get the princess treatment or bare minimum or bare minimum? 5:34

4d ago5:34

5:34

Getting your partner flowers, making them coffee every morning, giving them presents six months before their actual birthday. Is this the bare minimum in a relationship, or the “princess treatment”? This is the question that has been all over social media recently. We ask is it just encouraging unfair standards in relationships? All to discuss with…

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Almost half of families going without or cutting down on basic essentials 5:37

4d ago5:37

5:37

Almost half of families going without or cutting down on basic essentials. So says Barnardos in their Cost of Living 2025 report. We discussed the findings with Barnardos National Policy Manager, Stephen Moffatt.

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What if the next president of this Republic was, in fact, you? 7:33

4d ago7:33

7:33

New names for the Áras are emerging every week, but what if the next president of this Republic was, in fact, you? That’s the proposal of our guest Joe Humphreys, Assistant News Editor at The Irish Times and writer of the Unthinkable philosophy column.

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Tuesday Riff: Barack Obama to visit Ireland 4:10

4d ago4:10

4:10

Former US President Barack Obama visit to Ireland. An evening with the former US President will take places in the 3Arena on Friday 23rd September along with a €2k photo opportunity. Ciara and Shane discussed this morning.

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What will the future of US-EU trade be? 6:31

4d ago6:31

6:31

The European Union is to be given an extra three weeks to negotiate an agreement with the United States, to avert an escalating trade war between the two sides. Joining us now to discuss this further was Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European affairs and Columnist with The Currency, Dan O’Brien.…

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A concern over new domestic violence disclosure scheme 4:33

4d ago4:33

4:33

A new domestic violence disclosure scheme could expose women and girls to an “unacceptable” risk of further abuse. That's according to an internal Department of Justice analysis. To discuss further was Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with Irish times.

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Calls to scrap parking charges at Irish hospitals 4:46

4d ago4:46

4:46

There are fresh calls to scrap parking charges at Irish hospitals, after new figures revealed staff and patients paid nearly €19 million for spaces last year. These figures were obtained by Labour’s social protection spokesperson and Kildare South TD Mark Wall who spoke to Ciara this morning.

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President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu meet 4:36

4d ago4:36

4:36

US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for White House talks where the Israeli Prime Minister he has nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, presenting the US president with a letter he sent to the prize committee. We get the latest on this with Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent for The Economist.…

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So, Are You Excited? 1:02:47

5d ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Gregory welcomes back Lyndon Radchenka to discuss his recent announcement about being selected as a writer for a new DC Comics anthology. They discuss Lyndon's journey over the last ten years, starting as an aspiring comics creator to becoming an actual one. Ask your local comic store to order copies of DC's Zatannic Panic, featuring a story from L…

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Nearly two thousand teaching posts were left vacant this year 5:27

5d ago5:27

5:27

More than 1,800 teaching posts were left vacant this year, while many schools in the greater Dublin area are already struggling to fill positions for September. That’s according to a review of teacher payroll from the Department of Education, and we heard from Michael Gillespie, General Secretary TUI.…

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It’s a court case that the world has been watching 6:20

5d ago6:20

6:20

It’s a court case that the world has been watching. Australian mother, Erin Patterson, has been found guilty of murdering her estranged husband's parents and an aunt by serving them a beef wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms Marta Pascual Juanola, Crime reporter with The Age gave us the latest on this case.…

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Minimum size of studio apartments to encourage more building from developers 7:18

5d ago7:18

7:18

A reduction in the minimum size of studio apartments is among the measures that Cabinet will consider this week to encourage developers to build more. Speaking to Shane was Gavin Lawlor President of Irish Planning Institute.

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Watchdog warns motor industry against anticompetitive practices 8:13

5d ago8:13

8:13

Consumers must be free to choose where they service their vehicles and what parts they use without fear of losing their warranty. That’s the call this morning from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, who are warning the motor industry to stop limiting consumer choice. We discuss this further with Craig Whelan Director of Antitrust f…

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Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington today 3:19

5d ago3:19

3:19

An Israeli delegation is in Qatar for talks on a possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal. This comes as later today Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to visit the White House to meet with US President Donald Trump. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Mark Weiss Israel Correspondent with The Irish Times.…

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No prosecutions for illegal modifications on e-Scooters 4:07

5d ago4:07

4:07

More than a year after new laws were introduced to regulate e-scooters, not a single prosecution has been brought for illegal modifications. Joining Shane to discuss this further was Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire.

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The latest on the devastating floods in central Texas 5:51

5d ago5:51

5:51

The death toll from devastating floods in central Texas has jumped to at least 82 people, with ten girls still missing from the worst-hit Kerr County. We get the latest on the devastating floods with David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief with The Guardian. 

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Episode 240: DC Shorts Ep#30- The Potential For Magic That Exists In Every Moment 14:27

6d ago14:27

14:27

In this episode Antony explains how and why magic can flow into our daily lives even when we're carrying out the most mindane of tasks. He provides some recent examples of how magic has surfaced in his own life at surprising moments. Discerning Consciousness Website: https://discerningconsciousness.blogspot.com…

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Do people need to embrace boredom a bit more? 3:38

8d ago3:38

3:38

July is “Anti-boredom month”, first invented in the 1980s to encourage people to get more active, both physically and mentally. But nowadays, do people need to embrace boredom a bit more? All to chat to with Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin.

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Ireland’s relationship with the United States soured? 6:53

8d ago6:53

6:53

Today is the fourth of July, which is traditionally a day to celebrate all things about America! But has Ireland’s relationship with the United States soured as a result of our stance on Israel's actions in Gaza? All to discuss with Dan Mulhall Former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.

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Was banning bedsits back in 2013 a mistake? 7:21

8d ago7:21

7:21

Bedsits suited students, single people, separated people and many others, and should not have been banned in 2013. That’s according to Michael McDowell’s latest column in the Irish Times. To discuss further is Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Town Planning, UCD and also Rory Hearne, H…

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Michael O’Leary reacts to air traffic control strikes in France 9:53

8d ago9:53

9:53

Four hundred flights were cancelled by Ryanair, including 170 Irish flights, following two days of Air Traffic Control strikes in France. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has said EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyden should step down “if she’s not willing to reform Europe's failed ATC service”. Michael spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.…

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Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions decrease by 2 per cent in 2024 5:44

8d ago5:44

5:44

Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions decrease by 2 per cent in 2024. That's according to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment.

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Disagreements over the likely costs of a united Ireland 6:01

8d ago6:01

6:01

A united Ireland would cost €3 billion in the first year, but any financial burdens would disappear within a decade – so says a report published by Dublin City University and Ulster University. To discuss further with Ciara was John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.…

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OJ Simpson’s lawyer on the P Diddy verdict and more 8:53

9d ago8:53

8:53

A U.S. judge has denied Sean "Diddy" Combs' request to be released from jail ahead of his sentencing, after the music mogul was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life but found guilty of lesser prostitution-related offenses. Ciara spoke to Alan Dershowitz , OJ Simpson's Defence Lawyer and st…

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Environment Minister rules out nuclear energy to provide clean electricity 6:14

9d ago6:14

6:14

Environment minister, Darragh O’Brien, has ruled out developing nuclear energy as an answer to the country’s pressing need for clean electricity. The Minister said it’s not even in the room, let alone on the table as an option. We get reaction to this with Denis Duff, Chartered Engineer and Co-founder of 18for, a voluntary group of energy, nuclear,…