Best Joe Brolly Podcasts (2025)

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Maccabi Tel Aviv - the most misunderstood football hooligans in the world 45:16

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7h ago45:16

45:16

When Birmingham City Council announced that they would ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the football match against Aston Villa next month, Keir Starmer was quick to react. Not as quick as Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage, but Starmer was soon promising that he would be doing everything in his power to overturn the ban. On Free State today we l…

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The Week Trending: Heather Humphreys Criticises Joe Brolly's Podcast Remarks, Nigel Farage's Attack on Gary Neville and the First AI Actor 21:47

13d ago21:47

21:47

This week on The Week Trending Matt is joined by Broadcaster and Author Aoife Barry and Head of Training at Communications Clinic Lorcan Nyhan to discuss the week's biggest trending stories. This week they discuss Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys' criticism of Joe Brolly's ‘very misogynistic’ podcast comments, Nigel Farage's attack on footb…

1
Communications Guru On Life Advising Political Leaders 17:05

11m ago17:05

17:05

Terry Prone, author of I’m Glad You Asked Me That, spoke to Matt about her years working as a media trainer for the top political and business leaders in the country. Terry outlined her time working with former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and gave fresh insight into the real man behind the persona. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' but…

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Why There Are Strong Arguments For And Against A United Ireland 19:42

1h ago19:42

19:42

On Thursday, Matt spoke to journalists Fintan O’Toole & Sam McBride about the release of their new book “For and Against a United Ireland”. If it came to pass, what would a united Ireland look like? How much of a role would history and religion play for a generation of people who grew up after the Good Friday Agreement came into effect? Hit the ‘Pl…

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Tech Thursday: Cycling Gear To Stay Safe And Seen This Winter 8:44

27m ago8:44

8:44

As we come into winter and the days get shorter, it's important that cyclists take precautions while out on roads. Andy O'Donoghue joined The Last Word to discuss the best cycling tech to stay safe and seen this winter. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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Think You Know The Presidents? Michael D. Higgins 38:20

2h ago38:20

38:20

Michael D Higgins bows out of his two term presidency next month. For some, he leaves a national treasure who spoke from his head and his heart and who, along with his wife Sabina, made the Áras a house of welcome and inclusion. For others, he was a head of state who sometimes pushed too vigorously against the boundaries of his office. But everyone…

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Culture Club: Jamie Duffy 27:33

13h ago27:33

27:33

Composer Jamie Duffy joined Matt for the Culture Club. He spoke about the inspiration for his debut eponymous album, that blends folk, classical and contemporary elements. He also outlined the eclectic range of music he enjoys, along with his other cultural touchstones from the worlds of TV, film and books. To catch the full conversation, press the…

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Presidential Campaign Interview: Heather Humphreys 15:19

14h ago15:19

15:19

On Friday, the country goes to the polls to choose who will become the 10th president of Ireland. Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys joined The Last Word for an interview ahead of Friday's vote. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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The Last Word on The US: White House Says No Plans For Trump-Putin Meeting In The Immediate Future 16:46

2d ago16:46

16:46

There are "no plans" for US President Donald Trump to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin "in the immediate future", a White House official has stated. The update comes despite Trump saying that he would meet his Russian counterpart in Budapest within two weeks to discuss the war in Ukraine. Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas joined The Last Word to discuss th…

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Presidential Election: What To Expect From The Closing Days Of The Campaign 22:08

2d ago22:08

22:08

As the presidential election campaign draws to a close, the two remaining candidates - Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly - are making their final appeals to potential voters. Louise Burne, political correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Professor Gary Murphy, from the School of Law and Government in DCU, and Daniel M…

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A flight, a fry and an unforgettable celebration | 30 years on from Clare’s 95’ All-Ireland victory | Tony Considine 44:33

2d ago44:33

44:33

On this week’s Indo GAA, Michael was joined by Tony Considine - a key member of the management team during Clare’s 1995 All Ireland hurling final victory. 30 years on, Tony recalls his memories of that magic season alongside Ger Loughnane and Mike McNamara, diving into how the group built up to the big day in Croke Park versus Offaly. They also dis…

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Think You Know The Presidents? Mary McAleese 39:28

2d ago39:28

39:28

From the Ardoyne to two stints in the Áras, Mary McAleese's presidency was shaped by her Northern upbringing and driven by a mission to unite communities. But her efforts to build bridges were often met with anger from some political and religious quarters, while Ireland itself went from the boom-time Celtic Tiger riches to an era of financial bail…

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Presidential Campaign Interview: Catherine Connolly 28:45

2d ago28:45

28:45

On Friday, the country will go to the polls to vote for the 10th president of Ireland. Independent candidate Catherine Connolly joined Matt in studio for an in-depth interview on Monday's The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

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Michael Lewis & the lion on the pitch 1:21:44

2d ago1:21:44

1:21:44

The great Michael Lewis is one of our favourite ever guests on Free State. On an October morning at the end of a long book tour, he asked us to talk about anything at all, not just his latest book. In this timeless piece he talks about life, love, loss, and the pain of losing his daughter Dixie in a car crash. (Originally aired in two parts - Octob…

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How To Spot The Signs Of A Brain Tumour In Children And Teenagers 12:15

3d ago12:15

12:15

This National Brain Tumour Awareness Week, Brain Tumour Ireland is highlighting the symptoms of brain tumours in children and teenagers. Tumours of the brain and central nervous system are the most common childhood cancer, alongside leukaemia, but the symptoms can often be confused for other more common illnesses. Dr Sarah Curry, consultant neuro-o…

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The Last Word On Travel: Winter Breaks Across Ireland 9:43

3d ago9:43

9:43

From weekend hotel stays in Dublin, to Christmas markets in Belfast, Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie, outlined the best Winter travel offers for families and couples looking for an at home break. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

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A Time to Mourn and A Time to Dance 38:47

5d ago38:47

38:47

In 2012, while swimming in the Galapagos Islands, Delphine Kelly suffered an aortic aneurysm and drowned. On Free State today, Julia Kelly talks about her extraordinary memoir Still which is a conversation to her mother, built around the cold and austere language of the post mortem. She talks about her troubled relationship with her father the Fine…

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Why Are Athletes Being Persuaded To Join The Enhanced Games? 8:56

6d ago8:56

8:56

Irish swimmer Shane Ryan caused controversy this week when he announced he will be joining the Enhanced Games, which will get underway in May 2026. Participating athletes - of which there are 11 so far - will be permitted to take performance-enhancing drugs throughout the Games. The decision has been widely criticised by sporting bodies around the …

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The Week Trending: Putin Calls Trump; Mercury Snub For Irish Musicians & Met Éireann Seeks Help From Weather Enthusiasts 22:41

6d ago22:41

22:41

Now that he has got the Gaza deal he wanted, has US President Donald Trump's attention refocused on Ukraine? Why has an Irish act never won the Mercury Prize? Do you know a weather enthusiast who could help Met Éireann with a major new project? Marion McKeone and Dave Hanratty joined The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the f…

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Randal Plunkett On Rewilding His Family's Ancient Estate 12:39

7d ago12:39

12:39

What does a reluctant earl do when he inherits a 1,600-acre estate in Co Meath? Randal Plunkett, the 21st Earl of Dunsany, joined The Last Word to discuss how he transformed his ancestral home into Ireland's biggest private rewilding project. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!…

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New Study Claims Hybrid Cars Are As Dangerous For The Environment As Petrol And Diesel Models 10:16

7d ago10:16

10:16

A new report by advocacy group Transport and Environment has found that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles emit just 19% less Co2 than petrol and diesel cars, a much lower figure than the originally projected 75%. Environmental commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.…

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Jonathan Dowdall Enters Witness Protection 10:46

7d ago10:46

10:46

Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor with the Sunday World and host of the Crime World podcast, spoke to Matt about the release from Limerick Prison of former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall who turned state witness in the Regency murder case. Having served his sentence for torture and false imprisonment of a man and for his part in the shoo…

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Think You Know The Presidents? Mary Robinson 37:42

7d ago37:42

37:42

In this episode of Think You Know...The Presidents?, presenters Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy get to grips with their own 'girl crush' as they recall Robinson's rocky road to the Áras, when she encountered sexism and misogyny along the campaign trail. Mary Robinson didn't just win the presidency in 1990, she blew the dusty doors off Áras an Uachtar…

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Donald Trump, The Last Emperor 30:12

7d ago30:12

30:12

Is Donald Trump right for once? Is this the deal to end all deals? And could anyone else have pulled it off? On Free State today, Donald Trump’s role as the last American emperor is examined. Is his Gaza peace deal an example of how his ego and self interest drive people to achieve things normal politicians couldn’t? Is this his great legacy or wil…

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Culture Club: Marie Cassidy 31:47

8d ago31:47

31:47

Former State Pathologist Marie Cassidy spoke to Matt about her second novel, Deadly Evidence, a thriller following the investigative work of a fictional state pathology who must help solve the murder of garda detective. Marie also discussed her favourite music, gigs, books, film, TV and more. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button …

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Irish International Andrew Porter On How His Drive To Excel In Rugby Helped Him Overcome His Eating Disorder 19:24

8d ago19:24

19:24

Andrew Porter is best known for playing as a loosehead prop for Leinster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. He has released his autobiography “Heart on My Sleeve: My Story of Struggle and Strength” in which he details how his mother’s death when he was 12 years old impacted his mental health, his subsequent eating disorder and how fatherhood h…

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Eco Labels Nudge Shoppers Towards More Sustainable Clothes 9:31

8d ago9:31

9:31

Have you ever considered how the clothes you wear were made? Would you choose more sustainable options if they were clearly labelled? Dr Shane Timmons joined The Last Word to discuss new research conducted by the ESRI's Behavioural Unit which found that 'eco labels', which highlight an item of clothing's environmental impact, lead shoppers to make …

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The Last Word On Music: Taylor Swift's 'The Life Of A Showgirl' Divides Fans And Critics 21:33

9d ago21:33

21:33

At the beginning of October, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album 'The Life Of A Showgirl'. Swift reunited with producer Max Martin for this album, who worked alongside her on the hugely successful Red, 1989 and Reputation records. However, her latest album hasn't been as universally lauded has her previous work. Having recently finished her…

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The Last Word On The US: Will Gaza Ceasefire Hold? 15:50

9d ago15:50

15:50

Cal Thomas, US nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone discussed Donald Trump's 24 hour diplomatic mission to the Middle East and his speech in the Israeli Knesset. They also looked ahead to Friday's Washington meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.…

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The Challenging Road Back From Injury And Paralysis 19:07

9d ago19:07

19:07

Fergus Farrell, former rugby player and author of Rebuilding A Man, spoke to Matt about a freak accident that caused a spinal injury and his long, challenging road back to recovery. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

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What it’s really like to be a GAA coach | Behind the scenes insights from 20 years on the line | Cian O'Neill 54:05

9d ago54:05

54:05

Head of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies at MTU Cork, Cian O'Neill, joins Michael on this week's edition of the Indo GAA podcast - exploring the “all consuming” nature of elite level coaching and management in gaelic games, and discussing an ongoing study in relation to the topic. He also dives into what it's like to work alongside Jack O'Connor …

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Think You Know The Presidents? Patrick Hillery 39:26

9d ago39:26

39:26

Did you know that Hillery was forced to deal with rumours of his extramarital affair at a time when the Pope was visiting Ireland? Or that he was embroiled in political controversy when senior members of Fianna Fáil made calls to Áras an Uachtaráin to try and persuade the president not to dissolve the Dáil? In this episode of Think You Know...The P…

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Mise Éire with Ian Óg Paisley (just don’t mention bilingual signs) 30:35

9d ago30:35

30:35

Ian Paisley Jr says he might be open to persuasive arguments over a United Ireland. The DUP says it is not interested in engaging or being persuaded on ‘the so called merits’ of a United Ireland. On Free State today, we ask what does this tell us about the worthy concept of reconciliation and is it now effectively a unionist veto on a United Irelan…

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Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell On Growing Up In Wigan, Becoming A Father At 16 & World Cup 2027 Hopes 30:37

10d ago30:37

30:37

On Monday, Matt met Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, as he launched his new autobiography 'The Only Way I Know'. Farrell spoke openly about his working class upbringing in Wigan, the characteristics required to lead a professional team and his experience of becoming a father to his son Owen when he himself was just a teenager. Hit the 'Play' button…

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Thurles To Be As Accessible To Dublin As Greystones Under Irish Rail Plans 9:53

10d ago9:53

9:53

Barry Kenny from Irish Rail outlined the changes to rail timetables and travel times, that will increase the commuter belt around Dublin. To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

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Venezuela's Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize 8:03

13d ago8:03

8:03

Matt is joined by Lew Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist at The Journal Larry Donnelly to discuss Venezuela's Opposition Leader María Corina Machado win of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The politician has been in hiding since August 2024. US President Donald Trump had been lobbying for the prize having been nominated by several govern…

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Luke Combs To Become The First Country Star To Headline Slane Castle 13:11

14d ago13:11

13:11

Luke Combs will headline the iconic Slane Castle in 2026, becoming the first country singer to do so. He’ll be supported by The Script, Ty Myers, and The Castellows. Does this move signal a change in direction for the venue, after becoming famous for hosting some of the world’s biggest rock and roll acts? John Caddell & Dee Reddy spoke to Matt on T…

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Tech Thursday: The Best Budgeting & Money Apps 13:53

14d ago13:53

13:53

This week on Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joined The Last Word to run through all of the best budgeting and money apps. Whether you're saving up for something big or you just want to better manage your money, these apps could help you save some cash. Catch the full chat by pressing the play button on this page!…

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Did The Government Ignore The Climate Crisis In Budget 2026? 13:00

14d ago13:00

13:00

Critics have accused the government of failing to adequately tackle climate change in Budget 2026, which was announced by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe & Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers on Tuesday. Labour TD Marie Sherlock said that climate action has “fallen off the political agenda”, while presidential candidate and Independe…

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Think You Know The Presidents? Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh 38:18

14d ago38:18

38:18

Why was Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh so divisive? The legal eagle managed to ruffle the feathers of many government officials during his time with one minister branding him a "thundering disgrace". But there are many questions that surround Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh's controversial (and short) term as president. Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy get colourful in thei…

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Let’s call the presidential election off. feat Maria Steen, Lara Trump... but not Jim Gavin 41:33

14d ago41:33

41:33

Is there any point to the presidential election anymore? Maria Steen who failed to get on the ballot has called for the presidential election to be cancelled and run again following Jim Gavin’s withdrawal. On Free State today, we ask why Maria thinks democracy has failed? Joe and Dion disagree on her chances of getting elected if she’d been a candi…

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Culture Club: Leona Forde 32:03

15d ago32:03

32:03

Children's writer and teacher, Leona Forde, was the latest inductee into the Culture Club. Leona spoke to Matt about the latest book in her Milly McCarthy series - Milly McCarthy And The Haunted House HullaBOOloo! She also discussed her favourite books, music, movies and TV shows. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page…

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The Last Word On The US: Could Trump Win The Nobel Peace Prize - And What Will He Do If He Doesn't? 16:00

15d ago16:00

16:00

The winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday and US President Donald Trump clearly believes that he deserves the honour. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss whether Trump has a chance of receiving one of the world's most prestigious awards and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch th…

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Personal Finance: Squeezed Middle Feeling The Pinch From Budget 2026 14:32

15d ago14:32

14:32

On Tuesday, the government confirmed that it would not be increasing tax credits or tax bands in Budget 2026. This has left many middle-income earners feeling as though they are worse off than before. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Matt on Wednesday to explain how this could impact your pocket. Hit the ‘P…

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Budget 2026 Is Focused On "Future Proofing" Irish Economy - Minister For Public Expenditure Jack Chambers 12:23

16d ago12:23

12:23

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Have Workers Been Shortchanged In Budget 2026? 10:30

16d ago10:30

10:30

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What Is In Budget 2026? 20:40

16d ago20:40

20:40

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John Meyler | Hurling For Tim fundraiser | Cork hurling's big reset | Patrick Horgan's legacy 47:44

16d ago47:44

47:44

Former Cork manager John Meyler joins Michael for this week's edition of the Indo GAA podcast, ahead of a fundraiser for his former Kilmoyley starlet Tim O’Brien. Tim's life changed forever after a road accident in 2010 left him paralysed from the neck down at just 18. A talented underage hurler, Tim has faced unimaginable challenges with courage a…

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Think You Know The Presidents? Erskine Childers 39:54

16d ago39:54

39:54

Erskine Childer's presidency is something of a tragic tale which begins with his revolutionary father who was executed in 1922, while his then 16 year old son was taken out of his British boarding school to say goodbye. But why did Childer's father's dark secrets haunt him? And how did his wife nearly become his successor? In this episode of Think …

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How Jim Gavin came undone in the Nasty Rose of Tralee 46:25

16d ago46:25

46:25