Behind the Story

Podcasts and conflicts of interest were under the microscope at the Dáil media committee today.  Political reporter, Juilette Gash joins Fran and Aisling to discuss Ivan Yates, the media regulator and the possibility that podcasts might be subject to new media rules.  Later, the duo are joined by Clean Energy lecturer, Paul Deane of UCC, to tease out whether small nuclear reactors could...

Jackie Fox and Aisling Kenny are joined by former Democratic Governor Howard Dean to discuss JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg entry into political life. Jackie also reveals the story behind how she came across Troy Parrott's granny on Portland Row.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US military continues to build up forces off the coast of Venezuela, but what is really going on there? Professor of International Politics, Scott Lucas joins Evelyn O'Rourke and Maggie Doyle to explain what is happening in the region and why it's possible, the so called war on narco-terrorists is really a pretext for regime change.  Later, Evelyn and Maggie discuss the Tik Tok awards and...

Ahead of the release of the government's housing plan, Fran and Laura take at look at what is known so far and reel back the years on previous housing plans.  Later, as EU Commissioner Michael McGrath announces his flagship policy: the Democracy Shield, Europe Editor, Tony Connelly joins the hosts to explain what the so called 'shield' is and how it might work to combat disinformation and pro...

Two senior executives at the BBC have resigned over an edited clip used in a Panorama documentary about Trump and the Capitol Hill riots. But, what exactly happened inside the BBC over the past few days? and why is Trump now threatened legal action and demanding an apology? Reporter Enda Brady joins Fran and Aisling to explain what is going on and why it has become such a huge problem for the worl...

Love motels, cruise ships and new highways - some of the things you might not know about the Climate summit COP30. Laura Fletcher joins Fran to discuss the ins and outs of the biggest environment meeting in the world and the challenges that delegates face over the next two weeks to hammer out an agreement.  Later, the duo are joined by freelance reporter, Kieran Cunningham to examine the inau...

Reporter John Cooke joins Fran to discuss the ongoing murder investigation into Co Clare woman, Emer O'Loughlin. Earlier today, a jury at an inquest returned a verdict of unlawful killing. Emer was killed on April 8th 2005 in what were deemed to be suspicious circumstances at the time. Fran and John discuss the case and how the main suspect, John 'Fozzie' Griffin, remains at large.  Later, Fr...

An expert in misinformation has warned about the amount of “AI slop” online as a new investigation found 172 instances of political mis- and disinformation on social media platforms in the six weeks leading up to the presidential election. Ciarán O’Connor from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue told Behind the Story they monitor social media platforms and identify instances of “online attacks on...

The judge in the DJ Carey case told the former hurling legend that he can expect a prison sentence for defrauding people for falsely claiming he needed money for cancer treatment. Prime Time's Paul Murphy was in court today to hear the victim impact statements and details about DJ Carey's claim he had received treatment in a Seattle hospital. Paul joins Katie and Aisling to outline what was said i...

As the dust settles on the presidential election, some Fianna Fáil members are questioning how their campaign went so wrong – with pressure said to be growing on Micheál Martin and his position as party leader. Fran and Evelyn sit down with RTÉ Radio 1’s election oracle Barry Lenihan to talk about what the future could hold? They also discuss RTÉ’s 2024 Annual Report - which saw income from the li...

With the Dublin marathon taking place this weekend, David, Fran and Katie speak to Sean Ingle, Chief Sports reporter with the Guardian who recently visited the innovation lab at Nike HQ. Sean tried motorised runners and slides that claim to improve focus. Sportswear is a multi billion euro business and innovation is key for future success. The trio also discuss the latest trends and the challenges...

There was “serious concern for public life” during violence seen in Citywest in Dublin last night, a journalist has told Behind the Story. It comes after violent disturbances outside an accommodation centre for International Protection applicants last night in Citywest in Dublin. Crime editor with The Irish Sun, Stephen Breen, said gardaí were prepared for the unrest. He also spoke about how organ...

David, Fran and Katie are live backstage at the final Presidential Election TV debate. Joined by Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at DCU, they analyse how the candidates performed and examine the key moments from the night.  Later, presenters, Miriam O'Callaghan and Sarah McInerney, who hosted the debate drop in on the podcast to offer their perspective on how it all went.  See omnystu...

It's being described as the 'heist of the century', priceless crown jewels were stolen on Sunday from the Louvre museum and now questions are being asked about the security and who could carry out such a daring raid. David, Katie and Fran are joined by reporter Sharon Gaffney who gives details on the investigation so far and the reaction in France. The hosts also chat to Claire Mestrallet, Head of...

With the rise of AI and deepfake videos, Brian O'Donovan joins Katie and David to discuss whether we can really trust what we are seeing online? Brian also explains new safeguards being brought in for teens interacting with AI tools. David also gives us his review of the Bruce Springsteen biopic. Anyone affected by issues raised in this podcast can go to rte.ie/helplines See omnystudio.com/listene...

Campaign groups are raising serious concerns about how owner management companies are running apartment complexes. While some are well run, many are struggling to deal with a legacy of bad debt, insufficient sinking funds and a lack of expertise as the rules around OMCs get more onerous each year.  Campaigner Pat Montague joins Fran and Jackie Fox to discuss the issue and how the state's reme...

US President Donald Trump hailed as historic the ceasefire between Israeli and Hamas that came into effect over the weekend.  Earlier today, 20 Israeli hostages were freed and close to 2,000 Palestinians were released from prison.  Fran and Evelyn are joined by international corrrespondant Bel Trew to discuss Trump's speech to the Knesset and the difficult road ahead for Palestinians hop...

Amid a shake-up of RTÉ’s Radio 1 schedule, Katie reflects on her new job behind a different mic – and what it means for Fran. The duo also discuss the difficulties – and merits – of winning a Nobel Peace Prize. They are joined by Ed Burke, Assistant Professor in the History of War at UCD, who explains why US President Donald Trump may still get his hands on one. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

The tenant at the centre of the Jim Gavin debacle unmasked himself on the Sunday World podcast today prompting more developments on the story! David, Fran and Katie digest the latest twists and turns as pressure rises ahead of the Fianna Fáil parlimentary party meeting this eve.  Later, the trio speak to Professor Marc Weller of Chatham House who explains what is in the peace plan for Gaza an...

Ministers Donohue and Chambers outlined Budget 26 this afternoon in the Dáil.  Katie and Fran are joined by Kate English, Chief Economist with Deloitte to analyse whether or not this means you will have more or less money in your pocket. Gone are the one-off payments and instead the government focused on longer term spending.  Katie and Fran also discuss the continuing fallout from the w...

'Fiasco' just one of the words used by Fianna Fáil politicians to describe the Presidential campaign for the party now. This follows the sudden withdrawal of FF's candidate, Jim Gavin over a dispute with a tenant dating back to 2009.  Fran, Katie and David examine the timeline of the story over this weekend culminating in Gavin's decision to withdraw on Sunday night. Several senior Fianna Fái...

With the budget approaching, David, Fran and Katie look at how much the government has to spend. They are joined by Albert Dolan, Fianna Fail TD who has just released a public payments tracker that he and a friend created. Albert explains how the tracker works and why it's handy to see who is getting by which department.  Later, the trio discuss Taylor Swift's new album "The Life of a Showgir...

Katie and Fran discuss how drone footage has flown one presidential candidate into stormy skies. They also ask Brian O'Donovan if the Appeals Centre Europe is doing enough to take on the social media giants? And Adam Maguire talks about his new book and the insights it provides into a generation he calls "The Bailout Babies" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After one of the most gripping final rounds in Ryder Cup history, Katie, Fran and David tee off a discussion with golf commentator Greg Allen about the highs and lows of the tournament - from Offaly man Shane Lowry's joy after his final putt won it for Europe to the shocking verbal abuse from some American supporters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a terror charge against Kneecap's Mo Chara is dropped by a London court, David and Evelyn discuss the case and the decision by Eurovision organisers to hold a vote amongst EBU members on whether Israel should be allowed participate in next year's competition.  Later, the duo are joined by Associate Professor of Politics in UCD, Alex Dukalskis who has co-written a book entitled 'Dictating t...