Newstalk

The Pat Kenny Show

Society EN ↓ 8374 episodes

Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment List...

Author

Newstalk

Category

Society

Podcast website

pscrb.fm

Latest episode

Jul 11, 2026

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Episodes

Will 2026 be the year of the robot? 24.12.2025

The robots may be coming for your job but 2026 might finally show signs of what has been predicted for years, truly useful robots but also a new vista for entertainment and museums including plans for Ireland’s first National Children’s Science Centre. 2026 is predicted by several tech experts to be the year when robots truly enter public life. Stories of humanoid robots back flipping, r...

A review of the year in politics 24.12.2025

It has been a very busy year for Irish politics, with our 10th President, Catherine Connolly taking to the Áras amidst the backdrop of a failed Fianna Fáil campaign. A two-finger salute from Michael Lowry while the Dáil rowed over speaking rights and the launching of the government’s National Housing Plan   Pat Ke...

Gareth Mullins on what to cook this Christmas Eve 24.12.2025

  From duck fat roast potatoes to brussels sprouts and leek gratin, Gareth Mullins Executive Chef of The Anantara Marker Hotel on what to cook this Christmas Eve.  

There is no single story for those sleeping rough at Christmas 24.12.2025

 Amidst the glitz and glamour of the most wonderful time of the year. We must remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves, those who will spend this Christmas sleeping rough on the streets across the country. Alice Leahy, of the Alice Leahy Foundation, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

A look back at some of the big news stories that happened over Christmases past 24.12.2025

Christmas is a time when many of us will try and take a break from the news and developments around the world, but very often, even at this festive time there are stories that have universal cut through. From the fall of Ceausescu to the enactment of our own constitution, some extremely significant events have happened over the festive period. So myself and our political correspondent Seán Defoe a...

Green Scene: Renewable energy leads the way in climate progress for 2025 24.12.2025

Despite rising temperatures and changing weather patterns, important climate progress was made in 2025, including renewable energy becoming the source of electricity across the globe. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society for Research Ireland joined Pat Kenny on the show for this week’s green scene.

Why Christmas Day is the popular day for a sea swim! 24.12.2025

For many people Christmas morning means opening presents, a big breakfast and for thousands around the country, a bracing dip in the sea.  From organised charity swims to regular sea swimmers who go in every day of the year, the Christmas Day swim has become a festive tradition. Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte has been finding out why it’s grown so popular and what people n...

The story of Ireland's favourite confectioner, Lemon’s sweet shop 24.12.2025

If you remember the slogan ‘you cannot eat a better sweet’ then you will remember Lemon’s sweet shop on O'Connell Street, The Confectioner’s Hall. Famous for its use of safe, natural ingredients and its magical Christmas decoration window display.   Cormac O’Moore, co-author of the sweetness of lemons, joined Pat...

A look back at the biggest transport stories of the year 24.12.2025

Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator and Host of the Driving Life Podcast, joined Pat Kenny to discuss some of the biggest transport stories of the year.  

Is the bubble beginning to burst for AI? 23.12.2025

There’s been a lot of talk lately about blood on the streets of Silicon Valley and this time, it’s not just hype. Some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence have seen billions wiped off their market value in recent weeks, as investors start asking a blunt question: where’s the money? Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with The Irish Independent, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss all thing...

How to navigate family arguments at Christmas 23.12.2025

  Stephanie Regan, clinical psychotherapist and host of the Tough Love Podcast joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss family rifts at Christmas, when to fix them and when to let them be.

A look back on the past year in the Middle East 23.12.2025

The past twelve months have seen a drastic shift in the Middle East, while focus remains on Gaza and Israel, other parts of the region continue to deal with their own political crisis. Over the past year, the people of Syria continue to rebuild their country after the fall of Assad while in Lebanon marked the anniversary since a ceas...

Colm O'Regan on those unofficial Christmas traditions 23.12.2025

We all know about the typical Irish traditions at Christmas time like the Late Late Toy Show or maybe heading to mass once a year, but what about those unofficial Christmas traditions? Like the tin of Roses that keeps getting recycled through the parish or the car park ballet that will have you furious trying to figure out whether someone is pulling out of a space or...

Cuts, Burns and Flu. What can we expect this Christmas? 23.12.2025

Christmas, among its joy and happiness, is also a time of health concern. Early next week we are set to reach the peak numbers of what is a severe Flu season. More than 1,000 people expected to spend Christmas in hospital as a result of the flu.  As well as this, we must account for lesser injuries like cuts and burns commonly associated with...

The latest on the Ukraine-Russian war 23.12.2025

Russia has launched airstrikes on Ukraine's capital early this morning. In response to the attacks, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed. The attacks come just days after US-led peace talks in Miami.   Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for RFI (Radio France Internationale) and France24 joined Pat on the show to discuss...

What to buy for last minute Christmas shoppers Dylan 23.12.2025

Christmas is here and main streets across the country are flooded with those who have decided tactically or stupidly to leave their present buying to the last minute.  But, for the droves who line the shopfronts today and tomorrow, what exactly should they be looking for? Is it too late to pick up something good?  Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Journalist, joined Pat Kenny...

The joys of being solo for the festive season 23.12.2025

 From hotel breaks to retreats, we find out what people who choose to go alone get up to for at Christmas with Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden…

Award-winning Author and Podcaster Blindboy 23.12.2025

You might know him for being one half of the Rubberbandits or his podcast that has over 90 million listeners worldwide.  Award-winning Author and Podcaster Blindboy joined Pat Kenny on the show to chat on what it was like to win a Grierson Documentary Award.

Flu cases peak as expected but no enhanced flu vaccine 23.12.2025

Flu cases are expected to peak this week which was expected and it brings up the question as to why the government decided not to take-up the enhanced jab for over 65’s.   Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Ask the Expert: Women’s heart health 22.12.2025

Under-recognised, underdiagnosed, undertreated, and under-researched heart health is not the same between men and women, and in turn the differences can often prove costly. When it comes to heart health, women’s bodies tell a different story, and it is time we listened. Dr Róisín Colleran, Consultant cardiologist at the Mater Private Network joined Pat Kenny on the sh...

What does Christmas look like for the Irish peacekeepers? 22.12.2025

Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon spent long periods of 2024 confined to bunkers as local tensions flared up, particularly between Hezbollah and the IDF.  Has the situation calmed down since then? What are the circumstances on the ground heading into Christmas?    Newstalk's Tom Douglas has travelled to Camp Shamrock to get a feel for the current state of affairs...

A look back at the main US news stories of 2025 22.12.2025

Pat Kenny was joined by Scott Lucas, professor and political analyst at the Clinton Institute in UCD, Larry Donnolly, law lecturer at NUIG and columnist with the journal.ie and Gina London, Former CNN White House Correspondent and Sunday Independent Columnist to look back at all the biggest news stories to come out of the US in 2025.

Josh Crosbie reports on the different Christmas traditions 22.12.2025

The festive season is in full swing as thousands of people are returning home for Christmas. Many families have their own special traditions or rituals at this time of year. But what about those who are not originally from Ireland, but now call this country home? How will they be spending the 25th of December? Josh Crosbie has been finding out…

Irish comedy trio Foil, Arms and Hog 22.12.2025

Known for their hilarious comedy sketches, over one million followers across their social media platforms and touring worldwide, Sean Finnegan, Conor McKenna and Sean Flanagan or also known as Foil, Arms and Hogs joined Pat Kenny in studio.

Electric flying taxis may become available to London airport passengers 22.12.2025

Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel & Airport safety & security expert joined Pat to discuss how electric flying taxis may become available to London airport passengers from 2028.

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