For almost a decade the issue of water charges incited mass anger and protests in Ireland. Should the mention of “excessive usage” charges for water be a cause for concern for households? We look back at the issue that sunk political careers, plagued governments, and led to mass protests on a scale never witnessed before.

Host: Kevin Doyle                          Guests: Caroline O’Doherty & John Downing

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shamrocks, handshakes, and diplomatic high stakes; It was all to play for this afternoon as Michael Martin met Donald Trump during a historic visit to The White House. From Ukraine to Gaza, big topics were on the table, yet it was EU Tariffs that took centre stage, as Trump laid out a stark warning for the future of Irelands Tech and Pharma industries. Was it a tough day at The Oval Office for Micheál Martin, or did the Taoiseach hold his own in very difficult circumstances? Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guest Gabija Gataveckaite

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Viper, Martin Foley, has hit the headlines once again. Bitten by a seven-figure tax bill, the notorious criminal finds himself in a race against time to pay off his hefty debt and rescue his Dublin home in the process. Waiting in the wings to take the keys off his hands? None other than Ireland’s most persistent of crime cash converters, The Criminal Assets Bureau. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; Conor Feehan and Paul Williams

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Ashley St Clair recently revealing on X that she gave birth to Elon Musk’s 13th child, and Canadian singer Grimes taking to the social media platform in a bid to get medical help for one of their three children, what does Musk’s dysfunctional relationships with women tell us about his outlook on life? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Adrian Weckler and Tanya Sweeney

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nestled in between O’Connell Street and Connolly station lies an unassuming Dublin neighbourhood that holds a hidden history — it was once the site of Monto, a red-light district from the 1860s to 1925. Tens of thousands of women passed through its brothels, with some leaving after a short amount of time, and others going on to become the most ruthless madams any red-light district has ever seen.

*This podcast features discussion of a sexual nature and might not be suitable for all ages*

Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest; Dr Caroline West

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many people, their first in-depth introduction to US vice-president JD Vance came last week with his now infamous exchange of words with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Coming from humble beginnings, he is a self-professed “Scots-Irish hillbilly” whose name is now known worldwide. So how exactly did JD Vance go from the poverty in the “rust belt” to the power of the White house? This podcast was originally published in November 2024. Host: Ciarán Dunbar Guest: Liam Kennedy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YouTube has just turned 20 years old. From eyebrow-raising origins to societal dominance, the video platform has proved a genuine game-changer – though not without major controversy along the way. Has it made our lives better or worse?   

Host: Fionnán Sheahan          Guest: Mark Bergen  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tragic and highly unusual nature of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe’s death in 2020, along with criticism of the police search for him, had led to substantial public concern and anger. Two years ago, investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre began investigating the disappearance and the circumstances around it. A source has now told the Belfast Telegraph that as MacIntyre started his work, the PSNI moved to put him under significant online surveillance. He says he is “disappointed but not shocked” at allegations that the PSNI spied on him.

­

Host: Ciarán Dunbar                                   Guest: Sam McBride

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday evening’s botched Ukraine deal saw Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaving Washington empty-handed after historically tense talks sent shockwaves across the globe. Now, a nightmare situation has arisen for the Ukrainian people, as the United States has paused all military aid indefinitely. As US President Donald Trump reshapes the new world order in real time, where does it leave our own Taoiseach Micheál Martin ahead of a daunting White House visit next week?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Kerry man Morris O’Shea Salazar go from boy racer to international drugs kingpin? How are the notorious Sinaloa Cartel and the Ballyseedy drugs seizure linked? And what prison sentence did Nathan McDonnell receive for his involvement in the nation's biggest-ever seizure of crystal meth? Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Niall Donald, Jerry O’Sullivan and Ralph Riegel

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DESCRIPTION: How does a former business CEO and president of the Tralee Chamber of Commerce become a convicted criminal, and why was he involved in the biggest seizure of crystal meth in Irish history? Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: Jerry O’Sullivan & Ralph Riegel

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.