Brendan O'Connor

Neuroscientist Brian Pennie once had a near death experience as a heroin addict. He now has a countdown calendar in his kitchen where he marks off the weeks he has left on this earth. He explains why reflecting on the motto, ‘Memento Mori’/’Remember That You Will Die’ helps you live life more intentionally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Maggie Roche from the Little Acorn Cafe talks Brendan through making takeaway food at home. She has delicious recipes for homemade loaded fries and fish tacos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months after she dramatically quit the race for the Irish Presidency, former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael MEP, Mairéad McGuinness, tells Brendan about the severe post viral syndrome that forced her to withdraw. She also opens up about bereavement, menopause, and gave analysis of global political events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Butcher Boy’ author, Pat McCabe, has just been announced as the 2026 IPUT Writer-in-Residence. He talks Brendan through his early Monaghan days, his writing career and the joy of being a grandfather through the prism of five songs from Brian Coll to Skid Row to Gilbert O’Sullivan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star of 'Weekend at Bernie's' and 'Pretty in Pink', Andrew McCarthy talks to Brendan about his career as a Brat Pack star, and TV director. He also discusses the death of his parents, meeting his Irish wife, his long relationship with Ireland, and his first theatre role in 20 years, in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' at The Gaiety.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.