Best A Place to Call Home Group Podcasts (2025)

In this episode, we journey through time at Naper Settlement, a 13-acre outdoor history museum that brings Naperville’s past to life. Explore historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and immersive exhibits that tell the story of how this once-frontier town grew into the thriving community it is today. You can learn more about Naper Settlement at …

1
Are Irish post offices at risk? 4:36

Play Pause

10h ago4:36

4:36

An Post could be forced to change the frequency or speed of postal deliveries due to costs and changing consumer habits. Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan told Cabinet yesterday that profits at the mail service were up, but there has been a decline in overall post numbers. We discussed further with David McRedmond, CEO of An Post.…

1
Should we stop setting men up in new friendships? 5:24

10h ago5:24

5:24

We’ve all been at a party with our partner, silently wondering: “I hope they’re having as much fun as I am”. Journalist and Columnist, Anniki Sommerville decided to ditch setting her husband up with new friends just let it be.

1
A call for childcare worker’s pay to be in line with teachers 7:40

10h ago7:40

7:40

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to bring Early Years and School Age Care graduates within public sector pay and conditions, in line with teachers. We discussed further with Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland.

1
Wednesday Riff: What sort of President would you like? 5:12

10h ago5:12

5:12

What sort of person do you want to represent Ireland? Shane and Ciara discussed this morning.

1
Overhaul of how farmers receive financial supports from the EU budget 6:40

10h ago6:40

6:40

The European Commission is set to propose merging Common Agricultural Policy funding with other funds, in a radical overhaul of how farmers receive financial supports from the European Union budget. We get reaction from Francie Gorman President of Irish Farmers Association and Vice President of COPA European Farmers Organisation.…

1
Is Ireland becoming ‘a cold place for Catholics?’ 7:26

10h ago7:26

7:26

A Cork City Councillor has claimed Ireland is becoming “a cold place for Catholics and Christians” after Cork city councillors voted to consider a renaming process for Bishop Lucey Park. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Terry Shannon, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Cork City council and South–East area.…

1
Urgent action needed to deliver change in the forestry sector 5:00

11h ago5:00

5:00

The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that urgent action and strengthened policy levers are required to incentivise increased tree planting to ensure Ireland’s forestry sector does not become a source of greenhouse gas emissions. We heard from their Chair Marie Donnelly.

1
A 9.8% rise in non-domestic water charges is coming this October 5:41

11h ago5:41

5:41

A 9.8% rise in non-domestic water charges is coming this October, raising concerns across the business community. One of those concerned is Michael Magner, National President of the Irish Hotels Federation who explained why to Ciara.

1
Jeff Kennett encourages governments to 'embrace' AI 2:08

22h ago2:08

2:08

The former Victorian premier reckons it would make things "more efficient". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Taxi drivers in Regional Victoria to benefit from class action against Uber 2:08

24h ago2:08

2:08

They've been given the all-clear to share in a pay-out worth $271 million. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Bendigo V/Line services delayed due to 'unruly passenger' 2:08

1d ago2:08

2:08

He was allegedly caught smoking in a train bathroom on Tuesday afternoon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Rural Councils Victoria continues attacks on Emergency Services Fund 2:09

1d ago2:09

2:09

That's despite the full costs of the levy being delayed until next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
A look ahead to the Emmy nominations 4:06

1d ago4:06

4:06

The 2025 Emmy nominations will be announced later this evening, so who deserves to get the nomination? All to chat with Scott Bryan, TV Critic and Broadcaster.

1
How does pension auto-enrolment work? 6:37

1d ago6:37

6:37

87 per cent of Irish adults who are eligible for the pension auto-enrolment scheme are happy to use it once it’s rolled out, according to new research from financial advisors Ask Acorn. However, they are also warning that people should be fully aware of what they’re signing up for. All to chat with Robert Whelan, Financial advisor with Rockwell Fin…

1
Ibec urges a strategic Budget 2026 to protect Ireland’s competitiveness 7:07

1d ago7:07

7:07

Ibec is urging the Government to adopt a measured and strategic approach in Budget 2026, warning that global economic uncertainty and over-reliance on volatile corporate tax receipts pose risks to Ireland’s competitiveness. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gerard Brady, Head of National Policy and Chief economist at Ibec.…

1
President Trump issues a 50-day ultimatum to Russia 5:08

1d ago5:08

5:08

President Donald Trump has announced plans to supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine through NATO and has warned of 'very severe' sanctions against Russia should it fail to reach a peace agreement within 50 days. We discuss further with Ian Bond, Former British diplomat in Moscow, and now the Deputy Director of the Centre for European Reform.…

1
The real-life impact of endometriosis care 8:56

1d ago8:56

8:56

Sinn Féin is due to bring forward a motion tonight in the Dáil calling for improved services for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Sarah Jane Allen has spent more than €15,000 on endometriosis services outside of Ireland. Sarah explain her condition and it's impact to Shane this morning.

1
Alan Shatter on the Occupied Territories Bill 9:04

1d ago9:04

9:04

The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee is to hear from supporters of Israel and Palestine about the Occupied Territories Bill, as the pre-legislative scrutiny begins. Former Minister of Justice, board member of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chairperson of MDA Ireland, Alan Shatter spoke to Shane this morning.…

1
At what point do we stop laughing off the Irish stereotypes? 4:45

1d ago4:45

4:45

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum today revealed that Dear Erin, a stereotyped Irish “rom-com” featuring actor Peter Coonan was an elaborate hoax. The fake trailer, full of clichés from flat caps to whiskey-soaked letters, was created to challenge tired portrayals of Irish people in film. At what point do we stop laughing off the stereotypes and sta…

1
EU prepares expanded list of US tariff countermeasures 5:21

1d ago5:21

5:21

Tánaiste Simon Harris says the European Commission will publish an expanded list of potential EU tariffs, should no trade deal be reached with the US We discuss all with Economist Austin Hughes.

1
Victorian government being sued over alleged inaction on anti-Semitism 2:08

2d ago2:08

2:08

Documents filed with VCAT show the plaintiff seeking an apology from the Premier. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Renters struggling to make their homes energy-efficient 2:08

2d ago2:08

2:08

That's according to a new report from PropTrack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Frida Kahlo exhibition a success for Bendigo tourism 2:08

2d ago2:08

2:08

Over 105k people attended the event, 90% of which came from outside of Central Victoria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
New study sheds light on lunchboxes of Victorian kids 2:08

2d ago2:08

2:08

Nearly half of their diet consists of "ultra-processed foods", according to Deakin University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
The Irish filmmaker showing there’s a lot more to Irish cuisine 5:59

2d ago5:59

5:59

‘A Sip of Irish’ is the new documentary aiming to prove there’s more to Irish food and drink than Guinness and stew. Carlow filmmaker, Frank Mannion, director behind ‘A Sip of Irish’ spoke to Ciara this morning.

1
“Honest belief” victim consented will no longer be a defence in rape cases 3:36

2d ago3:36

3:36

An “honest” belief that a victim consented to sex will no longer be a legal defence in rape cases according to new proposals being considered by the Government. We discuss this further with Cliona Sadlier, Executive Director Rape Crisis Network Ireland.

1
More than 100 pubs are closing annually 6:25

2d ago6:25

6:25

Over 2,100 pubs have closed since 2005, with more than 100 pubs are closing every year across Ireland. That’s according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. We discuss these findings with Tony Foley, Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics at DCU Business School.

1
Monday Riff: The legacy of Live Aid 5:24

2d ago5:24

5:24

Live Aid at 40. Ciara and Shane has a interesting discussion on the legacy of Live Aid.

1
Is the government planning a new approach to Asylum seekers? 11:08

2d ago11:08

11:08

Asylum-seekers who are working should have to contribute to the cost of their accommodation in direct provision centre. With more on this we heard from CEO of Doras, John Lannon and Independent TD for Cork North-Central, Ken O’Flynn.

1
Can the EU strike a deal before U.S. tariffs hit? 5:57

2d ago5:57

5:57

The EU is pushing for a last-minute trade deal after President Donald Trump declared plans to impose 30% tariffs on nearly all goods imported from the EU starting next month. Joining Shane to discuss further was John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

1
No more plastic netting on fruit and vegetables! 3:08

2d ago3:08

3:08

Plastic nets on fruit and vegetables and single-use plastic packaging for condiments such as ketchup sachets, will be banned by the end of the decade under new EU rules. We get reaction from Tad Kirakowski, CEO of Voice Of Irish Concern for the Environment.

1
Is Ireland ready for Soviet-style apartment blocks? 4:28

2d ago4:28

4:28

This week, the housing Minister unveiled new rules allowing studio flats as small as 32 square metres. But are these moves for smaller apartments harkening back to Soviet style housing models? All to discuss with Orla Hegarty, Architect & Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy.…

1
Tuam mother and baby home exhumation begins today 4:53

2d ago4:53

4:53

The exhumation of remains at the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home begins today. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Breeda Murphy, PRO of the Tuam Mother & Baby Home Alliance.

1
Surge in car thefts prompts fresh warning from police 2:08

3d ago2:08

2:08

Crims are stealing vehicles by using on-board diagnostic units. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Victoria's council watchdog being labelled a 'toothless tiger' 2:08

3d ago2:08

2:08

It hasn't made public any of its investigations in the past six years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Court dates set for group accused of kidnapping in Bendigo 2:08

3d ago2:08

2:08

The alleged incident took place last month and involved three people from Kangaroo Flat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Bendigo Bank releases latest agriculture report 2:08

3d ago2:08

2:08

It shows positive signs for Victoria's grain and citrus growers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By LiSTNR

1
Supermarkets have pushed back against claims of price gouging 4:08

5d ago4:08

4:08

Supermarkets have pushed back against claims of price gouging, saying their prices remain competitive and their profit margins are slim. We discuss further with Charlie Weston, Personal Finances Editor with the Independent.

1
What are the rules of beach etiquette? 5:44

5d ago5:44

5:44

With temperatures hitting 30 degrees this weekend, beach trips are a no-brainer but do you know your seaside do’s and don’ts? Features Journalist at the Irish Independent, Kirsty Blake Knox tells us.

1
Research shows Stigma around addiction still very real 7:01

5d ago7:01

7:01

81% of Irish people say the drugs problem is out of control in this country – that’s according to new research published by Merchants Quay Ireland. It also shows that stigma remains a real and pressing concern for those in addiction in Ireland To discuss further Ciara spoke to Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchant’s Quay.…

1
A loyalist bonfire with an effigy of migrants in a boat has been lit 6:59

5d ago6:59

6:59

A loyalist bonfire in Co Tyrone controversially topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat has been lit. The Police Service of Northern Ireland earlier said they were investigating a hate incident in reference to the pyre. An Irish tricolour flag was also placed on the bonfire, which is among about 300 which will be burned ahead of the Orange Orde…

1
Calls for legally defined temperature limits in the workplace 6:16

5d ago6:16

6:16

Many will be embracing the warm weather facing us this weekend, but Labour Party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock is calling for legally defined temperature limits for all workplaces to protect employees. Marie spoke to Ciara this morning.

1
More reaction to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications refused 4:17

5d ago4:17

4:17

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that 'careful consideration' was given to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications. As we reported earlier this week, 47 members of the team were due to come from the West Bank next week, but they were refused due to “insufficient documentation”. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gill Waters, GAA Palestine Press Offi…

1
40 years since Live Aid 4:58

5d ago4:58

4:58

Sunday marks 40 years since Live Aid, the benefit concert organised by Bob Geldof in 1985 following the success of the successful charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?". It is estimated that 150 million pounds has been raised for famine relief since Live Aid – but what other impacts have the concerts had? All to ask Dipo Faloyin author of “A…

1
Social Democrats proposing a savings scheme to fund affordable housing 5:42

5d ago5:42

5:42

The Social Democrats are proposing a savings scheme to fund affordable housing, saying it could deliver thousands of homes a year and help tackle the housing crisis. With more on this we spoke to Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson.

1
Tips on cooking the perfect summer BBQ next 6:22

6d ago6:22

6:22

We’re looking into a weekend of glorious weather, and with the sun comes barbecue season! So, what are the best recipes to make the most of the sunshine? Telling us all was TV Chef Aisling Larkin.

1
A half-built school lying idle in North Dublin 4:20

6d ago4:20

4:20

A half-built school lying idle in North Dublin is a lesson in the State's inability to get things done. That’s according to Mick Clifford Special correspondent with the Irish Examiner. Mick spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

A Place To Call Home Group Podcasts