Best Hayden McGregor Podcasts (2025)

1
EU watches on as Trump changes the world 41:42

Play Pause

1d ago41:42

41:42

Europe correspondent Jack Power joins Pat and Jack Horgan-Jones to discuss monumental events in the Middle East, with the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities being followed by a ceasefire that may or may not be holding as you listen to this podcast. They also discuss the EU's struggle to assert influence on the global stage as it heads into a …

1
Could the Israel-Iran war completely destabilise the Middle East? 49:01

6d ago49:01

49:01

Sally Hayden and Harry McGee join Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics: · Sally Hayden joins the pod on the line from Beirut where missiles flying overhead have become a fact of daily life despite the ceasefire agreement Lebanon signed with Israel last November. With Israel’s attention now firmly on Iran, the rising death toll and…

1
Opposition smells blood in the water over RPZ changes 35:51

8d ago35:51

35:51

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Harry McGee to talk about the ongoing fallout from the Government's proposed changes to the rights of tenants and landlords. They look at growing criticism of the finer points of the policy. Will the delay in rolling out RPZs to the whole country incentivise landlords to raise rents while they can? Do the new …

1
Is there any such thing as a political genius? With Helen Lewis 39:17

10d ago39:17

39:17

You can tell an awful lot about a society by who it labels a genius. You can also learn from who it excludes from that category, who it enables and what it is prepared to tolerate from them. The tortured poet, the rebellious scientist, the monstrous artist, or indeed the tech disruptor. All of these archetypes feature in The Genius Myth, the new bo…

1
Rent reform: is immediate pain worth uncertain gains? 50:23

13d ago50:23

50:23

Pat Leahy and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back at the week in politics: Rent reform: the announcement of Minister for Housing James Browne’s plans to change the rules around rent pressure zones dominated the week. But why was the rollout so haphazard? Adjustments to residential property tax received less attention but the changes also car…

1
Creative Designs and Crazy Minds 1:09:57

13d ago1:09:57

1:09:57

This week, we're joined by Shannon Wakefield, Co-Founder of the OC Clothing Co and casual ultra runner. Together we talk about: The Cyclone and the Ultra Trying to achieve natural hallucinations How to pick the right colour for your merch Creative limitations (hint: its only copyright they wont do) But first, we CRAP on about: Shannon is back! Hayd…

1
LA protests: how far will Trump go to extend his power? 44:27

15d ago44:27

44:27

US president Donald Trump's response to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles - to send in troops - is in keeping with a broader theme of his second presidency so far - extending executive power and challenging institutional norms. But how far is Trump willing to go? TCD's Daniel Geary joins Hugh to talk about the events in LA and the p…

1
Why Europe needs to realise the truth about America - with Helen Thompson 42:33

17d ago42:33

42:33

Where does Europe fit into the 21st century? Political scientist Professor Helen Thompson returns to the podcast to talk about the big picture for the global economy and international relations in the age of Trump's second term, China's rise and Europe's relative decline. She talks to Hugh about the real significance of America's debt pile, Silicon…

1
CHI controversy: a hard decision faces the Government 42:00

20d ago42:00

42:00

Joining Hugh and Cormac McQuinn on today's podcast is Ellen Coyne, the newest member of The Irish Times political team. Together they look back on the week in politics in Ireland and beyond: The crisis at Children's Hospital Ireland deepens Growing international disquiet over Israel's conduct in Gaza Planning exemptions for "granny flats" - can suc…

1
Shut up and eat your noodles 1:16:08

20d ago1:16:08

1:16:08

This week, we're joined by Gemma Gore, a well-known name on the Perth running scene. Together we talk about: Being the ultimate casual runner Supporting her husband through his ultra adventures Who crews for her when she runs Tips for being the best crew person possible But first, we CRAP on about: Shannon skipping Run Club A weather report from Ha…

1
Can South Korea's new president unify an unhappy country? 24:23

21d ago24:23

24:23

With the election of Lee Jae-myung as president of South Korea, a period of political turmoil there may be over - for now at least. But Lee, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, faces many challenges, including a political system in disarray, the threat of tariffs and a looming demographic disaster. Denis Staunton reports. Hosted on Acast. S…

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Why Poland's dramatic election result is a setback for Europe 29:55

22d ago29:55

29:55

Poland is facing political deadlock after pro-Trump candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the country’s right-wing opposition, won Sunday’s presidential by less than two percentage points. The result also has major implications for European politics. On today's podcast Hugh discusses the outcome with Berlin correspondent Derek Scally. Hosted on Acast…

1
Committees of the Oireachtas are back, but why can’t Irish politicians ask a good question? 40:01

27d ago40:01

40:01

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Committees of the Oireachtas are indeed back, but rigor and insight seem to be missing in some of the questions posed by politicians during RTÉ’s appearance in front of the Oireachtas media committee on Wednesday. · Independent TDs Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, …

1
A sprinkle of elevation and a tsunami of rain - HBF recap 49:18

27d ago49:18

49:18

It's just Hayden and Shannon in your ears this week, with an HBF Run for a Reason special. Enjoy Hayden's heavy breathing as he comes to you from the race course (and the portaloo), and tune in to hear some finish line interviews as Shannon chats to some CRAP favourites. Rabbit Hole: Hayden: Marco Siffredi snowboarding down Mount Everest Shannon: T…

1
Why 'left' and 'woke' are not the same thing - with Susan Neiman 53:30

29d ago53:30

53:30

In her book Left Is Not Woke today's guest Susan Neiman argues that the left has taken a wrong turn and must differentiate itself from "wokism". She talks to Hugh about what she means by "woke" and why its appeal to traditional left-wing tendencies, like solidarity and supporting the underdog, helps disguise its more reactionary elements. They also…

1
Gavan Reilly: The Secret Life of Leinster House 47:59

1M ago47:59

47:59

Leinster House is more than a place of work - it's a way of life for the politicians and other professionals who spend their days there. Journalist and broadcaster Gavan Reilly has written a book about the inner-workings of our parliament building and its inhabitants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Sinn Féin versus William the Conqueror 39:30

1M ago39:30

39:30

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Ireland’s decision to participate in a European-wide initiative celebrating Norman heritage and influence has drawn the ire of Sinn Féin. The initiative is called ’2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe’, and Cabinet approved plans to mark 1000 years since …

1
Social Run Club, a casual runners dream 1:15:58

1M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

This week, we're joined by Mark Petersen, a casual ultra runner and founder of Social Run Club. Together we talk about: Going from 1km to a trial half marathon in mere months How an ex-professional athlete approaches running casually Why he decided to start yet another run club How he hopes Social Run Club will help bridge the gap for true newbies …

1
Refugees in Ireland: is the Government getting the balance right? 44:38

1M ago44:38

44:38

The unprecedented increase in the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking International Protection due to war or oppression in their homeland put serious pressure on State resources since 2023. The new Government has signalled a tougher approach to the issue, and has claimed some success. Are their reforms working, and is the tougher messaging …

1
'The people who voted no are expected to go under a rock and disappear' - Ronán Mullen on losing the marriage referendum 35:17

1M ago35:17

35:17

The tenth anniversary of the marriage equality referendum has prompted some reminiscing about how the vote was the first of two pinnacles for progressivism in Ireland, the other being the abortion referendum three years later. For women and members of the LGBT community, the successful campaigns were pivotal moments for an Ireland escaping its oppr…

1
The Public Accounts Committee returns, and is already making headlines 38:08

1M ago38:08

38:08

Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The Public Accounts Committee returned on Thursday and already it was making headlines with revelations about former Children’s Health Ireland boss Eilish Hardiman’s salary. PAC is apt at generating headlines with leaked opening statements and TDs eager t…

1
Marriage equality: ten years on, has Ireland's progressive optimism disappeared? 44:33

1M ago44:33

44:33

It is ten years since the country voted to legalise same-sex marriage. This victory for progressive politics was followed by another when abortion rights were won in 2018. But what is sometimes called "the progressive agenda" has since had setbacks, including last year's defeated referendums on family and care. So how relevant is progressivism to I…

1
Simon Harris: my style of politics is not a problem 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

Simon Harris had a difficult general election campaign as Fine Gael leader and has since faced criticism that he has not learned from mistakes in his new roles as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. On today's podcast he tells Jack Horgan-Jones and Hugh Linehan that his style of politics won't change. He also answers questions about policy i…

1
Are the Government spooked by the consequences of the Occupied Territories Bill? 38:02

2M ago38:02

38:02

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · On the same day that the US agreed a trade deal with the UK, the European Commission unveiled a second, larger package of retaliatory tariffs – this was in response to the absence of negotiation from the US on what they actually want. Thankfully for Ireland, our big…

1
Running the Reason, behind the scenes 1:25:47

2M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

This week, we're joined by Vici Richardson, HBF Head of Brand and Growth, and heavily involved in HBF Run for a Reason. Together we talk about: How they choose the entertainment on course Pacing times, why did it change? What's on offer at the end of the run (see: Food trucks) The history of how they became Run for a Reason Chance to win a hot girl…

1
Conclave: why this papal election is the hardest to call in decades 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

The death of Pope Francis has set in train one of the most unique contests in world politics: the Papal conclave. Cardinals will vote again and again until one name achieves a two-thirds majority and becomes pope. Voting is not the conclave's only similarity to secular politics. The prospects of victory for frontrunners Antonio Tagle from the Phili…

1
What does the surge of Farage's Reform mean for UK politics? 21:42

2M ago21:42

21:42

On today’s Inside Politics podcast Irish Times London Correspondent Mark Paul joins Hugh Linehan to discuss what Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is already calling “the beginning of the end of the Conservative Party" as Tories lost council seats all over England. And to add icing to Farage’s cake, Reform Party candidate Sarah Pochin dramatically won …

1
100 days of Government and very little to show 40:27

2M ago40:27

40:27

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh almost became housing ‘tsar’ until Fine Gael blocked his appointment this week. It seems communication between the two main parties was not at its strongest when it came to Fianna Fáil’s push to have McDonagh head up the new Hou…

1
Just a run, no kayak? Disappointing. 1:17:11

2M ago1:17:11

1:17:11

This week, we're joined by John Jacoby, one of the most experienced and accomplished adventure racers in the world, and co-founder of Rapid Ascent, the team behind Margaret River Ultra. Together we talk about: What the hell is adventure racing The most insane races he's been a part of (hello horse riding) Calling in sick to work because you're stuc…

1
Can 'technocratic daddy' Mark Carney solve Canada's deep-rooted problems? 40:48

2M ago40:48

40:48

Canadian journalist Jen Gerson joins Hugh to talk about the results of Monday's federal election, which confirmed the once-unlikely comeback of the Liberal party led by former central banker Mark Carney. Gerson explains the unique challenges facing this vast, dispersed country whose relationship with its closest ally - the USA - has collapsed since…

1
Will there be a teacher’s strike in the autumn? 45:36

2M ago45:36

45:36

Pat Leahy and Jack Horgan-Jones join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Thoughts now turn to the election of his successor and whether they will be viewed to be as tolerant and progressive as the late pontiff. · Minister for Education Helen McEntee has her work cut out fo…

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Take a photo, it'll last longer 1:08:33

2M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

This week, we're joined by Andrew Yeatman, a familiar face on the WA running scene that is usually obscured by a camera. Together we talk about: How he got into running photography Becoming an offical parkrun ambassador What running has brought to his life Why he's so passionate about volunteering His journey with alcoholism But first, we CRAP on a…

1
How the Dublin Riots can be traced back to the Blueshirts 56:40

2M ago56:40

56:40

Cork-based author Pádraig Óg O'Ruairc joins Hugh Linehan to discuss his new book 'Burn Them Out; a history of fascism and the far right in Ireland’. He argues a line can be drawn directly between the far-right and, in the case of the Blueshirts, openly fascist movements of the 1920s and 1930s and the Dublin riots of 2023. Ó'Ruairc objects to the Ir…

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Naomi Klein on conspiracies, climate and the 'personal brand' 44:34

2M ago44:34

44:34

This episode was first published in October 2023. Naomi Klein shot to fame with her first book, No Logo, which offered an acute critique of how powerful corporations in the 1990s had profited off exploitation in a globalising world. Her later books have examined a range of subjects including crisis capitalism, militarism, and climate change. Klein …

1
Why do obstacles build us up, buttercup? 1:28:22

2M ago1:28:22

1:28:22

This week, we're joined by one of our favourite people, Sam Shepherd, or Shep to us. He's not even remotely casual, but you'll forgive us because he's an incredible obstacle course racer, amazing musician, and just an all round great guy. Together we talk about: Being known as the croc guy A trip to Dubai sponsored by a Prince How obstacle course r…

1
Fine Gael slumps as Sinn Féin returns to top spot in our poll 18:43

2M ago18:43

18:43

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee analyse the latest Irish Times / Ipsos B&A poll results, which show that Sinn Féin has regained its position as the most popular party in the Republic while Fine Gael has slumped to a record low in the series. The new data also show voters have little enthusiasm for the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Independent Coalition. Hosted o…

1
Will Europe cave to Trump's trade demands? 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

Cliff Taylor joins Pat Leahy to assess the latest developments in the trade war initiated by US president Donald Trump that threatens to upend the global economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How Morgan McSweeney put Keir Starmer in power 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

As the head of an organisation called Labour Together, which despite its name '"was all about dividing the Labour party and defeating the left", Irishman Morgan McSweeney handpicked Keir Starmer as the leadership candidate to take on Jeremy Corbyn and the party's left wing in 2020. That is according to Patrick Maguire, co-author of Get In, an enter…

1
Micheál Martin interview: Ireland will ‘resist’ EU tech tax 56:05

3M ago56:05

56:05

On Friday afternoon Taoiseach Micheál Martin talked to Hugh and Pat about a range of issues: On tariffs, the Taoiseach says he "suspects" a US decision on pharmaceuticals may be incorporated into overall trade negotiations, to Ireland’s advantage. He says that Ireland will resist any move by the EU to apply new taxes to US tech firms and supports t…

1
Sanctimonious Soc Dems find themselves on shaky high moral ground 39:34

3M ago39:34

39:34

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The ‘Golden Age of America’ came and went over the course of a week as US President Donald Trump decided on Wednesday to pause his reciprocal tariffs for most countries for the next 90 days. · The status of suspended Social Democrat TD Eoin Hayes was up for deb…

1
Sheep, Sip, Stride, Repeat. Finding your rural running routine 57:10

3M ago57:10

57:10

This week, we're joined by Victoria (Tori) Squire, Farmer, Ironwoman and co-founder of the Sip and Stride Run Club based in Albany. Together we talk about: How she balances training with her farming lifestyle The challenges of training in the regions Her mental health journey and why running and exercise is so important The origin story of Sip and …

1
Bertie? Frances? Conor? Who will run and who can win the presidency in 2025 49:56

3M ago49:56

49:56

The podcasters turn away from the heavy news agenda of tariffs and economic upheaval to examine a lighter, more enjoyable but still important topic: the 2025 Irish presidential election. What makes a good president? What makes a good presidential candidate? And who are the candidates in the running at this late stage? From big party nominees like F…

1
Why is it so hard to get big things done in Ireland? 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

Why does it take so long to build infrastructure in Ireland? If you consider the amount of red tape needed to secure approval for something relatively simple like the upgrade of Dublin's bus lanes, it is hardly surprising, says Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin. He talks to Hugh Linehan about the costly bott…

1
Government grapples with tariff fallout 40:47

3M ago40:47

40:47

Jack Horgan-Jones and Pat Leahy join Hugh to look back on the week in politics: It may have been one of the most consequential weeks for Irish politics in years, if US president Donald Trump’s tariffs have the expected impact on the Irish and global economy. The speaking rights row came to an end, at least for now this week following votes on the f…

1
We'll cross that Bridge when we run to it 1:22:13

3M ago1:22:13

1:22:13

This week, we're joined by Susen Selbig, who is the Race Director for this weekend's WAMC Bridges Fun Run. Together we talk about: How her nationality led to her being on the WAMC committee Why the course changed direction that one year (hint: it was Susen's fault) If this year's event includes the new bridge and what that means for the course reco…

1
Trump's 'complete nonsense' tariff puts the ball in EU's court 31:58

3M ago31:58

31:58

Cliff Taylor and Pat Leahy are with Hugh to discuss the tariffs announced yesterday by US president Donald Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
'Liberation Day' is here / Speaking rights aftermath 25:48

3M ago25:48

25:48

As the Irish political system awaits tariff news from Washington, political editor Pat Leahy joins Hugh to look at how the day might unfold. But first they assess the outcome of yesterday’s Dáil vote on the future of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle. Murphy survived the vote - but there will be longer-term consequences from the controversy. Hosted …

1
Frontyard in reverse - a raw and uncut recon lap (BONUS EPISODE) 48:42

3M ago48:42

48:42

We asked our listeners via Instagram and you overwhelmingly responded to say you wanted a Herdy's Frontyard bonus episode. So here it is for the 97% who asked for it - Hayden and Shannon complete the Herdy's loop in reverse, recording their thoughts (and heavy breathing) as they go. This episode is unedited, so we make no apologies for the content,…

1
Can Europe fight back against Trump's tariffs? 42:16

3M ago42:16

42:16

Wednesday April 2nd is when US president Donald Trump is expected to announce tariffs on a wide range of imports from several countries, probably including the European Union. But what can the EU do in response? Cliff Taylor and Jack Power join Hugh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Are Labour getting too close to Sinn Féin for their own good? 41:04

3M ago41:04

41:04

Pat Leahy and Sarah Burns join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The Dáil will enter uncharted territory next Tuesday as a motion of no confidence in Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy will be debated in the Dáil. Mary Lou McDonald and Labour leader Ivan Bacik are united in their insistence that Murphy’s position is no longer tenable …