Best Joe Brolly Podcasts (2025)

1
Learning to cross the road. A life ruined by Opus Dei 1:01:50

Play Pause

4h ago1:01:50

1:01:50

On the day of the All Ireland football final in 1978, Anne Marie Allen believed she was beginning the life she dreamed of. She was 15 years old and wanted to be a chef. When two visitors came to her house promising a catering course and a job, it seemed like too good to be true. It was. For the next seven years she entered into the secretive world …

1
The Week Trending: Heather Humphreys Criticises Joe Brolly's Podcast Remarks, Nigel Farage's Attack on Gary Neville and the First AI Actor 21:47

21d ago21:47

21:47

This week on The Week Trending Matt is joined by Broadcaster and Author Aoife Barry and Head of Training at Communications Clinic Lorcan Nyhan to discuss the week's biggest trending stories. This week they discuss Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys' criticism of Joe Brolly's ‘very misogynistic’ podcast comments, Nigel Farage's attack on footb…

1
Ireland vs New Zealand Preview 22:34

5h ago22:34

22:34

Ireland will play New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday night in a repeat fixture of Ireland's memorable 40-29 win in 2016. Billy Holland, Paul Wallace and Matt Williams previewed the game on Friday's The Last Word. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

1
The Week Trending: Is Having A Boyfriend Embarassing? 24:17

11h ago24:17

24:17

Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? A Vogue article, which went viral this week, has claimed that women are increasingly keeping their relationship under wraps. Cathal O’Sullivan, 98FM producer, and Emily Keegan, multimedia reporter with Today FM, joined The Last Word to discuss this and more of the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by p…

1
DJ Carey To Be Sentenced On Monday 15:39

7h ago15:39

15:39

Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, and Eimear Ni Bhraonain, author of The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal, were at the sentencing hearing of DJ Carey. The former Kilkenny hurling legend will be sentenced on Monday after he admitted defrauding 13 people by claiming he needed money to pay for cancer treatment. Judge Martin Nolan sa…

1
Michael Harding On His Journey Through The Irish Midwinter 14:44

1d ago14:44

14:44

Writer Michael Harding joined The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Midwinter: A Journey Through a Season' which explores the cycle of death and renewal that winter brings. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

1
'I Wish The Internet Had Never Been Invented' - Writer & Comedian Ben Elton 12:13

1d ago12:13

12:13

Writer and comedian Ben Elton joined The Last Word to discuss his new memoir 'What Have I Done?'. He spoke about his reflections on his career, the death of studio sitcoms like 'Blackadder', and why he wishes the internet had never been invented. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!…

1
DJ Carey - The rise and fall of hurling’s first superstar 45:09

2d ago45:09

45:09

DJ Carey’s sentencing hearing was postponed until Friday. In July, Carey had pleaded guilty to defrauding 13 people. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the rise and fall of hurling’s first superstar. They examine the drive and determination that took DJ to the top and the restlessness that was always part of his personality as well. Joe talk…

1
Culture Club: Elizabeth Day 31:12

2d ago31:12

31:12

To celebrate the release of her new book 'One of Us', author Elizabeth Day joined Matt on The Last Word for the latest edition of the Culture Club. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear all her choices.

1
"I'm Quite Resentful Of It" - Carl Kinsella On His Life With OCD 14:20

2d ago14:20

14:20

Columnist and author Carl Kinsella joined The Last Word to chat about his new book 'At Least it Looks Good from Space: A Catalogue of Modern, Millennial and Personal Catastrophes'. He talks about his experience of living with OCD, the dangers of social media and why he hates Irish mammy jokes. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on th…

1
Why Are Motorway Tolls Increasing Again? 10:02

2d ago10:02

10:02

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has announced toll increases on a number of motorways and the Dublin Port Tunnel effective from January 1 next year. Transport commentator Conor Faughnan and Peader Tóibín, Áontú leader and TD for Meath West, join The Last Word to discuss why these tolls are increasing and whether they are the best way to fund the m…

1
Ireland Ranked Almost Worst For Income Tax Burden On Workers 9:22

2d ago9:22

9:22

Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Independent, outlined the findings of a new report from think tank Tax Foundation, that ranked Ireland 37th out of 38 countries for personal taxes. He explained how the wealth gap between the super rich and the rest of us is widening. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this pa…

1
Spillane’s Messi & Clifford comparisons, O’Connor’s Donaghy appointment a masterstroke? 40:39

3d ago40:39

40:39

Pat Spillane joins Michael for this week’s Indo GAA, discussing all the latest from the club championship - from Dingle’s big win, to the Grimley brothers’ double success and everything in between. They also chat through Kieran Donaghy’s appointment to the Kerry backroom team, and why that might be a master stroke from Jack O'Connor - as well as th…

1
British Airways Pulls Louis Theroux Sponsorship After Bob Vylan Appearance 23:25

3d ago23:25

23:25

British Airways has paused its sponsorship of journalist Louis Theroux’s podcast over an interview with Bob Vylan frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster. The group had previously received criticism for chanting “death to the IDF” at this year’s Glastonbury festival. Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast and Dee Reddy joined Daniel McConnell for Tue…

1
Dermot Desmond Hits Out after Brendan Rodgers Resigns as Celtic Manager 8:07

3d ago8:07

8:07

Off The Ball's and The Last Word's Stephen Doyle joins Daniel McConnell to discuss the explosive reaction to Celtic manager Brendan Rodger's resigning. Billionaire Celtic shareholder Dermot Desmond said Rodger's "words and actions" have been "divisive, misleading and unacceptable" in a very critical statement. Hit Play on this page to listen now…

1
The Last Word on the US: Trump Tours Asia & Government Shutdown Continues 11:37

3d ago11:37

11:37

This week on The Last Word on the US, Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Daniel McConnell to discuss President Donald Trump's tour of Asia including his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping. They also discuss the US government shutdown entering it's fifth week. Hit Play on this page to listen now

1
How racism became respectable. 41:50

4d ago41:50

41:50

When the shadow Home Secretary Robert Jenrick visited Handsworth in Birmingham he complained about ‘not seeing another white face’. Many were angered by his comments, but what do they tell us about how the mainstream has absorbed extremist postions? On Free State today we consider how racism has become respectable. What is happening in the U.K. and…

1
Accidental Villain or State Sanctioned Murderer? The story of Sir Hugh Tudor 41:11

7d ago41:11

41:11

When Winston Churchill wanted someone to deal with the problems in Ireland, he turned to his old friend Sir Hugh Tudor. Tudor went to Ireland unable to grasp the complexity of the situation. He was described as “a man of no balance, knowledge or judgment and therefore a deplorable selection for his present post”. On Free State today we talk to Lind…

1
Brendan Fanning on his New Book 'Touching Distance' 16:13

7d ago16:13

16:13

Matt is Joined by one of Ireland's most accomplished rugby writers Brendan Fanning on his new book Touching Distance: Irish Rugby's Battle with Great Expectations. They also discuss the current state of Irish rugby, what we can expect in the Autumn internationals and whether our expectations are too high for Irish rugby. Hit Play on this page to li…

1
How The Far Right Used Social Media To Spur On Violence In Citywest 13:13

8d ago13:13

13:13

Gardaí will maintain a presence around Citywest in the coming days following multiple days of violence in the area this week. Conor Lally, crime and security editor with the Irish Times, and Emily Duffy, communication and narrative lead with Hope and Courage Collective, joined The Last Word to discuss how a small group of far-right agitators sought…

1
Communications Guru On Life Advising Political Leaders 17:05

8d ago17:05

17:05

Terry Prone, author of I’m Glad You Asked Me That, spoke to Matt about her years working as a media trainer for the top political and business leaders in the country. Terry outlined her time working with former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and gave fresh insight into the real man behind the persona. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' but…

1
Why There Are Strong Arguments For And Against A United Ireland 19:42

9d ago19:42

19:42

On Thursday, Matt spoke to journalists Fintan O’Toole & Sam McBride about the release of their new book “For and Against a United Ireland”. If it came to pass, what would a united Ireland look like? How much of a role would history and religion play for a generation of people who grew up after the Good Friday Agreement came into effect? Hit the ‘Pl…

1
Tech Thursday: Cycling Gear To Stay Safe And Seen This Winter 8:44

9d ago8:44

8:44

As we come into winter and the days get shorter, it's important that cyclists take precautions while out on roads. Andy O'Donoghue joined The Last Word to discuss the best cycling tech to stay safe and seen this winter. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

1
Think You Know The Presidents? Michael D. Higgins 38:20

9d ago38:20

38:20

Michael D Higgins bows out of his two term presidency next month. For some, he leaves a national treasure who spoke from his head and his heart and who, along with his wife Sabina, made the Áras a house of welcome and inclusion. For others, he was a head of state who sometimes pushed too vigorously against the boundaries of his office. But everyone…

1
Maccabi Tel Aviv - the most misunderstood football hooligans in the world 45:16

9d ago45:16

45:16

When Birmingham City Council announced that they would ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the football match against Aston Villa next month, Keir Starmer was quick to react. Not as quick as Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage, but Starmer was soon promising that he would be doing everything in his power to overturn the ban. On Free State today we l…

1
Culture Club: Jamie Duffy 27:33

9d ago27:33

27:33

Composer Jamie Duffy joined Matt for the Culture Club. He spoke about the inspiration for his debut eponymous album, that blends folk, classical and contemporary elements. He also outlined the eclectic range of music he enjoys, along with his other cultural touchstones from the worlds of TV, film and books. To catch the full conversation, press the…

1
Presidential Campaign Interview: Heather Humphreys 15:19

10d ago15:19

15:19

On Friday, the country goes to the polls to choose who will become the 10th president of Ireland. Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys joined The Last Word for an interview ahead of Friday's vote. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

1
The Last Word on The US: White House Says No Plans For Trump-Putin Meeting In The Immediate Future 16:46

11d ago16:46

16:46

There are "no plans" for US President Donald Trump to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin "in the immediate future", a White House official has stated. The update comes despite Trump saying that he would meet his Russian counterpart in Budapest within two weeks to discuss the war in Ukraine. Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas joined The Last Word to discuss th…

1
Presidential Election: What To Expect From The Closing Days Of The Campaign 22:08

11d ago22:08

22:08

As the presidential election campaign draws to a close, the two remaining candidates - Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly - are making their final appeals to potential voters. Louise Burne, political correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Professor Gary Murphy, from the School of Law and Government in DCU, and Daniel M…

1
A flight, a fry and an unforgettable celebration | 30 years on from Clare’s 95’ All-Ireland victory | Tony Considine 44:33

11d ago44:33

44:33

On this week’s Indo GAA, Michael was joined by Tony Considine - a key member of the management team during Clare’s 1995 All Ireland hurling final victory. 30 years on, Tony recalls his memories of that magic season alongside Ger Loughnane and Mike McNamara, diving into how the group built up to the big day in Croke Park versus Offaly. They also dis…

1
Think You Know The Presidents? Mary McAleese 39:28

11d ago39:28

39:28

From the Ardoyne to two stints in the Áras, Mary McAleese's presidency was shaped by her Northern upbringing and driven by a mission to unite communities. But her efforts to build bridges were often met with anger from some political and religious quarters, while Ireland itself went from the boom-time Celtic Tiger riches to an era of financial bail…

1
Presidential Campaign Interview: Catherine Connolly 28:45

11d ago28:45

28:45

On Friday, the country will go to the polls to vote for the 10th president of Ireland. Independent candidate Catherine Connolly joined Matt in studio for an in-depth interview on Monday's The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

1
Michael Lewis & the lion on the pitch 1:21:44

11d ago1:21:44

1:21:44

The great Michael Lewis is one of our favourite ever guests on Free State. On an October morning at the end of a long book tour, he asked us to talk about anything at all, not just his latest book. In this timeless piece he talks about life, love, loss, and the pain of losing his daughter Dixie in a car crash. (Originally aired in two parts - Octob…

1
How To Spot The Signs Of A Brain Tumour In Children And Teenagers 12:15

11d ago12:15

12:15

This National Brain Tumour Awareness Week, Brain Tumour Ireland is highlighting the symptoms of brain tumours in children and teenagers. Tumours of the brain and central nervous system are the most common childhood cancer, alongside leukaemia, but the symptoms can often be confused for other more common illnesses. Dr Sarah Curry, consultant neuro-o…

1
The Last Word On Travel: Winter Breaks Across Ireland 9:43

12d ago9:43

9:43

From weekend hotel stays in Dublin, to Christmas markets in Belfast, Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie, outlined the best Winter travel offers for families and couples looking for an at home break. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

1
A Time to Mourn and A Time to Dance 38:47

14d ago38:47

38:47

In 2012, while swimming in the Galapagos Islands, Delphine Kelly suffered an aortic aneurysm and drowned. On Free State today, Julia Kelly talks about her extraordinary memoir Still which is a conversation to her mother, built around the cold and austere language of the post mortem. She talks about her troubled relationship with her father the Fine…

1
Why Are Athletes Being Persuaded To Join The Enhanced Games? 8:56

14d ago8:56

8:56

Irish swimmer Shane Ryan caused controversy this week when he announced he will be joining the Enhanced Games, which will get underway in May 2026. Participating athletes - of which there are 11 so far - will be permitted to take performance-enhancing drugs throughout the Games. The decision has been widely criticised by sporting bodies around the …

1
The Week Trending: Putin Calls Trump; Mercury Snub For Irish Musicians & Met Éireann Seeks Help From Weather Enthusiasts 22:41

15d ago22:41

22:41

Now that he has got the Gaza deal he wanted, has US President Donald Trump's attention refocused on Ukraine? Why has an Irish act never won the Mercury Prize? Do you know a weather enthusiast who could help Met Éireann with a major new project? Marion McKeone and Dave Hanratty joined The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the f…

1
Randal Plunkett On Rewilding His Family's Ancient Estate 12:39

15d ago12:39

12:39

What does a reluctant earl do when he inherits a 1,600-acre estate in Co Meath? Randal Plunkett, the 21st Earl of Dunsany, joined The Last Word to discuss how he transformed his ancestral home into Ireland's biggest private rewilding project. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!…

1
New Study Claims Hybrid Cars Are As Dangerous For The Environment As Petrol And Diesel Models 10:16

16d ago10:16

10:16

A new report by advocacy group Transport and Environment has found that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles emit just 19% less Co2 than petrol and diesel cars, a much lower figure than the originally projected 75%. Environmental commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.…

1
Jonathan Dowdall Enters Witness Protection 10:46

16d ago10:46

10:46

Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor with the Sunday World and host of the Crime World podcast, spoke to Matt about the release from Limerick Prison of former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall who turned state witness in the Regency murder case. Having served his sentence for torture and false imprisonment of a man and for his part in the shoo…

1
Think You Know The Presidents? Mary Robinson 37:42

16d ago37:42

37:42

In this episode of Think You Know...The Presidents?, presenters Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy get to grips with their own 'girl crush' as they recall Robinson's rocky road to the Áras, when she encountered sexism and misogyny along the campaign trail. Mary Robinson didn't just win the presidency in 1990, she blew the dusty doors off Áras an Uachtar…

1
Donald Trump, The Last Emperor 30:12

16d ago30:12

30:12

Is Donald Trump right for once? Is this the deal to end all deals? And could anyone else have pulled it off? On Free State today, Donald Trump’s role as the last American emperor is examined. Is his Gaza peace deal an example of how his ego and self interest drive people to achieve things normal politicians couldn’t? Is this his great legacy or wil…

1
Culture Club: Marie Cassidy 31:47

16d ago31:47

31:47

Former State Pathologist Marie Cassidy spoke to Matt about her second novel, Deadly Evidence, a thriller following the investigative work of a fictional state pathology who must help solve the murder of garda detective. Marie also discussed her favourite music, gigs, books, film, TV and more. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button …

1
Irish International Andrew Porter On How His Drive To Excel In Rugby Helped Him Overcome His Eating Disorder 19:24

17d ago19:24

19:24

Andrew Porter is best known for playing as a loosehead prop for Leinster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. He has released his autobiography “Heart on My Sleeve: My Story of Struggle and Strength” in which he details how his mother’s death when he was 12 years old impacted his mental health, his subsequent eating disorder and how fatherhood h…

1
Eco Labels Nudge Shoppers Towards More Sustainable Clothes 9:31

17d ago9:31

9:31

Have you ever considered how the clothes you wear were made? Would you choose more sustainable options if they were clearly labelled? Dr Shane Timmons joined The Last Word to discuss new research conducted by the ESRI's Behavioural Unit which found that 'eco labels', which highlight an item of clothing's environmental impact, lead shoppers to make …

1
The Last Word On The US: Will Gaza Ceasefire Hold? 15:50

17d ago15:50

15:50

Cal Thomas, US nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone discussed Donald Trump's 24 hour diplomatic mission to the Middle East and his speech in the Israeli Knesset. They also looked ahead to Friday's Washington meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.…

1
The Last Word On Music: Taylor Swift's 'The Life Of A Showgirl' Divides Fans And Critics 21:33

17d ago21:33

21:33

At the beginning of October, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album 'The Life Of A Showgirl'. Swift reunited with producer Max Martin for this album, who worked alongside her on the hugely successful Red, 1989 and Reputation records. However, her latest album hasn't been as universally lauded has her previous work. Having recently finished her…

1
The Challenging Road Back From Injury And Paralysis 19:07

17d ago19:07

19:07

Fergus Farrell, former rugby player and author of Rebuilding A Man, spoke to Matt about a freak accident that caused a spinal injury and his long, challenging road back to recovery. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

1
What it’s really like to be a GAA coach | Behind the scenes insights from 20 years on the line | Cian O'Neill 54:05

18d ago54:05

54:05

Head of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies at MTU Cork, Cian O'Neill, joins Michael on this week's edition of the Indo GAA podcast - exploring the “all consuming” nature of elite level coaching and management in gaelic games, and discussing an ongoing study in relation to the topic. He also dives into what it's like to work alongside Jack O'Connor …