179. Behind the scenes on the DART
This week Alex Rowley goes behind the scenes with the people who make your daily DART commute function
Jun 26, 2025•15 min
Let Me Explain with Seán Defoe
If you don't have the time to keep up with every twist and turn of the news agenda then sit back and Let Me Explain.
Each week host Seán Defoe goes behind the scenes on one of the biggest stories dominating the airwaves.
Why is it a big deal? Who's trying to spin you a line? And, most importantly, why should you give a damn?
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Episodes
178. What would you do with €250 million in a Lotto win?
This week we're discussing the biggest ever lotto wins from across the world and asking what you would spend €250m on
Jun 19, 2025•16 min
177. Penile Cancer
To mark Men's Health Week we're discussing the little known but devastating cancer diagnosis more than 50 men in Ireland get every year - penile cancer
Jun 12, 2025•19 min
176. The Grimm Origins of Snow White
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe uncovers the dark and twisted origins of the beloved fairy tale, Snow White. While many know the Disney version, the original Brothers Grimm story is a chilling tale that dives deep into themes of cannibalism, betrayal, and revenge. Join us as we explore how Snow White came to be, from the Queen's gruesome obsession with beauty to her murderous intent against the innocent girl. We'll dissect the shocking twists that land this tale far from the ench...
Jun 05, 2025•13 min
175. The Grimm Origins of Cinderella
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe takes us on a dark journey back to the original tale of Cinderella, unearthing the grimmer aspects that have been sanitized over the years. As we explore the story's beginnings from the Grimm Brothers, we'll discover that this beloved fairy tale is steeped in sorrow, betrayal, and even gruesome retribution. Join us as we dig into the heartbreaking tale of Aschenputtel and her trials, from her struggles with her wicked stepsisters to the shocking en...
May 29, 2025•12 min
174. The Business Case for Disney's Live Action Remakes
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe dives deep into the vibrant world of Disney's live-action remakes. What drives this nostalgic trend, and are these adaptations a clever cash grab or an artistic endeavor? As we journey through Disney's history, we uncover the success stories—from the surprisingly profitable 1994 "The Jungle Book" to the blockbuster hit "Alice in Wonderland." We also tackle the recent controversies surrounding films like "The Little Mermaid" and the disappointing bo...
May 22, 2025•16 min
173. The Worst Popes In History
After the election of Pope Leo XIV we're taking a look at some of his worst predecessors in office. From the Popes who used the Vatican like a brothel to the leader of the church who put the rotting corpse of his predecessor on trial, some Popes have been far from saints.
May 15, 2025•14 min
172. 100 days of the Government. Newstalk's first Insider Poll
This week introduces the first Newstalk Insider Poll talking to TDs, Senators, advisors and political correspondents to get a sense of how the Government is performing 100 days in. We ask who the best and worst performing party leaders and Ministers are, what's likely to dominate the Dáil agenda this year and who they think will end up being the next President of Ireland.
May 02, 2025•21 min
171. Who are the favourites to be the next Pope?
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe dives into the significant transition within the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Join us as we explore the legacy of Francis, who has often been hailed for his progressive stance, yet faced criticism over the Church’s handling of past abuses. As the Vatican braces for the upcoming conclave, we break down the complex voting process and introduce potential successors. From Italian frontrunners like Pietro Parol...
Apr 23, 2025•12 min
170. How to spot the signs of bowel cancer
To mark bowel cancer awareness month we discuss the disease, the warning signs and the importance of screening in identifying it early. Sean speaks with Galway man Joe Grogan who faced his own cancer battle after a routine screen warned him something was wrong. And consultant Dr Alan Smith from the HSE national screening service discusses plans to expand screening and the concerning rise in bowel cancer in young people which doctors have yet to find the cause of.
Apr 17, 2025•32 min
169. The intricacies of court reporting
In this week's episode, Jamie O Hara explores the intricacies of court reporting with Newstalk's Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney to understand why the public can't always know everything said in court. Also, how the Justice Minister is exploring ways to potentially inform people about their partner's past.
Apr 10, 2025•10 min
168. What are tariffs and how do they work?
You've heard the name bandied about on every news bulletin for weeks but what exactly are tariffs? How do they work? Who do they hurt? And what will Donald Trump's latest announcements mean for the Irish economy?
Apr 02, 2025•10 min
167. British Ambassador Paul Johnston on the future for Ireland and the UK
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Seán Defoe sits down with Paul Johnston, the British Ambassador to Ireland, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of UK-Irish relations. From the impact of Brexit to the recent positive shift marked by a high-profile summit, they dive into the complexities of diplomacy and what the future holds for both nations. Join Seán and Ambassador Johnston as they explore how past political shifts influenced their roles, the ongoing challenges of l...
Mar 27, 2025•29 min
166. Why Conor McGregor has no chance of being President of Ireland
On this episode Seán Defoe breaks down why Conor McGregor's political ambitions are dust in the wind and analyses who might actually win the Irish Presidency later this year. From a hotly contested battle for the Fine Gael nomination to the ghost of Bertie Ahern plaguing Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin's difficult position and a potential unity candidate on the left Seán looks through the runners and riders ahead of #PE25
Mar 20, 2025•18 min
165. The post match on Micheál Martin's visit to the White House
In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe takes you right into the chaos of a momentous press conference between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and former President Donald Trump. With so much on the table—from trade wars and tariffs to housing crises—Sean breaks down the highlights of a 50-minute exchange that sparked more than a few eyebrows. Join us as we dissect Trump's bold claims about Ireland capitalizing on the U.S., the complexities surrounding the pharmaceutical industry, and Marti...
Mar 12, 2025•17 min
164. How Micheál Martin should deal with Donald Trump
In this week's episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe tackles the pressing question: How do you approach a problem like Donald Trump? With Taoiseach Micheál Martin set to meet the US President at the White House, the stakes have never been higher. Join us as Sean delves into the press conferences of world leaders—Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Volodymyr Zelensky—to dissect their strategies when facing Trump. From Macron’s diplomatic flattery to Starmer’s subtle nudges, we analyze what ...
Mar 06, 2025•23 min
163. How does Oscar voting work?
In this week's episode, we're rolling out the red carpet and diving into the glitz and glamour of the Oscars. With the awards show just around the corner, we're asking the critical question: Who really decides who wins? Join Sean Defoe as he chats with John Fardy, host of Screen Time on Newstalk, to uncover the intricacies behind the famed Academy Awards. From the diverse membership of over 10,000 voters to the secretive voting process, we break down how nominations and winners are determined ea...
Feb 27, 2025•13 min
162. Inside the plan to build a nuclear power plant in Wexford
In this episode we're deep diving back to the 1970s when Jack Lynch's Government drew up plans for a nuclear power station which was defeated by...rock? Let Me Explain
Feb 20, 2025•16 min
161. Should Ministers travel to the US this St Patrick's Day?
This week - in the wake of Donald Trump's pronouncements on Gaza, should the Government be having a party with him in March?
Feb 12, 2025•11 min
160. A history of Superbowl advertising
With 30 second ad spots costing as much as eight million dollars do they work and what are some of the most famous ads in Superbowl history?
Feb 07, 2025•18 min
159. Is organic food actually better for you?
This week we get into the weeds on organic food with Colman Power as we discuss whether it's actually any better for you
Jan 30, 2025•20 min
158. What makes a Trump supporter tick?
From the capital of the USA Sean reports from the inauguration of Donald J Trump.
Jan 27, 2025•16 min
157. What's in the Programme for Government?
The programme for Government has been released this afternoon - but what's actually been promised?
Jan 15, 2025•16 min
156. How the hell do Seanad elections work?
This week we're delving into the most difficult to understand elections held in Ireland - the race to the Seanad.
Jan 09, 2025•13 min
155. The Origins of Santa Clause
This week, just where did Santa come from anyway?
Dec 19, 2024•9 min
154. Why did new TD Eoin Hayes get suspended from the Social Democrats?
This week we're looking at the controversy surrounding new TD Eoin Hayes and the shares he held in Palantir Enterprises.
Dec 11, 2024•13 min
153. Election Reflection
On this episode we're looking back on the outcome of election 2024 and what it means for all the main parties
Dec 05, 2024•16 min
152. What's In the Sinn Féin Manifesto?
On this episode we're looking at what's made it into the Sinn Féin manifesto
Nov 28, 2024•11 min
151. What's in the Fine Gael manifesto?
On this episode we're looking at what's made it into the Fine Gael manifesto
Nov 28, 2024•8 min
150. How To Vote
With all the focus on WHO to vote for in the past few weeks on this episode we go into HOW to vote. How do you fill out the ballot correctly and avoid a spoiled vote?
Nov 25, 2024•19 min
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