149. The Leader Interviews: Peadar Toibin
On this episode Peadar Toibin of Aontu chats about reducing the cost of a pint, holding Ministers accountable and making cider in his bathtub.
Nov 21, 2024•13 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?
Listen and subscribe to Let Me Explain with Seán Defoe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.
You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
148. The Leaders' Interview: Micheál Martin
On this episode we sit down with Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to discuss his party's plans, housing and his perfect breakfast.
Nov 18, 2024•26 min
147. The Leader Interviews: Ivana Bacik
On this episode we're joined by the Labour leader Ivana Bacik to run through her party's policies, why she thinks people should choose them over similar parties and the one thing you didn't know about Ivana Bacik....her karaoke song!
Nov 17, 2024•22 min
146. More women are running for election than ever - but will it result in more Dáil seats?
Katie Deegan from Women for Election joins the show today to run through the implications of the 40% gender quota in this year's election
Nov 15, 2024•21 min
145. What's in the Green Party manifesto?
We continue our election series looking at what the Green Party is promising as it tries to seek another term in Government and how the party is likely to fare across the country.
Nov 14, 2024•17 min
144. What's In Fianna Fáil's Manifesto?
Starting a new series running through the detail of all the main party manifestos as we head into this general election campaign and asking how each party is likely to perform. This episode is Fianna Fáil, the first out of the traps to release its manifesto.
Nov 13, 2024•23 min
143. How to register to vote
This week Sean is joined by Tim Carey from the Electoral Commission with a warning about the time you have left to register to vote and who can apply for a postal vote.
Oct 31, 2024•21 min
142. The Death of All Things
This week Jamie O'Hara runs through some of the things once indispensable to life that have faded into non existence
Oct 24, 2024•7 min
141. Conker Cheats Cheat Us All
This week we're going bonkers for conkers as we examine the revelation which threw the committee for competitive conkering into chaos this week. If you can't trust conkers what can you trust?
Oct 17, 2024•9 min
140. Three of the hardest Dáil constituencies to predict
This week we're breaking out the crystal ball to have a look at some of the toughest Dáil constituencies to predict ahead of the general election
Oct 10, 2024•17 min
139. The Lion, the Wallaby and Dublin's Elephant Graveyard
This week Emma Tyrell brings us on a tour of Dublin's animalistic highlights
Oct 03, 2024•10 min
138. Budget gesticulation and election speculation
This week we ruminate on the biggest budget in the history of the State and whether it means an election is imminent
Oct 02, 2024•15 min
137. Do we need to take food supplements?
This week we're asking whether the $177bn supplements industry is actually necessary or whether people are popping pills they don't need
Sep 26, 2024•19 min
136. Lies, damn lies and election dates
This week we've been hitting up the pre-Dáil party think-ins to get the skinny on the general election date
Sep 19, 2024•15 min
135. "We live by two words - what if?" The hidden risks of sepsis
This week for Sepsis Awareness Day we're speaking to a number of families who've been tragically affected by sepsis and discussing how to spot the signs
Sep 12, 2024•54 min
134. Naloxone - the medicine that can pause an overdose
This week we're marking International Overdose Awareness Day by talking about a medicine which can temporarily stop an overdose. The injection or nasal spray can buy people precious time to allow an ambulance to arrive or treatment to be given. Let Me Explain.
Sep 05, 2024•25 min
133. 30 years since the IRA ceasefire of 1994
This year marks three decades since the IRA ceasefire of 1994 - a pivotal moment on the path to peace in Northern Ireland. Eamonn Torsney remembers life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Aug 29, 2024•13 min
132. The city that banned salt
This week we take a look at the South American city that banned salt shakers from restaurant tables in a bid to tackle excess sodium intake and the range of health problems it brings
Aug 22, 2024•11 min
131. Six way-too-early election trends to watch
The Irish general election will happen at some point over the next few months and while politicians are taking the last break they'll get for a while we're looking at some of the trends which may shape the vote. Why are former Fine Gael TDs losing selection conventions? Are Sinn Féin spooked? And why the Government isn't afraid to fight an election on housing.
Aug 15, 2024•12 min
130. Why are vegetables getting less nutritious?
We're always told to eat our veg and plants are key for nutrition. But many fruits and veggies, from apples to zucchinis, are less nutritious than they were 40 years ago. Why? Let Me Explain.
Aug 07, 2024•19 min
129. Poison, painting and pigeon shooting - a weird history of The Olympics
This week we look at some of the weirdest events to ever grace the Olympics. From the 1904 marathon which was marred by poison, hitchhiking and brandy, to the freakish events that never quite caught on. And just how many condoms do the athletes need? Let Me Explain.
Aug 01, 2024•13 min
128. Who is Kamala Harris?
Who is Kamala Harris - the presumptive Democratic nominee to be the next US President? From a career as a California prosecutor to the second most important politician in the country, where did she come from and what are her chances of beating Donald Trump? We look at her career as a district attorney right up to her record as Vice President.
Jul 23, 2024•17 min
127. The life and times of Leo Varadkar
The former Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar announced this week he won't be contesting the next election and will be retiring from front line politics aged just 45. We look back on the career of an early starter and a man who broke a number of big taboos in Irish politics
Jul 18, 2024•17 min
126. Looking for a man in Finance? Jack Chambers and the Giant Budget
Looking for a man in Finance? 6'5? Blue Eyes? Well who is the new man in the Department of Finance, Jack Chambers? He's in charge of arguably the most consequential budget of this Government and with the Summer Economic Statement out this week, what's it likely to mean for your pocket? Let Me Explain. Budget 2025
Jul 11, 2024•14 min
125. Should Ireland ban tanning beds?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland and tanning beds increase the risk of contracting the disease by 60% with just a single use. So is it time to ban the tan? Is fake tan better and safer for you? And what else can be done to combat rising skin cancer rates in Ireland?
Jul 04, 2024•26 min
124. How do judges decide jail terms?
In the wake of the suspended sentence for Defence Forces member Cathal Crotty the woman he attacked, Natasha O'Brien, has called for mandatory minimum jail terms for assault causing serious harm. But how do judges come to their sentences? What do they have to take into account? And just how much is in their own hands when it comes to ensuring some people avoid jail?
Jun 27, 2024•22 min
123: Why Do Men Die Younger Than Women? A Men's Health Week Special
This week we discuss Men's Health Week and talk about the leading causes of death among men including cancer and heart disease as well as looking at some of the simple fixes you can make to improve your chances of a long life. Featuring the Marie Keating Foundation's Helen Forristal and Finian Murray of the HSE
Jun 13, 2024•23 min
122: Who has won the Euro elections?
We go around the grounds to our reporters in Dublin, Cork, Mayo and Limerick to get the wrap up of the European elections. And who is John Moran, the new Mayor of Limerick?
Jun 12, 2024•28 min
121: Life in Numbers
Have you ever wondered what our world and what we've achieved looks like when it's compiled down to just figures? Let Jamie O'Hara explain.
Jun 06, 2024•8 min
120: My Cancer Journey
You've probably been wondering where Seán Defoe has been over the last 8 months - let him explain.
May 30, 2024•31 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android