The Last Word with Matt Cooper

This episode explores the recent conviction of Russell Brand, examining how his progressive persona and use of 'progressive' themes allowed him to mask predatory behavior. The discussion delves into the broader cultural implications of internalized misogyny and the trend of accused figures pivoting to right-wing audiences to maintain relevance. The hosts also cover various celebrity controversies, including legal issues surrounding Meghan Markle's father and Martha Stewart's tone-deaf Halloween costume. The conversation concludes by analyzing the psychological impact of anonymous threats and how fear can be used politically to drive people toward authoritarianism.

A report from Today FM Courts correspondent Frank Graney detailing the trial of a 41-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl accused of the murder of 28-year-old Scarlett Faulkner. The prosecution alleges the defendants hunted down Faulkner and her partner in Birdhill, County Tipperary, involving a vehicle pursuit and a violent assault with a metal pole. The episode covers eyewitness testimony from motorists and bystanders, as well as the efforts of first responders, including a bus driver, off-duty nurses, and emergency medical personnel, who attempted to stabilize Faulkner at the scene before her death.

An interview with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, regarding the recent evacuation of Marconi House following a bomb threat. The discussion covers the rise of hybrid threats across Europe, including incidents involving drones in Denmark, balloons in Lithuania, and attacks on refrigeration systems. The Minister addresses security preparations for the upcoming European Political Community Summit in Dublin, which will host 55 heads of state, and discusses the broader landscape of cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns targeting democratic institutions.

This episode explores the Unipub Irish Book Awards, highlighting shortlisted authors and their diverse works. The discussion covers the profound impact of online gambling on modern sport, the personal resilience required for memoir writing, and the complexities of navigating legal and ethical challenges when writing political biographies or investigating powerful corporations. The panel also discusses various book recommendations and provides information on how to participate in the awards voting process.

In this episode of The Last Word, environmental advocate John Gibbons discusses several pressing ecological and infrastructural issues in Ireland. The conversation begins with 'climate creep,' examining how changing weather patterns have forced Kellogg's to reformulate Rice Krispies and Cocoa Pops due to rice supply disruptions. The discussion then shifts to a critical look at the Environmental Protection Agency's report on wastewater treatment failures, highlighting significant raw sewage discharges into Irish waterways. Gibbons also addresses Ireland's energy transition, critiquing the slow pace of emissions reductions compared to the EU and discussing the government's push toward an 'electrostated' society. The episode concludes with a critique of the ESB's recent 25% price hike for electric vehicle charging and the lack of investment in high-powered charging infrastructure across the country.

This episode of The Last Word covers the significant legal verdict regarding comedian and actor Russell Brand, who has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault in a London court. Featuring insights from LBC presenter Nick Ferrari, the discussion explores the details of the trial, the historical context of Brand's career, and the ongoing investigations by the Metropolitan Police into further allegations. The program also provides updates on European flight bomb scares, upcoming trade union rallies in Ireland, and local traffic reports.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue discusses how to upgrade a home office setup by focusing on peripherals rather than expensive new computers. He highlights that many people are still using outdated equipment from the 2020 era and suggests that upgrading accessories like keyboards, mice, webcams, and microphones can significantly improve productivity and professional appearance. The discussion covers several specific high-end and practical gadgets, including the Corsair Galleon 100 keyboard with built-in Stream Deck functionality, various innovative mice from Keychron and Logitech, and advanced webcams like the Insta360 Link to Pro. Andy also explores solutions for managing multiple devices using USB switches and portable hubs for mobile workstations.

An analysis of the current political instability within Fine Gael, featuring Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post. The discussion explores declining poll ratings for the party and leader Simon Harris, following a period of internal controversy and a lack of electoral bounce from recent budgetary measures. The conversation delves into the party's identity crisis, the potential for a shift toward more conservative, centre-right policies, and the impact of ministerial controversies involving Patrick O'Donovan. McConnell examines the long-term strains of Fine Gael's extended time in government since 2011 and evaluates potential leadership challengers like Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The episode also touches upon the political landscape involving Fianna Fáil leaders Micheál Martin and Jim O'Callaghan, as well as the broader implications of internal party briefings and the emergence of new right-wing political forces.

In this episode of The Last Word, novelist Sarah Maria Griffin discusses her new book, 'Strange is the Light', and her transition from writing young adult fiction to adult Gothic novels. The conversation explores her diverse cultural influences, ranging from the high-energy pop of ABBA and Chappell Roan to the cinematic worlds of David Lynch and Hayao Miyazaki. Griffin also shares how literature, television, and video games have shaped her perspective as a writer. The episode concludes with various media recommendations, including the sci-fi thriller 'Three Body Problem' and the immersive video game 'Blueprints'.

This episode analyzes the aftermath of the US midterm elections, examining why Republican candidates faced significant losses due to voter concerns regarding inflation and political cruelty. The discussion explores Donald Trump's reaction to the results and the potential for Democratic overreach. The conversation also addresses calls for investigations into political corruption and alleged self-enrichment by figures close to Donald Trump, such as Jared Kushner. Additionally, the speakers debate foreign policy strategies, specifically advocating for a containment policy regarding Iran.

A report on the court verdict of Robert O'Connor, who has been found guilty of the manslaughter of his parents, Mark and Louise, and his brother, Ivan, in County Leitrim. The trial focused on whether O'Connor's schizophrenia and recent cocaine use met the legal criteria for a special verdict of insanity or if they constituted diminished responsibility. The proceedings detail the jury's rejection of the insanity defence in favour of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The discussion covers the complexities of the evidence regarding drug use, the legal distinction between intoxication and mental disorder, and the upcoming sentencing hearing scheduled for December 14th.

This episode explores the complex landscape of the US midterm elections, examining the impact of unprecedented campaign spending and the reliability of political polling. The discussion addresses concerns regarding election integrity and the influence of billionaires on the democratic process. The hosts also analyze Donald Trump's recent rhetoric, specifically his focus on trivial matters over pressing economic issues like inflation. Additionally, the episode provides an analysis of upcoming midterm races in Texas and South Carolina, weighing the controversial backgrounds of key candidates.

This episode explores the financial strain on Irish schools caused by government underfunding, specifically focusing on the phenomenon of voluntary contributions from parents. Featuring Owen Kenny, Labour Party TD and education spokesperson, and Seamus Mulconroy, General Secretary of the Catholic Primary School Management Association, the discussion examines how 116 million euros has been paid by parents over the last five years to cover essential day-to-day costs like heating and lighting. The conversation highlights the widening gap between state funding and the rising operational costs of schools, driven by inflation and energy crises, and addresses the pressure placed on families during a cost-of-living crisis.

An analysis of the escalating industrial relations dispute between Irish trade unions and the government regarding a new public sector pay deal. The discussion focuses on the potential for strike action scheduled to coincide with a major EU summit in Dublin, which could bring significant international media attention to the domestic labor unrest. Featuring former Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, Ciarán Mulvey, the episode explores the complexities of negotiating with 19 different trade unions. Key topics include inflation-adjusted pay increases, local bargaining clauses, the impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence on public sector roles, and the role of political leadership in finalizing multi-year agreements.

This episode of The Last Word features athletics journalist Cahill Dennehy discussing the life and legacy of Ciara McGeehan, a prominent Irish 1500m runner who recently passed away at age 34 following a battle with bowel cancer. The conversation explores the duality of her persona: the ruthlessly driven European champion athlete and the compassionate, authentic individual loved by the public. The discussion covers her professional achievements, including her Olympic appearances in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris, as well as the significant impact of injuries on her career. Additionally, the program reflects on her bravery during her health journey, specifically referencing her participation in the TV programme Uncharted and her book, My Greatest Race, highlighting her profound influence on the Irish sporting community.

Basketball commentator Timmy McCarthy discusses the origins of his catchphrase 'boom shakalaka' and reflects on the golden era of Irish basketball in the 1980s. He also shares his personal journey of battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer and how he used mental discipline to cope with the diagnosis. He details the physical and emotional toll of multiple cancer recurrences and intensive treatments, reflecting on a period of extreme vulnerability in intensive care. McCarthy contrasts this profound hardship with his eventual recovery and professional triumphs.

This episode of The Last Word features a deep dive into the current state of the Premier League, focusing on Manchester City's recent struggles and the psychological impact of their ongoing legal findings. The discussion explores whether the club is entering a 'zombie season' amidst mounting pressure and potential points deductions. The conversation also covers Brighton's impressive tactical performance against top opposition, the controversial refereeing decisions involving VAR at Anfield, and the defensive vulnerabilities currently plaguing Manchester United. The analysts debate the complexities of modern handball rules and the lack of long-term structural planning within the Manchester United squad.

In this episode of The Last Word, hosts Elaine Burke and Joe O'Shea discuss a variety of recent developments in television, film, and streaming. The discussion begins with an analysis of a Channel 4 game show experiment designed to highlight the manipulative 'dark patterns' used by the gambling industry. The hosts also cover news regarding a feature film adaptation of Aaron Rogan's book about Paddy Power, a tribute to the late actor Patrick Stewart, and the upcoming season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! featuring Wayne Rooney. The episode concludes with reflections on the high viewership of the Celebrity Traitors finale and personal recommendations for the week. Joe highlights the RTÉ series Busted, which examines major drug seizures in Ireland, while Elaine recommends the Netflix documentary SCTV, exploring the legacy of the influential Canadian comedy troupe.

This episode explores the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical food infrastructure, specifically focusing on recent breaches involving refrigeration management controllers in supermarkets across Ireland and Europe. Guests discuss how vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices, such as Danfoss controllers, allow hackers to remotely manipulate temperatures, leading to massive food waste and potential safety risks. The conversation extends to broader concerns regarding the automation of the food supply chain, including the potential for bad actors to compromise pasteurization processes, introduce allergens, or disrupt water and energy supplies. Additionally, the experts address the cybersecurity vulnerabilities present in modern smart homes and connected personal devices.

The hosts discuss the recent increase in tolls across Ireland's National Road Network and its impact on commuters during a cost-of-living crisis, alongside an initiative in Sardinia where restaurants are banning smartphones to encourage human connection. The episode also explores linguistic trends like '-maxing' and 'unk', Noah Wyle being named sexiest man alive, and Norway's clever marketing of scenic public toilets.

The hosts debate Rolling Stone's list of the 200 greatest rock songs of the century, critiquing the arbitrary definitions of 'rock' and the inclusion of pop artists like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. They also discuss specific tracks such as 'The Rat' by The Walkmen and the cultural impact of songs like Muse's 'Supermassive Black Hole'.

In this episode of The Last Word, John Gibbons and Will discuss the escalating intersection of climate change and global health. Drawing from the Lancet Countdown report, the discussion highlights how rising global temperatures have led to a significant increase in heat-related deaths and why health professionals are calling for climate change to be reclassified as a global health emergency. The conversation also explores China's strategic pivot toward solar energy driven by energy security concerns despite continued coal usage. The episode further examines the ecological impact of domestic honeybees, which act as 'flying livestock' and inadvertently outcompete wild pollinators through interference competition. Finally, the segment addresses the lack of corporate responsibility within the pharmaceutical industry regarding the Cali Fund, noting a massive discrepancy between industry profits and contributions toward protecting the biodiversity from which they derive medicinal components.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Willow Callan and Andy O'Donoghue discuss the recent legislative moves in New York aimed at protecting minors from AI chatbots that act as companions. The discussion covers the risks of AI reinforcement of negative body image or mental health issues, and the specific prohibitions on features that make chatbots appear human or encourage secrecy. The segment also provides a comprehensive guide to parental control tools, including Google Family Link, Apple's built-in Screen Time features, and paid cross-platform options like Qustodio. Additionally, they explore hardware alternatives for children, such as the Explorer X Go 3 smartwatch, the Yoro Mini audio player, and the importance of resources like Ireland's Webwise Parents Hub.

In this episode of The Culture Club, host interviews author Veronica Roth about her return to the world of Divergent with 'The Sixth Faction'. They discuss her creative process, the evolution of her writing perspective over 15 years, and share personal musical tastes ranging from Britney Spears to Evanescence. The conversation expands into a broader exploration of media influences, covering favorite films like Blade Runner and Clueless, as well as impactful literature by Kazuo Ishiguro and George Saunders. The hosts also discuss media consumption habits, the importance of reading outside one's genre for creativity, and the joy of connecting with fans during book tours.

Documentary filmmaker Sinead O'Shea discusses her latest feature, All About the Money, which explores the life of James Fergie Chambers. A former US heir with connections to significant wealth and political lineages, Chambers transitioned from a life of privilege to establishing a communist commune in Massachusetts and later investing heavily in a Tunisian football club. The film delves into his extreme political views, his conversion to Islam, and his controversial activities that have led to legal scrutiny and extradition requests by the United States. The conversation covers the complexities of filming such an extreme subject, the challenges of portraying Chambers's psychological landscape, and his recent presence in Ireland. O'Shea reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a duty of care to a subject who is currently incarcerated and the tension between journalistic integrity and the subject's desire to control his narrative.

Will O'Callum and Charlie Weston discuss recent shifts in the Irish personal finance landscape, focusing on the impact of PRSI increases and rising mortgage rates. The conversation covers how the Pay Related Social Insurance increase from 4.2% to 4.35% affects monthly take-home pay despite recent budget tax cuts. They also examine the trend of mainstream lenders like PTSB increasing mortgage rates following moves by smaller lenders, and the growing number of consumers switching providers to lock in fixed rates. The episode further explores retirement planning, addressing a survey finding that many individuals believe they need approximately 825 euros per week to live comfortably in retirement. The hosts discuss the gap between state pension projections and personal financial needs, highlighting the importance of private pension contributions and the recent launch of the My Future Fund.

In this interview, Irish footballer James McLean discusses his new memoir, 'The Walls', touching on his upbringing in Derry and the challenges of his early life. He reflects on his football career, including playing for Northern Ireland's youth teams, the controversy surrounding not wearing a poppy, and his transition through different clubs and financial levels. The conversation also explores the complexities of managing significant wealth and how high earnings can change one's social circle. Additionally, McLean addresses controversies regarding comments made about therapy and discusses his professional situation involving medical disputes that have prevented him from playing for his club.

In this episode of The Last Word, journalist Vincent Brown discusses his new biography, Charles Haughey: Glory, Greed and Guns. Brown provides an in-depth examination of the life and political career of the former Taoiseach, addressing controversial episodes such as the arms trial, the split within Fianna Fáil, and his stance on the Anglo-Irish Agreement. The conversation explores the personal dimensions of Haughey's legacy, including his relationship with Terry Keane and his final years in isolation. Brown contrasts his research, which utilizes archives unavailable to previous biographers, with existing accounts of Haughey's tenure. The discussion covers the political dynamics of the era, the economic recovery under Ray McShayne, and the personal reflections Brown gathered from direct visits to Haughey during his final years.

Cal Thomas and Mary McKeown discuss the upcoming US midterm elections, focusing on potential Democratic gains in the House and Senate and the impact of political controversies. The discussion covers Trump's challenges to election results in Alaska, a major newspaper endorsement in Ohio following a controversial attack ad, and the political landscape in Texas. The conversation further explores criticisms of Ken Paxton's character and the potential rise of James Tallarico. Additionally, the speakers address legal charges against James Comey as a potential political hit job and discuss Melania Trump's alleged role in brokering a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The presenters discuss recent station scheduling changes and new Airbnb regulations regarding cleaning fees and guest responsibilities. The episode also explores the band Fontaines' decision to ban AI usage in their music videos following a recent controversy. The conversation shifts to the economic challenges of living in Dublin, specifically focusing on housing affordability and its impact on quality of life. Finally, the hosts discuss the viral appeal of live-streaming mundane natural events, such as newborn puppies.

An analysis of the upcoming Israeli election, framed as a pivotal referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership following the October 7th attacks and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Journalist Paul Kearns joins the program to discuss the political landscape in Tel Aviv, examining key issues such as the religious orthodox conscription debate, the potential role of Palestinian voters as kingmakers, and the demographic shifts within the Israeli electorate. The discussion covers the fragmentation of the Knesset, the rise of right-wing demographics among young voters, and the economic pressures including the housing crisis and cost of living.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joins Frank Graney to discuss the growing vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure and how to secure your personal technology. The discussion covers recent cyber threats involving PHP vulnerabilities identified by AI, as well as the ripple effects caused by service disruptions in cloud computing and fintech platforms like Revolut. Beyond global infrastructure, the conversation provides practical advice for a home digital security checkup. O'Donoghues offers guidance on securing IoT devices like smart cameras and baby monitors, the importance of robust backup strategies for irreplaceable family archives using cloud services or physical drives, and essential steps to take if you have accidentally clicked on a suspicious link.

Host Frank Graney discusses the growing wave of civil unrest and demonstrations spreading across Europe. The episode examines the current state of tension in France, where political polarization between radical left and far-right factions is intensifying following recent riots and looting. Journalists Mary Fitzgerald and Shona Murray provide insights into how issues such as the cost of living, housing crises, and energy costs are driving protests in nations including France, Spain, Greece, and Belgium. The discussion also touches upon the political consequences of these movements and the perceived failure of governments to address systemic issues like education, youth unemployment, and the impact of AI.

In this episode of The Last Word, bestselling author Emma Hetherington discusses her personal journey and her latest novel, Together for Christmas. Hetherington shares the profound impact of losing her mother at age 15, which forced her to help raise five siblings, and her subsequent experiences as a young mother. She also opens up about her recent diagnosis of multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer, detailing her medical struggles with chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. The conversation explores how she uses creativity and goal-setting to navigate life's most significant challenges. Hetherington also provides insight into her writing process and the themes of warmth and emotion found in her 18th novel, which is set around Ashford Castle.

In this episode of The Last Word, film critic Brian Lloyd joins host Frank Graney to review a diverse lineup of upcoming cinematic releases. The discussion covers the high-budget stop-motion animated fantasy Wildwood, exploring its massive production scale and voice cast, as well as the divisive sci-fi drama Clara and the Sun, which Lloyd critiques for its tonal inconsistencies. The segment also delves into the body horror elements of Clayface, a Batman-universe spin-off, and concludes with an examination of the intense anticipation surrounding the three-hour documentary You Can See Everything, which chronicles Elizabeth Holmes' final days before imprisonment.

Host Frank Rainey interviews singer-songwriter Paul Savage, performing as Who's Your Man?, about his musical influences and creative process. They discuss his new album 'Belly of the Beast', his childhood favorite song by Shaggy, and his appreciation for bands like Broadcast, Tindersticks, and Deer Hunter. Paul Savage also shares his favorite films, plays, books, and television shows. He highlights the film Victoria for its continuous shot, the play Prima Facie for its exploration of the justice system, and the TV show Better Call Saul/Pluribus for its slow-burn storytelling.

In this episode of The Last Word, host Frank Rainey sits down with authors Sam Blake and Adele Coffey to discuss their new short story collection, Fear. The book originated from a WhatsApp group known as the Murderesses Group Chat, a community of Irish female crime writers that transitioned from discussing professional topics to sharing personal phobias ranging from wet bread to escalators. The discussion explores how individual fears often stem from childhood experiences and how these psychological elements serve as powerful tools in thriller writing. The authors also discuss the creative process behind their specific contributions, including themes of losing independence and the fear of birds. Notably, all proceeds from the book sales are donated to Women's Aid, with the writers and editors having contributed their work entirely for free to support the cause.

In this episode of The Last Word, host Frank Graney discusses the Irish government's proposal to scrap the 'triple lock' mechanism, which currently requires government approval, Dáil approval, and UN Security Council backing for overseas troop deployments. The debate features Fine Gael TD Catherine Callan and People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett. Callan argues that removing the UN requirement is necessary because the Security Council is broken and prevents Ireland from deciding its own peacekeeping missions. Conversely, Boyd Barrett contends that the removal of the triple lock is an attack on Irish neutrality, arguing that the government cannot be trusted to avoid alignment with imperial blocs like the US or NATO.

In this episode of The Last Word, host Frank Graney discusses Donald Trump's recent criticisms of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky regarding the ongoing war with Russia. Analysts Mary McKeown and Kyle Thomas evaluate Trump's rhetoric, his suggestion that others should negotiate for Ukraine, and the potential implications for US foreign policy involving figures like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. The discussion also covers the brief tenure of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, examining the controversies surrounding her professional credentials. Finally, the panel analyzes Trump's declining approval ratings ahead of the upcoming midterms, discussing the impact of economic pressures and political tribalism on the Republican party's prospects.

This episode examines the Road Safety Authority's (RSA) plan to invest approximately 1.5 million euro in deploying breathalyser machines across pubs, hotels, and other venues. The initiative aims to help individuals assess their alcohol levels before driving, addressing a gap between perceived impairment and actual blood alcohol content. However, the program faces significant criticism from Social Democrats spokesperson Aidan Farrelly, who argues that the presence of these machines could muddy clear road safety messaging and act as a 'permission slip' for drivers. The discussion explores the potential for these devices to be treated as novelty items in social settings and considers alternative uses for the allocated funding, such as investing in youth-focused road safety education.

Journalist Paul Cullen joins The Last Word to discuss his new book, Billion Dollar Baby, which investigates the construction of Ireland's National Children's Hospital. The project, originally projected to cost €650 million, has seen its budget escalate toward potentially €3 billion, making it one of the most expensive and controversial infrastructure projects in the state's history. The discussion explores the various factors contributing to the delay and cost overruns, including the underestimation of costs during the pitching process, complex site challenges at St. James's Hospital, and the risks associated with two-stage procurement. Cullen also touches upon the historical necessity for the facility, citing the inadequate conditions in older hospitals, while addressing the ongoing litigation between the development board and the contractor, BAM.

The episode begins with a somber tribute to fallen players and the 10-year anniversary of Anthony Foley's passing. The discussion then transitions into rugby analysis, focusing on Munster's upcoming match against Racing 92 and Leinster's clash with Clermont-Auvergne, specifically examining squad depth and young talent. The conversation further explores the improved performance of Sam Prendergast and the overall strength of Leinster heading into the season. Finally, the speakers analyze Connacht's upcoming match against Saracens, noting Connacht's defensive vulnerabilities in the maul despite their strong back row.