Insights with Sean O'Rourke

Chief Presenter with BBC News and former presenter and Washington Correspondent with RTÉ Caitríona Perry shares with Sean what life is like in Washington second time round and how her experience in Newstalk, Today FM and RTÉ has led her to anchoring in front of millions of viewers both in the US and globally. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consultant Psychiatrist, Head of Addiction Services at St John Of God University Hospital and Clinical Professor at UCD’s School of Medicine Professor Colin O’Gara speaks to Sean about growing up in Cork in a family steeped in rugby and although he did play the sport like his famous brother Ronan he was more of a windsurfing enthusiast. He shares how he spends his time now advocating for those in the fight against addiction, highlighting the increasing numbers of people presenting with gambling and sex addiction as mobile phone possession and usage grows. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Director of Radio Programming and Public Affairs in RTÉ Kevin Healy joins Sean to share his journey as a journalist for the Cork Examiner and RTÉ and his decision to change careers in his fifties to retrain as a barrister. He opens up about the end of Scrap Saturday, his time involved in the Confidential Committee of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation and dealing with tragedy over the past number of years with the passing of his wife author Deirdre Purcell and his step-son Simon’s death and inquest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chartered Counselling Psychologist and lecturer in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in TU Dublin Leslie Shoemaker shares her journey with Sean from Pittsburgh to Ireland and how her dad’s side are one of the founding families of Pennsylvania. As co-founder of OCD Ireland, she explains what the disorder is and how she treats it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manager of Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, chief commercial officer at Bohemians Football Club and former owner of Bang Bang cafe in Phibsboro Daniel Lambert joins Sean to share his journey from working in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations General Assembly in New York to managing Kneecap who have had a number of legal challenges against them. He opens up about growing up in Finglas and how his parents were influential in his life in relation to education, football and business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star of ‘The Chase’ and ‘Beat The Chasers’ professional quizzer Darragh Ennis speaks to Sean about his journey from Rathcoole in Dublin, where he was suspended twice in primary school, to graduating from Maynooth University with a PhD before swapping it all for life in Canada and Oxford. He opens up about his breakdown on The Chase following his father’s death from Dementia in 2024 and how he’s writing a new book on memory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Irish ambassador Dáithí O’Ceallaigh joins Sean and explains what life was like serving in places like London and Belfast during the Troubles. He also opens up about his wife’s dementia, his Sheriff Street roots in Dublin’s inner city and how he was the first in his family to go to secondary school. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Cyber Safe Kids Alex Cooney speaks to Sean about her journey from working in the international development and non-profit sector in East Timor, Jamaica and London to empowering children, parents, schools and businesses in what can be a very challenging online world. She discusses what can be done to protect children with the fast-paced development of AI and if social media bans for under-16s are a good idea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Minister for Housing and Fine Gael TD Eoghan Murphy joins Sean to share what life is now like for him following his turbulent time in politics in Ireland and the severe impact it had on his mental health. As his second edition of his book ‘Running from Office: How to Fail at Politics’ is published, he opens up about his relationships with former Taoisigh Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar, and how he’s much happier living in London and monitoring elections in countries such as Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist, author and migration activist Fintan Drury joins Sean to discuss trials and tribulations over his career in the RTÉ newsroom and Northern Ireland, public relations and serving on the board of Paddy Power and Anglo Irish Bank, leaving not long before it failed. He also opens up about his friendships with former Taoiseach Brian Cowen and former chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank Sean FitzPatrick and why he chose to write his latest book ‘Catastrophe: Nakba II’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Chief Operating Officer at Warner Music UK Isabel Garvey speaks to Sean about leaving investment banking for a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the music industry meeting stars such as Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran. From EMI to Warner Music and Universal’s Abbey Road Studios, she shares how the music industry is changing with AI, the rise in female artists and leadership, and the way Irish artists are seen in the UK landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Executive Officer of An Post David McRedmond joins Sean to share his journey from working on the shop floor of Waterstones to his time at Eircom and TV3. He opens up about the opportunities and challenges of the last ten years heading Ireland’s commercial state body An Post overseeing big changes to its parcel and financial services with the price of a stamp continuing to rise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Chief Operating Officer at Warner Music UK Isabel Garvey speaks to Sean about leaving investment banking for a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the music industry meeting stars such as Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of the series, skincare expert Jennifer Rock joins Seán to share how she built a successful business while facing life’s toughest challenges and most uplifting moments. She opens up about motherhood, illness, loss, resilience, and finding joy through it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and advocate Jody Plauché speaks to Seán about surviving child abuse, the aftermath of his abuser’s killing by his father, and his journey toward healing. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and trauma. Support resources are available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neonatologist Prof Afif El-Khuffash joins Sean to share his journey from intensive care units to advocacy for Gaza. A proud Palestinian-Irish voice, he opens up about breaking stigma in maternal care—and the healing power of both science and art. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigerian-born, Offaly-raised singer Tolü Makay joins Sean to share her journey from church choirs to viral fame. A soulful artist and mental health advocate, she opens up about leaving the corporate world to follow her passion—and what future success truly looks like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Brian Pennie speaks to Seán about his journey from heroin addiction to recovery, and how it led him to a new life studying the mind and helping others change theirs. They discuss addiction, trauma, and the hope that comes with healing. Note: Help available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer and journalist Cathy Kelly speaks to Seán about her journey from journalist to becoming one of Ireland’s best-loved authors, as well as the personal challenges she has faced in recent years. Note: This discussion includes a reference to suicide. Advice is available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pioneer in Irish media and the arts, Lelia Doolan reflects on her resignation from Teilifís Éireann to becoming the first female Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre. She also discusses her ongoing activism, including the fight to reopen Galway’s Pálás cinema. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final days before the papal conclave to elect the next Pope, Seán speaks to Vatican-based journalist and Clare native, Colm Flynn. They discuss possible contenders and why Colm will always be grateful to the late Pope Francis for helping him meet his wife. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well-known designer Paul Costelloe discusses his relationship with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, his ongoing ambition as he approaches his 80th birthday this summer and turns the tables when he asks Sean a burning question. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Coleman is psychologist and psychotherapist for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. She reveals why she believes we do not need to fear death. Trigger warning: This podcast includes a discussion around suicide, please find a link to a webpage with relevant contact information Helplines - https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Éamon Ó Cuív is not only a former Government Minister and TD but as he explains to Sean O’Rourke, he is also a dedicated campaigner and prison negotiator. Éamon also opens up about his grandfather, Fianna Fáil founder, Taoiseach and former President of Ireland Éamon de Valera plus he shares his own aspirations for the party his Grandfather began. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sinéad Burke is a writer, primary school teacher, and disability campaigner. From starting a blog in her bedroom to becoming one of 15 trailblazing women featured on the cover of British Vogue, Sinéad Burke demonstrates that style and inclusivity go hand in hand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colm O’Rourke is a Gaelic football manager, retired secondary school principal, sports broadcaster, and columnist. He also has two All-Irelands medals and was Player of the Year in 1991. He discusses his passion for education, his biggest achievements away from the medals and glory, plus he reflects on the changes and challenges facing the GAA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychotherapist and Counsellor Dr Thomas McCann speaks to Sean about his love for the travelling community he is part of, as well as the issues and challenges they face, including that of mental health. Note: This discussion includes a reference to suicide. Help and Advice are available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media star, podcaster and breast cancer survivor Georgie Crawford opens up about the night her life changed utterly in 2017 when she discovered a lump in her breast. Georgie speaks about the lengthy journey she and her husband had to take in order to expand their family, the costs involved, and she recruits a new follower in Sean O’Rourke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ollie Jennings is the Manager of ‘The Saw Doctors’, a founding member of The Galway Arts Festival, and the award-winning spectacle theatre company Macnas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish garden designer and presenter Diarmuid Gavin opens up to Sean about why he passionately wanted to change gardening forever, he speaks about his friendship with Charlie Haughey, mingling with the Royal family, and what the unwavering support of Journalist Terry Keane and her family did for his career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Catherine Connolly discusses her unexpected path into politics. She speaks about her surprise election as the first woman to hold the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. And reveals if she really is open to running for President. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former managing partner of PWC and current Chairperson of the IDA Feargal O'Rourke speaks with Sean about his mother, Mary O’Rourke, the sliding door moment that could have led to a career in politics, and his opinion of possible threats to Ireland's future economic success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Bakhurst started his position as Director General of RTÉ in July 2023. The RTÉ payments scandal was dominating the headlines at the time so the role brought more challenges than anticipated. Kevin reflects on the past 15 months, as well as his early career, interest in Ireland, friendships made and what he hopes to achieve during his tenure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Dobson retired last month after 37 years in the RTÉ newsroom. Bryan reflects on his career and shares his view on the future of journalism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gerry Hussey is a performance psychologist, author and co-founder of Soul Space. He has been at the forefront of building teams and individuals in Olympic and Professional sport and corporate organisations for 20 years. He tells Sean how he prepares top-level sports and business teams for success See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former prisoner, triathlete, coach and mentor for young offenders, Ger Redmond tells Sean about his childhood, his dreams of becoming a pro footballer, joining a gang, his time in prison and the importance of changing the generational shift. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Murtagh is an award-winning, journalist and author. He spent almost 40 years in newspapers (working for The Irish Times and the Sunday Tribune in Ireland, and the Sunday Times and The Guardian in the UK) before retiring in 2019. He reflects on some of the big stories he has covered, and how he travelled from Chile to Alaska on his motorbike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anne Anderson is one of Ireland’s most high-profile diplomats. Former Ambassador to The United Nations in Geneva and New York, The European Union, France, and United States. Anne was the first woman to hold each of these positions. She reflects on her time serving at the highest level of Irish diplomacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny is the founding Principal Investigator of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Professor Kenny tells Sean how she got into Medical Gerontology, and reveals some interesting findings from the study, including the need to prioritise social engagement as loneliness has become much more common in Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Browder is an international campaigner against corruption and human rights abuses in Russia. Bill was an investor in Russia prior to his expulsion from the country in 2005. The death of his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky prompted him to turn his firm Hermitage Capital Management into a campaigning organisation promoting the Magnitsky Act. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2012 Jack Kavanagh suffered a life changing spinal cord injury leaving him with 15% muscle function. Now, Jack delivers speeches on wellbeing, resilience and diversity at schools and corporate events. Jack tells Sean about the impact his accident had on his family and how he wants to progress equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aileen Hickie, former barrister and journalist shares memories and stories with Sean about her time in Drishane Convent, Millstreet, her various career paths, how she met her husband broadcaster Matt Cooper, marathon running and her current role as CEO of Parentline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Kearney is one of Ireland’s most decorated rugby players. He retired from professional rugby in 2021 with 95 caps as well as 3 British and Irish Lions test caps under his belt. He reflects on the highs and lows of his rugby career, the various coaches he’s worked with, how the game has changed over the years, retirement, and family life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following his appointment as new president of the GAA Jarlath Burns tells Sean what he hopes to achieve during his three-year term. He also reflects on his life growing up in South Armagh during the troubles, his role as principal of one of the largest secondary schools in the country and his long career in Gaelic games. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annalise Murphy received a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first Irish woman to win an Olympic sailing medal. She reflects on the highs and lows of preparation and competing, how it felt to win a medal, moving on from her career in sailing and her current pursuit in competitive cycling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.