The Explainer

It's a heartbreakingly familiar cycle: devastated homeowners, ruined businesses, and politicians promising defences are on the way. For towns like Midleton and Enniscorthy, those promises have turned into years of waiting. With Storm Chandra bringing fresh devastation, why does it take so long to get flood relief schemes built? And could nature-based solutions offer an alternative? We're joined by Dr Fiachra O'Loughlin, assistant professor at UCD's School of Civil Engineering.

The sound is instantly recognisable and, for many communities. can become a source of constant dread: the high-pitched whine of a scrambler bike tearing through a park or housing estate. Many are now asking: can gardaí do more to stop them? And why has the issue been left to bubble under the surface for so long? Widen the lens, and you'll also bring e-scooters into focus and why, despite legislation introduced in May 2024, confusion still reigns over what is legal, what is banned, and why injuries are on the rise. We’re joined by motoring expert Conor Faughnan.

The warnings are getting louder, and we're hearing more and more often that Europe is in the grips of a hybrid war. But is the rhetoric matching the reality and the actions being taken by EU countries in the face of this? News Correspondent Niall O'Connor joins us to share insights from his recent sit-down interview with Sean Clancy, an Irish general who is heading up the bloc's defence strategy.

We’ve all seen the headlines about "celebrity family feuds" before, but Brooklyn Beckham’s unprecedented six-page Instagram statement attacking his parents, David and Victoria, feels different. Kate Demolder, arts and culture journalist and co-host of the Culture Pigs podcast, examines this calculated demolition of one of the world's most carefully curated family brands.

It began with anger over soaring prices, but it has spiralled into what may be the most serious challenge to the Iranian regime since the 1979 revolution. Crucially, this uprising began not with students or dissidents, but with the bazaari, Tehran's merchants and shopkeepers, long considered pillars of the Islamic Republic. We're joined by DCU's Paola Rivetti to ask: is the Islamic Republic finally on the brink?

This week, we look back at some of our best episodes from the past year. What did we learn about how drugs like Ozempic actually work? Why are companies so determined to get people back to the office, even if the evidence shows remote work is as productive? And what happened when unknown drones were spotted over the Irish Sea?

We’ve all been there: the forced smile as you unwrap a jumper you wouldn’t be caught dead in, or the gimmicky gadget someone already gave you last year. Instead of regifting or throwing it in the bin, could you maybe get a refund? We're joined by Jennifer Darmody, media communications manager at the CCPC to explain exactly where you stand when the gift isn't quite right.

You've likely noticed the price of your favourite treats creeping up, but now there's a new element: look at the label, and some of the most iconic choccie bars have recently undergone recipe changes so significant they can no longer legally be called 'chocolate'. From soaring cocoa prices driven by climate change to the rise of 'skimpflation,' the confectionery industry is facing a massive shake-up, and one you might notice when you're working through your Stephen's Day chocolate stockpile. We're joined by Gráinne Mullins, founder and CEO of Grá Chocolates, to examine how the global cocoa crisis is hitting the industry and what it means for the future of luxury artisan brands.