Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis

"I was in the kitchen... the glamour!" John Kelly tells Alison on Weekend Breakfast where he was when he heard his incredible little movie 'Retirement Plan' was nominated for an Academy Award.The self-effacing (and lovely bloke) is a Director from Dublin who has made an animated short that feels like a full movie in seven minutes. The story follows the character Ray, who is dissatisfied with life, and dreams of everything he’ll be able to do in retirement, once he finally has the time! The film is narrated by Domhnall Gleeson.Follow John on Insta @johjnkelly_jnrIt is a fantastic piece of work. You can watch it now on Disney + and RTE Player.

***SPOILER ALERT***What a final.Rachel Duffy is the pride of Newry. She rode her luck and used her smarts ... FBI anyone!! And took it all the way to the final.Her younger brother Neil is bursting with pride .. and feeling a little emotional after a night watching his older sister appear on one of telly's biggest shows. He told us what it was like as the entire family and half the town gathered for a watch-along in the local hotel. Ciara is Rachel's bestie and cousin and was as tense as the rest of us watching those final moments!

The second most capped female Republic of Ireland international of all time chatted to Alison on Weekend Breakfast about her recent record breaking move to the WSL and a club she holds close to her heart.She talks about her love of Cork and her native Knocknaheeny, getting into football from an early age (youngest of 10) and her advice for young girls getting into sport and much more! 

January is a great time to book - there's a bigger choice than ever, you can give yourself the time to spread payments, and there is nothing better than enjoying the anticipation! Weekend Breakfast welcomes our holiday guru Pól Ó Conghaile - Travel Editor from The Irish Independent - he tells us all about the brand new routes for this year, some fantastic alternatives to the usual spots and some stay at home options!Follow Pol here https://www.instagram.com/poloconghaile/?hl=en#

Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon better known as The Gastro Gays - FOOD TREND PREDICTIONS FOR 2026 – from the revival of the gourmet chip to pub grub glow ups!The Gastro Gays are food and travel writers Russell Alford & Patrick Hanlon. They are  restaurant critics for The Sunday Times Ireland,– they regularly create online content  - share recipes online, restaurant recommendations, city guides for travelling around Europe, dog friendly accommodation, cosy cabins around Ireland AND MORE!!Follow them here Official website: gastrogays.com  and @GastroGays on INSTA

Back for a second season, and it’s bigger, bolder, and greener than ever (and loads of fun)! Alison chats to Brian Dowling about how much the show has changed his attitude to upcycling.The Mission: Led by Brian, the design team returns to prove that stunning home makeovers don’t need to cost the earth. Travelling the country in an all-electric van, they transform tired spaces using only upcycled, salvaged, and sustainable materials.Viewers can expect big ideas, even bigger personalities, and makeovers that turn trash into treasure. THE SALVAGE SQUAD starts tonight and every Sunday at 8pm on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play.

Vogue is a very busy woman and one thing she really values is a good declutter! Step in Hazel Burton - she is a Certified Professional Organiser from Dublin and is helping Vogue with her latest house move. Hazel also shares her approach to the January reset, emphasising small, simple goals that can make a significant impact. Whether it’s tackling overflowing closets or creating a clear space in your hallway, her practical tips will help you reclaim your home without feeling overwhelmed! With insights gained from working with high-profile clients like Vogue Williams, Hazel encourages listeners to embrace intentional living and embrace a clutter-free lifestyle. She is like our very own Stacey Solomon! Let Hazel sort your life out!

Alison welcomes back the charming Keith Brymer-Jones for another chat on Weekend Breakfast! The Great Pottery Throwdown returns tonight for it's ninth series. It is the ultimate comfort telly. It is a show that show has captivated audiences of all ages and why families love to tune in together. Keith shares his excitement about the diverse group of competitors this year, ranging from a tattooist to a chemistry teacher and of course "flat bottoms" "massive cracks" and the innuendo game that has viewers in tears... a bit like Keith!The Great Pottery Throwdown - Channel 4 - starts Jan 4th and every Sunday at 7.30pm

Alison welcomes back chef Nevin Maguire for a festive chat on Weekend Breakfast as she packed with delicious holiday tips and recipes! Neven shares his secrets for a stress-free Christmas dinner, from his famous apricot sage stuffing balls to succulent turkey and mouth-watering ham with an irresistible glaze. Whether you're a seasoned chef or preparing the Christmas dinner for the first time. He even brings in a delicious trifle recipe that’s perfect for rounding off your festive feast. It's all about great food and making lasting memories this Christmas!See the full recipes here: https://www.todayfm.com/weekend-breakfast-with-alison-curtis/neven-maguires-cracking-christmas-recipes-2220440

The Queen of Ireland and "National F*cking Treasure!!" Panti Bliss joins Weekend Breakfast for a very special and chaotically fun Christmas Gift Guide!Dr Panti Bliss has been announced as the Ambassador for Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Made Local campaign.The ‘Made Local’ campaign celebrates the spirit of community and grassroots energy that has always been central to Ireland’s greatest movements.madelocal.ie ---- where you can search for makers and the products you want by location. 1,500 makers based in Ireland and 350 retailers to buy from. Gifts featured:PANTI’S BLISSFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE           FOR HIM, FOR HER, FOR THEM, FOR KIDS – FOR EVERYONE!!!The Queen of Ireland and the official Ambassador for the Made Local Campaign has hand picked a few of the amazing handmade Irish items for sale now in time for the perfect Christmas gift!Let’s go!Earrings by A Little IdeaFrom Dublin and stocked in Om Diva, these large dangly swirl earrings are called after CMAT!Available online at alittleidea.ie/ or Om Diva in Dublin 2 Sleep Set by Jo BrowneJoanne, from Carlow,the maker behind Jo Browne, has beautiful luxury natural products for you and your home.Available in lots of shops across the country including Arnotts in Dublin and online jobrowne.comGreen Mug by Magda BethaniMagda, based in Wicklow, is a ceramicist - see more here   magdabethani.com Seaweed Foot Scrub by WasiWasi is an Irish seaweed skincare brand from Cork Available online at wasi.ie/ or from the Irish Design Shop. Ribbed Merino Hat by Ireland’s EyeThis chunky ribbed hat made from 100% merino wool is by Ireland’s Eye, who create all-natural knitwear in Dublin Available from Irish Design Shop Linen Barn Owl by We Make GoodWe Make Good is a social enterprise that promotes equality and sustainable production based in Dublin wemakegood.ie or from Irish Design Shop Porcelain Landscape Disc by Karo ArtKaro Art, based in Dublin 8, has creates beautiful ceramicsAvailable from Irish Design Shop and online karoart.eu/    

Stephen - Actor, writer, presenter (Landscape Artist Of the Year and on radio a weekly show on Classic FM)Anita – is an award winning Illustrator, Designer and ArtistTogether they make a brilliant creative force behind eight children's books!! The first book was called Escape The Room and now they have made seven since including the hugely successful and brilliantly titled The Fart That Changed The World!You may have seen them on Celebrity Gogglebox UK and they are hilarious!They both joined Alison on Weekend Breakfast to talk real life heroic St. Bernard's, psychotic squirrels and summers in Ireland!

Jeff Kinney joins Alison live from London to discuss the new book in The Diary of A Wimpy Kid Series; Party Pooper.He answers some super-fan questions and says that as his heritage is Irish, it wouldn't be out of the question for Greg to come to Ireland...

Dermot O'Leary is in the studio to chat to Alison about his new book, Toto the Ninja Cat & the Pirate Treasure Hunt.They also chat about radio, Wexford and his undying love of television and reading!

Superstar and Supermum - The Queen Of Kitchen Disco - Sophie Ellis- Bextor is a remarkable woman. Singer, songwriter, podcaster, best-selling author, Mum to five fab kids and now gherkin connoisseur!!Sophie joins me to chat all about Kerry, falling in love with Irish donkeys, growing old but not acting ancient, her new role as a gherkin connoisseur and of course her brand new album!! "A little slice of disco-optimistic pop!"The brilliantly named 'Perimenopop' is OUT NOW!

Join Alison Curtis for a delightful reunion with father-daughter duo Kathi "Fatti" and John Burke, as they dive into their exciting new book, "Animalopedia." John, a former primary school teacher turned author, shares how he has blended his passion for nature with his love for storytelling, while Kathi showcases her incredible talent with over 300 vibrant illustrations that bring these animals to life! It features every animal that has ever existed in Ireland! It's been a decade since we had them in studio! Plus, Cathy spills the beans on her secret project – an upcoming fictional story! Tune in for laughter, insights, and a celebration of wildlife!

Join Alison Curtis as she welcomes Canadian astronaut and author Chris Hadfield back to the show! Chris shares insights into his life, his remarkable family, and his latest literary success, "Final Orbit." His new book is a gripping thriller set against the backdrop of the Cold War that has already become a number one best-seller in Canada! Chris reflects on his unique perspective from space and how it enriches his storytelling, blending history with fiction in a captivating way. He adores Ireland and has a daughter and now a gorgeous 7 month old Granddaughter here! Plus, they dive into the exciting future of space travel and the inspirational role of STEM education for young people. 'Final Orbit' is out now!

David Walliams is one of the world's most prolific children's authors. He has sold over 60 million copies, written more than 40 and has been translated into 55 languages! He joined Alison Curtis in studio for LOTS of laughs, and some very special calls from some of his biggest fans in Ireland.HIs brand new book 'Santa & Son' is out on October 23rd

Alison chats to Tadgh O Donovan, who features in new show 'A Rebel Education: Inside Carrigaline Community School,' on Virgin Media Television every Sunday evening. Tadgh himself has an incredible journey from being a traditional teacher to becoming a social media sensation. He discusses how the shift to online learning during COVID opened new doors for engaging students where they are—on platforms like TikTok! He tells us all about how the show was filmed over a year revealing the challenges, tears and joys of life in a modern Secondary classroom. Tadgh loves to teach and as a Science Teacher he also highlights the importance of STEM education, especially for girls, showcasing the incredible projects his students are spearheading. Oh, and how a Finding Nemo reference to his class made him look soooooo old!!!

I SWEAR is an honest, funny, moving and powerful new film inspired by the life and experiences of John Davidson, charting his journey for the understanding and acceptance of Tourette Syndrome. Alison Curtis is joined by the Directer and writer Kirk Jones and the main star Robert Aramayo (who some will know as Elrond in THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER), it also has a fantastic supporting cast - Maxine Peake, Shirely Henderson and Peter Mullan. Kirk and Robert discuss why this movie is so important to them and the community it highlights. It is already being talked about as a sleeper hit for 2025 with an Oscar worthy performance by the lead role.It is in cinemas now.

Alison Curtis is joined by the beloved author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, author of over a 100 books – she has sold over 40 MILLION copies - and is the creator of iconic characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. Jacqueline discusses her latest book, 'Picture Imperfect' which revisits Dolphin, the narrator of one of her classic stories, 'The Illustrated Mum' Now 33, Dolphin navigates adulthood with the same challenges that resonate with readers, including the complexities of family dynamics and mental health. Jacqueline reflects on the pressures young people face today, exploring how technology influences their experiences. Plus, Jacqueline shares her admiration for contemporary authors like David Nicholls and Catherine Rundell. And wil she get her first ever tattoo!? And what would it be?Don't miss Jacqueline in conversation with Edel Coffey in Dublin on Saturday, 11th October at the Pavilion Theatre. Tickets from paviliontheatre.ie 'Picture Imperfect' is in all good bookshops now!