Insights with Sean O'Rourke

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.

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.