Insights with Sean O'Rourke

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.