• 171. Who are the favourites to be the next Pope?
    Apr 23 2025

    In this episode of "Let Me Explain," Sean Defoe dives into the significant transition within the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Join us as we explore the legacy of Francis, who has often been hailed for his progressive stance, yet faced criticism over the Church’s handling of past abuses. As the Vatican braces for the upcoming conclave, we break down the complex voting process and introduce potential successors. From Italian frontrunners like Pietro Parolin to the prospect of an Asian or African Pope, the field is diverse and dynamic. Tune in to discover the intricate world of papal elections and the profound impact they have on billions worldwide.

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    12 mins
  • 170. How to spot the signs of bowel cancer
    Apr 17 2025

    To mark bowel cancer awareness month we discuss the disease, the warning signs and the importance of screening in identifying it early.

    Sean speaks with Galway man Joe Grogan who faced his own cancer battle after a routine screen warned him something was wrong. And consultant Dr Alan Smith from the HSE national screening service discusses plans to expand screening and the concerning rise in bowel cancer in young people which doctors have yet to find the cause of.

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    32 mins
  • 169. The intricacies of court reporting
    Apr 10 2025

    In this week's episode, Jamie O Hara explores the intricacies of court reporting with Newstalk's Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney to understand why the public can't always know everything said in court. Also, how the Justice Minister is exploring ways to potentially inform people about their partner's past.

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    10 mins
  • 168. What are tariffs and how do they work?
    Apr 2 2025

    You've heard the name bandied about on every news bulletin for weeks but what exactly are tariffs? How do they work? Who do they hurt? And what will Donald Trump's latest announcements mean for the Irish economy?

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    10 mins
  • 167. British Ambassador Paul Johnston on the future for Ireland and the UK
    Mar 27 2025

    In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Seán Defoe sits down with Paul Johnston, the British Ambassador to Ireland, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of UK-Irish relations. From the impact of Brexit to the recent positive shift marked by a high-profile summit, they dive into the complexities of diplomacy and what the future holds for both nations. Join Seán and Ambassador Johnston as they explore how past political shifts influenced their roles, the ongoing challenges of legacy issues in Northern Ireland, and the critical need for cooperation in areas like climate change and security. Discover the ambassador's take on navigating these intricate relationships while maintaining optimism for a collaborative future.

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    29 mins
  • 166. Why Conor McGregor has no chance of being President of Ireland
    Mar 20 2025

    On this episode Seán Defoe breaks down why Conor McGregor's political ambitions are dust in the wind and analyses who might actually win the Irish Presidency later this year.

    From a hotly contested battle for the Fine Gael nomination to the ghost of Bertie Ahern plaguing Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin's difficult position and a potential unity candidate on the left Seán looks through the runners and riders ahead of #PE25

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    18 mins
  • 165. The post match on Micheál Martin's visit to the White House
    Mar 12 2025

    In this episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe takes you right into the chaos of a momentous press conference between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and former President Donald Trump. With so much on the table—from trade wars and tariffs to housing crises—Sean breaks down the highlights of a 50-minute exchange that sparked more than a few eyebrows. Join us as we dissect Trump's bold claims about Ireland capitalizing on the U.S., the complexities surrounding the pharmaceutical industry, and Martin's responses to Trump's confrontational style. Did Micheál Martin manage to hold his ground, or did he fold under pressure?

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    17 mins
  • 164. How Micheál Martin should deal with Donald Trump
    Mar 6 2025

    In this week's episode of "Let Me Explain," host Sean Defoe tackles the pressing question: How do you approach a problem like Donald Trump? With Taoiseach Micheál Martin set to meet the US President at the White House, the stakes have never been higher.

    Join us as Sean delves into the press conferences of world leaders—Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Volodymyr Zelensky—to dissect their strategies when facing Trump. From Macron’s diplomatic flattery to Starmer’s subtle nudges, we analyze what worked and what didn't. But when it comes to Zelensky, his direct confrontations with Trump flipped the script of diplomatic decorum, leading to a tense exchange.

    As Micheál Martin prepares for his own high-stakes meeting, we offer insights on striking the right balance. Is it all about bending the knee? Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of how to navigate this complex political dynamic and hear what Martin might need to keep in his back pocket when the cameras start rolling. Don't miss out on Sean's first-hand reports from the upcoming trip to the US, with all the latest updates straight from the Oval Office!

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    23 mins
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