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.…

Bryan Dobson retired last month after 37 years in the RTÉ newsroom. Bryan reflects on his career and shares his view on the future of journalism.RTÉ

Gerry Hussey is a performance psychologist, author and co-founder of Soul Space. He has been at the forefront of building teams and individuals in Olympic and Professional sport and corporate organisations for 20 years. He tells Sean how he prepares top-level sports and business teams for successRTÉ

Former prisoner, triathlete, coach and mentor for young offenders, Ger Redmond tells Sean about his childhood, his dreams of becoming a pro footballer, joining a gang, his time in prison and the importance of changing the generational shift.RTÉ

Peter Murtagh is an award-winning, journalist and author. He spent almost 40 years in newspapers (working for The Irish Times and the Sunday Tribune in Ireland, and the Sunday Times and The Guardian in the UK) before retiring in 2019. He reflects on some of the big stories he has covered, and how he travelled from Chile to Alaska on his motorbike.…

Anne Anderson is one of Ireland’s most high-profile diplomats. Former Ambassador to The United Nations in Geneva and New York, The European Union, France, and United States. Anne was the first woman to hold each of these positions. She reflects on her time serving at the highest level of Irish diplomacy.…

Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny is the founding Principal Investigator of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Professor Kenny tells Sean how she got into Medical Gerontology, and reveals some interesting findings from the study, including the need to prioritise social engagement as loneliness has become much more common in Ireland.…

Bill Browder is an international campaigner against corruption and human rights abuses in Russia. Bill was an investor in Russia prior to his expulsion from the country in 2005. The death of his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky prompted him to turn his firm Hermitage Capital Management into a campaigning organisation promoting the Magnitsky Act.…

In 2012 Jack Kavanagh suffered a life changing spinal cord injury leaving him with 15% muscle function. Now, Jack delivers speeches on wellbeing, resilience and diversity at schools and corporate events. Jack tells Sean about the impact his accident had on his family and how he wants to progress equity and inclusion for people with disabilities.…

Aileen Hickie, former barrister and journalist shares memories and stories with Sean about her time in Drishane Convent, Millstreet, her various career paths, how she met her husband broadcaster Matt Cooper, marathon running and her current role as CEO of Parentline.RTÉ

Rob Kearney is one of Ireland’s most decorated rugby players. He retired from professional rugby in 2021 with 95 caps as well as 3 British and Irish Lions test caps under his belt. He reflects on the highs and lows of his rugby career, the various coaches he’s worked with, how the game has changed over the years, retirement, and family life.…

Following his appointment as new president of the GAA Jarlath Burns tells Sean what he hopes to achieve during his three-year term. He also reflects on his life growing up in South Armagh during the troubles, his role as principal of one of the largest secondary schools in the country and his long career in Gaelic games.…

Annalise Murphy received a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first Irish woman to win an Olympic sailing medal. She reflects on the highs and lows of preparation and competing, how it felt to win a medal, moving on from her career in sailing and her current pursuit in competitive cycling.…

Sinn Féin Senator Fintan Warfield tells Sean about his early interest in politics and how he was politicised by music and songs. Since his election in the Seanad, he has tabled two legislative bills. He talks about how he deals with online trolling, his passion for music, and his campaign to achieve equality for members of the LGBT community…

Trainer John Hanlon known universally as ‘Shark’ tells Sean how he went from cattle dealing to training horses. He recalls some of his favourite wins over the years and how he helped Rachael Blackmore in the early days of her career. Excitement is building this week as his horse Hewick, who he bought for just €850 is racing in Cheltenham’s Gold Cup…

Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Enda Brady talks about his introduction to journalism, he also reflects on his time at Sky, where he interviewed world leaders, Hollywood A-Listers and elite sports people. Having competed in 48 marathons to date, Enda tells Sean about the importance of resilience and his passion for running.…

In this special archive episode, Sean is in conversation with renowned sports broadcaster Colm Murray. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Aviva Stadium and first broadcast in January 2012, Colm revealed his inner thoughts on life, his career and his battle with Motor Neuron Disease. Colm sadly passed away from the illness in July 2013.…

Edel Coffey is a journalist, broadcaster and #1 bestselling author of Breaking Point, her debut novel which won best crime novel at the An Post Irish Book awards in 2022. Edel tells Sean about her introduction to journalism, moving from Dublin to Galway for love, and how motherhood was good for her career.…

Professor Janice Walshe is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent’s hospital specialising in breast cancer. Described as a superstar in the oncology day ward, Professor Walshe tells Sean about the relationship she builds with her patients and the importance of being honest and empathetic in her approach.…

Conor Buckley is a social entrepreneur and founder of sustainable clothing brand Human Collective. Son of campaigner Christine Buckley, he shared his own experience of racism growing up, and his mission to spread the message of equality through his brand. He also spoke about his mother's time in Goldenbridge and the horror she suffered there.…

Richard Bruton, TD for Dublin Bay North and Fine Gael spokesperson for the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed that he will not seek re-election after 41 years in the Dáil. An inveterate canvasser, Bruton reflects on his life in politics, and he tells Sean about his decision to stand down.…

Sonya Lennon is a fashion designer, social entrepreneur, broadcaster, and businesswoman. She tells Sean how it all began in her career, about her inspirational parents, and her drive and passion for positive social impact.RTÉ

Stewart Kenny is one of the founders of Paddy Power, he tells Sean about his career in the betting industry which spanned over four decades. He also speaks about the dangers of gambling, in particular online gambling, the importance of introducing gambling regulation in Ireland and his move into psychotherapy and counselling.…

International media lawyer Paul Tweed joins Sean to talk about how he built up one of the most lucrative defamation law practices in the world. From cream buns to Hollywood, Paul has represented the likes of Liam Neeson, Johnny Depp and Britney Spears. He also tells Sean how he sought to challenge the power of the social media and online giants.…

SDLP veteran Bríd Rodgers reflects on her life in Politics, both in the North and South of Ireland, her relationship with Seamus Mallon and John Hume, and her thoughts on what she thinks John Hume would say today about the current situation in Northern Ireland.RTÉ

Former Minister Liz O Donnell talks about her life in Politics including her decade as Junior Minister during the Peace Process, the influence of the Progressive Democrats in Irish Politics, and the shock of losing her seat. She also discusses her role as Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority.RTÉ

Newly appointed President of UCD Orla Feely speaks about her stellar career in engineering research, the challenges she faces in her new role and she shares memories of both her late father, former Dublin City Manager Frank Feely and her late sister Emer, a successful Public Health doctor who passed away during the Covid pandemic.…

Sunday Independent Editor Alan English talks about the challenges he had taking up his new position during the pandemic, the changes he would like to make and is making to the Sunday Independent, his early days heading up the Limerick Leader, and his passion for all things sport.RTÉ

Leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns joins Sean to talk about the challenges of her new position, growing up on a small dairy farm in West Cork and if the Social Democrats were to become part of Government in the next election, the political positions she would like to hold.RTÉ

Sean talks to Professor Fiona Mulcahy about the many challenges she faced at the start of her career in genito-urinary medicine when there was very little known about HIV/AIDS, her strong relationship with her patients, and how she felt when Rory O‘Neill aka Panti Bliss dedicated their tribute dance on Dancing with the Stars to her.…

The Minister of State at the Department of Finance talks about how she is getting on in the first few months of her new role, her desire to see more women in Government, and why Fine Gael will not go into Government with Sinn Fein.RTÉ

The former Rugby International talks about what drove him to be the very best player on the pitch, the contrasting coaching styles of Eddie O Sullivan, Declan Kidney, and Joe Schmidt, and why this current Irish Team could go all the way and win the World Cup.RTÉ

New series "Insights with Sean O'Rourke" starts Thursday 18th May.RTÉ

Extended interview with Nora Owen, the former Fine Gael Minister, deputy party leader and grandniece of Michael Collins, in which she discusses her family’s political influence and the history or women in Irish politics. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with Lisa Chambers, current Senator and former Fianna Fáil TD, in which she discusses her understanding of the differences between Fianna Fáil from Fine Gael and the future for both parties. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with Eoin O’Malley, a son of Des O’Malley, in which he sheds light on his father’s political career, his father’s exit from Fianna Fáil, the founding of the Progressive Democrats and the formation of a coalition Government with Fianna Fáil. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)…

Extended interview with Mary Hanafin, the former Fianna Fáil Minister and deputy party leader, in which she outlines what she believes to be the distinctions between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with Charlie McCreevy, former Minister (FF) and EU Commissioner, discussing his Fianna Fáil roots, internal party heaves and the forming of the first coalition Government with the Progressive Democrats. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with John Bruton in which he talks about his role as Taoiseach, the Northern Ireland peace process and how he thinks Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael differ. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with Peter Prendergast, former General Secretary of Fine Gael, about his role in modernising Fine Gael’s strategies under Garret Fitzgerald and about the differences he sees between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with Sean Duignan, former RTÉ political journalist and Government Press Secretary in which he discusses ‘Civil War politics’ and the trials and tribulations of Coalition Government under Albert Reynolds. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with Phil Hogan, the former Fine Gael Minister and EU Commissioner, in which he talks about countering the Fine Gael heave against Enda Kenny, the 2010 General Election and about how Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael differ. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

Extended interview with Dick Spring, former Labour Party leader and Tánaiste, in which he discusses his relationship with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and how he thinks the parties differ.RTÉ

Extended interview with Mary Harney as she discusses her relationship with Fianna Fáil, her exit from the party and her co-founding of the Progressive Democrats. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes")RTÉ

Extended interview with Brian Cowen in which he discusses his role as Taoiseach while the financial crisis unfolded and how he thinks Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael differ. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)RTÉ

The adventure I took to get my cat