Podcast
Behind the Story
Hosted by RTÉ News · EN
Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.
Email: behindthestory@rte.ie
New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
41episodes
Episodes
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Trump's birthday plans and celebrating Freedom 250!
3d ago00:29:18Tap to summarizeConstruction is underway for the staging of a UFC fight on the front lawn of the White House to mark President Trump's 80th birthday in June. Numerous other events and projects are also in the pipeline to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence in July. Niall Stanage, Associate Editor with The Hill joins Fran and Sharon to discuss the plans and where the money is coming from to pay for the celebrations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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A campervan, coffee machines and a slouch pouch onesie: Nicola Sturgeon's husband's spending spree!
5d ago00:29:16Tap to summarizePeter Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon pled guilty this week to embezzlling £400k from the Scottish National Party. Over a 12 years period, Mr Murrell spent money from the party on luxury items. Ms Sturgeon, has denied all knowledge of his behaviour. Veteran reporter Brian Taylor joins Fiona and Paul to discuss the case and the fallout to it. Later, Fiona and Paul tease out the latest suggestion from President Trump that countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey should sign the Abrahams Accords as part of the US-Iran peace deal. Fiona explains why this is problematic! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Development in Kyran Durnin murder case and chatbots in elections
1w ago00:37:24Tap to summarizeA woman has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin. Crime correspondent Paul Reynolds joins Fran with the latest. Later, Liz Carolan of The Briefing.ie and Dr Eoghan Cunningham of UCD discuss new research into chatbots in the recent Dublin Central and Galway West by elections and examine how political messaging on social media is changing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Did the Gaza flotilla change the mood music? and the 'Steroid' Olympics!
1w ago00:30:28Tap to summarizeFourteen Irish citizens are en route back to Ireland following their deportation by Israel. They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla along with hundreds of other activists. The government and EU leaders have expressed dismay at the actions of the Israeli authorites. So, has the political mood changed as a result? Later, Fran and Eamon are joined by former Olympic swimmer Nick O'Hare to discuss the inaugural Enhanced Games dubbed the 'steroid olympics' that take place in Las Vegas this weekend. Controversy surrounds the event, as drugs, normally banned in sport, are allowed at these games. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Meta job losses, AI and RTÉ at the committee [again]
2w ago00:33:45Tap to summarizeThe scale of possible job losses announced by Meta today, came as a surprise to many, up to 350 people could be made redundant in the coming months. Brian O'Donovan joins Fran and Paul to outline the situation and later, Tara McIndoe-Calder of the ESRI discusses AI and it's impact on future work. Fran and Paul also discuss the latest appearance by RTÉ management at the media committee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How supermarkets learn about your shopping habits and predicting floods
2w ago00:37:21Tap to summarizeSupermarkets are increasingly using information about customer shopping habits to develop new pricing structures and influence how you shop. Consumer journalist Caitriona Redmond joins Fran for a chat about dynamic pricing, robots and AI shopping trolleys. Later, Environment correspondent, George Lee speak to Fran about a new flood prediction app that uses publicly available information to predict where flooding will occur. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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'Money, Money, Mooney': RTÉ, China deals and Eurovision!
2w ago00:31:26Tap to summarizeRTÉ published a revised list of the top 10 highest earners for 2024 which included Derek Mooney after it said it had 'reconsidered what constitutes a presenter'. Mr Mooney was previously not included as he was treated as a producer in the accounts. The media Minister is not happy and will meet RTÉ management next week. Fran and Adam discuss who knew, what and when and what this means for the broadcaster. Later Adam talks through the billionaires businessmen that accompanied Trump to China. And it's Eurovision weekend, Evelyn joins the pod from Vienna to talk voting, favourites and what happens if Australia wins! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Bertie caught on camera and shopping scams on the rise!
3w ago00:35:37Tap to summarizeFormer taoiseach Bertie Ahern was recorded without his knowledge on a canvas for the bye-election in Dublin Central. His comments on immigration and second generation Muslims have sparked a storm of criticism. Mr Ahern later walked back his remarks. Political correspondent Barry Lenihan joins Fran and Paul to explain how the video came to light and the response to it. Later, Digital Marketing consultant, Muriel Foley talks about the rise in online shopping scams and how to avoid getting caught out! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Fire in Waterford city and Starmer's last chance saloon!
3w ago00:28:41Tap to summarizeOver the weekend, a huge fire broke out in the Tycor area of Waterford. Dozens of businesses have been destroyed and government is promising an emergency aid package for those affected. Damien Tiernan joins Fran and Sharon, he describes the importance of the premises and why it will take months to rebuild/relocate companies. Later, Associate Professor of Politics at Keele University, Dr Kathryn Simpson discusses UK PM Keir Starmer's speech and whether he has done enough to halt the calls for him to resign following Labour's local election loses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Parking rows and driving to matches
3w ago00:29:47Tap to summarizeAs restrictions around the number of car parking spaces allowed in new developments increasingly come into play, rows are breaking out between householders over parking. With limited or no public transport in some areas, people are parking cars in other estates. Dr Lorraine D'arcy of TU Dublin joins Fran and Eamon to discuss parking and why parents are struggling to get kids to matches and training. Lorraine also reveals a little known fact about bus shelters!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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