We have St Brigid to thank for the extra day off this long weekend. When we think of her we often think of cloaks, but mostly crosses; beautiful symbols of spring woven from reeds. But what are they like to work with? Our reporter Siofra Mulqueen has been meeting some business people who revel in reeds, rushes and willows.

Working from home is something that many working parents have welcomed. But is working from home being welcomed in some parts of the world more than others? Louise Campbell, head of learning and development at Robert Walters Recruitment has been looking into this.

Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg faceed a grilling at a US hearing on Wednesday. He was hauled over the coals because of Meta platform’s impact on young users. Yesterday was a happier time for him - his net worth increased by $29 billion after Meta stocks made a record surge. Liz Carolan, founder of Digital Action joins me in studio.

Let’s go north where the Northern Ireland Assembly has been summoned to meet later today. It’s about time for many Northern businesses and citizens after a two-year impasse over post-Brexit trade rules. Tina McKenzie, UK Chair of Policy for the Federation of Small Businesses joins me now to outline what this will actually mean in practical terms.

The cost of caring and parenting is huge as we know, from cots and cradles to college fees. But for women the costs are even bigger than they are for men. Author and journalist Edel Coffey has been thinking about this a lot and she penned this essay for us.

Fiona O’Neill’s story is one of grit and resilience. A single mum from County Kilkenny, she’s the woman behind Count on Us Recruitment - an association that finds work for carers around the country. She joins me in studio to tell her story.

Storm Isha’s ferocious winds caused severe disruption to flights, not to mention some very bumpy landings in storm gusts of up to 160 kilometres per hour. But what is it like flying a plane in those circumstances? I’m joined by airline pilot Captain Niamh O’Connor who’s had more than three decades of experience in the sky.

Yesterday a Houthi anti - ship missile damaged an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. Many shipping companies now avoid the area. They are taking longer routes to their destination. But is this increasing freight costs and delivery times? We’re joined by Graham Parker, CEO of Ship Angel.

Jack Kavanagh was a pharmacy student, only 20 years old, when he was paralysed after suffering a horrific injury. He went on to finish his pharmacy studies and now he works with the WHO, corporates and schools around resilience and dealing with disabilities. He joins me to talk about his journey and what he calls Post Traumatic Growth.

Trouble with shipping is now a regular occurrence. But not as regular as the hardly little snowdrops that pop up like clockwork around this time every year. Diarmaid Gavin has been looking at the surprising world of snowdrops, the shocking cost of the bulbs, snowdrop hunters and seductive gardeners.

From braving the elements in the sky,to those who brave the elements daily in their jobs - come rain, hail or shine. Siofra Mulqueen went in search of some hardy outdoor workers and on her travels, discovered that bad weather can actually help productivity.

What’s the best way to avoid inter sibling strife, and what does effective succession planning look like? To discuss, I’m joined by Eric Clinton of DCU’s National Centre for Family Business and Vincent Carton, former CEO of Manor Farm.

Well while people often associate Ireland with emigration rather than immigration… there have been a number of waves of immigration to these shores in the past. Historian, author and tour guide Pat Liddy has been taking a look at one such wave - the arrival of Huguenots to Ireland over 3 centuries ago.

Daniel Lambert is the manager of Kneecap, but he has other strings to his bow too. He’s also chief operating officer of Bohemians Football club and Bang Bang cafe in Dublin. We caught up with Daniel a little earlier this week, I started by asking him about his own story, his family background and their links to Dublin City Centre.

There’s been much discussion about immigration of late.But let’s look at some of the facts and figures around immigration. How many arriving on these shores are seeking protection and how many are looking for work? Too look at the figures I’m joined by Keire Murphy, Policy Officer at The European Migration Network Ireland in the ESRI

The world of celebrity endorsement is big business! But how much do celebrities make from promoting brands? And if you’re a small business - is the possibility of a star helping you sell your product an impossible dream? Siofra Mulqueen reports.

Let’s just say you were listening to a concocted scam, the likes of which have become more commonplace in the real world. Criminals are now using AI generated voices - deepfakes - to scam people out of their money. It’s something that reporter Paul Connolly has been looking into for the BBC’s File on 4.

Nobel Prize winning economist, Sir Christopher Pissarides is cautioning young people to bypass studying certain industries because AI may well replace those jobs in the future. Christopher Pissarides is a professor at the London School of Economics. We caught up with him earlier and I asked him first to explain his thinking on that.

For the first time, this same minimum tax rate is now in force in all countries across the EU. So what’s it going to mean for Ireland? We’re joined from Paris by Pascal Saint-Amans who designed the EU-wide corporation tax regime as director of the OECD’s Centre for Tax Policy.

Diversity and inclusivity within our workplaces has become much more of an issue within the last number of years and we’re joined now by a woman whose company, although only a few years old, has made remarkable inroads in that space. Sandra Healy is the founder and CEO of Inclusio.

A garda investigation is underway after fourteen people were discovered in a refrigerated container that arrived in Rosslare Europort. This case illustrates the desperation of people who are trying to find a better way of life and it also highlights the hazards that truck drivers face as they go about their day’s work.

AI-generated models with distinct personalities and life stories can now be found on a mobile phone near you! And companies are hiring them in their droves, some companies say they’re cheaper than human influencers and sometimes easier to deal with! Siofra Mulqueen has been finding out more about this topic.

Meath inventor, Colin O’Brien walked away with an investment of £80,000 on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den last Thursday evening. He presented three of his creations- one of them a rain proof clothes line. Sales have been soaring since the show aired.

Figures released by the CSO show that we have the highest numbers in employment here since records began 25 years ago. But, that’s little consolation to people who are out of work. Work Equal, a free service that was set up by entrepreneur, Sonya Lennon who joins me now together with Tamara Kearns and Olive Currivan, clients of the service.

International events are heightening uncertainty about the economic outlook; whether it’s the US elections, conflict in the Middle East, high interest rates or even AI, where does our ability to to keep attracting foreign direct investment sit in all of this? We’re joined by the CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan

As all of the Christmas socialising and celebrations come to an end and the singing Santas are put away, many of us are searching out the sound of silence. Siofra Mulqueen has been speaking to some who do their best work when the din is down.

From women going back to work to today, Nollaig na mBan, a supposed drudgery free day for women. Columnist and feminist, Brianna Parkins, likes the idea, but decries its necessity in this day and age.

Today we have a Christmas Special full of music and memories. In a year when we’ve lost some of our greatest musicians, this morning's show is all about the music business in the company of Mick Flannery and his family. We'll hear about life on the road, overcoming nerves and his efforts to create a Broadway musical.

We have a Christmas Special in the company of Mick Flannery and family. Mick speaks about the loss of his Mum and Dad and the impact they had on him. He gives advice on the music industry. Ray from Music Zone in Cork and Sinead from The Record Break in Ennis talk business. Musician, Una O'Boyle, pens an ode to chess.

Talk of new emerging artificial intelligence tourism would give rise to AI led tours of various cities around the world. It’s a far cry from our next guest who has spent many years doing them the tried and trusted way. Pat Liddy’s walking tour business has been roaming the streets of Dublin for almost two decades.

From sustainable businesses and tours on foot, to fashionable footwear. With just a few cobblers and shoemakers scattered across the country, as customers walk towards a more sustainable approach, how is this impacting the shoe making and restoring business? Siofra Mulqueen strolled into some of their workshops to find out.

The EU agreed the terms for landmark legislation last night to regulate artificial intelligence. The new laws will be the worlds most restrictive regime in developing the technology, but what will it all mean? Technology writer and host of For Tech Sake podcast - Elaine Burke joins us now.

New tech was in focus this week with various stories about WhatsApp messages. We’ve all heard stories about people playing fast and loose in WhatsApp groups - with varying consequences. Louise Campbell, head of learning and development at Robert Walters is here to share some dos and don’ts on the app.

While high level talks continue at the COP28 summit in Dubai, we thought it would be timely to look at the sort of green initiatives that businesses on the ground are taking to combat climate change. I’m joined by Ruth Freeman of Science Foundation Ireland and Dave Power, director of innovation at Dogpatch Labs.

Storms are brewing out there this morning. Meanwhile in other countries, homes, and businesses, people are still counting the costs of the previous storm damage. We’re joined by one such business, that’s managed to reopen in the mouth of Christmas with all hands on deck in Clarinbridge. Anne Ford is the owner of the Poppy Seed Cafe.

It being the 2nd of December, I think it’s high time that we addressed the perennial conundrum of what to buy the business person in your life for Christmas. Sarah McGuinness, assistant news editor with the Business Post and Tom Lyons, business journalist with the Currency have been shopping around and are here armed with their suggestions.

Onto another multi-million euro market - pets - and the story of a man who’s had plenty of ups and downs in business. Anthony Gallagher started out as a trainee with Penneys and has since gone on to set up Petstop, the first pet superstore in this country.

Staying with sustainable Christmases, we’ve come a long way from simple festive traditions like carol singing and lighting a candle in the front window. Now, people who want to sell us stuff are inventing new traditions overnight. Catherine Cleary, founder of Pocket Forests says it’s time to shout stop!

Elon Musk’s profanity-laced remarks this week did little to ingratiate himself with disgruntled advertisers. The richest man in the world may need some communications advice - and who better to give it to him than Eoghan Tomas McDermott, managing director of the Communications Clinic.

Sticking with catering for our furry friends, All Creatures Great and Small are looked after by vets around the country. Siofra Mulqueen has been shadowing some of them at work.

As world leaders gather for the third day of the COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai, closer to home, the Central Bank is calling on lenders to factor in climate risk when assessing loan applications. To discuss what this all means for Irish businesses and consumers, I’m joined by Brian Hayes, chief executive of the Banking and Payments Federation.

After the chaos of Thursday night in Dublin city centre, it’s hardly surprising that shoppers didn’t flock to the Black Friday sales in their usual numbers. As the clean up was underway, we visited O’Connell Street and spoke to shop owners, managers and workers who were coming to terms with the extraordinary events of the previous twelve hours.

It was a lovely, warm atmosphere on the Late Late Toy Show last night as Patrick Kielty donned his Christmas Jumpers , Ken outfit, Irish rugby kit and an elf outfit to mention just a few! As the elves are busy updating their orders in the North Pole this morning, Siofra Mulqueen took a sneak peek at some toymakers closer to home.

Resilience has been a topic on the minds of many Irish people in the wake of recent events. So how can we develop resilience and is it something we can teach our children? Peter Cosgrove, author and managing director of Futurewise believes that practice is the key.

Deborah Somorin is a woman with an extraordinary story. Experiences of direct provision; homeless at 13, pregnant and in care at 14, motherless and a mother at 15, a chartered accountant at 24, a TED X speaker, the founder of 'Empower the Family', an author and someone named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list since.

Social media posts have been blamed for the violent clashes witnessed in Dublin city centre on Thursday. The government announced that it will pass new laws in the coming week to tackle incitement to hatred on social media, but what steps should the companies themselves take? Liz Carolan Founder of Digital Action joins me in studio now.

The story of a farm that once just had a few dairy cows, but now it’s a yogurt company on the verge of a 20 million euro turnover. Nicholas Dunne, with the help of his sister, Pauline, has seen Killowen Farm become a national brand.

OpenAI, the company that launched ChatGPT a year ago, has dismissed the CEO Sam Altman. Altman got a lot of attention with the release of the artificial intelligence chatbot that provides human level content in seconds. So what’s behind the dismissal of Altman, we’re joined by Liz Carolan, founder of Digital Action.

For generations cows have been inspiring artists and even poets. They appeared in the Bayeux Tapestry, Vincent Van Gogh even painted them, they became a sort of status symbol in rich patron paintings. Ed Coulson has been meeting some people inspired by cows in their everyday work.

Only four Irish figures have appeared on the cover of TIME magazine, one was Stevie, a Robot invented by Akara Robotics. Akara’s co-founder, Niamh Donnelly from Galway. And from robots to a real man, Roy Keane cut a dashing figure in a new ad for Adidas. It seems that clothing brands are embracing older people. Stylist Annemarie Gannon joins us.

Now, a couple that have had their fair share of trials and tribulations, but have still managed to thrive. Mags and Ger Kirwan are scaling up production of Goatsbridge Trout Farm. This is all despite a cancer diagnosis for Mags, triathlons and various adventures around the world.

This week tickets for Bruce Springsteen’s 2024 Irish gigs went on sale. The 74-year old Bruce Springsteen still has the drive to perform live for over three hours while others of his age can hardly muster up the energy to read the Newspaper? I’m joined by clinical psychologist, Professor Ian Robertson who, at 72, is two years his junior!

Well we know Bruce Springsteen is hardly doing it for the money these days. He’s estimated to be worth over a half a billion dollars. But Irish writer Paul Howard remembers a day when he had to put a few quid in the post for The Boss.

This week, we learned that We Work, one of the biggest commercial tenants in Dublin, has filed for bankruptcy in the United States. So, is the €50 billion commercial property market here experiencing a burgeoning crisis? John McCartney, director and head of research with BNP Paribas Real Estate is here to give us the lowdown.

The Beckham’s documentary has been getting as much attention for their spotless kitchen and sarongs, as the football and Alex Ferguson. Their lives are uber organised - from Victoria’s diary to David’s outdoor dining man cave. But our reporter Siofra Mulqueen has been looking at whether it really is all that great to be super organised?

The response of pro-Palestinian student campaigners in some of America’s most prestigious colleges to the Hamas attack on October 7th, and other protests against Israel since then, have prompted a number of Jewish billionaire donors to announce that are withdrawing funding from those colleges.Marion McKeone, US correspondent of the Business Post.

Michael Carey has been appointed the role of Chairman of Enterprise Ireland. He joins me in studio now to discuss everything from the latest drop in corporation tax receipts, Foreign Direct Investment, and his own business - The Bakehouse and how it's model took a pivotal change after Brexit.

My next 2 guests work in the construction sector, specialising in the highly skilled and ancient craft of stone masonry. They also come from a long line of stone masons - as the 8th generation of their family to work in the trade. Brother and sister Killian and Petra O’Flaherty are in studio now.

Staying with the world of academia, the small sturdy notebook is probably not something most of us have given a huge amount of thought to, but our next guest has. Roland Allen has written a book all about notebooks. It’s called The Notebook - A History of Thinking on Paper and he joins me now.

Earlier this week we celebrated Samhain - the time of year which traditionally encouraged people to gather around and exchange stories about ghosts and folklore. The Seanchai, was once considered to have one of the most important jobs in Ireland. Siofra Mulqueen has been meeting some of the people keeping that tradition alive.

As you’ll have heard in the news, Gaza came under the heaviest aerial bombardment last night, continuing into this morning. Communications have been cut in the region with no internet access, fuel or power. We’re joined now by a man whose business is immersed in the Middle East, David Horgan, Chairman of Petrel Resources.

The Being Black in the EU report was published earlier this week. It had been carried out by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. It showed that the levels of racism directed at black people in Ireland has increased over the past five years. But does racism exist in Irish business too? We’re joined by Florence Olufemi-Ojo of M I O Prints

Since the gothic horror novel, Dracula was first published over a century ago, the Prince of Darkness has become a cultural icon and a powerful brand that made a lot of money, but not for the man behind it all, Dubliner Bram Stoker. The Count has been counting his money, Arts journalist, Chris Wasser joins me in studio now.

Over the coming days lots of little witches will be trying to get the best sweets out of your sweet boxes. These little treat or treaters sometimes get a bad reputation like witches that have gone before them. But did you know that many witches in the olden days were actually business women? Siofra Mulqueen has been finding out more.

This month in 1933, Francis J. O’Rourke established a clothing manufacturing business that has survived slumps and stagnations, downturns and depressions. Four generations later, it’s still in the family. I’m joined this morning by the CEO of Fashion House, Colm O’Rourke, and his daughter, Ailbhe, who’s the retail operations manager and buyer.

Is there anything worse than seeing bad management in full flight? From bungling buffoonery to ineptitude and indecision to the downright nasty. We’ve been hearing for years that people leave jobs because of bad managers and now a there’s research to prove it. Journalist Brianna Parkins who has had her fair share of bad bosses has this.

Who Really Owns Ireland? This topic is explored in a new book that looks at the key players behind Irish property ownership – and what it means for the rest of us. Its author, Matt Cooper is here to shed some light on this question.

Stripe and Meta are the latest to withdraw from The Web Summit following comments from the summit’s Chief Executive Paddy Cosgrave on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. To look at the issue we’re joined by Jack Power from The Irish Times.

Flooding has caused devastation in many countries, Ireland being one. Midleton was at the centre of the deluge this week. To assess where businesses are at locally we’re joined by local real estate agent, Adrianna Hegarty of Hegarty Properties.

It’s that time of year when the leaves are falling and the branches are becoming bare. Ed Coulson has been meeting people like woodworker Des Burke, arboriculture lecturer Garrett Murphy, but Ed’s report starts with artist Anita Groener (Ghrooner) whose work explores the refugee crisis and displacement.

Almost four decades ago, Valerie Mulvin and Neil McCullough set up an architectural practice (McCullough Mulvin) that went on to win awards and accolades for their groundbreaking work.

For the Rugby weekend that's in it! This is a man who has spent a lifetime in sport. Mickey O’Rourke Co founded Setanta Sports in 1990, a business that was valued at several hundred million euro. He now runs Premier Sports and he’s also a partner in Danu Partners - an investment partnership that’s behind restaurant chains in the US.

Used before matches, games and performances, there's nothing quite like some wise word to keep motivations high. But, how do you feel when motivational quotes are put up in the office or even shopping centres? Writer and Broadcaster Cristín Leach is particularly annoyed with one of those phrases “Bloom Where You’re Planted”.

I'm Joined again by Olivia Hurley on 'What is in music that makes us move?', and music journalist of Hot Press magazine, Pat Carty to discuss the 'music of matches' and how these tunes play a role in keeping focus and motivation or sprouting inspiration in us.

There’s been an unprecedented trail of death and destruction on both sides since the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel last weekend. I'm joined by Richard Fitzgerald, CEO of Agustus Media, publisher of the Lovin' Palestine online platform which was set up to share bitesize news and the best of the Gaza Strip.

Apart from physical and technical training, rugby players have also been working on their psychological skills to help optimise their performance. Joining us on this is Olivia Hurley, the Academic lead in Sport and Performance Psychology at IADT talks about the psychology of peak performance in the world of sport.

You may know the Therapie Clinics dotted all over the country. What you may not know is that the chain has become the biggest aesthetics chain in Europe with 1800 employees and a turnover of 120 million this year. They’ve grown 200% in the last three years alone. We’re joined by Katie McGlade and her brother Phillip who run the business.

It seems Fridays have become a work from phone day for the well heeled of New York, only logging on in emergencies, as they head off early to the Hamptons. Effectively introducing a three day weekend. But is that about to become a thing everywhere? Our montage begins in New York with Terry Sheridan, news director of WSHU.

Rachel Adams Heard has been investigating as a reporter for Bloomberg and her In Trust podcast on the systemic murder the Osage Native American tribe for their oil wealth. Driven from their lands in the 1870s, the tribe arrived at a reservation "unfit for cultivation" that later turned into enormous wealth.

Last week U2 took to the stage for the very first time in the new Sphere concert venue. They perform there for 25 nights over the course of a year. But what is it about Las Vegas that’s attracting so many acts? Journalist and broadcaster Nadine O’Regan has this.

Some tech companies are calling for “focus Fridays”. In the continuing debate about hybrid working, tensions persist over return-to-office policies that bosses generally want but the staff often don’t. Sci-tech journalist, Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, is here with us now to discuss.

The drugs market is shifting. Army Rangers winched onto a cargo ship carrying a massive consignment of cocaine. The haul, worth a staggering €157 million is thought for distribution across Europe. We’re joined by Jude Webber who worked for the Financial Times in Latin America for over two decades and is now the FT correspondent here.

Now as the cost of living crisis continues, and energy bills remain heated, is there any chance they’ll soon return to a more tolerable level? Wholesale energy prices have fallen by a third, but when are households going to see the benefits in their pockets? Senior research officer with the ESRI, Muireann Lynch, joins us.

Sticking with the holiday mode, if you’re not leaving Ireland this summer, you might end up in one of the many small quirky museums dotted around the place. Siofra Mulqueen has been meeting some of these museum owners to hear all about their collections.

Eileen has overcome huge difficulties in her life. She was born in Dublin’s Ballymun. Eileen started sampling drugs and dealing drugs while in secondary school. Now she runs Hair Together, an organisation that gives young disadvantaged youths a chance to become hair stylists, while focusing on their mental health.

A lot of us will be looking to take some well deserved time off over the next few weeks. How important is it for our brains to totally switch off and what’s the best way of going about it? Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and author of ‘How Confidence Works’, Ian Robertson, is with us to guide us through it.

You’d want to be under a rock or slide at the back of Barbie’s dreamhouse to miss the talk of the new Barbie movie release this week. But what about Ken? As Barbie tackles over 200 jobs and counting, has Ken been left behind? Writer Paul Howard has been giving it some thought.

During his 20-year career, he broke several world records and scored the winning points in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, earning him his third IRB Player of the Year Award and a second consecutive World Cup win for New Zealand.

We heard earlier from All Blacks legend Dan Carter. But to discuss the careers of some of our homegrown sports stars, many of whom often struggle to earn a living, I’m joined now by sports journalist Cliona Foley. With the soccer World Cup getting underway in Australia, Katie McCabe and her team will be centre stage this week.

Sticking with the Oireachtas committee hearings, they’ve certainly been full of drama, suspense, confusion and some might even say delusion! Comedy Writer Aidan Fitzmaurice, who contributes to Callan’s Kicks and BBC’s The News Quiz, has been inspired by the hearings to write this ode on how to get a meeting just right.

Boris Johnson told the UK Covid 19 inquiry this week that he couldn’t remember the pin code he used to unlock an old phone which contained messages sent at the height of the pandemic. I’m joined now by Sean Duke, Communications Officer at the Faculty of Science and Health at DCU and columnist Fiona Looney.

All eyes were on the public accounts committee hearings again this week as RTE executives answered more questions and, of course, Ryan Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly appeared there too. We’re joined by Donnacha McKeown, Broadcast and Channel Manager at the Oireachtas Broadcasting Unit.

We’re joined by Dr Ruth Freeman of Science Foundation Ireland to look at the impact these temperatures will have on tourism, agriculture and other industries….

Our next guest is one of Ireland’s most renowned hoteliers. @DonegalNoel has welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to Donegal Town on their visit to Ireland, driven Fred Astaire to Lismore Castle and taken racing tips from Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, at Ascot.

RTE continued to dominate the headlines for the third week running this week with the ongoing controversy over presenters’ salaries and corporate governance. To discuss this, I’m joined now by DCU's @JaneSuit and @Larbas CEO of @ShinAwiLTV.

Woodwind instruments like the recorder, flute and Uileann pipes were very much in evidence on the streets of Miltown Malbay in Co. Clare this week as they contributed to the soundscape of the annual Willie Clancy Festival.

A recent study in the US highlighted how cliches which portray millennials as narcissistic snowflakes and baby boomers as hapless technophobes is fuelling generational hostilities in the workplace. To shed some light on all of this, we're joined by 2FM’s @aifricoconnell

A new report from the Shannon Estuary Taskforce is being launched this morning by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.One of the proposals is the potential to generate renewable energy off the West Coast of Ireland. We're joined by Barry O’Sullivan, Chairman of that taskforce.

We’re joined by Niamh Boyle is CEO of the Reputations Agency, which publishes a report, examining the reputation of 100 well-known organisations and businesses in Ireland.

Journalist, turned blogger and business woman. Cork woman, Janet Newenham, has set up a travel company with a difference. Her tours bring people to places off the beaten track, places like Jordan, Namibia and Iraq. She has been a constant traveller for last 20 years and she joins us from Peru.

We’re all familiar with the self service car washes and washing machines, but more and more self service machines are cropping up around the country - from dog washes to tanning booths. Ellen Leonard has been taking a look at the people behind the machines.

The tradition of booleying - a practice that continued right up until, just over 100 years ago in certain part of the country. This was where young people lived in the hills and mountains minding farm animals during the summer months. Writer and Historian, Dr Jackie Uí Chionna (E-Chionna) ionna has mor

With only 12 years to go before petrol and diesel engines are no longer sold in Europe, Chinese car makers are spotting a huge opportunity. They’re miles ahead when it comes to electric vehicles, European car manufacturers have admitted that they can’t keep up. Geraldine Herbert - motoring editor with the Sunday Independent joins us.

Whether you are making a presentation at work, delivering a speech, appearing before an Oireachtas committee, or presenting a radio programme, - it's normal to feel nervous. Sarah Geraghty tells us more..

Founded in 1908, what was once a Co.Kilkenny mill, has become a global brand specialising in feed for horses, pets, cattle and even camels. We’re joined by Michael Connolly, the Global Strategy and Business Development Director of Redmills.

It’s that time of year when college and secondary school students across the country are seeking out jobs to get them through the summer months. But do they make or break you? Siofra Mulqueen has been finding out.

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about job losses in the likes of Meta and Google. But our first guests are extremely concerned about the lack of tech workers here. We’re joined by CEO & founder of Cilter Child Protection Software, Rena Maycock and Chair of Scale Ireland, Brian Caulfield.

The straw hats, rounded specs, britches and braces are out in force as fans of James Joyce celebrate Bloomsday, continuing this weekend. Tomás Kenny of Kenny's Bookshops has been giving it some thought.

The data centre dilemma raised its head again this week with concerns about a shortage of electricity. But are there simple solutions to help ease the problem? We’re joined by Professor Aoife Foley, Energy Systems Engineer.

In a press conference that was standing room only, Rory McIlroy was despondent as he reacted to a story that rocked the world of sport - the news that Saudi Arabia is to pump billions of dollars into a merger between LIV golf and the PGA tour. “Money Talks” mused McIlroy. CEO of Platinum One and contributor of the Currency Fintan Drury joins us.

“Destroy nature and you destroy the economy,” that’s according to Frank Elderson, a top European Central Bank executive this week. It’s believed that 72 percent of eurozone companies and three-quarters of bank loans are exposed to loss of biodiversity. Dr. Lisa Ryan, Professor in energy economics in the School of Economics in UCD joins us.

With climate change guilt, summer strikes and delays at the airports thrown in, slow travel seems to have found a new momentum. Red-eye flights are out, for many discerning travellers, and Overnight trains are back.Frank McNally of the Irish Times has this.

Michael Kelly and his daughter Clare, two members of a family whose business was an early introduction to Ireland for the likes of Facebook and Google. Glandore is a property company that rents out workspaces in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. With revenue in excess of 20 million in 2023, the pair join us now to talk about the family business.

Lack of property around Ireland is having a real impact on culture. Artists from all walks of life; musicians, visual artists and more are finding it hard to find space to work in, Karl Stacey’s montage starts with Tadhg Kinsella of Dublin Modular, an electronic music and visual artist collective, hoping to inject life in the arts in Ireland.

Palo Alto is well known as a big tech centre, the home of Stanford University, a source of great innovation, wealth and power. But Malcolm Harris, presents a narrative of a dark place with a very different history to what we’re used to hearing. A history that he says continues to influence the place.

Wexford man John Evoy is the general manager of Grow Remote, an organisation that promotes remote work. But John made his name as the founder of Mens Sheds Ireland.

Jose Mourinho is in bother after he verbally tackled a match official in a car park after Roma’s defeat in the Europa League Final. But what about abusive behaviour in regular workplaces, or even just basic bad manners, what does it do to staff morale? Siofra Mulqueen has been finding out.

A potential row is brewing between the Greens and Fine Gael over new land use plans, which the Greens deem essential to meet climate change targets. It comes as the Environmental Protection Agency said Ireland is falling well short of meeting its greenhouse targets. Dr. Tara Shine, CEO of Change by Degrees, joins us

With Harry Styles imminent arrival, it’s hard to find a feather boa in Ireland. The mucky wellies are gone, fashion has completely taken over gigs, but at what cost? Emma Power of 2FM joins us.

As ITV launches an external review to establish the facts around an affair between Philip Schofield and the former TV runner, it brings up the importance of power dynamics in the workplace. Melrona Kirrane, Associate Professor of Organisational Psychology at DCU Business School,

A man from the worlds of aviation and space, who also has big plans for Ireland. Dómhnal Slattery, founded two of the top three aircraft leasing companies in the world over the last 25 years. He set up Avolon in 2010, four years later it listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the largest ever listing by an Irish founded company, at that time.

From Ireland leading the way in sustainable innovations, to a report this week warning that almost half of the world’s species are seeing a rapid population decline because of climate change. So how is that impacting those working in the area? Siofra Mulqueen has been meeting some Irish people who have made conservation their life’s work.

Duelling pistols, ceremonial swords, great artwork - no, we’re not still talking about Succession, but the Aladdin’s Cave of objects that’s been locked away in bank vaults here since the 1700s. New powers could help unearth the artifacts. To find out more we’re joined by Historian, Dr. Nikki Carter, of the Trinity Access Programme in TCD.

Well from chip wars to warring families. The massive hit TV series Succession follows the fictional Roy family, apparently inspired by various media families. But did we learn anything about business or even family business amid the comedic asides, the conflict and the swear words. Author Anna Carey has been giving it some thought.

Well it’s out of the frying pan and into the fire as tensions mount over chips between the US and China. So what’s at stake in the chips war? Sean Mitchell, Chief Commercial Officer of the space tech firm, Ubotica joins us to discuss the escalating battle.

As the G7 leaders meet in Japan, one of the topics up for discussion is placing more sanctions on Russia, sanctions that will cover ships, aircraft, individuals and diamonds. But will they hit the Kremlin’s war machine enough? Economist at RBC-BlueBay Asset Management, focusing on Russian and Ukraine, Timothy Ash.

Let’s go back to the 1800s, even the 1700s when migrant artisan craftspeople really started moving all over Europe (including Ireland) following the money trail and leaving behind beautiful artworks in their wake. Art Historian Jessica Fahy takes us back in time.

From increasing numbers of refugees sleeping rough, to protests against migrants staying at Magowna House Hotel. The question of how to solve the housing crisis is something still unsolved. Are there any simple solutions? CEO and founder of i3pt Certification Eoin Leonard, who specialises in building reuse and Architect Roisin Murphy.

Now from a business that was about money saving, to one of the first experiences many people have of making money, the first Holy Communion. It’s that time of year where 8 year olds are eagerly waiting for the envelopes to land. But what should you do with your communion money, Siofra Mulqueen has been finding out.

Well the sun really started to peep out this week, and hopefully it’s here to stay. We all know sunshine gives us that bit more of a pep in our step but what does it do to our brains? Does it make us spend more, work better, maybe even concentrate more? Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland Dr. Ruth Freeman

A Dundalk man who went from a meat factory in Belfast to creating inflatable shamrocks for Irish football fans to selling his company Pigsback.com for millions. He’s just published a memoir of his time in business called From the Arena. Michael Dwyer joins us in studio to talk about the wonders of Business and life on the pigs back!

Elon Musk has announced his successor as CEO of Twitter and former head of advertising at NBC Universal Linda Yaccarino is set to take on the role. What will this mean for the business Twitter? And will Elon take a step back and focus on his other business interests? Executive Director of Digital Action Liz Carolan joins now.

PwC is in hot water in Australia after it emerged that the firm used confidential government tax plans to advise tech clients. Accountancy Correspondent with the FT Michael O’Dwyer joins us to discuss.

Our first guest this morning’s story is definitely one of resilience, Helen Cody has spent the past three decades at the very high end of high fashion. And while her business has had highs and lows, her life story too has followed a similar thread. We popped into her studio in Dublin to find out more.

Speaking of Gen Z, a lot of us will have heard the words “I’M BORED” come from their mouth at some point!! Lipreaders claimed that King Charles said “This is boring” at his own Coronation. But should the new king embrace boredom? Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and author of ‘How Confidence Works’ Ian Robertson joins now.

Younger generations like millennials and Gen Z have apparently become allergic to speaking on their phone. Recent studies found that 75 percent of millennials dislike phone calls because they’re time-consuming, while 81 percent suffer from anxiety before they manage to make a phone call. Our own Millennial Siofra Mulqueen has been finding out.

Well the Monarchy is a family business after all. And with that in mind, we decided to ask some Irish family businesses how the handover works between generations. Is a long apprenticeship needed? What’s the most important advice the older generation can pass on? Taylor Mooney has been checking it out.

It's a storyline that sounds like it’s straight out of a Hollywood movie - China’s Men in Black step up security of foreign corporate sleuths. But it’s not a blockbuster script, it’s a story that the Financial Times has been reporting on. To tell us more we‘re joined now by Primrose Riordan, South China Correspondent with the Financial Times.

Now, from China’s men in black to what’s likely to be a colourful coronation kicking off soon in London with plenty of Union Jacks flying in honour of King Charles III. While many will be glued to proceedings, there are others that would much rather avoid it. David Pegg, Investigative Journalist with The Guardian joins us now.

Let's look at the whole practice of companies providing housing for employees. With the vast profits that some companies are making, is it time now for companies to engage in that practice again? We’re joined by Valerie Mulvin, Director at McCullough Mulvin Architects and Alfonzo Bonilla Director at Maremoto Architects.

We'll be looking at the housing crisis, but first for a different take on that. The Village of Mullan in Co.Monaghan is an old Victorian Village. It’s now a thriving village, with the Mullan Lighting Factory in the centre. So what’s it like to build a business and rebuild a village at the same time? We caught up with Mike and Edel in Mullan.

Speaking of crows singing! The Dawn Chorus season has arrived. On your way to work you might be lucky enough to catch a few seconds of the collective chirps but there are people whose jobs involve being submerged in these sounds. Siofra Mulqueen has been speaking to the people who work with birdsong

TV presenter Tucker Carlson’s dramatic exit from Fox News has left Rupert Murdoch’s company in disarray. What does all of this mean for the Fox Corporation and will there be much of a financial impact? Matthew Garrahan, Head of Digital Platforms and Strategy with the Financial Times is on the line to tell us more.

Sticking with the world of entertainment, yesterday tickets went on sale for Hamilton the musical. People queued from early morning to get the best dates and seats. So is the entertainment sector back with a bang? We’re joined by Stephen Faloon of Bord Gais Energy Theatre and Nadine O’Regan, Editor of the Business Post Magazine,

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol serenaded President Joe Biden with his version of Don McLean’s American Pie while on a state visit. To discuss the art of singing in the workplace I’m joined by Managing Director with the Communications Clinic Eoghan Tomas McDermott and actor, singer and singing coach at the Lir Academy Ruth McGill

A man who is responsible for some of our most iconic album covers. Steve Averill started out as a punk rocker and an ad man. He was the first lead singer of Radiators From Space. He went on to create album covers for the like of U2, and many more Now in his 70s, he’s still designing and we went to meet him at his home office in Co. Wicklow.

Now it looks like music is reaching out for the stars, but in another way. This is Liam Gallagher but not Liam Gallagher as you know him. It’s an AI version of Gallagher singing songs by a band called Breezer. Pat Carty of Hot Press is in studio now.

Agencies warned about a faster warming world, we’re joined by a man with interests in this area. Gary McDarby is an engineer and mathematician who has travelled the world with various businesses and not for profits, including time spent on a Phd in Australia. He’s now developed a business that monitors changing climate conditions in real time.

Gardai use of facial recognition technology and worries about the social media platform Tik Tok accessing too much information. We’re joined by Iverna McGowan, secretary general of the Centre for Democracy and Technologies Europe office in Brussels and Kevin Byrne, Retired Lt Col and airport safety & security auditor.

Earlier we were chatting about surveillance technology, and now for a very different take on surveillance! I’m talking about the Surveillance of small creatures that cause havoc. It’s that time of year when the nit notes come thick and fast from schools and crèches. Siofra Mulqueen has been meeting business people that are real nit pickers.

Firstly a headline in the Financial Times that China is back… bringing profit and perplexity for Western Business. And secondly a CIA classified document leak that claims Beijing is building cyber weapons to hijack enemy satellites We’re joined from China by Edward White, Financial Times correspondent.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship explodes minutes after being launched. (The South African Billionaires wealth dipped by $13 billion in 24 hours) But are billionaires what we need for space exploration? We’re joined by Sinead O’Sullivan, business economist and former aerospace engineer and human space flight designer at NASA.

Figures released from the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation have shown that there was a dip in visitors to Ireland in the first quarter this year. But after this week's Presidential visit, will there be a Biden Boost for tourism? To discuss this, I’m joined now by Paul Kelly, CEO of Failte Ireland

Well, things in the world of human-like chatbots just got a whole lot more interesting – and competitive – with the recent launch of similar products by some of China’s biggest tech companies. I’m joined now by Elaine Burke, tech journalist and Host of the ‘For Tech Sake Podcast’ to discuss these latest developments.

Finally, if you happen to work for the kind of company where free teabags are regarded as the ultimate perk, you might not have too much sympathy for the Google workers in the US who are no longer entitled to their weekly massage. But are perks becoming a thing of the past? Aifric O’Connell of 2FM is here to tell us more.

A Silicon Valley type parent becomes a parent and decides it's best to limit their children's access to the same technology they’ve built a career getting the rest of us to use. Liz Carolan, Executive Director of Digital Action and mother-of-one, has been reflecting on this very twenty-first century dilemma.

“A partnership for the ages”. That’s how US President Joe Biden described his country’s relationship with Ireland. But what about the enduring relationship that exists between Presidents and Royals, and some of the businesses that hosted them during their high profile visits? Siofra Mulqueen has been meeting some of them.

My next guest is a Professor of Sociology and principal investigator at Princeton University’s Eviction Lab. His subsequent book ‘Evicted’ won a Pulitzer Prize and a Carnegie Medal, as well as a string of other awards. Matthew Desmond is here to discuss new book 'Poverty, by America'.

For the weekend that's in it! The value of chocolate sales in Ireland last year was estimated to be worth just over €395m. And according to Bord Bia, approximately 40% of chocolate sales are at Easter. Siofra Mulqueen went out to visit some of Ireland’s boutique chocolate factories.

New figures released this week revealed that corporate insolvencies soared by 70% year on year in the first three months of the year. To discuss all of this, I’m joined now by Bill Holohan, a legal expert in insolvency law …and author of “Buying and Selling Insolvent Companies”

Now we’re joined by a woman who has built a career and business in the beauty industry over the last thirty years. Eavanna Breen, Founder and Clinical Director of Akina Beauty and Laser Clinic, newly renamed this week the Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic.

The newly released film ‘Air’, tells the story of what happened when the Nike brand teamed up with a little known basketball player called Michael Jordan. To talk about the movie and the book, ‘Shoe Dog’, that its based on…and the multi million dollar trainer industry, I’m joined now by Tom Lyons, Chief Executive of The Currency

While tributes have been paid to the many politicians who were central to getting the deal over the line, we’d like to mark the role played by a businessman. Brendan Duddy was a key go between for the IRA and British Government. Joining us to discuss is Jim Fitzpatrick, Investigative Reporter with the media platform, Open Democracy.

Recent surveys point towards a new generation of younger workers who are far less inclined to beat a path to the pub at the end of the week than their predecessors. Psychotherapist and burnout consultant Siobhan Murray has been reflecting on the subtle shift that seems to be taking place in our attitude towards boozy lunches and teatime tipples.

"Succession", the hit show has hit its final series, with huge audiences of 2.3 million. But is Succession’s ending also the ending to a remarkable era of Hollywood: the phenomenon known as “peak TV”. Some believe so. We’re joined by Media columnist for The Irish Times Laura Slattery.

Bullying, sexual assaults and mobbing, these are just some of the incidents outlined in an independent review of the Irish defence forces. We’re joined by Patricia Scanlon, Founder and Executive Chair of Soapbox Labs, and Ian Robertson Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and author of How Confidence Works.

Happy April Fools Day! You’ve probably been thinking up some pranks to pull or maybe you’ve already been pranked. Luckily many of you will not be in office today to have the letters on your keyboard rearranged...comedy Writer Aidan Fitzmaurice is in favour of craic in the workplace, unless it’s the manufactured fun type craic.

First this morning let’s go Stateside. Donald Trump’s defence lawyer says the former president will not be put in handcuffs. He’s due to surrender to prosecutors on Tuesday in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. Protests were expected in New York last night, Terry Sheridan, News director of WSHU public radio in New York joins us now.

More and more people are deciding to convert commercial buildings such as shops, pubs and even banks into homes. Ellen Leonard has been finding out more

Now we’re joined by a man who himself is very familiar with building walls of a different kind. Hugh Wallace is an award winning architect and founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants. His career journey has seen him set up a practice that employed 160 people, it imploded in the crash, but he’s back up and running.

It was another turbulent week in the banking sector. Following the collapse eight days ago of America's 16th-largest lender, Silicon Valley Bank. To discuss all of this, I’m joined now in studio by the former Governor of the Central Bank Patrick Honohan.

My next guest runs one of Ireland’s best-known and most high-end restaurants. From his first premises off Baggot Street in Dublin where he set up shop in 1981, he was awarded a Michelin star in 1988, followed by a second star fifteen years later which made him the first Irish restaurateur ever to win two Michelin stars.

Silicon Valley Bank built its business around tech, a sector which has also been in the news a lot lately because of lay-offs in some of its biggest companies, So what does this mean for people working in the sector? I’m joined now by Rena Maycock, CEO and founder of Cilter Child Protection Software, and columnist with The Currency

You might have heard recently that plans are afoot to reboot the BBC hit comedy Fawlty Towers. In light of the prospect of the return of Torquay’s most famous fictional hotel, Siofra Mulqueen has been asking some people in the industry about occasions when they found themselves channelling their inner Basil Fawlty.

The art of diplomacy isn’t confined to world leaders. We all know people who instinctively seem to know the right thing to say and when to say it. Former Ambassador to the UK and EU, Bobby McDonagh, and Consultant psychologist, Louize Carroll, have joined me in studio.

The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank has been deemed the biggest banking failure since the global financial crisis. Business and Technology journalist with the Irish Times Ciara O’Brien joins us on the line to discuss the implications to Irish companies.

Almost 90% of women say they’re feeling more burnt out since the pandemic, and almost 50% of women say they’re considering leaving the workplace or at least reducing hours. We’re joined by the person behind the research Dr Michelle Cullen Managing Director and Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Accenture in Ireland.

In a world where we’re trying to be inclusive for all, you'd think half of the population would be catered for in every possible way. But it seems even in the world of design, the standard human body is a man Irish architect Roisin Murphy thinks this needs to change, she says it’s time for a world that’s designed for women as well as men.

Now, back to the unfolding story of the second biggest bank collapse in US History, Silicon Valley Bank has been shut down by US banking regulators. To fill us in on reaction in the US, we’re joined by News director of WSHU public radio in New York Terry Sheridan…

Well you never know what you’re dealing with in the world of showbiz. This weekend, as we said, is all about the Irish film scene but what about those working behind the scenes keeping the tape rolling. Siofra Mulqueen has been speaking with people with unexpected jobs in the movie business.

Martin Nolan is the co owner of Julien’s Auctions, an auction house to the stars, with sales in excess of 40 million last year. Martin found his way into the industry after years working with Teagasc, banking and as a doorman.

Born and bred in Derry, my first guest has had a broad and chequered career that started at the age of 14 when he got his first job delivering papers for the Belfast Telegraph. Within a few months he’d recruited 6 of his peers to work under him. Now CEO of Manufacturing Northern Ireland, Stephen Kelly joins us in studio.