What's Going On with Hugh O’Connell & Ailbhe Smyth

John Lloyd is a veteran television/radio producer and writer, famous for bringing the likes of Not the Nine O'Clock News, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Spitting Image, Blackadder, QI to our screens and airwaves. He joins Anton to reflect on his career, the importance of satire in UK culture, and the attitudes that underpin the success of his various works.

Joe Shannon can often be seen cooking up a storm for Ireland AM or be heard on the airwaves on Ocean FM, but more recently he has become an advocate for cancer awareness following his diagnosis of bowel cancer in 2021. Joe joins Anton to discuss his terminal diagnosis and staying positive in the face of adversity.

It’s been a challenging time for restaurants and retail around the country with the cost of living affecting consumer pockets and making all the input costs for restaurateurs and retailers significantly more expensive. To discuss the state of the restaurant and retail landscape ahead of the busy Christmas period is Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment with special responsibility for Business, Employment, and Retail; Sharon Yourell Lawlor, MD of Think Plan Do Consulting; and Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland.

Joining Anton to take a look at the biggest stories from the Sunday papers are John Lee, Executive Editor of the Daily Mail Group; Gabija Gataveckaite, News reporter at Independent.ie; and John Cunningham, Relationship Director with Morgan McKinley & former Chair of the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

Anton is joined by four of the stars of Glenroe: Mary McEvoy, Isobel Mahon, Alan Stanford and Geraldine Plunkett to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the TV show.