Podcasts by RTÉ Brainstorm
New ideas and insights about the world around us. From RTÉ in co-operation with Irish universities and the Irish Research Council.
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Podcast on the topic Gesellschaft und Kultur
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How architect Herbert Simms transformed Dublin from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.383401
The capital's first housing architect played a key role in the battle with unfit housing conditions in the 1930s and 1940s. By Ruth McManus - School of History and Geography, DCU.
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What Leopold Bloom's food diary tells us about Bloomsday from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.372875
The story of Ulysses unfolds through the food Leopold Bloom eats as he travels around Dublin by day and night
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Why the reign of SUVs on Irish roads should end from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.365497
There are many solutions to tackle the problem of heavy, fuel-hungry SUVs, but all require bold action from policymakers
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What can you do with used wind turbine blades? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.358570
One way to deal with the estimated 200,000 tonnes of blade waste per year is to use them for other products like bridges
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What First Dates tells us about dating in Ireland from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.355844
We have found a number of linguistic clues that may point to the reasons why people choose to meet one another again – or not
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You're not singing any more: where do soccer chants come from? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.348312
The chants sung by fans have their origins in hymns, opera, folksong, advertising jingles and nursery rhymes
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Where did the term ‘west Brit’ come from? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.339349
A short history of a term which has been long employed in a derogatory way in Irish politics since the days of O'Connell and Parnell
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Is it time for a woolly jumper revival? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.301934
Cheaper and handier than retrofitting your house, wearing a woolly jumper out is one individual action to counter climate change. By Kevin Berwick ,TU Dublin
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Will a latte levy stop us dumping 200 million coffee cups a year? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.298595
The proposed charge on disposable coffee cups may not be popular, but levies really are effective in changing consumer behaviour
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Why women prefer male bosses from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.292564
The queen bee syndrome may be why women usually find it more stressful to work for female bosses than for male bosses
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5 things you didn't know about Fionn Mac Cumhaill from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.288497
The man who ate the Salmon of Knowledge was a complex character and not always likeable, but he was certainly thought-provoking
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Why referees are quitting Gaelic games from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.281482
94% of match officials have experienced verbal abuse during their career and 23% have experienced some form of physical abuse. (By Noel Brick, Gavin Breslin, Mark Shevlin and Stephen Shannon, Ulste...
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4 ways to make public transport easy to use and safe for all from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.274278
We need to send the message that public transport really matters by making it safe, easy to use and part of the neighbourhood (By Sarah Rock and David O'Connor, TU Dublin)
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Why the trench coat became the garment of choice for IRA fighters from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.264273
The waterproof coat protected soldiers from rain, thorns and mud, but the advantage for the IRA was it also concealed weapons (By Jane Tynan, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
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Will we see 'robot judges' in Irish courtrooms in the future? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.261574
While other jurisdictions are trialing law by artificial intelligence, there are many reasons why this might not be a good idea (By Rónán Kennedy, University of Galway)
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Why Irish people love making connections when we meet strangers from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.253972
The Irish connection grid means we're always striving to find a link to make the world smaller. By Gail Flanagan, University of Limerick
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A Croke Park murder mystery: who shot Séan Ó Glaimín? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.241123
When a player is shot dead in the middle of a match, there's only one lad to turn to for answers and that's detective Réics Carlos. By Siobhán Doyle, Brainstorm.
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How do you clean a wind turbine blade? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.193479
Dirt on a blade's surface can decrease a wind turbine's efficiency by up to 40% after just two weeks of operation. By Seamus Cummins, DCU
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Taylor Swift's songs are full of literary references - so what do they tell us? from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.180677
The pop star's references to books and classic literature allows us to see her self-awareness and growth as an artist. By Ellen Howley, DCU.
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Ráiméis! Here are 15 slang words as Gaeilge to use this week from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.166156
Altering words in some way to conceal their meaning to those outside the group is typical of jargons the world over
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Under Clery's clock: the history and legacy of the landmark Dublin store from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.150355
One of the mainstays of city life for over 170 years, the store's iconic clock provided a meeting place for generations of Dubliners
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How Irish dance became a significant business for Irish women from 2023-12-13T14:43:48.135805
Irish dance has deep historical ties with cultural nationalism and identity, but its financial importance for women cannot be overlooked
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How did the marriage bar affect Irish women? from 2023-11-28T14:14
The impact of Ireland's marriage bar on the affected women's professional lives and careers is still felt to this day. By Jennifer Redmond, Maynooth University; Judith Harford, UCD and Deirdre Fole...
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Why so many of us will run up that hill with Kate Bush from 2023-11-21T06:12
As fans gather for the Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever in Dublin, a look at the life, work and Irish connections of Kate Bush
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What Ireland ate and drank during the Second World War from 2023-11-14T06:12
From the "black loaf" to a shortage of tea, the Emergency's hardships forced Ireland to try out many alternative foodstuffs
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What's going to happen to used electric car batteries? from 2023-10-31T06:12
The good news is that they're highly recyclable, but the process can be hazardous due to potential fires and other dangers
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Why is society so surprised by older people having sex? from 2023-10-17T06:12
You'll find very few positive depictions of old age sexuality yet research confirms the importance of active sex lives to this cohort
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Why we turned a Dublin street into a playground from 2023-10-10T06:12
The D7 Play Streets initiative is about showing what a simple reallocation of public space which puts children first and which returns the street to a source of social life could look like
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Do you work in a toxic workplace? Here what you can do about it from 2023-09-26T06:30
If organisations won't create safe, welcoming and positive workplaces, they shouldn't be surprised if employees won't put up with it. By Professor Kevin Murphy, University of Limerick.
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A short history of the Irish coffee from 2023-09-19T05:29
How a coffee laced with whiskey, sugar and cream came to be seen as the height of sophistication. By Barry Houlihan, University of Galway
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Why are Irish gig tickets so expensive? from 2023-09-12T06:29
The price of a ticket to see your favourite act has increased dramatically for a plethora of reasons. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, RTÉ Brainstorm.
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What goes on at the Workplace Relations Commission? from 2023-08-29T09:33
The WRC is a one stop shop for the resolution of a myriad of employment law issues and disputes. By Brenda Daly, DCU
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Why Irish people sing 'Ole Ole Ole' when they're happy from 2023-08-22T09:30
We don't just break into a blast of 'Ole Ole Ole' at soccer matches, but also at gigs, homecomings and other celebrations. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm
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How Michael Collins became the Irish revolution's sex symbol from 2023-08-15T09:30
The mystery, romance and cult around Michael Collins has created an idealised version of the Irish leader. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, RTÉ Brainstorm
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The growing world of nixers, passion projects and side hustles from 2023-07-25T09:30
Many people embark on jobs on the side to maximise their talent, make full use of potential and earn some extra income. By Bhuvan Israni, TU Dublin
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‘He proposed to me on our first date’: my experience of Irish culture shock from 2023-07-18T09:30
What we say and how we behave is influenced by cultural norms and can lead to critical (and sometimes funny) incidents. By Florence Le Baron-Earle, University of Limerick
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Because they're worth it: medieval hair treatments from 2023-07-11T09:30
Connla Mac an Leagha's 16th century collection contains many remedies and treatments intended to enhance the appearance of the medieval Irish man and woman. By Siobhán Barrett, Maynooth University.
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Why banks need to maintain cash services for customers from 2023-06-27T06:30
We are much further removed from becoming a cashless society than some might like to think. By Olive McCarthy, UCC.
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Meet the 5 worst boyfriends in fiction from 2023-06-20T06:19
Boyfriend characters in many novels can show women how a potential romantic partner's toxic behaviour should act as a warning. By Maria Butler, UCC.
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Radio GAA GAA: the Irish abroad and Gaelic games on the radio from 2023-06-13T06:18
Listening to Gaelic games on the radio is a way for many of the Irish diaspora to maintain their sense of Irishness. By Daithí McMahon, University of Derby
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A short history of the many plans to reclaim land from Dublin Bay from 2023-05-30T06:00
There have been numerous proposals over the years to reclaim land from Dublin Bay to use for everything from housing to an airport. By Ruth McManus - School of History and Geography, DCU.
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Help, my child is now a teenager – what do I do? from 2023-05-23T06:21
As challenging as it is to be a teenager, it's equally so for parents as all grapple with new roles and responsibilities. By Aidan Farrelly, Maynooth University
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How many friends do you need? from 2023-05-16T06:08
Our network changes over the course of our lives, but how many friends do we really need? Here's what the research tells us (By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm)
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Why Ireland sought to stop US airlines landing at Dublin Airport in the 1960s from 2023-04-25T06:08
There was a high level of tetchiness between Ireland and the US when it came to transatlantic aviation in the 1960s (By Michael Kennedy, Royal Irish Academy)
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How listening to music at lunch increases your afternoon productivity from 2023-04-11T06:08
Research has found that 15 minutes of music listening at lunchtime may increase employees' work engagement in the afternoon (By Avery Torres, Hilary Moss and Deirdre O'Shea, University of Limerick)
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5 things women should know before starting a business from 2023-03-28T06:08
Here's how budding women business owners and entrepreneurs can overcome the pitfalls and challenges they face (By Maura McAdam, DCU)
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The man from Co Meath who had at least 10 funerals from 2023-03-22T15:07
T he story of Irish language revivalist Eoghan Ó Gramhnaigh's life, death and extraordinary reburial remains largely unknown to most (By Tracey Ní Mhaonaigh, Maynooth University)
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How much does your job title matter? from 2023-02-28T09:06
Job titles may be the least important signifier of a successful approach to managing and motivating staff (By Brian J Murphy, TU Dublin)
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'Ah sure, you know yourself': why Irish people never say what they mean from 2023-02-21T06:06
We subconsciously choose our words carefully when it comes to keeping the conversation indirect and polite (By Gail Flanagan, University of Limerick)
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All you need to know about putting solar panels on your roof from 2023-02-14T06:06
You can expect a simple system of six to eight solar panels to generate about one third of your home's electricity needs (By Paul Deane, UCC)
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How to save money on your household bills with simple maths from 2023-01-24T06:18
Deciphering the complex numbers around energy costs, mortgages and supermarket prices is key to making good financial decisions
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How to fall in love with strangers from 2023-01-17T06:27
We can often experience the same psychological and physiological benefits of love with strangers
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Could super-villains use your smart kettle to disrupt the power grid? from 2023-01-10T06:26
We're moving to a world where more and more of our home appliances are connected to the internet and and thus more hackable
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Why It’s A Wonderful Life still resonates today (repeat) from 2022-12-13T05:49
Frank Capra's masterpiece remains a Christmas classic because the film still speaks to many to us at this time of year
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How we unearthed a medieval town in Co Kilkenny from 2022-11-29T11:44
New technologies have allowed researchers to retrace Newtown without having to take a spade to the site
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All you need to know about employment contracts from 2022-11-22T05:41
as there is no one-size-fits-all employment contract, here's a guide to the various contracts which employees may be offered
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How surfing can improve your mental health from 2022-11-15T06:15
Surf therapy has been shown to boost those factors that help protect young people against the development of mental illness
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All you need to know about bank holidays in Ireland from 2022-10-25T06:50
We love our "bank holidays" in Ireland. But where did they come from and who gets to decide when they are?
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Why workers don’t like their HR departments from 2022-10-18T06:50
HR departments are often criticised by employees, but do they really deserve this bad rep?
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A history of the GAA in 100 objects (Special) from 2022-10-11T06:37
Marie Crowe and Siobhán Doyle discuss the book "A history of the GAA in 100 objects".
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How to save cash on your energy bills from 2022-09-27T06:37
Reducing energy use is the most immediate measure we can do to reduce our exposure to high energy bills
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Why sea levels are rising higher than expected in Dublin and Cork from 2022-09-20T06:37
Aside from climate change, local exacerbating factors are behind rising sea levels in Irish coastal cities. By Gerard McCarthy, Katherine Dooley, Amin Shoari Nejad, Andrew Parnell, Maynooth Univers...
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How the Civil War split an Irish republican family in two (repeat) from 2022-09-13T06:36
No family rivalled the prominence of the Ryans during the War of Independence, but few were as bitterly divided by the aftermath. By Michael Loughman, DCU.
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All you need to know about how heat pumps work from 2022-08-31T05:24
Here's a look at the engineering that underpins this technology and its potential for heating our homes
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Can I delete myself from the internet? from 2022-08-23T05:59
People usually do not realise how much information is out there about them - and the work required to remove it
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The good and bad news about workplace gossip from 2022-08-16T05:24
Rumours, gossip and the "he said/she said" grapevine are an inevitable part of almost all organisations
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10 commemoration ideas you won't forget in a hurry from 2022-07-26T05:24
From cakes marking the 1916 Rising to a Scent of War candle, some historical merchandise has been colourful to say the least
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Why are legal costs in Ireland so high? from 2022-07-19T05:24
Lack of competition, cumbersome procedures and a reluctance to change combine to keep costs high
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The life and times of Dublin’s first O’Connell Bridge from 2022-07-12T03:00
Carlisle Bridge was at the heart of new commercial and social life in Dublin and quickly became a pivotal feature in the city
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The summer Garth Brooks didn't come to town (repeat) from 2022-06-28T06:26
The infamous five in a row fiasco at Croke Park in 2014 was a turning point in the megastar's complex relationship with Irish music fans
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What happens to the waste that goes down the drain in your home (repeat) from 2022-06-21T05:26
In this extract from the 2020 Brainstorm Radio programme, we go on a journey beyond the sink and the drain to find out what happens next. With presenter Ella McSweeney and guests Jean O'Dwyer (UCC ...
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The groundbreaking Irish woman golfer you’ve never heard of before from 2022-06-14T05:24
The many challenges Eitnne Pentony faced in the 1930s did not stop her becoming a successful golfer at home and abroad
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Why it's time to make room on the road for electric scooters (repeat) from 2022-05-31T05:24
The electric scooter's economic and environmental credentials make it a transport winner
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My boss is a psychopath: why bad people get good jobs (repeat) from 2022-05-24T05:23
There is much evidence to suggest that the traits of narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathology are linked to career advancement.
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Where does the phrase ‘taking the soup’ come from? from 2022-05-17T09:18
By Ciarán Reilly, Maynooth University
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The story behind John Lavery’s controversial painting of Roger Casement in the dock from 2022-05-10T12:21
The painting embodies many of the complexities that deny a simple representation of modern Irish history. By Dr Siobhán Doyle, TU Dublin.
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The spy who came to lunch: Ireland and Russia during the Cold War from 2022-04-26T12:21
While determined to remain neutral, Ireland could not remain aloof from the potentially devastating implications of the Cold War. By Eoin Kinsella, Royal Irish Academy.
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Meet the 18th century Irish gents obsessed with plates and dishes from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.494264
This preoccupation with elegant tableware was designed to draw attention to the gentlemen's good taste and wealth
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Here are some radical ways to solve the GAA's Dublin problem from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.489981
could regional franchises and budget caps overcome GAA conservatism to create a level playing pitch for all 32 counties?
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The physical and emotional health benefits of living with a dog from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.484682
Our four-legged friends teach us patience, understanding, generosity, kindness, and are a catalyst for other healthy behaviours in our lives.
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What Ireland's first stamps told the world about the new state from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.469266
The Irish Free State stamps of the 1920s were a way of decolonising the Irish visual imagination. By Billy Shortall, TCD.
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10 reasons why more women should lift weights from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.446515
Here's why you consider swapping the bike for the barbell on your next visit to the gym. By Leanne Quinn, University of Limerick.
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Why do British people know so little about Ireland? from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.395781
From politics to academia, ignorance in British society about Ireland has profound implications for relations between the two nations
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Cooking the books: the recipe for a successful cookbook from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.392240
As the huge growth in cookbook publishing shows, what we eat and cook has become an indicator of lifestyle and identity
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Why do girls stop playing sport? Let's ask them from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.383782
Changing priorities, peer influence and a lack of confidence are some of the reasons why so many quit sport, but this can be turned around. By Sara McQuinn, Mary Rose Sweeney, Sarahjane Belton and ...
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Why some runners get injured - and how to stop it happening from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.361301
Changes in running distance, speed, surface, footwear, environment and stress levels can all cause a running injury. By Peter Francis, Institute of Technology Carlow
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How much water should I drink daily? from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.344495
There really is no one-size-fits-all solution to hydration, but your pee will tell you if you need to drink more. By Catherine Norton, University of Limerick.
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From Elvis to the Muppets, the story of Danny Boy from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.332787
Just how did "Danny Boy" became a song loved and hated in equal measures? By Aileen Dillane, University of Limerick
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CSI St Patrick: just where is the saint's body? from 2022-04-21T11:18:13.292534
Despite his fame, the exact location of the body of St Patrick has been a bone of contention for over a millennium. By Niamh Wycherley, Maynooth University.
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How to eat and exercise your way to healthy ageing from 2022-04-19T12:00
Many of us first think about healthy ageing the day we turn 65, but age-related changes in our bodies start long before that. By Caoileann Murphy and Sinéad McCarthy, Teagasc
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How the Irish helped to create Easter Sunday from 2022-04-12T12:00
The work of early Irish scholars and astronomical experts on developing mathematical tables helped to solve the thorny problems of Easter-calculation. By Dáibhí Ó Cróinín, Department of History
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Is it really bonkers to use an algorithm to hire a person? from 2022-03-29T12:00
There has been tremendous interest in using artificial intelligence tools to streamline hiring decisions in organisations, but the blind use of them without understanding why the algorithm prefers ...
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The problem with having a difficult name in Ireland from 2022-03-22T12:00
'Wwhen I say that I have a difficult name, I should also ask: difficult for who? And difficult for what reasons?'. By Bhargabi Das, Maynooth University.
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How the Civil War split an Irish republican family in two from 2022-03-15T12:00
No family rivalled the prominence of the Ryans during the War of Independence, but few were as bitterly divided by the aftermath. By Michael Loughman, DCU.
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How the Irish became food delivery pioneers in the 19th century from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.744086
Long before Amazon or Deliveroo, Irish people used the post office parcel service to send and receive everything from turkeys to tea
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The Science of Sport from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.740944
Athletes and sportsmen have got scientific in their search for an edge to be best in their field. Ella McSweeney and guests - sports scientists Niamh Mallon, Brendan Egan and Tom Comyns - look at h...
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The inside story of the Irish bog from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.698441
Bogs hold a special place in the Irish imagination, but these unique landscapes bursting with species that aren't found elsewhere also provide much more than just turf. In the latest Brainstorm sho...
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Why county lockdowns won't work without changes in our behaviour | Brainstorm from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.682611
The response to the current pandemic requires massive action from governments, industry and citizens to reduce the spread of infection
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Game of cones: how the red squirrel is making a big comeback | Brainstorm from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.673667
Ireland's native red squirrel is enjoying a reversal of fortunes in the battle with the grey squirrel thanks to the pine marten
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How the end of the office may also mean the end of your boss from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.661633
Working from home has shown many employees that they do not need a manager or superviser to get work done
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The joys of outdoor swimming from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.470026
We know the physical and mental benefits of outdoor swimming, but we should pay more attention to the places and spaces where swimmers meet
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What's behind the Irish obsession with death and misery? from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.396620
An extract from Gillian O'Brien's new book The Darkness Echoing: Exploring Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion
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What are my rights when I buy online from the UK after Brexit? from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.386899
Buying online from our nearest neighbour now comes with extra risks for consumers trying to enforce their legal rights
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Why it's time to make room on the road for electric scooters from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.364521
The electric scooter's economic and environmental credentials make it a transport winner
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The science of chocolate from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.351568
How the chocolate industry relies on the right scientific recipe to keep customers happy
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Can your accent really affect your job prospects? from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.347898
A new bill aims to ensure employers do not discriminate against job applicants or employees because of their accent
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The biggest lie online: why we ignore legal terms and conditions from 2022-03-07T03:57:20.336132
We all instinctively click the box which says 'I have read and understood the terms and conditions', but should we read the fine print?
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How roots of Riverdance can be found in Kerry from 2022-02-22T12:00
The creative model for the blockbuster Irish dance show was partly forged by a collaboration with a Kerry dance company. By Ciarán Walsh, Maynooth University.
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What's next for the Irish pub? | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2022-02-21T05:25:14.267257
The changes caused by the coronavirus are of a different stripe to anything Irelands publicans have seen before
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The Great Resignation: why are so many people leaving their jobs? from 2022-02-15T12:00
The impact of this potential talent exodus on any organisation's future performance is hugely significant. By Sarah Kieran and Deirdre O'Shea, University of Limerick
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How can we enjoy a tasty, fatty meal without weight gain? from 2022-01-25T12:00
Researchers have been looking at how whey proteins could be the answer to this particular pickle. By Oleksandr Nychyk, Wiley Barton, Paul D. Cotter and Kanishka N. Nilaweera, Teagasc
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How to build a new town in Ireland from 2022-01-18T12:00
Shannon was the first town to be designed and built from scratch in Ireland in almost 300 years. By Susan Hegarty, DCU.
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Who do some ads follow me around online? from 2022-01-12T12:00
Our online activity is monitored and monitised by marketers who deliberately make it difficult for us to stop being tracked. By Jennifer Edmond, TCD.
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Covid-19: when panic, conspiracy theories and quack cures collide | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2021-12-19T01:02:30.346447
As the 1832 "Day of the Straws" demonstrates, Ireland was not immune to fake news and quack cures during previous pandemics
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The science that makes chocolate so addictive | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2021-12-19T01:02:30.345469
How the chocolate industry relies on the right scientific recipe to keep customers happy
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Just how do reindeers fly Santa’s sleigh around the world? from 2021-12-17T12:00
Santa Claus and his elf-scientists use some very smart climate-friendly science to get Christmas done. By Barry Fitzgerald, TU Delft.
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Why It's A Wonderful Life is still a winner today from 2021-12-13T12:00
Frank Capra's masterpiece remains a Christmas classic because the film still speaks to many to us at this time of year. By Declan McKenna, Ulster University
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Why have petrol prices fallen at the pumps? | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2021-12-06T02:55:48.388648
It's down to a bitter price war between the world's biggest oil producing nations rather than the coronavirus outbreak
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All you need to know about basic income from 2021-11-30T12:00
There's a lot of talk at present around basic incomes so is it time to introduce the concept to Ireland? By Joe Whelan, UCC.
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Why do we have godparents? from 2021-11-23T12:00
While there's no mention of godparents in the Bible, parents choose godfathers and godmothers for their children for many reasons. By Bernadette Sweetman, DCU
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6 signs that you need a digital detox from 2021-11-16T12:00
There are many benefits to a digital detox so how do you know if you need one? By Noel Carroll, NUI Galway.
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What makes a great horror movie so scary? from 2021-10-26T12:00
Halloween is a great time watch a scary movie, but what's the science behind why we keep watching even when it scares us?
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The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts' from 2021-10-19T12:00
In the recent past in rural Ireland, many ringforts were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings. By Marion McGarry, RTÉ Brainstorm.
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How DNA is used to catch a killer from 2021-10-12T12:00
When we think of catching killers or solving crimes, we often think of DNA matching, but what does that actually mean? By Seán McDermott, TU Dublin.
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From Elvis to the Muppets, the story of Danny Boy | Brainstorm from 2021-10-07T05:13:16.481345
Just how did "Danny Boy" became a song loved and hated in equal measures?
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Is email ruining your life? from 2021-09-28T12:00
Email has become the bane of many people's working and personal life so is there any way back? By Professor Kevin Murphy, University of Limerick.
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The lost art of 'booleying' in Ireland from 2021-08-31T12:00
It was common practice for people in rural Ireland to migrate to the hills for the summer right up to the early 1900s. By Eugene Costello, UCC
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Does where you work influence your political beliefs? from 2021-08-25T12:00
The way we are treated at work can shape our beliefs about how others should be treated. By Lorraine Ryan and Thomas Turner, University of Limerick.
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What you need to know about anxiety, panic and worrying | Brainstorm from 2021-08-24T03:25:44.998440
We spend too much time worrying about what we can't control and this feeling of not having control feeds into our anxiety.
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A tip for your next work meeting: what would Tommy Tiernan do? from 2021-08-18T12:00
We can all learn from the comedian's ability on his TV show to see and draw out the value in people. By Sarah Kieran, University of Limerick
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4 steps to make Dublin a better walking city from 2021-08-11T12:00
From more trees to fewer cars, turning cities into better walking environments is of benefit to all. By Ken Boyle, TU Dublin
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How Medieval Ireland's scholars and ideas had an impact on France from 2021-07-27T12:00
Ireland's cultural exports to France at the time included learned pilgrims, cheeky philosophers and ideas on the science of time
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Meet your new workmates: Generation Z's views on work and careers | Brainstorm from 2021-07-23T19:40:34.425300
The next generation of workers may have awesome digital skills, but what about communicating and working face-to-face and offline?
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The science behind the spicy food you eat from 2021-07-20T12:00
How hot things get in your mouth depends on the capsaicin chemicals to be found in the chilli peppers in your food
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All you need to know about the Noble false widow spider from 2021-07-13T12:00
Meet the spider who can live for up to five years, produce 1,000 babies annually and whose bite can land you in hospital. By John P. Dunbar, Aiste Vitkauskaite, Sean Rayner and Michel M. Dugon, NUI...
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The science of farting | Brainstorm from 2021-07-05T20:35:49.772223
We do it anything from 7 to 25 times a day but what exactly is behind that passing of gas and is it bad for us?
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What's behind the emergence of the far right in Irish politics? from 2021-06-30T12:00
The rise of the radical right reflects a 40 year trend in politics across Europe as socities and economies have changed
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Why do so many young sports stars fail to become Superchamps? | Brainstorm from 2021-06-02T03:26:13.845832
Supporting young athletes will give them a better chance to succeed at the elite level
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What exactly are you giving away when you hand over your DNA? from 2021-05-19T12:00
Sharing your DNA information for a genetic profile may well have potentially harmful privacy infringements for you and your family
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Love Island: the love lives of our 19th century ancestors from 2021-05-12T12:00
Forget Bumble or Tinder or First Dates, our ancestors got the shift at gatherings like fairs, pattern days and wakes.
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The A to Zzzzz of Sleep | Brainstorm from 2021-05-05T02:49:13.793287
From body clocks and shift work to mental health and teenagers sleeping all day, just how can we have proper downtime in an always on world?
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Meet the farmers of tomorrow | Brainstorm from 2021-05-05T02:49:13.791902
What will our future farms and farmers look like? From technology to crops, we dig into what will be happening in the future on, off, over and under the land.
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Why does the State have so much information on its citizens? | Brainstorm from 2021-05-05T02:49:13.787602
We look into the issues around state and institutional secrecy and what the public can do to find out what's going on behind closed doors.
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Music still sounds better with you | Brainstorm from 2021-05-05T02:49:13.782215
We've never had more music to listen to or more ways to do so, but has this changed how we use and respond to songs and sounds?
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The summer Garth Brooks didn't come to town from 2021-04-23T12:00
The infamous five in a row fiasco at Croke Park in 2014 was a turning point in the megastar's complex relationship with Irish music fans
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How workplace bullying costs Ireland €239 million every year from 2021-04-15T12:00
New research finds that one in 10 employees in Ireland have experience of being bullied and the problem is unlikely to go away with remote working
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Can you sue your robot? from 2021-03-25T12:00
Creating a legal personality and classification for robots raises a number of interesting issues
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How global brands try to woo local markets from 2021-03-18T12:00
International companies often package their product with specific language and imagery in an effort to connect with local consumers
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CSI St Patrick: just where is the saint's body? | Brainstorm from 2021-03-11T12:00
Despite his fame, the exact location of the body of St Patrick has been a bone of contention for over a millennium
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Why the dryrobe wars shouldn't put you off outdoor swimming from 2021-02-25T12:00
Irish swimming places have always welcomed people regardless of body shape, size, skin or what you're wearing
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How civil service careers can attract millennials and Gen Z from 2021-02-18T12:00
With huge numbers due to retire in the coming years, the Irish civil service will require increased recruitment among younger generations
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From courting to Tinder, the changing landscape of dating from 2021-02-11T12:00
Romantic relationships have taken centre place in the evolution of culture over the last century
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How selfies show what it means to be human in the 21st century from 2021-01-21T12:00
If selfies are emblematic of modern trends, they are also symptomatic of major changes which have redefined Western societies.
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How do people behave during terrorist attacks? from 2021-01-14T12:00
In the first 10 minutes of an attack, it's the general public who must deal with the actions of terrorists
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Just how do reindeers fly Santa's sleigh around the world? from 2020-12-17T12:00
Santa Claus and his elf-scientists use some very smart climate-friendly science to get Christmas done
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Why It’s A Wonderful Life still resonates today from 2020-12-10T12:00
Frank Capra's masterpiece remains a Christmas classic because the film still speaks to many to us at this time of year
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The Belfast doctor who used Gaeilge to outwit Japanese captors from 2020-11-27T12:00
Frank Murray used Gaeilge to keep diary entries secret in Japanese prisoner of war camps during the Second World War
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Why do women feel the cold more than men? from 2020-11-19T12:00
Here are the factors involved in why women really feel colder than men in the same room.
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5 reasons why greyhounds make great family pets from 2020-11-12T12:00
They're easy to live with, low-maintenance and happy to be left alone to sleep
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The science of horror movies | Brainstorm from 2020-10-29T12:00
Halloween is a great time watch a scary movie, but why do we like being scared and what makes a great horror film?
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The stories behind 12 great GAA nicknames | Brainstorm from 2020-10-22T12:00
Whether they like it or not, some players' nicknames are better known than the names on their birth certificates
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The headhunter who measured Irishmen’s skulls | Brainstorm from 2020-10-15T12:00
Victorian anthropologist Alfred Haddon used skull measuring to investigate the racial origins of isolated communities in the west of Ireland
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Does what we eat as children affect our future health? from 2020-08-26T12:00
What our kids are eating has become a major focal point in many of the discussions around food and health. Presenter Ella McSweeney and guests - Grace O'Malley, Liz O'Sullivan and Janas Harrington ...
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What happens inside an infant's brain? from 2020-08-19T12:00
What happens inside the infant brain, and how it develops, appears to lay down fundamental patterns for the rest of our lives. Presenter Ella McSweeney and guests - Malie Coyne and Rhodri Cusack - ...
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How to deal with traumatic events from 2020-08-12T12:00
From the current Covid pandemic to such horrific past occurrences as wars and acts of terrorism, traumatic events can have long-lasting impacts on our mental health. Presenter Ella McSweeney and gu...
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What happens to the stuff that goes down the drain? from 2020-07-29T12:00
Every single day, we deal with wastewater, human waste, grease and chemicals by putting it out of sight, but it still has to be processed and dealt with. In the latest Brainstorm show, Ella McSween...
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The Science behind the Weather Forecast from 2020-07-22T12:00
Climate change is going to have a huge impact on future weather in Ireland into the future so what's the science behind forecasting these changes? Ella McSweeney and guests - Conor Murphy, Conor Sw...
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The Future of Work from 2020-07-15T12:00
The recent lockdown has given us a glimpse about what the future of work might look like so are we ready for it? Ella McSweeney and guests - David Collings, Alma McCarthy and Kevin Murphy - look at...
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How to boost your self-esteem | Brainstorm from 2020-06-23T12:00
A good and healthy start would be to accept who you are and treat yourself with kindness and respect.
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The hairy history of beards | Brainstorm from 2020-06-18T12:00
The world has become a hairier place since we first heard those ominous words, "Covid-19". The lockdown on barbers, hairdressers and beauticians has led to a flourishing of beards, hair and body fu...
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Is your home making you sick? | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2020-05-27T12:00
There are some serious health implications from breathing in the air of a home that has been sealed up to be more energy-efficient
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Why the fox has moved into our cities | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2020-05-21T12:00
How we live in urban areas has created the ideal ecosystem for urban foxes to thrive (and it's not good news for grey squirrels)
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The mighty world of GAA fashion, beards and championship haircuts | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2020-05-14T12:00
From collars to crewnecks, flatcaps to helmets and Ciarán McDonald to Brian Cody, the GAA has a fashion history all of its own
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Why it's the right time to kill off the Leaving Cert | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2020-04-30T12:00
There's now an opportunity for Ireland to get off the Leaving Cert merry-go-round and introduce a new system for students and universities
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Coronavirus: Wearing face masks in public from 2020-04-23T12:00
With more and more of us wearing face masks in public during this pandemic, here's a guide to what to do - and what not to do.
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Meet the coronavirus drones and robots | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2020-04-16T12:00
From hospitals to shops and policing, the use of drones and robots to carry out critical services can save lives during an epidemic
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How Netflix changed what we watch on our screens | RTÉ Brainstorm from 2020-03-31T12:00
Netflix has revolutionised film and television viewing but its distribution model and system of recommendations bear closer scrutiny.
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Coronavirus: Living through history - Documenting 2020's pandemic from 2020-03-26T12:00
What should we be observing, recording, noting and collecting in the coming weeks which will be of help to future historians?
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Coronavirus: 5 tips to mind your mental health during the lockdown from 2020-03-23T12:00
How to deal with such unprecedented events as self-isolation, social distancing and a national lockdown
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Coronavirus: How to keep yourself and your kids active during the lockdown | Brainstorm from 2020-03-19T12:00
Some tips on how to keep yourself and your kids moving while maintaining a social distance during the coronavirus lockdown
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Coronavirus: Debunking the myths about food | Brainstorm from 2020-03-16T12:00
There's no specific food guaranteed to protect you from the coronavirus so general healthy eating guidelines are the best advice for now
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Why your kids (or grandkids) will not drive cars in the future | Brainstorm from 2020-02-27T12:00
It is difficult to see future generations having any desire to drive or get driving licenses once self-driving cars become mainstream
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Do employers really care about staff mental health issues? | Brainstorm from 2020-02-18T12:00
Opinion: To deal with mental health seriously, companies have to undertake a deep dive review rather than treat it as a PR or HR exercise.
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How criminal gangs could be stopped by maths | Brainstorm from 2020-02-13T12:00
Modern mathematical tools can provide police forces with a greater understanding of how crime and criminal gangs work
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How to use LinkedIn more effectively | Brainstorm from 2020-01-30T12:00
Building up professional networks is a long-term endeavour that does not necessarily deliver immediate returns
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How to design a better office | Brainstorm from 2020-01-23T12:00
Open-plan offices are getting a bad rep, but how can we design good quality open-plan spaces that encourage collaboration while facilitating other types of work?
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How much are you paid? | Brainstorm from 2020-01-16T12:00
There are many reasons why people are reluctant to tell others how much they earn.
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How to keep the kids active over the holidays | Brainstorm from 2019-12-26T12:00
Children need to do at least one hour of physical activity a day to get their hearts and lungs working
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Why Ireland goes mad for turkey at Christmas | Brainstorm from 2019-12-19T12:00
It's time for the birds hatched at Easter to become the stars of the show on the Christmas dinner table
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Why 'It's A Wonderful Life' is still a winner today | Brainstorm from 2019-12-12T12:00
Frank Capra's masterpiece is a Christmas classic because is still speaks to many to us at this time of year
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Back pain: are you telling me it's all in my head? | Brainstorm from 2019-11-28T12:00
Stress, anxiety and worry can make us more prone to getting back pain and less likely to recover from it
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How pop music is telling the story of climate change | Brainstorm from 2019-11-21T12:00
From Lana Del Rey to the 1975, pop music is getting to grips with the climate emergency in spectacular fashion
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What was it like to go to a doctor in medieval Ireland? | Brainstorm from 2019-11-14T13:00
A look at life before popping into the chemist for some paracetamol to relieve an headache.
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What happens to your body when you run a marathon | Brainstorm from 2019-10-24T14:00
Here's how those 26.2 miles effect your body, from heart and joints to sweat glands and blood volume.
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Just what does luxury mean in 2019? | Brainstorm from 2019-10-17T14:00
Luxury used to mean craftsmanship, skill and a high price point, but it now signifies many things to many people.
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My boss is a psychopath: why bad people get good jobs | Brainstorm from 2019-10-10T14:00
There is much to suggest that career advancement owes much to narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathology.
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What happens when the drugs don't work? | Brainstorm from 2019-08-29T14:00
A deep look at how we use modern antibiotics and why antibiotic resistance is on the rise.
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Is it time to give nuclear power a chance? | Brainstorm from 2019-08-22T14:00
Because of our insatiable hunger for energy and the need to combat climate change, should we be looking again at the option of nuclear power?
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Reclaiming the streets from the car | Brainstorm from 2019-08-15T14:00
With so much of our city space given over to cars, are car-free cities the way to cut through the gridlock?
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Why risky play is good for kids | Brainstorm from 2019-07-25T14:00
From Ring-a-ring-a-rosie to ring-fencing the kids. How we used to play as kids vs now, and what we are missing out on in today's serious business of play.
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Bugging out about bees, spiders and more | Brainstorm from 2019-07-18T14:00
Where have all the bees gone? What are the invasive species we should look out for? Ella McSweeney discusses soprano bees, nightclubs for spiders and more with Dara Stanley and Michel Dugon. Brains...
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