Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

It was 50 years ago this week that Concorde flew its first commercial flights, with British Airways flying their aircraft from London to Bahrain and Air France debuting their route from Paris to Rio de Janeiro. Right up until tragedy struck in the early 2000s, Concorde became the personification of high-speed intercontinental travel for the wealthy and business elite.  To trace the story of this extraordinary episode in aviation history is reporter Simon Tierney, who has been investigating the archives.

One of Dublin's busiest roads is set to face a year of major traffic disruptions. Joining Pat to discuss the roadworks, and the disruptions that will follow, is Dublin Editor for the Irish Times, Olivia Kelly.

After the drama filled week in Davos. President Zelensky launches a scathing attack on European Leaders over their support for Ukraine. We get the latest on this with Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews.  

It’s just over two weeks until the 2026 Winter Olympic Games get underway in Milano-Cortina in Italy. The Team Ireland contingent is yet to be revealed, for what will be their ninth appearance at the Winter Games. Ireland’s debut at the Games in 1992 is a fascinating story, all starting with a note left taped to a boat at the Henley Regatta. Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill can tell us more.

John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime reviews the His & Hers is the new Netflix mystery thriller on this week's Boxed.

With so much talk about the use of weight loss drugs, what is the origin of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic drug? Aimee Donnellan Columnist with Reuters has charted the development of Ozempic in her new book Off the scales: The inside Story Of Ozempic And The Race To Cure Obesity.   

Are you the youngest, middle or eldest child? It turns out your place in the family doesn't define who you are. Researchers are calling it "The Birth Order Hoax." Middle child Henry McKean has been taking a closer look and he sent us this report. 

Positive thoughts may boost the immune system according to research that points to a connection between the mind and our body’s natural defences.  Scientists have found people who used positive thinking to boost activity in the brain’s reward system responded better to vaccination, with their immune systems producing more antibodies than others after having the shot. Prof Luke O'Neill brings us the details of this research.

Ireland is in danger of facing an electricity shortage event in the next two to five years due to the rapid energy demand.  The Commission for Regulation of Utilities published a new plan outlining how data centres are the primary source of the demand. But is there time to prepare for this?  To discuss further Pat was joined on the show by Eamonn O’Reilly, Chairman of the Energy and Climate Action Committee at the Irish Academy of Engineering and also Dr Muireann Lynch senior research officer at the ESRI.

A study by Strava, the fitness App, found that most resolutions die off on Jan 19th! According to a 2023 Forbes Health and One Poll survey, the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months.  So what are the green habits you can implement and keep in 2026 and beyond.  To tell us more was Jo Linehan, Climate and Sustainability Journalist.

What does a cashless bank really mean and who wins, and who loses when cash disappears? All to chat about with Paul Merriman, CEO Fairstone and Ask Paul online.  

US President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday in a speech which confused Greenland for Iceland multiple times and contained many other errors. We discussed what took place at Davos with Sam Kiley, World Affairs Editor, The Independent.

Snowdrops, the harbinger of spring, symbol of hope and that winter is finally ending. It is the favourite plant of Paul Smyth Head Gardener at RHSI Bellefield, Shinrone, Co Offaly.

In her new book, would you be well? Broadcaster and Health Coach Clare McKenna shows you how to cut through the overwhelm to help you discover the wellness habits that fit your life and that are easy to maintain. 

Is it time for world leaders to emulate David, The Prime Minister, from Love Actually and stand up to Trump? After weeks and months of staying silent or appeasing Trump, will they now stand up to President Trump. All to discuss with Gavin Megaw, President and Managing Partner, Hannover Communications.

Every year in Hollywood there’s one golden statue that matters more than any other. Not Best Actor. Not Best Director. Not even Best Original Song. The big one. Best Picture. Because this isn’t about one performance or one moment, this is the award that crowns an entire film the cast, the crew, the story, the music, the cinematography the whole cinematic machine working in perfect sync.We hear about the films that won big at the Oscars with Lisa Cannon, Head of Studio, DMG Media.

Gardaí are to be given new powers to ‘spy’ on mobile phones to monitor criminals’ activity. We find out what they are with Jess Kelly, Newstalk Tech Correspondent.

Today all eyes will be on Davos as President Donald trump is set to arrive to Switzerland later today. the conversation surrounding Greenland is set to dominate the day as trump ramped up the rhetoric yesterday.  When asked at a white house news conference last night how far he was prepared to go to seize Greenland, Mr Trump replied, "you'll find out". So is this the chance for Europe now stand up to Trump?Speaking to Pat this morning for more on this was Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance.

Dogs have evolved alongside humans for many years, and new research shows they may be able to learn new words through eavesdropping conversations, just like toddlers. Also the grey squirrel has been a threat to red squirrel populations for many years now. Scientists have been researching new ways to even the population numbers between to the two squirrels.All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland on this week's Green Scene.All with thanks to Repak.

Musical roads, or "singing roads," use precisely spaced grooves in the pavement to create melodies when driven over at the correct speed. Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator and Independent Motoring Expert for Carzone explains all. Also we hear why January 22nd is the busiest day of the year for Car Shopping.