Talking History with Patrick Geoghegan

Newstalk

This unique and lively history show delves into some of the world's most important political, social and cultural events and the intriguing personalities behind them. Presented by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin, Talking History unravels the gritty, sometimes uncomfortable, side of our past, and what we can learn from it. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk

  1. Celebrating Jane Austen at 250

    12/14/2025

    Celebrating Jane Austen at 250

    Marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, we'll discuss her life and legacy. Featuring: Lizzie Dunford, director of the Jane Austen House museum, John Mullan, author of the book What Matters in Jane Austen?, and Janet Todd of the University of Cambridge.

    53 min
  2. The Anglo-Irish Agreement: 40 Years On

    11/17/2025

    The Anglo-Irish Agreement: 40 Years On

    Featuring: Dáithí O'Ceallaigh, former Irish diplomat who served as Irish Ambassador in London, involved in framing and operating the agreement; Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor in Political Science at the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University and author of ‘Charlie Vs Garret: The rivalry that shaped modern Ireland’; and Daniel Mulhall, former Irish diplomat and a former Ambassador of Ireland to the UK and the US.

    50 min
  3. Best of November Books

    11/16/2025

    Best of November Books

    In this episode: 'Mitchell - Father of the Spitfire' by Paul Beaver; 'Wolfpack' by Roger Moorhouse; and 'Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants' War' by Lyndal Roper.

    45 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    Plato

    In this episode, we look at the life, legacy and ideas of one of the most influential philosophers in human history, Plato, as we get to the heart of how we debate with each other. Featuring: Mary Margaret McCabe, Professor of Ancient Philosophy Emerita, King’s College London; Catherine Rowett, Emeritus Professor, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies at the University of East Anglia; Dr David Horan, Irish Centre for Platonic Studies at Trinity College Dublin; and Prof Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy Emerita at the University of Sheffield.

    53 min
  5. Best of October Books

    11/05/2025

    Best of October Books

    Featuring: 'The First King of England: Æthelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom' by David Woodman, Professor and Fellow in History at Robinson College, University of Cambridge; 'Queer Georgians', by historian Dr Anthony Delaney; 'Ireland: Mapping The Island', with Joe Brady, co-author; and Changing Ireland at the National Museum of Ireland, with Dónal Maguire, Keeper of Art & Industry collections, and Sandra Heise, Curator of Historical Collections.

    52 min
  6. Orson Welles

    10/21/2025

    Orson Welles

    We discuss one of the greatest figures in film history - Orson Welles - on the 40th anniversary of his death. We'll explore his genius, the myths around him, and his deep connections to Ireland. Featuring: Prof Ruth Barton of Trinity College Dublin, Dr David Clare of Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, and W. Joseph Campbell of American University in Washington DC.

    53 min
  7. Nelson and The Battle of Trafalgar

    10/12/2025

    Nelson and The Battle of Trafalgar

    On its 220th anniversary, we're debating The Battle of Trafalgar, as we find out about strategy, sacrifice and victory on the high seas. Featuring Dr Katherine Gazzard from Royal Museums Greenwich, Dr Ciarán McDonnell, historian of 18th century war and society, and Prof Andrew Lambert, Professor of Naval History at King’s College London.

    53 min
  8. Ireland and the American Revolution

    10/07/2025

    Ireland and the American Revolution

    On the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, we'll discuss the Irish involvement in the conflict and the impact it had on our history. Featuring: Prof Finola O'Kane Crimmins, Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy at UCD; Dr Joel Herman, Research Fellow at the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, History Department at Trinity College Dublin; Prof Patrick Griffin, Madden-Hennebry Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame, and Bye-Fellow at St Edmund's College at the University of Cambridge; and Prof Eliga Gould, Harmsworth Professor of American History at Oxford.

    53 min
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4.7
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

This unique and lively history show delves into some of the world's most important political, social and cultural events and the intriguing personalities behind them. Presented by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin, Talking History unravels the gritty, sometimes uncomfortable, side of our past, and what we can learn from it. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk

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