Insights with Sean O'Rourke

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PERSONAL JOURNALS
UPDATED WEEKLY

One-to-one conversations between Sean O'Rourke and well-known individuals. Featured guests are prominent in public service, culture, sport and business and these long-form conversations explore their motivations, achievements and regrets; in short, what made them the people they are.

JUN 19

Jennifer Rock

In the final episode of the series, skincare expert Jennifer Rock joins Seán to share how she built a successful business while facing life’s toughest challenges and most uplifting moments. She opens up about motherhood, illness, loss, resilience, and finding joy through it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 min
JUN 12

Jody Plauche

Author and advocate Jody Plauché speaks to Seán about surviving child abuse, the aftermath of his abuser’s killing by his father, and his journey toward healing. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and trauma. Support resources are available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 min
JUN 5

Prof Afif El-Khuffash

Neonatologist Prof Afif El-Khuffash joins Sean to share his journey from intensive care units to advocacy for Gaza. A proud Palestinian-Irish voice, he opens up about breaking stigma in maternal care—and the healing power of both science and art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

42 min
MAY 29

Tolu Makay

Nigerian-born, Offaly-raised singer Tolü Makay joins Sean to share her journey from church choirs to viral fame. A soulful artist and mental health advocate, she opens up about leaving the corporate world to follow her passion—and what future success truly looks like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

32 min
MAY 22

Dr Brian Pennie

Dr Brian Pennie speaks to Seán about his journey from heroin addiction to recovery, and how it led him to a new life studying the mind and helping others change theirs. They discuss addiction, trauma, and the hope that comes with healing. Note: Help available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

44 min
MAY 15

Cathy Kelly

Writer and journalist Cathy Kelly speaks to Seán about her journey from journalist to becoming one of Ireland’s best-loved authors, as well as the personal challenges she has faced in recent years. Note: This discussion includes a reference to suicide. Advice is available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

36 min
MAY 8

Lelia Doolan

A pioneer in Irish media and the arts, Lelia Doolan reflects on her resignation from Teilifís Éireann to becoming the first female Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre. She also discusses her ongoing activism, including the fight to reopen Galway’s Pálás cinema.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

42 min
MAY 1

Colm Flynn

In the final days before the papal conclave to elect the next Pope, Seán speaks to Vatican-based journalist and Clare native, Colm Flynn. They discuss possible contenders and why Colm will always be grateful to the late Pope Francis for helping him meet his wife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

44 min

See All (64)

Awesome.

Mar 6

Peadar Og

For anybody who wants to take a trip down memory Lane to their days in Galway in the heady 70s and beyond, this is a treasure. Ollie’s love for Galway shines through. He turned down the chance to tour with The Boomtown Rats for goodness sake!

One-to-one conversations between Sean O'Rourke and well-known individuals. Featured guests are prominent in public service, culture, sport and business and these long-form conversations explore their motivations, achievements and regrets; in short, what made them the people they are.