Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

The story of the Christmas tree begins with the ancient use of evergreens in midwinter. Long before Christmas existed, people in ancient Egypt, China and among the Hebrews used evergreen plants as symbols of enduring life during the darkest months of the year. Across pre-Christian Europe, evergreens decorated homes and barns, part of long-standing seasonal customs linked to tree worship. When Christianity spread, these older traditions did not vanish but merged into new religious practices, giving a familiar structure to winter feastsDiarmuid Gavin brings us the interesting story of the Christmas tree.

When you think of Christmas movies, you’ll get the classics. It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Love Actually but towering above them all, year after year, is a film about an eight-year-old boy, an overlooked plane ticket, and two unlucky burglars. Home Alone isn’t just a holiday favourite  it’s the most-watched Christmas movie of all time,Lisa Cannon talks us through this all time Christmas classic movie.

 A sperm donor who unknowingly carried a rare cancer-causing gene has fathered almost 200 children across Europe. The EBU conducted an investigation into the donor and found his sperm was used in 67 clinics in 14 different countries. It was also sold to Ireland but it hasn’t been used to conceive any babies. The children carrying his DNA now have a 90% chance of developing cancer. We get reaction to this with Dr John Kennedy, Medical Director at Thérapie Fertility.

Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros at 108 point 4 billion dollars. This challenges Netflix, who reached a 72 billion dollar takeover in an effort to create a media powerhouse that would challenge the dominance of the streaming giant. But what does this actually mean and who is likely to win?  All to discuss with Lorcan Nynhan Head Of Training at the The Communications Clinic.

The Herzog park renaming controversy caught international attention and resulted in widespread accusations that Ireland was antisemitic. However, it is not the Irish people that are antisemitic, argues Dr Dominic Green, but what he calls official Ireland, i.e. our representatives and those in power. Dr Dominic Green, Historian and Columnist with the Wall Street Journal explained why to Pat.

Is Irelands defence strong enough for when we take on the European presidency next year? After a number of suspected Russian drones were spotted near the flight path of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Ireland's ability to protect global politicians has come into question.Pat was joined on the show by Naomi O'Leary, Europe correspondent for the Irish Times to discuss further.

Elderly and vulnerable patients will be forced into paying new monthly fees for pill boxes in the new year. Instead of the Government giving pharmacies funding to cover the cost of blister packaging, pharmacies will be forced to put the cost on the patients Guest: Sheena Mitchell Pharmacist and host of the Wondercare podcast  

Yesterday, Australia became the first country to ban social media for under 16’s. Here in Ireland, we are on route to introducing an age verification system through a digital wallet took that will restrict access to social media for under 16’s. Pat discusses this further with Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O Donovan.

How living with dogs may influence our microbiome and our mental health and how we might share the same behaviours. Also we hear about the new approaches to deal with forever chemicals. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Critics call it "carspreading". In the UK and across Europe, cars are steadily becoming longer, wider and heavier. Consumers clearly like them – a lot. Big cars are seen as practical, safe and stylish, and sales are growing. So, why are some cities determined to clamp down on them and are they right to do so? 

Australia is set to become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube forced to block more than a million accounts, marking the beginning of an expected global wave of regulation.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent brings us the details.All with thanks to Renault.

A planned taskforce dedicated to the revival of Cork’s city centre was included in the programme for government In October, Tánaiste Simon Harris repeated his desire that a taskforce for cork be urgently introduced, adding that when he was Taoiseach, he had established a Dublin city centre taskforce which had resulted in clear benefits for the capital. Last week Mr. Harris explained that there would be no task force for cork city in 2025. How badly is a Cork task force needed? Pat asked Catríona Twomey, Volunteer coordinator Penny Dinners and also Colm Burke, Fine Gael Spokesman for Cork.

Trending on Tik Tok and Instagram the wabi sabi trend for authenticity and imperfection. The bird theory bids for connection and the dating till your hating.Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and Co-Host of The Tough Love podcast tells us about the new online relationship trends.

No matter what new rental law the Government introduces, private landlords continue to sell up in droves. The latest figures from Sherry Fitzgerald show that for every three landlords who sell, only one new landlord is entering the market. Private landlord Michael Houghton recently wrote about a mentality shift he had where he lost the quiet guilt he held on to for being a private landlord. Michael chatted to Pat this morning.

The 49 day Prime Minister is back! Liz Truss has launched her new YouTube Show, The Liz Truss Show, where she promises to expose those who brought an end to her premiership in 2022. Enda Brady reviews 

The entire country is now under a Status Orange weather warning as Storm Bram makes landfall. We get the latest on the storm with Cathal Nolan, Founder, Ireland’s Weather Channel, Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent, Irish Independent and Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager, DAA.

The Christmas period is often the busiest time for retailers, both on the high street and online. One online store that is on a mission to boost its sales is ASOS. in the hopes of bringing back customers, they have introduced an ai stylist to their app. But how does it work?  To tell us was Laura Jordan, Image and Brand Consultant, Owner Of Style Savvy.

This week, talks are due to be held with the Government over taxi drivers go-slow protests and Uber’s fixed fare system after they paused their six-days of protests. But should they just accept the fact that fixed fare and dynamic pricing is the norm across other countries and get on with it? All to discuss with Economist David W. Higgins.

Arthur Cummings, a consultant eye surgeon at Wellington Eye Clinic joins me now to talk about all things Oculomics The science of using the eye as a window to reveal information about the body.  Arthur also answered listeners eye related questions.

Airports really ramp up for Christmas, with hundreds of thousands of passengers on the way in and out. Cork and Knock are having their busiest ever years. December 23 is ‘Take-off Tuesday’ according to On the Beach. It says this will be the busiest day for holidaymakers jetting off to escape the season.With tips on where to go this holiday season Pat was joined by Travel with Pol Ó Conghaile Irish Independent Travel Editor.All with thanks to Ryanair.