The Explainer is a weekly podcast from The Journal that takes a deeper look at one big news story you need to know about. What's the background? Why is this in...
It’s not even a month since Trump took office, and already his actions are starting to reshape — or at least unsettle — the global order. First came the news that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had spoken on the phone, signalling a massive departure from the US government’s policy of Russian isolation. Then, US Vice President JD Vance went as far as saying that the US believes Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own defence. The fear among European leaders is that if the US drastically reduces its support for Nato in Europe, it could leave the door open for Russian aggression. Donnacha Ó Beacháin, politics professor at Dublin City University and author of Unfinished Empire, joins us to examine why this seismic shift is underway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:31
Will drugs like Ozempic change how we view obesity in Ireland?
Is a simple injection really that effective a treatment for obesity? Ozempic has already taken the medical world by storm, and now another is about to become available on the Irish market. But how do these drugs work, who are they for, and are they even that new at all? Professor Francis Finucane, a consultant endocrinologist at Galway University Hospitals, joins us to look at why these drugs are such game changers, and how it could lead to a shift in how society views the treatment of obesity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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29:17
How can Ireland prepare for future storms and other risks?
Storm Éowyn exposed how vulnerable modern Irish society is to widespread disruption. What lessons can be learned to help us deal with not only storms, but other systemic shocks? David Korowicz, a systemic risk consultant, joins us to examine ways in which Ireland can become more resilient at an individual, community, and national level. What can be learn from countries who better prepared? And just how underprepared are we right now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:25
What has a new investigation uncovered about vaping in Ireland?
Vaping has rapidly grown to become a part of modern life, with shops selling vapes popping up almost on every street corner. But what is actually being sold, and who are the companies behind the massive industry? The Journal Investigates team — Maria Delaney, Patricia Devlin, and Conor O'Carroll — went undercover to expose the sale of illicit vapes in Ireland, and found numerous retailers are flouting the few rules that exist. Separately, their reporting also examined the links between traditional Big Tobacco brands and these new 'smokeless' products, and the lobbying which takes place behind the scenes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What did Trump do in his first days back in office?
Donald Trump is back in the White House. Some are rejoicing, others can't bear to look. This week, Larry Donnelly — law lecturer at the University of Galway and a political columnist with The Journal — gives us a quick overview of the main talking points from the past few days. What are Trump's priorities, and what does it tell us about the coming four years? And what opposition, if anything, will he face? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Explainer is a weekly podcast from The Journal that takes a deeper look at one big news story you need to know about. What's the background? Why is this in the news? Get the facts behind the story from Ireland's biggest news website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland