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Behind the Story

RTÉ News
Ireland
Donald Trump
European Union
Gaza
United States
Ukraine
RTÉ
Keir Starmer
Jim Gavin
Russia
Dublin
Venezuela
Israel
Fianna Fáil
Artificial Intelligence
Climate Change
Iran
Cocaine
Hamas
FIFA

Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.

Email: behindthestory@rte.ie

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

PublishesDailyEpisodes225Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for Behind the Story

Latest Episodes

The Republic of Ireland are due to play Israel on Sunday in the Nations League tournament in Hungary but pressure continues to mount on the players and the FAI to pull out of the fixture. Fran and Eamon discuss the increasingly tense situation as mor... more

A cancer diagnosis can cost far more than many patients expect. Cancer survivor Aoife Murphy and Irish Cancer Society CEO Nikki Gallagher join Paul Cunningham to reveal how falling incomes and mounting medical and travel expenses can leave families f... more

New research by Safefood shows that 12% of 15-24 years old consume an energy drink once a day. Support is also growing for age restrictions on the sugar and caffeine rich drinks. Dietician Sarah Keogh joins Maggie Doyle to discuss the findings and ex... more

Emmy award winning actor, producer and comedian Chris Addison joins Paul and Evelyn to discuss his new comedy drama, Tall Tales and Murder.

Chris, who is also known for playing 'Ollie Reeder' in the cult TV show, The Thick of it, chats political sa... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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The Indo DailyIrish Independent
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Recent Guests

Chris Addison
Emmy award-winning director, producer, comedian; known for The Thick of It
Tall Tales and Murder (producer/director)
Episode: Award winning actor Chris Addison on dark comedy and politics today
Suzanne Lynch
Brussels Bureau Chief with Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Episode: Irish acts quit Ed Sheeran tour over 'Free Palestine' row
Colum McCann
Award-winning author
Author of Let the Great World Spin; Paragon; American Mother
Episode: Award winning author Colum McCann on 9/11 and Trump's America
Mary McAleese
Former President of Ireland, involved in steering group for GAA integration
GAA integration project
Episode: Hell hath no fury - the row at the heart of the GAA
Caitríona Redmond
Consumer and Food Journalist and Columnist with the Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner
Episode: Are higher prices here to stay?
David Murphy
Public Affairs Editor
RTÉ
Episode: Are higher prices here to stay?
Barry Cummins
Former Primetime colleague; author and host of Unsolved with Cassie Mia (RTÉ podcast)
RTÉ
Episode: The Murder of Mr Moonlight - a new drama
Keir Giles
Author and associate fellow of the Russia Eurasia Programme
Chatham House
Episode: Is Europe going to get tough with Russia?
Eddy Wax
Correspondent covering EU affairs
Euractiv
Episode: Is Europe going to get tough with Russia?

Host

Fran McNulty
Lead journalist and frequent host with coverage across politics and current events; frequently anchors multiple segments.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 63 ratings
  • A look at Irish politics and global news with incredibly light politically vacant analysis.

    Podchaser
    3
    Seán
    a year ago
  • Fergus Finlay

    Your podcast is great. Love the banter between you…a must for every great podcast. Second Captains is another favourite for the same reason. Particularly enjoyed your chat with Fergus Finlay. Always keen to hear his inside track on politics. He’s informed, honest and fun. Like your podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caroline Heffo
    Irelanda year ago
  • Are drones changing the Russia-Ukraine war?

    Patrick Brury always great to listen to- good to hear an episode on this hugely consequential war

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    avavshsoksavsm agsvsbsa
    Irelanda year ago
  • 👍 great podcast

    Really like the podcast, concise, topical and entertaining. The 3 hosts work so well together and the fact it’s 20-30mins long is ideal.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    seanregankk
    Irelanda year ago
  • Fabulous topical podcast

    Really love this podcast. Very topical, great banter between the journalists. Really helps explain the current stories in the news.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Markmah47
    Irelanda year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Consistently explains complex stories in an accessible way.
Hosts work well together with insightful guest interviews.
Crisp, topical, and well-paced—ideal for quick commutes.
Engaging mix of policy depth and live reporting.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#202
Ireland/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#36
Ireland/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Award winning actor Chris Addison on dark comedy and politics today
Q: What was the casting approach for the lead roles?
We targeted a mix of phenomenal Irish actors who could handle dark material and sharp dialogue, including performances that play against type, like Aidan Gillan in a crazier, more volatile role.
Award winning actor Chris Addison on dark comedy and politics today
Q: Tell us what Tall Tales and Murder is, in simple terms.
It's a dark Irish comedy drama with caper elements, encompassing crime, humour, and a strong sense of place, designed to feel authentically Irish while offering adventurous, entertaining storytelling.
Lake 'America' - Canada goes 'Elbows Up'!
Q: What does the Canadian public think about Mark Carney's leadership during this period?
Ling states that there is broad support and a rally-around-the-flag sentiment, with opposition voices limited in influence as leaders across provinces align behind Carney's strategy.
Lake 'America' - Canada goes 'Elbows Up'!
Q: Will there be a trade deal, or is brinksmanship the likely path?
Ling argues that a fair deal is unlikely under Trump's tariff philosophy, predicting continued stalemate unless terms are reoriented toward mutual fairness and a substantial shift in American negotiating posture.
Lake 'America' - Canada goes 'Elbows Up'!
Q: Justin, how are you?
Justin Ling responds with a nuanced take on Canada's stance, noting the country's anxiety about unilateral tariff moves and the importance of sovereignty, while highlighting the rally-around-the-flag effect and long-term strategic reorientation toward international partnerships.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Behind the Story

What is Behind the Story about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A fast-paced, policy-forward show that blends domestic Irish issues with international politics, tech, and culture. Across recent episodes, conversations span leadership changes in the UK, Ireland's evolving public policy—ranging from digital wallets and housing to retirement age and legal aid—and timely cultural touchpoints, all anchored by RTÉ journalists and on-the-ground correspondents. The format typically pairs sharp hosts with expert guests and frontline reporters, delivering concise analysis, practical context, and accessible storytelling in a 25-minute window. A notable strength is the mix of hard policy debate with vivid on-site reporting from UK, EU, and Irish environments, plus thoughtful historical or cultural segments that enl... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Behind the Story?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Behind the Story:

1. The Indo Daily
2. In The News
3. Today with David McCullagh
4. Path to Power
5. Brendan O'Connor

How many episodes of Behind the Story are there?

Behind the Story launched a year ago and published 225 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Behind the Story?

Recent guests on Behind the Story include:

1. Chris Addison
2. Suzanne Lynch
3. Colum McCann
4. Mary McAleese
5. Caitríona Redmond
6. David Murphy
7. Barry Cummins
8. Keir Giles

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