Frank Mitchell is your host for the weekday Phone-In programme. Listen back to past broadcasts full of chat, advice, guests, discussion, music and lots more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5511: LISTENĀ¦ 'We're probably never going to get to zero, but if we can all think about the things we're doing, we can hopefully reduce the numbers' - Helen Bowman from Business in the Community talked about the importance of remembering the Fatal Five
8 mins; March 27, 2026
5512: LISTENĀ¦ 'We normally support around 1,200 people a year - we're only going to be able to support 3,000 - so it's a big shortfall' - Sean Hanna, from the NOW Group that helps people with learning disabilities into work highlights the impact of cuts
10 mins; March 27, 2026
5510: LISTENĀ¦ In the latest of our Shared Island Perspectives series, we examine the Irish language - how it's taught, its role in pop culture and its evolution across the island - TD Ruairi O Murchu & Irish language commissioner Pol Deeds spoke to Adrian
28 mins; March 26, 2026
5509: LISTENĀ¦ Is social media deliberately addictive? A jury in a landmark case has ruled that platforms were built deliberately to be addictive and that had harmed a young person's mental health
9 mins; March 26, 2026
5508: LISTENĀ¦ Pigeons - pest or pal? They're a common sight in our towns and cities - and not always welcomed - is it time we change how we view them? Sue Joyce from the National Pigeon Advocacy Association thinks so
15 mins; March 26, 2026
5507: LISTENĀ¦ Should Belfast City Centre be closed to cars and buses during the Fleadh? The council says it's a matter of safety, with some 800,000 visitors expected. Frank spoke to Cllr Donal Lyons
7 mins; March 19, 2026
5506: LISTENĀ¦ Should we recycle graves to deal with the shortage of burial space? That's a plan being considered by the Law Commission in England - where plots over a century old could be reused. Frank spoke to Malachi O'Doherty
7 mins; March 19, 2026
5505: LISTENĀ¦ Do we all turn into our parents? A new study found that by 37, we start to do and say things our parents did. Are we just copying their example or is it something deeper than that? Frank talked to Mick Fealty
6 mins; March 13, 2026
5504: LISTENĀ¦ Who or what should be on our money? Sir Winston Churchill and Jane Austen are set to be replaced by wildlife scenes on Bank of England bank notes. Who deserves their place on our currency? Frank spoke to author Malachi O'Doherty
15 mins; March 12, 2026
5503: LISTENĀ¦ Can you keep a secret? A new study found the average person is keeping nine secrets. Does it do us any harm? Will the truth always out? Frank spoke to wellness expert Deirdre Maguire
19 mins; March 12, 2026
5502: LISTENĀ¦ In the first of our Shared Island Perspectives Series, in partnership with LMFM, Frank discussed the Narrow Water Bridge project - with Coleen Tinnelly-Dowdall, president of the WBR Chamber and Richard Brennan founder of Visit Carlingford
18 mins; March 11, 2026
5501: LISTENĀ¦ 'We have some of the most fun performances from all over the world, as well as homegrown talent - you don't have to be a child or have a child with you to enjoy Belfast Childrens Festival' - Frank spoke to festival director EibhlĆn de Barra.
4 mins; March 04, 2026
5500: LISTENĀ¦ 'The outbreak of war with Iran will have serious long-term consequences, not just for the region, but the world' - historian and anti-war activist Dr Brian Kelly spoke to Peter ahead of a Belfast protest against the US-led bombing in Iran
17 mins; March 02, 2026
5499: LISTENĀ¦ Should the UK get involved in the conflict in Iran? What's it like being stationed in the Gulf states during a war? Peter spoke to security analyst Philip Ingram and ex-RAF reservist Michael Cairns, who was stationed in Qatar
9 mins; March 02, 2026
5498: LISTENĀ¦ Will GB price cap lower bills in NI? If not, why not? And is it still possible to get a better deal on your gas, oil or electricity? John spoke to Aodhan O'Donnell, founder of Power to Switch
8 mins; February 27, 2026
5297: LISTENĀ¦ Family group chats, being a support human to your poodle and writing a semi-autobiographical sitom - Emer Maguire called in for a chat with John about her latest standup show 'Notions' and starring on panel show Hot Takes
19 mins; February 26, 2026
5497: LISTENĀ¦ 'I'm an introverted extrovert - a live audience is fantastic, it's addictive, seeing in real time what people think of your comedy' - Serena Terry spoke to Frank about her new show 'Therapy', what's next and how Lisa McGee is her 'blueprint'
13 mins; February 25, 2026
5496: LISTEN: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been arrested and the former prince's old residence Royal Lodge raided as he's held on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Frank spoke to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams & historian Gareth Russell
21 mins; February 19, 2026
5495: LISTENĀ¦ Why are petrol prices at a five year low? Could they go down further? Why is diesel not falling at the same rate? Frank spoke to Karen Smyth from the Consumer Council
4 mins; February 11, 2026
5494: LISTENĀ¦ Are you happy to pay more than Ā£1,000 to renovate the Houses of Parliament? The planned works could take 60 years and cost nearly Ā£40billion - would they be better building from scratch? Peter spoke to Mick Fealty
9 mins; February 06, 2026
5493: LISTENĀ¦ Should we all be learning AI? The government's offering free training - but is there a danger the courses will be out of date by the time they're taught? Peter spoke to digital expert Wayne Denner
8 mins; February 06, 2026
5492: LISTENĀ¦ 'It's just unacceptable, it's embarrassing and it looks like incompetence on someone's part' - UUP leader and former PSNI officer Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after names of serving police were made public on the NI Courts website
9 mins; February 04, 2026
5491: LISTENĀ¦ '57 people lost their lives on our roads last year - there's still a lot of work to do' - Alastair Lambe from McLaughlin & Harvey spoke to Frank about the role businesses can play in safer roads, ahead of a Responsible Driving event
3 mins; February 04, 2026
5490: LISTENĀ¦ Should girls have the choice to wear trousers as well as skirts to school? Frank spoke to Education Committee deputy chair Pat Sheehan, who says that for reasons of practicality, equality and comfort the option should be offered
8 mins; January 29, 2026
5489: LISTENĀ¦ 'It can't stand - we'll lose pubs and other hospitality businesses - jobs will be lost, it'll be a blow to tourism and impact on things like loneliness' SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole spoke to Frank about the hospitality rates revaluation
18 mins; January 27, 2026
5488: LISTENĀ¦ Are new restrictions on learner drivers a good idea? NI is to introduce a 6 month wait time before you can take your test, a limit on night-time driving and curbs on passenger numbers. Frank spoke to experts including instructor Anthony
29 mins; January 27, 2026
5487: LISTENĀ¦ Should Trump apologise for comments minimising the role of NATO troops, including those from the UK, in Afghanistan? Frank spoke to MLA and former soldier Doug Beattie and several other army veterans
19 mins; January 23, 2026
5486: LISTENĀ¦ What makes you old? How you think and behave or the date on your birth certificate? A recent work tribunal said it was lawful to call a colleague 'old' if you struggle with technology. The worker in question was 39!
15 mins; January 22, 2026
5485: LISTENĀ¦ Should MPs remove a clause from the goverment's latest legacy bill, that would grant immunity from prosecution to those who co-operated with a truth recovery process? Frank spoke to crime correspondent Allison Morris
11 mins; January 21, 2026
5484: LISTENĀ¦ Co Antrim Shield win 'means the world' - Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter told Frank the club was 'living the dream' after beating Cliftonville in last night's final
1 min; January 21, 2026
5483: LISTENĀ¦ Has AI become too easy to misuse? One of NI's top schools has investigated reports pupils were creating and sharing explicit deepfake images of their classmates. Frank spoke to top cyber security expert Wayne Denner
13 mins; January 20, 2026
5482: LISTENĀ¦ How often do you use maths? More than you might think! A festival in Derry explores how everyone from hairdressers & electricians to pyramid builders have used maths. Frank spoke to founder Dr Sumeeta Gupta & financial planner Sinead Meenan
10 mins; January 20, 2026
5481: LISTENĀ¦ 'Anywhere from 80-90%' of the 300 women appearing every day on 'pimping websites' in NI have been trafficked. Frank spoke to the chair of a new All Party group, investigating the increase in websites offering prostitution services
6 mins; January 20, 2026
5480: LISTENĀ¦ Is a Home Office TikTok account showing immigration raids an effective deterrent to criminals or unnecessarily cruel, as some NGOs have labelled it? Frank spoke to former police officer Colin Breen
6 mins; January 14, 2026
5479: LISTENĀ¦ Should the BBC licence fee payer be forking out for taxis for the Corporation's staff, stars and guests? A Ā£10m a year contract is out for tender, to provide round the clock cabs. Frank spoke to Anne Strickland from the Taxpayers Alliance
11 mins; January 12, 2026
5478: LISTENĀ¦ Should we fine people for feeding pigeons in public places? A woman in London was arrested fined Ā£100 after she refused to stop feeding the birds and wouldn't give police her details. Were they too heavy handed?
7 mins; January 12, 2026
5477: LISTENĀ¦ Could using the nearly 5,000 vacant houses in Belfast and Londonderry help solve the housing crisis? Frank spoke to Liam Tunney from the Belfast Telegraph
5 mins; January 12, 2026
5476: LISTENĀ¦ Should the US army intervene, after hundreds of protesters were reportedly killed in Iran? Is a diplomatic solution still possible? Frank spoke to Patrick Corrigan, from Amnesty International NI
12 mins; January 12, 2026
5475: LISTENĀ¦ Should children be allowed smartphones? The education minister has backed a campaign calling on parents to hold off on giving them to children until they're 14. Frank spoke to Rosalind McClean from the group Smartphone Free Childhood
21 mins; January 09, 2026
5474: LISTENĀ¦ Have yourself a saucy little Christmas! Frank spoke to one of NI's top chefs, Paula McIntyre, about the popularity of gifting hot sauce and olive oil, as well as what it takes to make award winning rum
8 mins; December 19, 2025
5473: LISTENĀ¦ How to make sure your family doesn't spend the holidays glued to their phones and digital devices - play expert and founder of Pretzel Play, Tara Lea McElduff, talked to Frank about the importance of being present
5 mins; December 18, 2025
5472: LISTENĀ¦ One of the UK's leading health authorities has told people they 'must' wear a face mask if they have flu-like symptoms - would you wear a mask to stop the spread? Frank spoke to virologist Dr Connor Bamford
5 mins; December 10, 2025
5471: LISTENĀ¦ Will the allocation of unspent money resolve PSNI pay issues? What about the cost of the data breach? Should the government name Stakeknife? Justice Minister Naomi Long answered a host of questions in a wide-ranging interview
24 mins; December 10, 2025
5470: LISTENĀ¦ Is AI ruining art - or making it easier than ever to express your creativity? Frank spoke to Caelinn Seaton Kelly from Vault Art Studios who have banned generated art from their art market
13 mins; December 05, 2025
5469: LISTENĀ¦ Would you give up meat for Christmas? Animal welfare charity PETA has launched its festive awareness campaign, urging people to choose 'compassion over carnage'. Frank spoke to Lucy Watson from the organisation, as well as farmer Robert
25 mins; December 04, 2025
5468: LISTENĀ¦ Northern Ireland's 'worst road' has finally been fixed. Will a new mapping plan be the solution to our pothole problem? Frank spoke to Cllr Malachy Quinn
10 mins; December 03, 2025
5467: LISTENĀ¦ 'I'm cross, I'm angered - all I can do is stand up for the principle I believe in and not allow my voice to be silenced' - Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray reacted to threats made by a group called the New Republican Movement
10 mins; December 02, 2025
5466: LISTENĀ¦ 'Maradona good, Pele better, George Best' - founder of one of the world's biggest Man Utd supports clubs, John White, spoke to Frank on the 20th anniversary of George Best's death
15 mins; November 25, 2025
5456: LISTENĀ¦ On the 20th anniversary of George's death, Frank spoke to Alex Best about how her late husband would have wanted to be remembered
1 min; November 25, 2025
5465: LISTENĀ¦ Do you agree with the Supreme Court's ruling that Christian-focused RE classes are unlawful? Frank spoke to TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell and Jack Russell from Parents for Inclusive Education
16 mins; November 20, 2025
5464: LISTENĀ¦ It's the most expensive time of year for many families - how can you save money at Christmas and why should we be concerned with what's the upcoming Budget? Clare Murray from Mortgage Solutions spoke to Frank
11 mins; November 20, 2025
5463: LISTENĀ¦ 'Amy Winehouse can't support the Stones, in Dusseldorf, tomorrow, can you do it?' The Answer front-man Cormac Neeson shared some great rock and roll stories with Frank ahead of the band's Ulster Hall gig on 29 November
15 mins; November 19, 2025
5462: LISTENĀ¦ Happy birthday to us! The first voice to appear on U105, 20 years ago today - 'Mr Radio' - John Rosborough came on to wish us a happy birthday and to talk about how the station came to be
4 mins; November 14, 2025
5461: LISTENĀ¦ 'When you're being compelled and coerced to have it by the state, that's a really dangerous precedent' the DUP's Paul Frew and Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw spoke to Frank as all Stormont parties united against Digital IDs
11 mins; November 12, 2025
5460: LISTENĀ¦ Mary and Patrick were very much in love, but unwed. When she became pregnant, it began a 'perfect storm of rejection, denouncements and separation'. Frank Brehany talked about his book, showing the impact of the Magdalene Laundries
12 mins; November 07, 2025
5459: LISTENĀ¦ Meeting artists like Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and The Clancys, performing all round the world and their connection with Belfast audiences - George and Eddie Furey talked to Frank ahead of their Farewell Tour
14 mins; November 06, 2025
5458: LISTENĀ¦ 'Keep going - even Snow Patrol took some time to get their first hit - then all of a sudden they took off' - Tim Wheeler from Ash and Claire Hall from Sound of Belfast talked to Frank about fostering the upcoming talent in the city
14 mins; November 06, 2025
5457: LISTENĀ¦ 'How confident do our Executive feel in being able to deliver for families here, if they're reaching out and asking Westminster for a solution?', ' Dr Casey McGivern from Melted Parents spoke to Frank
4 mins; November 03, 2025
5456: LISTENĀ¦ 'I've been able to do so many exciting things, it's hard to remember them all - I didn't even recall interviewing Dolly Parton or David Bowie!' Eamonn Holmes talked to Frank about his career, ahead of his live theatre tour
27 mins; October 29, 2025
5455: LISTENĀ¦ Could playing bingo help you live longer and stay healthier? A new study found it could boost mental and physical health and reduce loneliness. Frank spoke to Phil Doherty from Planet Bingo in Portadown
13 mins; October 22, 2025
5454: LISTENĀ¦ Should all children learn to swim? A local council is aiming to ensure all children have access to swimming lessons, as a 'vital life skill'. Frank spoke to the councillor behind the motion, Cllr James Cochrane
5 mins; October 22, 2025
5453: LISTENĀ¦ Why has chocolate become so expensive and can you tell the difference between 'chocolate flavour' biscuits and the real thing? Frank spoke to top chocolatier Geri Martin from Chocolate Manor
9 mins; October 21, 2025
5452: LISTENĀ¦ Many questions remain unanswered, nearly 40 years on from the Enniskillen Bomb on Remembrance Sunday, 1987. Frank spoke to the journalist behind a gripping new podcast as well as Cathy Gault whose father in law was killed in the atrocity
16 mins; October 20, 2025
5451: LISTENĀ¦ Do you feel safe in Belfast City Centre? A well-known busker, John Garrity, has spoken out, after he was attacked while performing. John spoke to Frank about the experience
9 mins; October 20, 2025
5450: LISTENĀ¦ 'The crisis in resourcing is preventing the PSNI providing the service it should and exhausting officers' - UUP MLA Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after the Police Federation's 'unprecedented' appeal for support from the Secretary of State
6 mins; October 20, 2025
5448: LISTENĀ¦ The flood clean-up continues after some of the worst rains in years left some Newcastle residents trapped in their homes. Frank spoke to local Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray and Sam Anderson from the Regional Community Resilience Group
16 mins; October 20, 2025
5447: LISTENĀ¦ Why are breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland lagging behind other regions? Are there societal barriers that prevent some women from doing it? Frank spoke to Dr Jennifer Hanratty from the Centre for Effective Services
13 mins; October 15, 2025
5446: LISTENĀ¦ Should NI get its own Citizens' Assembly? Alliance's Michelle Guy has pointed to the success of similar bodies, including in the Republic, as a template 'engaging members of the public in those conversations and feeling part of the process'
10 mins; October 09, 2025
5445: LISTENĀ¦ 'Nobody's saying peaceful protest isn't allowed, but why at the home? It's really appalling that people would try to intimidate in the way they have - it's more than crossed the line' UUP justice spokesman Doug Beattie spoke to Frank
7 mins; October 09, 2025
5444: LISTENĀ¦ Is this the worst Executive ever? SDLP MLA has pointed at undelivered projects like the A5 and Casement Park are examples of 'the incompetence of the DUP and Sinn Fein in government' - Frank spoke to the West Tyrone MLA and Prof Jon Tonge
21 mins; October 06, 2025
5443: LISTENĀ¦ Should the Irish language have more prominence around Belfast? Councillors are to vote on a proposal that would see a bilingual logo appear on council buildings, uniforms and vehicles. Frank spoke to DUP and Sinn Fein councillors
14 mins; October 01, 2025
5442: LISTENĀ¦ President Trump has caused controversy by suggesting there may be a link between women taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism rates. EU & UK government officials say it's safe. Frank spoke to GP Dr Frances O'Hagan
12 mins; September 23, 2025
5441: LISTENĀ¦ Was the PM right to recognise a Palestinian state? Frank spoke to Alliance deputy leader EĆ³in Tennyson and TUV leader Jim Allister
18 mins; September 22, 2025
5440: LISTENĀ¦ 'I've had colleagues receive many threats. People put on a brave face for the public, but in private it does take its toll' Alliance's Nuala McAllister spoke to Frank after police issued nearly 6000 'threat to life' notices in five years
9 mins; September 15, 2025
5449: LISTENĀ¦ The stars of a new coming-of-age film 'Unholylands' set in Belfast, called in to the studio to chat to Frank, ahead of its release next month
9 mins; September 12, 2025
5438: LISTENĀ¦ Should prison inmates have access to a 'comfort dog'? Officials insist safeguards are in place to ensure the welfare of a dog in Magilligan, but MLA and dog owner Jon Burrows has raised concerns with the justice minister
12 mins; September 05, 2025
5437: LISTENĀ¦ Were police wrong to arrest Father Ted writer Graham Linehan for gender-critical tweets? The Metropolitan police have faced significant backlash since the arrest. Frank spoke to Connie Shaw from the Free Speech Union
2 mins; September 03, 2025
5436: LISTENĀ¦ Should we teach self defense to children at school? A new book revealed that as a teenager, Queen Camilla fought off a would-be attacker on a train. Frank spoke to Glyn Ashton from Vault self-defence and Treasa Rice from Glow NI
20 mins; September 02, 2025
5435: LISTENĀ¦ Record-breaking Armagh man Marty Rafferty spoke to Frank the day after just his 27 hour buskathon - which raised valuable funds for the Secret Santa charity
10 mins; August 29, 2025
5434: LISTENĀ¦ Is it time to scrap school uniforms? A new poll found nearly half of parents suffer stress over the cost and some are resorting to buy-now-pay-later services to afford them
12 mins; August 20, 2025
5433: LISTENĀ¦ The Online Safety Act was meant to stop children from accessing porn websites, but many are using VPNs to bypass safeguards. What do parents need to know about these apps and can they carry hidden risks?
7 mins; August 19, 2025
5432: LISTENĀ¦ Should the former Maze prison be used as a Troubles museum? How else might we use the site? Alliance's David Honeyford told Frank there are 'huge economic benefits' yet to be realised and political vetoes need to end
17 mins; August 19, 2025
5431: LISTENĀ¦ Should dual-language road signs in Belfast require more than the current 15% support to be approved? A new poll found fewer than one in three people support the rules at present
12 mins; August 18, 2025
5430: LISTENĀ¦ Should well-off people pay more for their healthcare? A senior GP, Dr Tom Black, told Frank that the NHS is so underfunded and understaffed that it's affecting life expectancies
11 mins; August 18, 2025
5429: LISTENĀ¦ 'If not now, when?' - SDLP MP Claire Hanna has penned a letter to the Prime Minister, calling for the UK government to apply pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza and to recognise the rights of both Israel and the Palestinians
11 mins; August 18, 2025
5428: LISTENĀ¦ Could the TUV become the biggest unionist party? Would they go into opposition or take up a place in the Executive? Frank spoke to Prof Jon Tonge and Dr David McCann
19 mins; August 18, 2025
5248: LISTENĀ¦ With warmer weather upon us, should we celebrate or censor the male form? A survey found nearly three quarters don't believe men should be seen topless away from the beach or swimming pool. Frank spoke to Gary Kennedy from British Naturism
11 mins; August 12, 2025
5427: LISTENĀ¦ 'We've been talked over, talked about and talked for - now we're talking for ourselves' - abuse survivors Haileigh Ashton Lamont, Michelle Duffy & journalist Amanda Ferguson spoke to Frank about the need for victims' voices to be heard
14 mins; August 08, 2025
5426: LISTENĀ¦ 'I see so many problems with Northern Ireland - I just wanted to put something back, make a difference and serve the people of North Antrim - Stormont's newest MLA, the UUP's Jon Burrows, told Frank why he was embarking on a new career
17 mins; August 04, 2025
5425: LISTENĀ¦ 'You're next' - domestic abusers often use media reporting of local women's violent deaths to threaten their victims, according to Women's Aid NI. Frank spoke to journalist Amanda Ferguson and Sonya McMullan from the charity
15 mins; August 04, 2025
5424: LISTENĀ¦ Should animal cruelty be met with harsher punishments? Online cat torture rings, sharing videos of animals being mutilated and killed have spread to the UK, with two teens appearing in court in London. Frank spoke to Siobhan from the USPCA
8 mins; August 04, 2025
5423: LISTENĀ¦ From this Sunday, for the next 10 weeks, there will be an art market on Hill Street, which will give local artists a platform to showcase their talents and visitors and residents a taste of what pedestrianising the road would be like
4 mins; July 25, 2025
5422: LISTENĀ¦ Are the Beckhams right to refuse to buy their children houses? They said it was to teach them the value of 'hard graft'. Should parents financially support their adult children?
9 mins; July 25, 2025
5421: LISTENĀ¦ Should Northern Ireland introduce a tourist tax? Deputy PM Angela Rayner is pushing for its introduction in England, to capitalise on booming demand. Some tourism operators warn it would harm their business. What do you think?
5 mins; July 24, 2025
5420: LISTENĀ¦ 'Grief is grief, no matter the weeks' - Nikcolette McPeake from Little Forget Me Nots Trust told Frank that the formal recognition of the loss of a baby before 24 weeks would be 'huge' for many parents across NI
10 mins; July 23, 2025
5419: LISTENĀ¦ Careful what you wish for? Labour says it's fulfilling a campaign promise by allowing 16 year olds to vote, but will they be the ones to benefit? Frank spoke to former speech writer and columnist Tom Kelly and GB News reporter Dougie Beattie
30 mins; July 21, 2025
5418: LISTENĀ¦ A host of volunteers is needed to make sure visitors get the warmest welcome and have a friendly face to point them in the right direction. Frank spoke to Lindsay, Brigid and Roy, who are all giving their time at the Open with Volunteer Now
8 mins; July 18, 2025
5417: LISTENĀ¦ The arrival of around 280,000 vistors to Portrush is the ideal opportunity to showcase the best local food and drink producers have to offer. Frank spoke to Siobhan McGuigan from Tourism NI and Emily McCorkle from bbq specialists Lo & Slo
6 mins; July 18, 2025
5416: LISTENĀ¦ How can you capture the flavour of the open? Iconic ice cream makers Morellis were tasked with producing a special flavour for the Open. Frank spoke to Daniela Morelli
