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.
5316: LISTEN¦ 36 years since breaking through, 'there's still no place like home' Declan and Brendan Murphy from The 4 Of Us popped in for a chat with Frank, about their favourite places to perform, their latest album and upcoming dates
7 mins; April 10, 2025
5315: LISTEN¦ Overfilled bins in Belfast may no longer be collected, amid safety concerns. Bin liners are also to be banned, as they frequently catch on bin lorries. Frank spoke to committee chair Cllr Ruth Brooks and took calls from listeners
36 mins; April 09, 2025
5314: LISTEN¦ Could you date or marry someone with completely different politics? Is it ever worth debating politics with friends of loved ones? Frank got the thoughts of Helen McClements from Sour Wee Blog
13 mins; April 08, 2025
5313: LISTEN¦ A biotech firm has successfully brought back a species of wolf from extinction. Is it a marvel of modern science or a worrying example of scientists 'playing God'? Frank spoke to animal rights campaigner Andrew Goti
6 mins; April 08, 2025
5312: LISTEN¦ Is naming and shaming benefits cheats 'a distraction' from wider issues of poverty or a necessary policy to clamp down on £160m of fraud? Niamh Campbell from the Belfast Telegraph spoke to Frank as the first people convicted have been named
8 mins; April 08, 2025
5311: LISTEN¦ Cutting the number of councils from 26 to 11 was meant to streamline services and save money. Ten years on, are we better off? Frank spoke to Irish News political editor John Manley
9 mins; April 08, 2025
5310: LISTEN¦ 'This Executive is not delivering to try and find and challenge the causes of the fires and make sure this doesn't happen again' - SDLP MLA Colin McGrath spoke to Frank about his frustration that pledges had not been fulfilled
25 mins; April 07, 2025
5309: LISTEN¦ Can you turn grief into growth? Deirdre Maguire spoke to Frank about processing loss and 'letting pain shape your purpose, rather than being your prison'
16 mins; April 07, 2025
5308: LISTEN¦ 'We can't do everything, but we need to prioritise nature' - Environment Minister Andrew Muir reacts to a new OEP report which highlighted a failure to implement protections for our 'natural treasures'
7 mins; April 04, 2025
5307: LISTEN¦ Should our politicians be presenting a united front rather than rowing over Irish language signs? Frank spoke to Tina McKenzie from FSB NI, Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI, Irish News columnist Tom Kelly and top economist Dr Esmond Birnie
22 mins; April 04, 2025
5306: LISTEN¦ 69 people died on our roads in 2024 - 'I don't think there's anyone in NI who hasn't been touched by someone they know that's been involved in a collision' - Helen Bowman spoke to Frank about a new road safety scheme
7 mins; April 03, 2025
5305: LISTEN¦ The cost of childcare 'is driving mothers out of work, creating problems across society and intervention isn't quick enough' - Frank spoke to Rebecca Harper, from Melted Parents NI about a demonstration taking place this weekend in Belfast
6 mins; April 02, 2025
5303: LISTEN¦ 'Public money is part of it, but I absolutely oppose the imposition of Irish language' - Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson spoke to Frank about why he's taking legal action to halt Irish language signs at Belfast's Grand Central Station
14 mins; April 02, 2025
5302: LISTEN¦ Trump's tariffs could cost the NI economy £100m by some estimates. In what way are ordinary people likely to feel the impact? Frank spoke to Roger Pollen, head of the FSB NI and GB news reporter Dougie Beattie
21 mins; April 02, 2025
5301: LISTEN¦ Should older drivers have to re-sit their test? Are they safer than newly-qualified drivers? The subject divided our listeners on this morning's Phone-In
14 mins; April 01, 2025
5300: LISTEN¦ Should dogs be allowed in the office? One in ten UK workers brings their pup to work and animal charities say it reduces separation anxiety but not everyone's a fan. What if you have allergies? Should employees have the option?
7 mins; March 28, 2025
5299: LISTEN¦ Nearly 40 years on from his Ramsay Street debut, Jason Donovan is still 'Doin Fine' - in fact he's back in Belfast next week and appearing to packed houses across the UK and Ireland. He talked Neighbours, hit musicals and his loyal fanbase
11 mins; March 28, 2025
5298: LISTEN¦ Should the very wealthiest pay more tax, to fund public services? Or do they already shoulder a disproportionate burden? Campaigers have called for a 'wealth tax' but would it work?
8 mins; March 28, 2025
5297: LISTEN¦ Should it be illegal to overtake a stopped bus? A local councillor has called for greater safety measures , following the tragic death of an 11 year old girl, who was hit by a car getting off a bus. Frank spoke to Cllr Malachy Quinn
10 mins; March 28, 2025
5296: LISTEN¦ One of the world's greatest ever songwriters, three-time Oscar winner Sir Tim Rice joined Frank in studio to talk about his upcoming show 'My Life In Musicals: I Know Him So Well'
23 mins; March 27, 2025
5295: LISTEN¦ The cost of household bills is pushing people into debt. Sinead Campbell from Advice NI spoke to Frank as research found the average personal debt had nearly doubled in four years
5 mins; March 27, 2025
5294: LISTEN¦ Should we ban parents from giving their children bizarre names? A couple has sparked an online debate after naming their baby 'Trucklyn'. What are the strangest names you've heard? Frank spoke to Gráinne McGarvey
13 mins; March 27, 2025
5293: LISTEN¦ 'It was quite terrifying' - DUP MLA Diane Forsythe told Frank that dry conditions had led to fires spreading very quickly, threatening wildlife and coming close to people's homes
6 mins; March 27, 2025
5292: LISTEN¦ The DUP's Carla Lockhart has spoken out about abuse she's faced, while in office. She's far from alone. A BBC programme has highlighted what our local politicians face on a daily basis, leading some to consider leaving politics
19 mins; March 27, 2025
5291: LISTEN¦ What grosses you out? Scientists in Zurich found younger women are more squeamish, while men become fussier with age. What sickens you?
14 mins; March 26, 2025
5290: LISTEN¦ Was £54,000 too much to pay for Stormont leaders to visit Washington? Why did it take a year to find the figures? The Belfast Telegraph revealed the cost of the four day trip. Frank got the thoughts of Prof Jon Tonge
9 mins; March 25, 2025
5289: LISTEN¦ Could ending division help cut waiting lists, improve education and provide better services? An Alliance motion is drawing attention to the near £1bn cost of a divided society. Frank spoke to the party's finance spokesman Eóin Tennyson
10 mins; March 24, 2025
5288: LISTEN¦ Who should treat young men how to treat women? Parents? Teachers? Netflix drama Adolescence has made headlines, with themes around misogyny, with the PM claiming it should be shown in schools
12 mins; March 21, 2025
5287: LISTEN¦ Can Stormont find £150m to mitigate welfare cuts? Could health reform be a path to addressing a reliance on long-term disability benefits? Frank spoke to Prof Deirdre Heenan and Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick
20 mins; March 19, 2025
5286: LISTEN¦ Are taxpayers being 'taken for a ride'? A local MP is among those raising concerns about the number of cars being supplied to Motability claimants in Northern Ireland. Frank spoke to Will Yarwood from the Taxpayers Alliance
13 mins; March 19, 2025
5285: LISTEN¦ Is Conor McGregor's voice worth listening to? He visited the White House claiming to represent views of Ireland that aren't being heard, but the Taoiseach claimed his message 'did not reflect the views of the people of Ireland'
9 mins; March 18, 2025
5284: LISTEN¦ Do you find plus-size models inspirational or irresponsible? A clothing brand says it receives over a hundred complaints a day, suggesting they're promoting an unhealthy lifestyle by using larger models
10 mins; March 18, 2025
5283: LISTEN¦ Are married men letting themselves go? Scientists have found married men are three times more likely than single men to be obese, but married women don't seem to experience the same expanding waistline
10 mins; March 13, 2025
5282: LISTEN¦ From Newry to New York, via Rio? A local school will be bringing samba rhythms to the world's most famous St Patrick's Day parade, next week. Frank spoke to teacher Peter Slane and pupil Conor Sands
8 mins; March 13, 2025
5281: LISTEN¦ Should chanting 'ooh ah up the 'Ra' be outlawed? A new policing bill could prohibit flags glorifying terrorism. TUV MP Jim Allister has suggested it should also include a ban on singing songs or chants of support for proscribed organisations
15 mins; March 11, 2025
5280: LISTEN¦ Delays in ambulance handovers put around 3,800 people at potential risk of severe harm, according to a scathing report by the NI Audit Office. Frank spoke to the SDLP's Colin McGrath and Áine Magee from Carers NI
23 mins; March 11, 2025
5279: LISTEN¦ Should religious education be mandatory in schools? A new poll suggests a majority don't believe children should have to study it. Frank spoke to Amanda Ferguson
11 mins; March 10, 2025
5278: LISTEN¦ Is it time to stop sending letters? Denmark's postal service is ending deliveries of letters. Have they had their day? Frank got the thoughts of writer Malachi O'Doherty
20 mins; March 10, 2025
5277: LISTEN¦ Is there too much football on Match of the Day? BBC Chairman Samir Shah says there should be more analysis and discussion and less focus on the action. Frank spoke to sports writer Steven Beacom
29 mins; March 10, 2025
5276: LISTEN¦ Over 100 life-saving kidney transplants are carried out in NI each year. Frank spoke to Graeme Francey about his own experience, receiving a kidney from his sister
4 mins; March 10, 2025
5275: LISTEN¦ Could you save over £130 on your gas bill? Some Firmus customers are getting a price cut. Rick spoke to energy expert Aodhan O'Donnell, from Power To Switch about who will benefit
11 mins; March 06, 2025
5274: LISTEN¦ Do we still need feminism? A study finds young women out-earn young men by around 9% Is it time for a mainstream mens movement? Peter spoke to writer Fionola Meredith
7 mins; March 05, 2025
5273: LISTEN¦ 80% of teachers say they've been abused by parents in the past year, with nearly one in ten reporting being physically attacked. Peter spoke to Dr Graham Gault from the NAHT
11 mins; March 05, 2025
5272: LISTEN¦ Should homeowners be fined up to £500 for an untidy garden? How about dogs that keep the neighbours up by barking? Peter spoke to Helen McClements about a government crackdown on anti-social behaviour
6 mins; March 05, 2025
5271: LISTEN¦ Top chef Mark Hix is among the celebrated figures inspiring the next generation of hospitality industry talent, as part of Ulster University's culinary salon series. Peter spoke to Mark and Don Sloane from the Oxford Collective
8 mins; March 04, 2025
5270: LISTEN¦ Do we need to rethink how we speak about violence against women and girls? How important are the language and images we use? Peter spoke to Sonya McMullan from the Womens Aid Federation
8 mins; March 04, 2025
5269: LISTEN¦ Was the Programme For Government a 'message of ambition' or a 'limp, listless, missed opportunity'? There's been a mixed reaction so far. Peter spoke to opposition leader Matthew O'Toole and Prof Deirdre Heenan
20 mins; March 04, 2025
5268: LISTEN¦ How do you like your pancakes? A simple crepe? Fluffy American style? Something more exotic? Peter spoke to Britain's Best Home Cook, Suzie Lee and got some great tips
3 mins; March 04, 2025
5267: LISTEN¦ After several local women are hospitalised following botched cosmetic procedures, there's growing pressure to regulate the non-surgical cosmetic industry. What are the biggest pit falls? Peter spoke to Ashton from Save Face
7 mins; March 03, 2025
5266: LISTEN¦ The time to act is now - Deirdre Maguire gave Peter some tips about overcoming inaction. Why do we struggle to take action and how to embrace change
10 mins; March 03, 2025
5265: LISTEN¦ Is it okay to spy on your children? Presenter and DJ Sara Cox told The Times that she uses her doorbell camera and even apps to keep an eye on her teenage children. Is it prudent parenting, or overstepping boundaries?
12 mins; March 03, 2025
5264: LISTEN¦ What TV shows would you like to see rebooted? Supermarket Sweep is returning, on YouTube. Blind Date, Bullseye and Catchphrase have all been revived, but did it work? Peter spoke to showbiz reporter Nigel Pauley
8 mins; March 03, 2025
5263: LISTEN¦ Should drivers be made to pay per mile? It's one of the proposals to close an £8bn funding gap a transition to electric vehicles would create, in lost fuel duty and road tax. Rick spoke to Brian Gregory from the Alliance of British Drivers
9 mins; February 28, 2025
5262: LISTEN¦ Several major sewage treatment projects won't now go ahead due to funding constraints. What impact will that have on water quality in areas including Belfast Lough? Rick spoke to Cllr Anthony Flynn from the Green Party
7 mins; February 28, 2025
5261: LISTEN¦ Should we ban pavement parking? A council in England is aiming to trial the idea and some believe it would make it safer for pedestrians, wheelchair users and prams. Rick spoke to Cllr Gary McKeown from the SDLP
8 mins; February 28, 2025
5260: LISTEN¦ Could restoring Belfast's Assembly Rooms be the catalyst for redeveloping part of the city centre? Rick talked to Green councillor Brian Smyth, as campaigners call for it to be bought from developers
10 mins; February 27, 2025
5259: LISTEN¦ Should children still study Shakespeare? Actress Daisy May Cooper claims the Bard's work is 'depressing' and no longer relevant. Is it still worth teaching? Rick spoke to writer Fionola Meredith
8 mins; February 27, 2025
5258: LISTEN¦ Should there be bars in the Houses of Parliament? The Strangers bar in the Commons has just re-opened, but do booze and politics mix? Frank spoke to Mick Fealty and Alex Kane
15 mins; February 26, 2025
5257: LISTEN¦ Are we spoiling kids with 'gentle parenting'? The UK's 'strictest head teacher' claims 'middle class parenting advice' has 'infantilised' parents and left them feeling 'helpless'. Frank spoke to Parenting Focus interim CEO Koulla Yiasouma
26 mins; February 26, 2025
5256: LISTEN¦ Should nudist beaches be banned? A local authority in England has tried to restrict nude sunbathing, as they claim it's upsetting locals - are they being prudish? Frank spoke to Kim Kelly and Gary Kennedy from British Naturism
16 mins; February 25, 2025
5255: LISTEN¦ Who's NI's most popular politician? Has the gap between support for the Union and a United Ireland narrowed or widened? Frank got analysis from Prof Jon Tonge and Dr David McCann
18 mins; February 24, 2025
5254: LISTEN¦ First we had the Real Housewives of Orange County, then New York, Atlanta and Beverly Hills. Now it's the turn of Derry to bring its own brand of glamour, drama and chaos to the stage. Frank spoke to Louise Moorhead and Sonya Blakely
8 mins; February 21, 2025
5253: LISTEN¦ Are men more romantic? Research combining more than 50 studies suggests they fall in love more quickly, say 'I love you' more readily and are less likely to initiative a break-up. What do you think?
7 mins; February 18, 2025
5252: LISTEN¦ Do older people have a moral duty to downsize, amid the housing crisis? Latest figures show 10 million UK homes with two or more unused bedrooms - most of them owned by pensioners. What do you think?
6 mins; February 17, 2025
5251: LISTEN¦ Who should pay on first date? A recent survey found 72% still believe men should pay. Frank spoke to Sour Wee Blogger, Helen McClements
10 mins; February 14, 2025
5250: LISTEN¦ Do you know a teacher who deserves special recognition for inspiring, education and leaving a lasting impact? Nominations are now open for the Local Women Education Awards 2025
6 mins; February 13, 2025
5249: LISTEN¦ Is AI going to replace your job? A new study has painted a gloomy picture for the future of some sectors, but will we always need human input? Frank spoke to top cyber security expert Wayne Denner
8 mins; February 13, 2025
5248: LISTEN¦ Should we name and shame benefit cheats? Communities Minister Gordon Lyons says he plans to re-introduce the practice as part of a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, but campaigners say it's 'misguided'
20 mins; February 13, 2025
5247: LISTEN¦ Should Northern Ireland follow the Republic in lowering the speed limit on some roads? Would it make us safer? Frank spoke to road safety expert Terence Malcolm and took calls from listeners
21 mins; February 07, 2025
5246: LISTEN¦ A pet food company claims to be the world's first to use lab grown meat in its products. You might give it to your cat or dog, but would you fancy a boffin-built burger? Frank spoke to Fionola Meredith
5 mins; February 07, 2025
5245: LISTEN¦ Are you an early bird? A new study found mornings are the 'happiest' time of the day, when we're in a better mood, with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Frank spoke to early-rise Gráinne McGarvey from Pulse PR
6 mins; February 06, 2025
5244: LISTEN¦ Should we ban cats from going outdoors, to protect wildlife? Frank spoke to Talk TV presenter and cat aficionado Peter Cardwell about the SNP cat curfew proposal
6 mins; February 03, 2025
5243: LISTEN¦ Numbers and maths are everywhere and yet many of are fearful of sums - Frank spoke to Dr Sumeeta Gupta and Barry Dillon from Ulster University about Maths Fest which aims to demystify maths for children and parents
6 mins; January 31, 2025
5242: LISTEN¦Would you struggle to return to the office after working from home? Companies are encouraging and in some cases mandating employees go back to the workplace. Frank spoke to top economist Richard Ramsey
9 mins; January 31, 2025
5241: LISTEN¦ Will Ireland make history and win three in a row? Frank spoke to Ireland and Leinster legend Rob Kearney, as the Six Nations kicks off
5 mins; January 31, 2025
5240: LISTEN¦ Should households left without power for a whole week be given compensation? If so, who should pay it? Frank spoke to Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson and Cllr Gareth Wilson
17 mins; January 31, 2025
5239: LISTEN¦ With around 25,000 NI home still without power, the DUP's Deborah Erskine, who chairs Stormont's Infrastructure Committee, talks to Frank about the efforts she and other MLAs are making to support people in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn
8 mins; January 29, 2025
5238: LISTEN¦ A former Lord Mayor has expressed concern that 'ignorant and damaging' billboards risk demonising the people of west Belfast. Does he have a point? Frank spoke to Máirtín Ó Muilleoir
14 mins; January 29, 2025
5237: LISTEN¦ Have you completed your tax forms? If not, don't delay - it could be costly. Frank spoke to Jennifer Elliot from Advice NI, to get some tips
10 mins; January 29, 2025
5236: LISTEN¦ Could a simple change to the Highway Code make the roads safer for Northern Ireland's cyclists? Frank spoke to Sophie Gordon, from Cycling UK, about the idea of a 'hierarchy of road users'
7 mins; January 29, 2025
5235: LISTEN¦ Amazon is to trial drone delivery in the UK. Will you be signing up? Some have concerns around safety and privacy. Frank spoke to blogger Helen McClements and drone operator Dean
13 mins; January 29, 2025
5234: LISTEN¦ Is it time we treated gambling addiction as a public health issue? As many as 2% of people in NI may have a gambling problem. Frank spoke to MLA Philip McGuigan who chairs the All Party Group on Gambling Harm
12 mins; January 28, 2025
5233: LISTEN¦ Should eating and driving be banned? Road safety campaigners have hit out at social media star Molly-Mae Hague after she was filmed driving and eating chicken nuggets
5 mins; January 28, 2025
5232: LISTEN¦ Do we need more or bigger airports? A new report suggests it could be a boost to the economy, helping tourism and business connectivity, but what about the environment? John spoke to travel expert Frank Brehany
12 mins; January 23, 2025
5231: LISTEN¦ Astrology - do you believe in it? There was a time when astrologers, like Russell Grant and Mystic Meg were household names. It's now making a comeback, as one of the most popular TikTok trends. What do you think?
11 mins; January 23, 2025
5230: LISTEN¦ The Met Office has issued its first ever red weather warning covering the whole island of Ireland. What precautions can you take to stay safe? John spoke to health and safety expert Kelly Mulgrew
8 mins; January 23, 2025
5229: LISTEN¦ Are school teeth-brushing lessons the answer to tackling tooth decay? Or should it be up to parents to teach kids good habits? Perhaps a mix of the two? John spoke to dentist Ciara Gallagher, from the British Dental Association
14 mins; January 22, 2025
5228: LISTEN¦ Is this the worst Man Utd team ever? With his team in 13th in the table, manager Ruben Amorim has said they are 'being the worst team in history' - do you agree?
10 mins; January 20, 2025
5227: LISTEN¦ What will a second Donald Trump term look like? How will the 47th President shape the world, as well as his own country? Will the MAGA agenda succeed? Peter spoke to Dr Stefan Andreasson, from QUB
10 mins; January 20, 2025
5226: LISTEN¦ 'Manifesting' was one of the most searched for words of 2024 - but does it work? Have you tried it? Can you will yourself towards success? Peter spoke to wellness expert Deirdre Maguire
16 mins; January 20, 2025
5225: LISTEN¦ Why are people turning their backs on smart watches, as the trend towards mechanical time pieces grows? How many watches does anyone need? Peter spoke to horology enthusiast John Mulgrew
10 mins; January 17, 2025
5224: LISTEN¦ Are we a workshy nation? Brewdog founder James Watt has suggested our work ethic 'just doesn't stack up against other nations'
6 mins; January 16, 2025
5223: LISTEN¦ Suits - stylish or stuffy? Sales have risen in the past year, as more men appear to be turning away from 'dressing down'. We spoke to top tailor Chris Suitor
16 mins; January 16, 2025
5222: LISTEN¦ A quarter of young adults in NI still live with their parents. More than anywhere else in the UK, according to Institute for Fiscal Studies. What does that say about our culture and economy? Frank spoke to Lata Sharma
10 mins; January 14, 2025
5221: LISTEN¦ Should school teach DIY? A new survey found a quarter of young people couldn't change a lightbulb, while one in five didn't know what a spanner was.
9 mins; January 14, 2025
5220: LISTEN¦ Should the taxpayer fund the BBC? The Culture Secretary is considering scrapping the licence fee and using general taxation to pay for the service instead
11 mins; January 13, 2025
5219: LISTEN¦ Should we be teaching chess at school? World Champion Judit Polgar is among those suggesting it could enhance problem solving and improve behaviour
11 mins; January 13, 2025
5218: LISTEN¦ Wrestling has exploded onto Netflix, as part of a billion dollar investment - will you be watching? Frank spoke to WWE Womens US Champion Chelsea Green & wrestling superfan, Kris Jack
10 mins; January 13, 2025
5217: LISTEN¦ Rejection - is it something that terrifies you or is it something you should embrace? Trainer and content creator Eoin Maginn believes facing the fear of can build your confidence - he's been seeking out rejection in a very public way
12 mins; January 10, 2025
5216: LISTEN¦ 'It takes a village, but these days there isn't a village, we all live in flats, so we're building one' Brónagh Diamond, co founder of Kitsch Sisters, talks about forging community through craft
