Listen! With Frank Mitchell

U105 Audio

1491 - 5546: LISTEN¦ 'I've never met a man with less ego - it was very pure, about the music - he just wanted to write really good songs and wanted them to get to the people' - Brenda Boyd Kennedy spoke to Frank about the release of Bap Kennedy's new album

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.

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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.

Episodes

1491-

5546: LISTEN¦ 'I've never met a man with less ego - it was very pure, about the music - he just wanted to write really good songs and wanted them to get to the people' - Brenda Boyd Kennedy spoke to Frank about the release of Bap Kennedy's new album

20 Jul 2026

1490-

5545: LISTEN¦ 'These things come as a massive shock to everyone in the area - it's important we look after each other - it's been an horrendous incident' North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after a murder investigation was launched in Ballymena

14 Jul 2026

29 Jun 2026

1488-

5543: LISTEN¦ 'To hear 20,000 people singing it back to you is magic - you never get tired of it' - Johnny B O'Brien and Johnny 'Smacks' McMahon, better known as The 2 Johnnies, spoke to Frank ahead of their show at Féile

25 Jun 2026

1487-

LISTEN¦ '100% of the staff who took part in an online consultation said that care is not safe' - Helen Hamill from the Save Our Acute Services campaign said an RQIA inspection report on the South Western Acute Hospital raised serious concerns

25 Jun 2026

18 Jun 2026

1485-

5540: LISTEN¦ 'Those liberal elites in the chamber were more interested in following ideology than protecting our children' - TUV's Timothy Gaston responded to criticism of unionists voting down a move to increase the age of criminal responsibility

16 Jun 2026

1484-

5539: LISTEN¦ Flooding is one of the biggest natural hazards facing NI, but despite nearly £100m spent, a new report has criticised how Stormont handles the risk. Frank spoke to Alliance's Andrew McMurray who has called for long term planning and funding

16 Jun 2026

1483-

5538: LISTEN¦ As climate extremes become our new normal, the island of Ireland faces a shared environmental reality - navigating it through different political/legislative lenses. Frank spoke to Green Party NI leader & CEO of Friends of the Earth Ireland

12 Jun 2026

1482-

5537: LISTEN¦ 'I think it'll be really interesting to play near where I was born - my grandad was the master in the primary school on the loughshore' - Brianna Corrigan spoke to Frank ahead of her appearance at the Friends Goodwill Festival

11 Jun 2026

1480-

5535: LISTEN¦ 'Imagine someone coming into your home, chasing you out of the house and burning your home down...this is about basic humanity' - after homes, cars and a Glider bus were burned in a night of rioting, Frank spoke to public representatives

10 Jun 2026

09 Jun 2026

1478-

5533: LISTEN¦ 'The narrative around our boys at the moment is that they're a problem' - in a new documentary, Gareth Southgate looks at the challenges facing young men and boys. Frank spoke to Rhonda from MAPNI about the work they're doing

09 Jun 2026

03 Jun 2026

1476-

5531: LISTEN¦ Should teens guilty of serious offences like rape go to prison? As MLAs debate increasing the criminal age of responsibility, writer Malachi O'Doherty argues that it may not always be productive, if the goal is rehabilitation

02 Jun 2026

21 May 2026

20 May 2026

1473-

5528: LISTEN¦ Masterchef's youngest contestant, Killyleagh's Adam Morrison, talked to Frank about how it feels to be selected from thousands of applicants, cooking in front of the cameras and against the clock and putting NI food and producers on the map

20 May 2026

08 May 2026

1471-

5527: LISTEN¦ Could a review of the PSNI's handling of the Katie Simpson deter victims from coming forward? Would more female officers help? Ex-PSNI officer Linzi McLaren said there have been 'great strides, but there still needs to be a lot more done'

07 May 2026

1470-

5526: LISTEN¦ Potholes - are the roads looking better, following an eight-week push that saw around 10,000 repairs? The DUP's Peter Martin highlighted figures that suggest we could be on course to fix fewer this year than in 2025

07 May 2026

1469-

5525: LISTEN¦ In the latest in our Shared Island Perspectives series, we're looking at healthcare - two jurisdictions, one island - two different approaches to delivering care. Will we ever see the long-promised transformation?

06 May 2026

1468-

5524: LISTEN¦ 'Police had a difficult job, but they should have shut it down much sooner, they should have been more prepared' Independent councillor Paul Doherty spoke to Frank after scramblers and cars were recklessly driven in West Belfast

05 May 2026

30 Apr 2026

1466-

5522: LISTEN¦ Should bare-bummed bikers be banned? The annual World Naked Bike Ride is due to take place in London, but a petition has been launched, over safeguarding concerns. Frank spoke to Gary Kennedy from British Naturism

30 Apr 2026

28 Apr 2026

27 Apr 2026

24 Apr 2026

1461-

5517: LISTEN¦ Housing is an issue that dominates everyday life - whether you rent a room in Dublin or you're trying to buy your first home in Belfast. Adrian Kennedy from LMFM spoke to Belfast campaigner Paul McCusker & Lorcan Sirr from TU Dublin

23 Apr 2026

1460-

5516: LISTEN¦ 'The loneliest country in Europe'? A recent report found higher rates of social isolation on the island of Ireland than anywhere else in Europe. Could encouraging participation in walking groups help tackle this 'silent epidemic'?

17 Apr 2026

1459-

5515: LISTEN¦ He's performed in front of 10,000 people with legendary rockers INXS and written songs for stars like Madonna and even Al Pacino - now he's back performing live - including in Belfast - Ciaran Gribbin called into chat to Frank

16 Apr 2026

1458-

5514: LISTEN¦ 'There's no doubt in my mind, he's Europe's greatest ever golfer' - chief sports writer Steven Beacom and Jonny MacCann from The Bogey Men podcast spoke to Frank after Rory McIlroy secured a second successive US Masters Title

13 Apr 2026

1457-

5513: LISTEN¦ Is there still a taboo around toupées? Sales of hairpieces have gone up 43% in the last year, with between a third and half of men under 50 experiencing hair loss. Would you wear one? Frank spoke to Alanna Sharratt from Man Grooming

30 Mar 2026

1456-

5511: LISTEN¦ '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

27 Mar 2026

1455-

5512: LISTEN¦ '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

27 Mar 2026

1454-

5510: LISTEN¦ 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

26 Mar 2026

19 Mar 2026

1450-

5506: LISTEN¦ 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

19 Mar 2026

13 Mar 2026

1448-

5504: LISTEN¦ 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

12 Mar 2026

1446-

5502: LISTEN¦ 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

11 Mar 2026

1445-

5501: LISTEN¦ '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 Eibhlín de Barra.

04 Mar 2026

1444-

5500: LISTEN¦ '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

02 Mar 2026

1443-

5499: LISTEN¦ 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

02 Mar 2026

27 Feb 2026

Listen! With Frank Mitchell

Episodes

5546: LISTEN¦ 'I've never met a man with less ego - it was very pure, about the music - he just wanted to write really good songs and wanted them to get to the people' - Brenda Boyd Kennedy spoke to Frank about the release of Bap Kennedy's new album

5545: LISTEN¦ 'These things come as a massive shock to everyone in the area - it's important we look after each other - it's been an horrendous incident' North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows spoke to Frank after a murder investigation was launched in Ballymena

5544: LISTEN¦ This week on Shared Island Perspectives, U105 and LMFM examine one of the most urgent and difficult issues facing communities across the island of Ireland — violence against women and gender-based violence.

5543: LISTEN¦ 'To hear 20,000 people singing it back to you is magic - you never get tired of it' - Johnny B O'Brien and Johnny 'Smacks' McMahon, better known as The 2 Johnnies, spoke to Frank ahead of their show at Féile

LISTEN¦ '100% of the staff who took part in an online consultation said that care is not safe' - Helen Hamill from the Save Our Acute Services campaign said an RQIA inspection report on the South Western Acute Hospital raised serious concerns

5541: LISTEN¦ 'Our school estate is too big, it's not sustainable - Education Committee chair Nick Mathison spoke to John as the EA raised concerns over a £600m shortfall in maintenance funds

5540: LISTEN¦ 'Those liberal elites in the chamber were more interested in following ideology than protecting our children' - TUV's Timothy Gaston responded to criticism of unionists voting down a move to increase the age of criminal responsibility

5539: LISTEN¦ Flooding is one of the biggest natural hazards facing NI, but despite nearly £100m spent, a new report has criticised how Stormont handles the risk. Frank spoke to Alliance's Andrew McMurray who has called for long term planning and funding

5538: LISTEN¦ As climate extremes become our new normal, the island of Ireland faces a shared environmental reality - navigating it through different political/legislative lenses. Frank spoke to Green Party NI leader & CEO of Friends of the Earth Ireland

5537: LISTEN¦ 'I think it'll be really interesting to play near where I was born - my grandad was the master in the primary school on the loughshore' - Brianna Corrigan spoke to Frank ahead of her appearance at the Friends Goodwill Festival

5536: LISTEN¦ 'It doesn't suck - we're still very grateful for it, each and every time' - Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell talked to Frank about how it feels to have thousands of fans singing your songs back to you

5535: LISTEN¦ 'Imagine someone coming into your home, chasing you out of the house and burning your home down...this is about basic humanity' - after homes, cars and a Glider bus were burned in a night of rioting, Frank spoke to public representatives

5534: LISTEN¦ 'People are very shaken, they're shocked' - local SDLP councillor Carl Whyte and Alliance MLA for North Belfast Nuala McAllister spoke to Frank, after a Somali man was arrested over a brutal knife attack

5533: LISTEN¦ 'The narrative around our boys at the moment is that they're a problem' - in a new documentary, Gareth Southgate looks at the challenges facing young men and boys. Frank spoke to Rhonda from MAPNI about the work they're doing

5532: LISTEN¦ Is pumping iron the key to a long life? A Harvard study involving more than 147,000 people found lifting weights for two hours a week reduced the risk of early death. Frank spoke to top PT Tiernan McCarthy

5531: LISTEN¦ Should teens guilty of serious offences like rape go to prison? As MLAs debate increasing the criminal age of responsibility, writer Malachi O'Doherty argues that it may not always be productive, if the goal is rehabilitation

5530: LISTEN¦ In the latest episode of our Shared Island Perspectives series, we examine the growing cost-of-living pressures facing families and businesses across the island of Ireland.

5529: LISTEN¦ Are rules making drivers with ADHD or anxiety issues eligible for a blue parking badge being exploited? The Taxpayers Alliance has raised concerns amid a rise in the numbers being issued

5528: LISTEN¦ Masterchef's youngest contestant, Killyleagh's Adam Morrison, talked to Frank about how it feels to be selected from thousands of applicants, cooking in front of the cameras and against the clock and putting NI food and producers on the map

5527: LISTEN¦ Should we ban 'conversion therapy'? In 2021, MLAs voted to ban the practice, but as yet, no legal change has been made. A doctor, Gareth Patterson, originally from NI, wants to see the law change

5527: LISTEN¦ Could a review of the PSNI's handling of the Katie Simpson deter victims from coming forward? Would more female officers help? Ex-PSNI officer Linzi McLaren said there have been 'great strides, but there still needs to be a lot more done'

5526: LISTEN¦ Potholes - are the roads looking better, following an eight-week push that saw around 10,000 repairs? The DUP's Peter Martin highlighted figures that suggest we could be on course to fix fewer this year than in 2025

5525: LISTEN¦ In the latest in our Shared Island Perspectives series, we're looking at healthcare - two jurisdictions, one island - two different approaches to delivering care. Will we ever see the long-promised transformation?

5524: LISTEN¦ 'Police had a difficult job, but they should have shut it down much sooner, they should have been more prepared' Independent councillor Paul Doherty spoke to Frank after scramblers and cars were recklessly driven in West Belfast

5223: LISTEN¦ Could Stormont's childcare strategy help the economy, as well as hard-pressed families? Business groups have said making it affordable is 'essential' especially for female workers

5522: LISTEN¦ Should bare-bummed bikers be banned? The annual World Naked Bike Ride is due to take place in London, but a petition has been launched, over safeguarding concerns. Frank spoke to Gary Kennedy from British Naturism

5521: LISTEN¦ Should fox hunting be banned? A bill has been brought at Stormont, five years on from the last attempt to outlaw hunting with dogs. Frank spoke to the bill's sponsor, Alliance's John Blair

5520: LISTEN¦ Is a 20% tip excessive? Gordon Ramsay's been criticised after one of his restaurants applied the hefty ' discretionary service charge' to seasonal menus. Peter spoke to NI's top restaurant critic, Joris Minne

5519: LISTEN¦ Have you visited an Emergency Department recently? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine described the current state of our EDs as 'horrifying'

5518: LISTEN¦ Have self-checkouts made people more likely to shoplift? M&S chair Archie Norman's suggested 'good, decent people' are being driven to steal, by difficulty using the machines