From Belfast Bloodshed to Billionaire Hypocrisy. Episode 770

Join Niall Boylan and his good friend and former producer AJ Walsh for their weekly catch-up as they take a look at some of the biggest, strangest and most talked-about stories making headlines this week. From the shocking stabbing in Belfast that left a man with life-changing injuries and sparked public disorder, to a car mysteriously ending up in the pond at St Stephen’s Green, Niall and AJ discuss the stories that have dominated the news cycle and social media feeds over the past few days.

They also delve into some lighter moments, including a heartbroken gorilla in Japan that went viral after appearing to sit alone reflecting on an argument with his mate, and the reality TV couple from Married At First Sight Australia who found love with each other despite being matched with different partners on the show.

The conversation turns to more serious matters too, including a controversial new mortgage scheme that could allow first-time buyers to borrow up to five times their income, raising concerns that Ireland may be drifting back towards the risky lending practices of the Celtic Tiger era. They also discuss workplace bullying after a listener revealed she is considering confronting her husband’s boss over the way he is being treated at work.

Niall and AJ debate Lewis Hamilton’s call for limits on personal wealth despite being worth hundreds of millions himself, discuss the growing controversy around people becoming parents later in life following Jon Snow’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and explore a range of other stories that have divided opinion this week.

As always, expect plenty of laughs, strong opinions, lively debate and the kind of honest conversation that only comes from two friends who have spent years working together both on and off the air.