Talkback Podcast
Highlights from Talkback. William Crawley and guests discuss the news headlines, chat to the people making them and ask you, the audience, what you think? From BBC Radio Ulster
Episodes to download
![]()
Would you pay more to save Translink services across Northern Ireland?
Yesterday
Translink warns service cuts and fare changes may be needed to save £10 million.
![]()
Should NI mother and baby homes redress exclude families of victims who died before September 2011?
Wednesday
Campaigners protest the cut-off date in redress scheme for mother and baby homes.
![]()
Are online safety apps really protecting children and young people ?
Tuesday
Debate grows over whether online safety apps are engaging young people effectively.
![]()
Should the UK seek closer ties with the EU through the single market or customs union?
Monday
Comments from Wes Streeting reignite debate over Britain’s future outside the EU.
![]()
Has the Labour party gone mad- or is it finally coming to its senses?
Tue 12 May 2026
Highlights from Talkback. William Crawley and guests discuss the news headlines.
![]()
Is Keir Starmer turning a corner, or running out of road?
Mon 11 May 2026
Highlights from Talkback. William Crawley and guests discuss the news headlines.
![]()
The Age of Criminal Responsibility in NI is 10 - should we change it?
Thu 7 May 2026
A campaign group wants to change it to 16 - William and guests debate the proposal
![]()
Michelle O'Neill says the DUP is "spoofing" over claims Sinn Féin has failed to support the PSNI
Thu 30 Apr 2026
Fresh rift at Stormont as leaders clash over policing after Dunmurry bomb attack.
![]()
An interview with the actor Michael Patrick, who has died at the age of 35.
Thu 9 Apr 2026
Episode first broadcast in August 2024. The music has been shortened for rights reasons
![]()
A two-week ceasefire in the Middle East - both Iran and the US are claiming a win
Wed 8 Apr 2026
Iran and the United States have both said they're ready for further negotiations
![]()
Is lowering speed limits the answer to improving road safety?
Fri 16 Jan 2026
Richard and guests discuss new proposals to lower speed limits.
![]()
Iran's threatened exuection of a young protester - what might come next?
Wed 14 Jan 2026
William and historian Dr Saivush Randjbar-Daemi discuss how Iran has reached this moment.
![]()
Where should Stormont's money go?
Mon 12 Jan 2026
William and guests discuss Stormont's first draft multi-year budget since 2011.
![]()
Can the Presbyterian Church be trusted with safeguarding?
Thu 13 Nov 2025
Richard and guests discuss Rev Trevor Gribben’s resignation and the church’s future.
![]()
With hate crimes rising and Catholic families forced out of home- is this now just life in Northern Ireland?
Mon 1 Sep 2025
William and guests discuss recent hate-motivated crimes and consider what could be done.
![]()
Did police overreact in arresting two pro-Palestinian protesters in Belfast?
Tue 27 May 2025
Protester Sue Pentel has accused the PSNI of criminalising a peaceful protest.
![]()
The influence and legacy of Pope Francis
Mon 21 Apr 2025
William and guests discuss the death of Pope Francis and his impact as pontiff.
![]()
The return of measles
Fri 21 Mar 2025
The rise of measles in Northern Ireland and the dangers of vaccine hesitancy.
![]()
Are boys and young men going through a crisis right now that leaves them vulnerable to toxic influencers?
Thu 20 Mar 2025
William and guests discuss the male loneliness epidemic and how it can be tackled.
![]()
We have a birth rate crisis: what should we do about it?
Wed 19 Mar 2025
William and guests discuss why birth rates are falling, the impacts and the solutions.
![]()
Who does Conor McGregor speak for?
Tue 18 Mar 2025
William and guests discuss Conor McGregor's recent visit to the White House.
![]()
William and guests discuss getting older and driving safely
Fri 25 Oct 2024
What is the best way to protect everyone on our roads, without limiting freedoms?
![]()
William speaks to Harold Good on his new autobiography, his role in peacemaking and secret talks between the DUP and Sinn Fein
Thu 24 Oct 2024
Why did the DUP tell the public that these talks were not taking place?
![]()
William and guests discuss the drugs epidemic in Northern Ireland
Wed 23 Oct 2024
Is there any hope for those whose lives have been ruined by substance addiction?
![]()
William and guests discuss the possibility of a new civic flag that can be used by our athletes at the next Commonwealth Games
Tue 22 Oct 2024
Should Northern Ireland take the leap into a new flag that everyone can celebrate?
![]()
William and guests discuss King Charles' visit to Australia and what it might mean for the future of the country
Mon 21 Oct 2024
Is it time for Australia to choose its own head of state?
![]()
One year on from the 7th October attacks on Israel by Hamas, William and guests discuss the impact of the ongoing conflict
Mon 7 Oct 2024
What needs to happen in the Middle East to bring about a ceasefire and true peace?
![]()
William and guests discuss a campaign to shut down an integrated Irish language school in east Belfast before it even opens
Wed 25 Sep 2024
Why is a school for small children being turned into a political controversy?
![]()
William and guests discuss the impact the candidate for Governor of North Carolina could have on Donald Trump's campaign
Fri 20 Sep 2024
Could past social media posts from politician Mark Robinson sway the 2024 US election?
![]()
William and guests discuss ethnic minority concerns following recent racist violence
Thu 19 Sep 2024
Is it time to denormalise paramilitary groups in our society?
