The Programme for Government talks are officially underway, and all eyes are on the horse-trading, backroom deals, and political machinations that come with it. This week on Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks to two seasoned insiders: former Labour Party Leader Pat Rabbitte and journalist and author Stephen Collins.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Saudi Arabia has officially been announced as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Mandy is joined by Martin Lipton, one of football’s most insightful commentators, to delve into the implications of this historic decision.

And finally, as Justin Trudeau steps down as Canada’s Prime Minister, we’ll take a closer look at his legacy with Marieke Walsh of the Globe and Mail.

This week on Taking Stock Emmet Oliver is in for Mandy and he talks to Economist Dan O’Brien about why there are reasons to be ‘hopeful’ about the economy in 2025. Mark Corcoran of Taxback talks to Emmet about changes to your pay packet in the year ahead. Plus, Emmet talks to Dr Alexandra Diening about her book ‘The Strategy for Human-AI Symbiosis’ which talks about how we can use AI for good by taking a human-centric approach.

This week on a special Taking Stock Mandy Johnston talks to some of her favourite contributors to the show about a book they read this year that they are recommending as a stock-filler!