Have you ever felt judged for something completely beyond your control, like your weight or a medical condition? Matt Cooper, a well-known broadcaster, is calling out that unfairness, and you might be surprised by his personal connection to the issue. He's not just reporting the news; he's living it.
Normally, Matt Cooper is the epitome of journalistic objectivity. As the host of "The Last Word" on Today FM, he's known for his balanced approach, playing the role of a neutral investigator trying to uncover the truth. He challenges guests, sure, and sometimes lets a bit of frustration slip through, but his core style is all about impartial inquiry.
That's why it was so striking when, during a recent show, Cooper shared his own experiences with unexpected passion. The catalyst? An interview with journalist Aimee Donnellan about her new book on Ozempic.
Ozempic, as Donnellan explained, is primarily designed to treat type 2 diabetes. But it also has a significant – and increasingly talked about – side effect: weight loss. She notes that Novo Nordisk, the Danish company that developed it, initially downplayed the potential for a weight loss drug.
Cooper revealed from the start that he uses Ozempic to manage his own diabetes. "I was one of the very early adopters," he said, immediately signaling his deep engagement with the topic. He was clearly fascinated by Donnellan's account of the drug's history.
But here's where it gets controversial... When Donnellan recounted how Novo Nordisk executives initially dismissed the idea of an obesity drug, viewing weight problems as simply a result of poor lifestyle choices, Cooper's demeanor shifted. He became visibly impassioned.
"That’s deeply unfair to people who struggle with their weight," Cooper declared. "The reason why I became type 2 diabetic, and the treatment that I’ve had involving this drug, is because, no matter what I tried to do, I just kept putting the weight on, and kept having that sweet tooth." He's challenging the idea that weight is always a matter of personal failing, and highlighting the complex biological factors at play.
In today's world of online oversharing by influencers, this might not seem like a huge revelation. But coming from someone as traditionally reserved as Cooper, it felt like a deeply personal and heartfelt confession.
And he didn't stop there. As Donnellan explored various aspects of Ozempic use, Cooper jumped in with relatable anecdotes from his own life. For example, regarding the drug's reported effect of making users feel full, Cooper explained that, in his case, he simply lost the desire for certain foods. "I can’t even finish a pint now," he admitted, seemingly without regret.
He was equally candid about the drug's physical effects. He even shared that he had to have his gallbladder removed to be able to take Ozempic. "Maybe I’m oversharing," he wondered aloud, before continuing anyway.
But here's the part most people miss... This wasn't just self-indulgence. Cooper's unusually open approach added a crucial layer of depth to the conversation, transforming what could have been a dry discussion about pharmaceuticals into something genuinely compelling.
Cooper is always an attentive host, but his personal contributions injected a sense of informality into the discussion, drawing out his guest and captivating his audience. He created a safe space for open dialogue.
Of course, Cooper isn't likely to make a habit of sharing personal stories on air. As a seasoned broadcaster, he understands that overusing any successful technique diminishes its impact.
Indeed, he sounded appropriately serious when analyzing Donald Trump’s recent speech at Davos, pointing out numerous factual errors and noting the US president’s occasionally "deeply sinister" tone. (He was noticeably calmer than his guest, the Danish journalist Tom Carstensen, who was audibly bewildered by Trump’s bizarre caricatures of Denmark and Greenland: "He’s doing my head in.")
Overall, however, the atmosphere remained relaxed. Cooper seemed particularly cheerful when discussing the "minefield of the Beckham family relations," gleefully dissecting the reported rift between David and Victoria Beckham and their son Brooklyn.
And this is where it gets controversial... Cooper, the serious journalist, did pause to question why the private lives of the rich and famous command so much attention. Is it simply escapism? "It kinda brings people together," podcaster Fionnuala Jones succinctly offered.
By seamlessly blending lighthearted family dramas with serious international tensions, and by sharing his own medical experiences to powerful effect, Cooper demonstrated the effortless confidence with which he leads his show.
Such an effortless performance is difficult to achieve, as Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin are discovering. Two months into their roles as hosts of Drivetime on RTÉ Radio 1, the duo is still searching for their rhythm.
It's not for lack of effort. The two presenters launch into each show with noticeable energy, aiming to inject enthusiasm from the start. But despite their considerable broadcasting talents, their on-air chemistry hasn't fully developed. Their banter can sometimes feel forced.
While discussing the Beckham saga, Ó Mongáin noted that "it’s been the talk of news channels all day." "Sure we’re talking about it," Hannon replied, though her response came across less as a witty comeback and more as a gentle correction.
There's a delicate balance between a well-honed double act and two individuals who aren't quite in sync. Hannon and Ó Mongáin are clearly working hard to create a spark, but they still seem to be in the latter category.
When left to their own devices, however, both anchors perform admirably. While discussing Trump's baffling text to the Norwegian prime minister, Hannon questioned Greg Swenson of Republicans Overseas about his continued support for the US president.
"Do you ever get weary of defending that kind of carry-on?" she asked, more with pity than accusation. Her guest admitted that the text was unnecessary but added that if he were embarrassed by Trump’s "provocative" behavior, he wouldn’t have voted for him three times. Which, in itself, is quite telling.
Ó Mongáin analyzed the Davos speech with former US national security advisor John Bolton, who suggested the world was "back from the brink" after the president withdrew his threat of invading Greenland.
But Bolton also argued that European leaders shouldn't break their alliance with the United States, as Trump will be (or at least should be) out of the White House by 2029. "So effectively suck it up for three more years," Ó Mongáin quipped acidly.
Moments like these ensure that the revamped Drivetime is worth listening to, even as the presenters fine-tune their partnership. And unlike some alliances, there's plenty of potential for them to improve their teamwork.
The Moment of the Week belonged to Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1, which isn't usually known for its upbeat starts. But Wednesday was a delightful exception.
To celebrate Tradfest in Dublin, the renowned musician Louise Mulcahy closed the program with a rousing trio of reels on the uilleann pipes, clearing the air and lifting spirits.
Mulcahy’s infectious playing was so invigorating that Gavin Jennings was moved to say: "Jaysus, we should do this more often."
Even just the one performance was a joy.
So, what do you think? Was Matt Cooper right to share his personal experiences with Ozempic? Does it help to break down stigmas surrounding weight and diabetes, or is it a case of oversharing? And how much should public figures reveal about their health struggles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
