{
  "id": 8281841,
  "title": "Dublin duo bag exclusive Oprah Winfrey interview",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/dublin-duo-bag-exclusive-oprah-winfrey-interview",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T18:10:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0918/1592133-oprah-ireland/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dublin-based podcasters Glen Anderson and Ben Hanlon, aged 18, secured an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey before her sold-out event at the 3Arena. The media mogul was in Ireland for her \"Up Close with Oprah Winfrey\" event. The Back of the Classroom Podcast duo approached Winfrey inside the Merrion Hotel after Glen took a chance and pitched his interview idea to her longtime friend and colleague, Gayle King. Glen told Oprah, \"I know if you met me, you'd like me. It's just a backpack and a dream that's all it is.\" After viewing the video, Winfrey agreed to have a conversation with the pair. Both have recently completed their secondary education and have already interviewed notable figures such as boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and Lord of the Dance creator Michael Flatley. Their ambition is to become the world's most successful podcast. Glen and Ben emphasize that once you have faith in yourself, you can achieve anything.",
  "summary": "Two 18-year-old podcasters from Dublin bagged an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey before her sold-out 3Arena event.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dublin podcasters Glen Anderson and Ben Hanlon, 18, secured exclusive Oprah Winfrey interview",
    "Winfrey agreed after Glen pitched idea to Gayle King at Merrion Hotel",
    "Both recent high school graduates, have interviewed Eddie Hearn and Michael Flatley"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Irish Times",
        "title": "‘It was like a chat with your mate’: Dublin teenagers get Oprah to appear on their podcast",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/it-was-like-a-chat-with-your-mate-dublin-teenagers-get-oprah-to",
        "published": "2026-09-18T18:45:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}