Shape I’m In: Bryan Dobson, RTE newscasater

RTÉ newscaster Bryan Dobson knows the value of effective communication.

But it’s not just getting the right angle on a breaking news story or asking an incisive question of a leading politician. It’s also about keeping the channels open at home.

“We do try and talk — both my wife and I believe in getting it out there. I think it has served us reasonably well. And kept us in reasonable mental health.

“We have two daughters and we encourage them to talk, as well. I’m not saying they tell us everything — I’m sure not.”

He is aware, though, that there are times when talking to someone outside the family is the best way to deal with a problem. And this is why he is, once again, supporting the Samaritans’ 24/7 Talk to Us campaign, which this year highlights the need for men to talk about their feelings.

“There are things you feel you can’t talk to your family about and you need to talk to someone who is anonymous, who is not connected to you, and that is a very important service. It’s the old thing: a problem shared is a problem halved. And, often, when you get something out there it doesn’t seem half as important or overwhelming as it did when you were bottling it up.”

Aged 54, he is married to Crea. Their daughters are aged 21 and 24 and both live at home.

What shape are you in?

I would say fair to middling. I don’t do a whole lot [of exercise], which is part of the problem. I have intermittent bursts of gym activity, and then I find, after a certain period, it’s rather boring. I try and kid myself that cycling to and from work — it’s two or three miles each way — is enough. It’s better than nothing. And I do walk a bit, but I don’t have a regime, as such. I’ve also done a little bit of hill walking in Wicklow — I’m a bit tardy tawdry in my attendance, but I’ve done a few walks with a group, which I always enjoy when I can find the time.

Do you have any health concerns?

No, I don’t. My father had a heart condition and I think his mother before him. Often these things are hereditary — you would want to watch yourself. My dad passed away in 1991 - he was just short of 70.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Porridge in the morning. I make it half with milk and water and I put some honey over it, or, at this time of year, some fruit... It’s a slow release food, so you don’t feel the need to eat until at least lunchtime.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Oh, I love cheese. But too much of that really does clog up the arteries. I like Cashel Blue, a wonderful Irish cheese, some of the smoked cheeses and brie — it’s got to be good and pungent. I do it very rarely now, because, according to my wife, it makes me sore and she’s not very pleased.

What would keep you awake at night?

Smelly cheese! Other than that, nothing ... I sleep very well, unless I have to wake very early and then I wake intermittently, waiting for the alarm to go off.

How do you relax?

I read some fiction, but I also read history and I love good travel writing. I enjoy travelling but I don’t do that much of it because I am working. It’s a vicarious thing, you can enjoy these places without having to get out of your armchair.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

The most significant women in my life: my wife, my daughters, my mother and my co-presenter, Sharon Ní Bheoláin. That would be a good dinner party.

What’s your favourite smell?

My favourite wine is burgundy and good burgundies have a wonderful smell — it’s often described as a farmyard smell, a slightly rotten vegetative thing going on.

What would you change about your appearance?

Lose some weight, like a lot of people. I don’t have a target — that goes back to my lack of any proper health regime. I could afford to lose a couple of stone. You can’t just wish for that.

When did you last cry?

I can’t remember. I’m not given to shedding tears, even at the movies.

What trait do you least like in others?

I can probably tolerate most failings, but I cannot abide hypocrisy.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

Indolence. I sometimes have to give myself a good kick in the posterior to get up and do things.

Do you pray?

I do occasionally and usually in church. I am Church of Ireland.

What would cheer up your day?

Sunshine — that always cheers up my day. It has been great lately.