The Shape I’m In: Matt Cooper

MATT COOPER believes in structure. It’s the reason why he manages to successfully work across three different zones — radio, TV and writing.

“I have my day reasonably well structured. And I give over an hour to 45 minutes every day to exercise. That keeps me fresh,” he says.

“I got a couple of hours work done already this morning. I might do another hour in the evening outside of the radio work. From 11am to 7pm is just dedicated to the radio.”

He also worked for a couple of hours on Sunday planning content for The Last Word, his Today FM programme.

Though he doesn’t believe in the “hero thing” he has standout memories of meeting world leaders while editor of the Sunday Tribune.

“I sat beside Henry Kissinger at lunch one day and found myself enjoying his company enormously. We got on very well much to my amazement. Also, I sat directly opposite Bill Clinton at a lunch once — I found him fascinating and another day, I found myself on the same table as Nelson Mandela.”

Living in Dublin and married to Aileen,. they have five children, aged 16, 14, 13, 11, and nine. There’s a schedule for home life, too: “I do manage to make sure I fit in family time as well.”

Matt Cooper’s book Maximalist has been shortlisted for the National Book Tokens Non Fiction Book of the Year award at the 2015 Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards. Winners will be announced on November 25. Vote for your favourite books on www.irishbookawards.ie

What shape are you in?

I’d like to think that I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since I was in my 20s — and I’m 49 years old now. I exercise at least five days a week, usually for an hour each of those days. I go to a personal trainer — Paul Byrne at Body Byrne in Dublin — on two days and he puts me through a comprehensive weight lifting programme. That is the most important part of my week. On the other days, I either swim a mile, run between 8km and 10km or use the exercise bike. I re-engaged with my exercise regime about five years ago after more than a decade of doing virtually nothing. I’m now about two and a half stone lighter than I was at my worst — and I dropped 8kgs since the end of July to get myself ready for presenting the Rugby World Cup on TV3.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I have become very fussy about what I eat. I no longer consume dairy or wheat if at all possible. I started this about a year ago and it has helped my energy levels enormously. At the end of July, I made a conscious effort to cut out processed food and to avoid sugar, with the exception of fruit, of which I now eat a lot more. The impact of cutting out sugar has been incredible. I drink alcohol only very occasionally and my preference is for Guinness on the rare occasion that I do.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

It used to be chocolate but I now find that I feel sick after I eat it.

What would keep you awake at night?

I had problems sleeping for months earlier this year after we had a break-in to the house while we were all in bed. Every little noise woke me for months, even though the alarm is now set religiously. If I’m very busy, as I was during the Rugby World Cup, the adrenaline that often carried me through presentation might take ages to subside, meaning that I could not get to sleep. Thankfully, I’m now back to my seven to eight hours a night. However, I tend to sleep badly if I have an early morning function or meeting to attend.

How do you relax?

By exercise, mainly. I find that I’m not myself unless I’ve had a good workout to wake up the body and mind. I like to watch television in the evenings, particularly sport, but I also like going out to eat.

What’s your favourite smell?

Nice food on the plate in front of me — steak and red meat.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I might like to take a bit more weight off. Otherwise, I’ll live with what I have.

When is the last time you cried?

A few tears crept into the eyes when watching [the fim] Brooklyn.

What traits do you least like in others?

Selfishness is one thing I really don’t like.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

My failure to reveal my own many weaknesses to the public in interviews such as this.

Do you pray?

No.

What would cheer up your day?

A hug from every member of my family before we go out the door in the morning.