Moncrieff
News & Politics
About
The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
- Man with the world record for holding breath shares his secrets!
Vitomir Maricic, the Guinness World Record holder for breath holding (29 minutes and 3 seconds), is interviewed on Moncrieff to discuss how he achieved this feat. He shares insights into his breath holding techniques. Maricic is a Croatian…
- What is ‘boogie bouncing’?
Emma Weafer, founder of Boogie Bounce, joins Seán to discuss her attempt to hold the largest boogie bounce session in Europe at WellFest. Boogie bouncing involves people dancing and bouncing in unison on individual trampolines.
- What is an ‘intimacy menu’?
Sex educator Jenny Keane joins Seán to discuss intimacy menus. These are sexual arrangements couples organize to enhance their relationships.
- Is being called ‘stingy’ the worst insult for an Irish person?
Jennifer Horgan, Teacher and Columnist with the Irish Examiner, joins Seán to discuss if being called stingy is one of the worst insults for some Irish people. They explore which traits are valued and which are disliked.
- New book covers the adult ADHD experience in Ireland
Ailín Kennedy and Mike McGrath-Bryan join Seán on Moncrieff to discuss their new book, 'Have I Got Your Attention? A Guide to Adult ADHD in Ireland,' focusing on the adult ADHD experience in Ireland.
- Staying in an immersive 1970s holiday let - what’s it like?
Travel writer Chris Moss joins Seán to discuss his experience at "The Retro Bungalow", a 1970s-themed immersive holiday let in Lancashire. He shares what it's like to stay in this unique accommodation.
- What is behind the rise in popularity of shakti mats?
On Moncrieff, Chartered Physiotherapist Elaine Barry discusses the rising popularity of shakti mats. She explains why people are choosing these spiky treatments.
- Life in the Florida town built by Disney
This episode of Moncrieff features Sarah Hyland, a resident of Celebration, Florida. She discusses what life is like in the Disney-built community located next to Disney World.
- Can you be buried in your back garden?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the legalities of burial outside of a traditional graveyard. Dr. Kate Falconer of UCC School of Law explains if special permissions are needed to be buried in a private garden.
- How do the two Koreas describe each other?
Kevin Cawley discusses how North and South Korea describe each other. He explores whether they use official names or politically loaded terms.
- The impact Ted Turner left on TV
This episode of Moncrieff examines the impact of Ted Turner on television, focusing on his creation of CNN. Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer with University of Galway, joins the discussion.
- Parenting: How to stop toddler hitting baby brother
Joanna Fortune joins Sean Moncrieff to discuss parenting. This episode focuses on stopping a toddler from hitting their baby brother.
- Ireland signs the Artemis Accords - what does it mean going forward?
Ireland recently signed the Artemis Accords. Peter Gallagher, Director of Dunsink Observatory and former NASA employee, discusses the implications of this decision.
- Outdoor seating revoked on Drury Street - Josh Crosbie Reports
Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie investigates the revocation of an outdoor seating license for a pub on Drury Street in Dublin. This report examines the ongoing conflict between pedestrianization advocates and opponents in urban areas.
- Do women want to date a handyman?
Peter Finn AKA “Pete the Builder” and Journalist Saoirse Hanley join Seán to explore the idea of whether women are interested in dating handymen. They discuss the appeal of handymen in the context of finding love.
- Is it ever okay to walk your dog off-lead?
Chrisse Russell, a Freelance Features Writer with the Irish Independent, discusses with Seán the practice of walking dogs off-lead in public areas, examining the regulations and the impact on individuals who may not be comfortable around d…
- How a Stonecutter keeps the Rock of Cashel standing
Julia Gebel, a German stonecutter, moved to Ireland to work on the Rock of Cashel conservation project. She now runs her own company, working on various conservation initiatives. She joins Seán to share her experiences.
- Should we be thankful for public services no matter what?
On Moncrieff, Fergus Finlay discusses whether public services in Ireland are taken for granted and their overall impact on the quality of life. He examines the points raised in his Irish Examiner article on the subject.
- The neverending battle against your kids for the bed!
Comedian Julie Jay talks with Tom Dunne on Moncrieff about the common parental struggle of children invading their beds. She shares her experience with "musical beds" and her decision to reclaim the marital bed.
- Oarfish washes up in Clare - is the end of the world near?
A rare oarfish was discovered on a County Clare beach. In mythology, this deep-sea creature is believed to signal the end of the world. Phil Smith joins Tom Dunne to discuss the phenomenon.
- Is your decor keeping you single?
Katie Malik, an interior designer, speaks with Tom Dunne on Moncrieff about whether decor choices can negatively affect a person's single status by repelling potential partners. She shares an anecdote about a woman who remained single due…
- Are you happy? - Josh Crosbie Reports
A new survey indicates that 47 is considered the happiest age. Reporter Josh Crosbie joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss this finding and personal experiences of happiness.
- Door from iconic Love Actually scene is up for auction
The iconic door from a scene in the movie Love Actually is being auctioned. This episode of Moncrieff discusses why the door is for sale and who might buy a movie prop with Dan Muscatelli-Hampson from Omega Auctions.
- Copy of world’s oldest English poem discovered by TCD Researchers!
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have discovered a copy of the oldest-known English poem. Dr. Mark Faulkner from the TCD School of English joins Seán to discuss the discovery and its background.
- Should we pay people to donate blood?
On Moncrieff, Dr. Suzanne Crowe discusses whether people should be paid to donate blood. This episode explores the decreasing supply and increasing demand for blood donations.
- Cavan pub fights rising energy costs with river turbine
Murph's Gastro Pub in Cavan is using a river turbine to generate electricity and reduce rising energy costs. Owner Fergus Murphy discusses this pilot project that could be adopted by other pubs.
- Rising veterinary costs are leading to pet owners struggling
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the rising veterinary costs, which are causing an increase in surrender waiting lists and financial difficulties for pet owners. Conor Dowling, Chief Inspector of the NSPCA, joins the conversation.
- Meryl Meisler on the wild disco era at Studio 54
Meryl Meisler, a photographer, shares her experiences capturing New York's disco era at Studio 54 and the streets of Bushwick. Her work, previously hidden, is now revealed, offering insight into the city's cultural transformation. Meryl jo…
- What is the reason behind the ‘mayfly dance’?
Entomologist Sam Fabian joins Moncrieff to discuss the reason behind the "mayfly dance," a behavior researchers believe they have now explained.
- Can Ozempic change your personality?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses if Ozempic can change a user's personality, featuring insights from Katie Glass, a feature writer for The London Times.
- Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Did we get the right person?
This episode of Moncrieff's Murder Club features Seán and Cassie Delaney discussing true crime cases where there is doubt about the guilt of the convicted individual. The discussion focuses on whether the right person was apprehended for t…
- When will we repair the hole in the ozone layer?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the discovery of the ozone layer hole in the 1980s and the subsequent global environmental response. Environmental Journalist John Gibbons joins the show to discuss when the ozone layer might be intact a…
- Why brides-to-be are turning to Therapists for help
This episode explores the rising trend of "wedding therapy" as brides-to-be seek help managing stress and nerves associated with their big day. Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan joins the discussion to shed light on this phenomenon.
- Irish Yappers app aims to connect Irish people abroad
David Murphy, founder of Irish Yappers, introduces an app for Irish people abroad to find pubs and connect with others in their area. He discusses the app's features and goals.
- Are marathons becoming a cult?
This episode explores if marathons are becoming a cult, questioning their health benefits after the first sub-2-hour marathon. Christian Vince, Journalist with the Daily Telegraph, joins the discussion.
- Should you take financial advice from AI?
This episode of Moncrieff explores the use of AI as a financial therapist. Journalist Saoirse Hanley joins Seán to discuss her experience in testing AI for understanding money habits, anxieties, and spending behaviors.
- What makes the perfect afternoon tea?
Noel Cunningham joins Seán to discuss the elements of a perfect afternoon tea. The conversation also notes King Charles' visit to Washington D.C., and its potential impact on US-UK relations.
- National Superhero Day - why do we love comics?
On National Superhero Day, Entertainment Journalist Olivia Fahy joins Seán on Moncrieff to discuss the enduring popularity of comic books, a passion she's held since childhood.
- Are libraries being “ripped off” by big publishers?
On the Moncrieff show, Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews discusses the challenges public libraries are facing. He suggests that big publishers are "ripping off" libraries and explores potential solutions.
- Tanya Sweeney on her nostalgia for Smash Hits magazine
Tanya Sweeney, a columnist for the Irish Independent, talks about her childhood memories of Smash Hits magazine. She discusses how the magazine provided her with a connection to the world of pop music.
- Four Questions: “How are you still single?”
This episode of Moncrieff introduces "Four Questions," a new segment discussing weekend reflections and looking ahead to the coming week. The questions explored are: what delighted, what annoyed, and what was learned over the weekend, alon…
- The extraordinary life of boxer Dan Donnelly
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the extraordinary life of legendary bare-knuckle boxer Dan Donnelly. Historian Donal Fallon joins Seán to look back on his life.
- What is ‘petro-masculinity’?
Andrew Boyd joins Seán to discuss ‘petro-masculinity,’ a gendered form of climate crisis rejection. They explore how this phenomenon manifests and its implications for addressing climate change.
- What is the downside to modular garden homes?
Seán discusses the Government's decision to allow modular housing units in people's back gardens with Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing at TU Dublin. They explore the potential downsides and whether this decision could create more pr…
- Has jazz become less complex?
A discussion on Moncrieff examines if jazz music has become progressively simplified since the 1960s, based on a new study. Pianist, composer, and arranger Cormac McCarthy joins to discuss how complexity in music is defined and to what ext…
- Sony makes an AI table tennis robot - is the sport in trouble?
Sony has developed an AI robot that can play competitive table tennis. This episode discusses the implications of this technology for the future of the sport with David McNally, CEO of Table Tennis Ireland.
- Lego in space sets a new world record!
A group in the UK set a new Guinness World Record by sending a Lego figure into space. Dr. Chris Rose from Sent Into Space joins Seán to discuss the project.
- Seahorses in Ireland - and why we need to protect them
This episode of Moncrieff discusses seahorses in Ireland. Kealan Doyle, Founder of Save Our Seahorses, joins the show to talk about why these animals need protection.
- Naples sewage tunnel heist
This episode of Moncrieff discusses a sewage tunnel heist in Naples that has caused concern among European banks. Nick Squires, Italy Correspondent with the Daily Telegraph, joins Seán Moncrieff to detail the event where robbers vanished b…
- Holidays in North Korea
Damon Albarn reportedly takes his daughter on holidays to North Korea. Shane Horan, an Irish tour operator and photographer, discusses the possibility of visiting the state as a tourist.