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 Croatian freediver and current world record holder for breath holding (29 minutes, 3 seconds), is interviewed on Moncrieff. He discusses how he achieved this Guinness-certified record.
- What is ‘boogie bouncing’?
Emma Weafer, founder of Boogie Bounce, joins Seán to discuss boogie bouncing, an exercise trend involving dancing and bouncing on individual trampolines. She is attempting to host the largest boogie bounce session in Europe.
- What is an ‘intimacy menu’?
Sex Educator Jenny Keane joins Seán to discuss intimacy menus. They explore how these sexual arrangements work as couples organize them 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 the worst insult for an Irish person, exploring cultural values and disliked traits.
- 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," which explores the adult ADHD experience in Ireland given the low diagnosis rates. They a…
- Staying in an immersive 1970s holiday let - what’s it like?
Chris Moss, author and travel writer, visited the Retro Bungalow, a 1970s-themed holiday let in Lancashire. He joins the show to discuss his experience with this immersive travel experience.
- What is behind the rise in popularity of shakti mats?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the increasing popularity of shakti mats, with insights from Chartered Physiotherapist Elaine Barry. The discussion delves into why individuals are drawn to these spiky treatments.
- Life in the Florida town built by Disney
Moncrieff discusses life in Celebration, Florida, a community built by Disney next to Disney World. Sarah Hyland, a resident, shares her experiences.
- Can you be buried in your back garden?
Dr. Kate Falconer, Lecturer at the UCC School of Law, discusses the legalities of private burials. The episode explores whether special permissions are needed to be buried in a back garden.
- 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, a Law Lecturer with the University of Galway, joins the discussion to reflect on Turner's legacy.
- How do the two Koreas describe each other?
Kevin Cawley discusses how North and South Korea describe each other, focusing on whether they use official or politically charged names. This episode explores the ongoing linguistic and political dynamic between the two countries.
- Parenting: How to stop toddler hitting baby brother
On this episode of Moncrieff, Joanna Fortune joins Sean Moncrieff to discuss parenting. This episode focuses on strategies to address a toddler hitting their baby brother.
- Ireland signs the Artemis Accords - what does it mean going forward?
Ireland signed the Artemis Accords. Peter Gallagher, Director of Dunsink Observatory at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, discusses the meaning of this decision.
- Outdoor seating revoked on Drury Street - Josh Crosbie Reports
A pub on Drury Street in Dublin has lost its outdoor seating license. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie investigates the situation, which highlights the broader conflict between pedestrianization efforts and opposition to them in urban areas.
- Do women want to date a handyman?
Peter Finn AKA “Pete the Builder” and Journalist Saoirse Hanley join Seán on Moncrieff to discuss whether women want to date a handyman. They explore the idea that being a handyman might improve one's luck in finding love.
- Is it ever okay to walk your dog off-lead?
Chrisse Russell, Freelance Features Writer with the Irish Independent, joins Seán to discuss the impact of off-lead dogs in public places. They explore why it seems many dogs are not kept on leads and how this affects individuals who do no…
- Should we be thankful for public services no matter what?
Fergus Finlay discusses the value of public services in Ireland and whether they are taken for granted. This conversation explores the themes presented in his Irish Examiner article.
- How a Stonecutter keeps the Rock of Cashel standing
Julia Gebel, a German stonecutter, moved to Ireland to work on the conservation of the Rock of Cashel. She has since established her own company and is involved in multiple conservation projects. She joins Seán to discuss her experiences.
- The neverending battle against your kids for the bed!
Comedian Julie Jay discusses with Tom Dunne the experience of children invading their parents' bed. She shares her perspective on parents reclaiming their mattress.
- Is your decor keeping you single?
Katie Malik joins Tom Dunne to discuss whether decor decisions can be to blame for a lack of a partner. She cites an example of 'virginal' decor repelling men.
- Oarfish washes up in Clare - is the end of the world near?
A rare oarfish found on a County Clare beach is discussed. The episode explores the creature and its mythical association with signaling the end of the world with science communicator Phil Smith.
- Are you happy? - Josh Crosbie Reports
A new survey suggests age 47 is when people are happiest. Reporter Josh Crosbie discusses these findings with guest host Tom Dunne.
- Door from iconic Love Actually scene is up for auction
This Moncrieff episode explores the auction of the iconic door from the movie Love Actually, discussing the reasons for its sale and the type of buyer interested in purchasing a movie prop.
- Copy of world’s oldest English poem discovered by TCD Researchers!
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have found a copy of the oldest-known English poem. Dr. Mark Faulkner from the TCD School of English joins Moncrieff to discuss the discovery and its background.
- Should we pay people to donate blood?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the idea of paying people for blood donations. Seán and Dr. Suzanne Crowe explore this topic due to the ongoing decrease in blood supply and rise in demand.
- Cavan pub fights rising energy costs with river turbine
Murph's Gastro Pub in Cavan is implementing a river turbine to combat rising energy costs. Owner Fergus Murphy discusses this pilot project, which could serve as a model for other riverside pubs in Ireland.
- Rising veterinary costs are leading to pet owners struggling
Conor Dowling, Chief Inspector of the NSPCA, discusses the impact of rising veterinary costs on pet owners. The discussion covers the increasing struggle of pet owners to afford pet care and the resulting inflated surrender waiting lists.
- Meryl Meisler on the wild disco era at Studio 54
Meryl Meisler, a photographer, captured New York's disco era at Studio 54 and the streets of Bushwick, keeping her photos hidden for decades. Her work is now revealed, offering insight into a city and culture in transformation. She joins S…
- What is the reason behind the ‘mayfly dance’?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the phenomenon of the 'mayfly dance'. Entomologist Sam Fabian from Imperial College London joins the show to share new research on the topic.
- Can Ozempic change your personality?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses if Ozempic can change a user's personality, potentially causing a "nullifying effect" on behavior. Seán is joined by Katie Glass, a Feature Writer with The London Times, to explore this topic.
- Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Did we get the right person?
This episode of Moncrieff’s Murder Club features Seán and Cassie Delaney discussing cases where the person convicted of a crime may not have been the actual perpetrator. They explore various instances and examine the evidence from these ca…
- When will we repair the hole in the ozone layer?
This episode discusses the discovery of the ozone layer hole in the 1980s, the role of CFCs, and the international response. Environmental Journalist John Gibbons explores when the ozone layer might fully recover.
- Why brides-to-be are turning to Therapists for help
This episode of Moncrieff explores the growing trend of "wedding therapy" for brides-to-be. Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan discusses the reasons behind this phenomenon, including the stress of wedding planning and pre-marital ner…
- Irish Yappers app aims to connect Irish people abroad
David Murphy, founder of Irish Yappers, introduces an app for Irish people living abroad. The app helps users find Irish pubs and connect with other Irish people in their area.
- Are marathons becoming a cult?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses if marathons are becoming a cult and if they are good for the body. Journalist Christian Vince joins the show to share his insights on the topic.
- Should you take financial advice from AI?
This episode explores whether AI can provide effective financial advice. Journalist Saoirse Hanley discusses her experience testing AI as a financial therapist.
- What makes the perfect afternoon tea?
Noel Cunningham, Ambassador for Harveys Point Hotel, joins Seán to discuss what makes the perfect afternoon tea. The discussion also touches upon King Charles's visit to Washington D.C. and the relationship between the US and the UK.
- National Superhero Day - why do we love comics?
On National Superhero Day, Entertainment Journalist Olivia Fahy speaks with Seán on Moncrieff about her lifelong passion for comics. They discuss the reasons behind the public's love for comic books.
- Are libraries being “ripped off” by big publishers?
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews joins Seán to discuss whether public libraries are being "ripped off" by big publishers. They explore the dangers facing public libraries and potential solutions.
- Tanya Sweeney on her nostalgia for Smash Hits magazine
Tanya Sweeney joins Seán on Moncrieff to discuss her childhood memories of Smash Hits magazine. She shares how the magazine provided a girl from West Dublin suburbs with access to the world of pop.
- Four Questions: “How are you still single?”
Moncrieff discusses the past weekend and the upcoming week using a four-question format: What delighted, what annoyed, what was learned, and what is anticipated. Seán is joined by Doireann O’Connor and Kalle Ryan.
- What is ‘petro-masculinity’?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses "petro-masculinity," a gendered form of climate crisis rejection. Andrew Boyd, author and activist, joins Seán to explain how it manifests.
- The extraordinary life of boxer Dan Donnelly
Historian Donal Fallon joins Seán on Moncrieff to discuss the extraordinary life of legendary bare-knuckle boxer Dan Donnelly. A special event celebrating his life will be held at the National Stadium on May 9th.
- What is the downside to modular garden homes?
This episode of Moncrieff discusses the potential downsides of modular housing units in gardens. Seán and Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing at TU Dublin, explore the implications of this government decision.
- Has jazz become less complex?
A study indicates jazz has become progressively more simplified since the 1960s. This episode discusses how to define complexity in music and the validity of this claim with pianist, composer, and arranger Cormac McCarthy, joining Seán.
- Sony makes an AI table tennis robot - is the sport in trouble?
Sony has developed an AI robot that plays competitive table tennis. This episode features a discussion with David McNally, CEO of Table Tennis Ireland, about the implications for the sport.
- Lego in space sets a new world record!
A Lego figure was sent into space, setting a new Guinness World Record. Dr. Chris Rose of Sent Into Space explains the process.
- Seahorses in Ireland - and why we need to protect them
Kealan Doyle discusses seahorses in Ireland, their habitats, and the threats to their survival. He is the founder of Save Our Seahorses and Seahorse Aquariums Red Cow.
- 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 provide details.
- Holidays in North Korea
Damon Albarn takes his daughter on holidays to North Korea. Shane Horan, an Irish tour operator and photographer, joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss visiting North Korea as a tourist.