Moncrieff

The search for missing Malaysian Airline flight resumes

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The search for Malaysian Airline MH370 has resumed over a decade since it disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 2014…Joining Seán to discus...

What working on Countdown is like!

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the biggest shakeup in 3 years on Channel 4’s Countdown, Mathematician Tom Crawford is currently filling in for Rachel Riley as the show’s math...

Why ‘walking pads’ are becoming a trend

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you bought yourself a walking pad?Rather than head out for a walk on a dark winter’s evening, it seems that people are snapping up stationary t...

How ‘The Apprentice’ almost didn’t happen

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday night (early Monday morning Irish time).One person who will be in attendance is Ruth Treacy, a Produ...

First human with a Neuralink speaks on his experience

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Telekinesis has been a staple of mythology, fantasy and science fiction probably for as long as human beings have been telling such stories, but it’...

How to charge your phone properly

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever worry that you’re not charging your phone properly? Is it really not a good idea to charge to 100%?Joining Seán to debunk the myths and to off...

Dealing with menopause at 34

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It took Seán’s guest a long time to figure out why she was struggling with pain. Eventually, she discovered that she had entered menopause early, a...

What does it mean to be a Blasket Island caretaker?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A newlywed couple has landed the much-coveted position of caretaker to the Great Blasket Island. But, how will they cope without electricity and what ...

The struggles of parenting with ADHD

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Being a parent can be overwhelming, chaotic and challenging, but if you’ve got ADHD - then the chances are that staying on top of things can feel ev...

Does Europe need its own nuclear deterrent?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s clear for all to see that a major rupture now exists between the USA and Europe in relation to mutual security.So, with the US backing away fro...

Is there a ‘female tax’? - Henry McKean Asks

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Writing in today’s Irish Times, Sarah Moss wants to know why she has to pay over €50 for a simple haircut, when her friend could do it in 5 minute...

The history behind shredding

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Department of Public Expenditure is currently welcoming tenders from service providers for a four year shredding contract. The seven million euro ...

Are donkeys portrayed accurately in film?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From ‘Aesop’s Fables’ to ‘Shrek’ and the ‘Banshees of Inisherin’, donkeys have often been represented in popular media, but has their re...

The importance of a good speech

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The idea of winning an award like an Oscar for acting is seen by some as a futile attempt to turn art into sport.Some people have argued that comparin...

Mark McCabe on ‘Manic 2000’ turning 25!

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard to believe it now, but Mark McCabe’s ‘Maniac’ turns 25 this year.So, let’s wind back the clock!Joining Seán to look back is Mark ...

The psychology behind lying

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have been hearing a lot about ‘untruths’, but is an ‘untruth’ just the same as a lie?Do we have a hard time admitting to lying, and how doe...

How gross is your kitchen sponge?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just how gross and disgusting is your kitchen sponge?And is your kitchen sink actually dirtier than your toilet seat?Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate ...

What is ‘Platonic Co-Parenting’?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seán’s guest has written a new book about pursuing her life as a committed singleton, and how this led to her having a baby with a gay man, whom sh...

Will renting out allotments work for farmers?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teagasc is recommending that farmers diversify by renting our parcels of their land as allotments to the local community. But, is this a pragmatic ide...

Is it okay for kids to cry in public? - Henry McKean Asks

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it’s a public space - or even a wedding - when a child cries in public, it’s hard to deny that it’s annoying! So, what should be done wh...

The ‘Matrilocal’ Celtic Societies

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may have heard of the female ruler in Celtic Britain, Boudicca, who fought a rebellion against the invading Roman Empire.To the Romans, and perhap...

Spilling the Murdoch family secrets!

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a family in control of one of the most powerful media empires in the world, there has long been a fascination with the Murdochs. But, as Rupert Mur...

When your husband decides to become a cyborg

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Susanna Cappellaro was having a tough year in 2016. Having acted in films by Tim Burton and Peter Strickland, work had somewhat dried up.It was a time...

Why is there a fight over the James Bond trademark?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There hasn’t been a new James Bond movie since 2021, and with no sign of a replacement to Daniel Craig being announced anytime soon, the franchise s...

Is there political apathy towards transgender people?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has made his opinions on trans issues very clear through a number of executive orders designed to combat what he calls “gender ideology...

Are Gen Z giving up on capital letters?

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With singers such as Billie Eilish and products targeted at young people increasingly using exclusively lowercase letters, are Gen Z giving up on capi...

Are airships on the way back?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With more and more attention on the negative environmental impacts of airplane travel, is it time to bring back the blimp?Joining guest host Tom Dunne...

New record for the world’s longest storytelling session!

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Dunne’s guest has recently returned from participating at the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival 2025, in which she and her fellow st...

Ireland’s first pet dialysis machine! How does it work?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland's first pet blood dialysis machine is currently being set up, but now the vets behind the project are looking for dogs and cats to donate bloo...

Are career breaks a good system?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you planning a career break, or would you love the opportunity to take time away from your job, knowing that you have one to go back to?The career...

What American summers in the 1980’s were like

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do you remember about your childhood summer holidays?Writer Emer Roche spent her Summers with her grandparents in the Hamptons every year, a far ...

Why are Irish and British funerals so different?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Ireland, we are used to a very quick turnaround between the death of a loved one and their funeral. However, people in the UK have a much longer pr...

What are ‘carbon negative’ foods?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are probably many of you out there who have reduced our meat consumption in recent years to try to achieve a more carbon neutral lifestyle.But, ...

Is it possible to live plastic-free?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that plastic is a bit of a plague on the environment, and we all know we should be cutting it out if at all possible…But, is that someth...

Can retinol damage your skin?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retinol is the new buzz word in skin care, with many people influenced to add it as a daily step in their skincare routine, but what exactly is retino...

Father Ted turns 30 - behind the scenes stories

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Father Ted marks its 30th anniversary, guest host Tom Dunne is joined by a woman who has a unique insight into what went on behind the scenes of th...

Could AI replace relationships?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the weekend, a lot of you would have been out wining and dining, and hopefully having a great time with your significant other, but in the age of...

The popularity of children's books ahead of Ireland Reads Day

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are all encouraged to try and pick up a book this month, and in particular this week, as Saturday is Ireland Read's Day.Last year, Children's books...

Is coddle actually good?

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Disgusting or delicious? The Dublin dish coddle has been dividing opinions for decades...But, what makes the perfect coddle, and what ingredients are ...

How the same word can mean different things in Ireland

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The word ‘now’ is something that is both a statement and a weapon in Ireland. It’s the mark of satisfaction, a warning, and sometimes even a tim...

One in five species in Ireland are at risk of extinction

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you think of endangered species, your first thought may be of the Red Panda or an exotic animal, but in fact, in Ireland - one in five species ar...

Mitigating the negative effects of conspiracy theories

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic we’re all aware of the negative impacts conspiracy theories can have on a global level…But, they can also b...

When should you celebrate your anniversary? - Henry McKean Asks

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When should you celebrate your anniversary? Should it be the first time you met? The first date? The first time you are going steady? The engagement o...

Pinball is on the rise in Dublin!

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not since ‘Tommy the Musical’ by The Who has there been such an interest in pinball in Ireland. Now that things have settled down after the Irish ...

Is international justice actually possible?

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are a number of world figures with international arrest warrants - but what are the actual odds of Putin or Netenyahu going to court? Is interna...

Celebrating language diversity in Ireland

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to the CSO, at least 72 different languages are spoken in Ireland - the Mother Tongues Festival intends to celebrate that!Taking place on th...

Gen Z are driving demand for big knickers - why?

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Underwear outlets are reporting an explosion in demand for big knickers, and not just because Bridged Jones is back this week. So, what is driving all...

Dealing with mental health problems in prison

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People with mental illnesses are more likely to be in prison, and for vulnerable adults, spending time in jail does not help them and costs the taxpay...

The search for Ireland’s first talking picture

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Long before ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ or even ‘The Quiet Man’, the American movie industry came to Ireland to make a film.‘Sweet Inniscarra’ was...

Study finds that cockatoos flavour their food!

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new study in Austria shows that cockatoos are among the only known animals to flavour their food.Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Alice Auersperg, Co...

What is the ‘8am club’?

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel the pressure to get up at 5am and be productive?The people who get up early in the morning have for many years been hailed as the successf...

What does a national tree strategy look like?

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice called for a tree-free corridor of 35m from transmission lines in forests and 30m on roads.But with...

How you can save for an early retirement

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retiring early is a dream for many - but to do so requires a lot of sacrifices.Michael Houghton decided to make those drastic changes, and is now look...

Rescued first edition of Harry Potter sells big at auction

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A chance encounter with a famous novel that was missing a letter has led to a sizable auction sale…Joining Seán to discuss is Daniel Pearce from NL...

The real life ‘50 First Dates’ story

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do if you couldn’t remember your partner or how you fell in love?Canadian Nesh Pillay and her other half, JJ, have been dubbed the re...

Do you keep a diary? Should you?

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the way technology is now, have we lost the art of diary keeping? Do you still write in one? Bridget Jones is one character whose dedication to h...

The story behind Ireland’s first Michelin Star

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Later today, Ireland might have its first ever three Michelin Star restaurant, with Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen rumoured to be in line for the acc...

What is the best hotel in Dublin?

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seán’s guest is a hotel reviewer and stayed overnight in 40 hotels across Ireland’s capital last year. She is writing about her conclusions in to...

Performers queue up to audition for Disneyland roles

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 150 people are auditioning to work at Disneyland Paris in Dublin today.Singers, dancers, and all-round performers are competing in the hope ...

Would you sleep in a human-sized dog bed?

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a dog owner, you may be used to your pet sneaking into your bed…But, what if you reversed things and slept in the dog bed instead?There i...

The story of the woman who fooled the world

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just over ten years ago, an Australian called Belle Gibson developed a wellness empire, largely built on the idea that she had managed to cure her own...

Artist to install house in the sea in Wexford

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An artist has come up with a unique concept to draw attention to environmental concerns in Wexford, with a plan to install an actual life-sized house ...

Why you should stop getting notifications

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you constantly being bombarded by notifications and is your phone lighting up every few minutes with messages?Author and Journalist Sophie White t...

Dubai Chocolate goes viral - what’s the appeal?

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have been on social media lately you may have seen people snapping an odd chocolate bar in half with a green goo oozing out of it.This is Dubai...

Why does Gen Z love tarot cards?

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tarot card reading was once a pastime of Renaissance Italy aristocrats. But now,  Gen Z are seeking guidance with social media driving an increas...

Local councils are trying to combat hoarding

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hoarding is a disorder classified as difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions, and it was made famous by various reality shows covering it...

Could 3D printing solve the housing crisis?

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could 3D Printing be the solution to our housing crisis?Tonight, three families in Dundalk will be sleeping in their new homes which have been made wi...

The story behind this viral stick page

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may have childhood memories of picking up sticks, maybe because they looked strange, or because they doubled as a sword!Well, a page on Instagram ...

What is the true definition for anti-semitism?

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the Taoiseach announcing that Ireland will adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, what does this mean, and will it cause problems?Joining Seá...

Buffy is set to return! Remember when it used Gaeilge?

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the news that Buffy the Vampire Slayer is making a return to our screens, we’ve been taking a deep dive into the archive to re-examine a famous...

Do we wash our clothes too much?

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are we washing our clothes too much?Well, according to the French, it's time to step away from the washing machine and let our smelly clothes breathe....

Knowing when to stop driving

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may have a parent, or elderly loved one whose driving may have become problematic…But, why do some elderly find it so hard when it comes to givi...

What a ‘mummy makeover’ is really like

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The term ‘mummy makeover’ is something that gets a lot of bad press...But, what does having a tummy tuck and breast reduction really involve?Dr La...

Using AI to write a book about yourself

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seán's guest was given a book as a gift - and to her surprise, it was seemingly written by AI, and about her!What's worrying to most authors, however...

What is a dog chaperone?

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your wedding is a day you’ll never forget, and now, many couples are including their beloved pets as part of their big day.But, how do you make sure...

The money questions couples need to ask

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How often do you and your other half talk about money?Finances can make or break a couple – from savings to secret accounts…So, what are the big q...

New school shooting game aims to educate

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There has been a long running debate over whether video games influence people in such a way that they can be a root cause of horrific acts like schoo...

The Joy of ‘Micro Pettiness’ - Henry McKean Reports

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

'Micro pettiness' are small acts of revenge that the affected part might not even notice. Do you have these tiny bits of revenge? Or are you a victim ...

Movies & Booze

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seán was joined on this weeks Movies & Booze by Fionnuala Jones, Chris Wasser & Michelle Lawlor

What is Boomerasking

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The conversational phenomenon of ‘boomerasking’ has now become such an irritating characteristic that the Wall Street Journal has issued a plea fo...

Trashy Divorces

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It was quite the display of tech bros and political pals at Trump’s inauguration between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. We’re diving into Trump and his...

The Science of Racism

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Social psychologist at University College London and author of The Science of Racism: Everything you need to know but probably don't - yet Keon West s...

Gym Etiquette

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean brings us the dos and don't of gym etiquette and tells how Pat Henry is closing his gym after 40 years.

Dr. Strangelove Stage Adaptation

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The world’s first stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s timeless classic Dr. Strangelove will make its Irish debut at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatr...

The Irish perspective of the Norman Invasion

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people would have learned about the Norman Invasion of Ireland back at the end of primary school, or the start of secondary school.So, the detail...

What life with no nose is like

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vasculitis is a rare condition that constricts blood vessels and can lead to loss of function or degeneration of certain parts of the body.In the case...

Why is ‘The Great Wave’ so iconic?

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ remains one of the most iconic and mass-produced images in the world, from its original printing almost 200 years ag...

Can employers fire you over your social media?

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could you end up losing your job over something you post on social media?The answer appears to be yes... and now, employers are entitled to step in wh...

Study finds shorter life expectancy for those with ADHD

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A major new study examines the life expectancy of people with ADHD and the results are startling…Seán is joined by Josh Stott, Professor of Ageing ...

Downsizing to control your finances

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever thought about downsizing?One Dublin family decided to get serious about their finances and move out of the five bedroom home they were r...

The fascinating story behind WW2’s bear soldier

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re a World War 2 aficionado you might be aware of the famous Polish victory at the battle of Monte Cassino.What you may not know is that the ...

New ‘Mr Leather’ announced in Dublin ceremony

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past weekend, the leather community gathered in Dublin for their annual weekend of festivities, culminating in the crowning of Mr Dublin Leat...

Dealing with ‘fertility desperation’

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In her new book ‘Dare I Say It’, actor Naomi Watts writes about her fertility struggles, and how at one point she would have eaten her dog's toena...

Why do political differences lead to outrage?

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On a fundamental level most of us would have a similar sense of what’s right and wrong, what’s good and bad.We view murder as wrong, we don’t ra...

Why do Gen Z hate phone calls?

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whatever happened to the phone call?Those of us over 40 probably have a vague memory of it being a thing but for the most part it’s a practice that ...

Nepalese government announce price-hike for Everest

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Nepalese government has announced that it is going to sharply increase the fee to climb Mount Everest for the first time in a decade. But, will th...

Chinese AI model plans to compete with America

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There has been increasing chat recently about an emerging Chinese AI portal called DeepSeek. But, how has it managed to develop in spite of huge chip ...

What is the cost of cancer?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A cancer diagnosis is life changing, but for many families affected by cancer, the financial toll of treatment is something to consider... Just as you...

What is ‘bed rotting’?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the weather as wild and unpredictable as it is between Storm Éowyn and Storm Herminia, there may be no better time to embrace a day pottering......

Could we see a third term for Trump?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Between 1933 and 1945, Franklin Delano Roosevelt served an unprecedented four terms as US President.The backdrop to this was, of course, the spectre o...