Moncrieff
Episodes
What’s behind recent concert injuries?
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With both Chris Martin from Coldplay and Olivia Rodrigo both falling through the stage in recent weeks, what is causing a spate of mishaps in live tou...
What is visiting Antarctica like?
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Visiting Antarctica is something that not many people get to experience, but when Seán’s guest got the opportunity to do so, she was intrigued by t...
The biggest food faux pas
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a new survey, things such as double dipping and leaving dishes in the sink overnight are some of people's pet peeves in the kitchen.Joining Seán t...
Should we boo ‘God Save the King’?
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The FAI has been fined €10,000 after fans booed ‘God Save the King’ before Ireland’s Nations League match against England at the Aviva Stadium...
Smart home devices are spying on you - should you care?
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new survey from Which? Magazine shows that some smart home devices are engaged in excessive surveillance, but should you be worried? Joining Se...
Dublin Bus drivers tired of being controlled
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dublin Bus drivers and Dublin Bus are not getting along at the moment. Drivers often find themselves ahead of schedule, and are told to pull over and ...
Man builds world’s smallest home!
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A man in West Virginia is now seeking Guinness World Record recognition for having built what he believes is the world’s tiniest home. But, just how...
What is the ‘Knitting Map’?
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An enormous piece of knitting, measuring the size of a tennis court, was first woven almost 20 years ago by women in Cork. Now this giant fabric has f...
100th anniversary of the Boundary Commission
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Boundary Commission, set up to determine exactly where the border should lie between...
Making paintings with boxing gloves
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Paint Punch is a unique community-focused, youth arts programme started in Limerick which has seen young people create impressive works of art by punc...
Why AI customer service can be a nightmare
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While AI can be useful in many ways, is there anything worse than having a goods or services issue, and being faced with the dreaded virtual customer ...
Man creates art of the Beatles using only screws!
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A British artist has used tens of thousands of screws to create a striking portrait of the Beatles. But how did he do it?Joining Seán to discuss is t...
Children want to spend less time on phones - but can’t
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Phones have become so pervasive in society that children are now wanting to spend less time on them, but are unsure of how to do that.Joining Seán to...
Would Donald Trump end the Paris Agreement again?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If Donald Trump wins the presidency tomorrow, could he take the US out of the Paris Agreement for a second time, and if so, what effect would this hav...
Why Éamon De Valera became a Native American Chieftain
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The American-born Irish statesman and political leader Éamon De Valera is known for many things, not least his important role in the 1916 rising.Howe...
When do we become grumpy? - Henry McKean Asks
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has been described as a ‘grumpy old man’ in off-the-record briefings from Fine Gael. Is this a fair thing to c...
Testing the ‘Infinite Monkey Theorem’
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ‘Infinite Monkey Theorem’ holds that a randomly typing primate would eventually write out the complete works of Shakespeare, but now a scienti...
The biggest words of the year
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of year again, where Collin’s English Dictionary picks their word of the year.And (pretend to be surprised!), this year's winner is...
Why we should ‘tell the bees’
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When big events happen in our lives, it’s natural that we tell the people closest to us.However, what if those closest to us aren’t human? The tra...
Are you wearing the wrong shoe size?
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More than one in three adults aren’t wearing the right size shoes, according to a study in the UK.The research also found 28 per cent of people were...
How to test wine in a restaurant
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Often in a restaurant, diners will find themselves being asked to taste the wine before the full pour takes place. While this can be intimidating for ...
What is EFT - and how does it work?
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, journalist Naula Woulfe wrote a piece in the Irish Independent about how she used EFT to kick the habit of biting her nails, which she had ...
What is happening in Sudan?
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sudan now represents the largest displacement crisis in the world with more than 11 million people internally displaced and almost 3.2 million people ...
50th anniversary of Ireland Vs the USSR
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was 50 years ago today that the USSR football team came in from the cold and played Ireland in a historic showdown at Dalymount Park.Joining Seán ...
How to carve pumpkins like a pro!
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For over 15 years, Dublin man Mark McNamara has turned pumpkin carving into a true art form, creating one-of-a-kind designs that have captured the att...
Is reincarnation actually real?
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new podcast explores the extraordinary story of John Pollock, a British man who became convinced that his twin daughters were reincarnated from prev...
Are we in a golden age of airplane food?
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a good meal on an airplane? Whether or not you have, apparently, we may be in a golden age for it!To discuss, Seán is joined by Mel...
How sitting can cause erectile dysfunction
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here’s a health tip that might make you shift in your seat. Did you know that hours of slouching at your desk can impact more than just your posture...
Could a 3rd party candidate decide the US election?
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With just a week to go before Election Day, the race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump is neck-and-neck. But, in a contest th...
What is rudeness? - Henry McKean Asks
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When are we being rude? Does rudeness have a particular scale, or does it depend on how sensitive someone is to that rudeness?Newstalk’s Henry McKea...
Getting the most out of your petrol tank
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been too lazy to pull into a petrol station, or wondered how long you actually have in the tank?Well, apparently there are some hacks th...
Is it hard to say ‘I love you’?
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do the words "I love you" really mean? For some, they come easily, shaped by a childhood of open affection; for others, they’re harder to say, ...
Keith Barry on his hypnotic new book!
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A world-renowned mentalist, entertainer and subconscious mind specialist, Keith Barry needs no introductions. In his new book ‘Sleep Hacks', he...
Could we see drone deliveries soon?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dublin City Council has already been using drones for the last five years, but soon, unmanned drones could be perched on rooftops across Dublin ready ...
Translating Taylor Swift’s songs into Irish
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As part of this year’s IMRAM Irish-Language Literature festival, one particular event seeks to translate songs from two of Taylor Swift’s pandemic...
What impact does a marathon have on your body?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over 20,000 people will take part in the Dublin Marathon this weekend, with some achieving a lifelong goal to do it.While it’s a huge achievement, w...
New investigation into the dark money of Opus Dei
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new investigation into the financial activities of Opus Dei shines a light on an organisation which has traditionally operated in the shadows…Join...
How was a new Bram Stoker story discovered?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A story written by Bram Stoker in the 1890s will feature at this weekend’s Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival. But, how exactly did it come to...
Can a criminal run for election?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Controversy is brewing as Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, a notorious figure in Irish crime, is considering running as an independent candidate in Dublin Cent...
How autism assistance dogs are trained
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, the latest set of autism assistance dogs graduated from their training school.These dogs can prove essential in so many aspects of the auti...
What makes Excel so special?
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When Bill Gates set his coders to work on Microsoft Excel, his ambition was to woo the world’s accountants.40 years on, and it’s now being used fo...
How electroconvulsive therapy helps depression
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A headset, which zaps the brains of people suffering from depression, was able to improve symptoms in over 64% of the patients involved in the trial.T...
How much money should you be saving?
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A recent survey by Capital Credit Union reveals that one in ten Irish adults have no savings, while 65% have less than €5,000 set aside for emergenc...
The life of a tour photographer
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might love looking at pictures of your favourite artists performing on stage, but did you ever wonder what it’s like to be the person behind the...
Campaign to get PGI status for boxty
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Boxty is an Irish potato favourite, but a campaign is gathering speed to secure Protected Geographical Indication status for its home in the northwest...
Watching TV together: a lost experience?
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While communal television viewing was part and parcel of several generations of Irish children, the same cannot be said of today, where streaming, the...
How to properly talk to someone with a stutter
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tomorrow marks International Stuttering Awareness Day. It is believed that about 50,000 people in Ireland currently have a stutter, but is there a rig...
Residents of Wexford coast fighting erosion
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The people of Seaview near Kilmore in Wexford have been watching the coast encroach on their homes over the past five years.They’ve been allocated o...
Why do sick people come into the office?
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the experiences of a global pandemic, many people continue to insist on coming into the office when they’re sick. So, is this a valiant and ...
Do you like being alone? - Henry McKean Asks
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Britney Spears has announced that she's married again... to herself. The singer posted a video on social media wearing a white dress and veil, while c...
Is the Victoria Secret Fashion Show necessary?
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a six-year hiatus, the Victoria Secret Fashion show returned this week.It has faced massive controversy in the past for glamourising weight loss...
What are the worst driving habits?
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to a new survey, aggressive car beeping has become more common, as well as offensive hand gestures and giving out, but why is this? And what...
Emu is raised by chicken named Nugget in ‘Birdworld’
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over in the UK, an emu that was abandoned by her parents has been raised by a chicken, named Nugget. But, how does that work?Joining Seán to discuss ...
Mick Barry breaks rules by bringing prop into Dáil chamber
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this week, the TD Mick Barry produced a bottle of tap water in the Dáil chamber in order to support an argument he was making. But, what exac...
How to calm your pets during fireworks
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many pet owners get concerned at this time of the year about what is the best way to shield their dogs from exploding fireworks. One expert believes t...
Controversy takes over the world of conkers
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The world of competitive conkers erupted in controversy after questions were raised about the integrity of a conker belonging to the winner of the ann...
How hard is it to have a ‘bromance’? - Henry McKean Asks
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Writing in the Irish Examiner, Bernard O’Shea claims that bromances are “tighter than your jeans after Christmas dinner”. How true is this? And ...
Using ‘Baby Loss Photography’ to remember
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week is Baby Loss Awareness week.One charity is paving the way for families to remember their babies through the gift of photography.Joining Seá...
North Korea destroys roads to the South
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a significant escalation of tensions between North and South Korea, some of the historic roads that used to connect the two parts of the country, d...
How to properly do CPR
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today is World Restart a Heart Day.Figures show that well over 200 lives were saved last year because someone started CPR.So, joining Seán to discuss...
Hugs: quality over quantity?
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While many people will describe themselves as huggers, is the quality of a hug more important than the hug itself?Céire Sadlier, a contributor to the...
How often should you clean the kettle?
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You probably never give a second thought to cleaning our kettle.Boiling water kills all the bacteria anyway, right? Well, apparently not!Joining Seán...
Empty Dutch prisons are becoming cinemas
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Dutch prison population has fallen by more than 40% recently, to the point where they are closing some facilities down as prisons, and turning the...
Three-armed robot conductor leads concert!
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A world first took place recently as a three-armed robot conductor carried out its duties at a special classical music concert in Germany.Joining Seá...
Why midwives should be celebrated
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An exhibition celebrating the contribution of community midwives in early 20th century Ireland has opened at the Museum of Country Life in Co Mayo.&nb...
What life is like for an Irishman in Israel
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may take it for granted that Ireland's news media is able to portray the horrors taking place in Gaza, but that is certainly not the case in Israe...
Should you eat burgers with a knife and fork?
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An ex-butler to King Charles has caused consternation by suggesting that a burger should be eaten using a knife and fork. But, what exactly is the cor...
Nadia Adan’s incredible success story
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest came to Ireland from Somalia at just seven years old with nothing but clothes on her back.Two decades later, she owns Ashford Motors, ...
What is ‘past-life regression’ therapy?
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever struggled to get over an ex? Well, there may be an option for you: past-life regression therapy, an intriguing method some believe revea...
The art of storytelling
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pop superstar Kylie Minogue was chosen to read the CBeebies Bedtime Story, which will air on Friday night.It might make you think of the art of story ...
What are the hardest Irish names to pronounce?
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A recent study in the UK found that people there had the greatest difficulty in pronouncing certain Irish names. Apparently, the hardest name of ...
American Vs Irish Humour - Henry McKean Reports
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the 50th anniversary of American comedy show Saturday Night Live ongoing, there must be something to it to stay on the air for so long. So, when ...
Latest Loch Ness sighting - is it real?
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stories and sightings of the Loch Ness monster have been around for hundreds of years, but the latest contact may prove that it does in fact exist…L...
Hit show ‘The Traitors’ to get Irish version
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An Irish adaptation of the global hit reality competition series, ‘The Traitors’ will soon be hitting our screens. Casting has now opened for the ...
What makes the perfect face?
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to a UK-based plastic surgeon using the ancient Greek ‘Golden Ratio of Beauty’, the world’s most handsome men have been ranked. Toppin...
What is the best type of curry?
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spice lovers rejoice: it’s National Curry Week! Whether you like it hot or shy away from spice, there’s an option for you.Chef and Founder of Gree...
Is having good posture that important?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A poll of 2,000 adults found that 6 in 10 office workers blame their bad posture on tech gadgets.In this modern world, the sedentary lifestyle doesn’...
What is ‘slow travel’?
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When we visit a new place, we can often become consumed with seeing all it has to offer. But, do we really stop to soak up the culture, experience the...
Wimbledon umpires to be replaced by AI
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hundreds of umpires are set to be out of a job. It follows a decision by Wimbledon to replace them with new AI technology. Seán is jo...
The history of Italian chippers in Ireland
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard to walk down a main street in Ireland without seeing an Italian chipper. They are a staple of Irish culture. But, did you know that t...
Is twin telepathy real?
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Twins often say that they can read each other's minds, or can sense when the other is in danger. However, is there any real scientific evidence to bac...
What is the meaning of art?
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A Dutch museum has recovered an artwork that looks like two empty beer cans, after a staff member accidentally threw it in the rubbish bin thinking it...
Meet Ireland’s only mink-detection dog
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some sniffer dogs uncover drugs, and others recover missing people, but Lorg - a three-year-old labrador retriever, is Ireland’s only mink-detection...
Does Google have an ‘illegal monopoly’?
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
US officials have confirmed they are considering breaking up Google's "illegal monopoly" of internet searches.Joining Seán to discuss the implication...
Life after the Irish Defence Forces
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For many in the Defence Forces, their job is a vocation.They live a life less ordinary than most, yet one of order, discipline and battle. This type o...
What does it mean to be a ‘stoic’?
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Holiday will be speaking in the Dublin Convention Centre on a philosophy that is over two and a half thousand years old: stoicism. But, what exac...
Shane McGowan mural unveiled in Tipperary
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A mural of the late Shane McGowan was revealed in Tipperary over the weekend. Mural Artist, Neil O’Dwyer, is behind the new piece, and Seán to disc...
First Mormon Temple to open in Ireland
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The first Mormon Temple in Ireland has been given the green light for construction following an announcement by the leader of the Church of Jesus Chri...
How to acknowledge disappointment
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From an early age, we are told to be positive and look on the bright side of life.After all, with all the hunger and suffering in the world we should ...
31-year-old treasure hunt comes to an end
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
‘On The Trail Of The Golden Owl’, a book of riddles published in 1993, contained 11 clues, and a hidden 12th one - leading treasure hunters to sea...
The problem with potholes
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A survey in the UK has found that AA was called out to almost half a million breakdowns caused by potholes in the first nine months of this year…So,...
Are solar farms viable now?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael O’Leary has invested just over €140,000 installing solar panels and 90kW of batteries at his 2,000-acre home in Gigginstown, Co. Westmeath...
Should animals have political representation?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This Thursday, a Philosopher named Pablo Fernandez will give a talk in Trinity College about how animals should be given a voice through elected repre...
How do earworms actually work?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kristen Bell has apologised to parents for getting ‘Let It Go’ from ‘Frozen’ “stuck in their head”.It is one of the most popular earworms ...
Is maximalism making a comeback?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whitewashed walls and grey couches could soon be a thing of the past.Pink walls and green curtains are making a comeback. According to the experts, ma...
Is there an afterlife? - Henry McKean Asks
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Actor Al Pacino recently revealed that he was so sick with covid in 2020, that his pulse stopped for multiple minutes. When he was revived, he didn’...
What it’s like flying the UK’s first electric airplane
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While most vehicles, from cars to buses, are progressively going electric, one area remains sluggish to change: airplanes. Seán’s guest did a test ...
100,000 undiscovered plant species still left - how?
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new botanical study has suggested there are still over 100,000 undiscovered plant species in the world, mostly concentrated in so-called ‘dark spo...
Celebrating 20 years of Desperate Housewives!
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
20 years ago this week, Desperate Housewives premiered on ABC in America.It went on to become the number 1 TV show in the USA, and lasted for 8 season...
The most obscure potato recipes to try
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s National Potato Day! Joining Seán to talk about the most obscure things you can do with this country’s prized vegetable is Chef Jack O’Kee...