Moncrieff

How to sniff out BS in an interview

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We often hear that confidence is the key to success. That said, is there a danger of hiring a confident but incompetent employee?So, how do we sniff o...

How to cope with house spiders

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, it’s that time of the year when an assortment of house spiders can be found in our homes. But, is there anything that can be done to keep them ...

Could you own an extremely valuable comic?

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The highest-graded copy of “Fantastic Four #1” ever offered by Heritage Auctions is expected to fetch seven figures when it goes under the hammer ...

The crisis in the hurley-making business

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is a crisis in the hurley-making business as Ash Dieback Disease continues to ravage trees around the country. But, how will the annual demand f...

What weird things have you seen on public transport? - Henry McKean Asks

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Coogan has been writing about shocking behaviour on London’s tube in today’s Irish Independent, but how does it compare to public transport h...

What are some nostalgic foods? - Henry McKean Asks

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Angel Delight is the food most likely to remind people of their childhood, according to a new survey. With Mr. Whippy came second, followed by jelly a...

Lab grown foie gras is pushing for EU approval

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The first application for EU market access for a lab grown meat has been made, and it’s foie gras, the controversial paté that divides consumers. B...

Parenting: My 3 year old has started cursing

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune joins Seán Moncrieff to answer your parenting questions…

How common are psychopaths?

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The terms psychopath and psycho are often thrown around.  We imagine a psychopath to be like the serial killers that we see in movies. ...

How building a pond can increase biodiversity

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ponds are the new wildflower meadow, they are all the rage for boosting biodiversity. One farmer in Co. Roscommon has become so enamoured with them th...

Should we take life advice from centenarians?

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Less than two weeks ago, the world’s oldest person died. The Spanish woman Maria Branyas Morera lived until the extraordinary age of 117. She put he...

How social media influences politics

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably heard of Kamala Harris’ Brat Summer and Simon’s Harris’ ability to jump on TikTok trends.But, how important is social media in...

Is ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’ so bad?

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Empty nest syndrome is a term thrown around when people suddenly find themselves in an empty home because their children have moved out.  Ho...

What are the ‘Gravy Wrestling Championships’?

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hundreds of revellers descended on a pub in England for the annual Gravy Wrestling Championships yesterday. But, how does this unusual sport work?Join...

Why are the younger generations worse at typing?

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The number of students learning how to touch type is decreasing with the rise in other devices such as smartphones and tablets.  However, co...

Dublin to get ‘continuous footpaths’ - what are they?

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dublin City Council has announced the roll out of continuous footpaths around the capital. But, what exactly are these, and how do they work? Joi...

Is sibling rivalry actually a thing?

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oasis have announced a reunion tour - after having been split apart for so long. This is chalked up to sibling rivalry, but is that really a thing, an...

Would you eat olive oil ice cream?

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Popstar Dua Lipa has said that she wants to make her own flavour of ice cream: olive oil and seasalt! Is that as gross as it might sound? Or could it ...

Are wind turbines actually ugly?

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are a number of active campaigns around Ireland that are lobbying against wind farms due to their supposed aesthetic deficiencies. But, do we ne...

Sicily to ban mafia souvenirs

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sicily is famous for many things, its beautiful scenery, its rich food culture and  beautiful vineyards. It’s also known for being the home of ...

Is our bad weather actually a good thing?

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Another summer is drawing to a close, and the sun has barely made an appearance. The cooler weather, it seems, is here to stay in Ireland, but, w...

30 years of the widget - that little ball in Guinness

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This year marks the 30th anniversary of when the widget, that little plastic ball in cans of Guinness, won the Queen's Award for Technological Achieve...

The pros and cons of choosing a modular home

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the housing crisis continues, some listeners might consider the idea of investing in a modular home. But, what exactly is this, and will it save yo...

What would make school better? - Henry McKean Asks

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What would you add or change to a school curriculum? A group of science bodies say "essential experiences" will reduce inequalities in subjects like s...

The worst mistakes wedding guests can make

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know the tradition of not wearing white to a wedding, but in the Irish Times today Emer McLysaght writes that black is also best avoided, because a...

120 year old postcard finally delivered!

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A postcard that was sent over 120 years ago was finally delivered a few days ago, but not to its intended recipient. This was an extraordinary and unl...

What makes a good plot twist?

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Who doesn’t love a good plot twist? That jaw-dropping moment when a movie pulls the rug out from under you. But, here’s the thing, while a great t...

Is it safe to drink ‘raw milk’?

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is a new trend that's stirring up quite the controversy: raw milk. It's gaining popularity across the globe, with even superstar striker Erling ...

New platform launched to report sexual harassment

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While it is well known that many incidents of sexual harassment go unreported, a new platform aims to make it easier for women to log their experience...

The trouble with the gun emoji

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Elon Musk, the owner of X [formerly Twitter] has announced that he is bucking the trend and switching the gun emoji on his platform from a water pisto...

Why do we love fast food?

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

McDonald's is set to open 200 new outlets in Ireland and the UK over next four years, and the American chain Wendy's has announced that it’s opening...

How mountain rescue dogs do their jobs

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what kind of work goes behind handling and training a mountain rescue dog? It’s an incredibly important role our canine frien...

What do Americans think of Ireland? - Henry McKean Asks

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on, many Americans are visiting Ireland for the first time - some with roots in the country, others witho...

Are trigger warnings always necessary?

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In an age where we’re more conscious than ever about mental health and well-being, trigger warnings have become a common practice in schools, media,...

Are you punching above your weight in your relationship?

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s be honest, ‘punching above your weight’ is something that can lead to a lot of teasing, a few raised eyebrows, and some good-natured ribbi...

How are antiques valued?

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what makes that old vase in your attic worth a fortune, or just a few euros? Well, it's not only about age, there's an art to valuing an...

How to stop your pet cat from killing birds

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As cats are natural predators, it can be hard for some owners to stop them from torturing and killing birds when they are released into the garden. Bu...

What is ‘jig-acting’?

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We Irish are known for our way with words, but is there a danger that some of our most unique phrases might die out if we don’t preserve them? ...

Are cockroaches a problem in Ireland?

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A bar on Parnell St in Dublin was recently issued with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority after the discovery of a cockroach infestation. Li...

What is a waterspout?

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The waterspout that sank a luxury yacht followed storms that have swept through Italy in recent days, but for most people this may have been the first...

Would you go to a themed Airbnb?

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you imagine staying in a pirate ship, a vintage 50s diner, or even a cosy Hobbit hole?There’s a new trend that's taking the travel world by stor...

Proposal for Dublin’s first public lido

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While the residents of many other European cities benefit from the provision of public lidos, Dublin still lags behind. However, a campaign group aims...

Paying to work on a farm - a fun idea?

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work on a farm? Well you now can, thanks to an idea from Sinead Coffey from Hidden Hills Waterville, w...

What is ‘Dopamine Dressing’?

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever noticed how wearing your favourite outfit or a pop of colour can instantly lift your spirits? Well, there's actually some science behind...

Why are we spending so much on Champagne?

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New figures show that 2023 witnessed an all time high in sales of Champagne in Ireland, with consumers shelling out almost 19 million euro on the high...

Phoenix Cinema looking to rise from its ashes

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Phoenix Cinema, a century-old building in Dingle, is on the market for a steep price, and an advocacy group is trying to purchase the cinema in or...

Is it okay to comment on a baby bump?

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it ever okay to comment on someone’s baby bump? It’s a seemingly innocent gesture, but as one journalist found out the hard way, even the most ...

What's the best (or worst) gig you've seen? - Henry McKean Asks

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a weekend of festivals and big gigs recently. With Kylie Minogue finishing up Electric Picnic and ACDC selling out Croke Park. So, what ma...

Why we love bananas in Ireland

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is your fruit of choice? If you are thinking of a banana, you’re not alone. Because it turns out the Irish are one of the highest consumers of ...

Why are the Poolbeg Chimneys so iconic?

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Painting work on the Poolbeg Chimneys in Dublin begins this week. Having been immortalised in print, on t-shirts and even coffee mugs, why are the tow...

Where do our favourite foods come from?

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been curious about the origins of your favourite foods? While many dishes are carefully crafted by skilled chefs, some of the most belov...

Is it okay to bring a child to a festival?

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the first day of Electric Picnic, and thousands of people are flocking to Laois. However, some people are travelling with children in tow....

Do we need to solve CAPTCHAs anymore?

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s 2024 – should we still be solving CAPTCHAs? CAPTCHAs being the online tests where you agonise over a nine inch grid of images to identify tra...

Mothers teach Dublin Zoo orangutan to breastfeed

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dublin zoo enlisted the help of 30 breastfeeding mothers to help encourage a female Orangutan bond with her newborn.  To tell more about thi...

Should we be writing letters more often?

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Letter writing seems to be an art that is dying out, but is that necessarily a bad thing?Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by author and operato...

Nora-Jane Noone on returning to Galway

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nora-Jane Noone secured her breakout role in The Magdalene Sisters at 16, encouraged by her cousin to go to an open audition on the basis that she was...

Has farming been glamourised?

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been reported that legendary footballer Roy Keane plans to ditch punditry and take up farming. When asked where he sees himself in a decad...

What causes an aurora borealis?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You may have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, better known as the northern lights.  But what causes this spectac...

Converting your car into a holiday home

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the time of year when we’re all trying to cut the cost of the holiday holiday. But, have you ever considered converting your car into a ...

Who is the greatest Disney character of all time?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We all have our favourite Disney characters, and it can be a passionate subject for many. Jessica Spencer is a presenter with Spin 1038, and has ...

Is ‘Only-Child Syndrome’ real?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly half of all family households in the EU now consist of a one-child family, according to the German data company Statista. And that trend is lik...

Having conversations about death

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us don’t discuss our own death, but perhaps we should! Should we be having conversations around death and how we’d like to be remembe...

2,000 new words being added to Scrabble - why?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Modern slang words such as ‘sitch’ and ‘noobie’ are among almost 2,000 new entries in the Scrabble dictionary. In a first major update since 2...

Being left-handed in a right-handed world

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The 13th of August marks International Left-handers Day! To discuss what it’s like to be in the minority of handedness, guest host Luke O’Neill is...

What is an 'Ozempic rebound'?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Guest host Luke O'Neill was joined by Dr Eva Orsmond, Medical Doctor and Health advocate to discuss the ever-hot topic of Ozempic, and the rebound eff...

Who is ‘The Cupcake Bloke’, and why is he at EP?

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This weekend the Electric Picnic Music and Arts festival returns to Stradbally in Co. Laois, with one of the highlights being the Theatre of Food.&nbs...

The far right roots in the tradwife trend

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re an avid social media user, then it’s likely you’ve stumbled across the tradwife trend taking TikTok by storm. The trend, which has bee...

What is the ‘Smug Hair Club’?

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luke O’Neill’s guest is a member of the so-called Smug Hair Club, alongside other hirsute celebrities, such as Cillian Murphy, Brad Pitt and Georg...

Scottish woman breaks sheep shearing world record!

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luke’s next guest may not be an Olympian, but last week she achieved a feat of athleticism to rival anything accomplished at the Olympics in Paris –...

Is the lunch hour dead?

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In times gone by it was normal for Irish workers to take a fixed lunch hour, often done collectively and often accompanied by booze. Now the routine m...

What is ‘Dad TV’?

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We had Dad Jokes and Dad Dancing, but now we have a new entry to the Dad canon… Dad TV. But, what makes a show Dad-like? Joining Seán to discu...

Controversy over misplaced apostrophe in Yorkshire litter campaign

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A well intentioned anti-litter campaign has fallen foul of those who seek to preserve the Yorkshire dialect. But, how can a single apostrophe cause so...

What does ‘sex before coffee’ mean?

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

‘Sex before coffee” is the go-to cliche of Scandinavian romantic habits, but in each country, it means something different. In Iceland it lit...

75 years of George Orwell’s 1984

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is the 75th anniversary of George Orwell’s iconic book, 1984.Joining Seán to remember the story, its impact, and what we can learn from it today...

The different debs traditions across Ireland

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The debs are a rite of passage for most Irish students.  However, traditions and customs around the big night vary across the country. ...

What are the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships?

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Next month The Annual Jigsaw Puzzle World Championships kick off in Spain, with hundreds of competitors representing around 75 different countries. Bu...

Are prisons always the answer for criminals?

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With a record number of people in prison in Ireland, is it time that we looked at alternative options for people who commit low level offences? S...

Children found out their parents were sleeper agents

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A couple who masqueraded as Peruvian whilst living in Slovenia have been ousted as Russian Sleeper agents. The couple’s two children have had t...

Controversy over bilingual signs in Northern Ireland

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past 2 years, the bilingual street signs scheme has slowly been rolled out in Northern Ireland. But how does it work and why has the recent d...

How books are being delivered to Ukraine

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The War in Ukraine has had impacts on many aspects of society, but one you may not have thought about is the impact on books. Louisa Cameron of R...

The art behind photo journalism

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last few months we’ve seen some amazing examples of photojournalism. From the now iconic photo of Donald Trump after his assassination...

The downsides of having a large penis

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Barr apparently has the UK’s largest penis, and believe it or not, it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. He details his issues in his upcomi...

Making soaps for men using Guinness and Barry’s Tea

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While much of the soap market has moved towards the pump format, there is still a devoted customer base for the original bar. One man in Dublin turned...

Nobody wants to be a priest - why?

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just one man is currently studying to join the priesthood, with another starting his studies this September. This is due to a crisis of faith, accordi...

How to get over a fear of flying

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As many listeners prepare to fly abroad for their holidays, spare a thought for those who struggle to even get on a plane due to aerophobia. Statistic...

Insults that evolve and die out

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new study shows that many young people in the UK appear to be unaware of the meaning of classic insults such as ‘plonker’ and ‘ninny’, but a...

Have dog accessories gone too far?

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all - Dolce & Gabbana have debuted a dog perfume… Fefé by D&G is a designer fragrance for pups,...

Can hate-spreading platforms actually be shut down?

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anti-immigration protests and riots have been rife in the UK over the last number of days, but where the far-right finds itself most at home and often...

So You Think You’re an Adult:My housemate cuts his toenails in the sitting room

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You thought being a grown-up was easy? Barbara Scully, Declan Buckley and Sean Moncrieff help tackle listener dilemmas!

The hypocrisy behind cancel culture

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A commentator on Eurosport was let go the other night after making a comment about female swimmers. But why has cancel culture taken over from apologi...

What unrealistic high standards do you have? Henry Mckean reports

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What unrealistic high standards do people have? Henry McKean joined Sean on the show to discuss.

Life Story Documentaries 

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Turtle Bunbury is a historian who’s using his career experience to create audio recordings for families across the country wishing preserve their fa...

What does it mean to be Northern Irish?

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Twitter is full of commentary this week about Rory McIlroy competing for Ireland at the Olympics. Some are questioning his nationality, which con...

Around the World: Elections results in Venezuela

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories…

What more needs to be done to reduce deaths on our roads - Political Reaction ? 

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What more needs to be done to reduce deaths on our roads? For political reaction, Kieran was joined by James Lawless, Minister of State at the De...

Olympics Roundup

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mick Mccarthy from Off the Ball joined Kieran to give him a roundup on day 5 of the Olympics

Playlist for politicians

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It has become a thing where politicians have to tell the world about their taste in music, especially in the US, where they even release playlists to ...

Things that we did growing up that young people wouldn't understand Henry Mckean Reports

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What things did you do in the past which were considered totally normal but are now considered strange today? From a 24 hour photo to the answer machi...

Spotting a celebrity: Henry McKean reports from Skerries

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Roy Keane was spotted in Skerries, the North County Dublin seaside town. Autograph hunters came out of the woodwork. Why do some of us get goosebumps...

Life as a Builder

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new survey of the fittest workers show tradespeople do an average of 27 hours a week of physical activity.  Roofers come out on top, avera...