Moncrieff
Episodes
What are the biggest food crimes? - Henry McKean Asks
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every day, people commit heinous food crimes, whether that be putting pineapple on pizza, or combining things that shouldn’t be combined.Newstalk’...
The Coca-Cola Collector in Cork!
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lillian O’Donoghue has turned her home into a shrine for Coca-Cola - opening its doors every year to share her love for the brand.Lillian joins Seá...
What are crystal children?
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you didn’t know, the middle of this century will mark the end of the astrological age of Picsces and the beginning of Aquarius. To help with that...
The tickling fetish is on the rise
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From ancient torture techniques to modern-day play, tickling as a kink is on the rise. New research from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in German...
How are vegetables sold for cheap?
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For a number of years now, there has been an ongoing conversation about the cost of fruit and vegetables at supermarkets. How can they be a...
What are the best Irish songs?
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you were to pick the best Irish song, what would it be? The Irish Independent invited 50 people from across the music industry in Irelan...
How do you deal with stinky feet?
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we step into the warmest days of the year, our feet are certainly feeling the heat! Today, I'm joined by Niall Donohoe, a podiatrist from CureSpa C...
The history of dictators’ pets
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kim Jong Un has gifted two pet dogs to Russian President Vladimir Putin. But, this isn’t the first time that dictators have cosied up to pets. There...
What makes a good game show?
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Catchphrase, Mastermind, The Chase… game shows have been popular on radio and TV for generations, but a recent poll has put Gladiators at the top.&n...
Is the phone call as we know it dead?
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With less and less people using their mobiles to actually make a telephone call, have we lost the art of the phone call altogether? Justine O’M...
Sales of balconette bras soar because of Bridgerton!
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The TV show Bridgerton might be set in the 1800s, but it’s influencing today’s lingerie. Sales of the balcony or balconette bras have s...
Rare pearl found in Irish oyster - how?
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A member of staff at Howth’s King Sitric, who had a stand at the Taste of Dublin Festival last weekend, was treated to a bit of a surprise when an o...
What is a moon standstill?
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While much attention focuses on Newgrange over the summer solstice this week, a unique event will happen tomorrow night when a moon standstill will oc...
The complex history of Kevin O’Higgins
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In July 1927, Kevin O’Higgins, the Minister for Justice, was assassinated on his way to mass in Booterstown. Now, a new book explores this complex s...
Is it okay to settle in love? - Henry McKean Asks
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new survey of people who use dating websites has found that the majority are willing to settle for someone who’s just a bit better than average. I...
What Spotify knows about you
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spotify users will be familiar with the never-ending options of new music thrown at them, but how do the algorithms actually work? Joining Seán to di...
How do you brush your teeth correctly?
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you brushing your teeth correctly? A study says only 10% are! So, what can we do to give our teeth the best chance?Joining Seán to discuss is Dr ...
Would you drink the world’s oldest wine?
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A 2,000 year old wine poured into an urn in Spain has recently been discovered, and it’s still in liquid form!Mick O’Connell from Neighbourhood Wi...
What are the Vatican’s ‘Rescritti’ laws?
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a court case going on in Italy and an impending investigation by the United Nations regarding the powers the Pope has as leader of the Vatic...
The weird internet videos we watch
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From CleanTok to ASMR and everything in between, there’s a lot of weird and wonderful content to choose from on social media – and we’re hooked!...
Taylor Swift’s Irish family history uncovered
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As another superstar lands on Irish soil, it’s time to roll out the family tree. So who exactly was Taylor Swift’s great great great granny? ...
Kerry men to be commemorated at Wales internment camp
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This Thursday a plaque will be unveiled outside a former internment camp in Wales, featuring the names of 37 Kerrymen who spent time incarcerated ther...
AI photography contest won with real picture!
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Miles Astray has won a major AI photography competition but has now been disqualified. Why? Because his photograph is natural, with no AI input whatso...
How much is Guinness memorabilia worth?
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re the owner of any Guinness memorabilia, it may be worth a pretty penny! David Hughes is a collector who’s interest piqued following his s...
Ireland joins coalition for the return of Ukrainian children
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s estimated there are 20,000 ‘stolen children’ who have been captured by Russians since the full scale invasion of Ukraine more than two year...
How did ‘House Swapping’ become so popular?
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The number of Irish people doing house swapping holidays has exploded over the past number of years. But how exactly does it work? And should you be s...
What are the most disgusting habits? - Henry McKean Asks
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all have something we do that other people think is gross. It could be anything from picking your nose to chewing with your mouth open, but what is...
When will we see driverless cars in Europe?
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you hear Wuhan in China, most would immediately think of the initial Covid outbreak in 2019. However, it’s now home to the world’s...
How do you move 3,000 artefacts from the ‘Dead Zoo’?
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the Natural History Museum prepares to close its doors in September for major building works, the process of moving thousands of very old specimens...
What does the tricolour stand for in today’s Ireland?
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Ireland’s wins at the European Athletic Championships in Rome last week, the tricolour has been somewhat unavoidable. But why are we so obsesse...
The history of psychological warfare
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
North and South Korea have recently been sending balloons towards each other - with the South sending soap operas and KPop in them, and the North send...
What makes the perfect hotel breakfast buffet?
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A mathematician at Oxford University claims that he has cracked the code of the hotel breakfast buffet. But what is the best way to make the most of i...
Can you teach your cat Irish?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to teach your cat (or dog) Irish? Well, Anne Cakebread, illustrator and creator of the book ‘Teach Your Cat Irish’ joins Seá...
The role food plays in Ulysses
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sunday is Bloomsday, but one thing that makes Ulysses so special is the role of food in the book. Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire, Chair of the MA in Gastro...
How does ultrasonic coffee work?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new coffee making process uses ultrasonic sound waves to create an apparently stronger and less bitter beverage. But how does it work? Joining ...
Why do election winners get lifted up?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The election counts have finally finished, where we saw crushing defeats and exhilarating wins at counting centres. What could also be seen were the w...
Kilkenny photographer is documenting the demise of the Amazon
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An Irish photographer has a new exhibition which is running currently as part of the Belfast Photo Festival. Richard Mosse’s work focuses on documen...
Project to remember victims of Nazi medical experiments
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A 25 year old man from Cork called Patrick O'Connell died as a prisoner of war in a German prison camp during World War Two. The indignity didn’t en...
World Albinism Awareness Day - What is Albinism?
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 13th of June is World Albinism Awareness Day, a condition that gives a person very light skin, hair and eyes - and can affect their quality vision...
The best way to navigate customer service
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SoftBank has developed AI voice-conversion technology to reduce call centre operators' psychological stress by altering the voices of angry customers ...
Have you been caught out? - Henry McKean asks
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From forgetting your passport to forgetting your trousers - there’s been times where we’ve been caught out. Newstalk’s Henry McKean has collecte...
The history of mummies in Dublin
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In an apparent act of reckless criminality, a fire was deliberately lit in the crypt of St. Michan’s Church yesterday, causing extensive damage to a...
Is the Irish accent really that charming abroad?
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As many people get ready to pack their bags for holidays and travel, the Irish accent will be heard around the world this summer. But, is the Irish ac...
Action figures that celebrate Irish culture!
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever wanted a toy Father Ted, or an Éamon de Valera figurine, well good news, the day has finally arrived! Richard Collier has set u...
Would you meet a dead relative in Virtual Reality?
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you could meet a dead relative in Virtual Reality, would you? That’s a question that’s been asked by Dr Jennifer O’Meara, Associat...
How long should a gig be?
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Taylor Swift’s upcoming gigs in Lansdowne Road are due to last for 3 hours, with some describing this as too long. But how long is too long when it ...
Rise in churches across America where it’s legal to take drugs
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Church of Ambrosia was set up as a way to take drugs, including marijuana and magic mushrooms - but has quickly gained a sizable following.Mattha ...
Pop up pool problems cause controversy
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Swim Ireland currently has 3 pop up pools in its possession, major swimming infrastructure that can be moved around the country. However, only two are...
Has Ireland’s weather changed for good?
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland’s summers are not what they used to be! One look outside will tell you that we are no longer guaranteed a dry spell in June and July. I...
Is the housing crisis to blame for pubs closing down?
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While the number of pubs in Ireland has been diminishing over the past 15 years, the cause is usually put down to drink driving laws, price increases ...
Why are more women vegan than men?
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having been established back in 1978, the Vegetarian Society of Ireland recently changed its name. What is the reason for this? And why are the majori...
Items that have stood the test of time - Henry McKean asks
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the shock revelations from this election is that Danny Healy Rae has been using the same phone since 1997! He says it’s because he’s not a ...
What are the plans for the Olympics Opening Ceremony?
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With just 6 weeks until the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris, what exactly are the plans for the event, due to take place along the Seine?&nb...
Ban on certain dog breeds - not the answer?
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After the tragic death of a woman in Limerick last week, there have been calls for a ban on certain dog breeds such as the XL Bully. Pete Wedderburn, ...
Should we have more wind farms in Ireland?
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new report has shown that wind farms have created 35% of Ireland’s electricity supply in the first five months of this year. Joining Seán to...
The best mispronounced words from kids!
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all had a laugh at our children’s expense when they mispronounce certain words growing up. Journalist and Mum of seven, Jen Hogan, has been ...
How is a Counting Centre run?
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While we’re nearing the end of the count for the local elections, the European counts are expected to continue for a few days yet. Many o...
Northern Irish man beats drumming world record!
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A man in Northern Ireland has had a Guinness World Record for continuous drumming verified, after an extraordinary 150 hours of play. But, how did he ...
DeLorean Revival Festival taking place in Belfast!
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Decades after the iconic car, made famous in ‘Back to the Future’, ceased production, a festival this weekend will gather over 60 DeLoreans for a ...
Aldi celebrates 25 years in Ireland
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From lawnmowers to ski suits to foot massagers, there’s something for everyone in the middle aisle of Aldi. The “German discounter” i...
Cosmonaut becomes first human to spend 1000 days in space!
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A Russian cosmonaut has become the first person to spend over 1000 days in space. But how is this possible? And what effect does this have on the body...
Is going to the cinema too expensive now?
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Quentin Tarantino has been giving out a lot in recent years over the price of a cinema ticket, which he says is prohibiting people from attending.&nbs...
Bad Tourists
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you one of the 20% of tourists guilty of public urination? The 10% of holiday makers who admit to vomming abroad or the 5% who engage in public nu...
State acquires two new surveillance aircraft - what for?
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The state has acquired two new surveillance aircraft, but what exactly will they be used for? Joining Seán to discuss is someone who spent time ...
Over €3.3 million worth of prize bonds are unclaimed!
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It may not be as much of a big winner as the lottery, but there is currently over €3 million worth of unclaimed prize bonds!Joining Seán to discuss...
Who are the most iconic soap characters?
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Actor Helen Worth has revealed that she is leaving the long running soap opera ‘Coronation Street’ after 50 years on the show. Her decades-long ro...
How can you smoke your food at home?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the announcement that the EU is placing a phased ban on smoky bacon flavourings due to health concerns, how do you go about smoking your own food...
What’s the utility room really for?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many things came and went during the Celtic Tiger - and one that stood the test of time is the Utility Room. But, is it just a dumping grou...
What is ‘Food Security’?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In many countries including Ireland we still seem to have an issue with getting basic healthy food for everyone. The importance of this has been coine...
Is the Leaving Cert getting harder?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of year again, where we all remember the trauma of beginning the Leaving Cert. But, was it easier to do the Leaving Cert M...
Louisiana judges could order ‘surgical castration’ for sex offenders
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Louisiana judges could order surgical castration for people convicted of sex crimes against young children under legislation approved Monday, and if R...
Voting is good for your health?
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us will head out on Friday to cast our vote in the Local and European Elections. And, if you feel better after you vote, there may be some sci...
The pros and cons of deleting your ex from photos
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new app on the OK Cupid dating site offers users the tools to erase their ex from their most treasured photographs. It’s called the Ex-Terminator ...
‘The Screamers’ House is up for sale!
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A house in Burtonport in Donegal with quite a bit of history is up for sale. Going from a family home, a hotel, and the home of ‘The Screamers’, a...
Ireland’s longest living heart transplant recipient
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Kavanagh is Ireland’s longest living heart transplant survivor, the 57-year-old man from Dublin was just 19 years old when he received his tran...
The history of the Moka coffee pot
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Moka coffee pot is an Italian design classic that is still used not just in Italy, but many kitchens in Ireland, despite the proliferation of espr...
You're fired!
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the catch phrase of Donal Trump and the UK's Alan Sugar - but here in Ireland, hearing, you've been fired" is a less common affair.Still it's not...
Doormats made to spark political debates for canvassers
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A series of customised doormats, featuring questions and data relating to the lived experience of locals in the Dublin 8 area, have been created and g...
The Luas turns 20 years old!
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Birthday to the Luas! The transport line, which made its debut in June 2004 is now 20 years old. Since then, the Luas has been an essential form...
New vaccine trial to prevent melanoma cancer
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The world’s first personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for melanoma halves the risk of patients dying or the disease. Melanoma affects more than 15...
How realistic is going from the couch to 5km?
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn is taking part in the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon - but has never gone for a long run before! She investigates how realis...
John Lennon’s Guitar sells for $2.9 million!
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John Lennon's 'Help!' guitar has become one of the most expensive guitars of all time. The guitar owned by the Beatles star sold yesterday for a whopp...
What is the cheapest capital in Europe?
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Vilnius, the little capital in Lithuania, unknown to many, has been named Europe’s cheapest city break. Brendan Harding, writer in the bu...
World’s youngest professional artist verified by Guinness World Records
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An artist in Ghana, Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah, has set a new world record, becoming the youngest male professional in the world at the age of one year ...
Wexford buskers protest new street performance rules
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New bylaws in Wexford concerning the decibel level at which buskers can play music have caused a protest movement to develop. Joining Seán to di...
What exactly is a ‘dodgy box’?
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A man has been convicted for operating a 'dodgy box' service and was temporarily released so he could shut it down.Joining Seán to discuss what a 'do...
Dads ‘babysitting’ instead of minding kids - a double standard?
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly says that ‘Dads don't babysit their kids’. Babysitting is taking care of someone else's child, so why do peo...
Is the one hour lunch dead? - Henry McKean asks
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is the hour long lunch break dead and buried? With newer work culture being more and more demanding, do we have the time anymore?Newstalk's Henry McKe...
World’s most relaxed people gather in Seoul for ‘Space-Out’ competition
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This year’s edition of the annual ‘Space Out’ competition took place in Seoul, where over 100 people competed to see who was the most relaxed. B...
Should Ireland be as tough on Trump as they are on Israel?
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish government has been quite vocal about their condemnation of the actions of Israel over the last few weeks, but have been a little less vocal...
Robot breaks Rubik’s Cube world record
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A robot in Japan has set a new world record for solving a Rubik’s Cube in the fastest time. The Mitsubishi machine solved the puzzle in 0.305 second...
‘Silent’ hair appointments are becoming popular!
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is a silent hair appointment and why are more and more people looking for salons that offer this? Well, it's what it says on the tin - it’s an ...
How have email signatures evolved?
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There was a time when we all simply signed off our emails with our names but this isn’t the case anymore, with an increasing amount of info being lo...
What makes for good political canvassing?
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As many of you will have noticed when you hear the doorbell ring over the last while, there are currently thousands of canvassers out across the count...
A new habitable planet has been discovered!
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new habitable planet has been discovered, but how was it found? And what makes it so liveable? Joining Seán to discuss is Larissa Palethorpe, ...
Irish Ambassador in Israel being treated inappropriately
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In response to Ireland’s recognition of Palestine as a state, the Irish ambassador in Israel was made to watch footage of the events of October 7th,...
What is Temu? And why is it so popular?
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In just under two years, Temu has become one of the most popular shopping apps in Internet history with close to 100 million users in the EU alone. Jo...
Why is this Irish village changing its name?
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ballyclerahan, a village in south Tipperary, is to consider formally changing its name to what the community has been colloquially known as for decade...
What do you bring from home on holiday? - Henry McKean asks
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There was a story in British media about a man who packed 250 pounds worth of food to bring on his holidays to Spain.Is this insane? Or to some extent...
Building an electric car in your garden
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many people would like to purchase an EV but considerations such as range and price can be insurmountable obstacles. One man decided to just build his...