Moncrieff
Episodes
Over 58,000 have opted out of organ donation
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
More than fifty eight thousand people have opted out of being an organ donor since new legislation came into effect last year, according to new figure...
New record for largest sock collection set!
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new Guinness World Record has been set for the largest collection of socks. At 1,531 pairs, former CBS Philadelphia News Anchor Jim Donovan is king ...
What is the best Bond theme song?
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Forget about who should be the next James Bond, there are bigger questions at stake... like who should do the next Bond theme song?With Noel Gallagher...
Should Gen Z go out more?
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We hear so much about how the Gen Z youth of today are spending their Friday nights drinking matcha, doing yoga and meditating. Well, student and Life...
Does Cork City need a cable car?
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cork city is the 38th most congested city in the world. Seán’s guest believes that a cable car network might offer a simple solution to a complex p...
Lego reveals ‘smart brick’ - are we depriving ourselves of simple joys?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Lego has “reinvented” the brick and is set to release its new line of ‘smart’ toys.The new Lego Smart Play System includes smart bricks with r...
Why our non-confrontational language is getting in the way
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’re no strangers to saying no to a perfectly good cuppa when we’re actually dying for one, but could our shared struggle in saying what we mean ...
The annoyance of losing things - Henry McKean Reports
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Influencer James Kavanagh lost his yellow coat a few years ago and he still misses it. Why does losing an item of clothing or a ring sometimes hold su...
Why are Venezuela’s gold reserves in London?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the fallout over the Maduro situation continues, Venezuela continues its pursuit of its vast gold reserves from the vaults of the Bank of England, ...
Ireland set to hold EU Presidency - what should we expect?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With Ireland assuming the rotating Presidency of the EU Council from July, what are some things we can expect will be on its agenda? Joining Seá...
Would banning advertising on junk food actually work?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, the UK has introduced a total ban on all junk food advertising on TV and online. This means that companies will be prohibited from advertis...
Meghan Markle sells a million jam jars - how can you make it at home?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It has been revealed that Meghan Markle’s jams are proving popular with over one million jars snapped up by shoppers...But, just why is jam so sough...
Why don’t writers retire?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why don’t writers retire? Novelist Julian Barnes is bucking the trend having announced his retirement coinciding with his 80th birthday, saying...
Tesla loses EV war to BYD - what now?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Chinese electric vehicle company BYD has now overtaken Tesla for the first time to become the world’s biggest selling EV brand.Joining Seán to ...
Does Ireland need to embrace bolder architecture?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is Ireland too timid when it comes to our architectural ambition? Sinead O’Sullivan, a Business economist, has been writing about this in the Irish ...
US-based Irish therapist on growing anxiety in Trump’s America
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A US-based Irish therapist says Trump’s America is causing a rise in depression and anxiety among his clients.Eamonn McKay is a Therapist based in C...
Parenting with Joanna Fortune
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries...
Where did the ‘Wilhelm Scream’ come from?
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you’ve never heard the name, you would recognise the iconic Wilhelm scream, which has been used in countless movies.But, where does it come ...
Xi Jinping and the lost Irish novel
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
During the Taoiseach’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday, the two bonded over the shared love of an Irish novel which is somewhat ...
What is Canicross?
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Scandinavian countries, you might see dog sledding in snowy conditions. Apparently, we have something like it in Ireland, but with a twist...Joinin...
The significance of the 1926 census
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The 100th birthday of the first census conducted by the Irish Free State is coming up. What was the significance of this one, and how were they conduc...
Young people accused of not being “work-ready” - why?
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Young people are being accused of not being “work-ready” because of the decline of the Saturday job.The UK’s former Secretary of State for Healt...
How important is outdoor schooling?
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
These dark winter days make getting outside difficult, but with three quarters of children spending less time outside than prison inmates, one school ...
How we got the stereotypical view of witches
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The release of Wicked: For Good has seen the return to the big screen of the stereotypical image we have of witches. They have green skin, a conical h...
TV on the radio: The Night Manager, New Season of Traitors and Run Away
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Olivia Fahy joins Moncrieff with her picks for what to stream. On the list this week:Season two of The Night Manager a British spy thriller television...
Why boredom is good for us especially now
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist and Neurologist, Ian Robertson, joins sean to discuss and explore a counter-intuitive idea for the new year: that boredom isn...
How to buy a New house in 2026? Will buyers' fortunes improve?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As a new year rolls around, more and more people will be looking to get on the property ladder during 2026. But what is the forecast for the year, and...
First day back blues, how hard is the transition back to work? Henry McKean Reports.
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
.It’s the first day back for many. How are you feeling? Are you struggling? Do you hate your life? Do you question your existence? For many office w...
Months in planning, over in two and a half hours: How the U.S snatched Maduro
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
While the operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was a complex tactical mission for US special forces, how exactly did they carry ...
The New Book on Walt Disney's Mary Poppins and how it came to be one of the Most Successful Movies of All Time
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new book explores the extraordinary story of Walt Disney, PL Travers and the two Ukrainian brothers who made Mary Poppins one of the most succ...
Road bowling: One of Ireland's oldest sports in 2026
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
While road bowling is a well known sport in Co. Cork, what is the state of the sport today and what can we expect for 2026? Joining John Fardy in for ...
The significance of Font
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered American diplomats to drop the Calibri font and return to Times New Roman, calling the switch a prod...
First Fortnight Festival: The January festival breaking down the taboo of mental health through art.
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You wouldn't imagine there are too many festivals happening this month, given the post-Christmas blues and the weather. But this month First Fortnight...
The Big Fat Newstalk Quiz of the Year 2025!
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Christmas!The Big Fat Newstalk Quiz of the Year is back - with Newstalk’s Simon Tierney taking you through some of the great, good and wackies...
The best games to entertain with around Christmas
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re entertaining extended family or just need something to break up the day, Christmas is a great time to try out a few games and get eve...
Did Coca Cola win the soft drink war?
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 100 years of the Coca Cola versus Pepsi soft drink war, has the battle been won, with Pepsi now 3rd on the list of the biggest selling fizzy dri...
How do you look after your Christmas tree?
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your Christmas tree looking sad with needles on the ground and limp branches just two days before Christmas?Joe Flynn is Chairman of the Irish Chri...
What are your options for an alcohol-free Christmas?
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s something in the water this Christmas... and while it might not be alcohol for some, the price of sober options during the holidays is enoug...
The life of a church bell ringer!
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next few days, the brilliant and joyous sound of church bells will be heard as we all celebrate Christmas and the coming new year.You may thi...
Kennys Bookshop on being family-owned for 85 years
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we frantically get our last bits of Christmas shopping done, how much of that will be done in a family-owned business? Unfortunately, not many of t...
The global influence of Daniel O’Connell
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For many Irish people Daniel O’Connell is one of the great nationalist leaders who changed the course of history for Ireland...But on a world stage,...
Director John Kelly talks ‘Retirement Plan’
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An animated short film called ‘Retirement Plan’ has made the shortlist for a nomination in next year's Oscars.The film has been receiving rave rev...
Why are non-fiction sales slumping?
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Non-fiction book sales are currently going through a major slump. But, why is this? Joining Seán is Holly Harley, Non-Fiction Editorial Director at H...
What does Christmas look like when you’re homeless? - Henry McKean Reports
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every year Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI) hosts a Christmas celebration for people who are sleeping rough or using its services. Turkey and ham with ...
Controversy over Canadian PM not using Canadian English
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian linguists are upset over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abandonment of their country’s spelling rules in official documentation. A group of...
Can you manifest friendships?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all seen the trend of ‘manifesting’ online, but typically manifesting is reserved for love or money. Meehika Barua, however, decided to im...
What is it like to own Christmas reindeer?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With just days to go before Christmas, reindeers have never been so in demand. There is a herd of reindeer in County Down who are bracing for their bu...
What is the secret to living a long life?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland’s oldest person celebrated her 109th birthday earlier this week, she credits her longevity to ‘hard work, no smoking and no drinking’.Jo...
Is there shame attached to a short marriage?
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Breakups are hard, but when you are newly married and your relationship breaks down shortly after your wedding, there can be shame attached...Eve Simm...
How much do you spend on Christmas? - Josh Crosbie Reports
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s predicted that many families in Ireland will spend around €1,600 on Christmas.The shops are going to be packed this weekend as people scrambl...
Teaching Irish language classes in London!
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is there something about being away from home that makes you yearn for all things familiar to remind you of it?Emily Bourke is living in London and ha...
Designing a book for children with dyslexia
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It is that time of year where a book might appear in a Christmas stocking, but what books are suitable for children with dyslexia?Children’s author ...
How do you protect your intellectual property in fashion?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Concerns have been raised for young up-and-coming fashion designers in this country who may find themselves ill-equipped to deal with the threats to t...
Should the state pay for Ozempic?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, a Doctor and Columnist for the Irish Independent, believes that if the state is paying for cholesterol medication, it ou...
How fearful are people of US visa entry requirements?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the Trump administration piles caveats onto visa entry requirements to the US, are more and more people fearful about their social media history an...
First ever cataract surgery performed on hippo in Dublin Zoo
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just one week ago, Dublin Zoo saw the first ever cataract surgery on a hippo. Frank O’Sullivan, one of the vets who performed the surgery joins Seá...
The life and legacy of town planner Herbert Simms
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who was the man responsible for designing and planning Dublin’s flats?Lorcan Sirr, a Senior Lecturer in Housing at TUD, joins Seán to discuss the l...
Cartels are using cows to smuggle cocaine?
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Drug smugglers are now using cows as a means to transport cocaine and bring drugs into Europe from Latin America. This method is being favoured by car...
Christougenniatikophobia: The fear of Christmas
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For some people, the Christmas holiday can be a time of anxiety and hardship and even fear, especially if you are harbouring difficult emotions associ...
Is TikTok spreading medical myths?
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever since the Middle Ages, gout has been associated with the glutinous consumption of rich foods and too much red wine. But, is TikTok perpetuating m...
Should children ever work on farms?
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do children ever belong on farms?Alma Jordan, the Founder of Agrikids, joins Seán now to talk about farm safety, and how children can take part in fa...
Ireland’s first female envoy
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cork-born Josephine McNeill became the first Irish woman to head a diplomatic mission abroad in 1949. What would she make of this week’s promotion o...
Ruth Medjber on Christmas with no kids
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The media narrative, from movies to ads on television, suggests that Christmas is all about children, but does this sideline those who don’t have an...
Speaking with Germany’s first Irish-born Mayor
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest is a Clontarf native who’s now believed to be the first Irish-born Mayor elected in Germany.Michelle Wittler is Mayor of the medieva...
From pop and poverty to politics and power - Live Aid 40 years on
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
During the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, Paul Vallely was Correspondent there for the London Times. After Live Aid, Bob Geldoff contacted Paul to figure ou...
From Odessa to Kerry - Yuliia Riabova’s story
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and Broadcaster Yuliia Riabova moved from Odessa to Ireland in 2023 after reporting on the war in Ukraine. Now based in Kerry, Yuliia is th...
How can we prevent youth crime recruitment?
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can we prevent our youth from being recruited and groomed into crime? Dr. Eoin O’Meara-Daly from the University of Limerick is part of a team re...
Newstalk’s 25 of 25: Best Actor
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape i...
Should the Gardaí have tasers?
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has the rolling out of tasers as part of a pilot programme with Gardaí been a rushed decision, and could it lead to an escalation in the use of force...
Coming home for Christmas as an adult - Henry McKean Reports
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's it like when adults return to the family home for Christmas, do they revert to their childlike behaviours like fighting over the remote?Henry M...
Why shapewear for men is growing in popularity
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many women will know the struggle of Spanx, and especially as the Christmas party season is in full flow, there is a chance that people are looking to...
Why are politicians so bad with social media?
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all seen politicians’ cringe-worthy efforts at communicating with us over social media. The question is: why can’t they get it right?Steve...
Keeping track of films inside of films
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is a film inside a film, and do you remember some of the movies that characters in famous Christmas films were watching?Home Alone and The Holida...
Should you barbeque your turkey?
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Renowned Chef Dean Diplock, joins Seán to talk about the national obsession of his home country of South Africa: barbequing, and whether or not you s...
Ireland has the highest percentage of ‘bears’ in the world
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
According to Grindr’s end of year ‘Unwrapped’ data, Ireland has the highest percentage of bears in the world. No, not the ones that eat honey.Jo...
Paula Meehan on her poetry and life
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seán is joined by one of Ireland’s most influential poets, Paula Meehan. With a career spanning decades, Paula’s work has consistently explored t...
Valentia Island locals hoping to establish UNESCO World Heritage site
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A group of locals on Valentia Island are seeking permission to refurbish the old First Message Building and Cable Station in order to strengthen their...
The history of Christmas shop windows
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas time wouldn’t be complete without the festive shop window displays. Seán’s guest’s grandfather led the design and construction of Gim...
Do we eat too fast?
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
According to a piece in the Huffington Post, American tourists can be spotted abroad because they are the ones scoffing at their food and not sitting ...
Is nuclear power the way to go?
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As energy prices continue to rise and questions are raised over energy supply, it’s being wondered if Ireland should explore nuclear power. To discu...
The politics of gift giving - Henry McKean Asks
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is it better to get no present than to get a bad one? What's the drama behind Kris Kindle?Henry McKean has been asking the public about the politics o...
The story behind the construction of the Empire State Building
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author Glenn Kurtz is out with a brand-new book chronicling the lives of the men who built the Empire State Building: ‘Men at Work: The Empire State...
Government considering spiked drink testing protocols in hospitals
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With drink-spiking incidents expected to rise over the Christmas party season, the Government is considering new hospital testing protocols. Justice M...
Why many small businesses are vulnerable to cyberattacks
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you backed up your data?New research shows that the majority of small businesses in Ireland don’t have any plan in place to a...
Eileen Harkin on fostering 27 children
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eileen Harkin has fostered 27 children so far. This remarkable woman became involved in foster care as a child, when her own mother began taking in ch...
TD proposes ‘culture cards’ for 18-year-olds
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fianna Fáil TD, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, joins Seán to discuss his new proposal to give 18-year-olds access to a ‘culture card’, allowing them t...
Fighting on the Cambodian-Thai border displaces thousands
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Renewed fighting on the Cambodian-Thai border has displaced thousands and shut down schools in some of Cambodia’s poorest provinces. Irish developme...
Would you get your Christmas tree professionally styled?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are now a number of organisations across Ireland providing professional Christmas tree styling services. But, how does it work?Joining guest hos...
Things originally made for disabled people that we all use today
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobbie Hickey is fully blind, and she has been writing about the simple things that make the world more accessible, and actually improve things for al...
When should you introduce smartphones to your kids - if ever?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have young people’s addiction to their phone gone too far? As Australia prepares to remove access to social media for anyone under the age of 16, se...
What role do dance halls play today?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Irish dance halls have been a cornerstone of social life, bringing communities together and sometimes sparking generational debate.The 1935 Public Dan...
Is Trumpism here to stay?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Director of the Heritage Foundation, the group responsible for much of Trump’s agenda, says in the Telegraph today “There’s sure as hell not...
The strange relationship between religion and AI
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past year or two there has been an enormous increase in religious AI chatbots, some even taking on the role of an Almighty. But, what are the...
The history and evolution of the spice bag!
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where did the staple of modern Irish cuisine, the spice bag, come from? And, where is it going? Dr. John Mulcahy, from Technological University Dublin...
The scientific formula to make the happiest Christmas playlist
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We generally think of Christmas as a happy time of merriment with family and friends, but of course, it can also be quite stressful.There is shopping ...
Leon Diop on his mixed-race childhood in Ireland
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author and Founder of the advocacy group Black and Irish, Leon Diop, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss his new memoir ‘Mixed Up: An Irish ...
What are ‘micro-compatibilities’ in dating?
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Modern dating is chaotic and so too is the latest trend, micro-compatibilities. Apparently, we should be taking note of our partner’s shops, or what...
Is letting your anger out healthy?
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s word of the year for 2025 is ‘ragebait’, content designed to spark outrage and keep us clicking. But, with anger now driving so much of ...
Does Oscar Wilde belong in St Mary’s Cathedral?
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We may all think of Oscar Wilde as a talented writer and gay icon, but what’s less known is his lifelong interest in converting to Catholicism.Mary ...
How to survive Queues-mas!
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Christmas season is upon us, and between busy shops and packed pubs, people will spend more time waiting in line now than at any other time of the...