Moncrieff
Episodes
What are the carnivorous “death balls”?
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists have discovered 30 new deep-sea species, including a carnivorous “death ball” sponge unlike anything seen before.The expedition explore...
Will robot butlers actually make our lives easier?
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week saw two major events to promote the future of household robots; Neo, the 1X Technologies butler and Optimus, the much heralded robot from Te...
Xania Monet and the arrival of AI music artists
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Xania Monet, the R&B singer-songwriter, has become the first AI-generated artist to debut on a Billboard radio play chart. So, what does the incur...
The Irish woman who almost toppled the British Monarchy
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Much of the scandal surrounding the now former Prince Andrew has been seen as being unprecedented, but this is far from the first public scandal the B...
Why would you get a tattoo of your lover’s mother?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feminist statement or search for instant notoriety? Harriet Richardson’s latest artwork has the internet divided. Especially since the work of art i...
Should comedy be eligible for Arts Council funding?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past three years, comedian Ailish McCarthy has been working on getting a legislative gap filled. Although comedians are considered artists by...
Why ‘silver influencers’ are changing the attitude to aging
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re all familiar with the saying “dressing your age”, but are we really reading between the lines?In the digital age, everyone can become an i...
Dublin’s safety blackspots - Henry McKean Reports
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two-thirds of people would avoid Dublin City Centre for fear of crime, according to a new survey from Dublin Inquirer and Amárach. But is it geograph...
How did globalisation begin?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How did the globalisation drive begin, and how has it impacted our economy?That’s what David J Lynch’s new book, ‘The World’s Worst Bet’ aim...
What needs to be done about Cork floods?
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Businesses in Bantry in west Cork are again counting the cost after about 20 premises were flooded when the town experienced a heavy downpour earlier ...
The story of the last state execution of a woman in Ireland
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year marks the centenary of the last state execution of a woman in Ireland, but what is the story behind the Annie Walsh case?Joining Seán to di...
Could free buses work in Dublin?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Democrat Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral race, with a pledge to “make America affordable again.”This would include plans to make ...
Location sharing - are we giving away too much?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest knows, at the click of a button on her phone, where many of her loved ones are at any given time. But, the normalisation of location s...
The relationship between food and autism
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Food and eating can be exceptionally challenging for autistic people, particularly kids. So, why is this, and what questions does it raise about the F...
When is it time to break up with your hairdresser?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever gotten a haircut you absolutely loathed, but were too shy to say it? Too afraid to speak up and vouch for yourself, you hoped that your ...
Should opting out of organ donation be respected?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The decision to opt out of organ donation should be respected.That’s the view of the President of the Medical Council of Ireland, Dr. Suzanne Crowe....
New pop-up book on LA’s ‘Pink Bungalow’
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Long before the term multi-media artist came into use, and before a 90s soap about six friends trapped in a small New York City apartment changed tele...
The role of a workplace in dealing with pregnancy loss
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
University College Cork has become the first Irish university to introduce paid leave to employees who have experienced pregnancy loss.It follows exte...
The man responsible for Dublin’s trees
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where does the Irish capital stand on a European level when it comes to our tree canopy cover, and how is it decided where to plant new ones?Joining S...
Are the men’s and women’s toilets equal?
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We thankfully live in a time when gender equality seems like an achievable goal, and many steps have been taken to right the wrongs of a patriarchal p...
EU to publish review of its membership criteria
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The European Union is publishing its annual review of candidate countries’ progress toward membership today.It’s part of a long and demanding proc...
Kim Kardashian and the conspiracy theory that never dies
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In an episode of ‘The Kardashians’ the other day, Kim Kardashian made it clear that she is in full support of the idea that the Apollo moon landin...
Over a third of young boys would consider an AI girlfriend
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AI has been discussed a lot, with questions about how the technology is changing things and affecting relationships, but the impact of AI on intimate ...
Is there any way to fight planned obsolescence?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you sick of things breaking the second the guarantee expires?From washing machines, phones and other kitchen appliances, are there simple ways to ...
Are we being conned about climate change?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With COP 30 set to begin this day next week, a lot was made of Bill Gates' recent comments on climate change, but perhaps the way in which they were r...
What are the worst restaurant habits? - Henry McKean Asks
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have traditional restaurant manners in Ireland been replaced by a free-for-all anything goes? Phone calls, watching videos and eating with your mouthf...
Sagrada Familia becomes the tallest church in the world
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, under construction since 1890, yesterday became the tallest church in the world after a new section of its tower was...
Why we should try new things - even if we’re bad at them
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is there anything you do just for the sake of it? Even if you're not good at something, is it worth it to dabble?Karen Walrond, author of ‘In Defens...
From direct provision to published author - Melatu Uche Okorie’s story
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Dublin celebrates its 15th anniversary as UNESCO City of Literature, an Irish-Nigerian writer reflects on her journey from direct provision to a su...
How you can repair moth-holed jumpers
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year again where we’re pulling our woolly jumpers out of the attic ready for another winter.You may be finding that your warm laye...
What are the advantages of AI education?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do we need to start teaching our young people about the advantages of AI? With the way the world is going, these could be valuable career deciding ski...
What does it take to be ‘cool’?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have what it takes to be cool, and can you fake it until you make it?Writing in the Guardian, Journalist Elle Hunt gave it a shot, and joins Se...
Taking an underground sound bath! - Henry McKean Reports
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we sent Henry McKean down the Marble Arch Caves in county Fermanagh to experience a sound bath for the first time, with thanks to discovernorth...
Is there a link between loneliness and dementia?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An Irish Neuroscientist has been speaking out about the link between loneliness and dementia.In Ireland, CSO figures show that in 2024, 5.6% of 16-24 ...
Steven Moore on ‘The Stuff of History’
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Steven Moore, a familiar name and face for many of antique lovers, has released a book entitled ‘The Stuff of History’, a curated compendium of cu...
Ide O’Carroll on her 30 year research project
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ide O’Carroll is a Social Researcher, author, and former teacher who undertook a 30-year project for her latest book.In this unique book, we hear fr...
The power of swearing
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a word a ‘taboo’, and what power do these words hold?Research conducted by experts across 17 countries and in 13 different languages ai...
Exhibition to showcase Ireland’s only known dinosaurs
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fossil remains of Ireland’s only known dinosaurs will go on public display for the first time ever.The exhibition will take place at UCC’s Glucksm...
What does it take to join a board?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have skills that you think would help a charity organisation?Or have you always thought about volunteering but never got around to it?In this c...
Europe or the US - The geopolitical choice facing Ireland
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland is facing a geopolitical choice that is pulling us in two different directions.We are not just witnessing a drift in the Transatlantic Allianc...
What is the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The shortlist for this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has been announced. But, what is it about these photographs that captures people’...
The dark side of drinking during the winter months
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the clocks wound back an hour over the weekend, the days are getting darker, and so is our mood.Seasonal affective disorder is not a myth, and pe...
How easy is it for first time buyers to really buy a home?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly every day, you see headlines of rising property prices and the lack of supply of homes for people to buy and live in, but at the same time, in ...
What making friends with AI is like
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If sci-fi writers are to be believed, we're only a few years away from a world in which some, or even most, of our friends are artificial. Some might ...
Can the US bullying on climate change be overcome?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This day next week, world leaders will gather in the city of Belem on the banks of the Amazon to start the Cop30 climate negotiations.And though a sci...
The history of daylight saving time
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we prepare to turn back the clocks this weekend, you might be surprised to discover the history of Daylight Savings Time and how it all began durin...
Booker Prize announce Children’s Fiction category
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Booker Prize has announced that, for the very first time, they will be including a category for Children’s Fiction, with authors eligible to win...
Hiring an escort for your 70th birthday
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When approaching a milestone birthday, many of us do take time to reflect on life and maybe plan something special to celebrate. For most seventy year...
Is there such a thing as ‘culchie culture’?
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a culchie, and is there such a thing as culchie culture? Writer and Irish Times journalist Patrick Freyne has been musing on this matt...
Life-sized dinosaur animatronics on sale in New Jersey
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More than 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs in New Jersey are up for grabs on Facebook Marketplace.It follows the imminent closure of the Field Stat...
The growing trend for ‘women’s sheds’
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While the men’s shed concept has been an enormous success around the country, there is now a growing trend for women’s sheds, but what’s the dif...
Debunking hair care myths
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You have probably seen ads for hair care products that make huge promises, with ingredients you've never heard of. What should you actually do with yo...
Should Trump be allowed to demolish parts of the White House?
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the wrecking ball eviscerated the East Wing of the White House this week, concern is growing about Trump’s plans for the historic compound.Joinin...
Should you bring your authentic self to work? - Henry McKean Asks
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The former British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg recently shared a story of his first day working at Meta. He told employees not to bring their 'au...
Is raking leaves bad for the environment?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You might have spent hours raking leaves this week, but from an environmental perspective, should we even touch the fallen leaves?Dr Michelle McKeown ...
New film examines the life of Gerry Adams
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new film on Gerry Adams’ life has hit the silver screen in Irish cinemas.‘Gerry Adams: A Ballymurphy Man’, created and produced by Trisha Ziff...
Séamus Boland on his journey after dropping out of school at 13
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Next summer, you may have a teenager in the house worried sick over their Leaving Cert results. If that’s the case, you can tell them about Séamus ...
Has the humanitarian crisis in Sudan been ignored?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a ceasefire ongoing in Gaza, there are questions asked as to why the conflict in Sudan has been largely ignored... So, what is next on the world’...
Should you be a night owl or an early bird?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some of us are night owls, some of us are early birds. But, is it better to be one or the other, can you change your circadian rhythm, and ...
How to spot a deepfake video
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know how to identify a deepfake video?With AI technology now so advanced, the chances are that you have fallen for something online which actua...
The progress being made in diagnosing and understanding austism
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Neil Kenny, Associate Professor and researcher at the School of Inclusive and Special Education at DCU joined Sean to chat about t...
A fifteen year mision to translate the work of Plato
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An Irish academic has become the first person since the 19th century to translate the dialogues of Plato. Dr. David Horan, Trinity College ...
Why are parks the hottest place to find love in China?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that Parks are where many people in China are finding love? Sean was joined by Mairead Loughman Matchmaker at Love HQ Matchmaking&nb...
The Hypocrisy Trap
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author of ‘The Hypocrisy Trap’, Michael Hallsworth, chatted to Sean about his new book
Why do Gen Z hate horror movies?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sean was joined by, Dr Sarah Cleary, Horror consultant and writer of the myth of harm, to discuss whether the Gen Z generation a...
Why greater protection for those living in informal rent arrangements is needed
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sean was joined by Valesca Lima Assistant professor at Dublin City University, researching housing policy and governance, to discuss t...
Has Gaza ever been at peace?
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The fragility of the Gaza ceasefire was all too evident over the weekend, and it’s just the latest incident in the seemingly interminable conflict t...
How do you get stolen museum pieces back?
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seven minutes is all it took for thieves to steal “priceless” jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, but now as the hours go by - what are the ch...
Should personal finance be taught in schools?
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should we be teaching personal finance in school?Experiences shared by people looking back on their school days reveal that most students of business ...
Are your 40s really your best decade? - Henry McKean Asks
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In an interview this weekend, Colin Farrell described his forties as his most meaningful and beautiful decade.For most people, what is the best decade...
New service lets you view Earth like an astronaut
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new service has launched which allows you to see the world like an astronaut. With three cameras installed on the International Space Station, you c...
The cathartic role of ghost stories
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seán’s guest grew up surrounded by ghost stories, and has now written one for kids. But, can spooky tales be good for children, and what role do th...
What is the dinosaur super highway?
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fossilized remains can tell us all sorts of things about the anatomy of the great beasts of the past like dinosaurs, but they don’t really tell us m...
The man with the longest name in the world
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you thought about changing your name?Laurence Watkins from New Zealand is the Guinness World Record Holder for the longest name, which takes long...
The history of anaesthesia
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today is World Anaesthesia Day, which marks the first successful demonstration of the inhalation of ether vapour as a means of overcoming pain of surg...
Why do old buildings keep getting demolished?
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While we may say that we love and treasure old buildings, the reality is that many of these are torn down and demolished with new, better fit-for-purp...
Do Irish people have ‘donation guilt’?
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any escape from charity chuggers or energy switchers showing up at your door?Doctor and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Máire Treasa N...
Do we need a National Wills Register?
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is being called on to create a National Wills Register, in line with the policies of some other EU countries. But, what would be the po...
The politics of family WhatsApp groups - Henry McKean Reports
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you in a family WhatsApp group? If so, what are the criterias to be included? Is there a group for the core family, one for extended relatives and...
New theory challenges the origin of the Book of Kells
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While every Irish schoolchild has traditionally been taught that our most famous book originated on the island of Iona, an argument has now been put f...
Has the gay rights movement and liberalism overreached?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Around Ireland and in Europe, the gay rights movement has had extraordinary success. Many would argue that there is more work to be done.However, Rona...
Should there be a dedicated government agency for returning diaspora?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Roughly 30,000 Irish emigrants return to Ireland each year to live. But, this process is both bureaucratically and emotionally challenging. Now, there...
How harmful is food fear mongering?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re all well used to being told what we should and shouldn’t be eating, and the latest food boogeyman is UPFs, or Ultra Processed Foods.You like...
The remarkable history of regenerative medicine
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While plastic surgery and other tweaks to the human anatomy seem par for the course nowadays, it can be easy to forget that these groundbreaking surge...
What makes a good portrait photo - and why is Trump’s so bad?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is that photo of Trump on the cover of Time magazine really ‘the worst of all time’?The US President certainly seems to think so, and has been hit...
Starting a music career in your 70s
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unless you’re the Rolling Stones or you’ve been on the road for decades, the music business is generally something people try to make a career of ...
Who was the best Irish President?
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may have been listening to the Pat Kenny show this morning as Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys continued to make their respective cases to...
When will the issue of dereliction be solved?
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was reported yesterday that Cork City Council had collected less than a third of derelict site levies over the last five years.This is just the lat...
Ireland’s national bird is in danger
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know what Ireland’s national bird is? Well, it’s now on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern…Joining Seán to discuss is Nature ...
Daughter takes her own life after using ChatGPT as therapist
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Twenty nine year old Sophie took her own life earlier this year, and in her grief her mother Laura Reiley is putting together the pieces of what happe...
Ireland’s vibrant farming past
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A newly-published book has taken a dive into Ireland’s vibrant farming past.From evictions and land wars, to golden harvests and dancing at the cros...
Is ‘Green Crime’ an ignored issue?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When we talk about the climate crisis, we often tend to couch the conversation in terms of negligence or poor corporate governance, as if environmenta...
Trinity College’s lesser-known zoological museum
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trinity College is home to the book of Kells and its iconic Library, which makes it one of Dublin's most popular tourist attractions.But, the universi...
How do you manage rising food costs? - Henry McKean Asks
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a supermarket price war coming? The German supermarkets have reduced the price of its home brand 2 litre of milk by 10 cent, the first price ...
How do Israelis feel about the new ceasefire?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All eyes are focused today on Israel as the peace deal begins, with Hamas releasing the remaining hostages alive...There have been scenes of celebrati...
Hotel in Poland launches initiative to boost birth rates
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Free Christening parties are being offered to couples who conceive during their stay at a hotel chain in Poland.There’s more – each employee will ...
Would you try yoghurt made from ants?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists and gourmands in Copenhagen have taken to producing yoghurt using the fermenting properties of ants. But, how does it all work?Seán’s gu...
The history of collecting
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of us will remember collecting stamps or football stickers or stationary or something of that ilk as a child.But, is that a modern phenomenon, o...
Is multitasking a myth, and just how harmful is it for our brain?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Experts are debunking the myth of multitasking, but in such a fast-paced world, how else can we possibly keep up?Psychology Professor at Stanford Univ...
Travelling on your tod!
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever travelled on your tod? Well, travel agents say solo travel is on the rise - and not just among singletons.Newstalk's Sarah Madden r...