Moncrieff Highlights
3,984 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsThe daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew
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Episodes
How much do you make writing a book?
April 16, 2024 15:08 - 8 minutes - 8.22 MBWhile books may be getting more expensive, spare a thought for the people who write them. Authors receive just a tiny percentage of the actual cost of a title. So, is it actually worth writing a book? Seán is joined by Ian Winwood, Author of ‘Bodies: Life & Death In Music’, and has been writing about this in the Telegraph.
'A hoover... I hate hoovering!’ - Henry McKean asks about the worst gifts ever
April 16, 2024 14:59 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBA family in the US who got an octopus for their nine year old son's birthday say it's upended their life, after it gave birth to 50 babies. 9-year-old Cal, was given the octopus in October and named it Terrance - believing it to be a male. The family says the sea creature turned out to be larger than expected, and say many water tanks have now taken over their bathroom. To discuss this, and another awful gifts, Seán is joined by Newstalk's Henry McKean.
Samsung Vs. Apple: Who’s Winning?
April 16, 2024 14:43 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBThe battle of Android versus Apple is raging on, and Samsung is once again the most popular smartphone in the world. Are Apple's best days behind them? Here to discuss is Elaine Burke is the host of The For Tech Sake Podcast and joins Seán.
Should alcohol free wine be called "wine"?
April 16, 2024 14:34 - 6 minutes - 5.82 MBA senior Italian government minister has insisted that non-alcoholic wine should not have the word “wine” on the label as sales soar globally. Non-alcoholic wines are expected to grow 10 per cent per year between now and 2033, with turnover increasing from $2 billion today to $5.2 billion in a decade. Mick O’Connell is a Master of wine and Co-owner Neighbourhood Wines and joins Seán to discuss.
How did Conan O’Brien get on Ros na Rún?
April 16, 2024 14:22 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBUS TV host Conan O’Brien has made no secret of his Irish heritage, and this week for his new show ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ he will be showcasing his cameo in the iconic Irish soap Ros na Rún on TG4. The man tasked with training Conan for his Irish language debut is linguistics coach Kevin Hussey who joins Seán to talk about the experience. Image: TG4
Dungeons & Dragons’ 50th Anniversary - What is the game?
April 16, 2024 14:09 - 9 minutes - 8.92 MBThis year the cult tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons is marking its 50th anniversary, but how did it start and why has it got such a big following? Joining Seán to discuss is Eoghan Falvey, Co-creator of the ‘How We Roll’ podcast.
‘They tell me I’m not paralyzed enough…’ Being disabled in Ireland
April 15, 2024 15:15 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MBLast week, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters heard evidence from a number of people with disabilities and the barriers they face, some being credited to government regulations. One of the people there was David Digon, and he joins Seán to discuss.
Does having an election in the summer make a difference?
April 15, 2024 14:36 - 10 minutes - 9.38 MBBased off of Bertie Ahern's comments at the recent Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis - Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent joins Seán to discuss the effect the season can have on an election.
Life Under Covid-19 Captured
April 15, 2024 14:24 - 6 minutes - 5.52 MBThe National Library are unveiling a collection by photojournalists who captured how life was during the pandemic, from saying hello to granny through the window, to the life of healthcare workers. David Branigan is the President of Press Photographers Ireland and joins Seán.
Is it okay to ask for a doggy bag?
April 15, 2024 14:08 - 9 minutes - 8.34 MBWhile some people might find it embarrassing, others are more than willing to ask for one. But what are the do’s and don’ts around doggy bags? Joining Seán is Corinna Hardgrave, Restaurant critic for the Irish Times, who has been writing about this issue in the newspaper.
Is “Pretty Privilege” real?
April 15, 2024 13:59 - 7 minutes - 6.98 MBAccording to research from the University of Illinois, attractive lawyers are more likely to win their cases and receive favourable rulings from judges—regardless of gender or experience level. It’s not just in the courtroom that pretty privilege exists, you’ll find it persists in most aspects of life. To tell more, Seán is joined by communications guru Terry Prone.
Why are parcel deliveries getting so sloppy?
April 15, 2024 13:48 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBSince the pandemic and the beginning of the era of so-called ‘contactless deliveries’, more and more consumers are discovering that their packages are ending up in the most bizarre places: from parcels flung over a side wall, to even ending up in your green bin. Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times, has been investigating and joins Seán to discuss.
The World's Rarest Passport
April 12, 2024 14:25 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBThe world’s rarest passport belongs to a soverign nation which has no land and no citizens. Sean was joined by Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, President of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta...
Dermot Bannon: People stop me in queues to ask about their home renovations
April 12, 2024 14:15 - 8 minutes - 8.18 MBIt is the 20th anniversary of the ‘Simon Open Doors’, an initiative with the RIAI that provides services to people facing homelessness. If you donate €120, you get an hour- long consultation with one of their registered architects. Dermot Bannon architect and Campaign Ambassador for the RIAI Simon Open Door initiative joined Sean to discuss...
The Most Blasphemous Adverts of All Time
April 12, 2024 14:15 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBAn ad for crisps on Italian television is causing a stir amid accusations of blasphemy due to its depiction of Catholic nuns consuming crisps instead of the Eucharist. So, where does this ad fit into the long litany of advertisements which have been accused of blasphemy in the past? Simon Tierney has been investigating this and joined Sean to discuss...
How do you deal with rage?
April 11, 2024 15:16 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBA new Japanese study found the tradition of ‘hakidashisara’, which is noting down grievances then discarding the paper is a successful way to deal with feelings of rage. Henry McKean joins us now. Henry how do you deal with rage?
France approves bill penalising fast fashion
April 10, 2024 14:00 - 9 minutes - 8.57 MBA fast fashion bill in France is being sent to Senate that could change how we shop; this bill is a first of its kind and Ireland is no better, when it comes to shopping fast fashion, we consume 50 kg of clothes per person, each year! Mark Sweeney is the Chair of Charity Retail Ireland and joined Sean on the show to discuss...
Irish Cheerleading team set for world stage
April 09, 2024 14:52 - 7 minutes - 6.76 MBAn Irish cheerleading team is heading to Orlando later this month to compete in the ‘The Cheerleading Worlds’ but what is involved in cheerleading and how do you qualify for the championships? Rachel Leane from Killarney Scorchers joined Sean to discuss...
New version of Scrabble launched
April 09, 2024 14:47 - 7 minutes - 6.48 MBAfter 75 years, Scrabble has announced a new, apparently more ‘inclusive’ version of the game. But is this dumbing down the classic format? Sean was joined by Feargal Weatherhead, 2023 Irish National Scrabble Champion...
Ireland's Standout Taoisigh
April 09, 2024 14:32 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBToday Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has been elected our new Taoiseach. He is the sixteenth man to take the position. So who have been the standout Taoisigh over the last century? Joining me to discuss is Fergus Finlay, former senior advisor to the Labour Party and Irish Examiner columnist.
Are we over catastrophizing AI?
April 09, 2024 14:25 - 8 minutes - 7.4 MBThere is a lot of talk in the media about artificial intelligence and it's rarely positive. Professor Barry O’Sullivan from the Insight Centre for Data Analytics at UCC joined Sean to discuss why he thinks all is not so negative when it comes to AI...
'I wouldn't say we've lost them' - Henry McKean asks people about table manners
April 09, 2024 13:55 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBAccording to a new study 3 quarters of those polled aged 16 and over say traditional table etiquette is outdated nonsense. Sean was joined by Newstalk's etiquette expert, Henry McKean to discuss...
International Airport in Arklow: Here's what we know so far
April 08, 2024 14:30 - 10 minutes - 9.71 MBThe Business Post had a front page story yesterday which said a middle-east consortium are in the process of assuming up to one thousand acres of land in order to develop a new International Airport in Arklow. If built, the airport will be serviced by a train and motorway, and could be the solution to the current passenger cap at Dublin Airport. Killian Woods, Senior Business Reporter with the Business Post joined Sean to discuss...
How does a funeral planning service work?
April 08, 2024 14:05 - 7 minutes - 7.3 MBWhen a loved one dies it can exert an enormous pressure on family members to organise a funeral in an exceptionally short space of time, unlike in some other countries when funerals take place later on. So, is there space for a service which aims to take this burden off, say....a funeral planner? Sean was joined by Louise O’Brien, Co-founder of RHEA...
Jim Fitzpatrick: 'I was like Philip's mythological advisor'
April 08, 2024 13:50 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBThin Lizzy’s fourth studio album ‘Nightlife’ is turning 50 this year. The Irish band is known for their hard rock hits and their creative and intricate album covers. The man behind this is artist Jim Fitzpatrick, and he joined Sean on the show to discuss...
Can Dublin emulate Cork's English Market?
April 08, 2024 13:50 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBFollowing a two decade delay in getting the project off the ground, the fruit and vegetable market on Mary's Lane is to reopen in 2026. That hasn't stopped the CEO of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare from declaring that it will be better than the English Market in Cork. Michael Moynihan, Irish Examiner Columnist joined Sean to discuss...
Metal buoy lost in Gulf of Mexico resurfaces on Wexford beach after 17 Years
April 05, 2024 14:30 - 8 minutes - 7.71 MBDuring the week, Owen Dunbar, local resident in Ballymoney, heard about a massive metal buoy that had washed up on the beach in Ballymoney. After some investigation, he discovered it had been floating in the sea since Hurricane Katrina in 2007. Owen joined Stefanie Preissner on the show today to discuss...
Are guinea pigs good pets for kids?
April 05, 2024 14:08 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBWhile it can be challenging for parents to choose a suitable pet for young kids, one option is a guinea pig. But the history of how this animal ended up being domesticated in the first place is just as interesting as their role as a pet. Pete Wedderburn aka Pete The Vet joined Stefanie Preissner to discuss...
Reigniting Childhood Happiness
April 05, 2024 14:00 - 10 minutes - 9.89 MBAs we grow up, we tend to forget about the things that sparked a sense of joy for us as kids, but what if reigniting feeling now changes how we think and view the world? Tim Dowling, writer with the Guardian joined Stefanie Preissner to discuss...
Cups v Grams: Which is better?
April 04, 2024 15:00 - 10 minutes - 9.22 MBHave you ever been on the hunt for a recipe, and when you find the most delicious one, it is in cups, and you have to convert it, but it doesn’t even turn out good after all of your hard work? Food writer Aisling Larkin joined Stefanie Preissner to discuss...
Bavaria bans gender neutral language in schools and other public bodies
April 04, 2024 14:30 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBA new law came into effect in Bavaria in Germany this week that bans so-called “gender-neutral language” in schools and public bodies. It comes after underscores and asterisks were being added into words to modify them from the default traditional masculine. Derek Scally, Journalist with the Irish Times joined Kieran to discuss...
The Longest Running TV Shows
April 04, 2024 14:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBGrey’s Anatomy has returned for its 21st season. Has it run its course or can it be redeemed! What are some of the other longest running shows? Olivia Fahy, editor of Geek Ireland and joined Stefanie Preissner...
Blessing of the planes at Dublin Airport could be coming to and end after 75 years
April 04, 2024 14:00 - 9 minutes - 8.64 MBFor the past 75 years the blessing of the planes has been an annual tradition at Dublin Airport. However, the DAA has now decided to review this ritual due to new security protocols. Stefanie Preissner was joined by Travel Journalist Eoghan Corry to discuss...
Why is NASA giving the Moon a time zone?
April 03, 2024 15:12 - 9 minutes - 8.99 MBDavid Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland and Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine joins Stefanie to discuss why NASA has been given the task to set up lunar coordinated time.
A new path is being added to Croagh Patrick
April 03, 2024 14:58 - 7 minutes - 6.53 MBStefanie is joined by David Doyle, team member of the Croagh Patrick Path Team, to discuss the new path being put up Croagh Patrick.
Does Dublin need a congestion charge?
April 03, 2024 14:26 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIt is now 21 years since London brought in its Congestion Charge. While the notion has proved controversial as an option for Dublin, one commentator in the UK believes that it is time for Irish politicians to be brave and take the plunge. Stefanie Preissner was joined by Christian Wolmar, Broadcaster and Journalist specialising in transport, who has been writing about this in today’s Irish Independent...
The Legacy of Hugh O’Flaherty
April 03, 2024 14:21 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MBA village in Cork is set to commemorate the life of their most famous son, Hugh O’Flaherty, the priest who saved thousands of lives during World War Two and was the inspiration for the 1983 Gregory Peck movie "The Scarlet and The Black". Joining Stefanie is Niall Collins, a distant cousin of Hugh O’Flaherty, to discuss the legacy he’s left behind.
How to disable push notifications on your phone
April 03, 2024 14:15 - 9 minutes - 8.83 MBNewstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Stefanie Preissner to discuss how to deal with the copious amount of push notifications we get on our phones...
Could chatting to a deceased loved one through AI help you grieve?
April 03, 2024 14:05 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWould you create an AI chatbot to chat with your deceased loved one? Could this be good for the grieving process, or could it make things harder? Stefanie Preissner was joined by Liz Gleeson is a clinician researcher and educator in the field of loss and grief and a psychotherapist and grief specialist...
Are we showering too much?
April 03, 2024 13:58 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBThere was an article in the UK Independent where Jonthan Ross talks about how he hates showering. He could go at least a week without showering, as does his wife, and that they’re “like a couple of hamsters in straw in that bed”. Stefanie speaks with consultant dermatologist Dr Isabelle Haugh about if we are showering too much, or if we should be showering more. What are the implications?
People see things at different rates: Here's why
April 02, 2024 14:42 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBJust like the way a film works, we see the world as a series of fast-moving images. However, a new study reveals that people actually see these images at different rates per second. Stefanie Preissner was joined by Dr. Kevin Michell, from the Institute of Neurosciences at Trinity College Dublin...
The History of Hot Cross Buns
April 02, 2024 14:42 - 8 minutes - 8.06 MBMany listeners will be scoffing down the last of the hot cross buns today but how exactly did this festive treat come about? Stefanie was joined by Dr. Eleanor Barnett, Food historian and author of ‘Leftovers: A History of Food Waste and Preservation’, who has been researching this for English Heritage...
Viral 'Fish Doorbell' is helping marine life in The Netherlands
April 02, 2024 14:40 - 10 minutes - 9.36 MBDing Dong! The fish are calling—Utrecht, a Dutch city, has innovated conservation with its remarkable fish doorbell, stirring waves in both environmental preservation and community involvement. Stefanie Preissner was joined by Willemijn Koppelaars, Ecologist to discuss…
Why is it raining so much?
April 02, 2024 14:34 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBAfter a pretty decent Sunday, yesterday was another bank holiday wash out for much of the country. And it feels like it has rained constantly since last July – but is that really the case? Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather joined Stefanie Preissner to discuss...
Why are concert tickets so expensive in Ireland?
April 02, 2024 14:30 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MBIf you’re going to see Pearl Jam, Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen this summer, chances are you’ll be paying more than concert goers in places like London, Barcelona and Munich. Steep ticket prices is nothing new, but can anything be done to bring the prices down? And why is it more expensive to go to a concert in Ireland compared to the rest of Europe? Stefanie Preissner was joined by Jackie Conboy, Co-Founder of the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland (MEAI).
Employers and staff react to consecutive four-day weeks
April 02, 2024 13:20 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBMarch was a big month for public holidays and flexible work schedules. So much so that for many, they had three consecutive four-day weeks. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been finding out how this went for employers and employees.
'Baby hedgehog’ rescued by woman turns out to be hat bobble
March 28, 2024 16:45 - 6 minutes - 5.57 MBAn unusual creature was brought into a wildlife hospital recently in the UK, much to the bemusement of the staff. But what it actually turned out to be was even stranger than fiction. Tom Dunne was joined by Janet Kotze, Manager of the Lower Moss Nature Reserve and Wildlife Hospital in Cheshire...
'People don't like wearing condoms' - Number of over 60s getting STIs on the rise
March 28, 2024 15:12 - 7 minutes - 6.74 MBThe number of older people getting STIs is going up. It's a surprise to many baby boomers who thought they wouldn't have to worry about these infections because of their age. But why is this happening? And why aren't more people using protection? Laura Dowling, the Fabulous Pharmacist joined Tom Dunne to discuss...
How to have a no-spend year
March 28, 2024 15:10 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MBCould you go an entire year without spending ANY money on luxuries? That means no takeout coffees, Netflix subscriptions, nothing! Well, a woman and her family took on the challenge and did just that. Money Coach, Kel Galavan joined Tom Dunne on the show today...
'I did geography until 3rd Year' - Has technology has killed the art of map reading?
March 28, 2024 14:55 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBOscar winning pair Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas were spotted using an old fashioned paper map in Venice. They weren’t using Google Maps or a GPS. Has technology has killed the art of map reading? Newstalk's Henry McKean joined Tom Dunne with this report...