Moncrieff Highlights
3,984 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsThe daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew
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Episodes
Are jeans banned in North Korea?
March 28, 2024 11:45 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBWhen a clip of celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh went viral this week, it wasn’t anything to do with his green fingers. Instead, it was because his denim jeans had been blurred out on North Korean television. Many media outlets then stated this had been done because jeans were apparently banned in the country. But is this actually the case? Sean was joined by Professor Hazel Smith from the School of Oriental and African Studies at University of London and author of ‘North Korea: Markets a...
The Secret Army: The Lost Documentary about the IRA
March 27, 2024 16:03 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBA new BBC investigation tells for the first time the extraordinary story of a lost American documentary made inside the Irish Republican Army in 1972, the bloodiest year of the Troubles. “The Secret Army” was made by an American film crew who captured IRA leaders and rank and file, planning, preparing, and carrying out bomb and gun attacks across Northern Ireland. The IRA hoped the unprecedented film would boost their support in America. But almost as soon as it was made the film disa...
International Whiskey Day: The Irish Influence
March 27, 2024 15:24 - 7 minutes - 6.59 MBToday is International Whiskey Day and Ireland has quite the story about the role we played in the popularity of whiskey. Back in the day, there were only a couple of Irish brands but that is no longer the case! Eoin Ó Cathain is the Director of the Irish Whiskey Association he joined Sean in studio...
'My days became terrifying' - Sophie White on living with Bipolar II
March 27, 2024 15:05 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBWith World Bipolar Day taking place this coming Saturday, Sean was joined by novelist and podcaster Sophie White to discuss her personal experiences of the condition... For more information and support, visit Aware.ie. People can also access support from The Samaritans by phone at any time on 116 123.
Do bullies end up more successful than those who they bullied?
March 26, 2024 15:55 - 6 minutes - 6.11 MBStudies show that kids who were tough and pushy at school often end up in top-notch, well-paying jobs. Meanwhile, the shy or sensitive ones might not make as much money. But let's be clear: this doesn't mean being a bully gets you a gold star. Sean was joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting coach at ParentSupport.ie…
The Uniquely Irish Street Food: 'It's delicious'
March 26, 2024 15:30 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBAli Dunworth, author of “A Compendium of Irish Pints: The Culture, Customs and Craic” joined Sean to chat about food like the Chicken Fillet Roll and the Spice Bag being classed as 'Irish Street Food'...
Irish PhD students earning 'way below liveable wage'
March 26, 2024 15:15 - 8 minutes - 7.42 MBUnder the current system, PhD researchers are classified as students, not workers, despite many of them working in their universities through teaching. This system is in opposition to many other countries in the EU. Sean was joined by Conor Reddy, a PhD researcher and President of the Postgraduate Workers Organisation...
'It wrecks my head' - Do parents get priority over single people for taking time-off?
March 26, 2024 15:10 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBThere is an opinion piece by an anonymous person in the Daily Mail with the headline “Why I can't bear mums that snaffle all the Easter holidays, by a childless woman who's had enough of their selfish behaviour.” But is it selfish that parents take time off to look after their kids when the schools are off, do they even have a choice? And is it very unfair on childless people to always get screwed on holidays? Henry McKean joined Sean with this report...
Dáil Bar: Only Members Allowed
March 25, 2024 15:35 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBPoliticians downed over €360k worth of booze last year with over 10k pints of Guinness poured at Dail’s two bars A pint of the black stuff at Leinster House costs just €5.20 — a fraction of the price of nearby city centre bars. Gavan Reilly, political correspondent with Virgin Media News joined Sean on the show to discuss...
Belfast table tennis club sets new Guinness World Record
March 25, 2024 15:10 - 7 minutes - 6.63 MBA new pre-verification Guinness World Record has been set by a table tennis club in Northern Ireland - but what exactly did it entail and how can 128 people play a single game of ping pong? Sean was joined by Gervis Knox, Co-founder of the Ormeau Table Tennis Club in Belfast...
How is security intelligence collected?
March 25, 2024 15:10 - 9 minutes - 8.97 MBRussia has charged four men it says attacked a Moscow concert hall and killed at least 137 people. Russia were warned by US Intelligence agencies that an attack was imminent, and even went into detail about what type of attack it would be. So how is this type of intelligence collected? Declan Power, Security and Defense analysist joined Sean to discuss...
Should we argue in relationships?
March 25, 2024 15:00 - 7 minutes - 6.94 MBDo you ever feel like your friends or family judge your relationship because you argue too much or maybe too little? It may feel like you can never win, but is it healthy if we don’t argue in our relationship at all? Sean was joined by Dr Caroline West, Sex educator and relationship columnist with the Irish Independent to discuss...
What's it like being a godparent in 2024?
March 25, 2024 14:50 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBGodparents are among the most important people at a christening, who make big promises to encourage their godchild to grow in faith and commit to helping them understand how to live their life, in a Christian way. That’s the original job spec for a devout Catholic, but what does it look like in 2024? Édaein O’Connell, freelance journalist, and newly appointed godmother joined Sean to discuss...
What is 'fake science' and how harmful can it be?
March 22, 2024 15:56 - 5 minutes - 4.88 MB'Fake news' might be a familiar term, but what about 'fake science?' A troubling rise in the number of fraudulent research papers infiltrating scientific journals signals a deepening crisis of credibility within the scientific community. What drives this phenomenon, and what are its implications? Sean was joined by William Reville, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at UCC...
Wedding Gifts: How much are you meant to give?
March 22, 2024 15:30 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MBIt’s the one question we’ll all have to face at some point. How much do I put in the wedding card? Well, the bad news is the rate is going up. Sara Kennedy from the Irish Wedding Blog joined Sean to discuss...
What do your fridge magnets say about you?
March 22, 2024 15:23 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBWhile many people pick up a fridge magnet as a memento from their holidays, others are major collectors. But what do our fridge magnet habits say about our personalities? Joining men now is Dr John Byrom, Senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Liverpool Management School...
What is it like to undergo a lie detector test?
March 22, 2024 15:12 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBWhen we think of lie detector, we might associate it with the likes of Jerry Springer and Jeremy Kyle and the roaring audience when the lie detector says he is NOT the father! But what is it like to undergo a lie detector test? Kirsty Blake Knox is a writer and journalist with The Irish Independent and has decided to see for herself and joined Sean to discuss...
Ulster Museum: 'This is everyone's story'
March 21, 2024 15:56 - 8 minutes - 7.83 MBToday, the show LIVE from the Belfast Room at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, with thanks to Tourism NI. Hannah Crowdy, Head of Curatorial at National Museums NI joined Sean to chat through the various stopping points through the museum, including the Troubles and Beyond Gallery...
Why can’t Irish passport holders in Northern Ireland vote in Irish elections?
March 21, 2024 14:58 - 7 minutes - 6.78 MBWhile people living in Northern Ireland are entitled to dual British and Irish citizenship, one journalist believes that the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement is not being followed because Irish citizens here are not allowed to vote in the Republic and are therefore disenfranchised. Sean was joined by John Laverty, Journalist with the Belfast Telegraph to discuss...
North Star: A Belfast celebration of Black music and culture
March 21, 2024 14:58 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBOn Friday, 25th October, Solab, a dynamic new collective helmed by Kwame Daniels - presents 'North Star,' a citywide spectacle in Belfast. Showcasing an ambitious blend of music, visual art, and literature, the live show celebrates the rich heritage of Black music and cultures. Sean was joined LIVE in Belfast by Kwame Daniels, DJ and Founder and CEO of Bounce Culture…
'Things take me a while!' - Henry asks the people of Belfast about procrastinating
March 21, 2024 14:45 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBMany of us keep putting off jobs around the house and goals we are trying to achieve. The Cambridge Dictionary defines procrastination as “the act of delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring”. Newstalk’s biggest procrastinator, Henry McKean joined Sean LIVE in Belfast to discuss...
Free condoms are back at the Olympics!
March 21, 2024 11:03 - 6 minutes - 6.31 MBThe tradition of giving out free condoms to Olympic athletes dates back to 1988 when AIDS fears prompted the Winter Olympics hosted in Canada to embrace a new way of thinking and provide 6,000 free condoms. In the intervening years the practice has only grown and with the upcoming Paris Olympics lifting the so called “intimacy ban” imposed during COVID, condoms may have never been more important. Sean was joined by Ellen Gutoskey, staff writer with Mental Floss...
Leo Varadkar resigns: 'His time in office has taken a toll on him'
March 20, 2024 15:50 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBToday's headlines are dominated by the unexpected news that Leo Varadkar is resigning as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael. This development is the latest in a series of dramatic events for Fine Gael, marked by the decision of 10 of its elected TDs to take early retirement instead of braving the upcoming General Election. Sean was joined by Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent who will share insights into the successes and failures of celebrity politicians in Ireland.
What does the role of a food stylist entail?
March 20, 2024 15:30 - 9 minutes - 8.37 MBWe are all aware of those mouth-watering food advertisements we see everywhere but have you ever been disappointed when the ad doesn’t translate into real life, well those tasty ads might have a bit of movie magic. Sean was joined by Anne Marie Tobin, who is a food stylist...
Rising trend of divorce rings
March 20, 2024 15:20 - 9 minutes - 8.55 MBEmily Ratajkowski has showed off her divorce ring on social media, but what even is a divorce ring and why are they so trendy? Chupi Sweetman is a jewelery designer and she joined Sean to discuss...
What does it take to play James Bond?
March 20, 2024 15:12 - 12 minutes - 11 MBWith the rumour mill in overdrive over the news that Aaron Taylor-Johnson may have been offered the role of James Bond, what has the process of casting 007 been historically? Sean was joined by Brian Lloyd, Movies Editor at Entertainment.ie and Movies & Booze panelist...
New website allows tenants see history of rental properties in Ireland
March 20, 2024 15:00 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBA frustration for renters in Ireland is how blind they find themselves when moving into a new apartment or house. A crowdsourcing website now aims to fill in the gaps. Sean was joined by Vinny Glennon, Founder of HowMuchRent.com...
Is using the term 'widow' offensive?
March 19, 2024 15:58 - 7 minutes - 6.88 MBLloyd's bank has urged employees to stop using the term ‘widow’ as it can be triggering, instead replace it with ‘separated’, the reasoning behind this? They claim it can be “unnecessarily vivid”. Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic joined Sean to discuss...
The Power of Saying 'No'
March 19, 2024 15:41 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBWe all find it hard to say no sometimes, but what if saying no opened more possibilities for us. Author Edel Coffey has a piece in the Irish Examiner about the power of saying no and joined Sean to discuss...
Vaping: 'There's some products that shouldn't be there'
March 19, 2024 15:20 - 5 minutes - 5.18 MBYesterday a new poll found that 76 percent of vapers believe a flavour ban could lead to more young people smoking. While some 71 percent of smokers claimed that they would not switch to vaping if flavours were banned. So what does this mean for the future of flavoured vaping? Sean was joined by Joe Dunne, Founder and Co-Owner of Hale Vaping...
'Everybody loves it' - Henry McKean celebrates inventor of first karaoke machine
March 19, 2024 14:55 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBShigeichi Negishi the inventor of the Karaoke Machine has died at the age of 100. He invented the then Sparko box in 1967. Henry McKean, a lover of karaoke, joined Sean with this report...
Dating in Dublin (As A Person From The Country)
March 14, 2024 16:07 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBThe difficulties of finding love in rural Ireland are much catalogued, seen recently on the RTE show ‘Love in the country’ but what happens when a singleton swaps the country for the city. Is finding love in Dublin easier? Or does an abundance of choice make things just as tough? Sean was joined by Journalist, Édaein O’Connell to discuss...
'I'd prefer to go with the Brian Boru name' - Henry asks what should our new MetroLink stations be named after
March 14, 2024 16:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MBThe Glasnevin Metrolink station could be renamed in memory of Brian Boru pub. The family behind the 200-year-old pub due for demolition has made an appeal over station naming during an An Bord Pleanála hearing. Henry McKean has been looking at potential names but not just for Glasnevjn but the whole route which runs to Dublin airport...
Henry McKean visits the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
March 13, 2024 15:25 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBIn the middle of Hollywood, surrounded by studios is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, established in 1899. Some of the biggest stars from the golden age of cinema are buried there. Henry McKean met tour guide Karie Bible and went on a real tour with the other visitors. Newstalk's coverage of the Oscars is brought to you by Aer Lingus, flying the Irish film talent to Hollywood...
MEPs approve new EU artificial intelligence legislation
March 13, 2024 15:15 - 5 minutes - 5.23 MBThis morning lawmakers in Strasbourg overwhelming approved the Artificial Intelligence Act, a world first, aimed at regulating AI according to a risk-based approach. But what does this act actually set out and is it really possible to put manners on the everchanging world of AI? Sean was joined by Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune to discuss...
Why does the Aviva Stadium lack atmosphere?
March 13, 2024 15:12 - 9 minutes - 8.44 MBAs England snatched Saturday’s game in the dying seconds one thing of note was the thundering reaction from fans as Twickenham was engulfed in frenzied celebration. In the aftermath some have compared Twickenham’s atmosphere and indeed many other six nation stadia to a more muted Aviva. So why is the Aviva lacking atmosphere? Sean was was joined by RTÉ rugby commentator and columnist, Donal Lenihan...
How to handle a PR crisis?
March 13, 2024 15:10 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBUnless you’ve been living under a rock, you will have heard all about Kate Middleton’s photoshop gate. What makes the situation worse, is how badly it’s been handled by Kensington Palace’s PR team. So what is the correct what to handle a PR crisis? Jonathan Healy is the Founder of Healy Communications and joined Sean to discuss...
Female-only tractor safety course launched
March 12, 2024 15:55 - 6 minutes - 5.55 MBIn today’s world we strive for equality between women and men. So, it may sound unusual that a female only tractor safety course has been launched. Sean was joined by Journalist and Farmer, Hannah Quinn Mulligan...
How to deal with windbags during office meetings
March 12, 2024 15:55 - 7 minutes - 6.66 MBOne issue that comes up with office meetings over and over again is the windbag...the one person who just won’t put a lid on it and let others speak. Sean was joined by Damien McCarthy, Managing Director of HR Buddy to discuss...
The death of hitchhiking
March 12, 2024 15:30 - 9 minutes - 8.46 MBHave we reached the death of hitchhiking? It was a practice common decades ago but how often do we see people thumbing a lift these days? Sean was joined by Travel journalist Joan Scales to discuss…
‘It’s something we should be embracing’ - TikTok star Kayleigh Trappe on the Irish language
March 12, 2024 14:55 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBSeachtain na Gaeilge is running until St.Patrick’s Day, we’re all being encouraged to use our cúpla focal. Sean was joined by TikTok sensation and Seachtain na Gaeilge Ambassador, Kayleigh Trappe to discuss...
'The flag stands for pride, respect and peace' - Use of Irish tricolour at far-right protests 'is disappointing'
March 11, 2024 15:41 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MBFlags can symbolise many things to different people and nations. So too is it true for the Irish tricolour, which was first flown in Waterford in 1848. Sean was joined by Clive Byrne, Chairperson of the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation...
Christopher Nolan's Secret Movie
March 11, 2024 15:25 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBSince its curtain call at a 1996 film festival, 'Larceny,' Christopher Nolan's elusive short film, has been kept under wraps by its cast and crew, seemingly in a collective pact to keep its mystery as tightly sealed as a bank vault. But why? Sean was joined by Darren Mooney, Columnist with Irish Independent and author of “Christopher Nolan: A Critical Study of the Films” …
Let's Match Mums: Clothes recycling movement helping refugees
March 11, 2024 15:20 - 9 minutes - 8.98 MBDuring the pandemic, an Instagram page sparked a movement, connecting locals with refugees through children's clothing. From the tech world to the heart of a community revolution. Sean was joined by Louisamay Hanrahan, founder and CEO of Let’s Match Mums, a place where children’s hand-me-downs are continually recycled...
Cheltenham's War on Wee: 'It's a real nuisance'
March 11, 2024 15:12 - 8 minutes - 7.78 MBAs hundreds of thousands of racegoers descend on Cheltenham this week, the War on Wee moves up a gear, in an attempt to combat the perennial issue of public urination. But what is being done about it? Sean was joined by Max Wilkinson, Cheltenham Borough Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development...
'Destinations are taking advantage of it’ The rise of Holidays Based Off Books And TV Shows
March 07, 2024 16:40 - 10 minutes - 6.97 MBHow have you ever booked a holiday based on your love for a Novel, TV series or film? Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden has been looking into why people like to holiday where their favorite story is based or filmed.
'We had 400 replies in 24 hours' Offering free accommodation proves to be the solution to finding a new head chef for West Cork Restaurant
March 07, 2024 16:20 - 6 minutes - 2.76 MBCuriosities on the Beara peninsula in west Cork have been looking for a staff since January. Struggling to find a new chef, the restaurant decided to offer free accommodation as part of the benefits of taking up the position. Sean was joined by Michael Donney, co-owner of Curiosities restaurant in Castletownbere to talk through the staffing problems in the restaurant industry, the implications for communities and why Ireland has become an unattractive working location to chefs.
Reusing Nappies? Trim Tidy Towns launches Cloth Nappy Library.
March 07, 2024 15:50 - 7 minutes - 5.02 MBTrim Tidy Towns as part of the town's efforts to reduce plastic, has launched a cloth Nappy Library. This initiative will see parents renting cloth nappies from the library, using them for some time and then returning them washed for use by other parents and babies. Could such a scheme become the norm? How will parents react to it? And is it plausible at all? To talk through the idea of the scheme and its benefits. Sean was joined by Anne McCartney-Cutbill, Owner of Cult Zero in Trim whic...
The Enhanced Games: The sporting event that levels the playing field by allowing the use of performance-enhancing drugs
March 07, 2024 15:30 - 12 minutes - 8.69 MBThe Olympic games is taking place this summer in Paris. The Games will see strict testing and enforcement to prevent competitors from using performance-enhancing drugs to gain an unfair advantage. But sometime next year a international sporting event will be held called the Enhanced Games. The event will embrace and allow the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Joining Sean to talk through where the idea for such a event came from and the rational behind it was Christina Smith, Enhanced G...
Post Wedding Blues
March 07, 2024 15:25 - 8 minutes - 4.86 MBWeddings for bride and groom are one of the most exciting and happy moments in life. But many people get the blues after the big day, with the bride being reportedly especially prone to such phenomena. Joining Sean to talk through this was Sara Kennedy, Wedding Expert, Irish Wedding Blog.