Moncrieff

Paris suburb evacuated for controlled explosion of WW2 bomb

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:26:00 +0000

A Paris suburb was evacuated over the weekend after a World War 2 bomb was discovered on a building site. But, why does 80 year old ordnance still pose a threat? Joining Seán to discuss is Ray Lane, former Head of the Bomb Disposal Unit in the Irish Army and author of ‘Only a soldier knows’...

Image: @prefetpolice on X

How do you know if someone is posh?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:22:00 +0000

The Daily Telegraph has created a list of 7 markers of poshness, as part of their ongoing Great British Class Survey. But, what do these social markers tell us about how poshness is perceived here in Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss is Brenda Hyland Beirne, Etiquette Consultant.

Break-up Gifts - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:22:00 +0000

Break-up and divorce gift lists are growing in popularity, driven by a cultural shift to treat the end of a relationship as a significant life event, giving support and a move away from the stigma…

To discuss further, Seán is joined by Henry McKean.

Trinity medical students to be evaluated on empathy - how do you define it?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:20:00 +0000

Soon, medical students at Trinity College will be assessed not only on clinical competence, but also on their capacity for empathy and compassionate care.

But how do you define and evaluate such human qualities in a clinical setting?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Brendan O’Shea, Kildare GP and Assistant Adjunct Professor in General Practice at Trinity College.

Fancying someone else - the secret to a healthy marriage?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:43:00 +0000

An article in a New York magazine has claimed that a harmless crush you may have on a coworker or barista is not only harmless, but may actually rejuvenate your relationship…

The author argues that not only are crushes inevitable, but can actually be healthy – by telling your partner you fancy someone else, it can put you both ‘in the mood.’

Could this ever be the case?

Sexologist Emily Power Smith joins Seán to discuss.

Henry McKean takes on a Make-A-Wish challenge!

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:42:00 +0000

More than 300 children in Ireland are currently waiting for life-changing wishes according to Make-A-Wish Ireland.

Last year over 229 wishes were granted, its highest number to date. The nationwide fundraising campaign, in partnership with Newstalk, which has been running all week finishes today with Donation Day.

Now in its 18th year, Wish Week brought us powerful stories from children and families across Ireland to listeners, highlighting the life-changing impact of a wish for children living with critical medical conditions.

We asked Henry McKean to get involved and he joins Seán to discuss!

Tralee student to be first of non-Chinese descent to do Mandarin Leaving Cert

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:37:00 +0000

A Tralee student is making history by being the first Irish student of non-Chinese descent to take on Mandarin for his Leaving Certificate exams.

Ethan Gilroy, 6th year student at Mount Hawke in Tralee, joins Seán to discuss.

Have movies lost the art of suspense?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:19:00 +0000

Once Hollywood’s bread and butter, suspense thrillers have been lost to dwindling attention spans…

Films now must cater to double screens; does that mean we have lost the art of suspense?

Joining Seán to discuss is Tim Robey, Film Critic with the Daily Telegraph.

How do you properly pack a grocery shop?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:19:00 +0000

It’s time to answer the age-old question: how do you pack your groceries?

Do you divide bags by food group, by weight?

Do you pack as you go at the till, or move aside after paying to arrange the goods?

Is there a standard procedure for packing the big shop?

Home Economist Agnes Boucher Hayes joins Seán to settle it all…

Is a greater focus on renewable energy the answer to the fuel crisis?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:02:00 +0000

The fuel crisis due to the war in Iran, as well as blockades from the national fuel protests, has shown our reliance on these forms of energy. Is the answer to all of this a pivot to greater reliance on renewable energy? How would it work?

Hannah Daly, Professor in Sustainable Energy in UCC joins Seán to discuss.

Why do we lose things in plain sight?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:02:00 +0000

We have all found ourselves swearing blind to someone that something isn’t where it should be… You get someone else to look, and low and behold, they find it straight away!

We’ve all been victims of losing things in plain sight, and apparently there are psychological reasons for this…

Enda Murphy, Psychotherapist and author, joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘phimosis’?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:01:00 +0000

Cian Griffin is a content and community marketer and Gaylgeoiri online. Cian recently got a circumcision due to phimosis.

Phimosis is a common medical condition that occurs in all male children. This is where the foreskin is tight and cannot retract over the head, or glans, of the penis.

It is estimated that in 95% of male children, the foreskin will develop and become retractile by the age of 12, or once the child enters adolescence.

However, this is not always the case, and some men continue to suffer from phimosis into their teens and adulthood…

Cian joins Seán to discuss.

How sniffer dogs find contraband - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:01:00 +0000

Last year, Revenue’s service dogs or sniffer dogs found over €100 million of drugs, tobacco and cash. Henry McKean visited Dublin Port and met the dogs in action, as well as Alan Foley, Revenue's National Detector Dog Programme Manager.

He sent in this report.

World’s oldest gorilla celebrates 69th birthday!

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:07:00 +0000

A gorilla in Berlin Zoo has broken the world record for being the oldest gorilla in the world!

Fatou is the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, and has celebrated her 69th birthday…

Joining Seán to discuss is Philline Hachmeister, Head of Communication in Berlin Zoo.

Image: Berlin Zoo

Why some Irish streets work - and why some don’t

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:48:00 +0000

Ireland’s cities are full of architecture from all eras, including the famous Georgian house along Dublin city center.

But, have you ever noticed that there are just some streets you hate walking down, whether they’re too long, too open, or just wrong?

Why do some of these streets work and some don't?

Joining Seán to discuss is Designer and Founder of Boyne Creative, Eleanor Ruth.

150th Anniversary of the Catalpa Fenian Rescue Mission

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:47:00 +0000

On the 18th and 19th of April, the National Museum of Ireland will host a limited time exhibition at Collins Barracks to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa rescue mission.

The mission involved the rescue of six Irish Fenians from a British penal colony in western Australia in April 1876 by a US whaling ship. After their rescue, the Fenians, who had been transported to Australia on the last convict ship, were brought safely to New York, much to the annoyance of the British who tried to intercept them as they sailed away.

To discuss this and the exhibition, Seán is joined by Brenda Malone, Curator of Military History at the National Museum of Ireland.

Image: National Museum of Ireland

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: That Escalated Quickly

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:42:00 +0000

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join Seán to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes.

This week, Cassie joins to discuss things that escalated in weird and unexpected ways!

How to use procrastination to your advantage

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:41:00 +0000

Can procrastination be a good thing?

Historian and author of ‘Self-Help from the Middle Ages’ Peter Jones believe that procrastination can be used to our advantage. He joins Seán to discuss.

Will we ever see women in power in the Catholic Church?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:36:00 +0000

Despite Pope Leo being a relatively outspoken successor to Pope Francis, we are yet to see women be in any position of power within the Catholic Church. So, will we ever see this in the future?

Joining Seán to discuss is Father Tony Flannery, a Redemptorist priest who was forbidden to practice by his superiors in Rome in 2012 for speaking up on many issues, including this one…

Sorj Chalandon on the continued relevance of ‘The Fourth Wall’

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:31:00 +0000

Seán’s guest wrote a book over 10 years ago that he never suspected could become as relevant now as it has.

Sorj Chalandon spent 25 years covering wars across Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria as a journalist. He then turned to novels, with his book ‘The Fourth Wall’ utilising his memories and emotions of reporting on these wars, and turning them into a story.

The book, set between Paris and Beirut in 1982 at the second Israeli invasion of Lebanon, follows the lives of Georges and his friend Samuel, a Greek Jewish Theatre Director and the staging of Jean Anouilh’s ‘Antigone’.

Sorj joins to discuss…

Trolleys on trains - do they need to come back?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000

If you’ve taken a train journey in Ireland recently, you may have noticed something missing, the refreshment trolley. Once a familiar part of longer trips, it’s disappeared from most routes since the pandemic, leaving passengers without even a cup of tea on board…

So, is it time to bring it back?

Joining Sean to discuss is Jenny McEntegart, Freelance Journalist.

Wish Week: Isabelle’s McCarthy Story

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:26:00 +0000

It’s Wish Week here on Newstalk, and we are highlighting the incredible work Make-A-Wish does in helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses…

Seán is joined by Isabelle McCarthy, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and her dad Brendan to discuss the wish she had been granted…

Let’s make 2026 the biggest Wish Week yet! Every cent matters. Donate online at makeawish.ie/donate.

Are socks taking a bigger role in fashion?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:06:00 +0000

Apparently, socks are becoming more important when it comes to finishing off an outfit, but why is this, and why are they going beyond keeping your feet warm?

Joining Seán to discuss is Laura Jordan, Image & Brand Consultant and owner of Style Savvy.

Samuel Beckett’s 120th birthday - what was his impact?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:25:00 +0000

Today marks 120 years since the birth of Samuel Beckett. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1969, but he still remains to be more of a remote figure compared to the pantheon of Irish writers.

Joining Seán to discuss his life and career is writer Dr. Fearghal Whelan.

Is conversation the answer to a perfect first date?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:19:00 +0000

Forget the candlelight, the cocktails and the carefully chosen corner table, new research suggests the real spark on a first date has little to do with where you are, and everything to do with what you say. A study from the University of Georgia has found that meaningful conversation not mood lighting or stylish surroundings is what truly drives attraction. So, could the secret to a great first date be as simple as asking the right questions?

Joining Seán to discuss is Matchmaker Mairead Loughman.

Concert Pianist Fiachra Garvey on leaving the vet lifestyle for music

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:18:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is concert pianist Fiachra Garvey, who despite growing up on a working farm, decided to swap the vet lifestyle to pursue music…

He joins to discuss!

“I will, yeah” - and other confusing Irishisms

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:17:00 +0000

A well-known and loved Irish phrase recently caused some confusion between an immigrant doctor and his patient.

Dr Mohamed Elbadri had asked his patient whether he would be willing to quit smoking, to which the patient replied, “I will, yeah.”

Three months later, during a check up, Elbadri was shocked to learn his patient had not quit, and had no intention of doing so!

So, how often do our Irishisms get lost in translation?

Joining Seán to discuss is Denise Deegan, writer, screenwriter and author of ‘The Little Book of Irishisms’ under the pen name Aimee Alexander.

The ‘Bearded Plantaholic’ on his massive plant collection

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:22:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is so passionate about plants and nature, he turned his spare bedroom into a greenhouse!

Jonny Balchandani, otherwise known as the ‘Bearded Plantaholic’ has spent the last two decades nurturing thousands of plants in his home.

Jonny joins to discuss!

What are the biggest TV-watching sins?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:21:00 +0000

What are the rules in your house when it comes to watching TV? No phones, no talking, no shoes on the sofa?

A new survey suggests many of us have strict do’s and don’ts, and they’re causing more arguments than you might think…

So, what are the nation’s biggest TV-watching sins? Joining Seán to discuss is John Fardy, Presenter of ‘Screentime’ on Newstalk.

Why are we fascinated by leaked celebrity texts?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:20:00 +0000

There is an almost immediate intrigue and peak in curiosity when it comes to a leaked celebrity text.

But, why are we so intrigued by it? Is it just human nature? Or do we just crave to know who celebrities really are behind the scenes?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Head of Careers at the Communications Clinic, Sarah Geraghty.

Erase Self Negativity Day - are there things you want to change?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:19:00 +0000

Today is Erase Self Negativity Day, an opportunity to look within yourself for personal development and mental wellness. But, how exactly does it work, and is it effective?

Joining Seán to discuss is Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist & Lecturer in TU Dublin.

What is ‘Pet Munchausen’?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:49:00 +0000

A study suggests a form of Munchausen syndrome by proxy may be driving some owners to invent symptoms or deliberately harm their animals…

A study of around 90 veterinary surgeries in the Netherlands found that 83 per cent of veterinarians and technicians were familiar with the phenomenon.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Registered Veterinary Nurse and Founder of Salty Dogs Kerry, Kathryn Scroope.

Is the ‘no ring no bring’ wedding rule fair?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:19:00 +0000

So called ‘no ring no bring’ rules at weddings have become the centre of some debate. The controversial term refers to the practice of only allowing plus ones who are married or engaged. The practice is designed to keep guest numbers low and keep relative strangers out, but is marital status a fair way of judging commitment? Columnist Brianna Parkins joins Seán to discuss.

Backlash after modern porch was added to French cathedral

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:18:00 +0000

A new porch added to a medieval French cathedral has received backlash, being denounced as a ‘wart’ and a ‘concrete UFO.’

So, have we lost the art of visual interest in modern architecture, and does this impact us?

Joining Seán to discuss is Rob Curley, Director of Maremoto Architects.

Entire village of Lyons put up for sale

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:15:00 +0000

An entire Irish village has just gone up for sale, not just a few cottages but a fully restored estate in County Kildare, complete with a pub, a former schoolhouse, a restaurant, all for a cool €20 million.

The village of Lyons, set along the Grand Canal, dates back to the 18th century and was brought back to life in the 1990s by Ryanair co-founder Tony Ryan. Today, it operates as a luxury hospitality destination, but now it’s looking for a new owner to shape its next chapter.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Eoghan Corry, Historian and local resident.

A deep dive into Freediving and it's future here in Ireland

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:20:00 +0000

Ice baths and wild swimming are all the rage today, but is Freediving the next water based activity for Irish fin folk to flock too?

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

The true story behind the Devil Wears Prada

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

In honour of the Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere on the 1st of May, Meryl Streep joined Anna Wintour on the front cover of Vogue magazine to promote the movie.

Meryl Streep's character Miranda Priestly in the original Devil Wears Prada was often rumored to be based on Anna Wintour herself…

Joining Seán to discuss is Fashion Stylist Cathy O’Connor.  

Image: Vogue

What is the healthiest way to eat eggs?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

For years, we’ve been told to fear certain foods, cut out the carbs, avoid fat at all costs, and definitely don’t touch sugar. But, how much of this is actually based on solid science, and how much is clever marketing dressed up as wellness?

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the foods that have been unfairly demonized by the diet industry, from eggs and potatoes to full-fat dairy…

Seán is joined by Dietician Sarah Keogh to discuss!

Are we overusing the term ‘narcissist’?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The use of the term ‘narcissist’ has exploded in recent years. So, are we getting better at recognising Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Or are we just labeling anyone we don’t like as a narcissist? Dr Edel Marron, the founder of KOTA, a leadership and personal development consultancy focused on emotional intelligence, joins Seán to discuss.

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Unexpected Perpetrators

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:46:00 +0000

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join Seán to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes.

This week, Cassie joins to discuss crimes committed by people you wouldn’t expect!

When protests work, and when they don't

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:32:00 +0000

With the current national fuels protest ongoing, how does it compare to protests in the past, and what could it achieve?

Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and host of ‘Let Me Explain’ Seán Defoe joins Seán to look back on notable protests in Irish history, and what came from them.

The growing ‘Mommune’ movement

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:02:00 +0000

There’s a growing movement that’s redefining modern motherhood called ‘Mommunes’: these are intentional communities where mums come together to share childcare, support, and the ups and downs of parenting. In some cases, they’re even living together under one roof…

Joining Seán to discuss is Bernie Sinclaire, who lives in a ‘Mommune’ in New York.

How do you deal with agoraphobia?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0000

While we all remember the feeling of being stuck at home during the Covid pandemic, people with the anxiety disorder agoraphobia are usually afraid of stepping out of the front door…

Karina Mongan is one person who suffers with agoraphobia, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should you sell off your old clothes online?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:35:00 +0000

If you find yourself building a collection of clothes you’re not interested in wearing anymore, is selling them online the best option?

Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Columnist with the Irish Independent earned €1,000 in a year by selling her unwanted clothes on Vinted, and joins Seán to discuss.

The story behind the Irish woman who tried to assassinate Mussolini

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:25:00 +0000

One hundred years ago, on 7 April 1926, Irish woman Violet Gibson attempted to assassinate Benito Mussolini in a busy Roman piazza.

Mussolini survived, with the bullet merely grazing his nose.

Who was this Dalkey-born woman who attempted to change the course of history?

Joining Seán to discuss is Patrick McGarty, Writer for the Irish Independent.

When does a prank go too far?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:21:00 +0000

April Fool's Day last week saw its fair share of joke headlines and social media pranks. However, some practical jokes have been criticised as being in poor taste. Most notably, an offensive joke social media post from the Wicklow GAA has been condemned by TD Jennifer Whitmore and Tánaiste Simon Harris.

With all this in mind, Terry Prone, Columnist with the Irish Examiner, joins Seán to discuss when pranks go too far…

Do we reward being a workaholic?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:20:00 +0000

“I’m a workaholic and proud of it, I’m not interested in having a work life balance.” So wrote Dylan Jones in The Times.

So, do we still reward workaholics?

Donal O’Donoghue, Managing Director of Sanderson Recruitment, joins Seán to discuss…

Taylor Swift wax works revealed! - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Today the National Wax Museum launched a Taylor Swift wax works, which cost €40,000! This is two years after the Sinead O'Connor wax works was removed after complaints from her family because of the unlikeness...

Henry McKean was there for the big reveal with Swifties, sent in this report.

Why Ireland boycotted the 1936 Berlin Olympics

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000

It’s time to head back to 1936, to the Berlin Olympic Games.

Ireland was one of two countries to boycott the games, alongside the Spanish Republic.

Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill joins Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

Inhaler on their upcoming bank holiday Cork gig

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:20:00 +0000

Heineken Ireland have launched their new music platform, ‘Heineken Greenlight,’ bringing city gigs across Ireland for the bank holiday weekends.

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Elijah Hewson, Robert Keating, Josh Jenkinson and Ryan McMahon of Irish rock band Inhaler, who will be bringing Heineken Greenlight to Cork City!

Alison Spittle on her new show ‘BIG’

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:17:00 +0000

‘Why can’t all lads be sound like Hozier?’ That was the title of an article Fionnuala Jones’ guest wrote 10 years ago about her experience of being harassed, and her entertaining and authentically honest look into real life.

It continues with her current stand-up comedy show ‘BIG’, which is about her body, the physical change she has gone through in recent years and misogyny.

Comedian Alison Spittle joins to discuss!

Man hosts biggest collection of post boxes in the UK

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Fionnuala’s guest has been collecting historic post boxes for over 30 years… Despite his collection now making part of the Postal Museum on the Isle of Wight, many of the most interesting specimens in his collection actually hail from Ireland.

Arthur Reeder joins to discuss!

Construction of Trump Ballroom halted by US Judge

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:45:00 +0000

A US Judge has halted a controversial White House construction project, after plans for a massive new ballroom led by Donald Trump resulted in the demolition of part of the historic East Wing. The ruling makes clear that the President cannot act alone and that Congress must approve such changes.

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at NUIG.

Image: Reuters

How exercise affects your skin

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:22:00 +0000

We all know exercise is great for our mind and bodies, but how can it affect your skin? Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatologists.

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Reality stars turned killers

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:22:00 +0000

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes.

This week, Cassie joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss cases of murders involving reality TV stars.

The fierce competition for Catholic school places in the UK

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:21:00 +0000

With roughly 6 million Catholics in the UK, competition for school places in Catholic schools is fierce. Fionnuala’s guest, Mark Paul, London Correspondent for the Irish Times, joined the fray. He has been writing about his experience with all this in today’s paper, and joins to discuss.

Man eats jam from 1976 and says it was still “perfect”

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:03:00 +0000

Finbarr Murray from County Meath made headlines after tasting a jar of homemade jam from 1976 he discovered while clearing a family home near Navan. Not only did he make the discovery, he tasted it too, and said it was still “perfect”!

He joins Fionnuala Jones, as well as Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester to discuss.

Why do people quit?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:02:00 +0000

After the upheaval of the pandemic and the wave known as the ‘Great Resignation’, a new way of understanding why we quit is emerging. Today, we’re looking at the idea of ‘jolts’ - those sudden moments, big or small, that can push us to rethink our jobs, our priorities, and even our lives. From burnout and bad bosses to life milestones and unexpected change, research suggests many of us are just one ‘jolt’ away from a major career decision...

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss this is Professor Anthony Koltz, Professor of Organisational Behaviour UCL School of Management and author of ‘Jolted: Why We Quit, When to Stay and Why It Matters’.

Avoiding overpacking for your holidays!

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:02:00 +0000

Spring is in the air, and we’re starting to plan holidays. Whether it’s a summer trip, leisurely cruise or city break, we can all fall into the trap of overpacking - which can be pointless and a costly mistake in some cases!

To give some tips and hacks to lighten your load, Fionnuala Jones is joined in studio by Michelle Jackson, author, Journalist and Broadcaster.

What kind of thinker are you?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:01:00 +0000

Why do some people overthink everything, while others stay calm under pressure or jump headfirst into every new idea?

A new book by Oxford academic Marius Ostrowski suggests the answer lies in how we think. He’s identified ten distinct “thinker types”, from the optimistic Happy Camper to the anxious Worrywart, arguing that most of us are a mix of two or three. He joins Fionnuala Jones to discuss…

Can you get ‘addicted’ to the gym?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:01:00 +0000

For many people, exercise is a positive part of daily life - boosting mood, improving health and helping manage stress. But, what happens when that healthy habit starts to tip into something more extreme?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Luke Tyburski, keynote speaker and Executive Coach…

Why not take your mother's surname instead of your Dad's one?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:20:00 +0000

First they wanted the vote - now they're giving the kids their surnames.

What will the feminists insist on next?!

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

How to deal with dating rejection

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:24:00 +0000

Rejection is an inevitable part of dating, but it doesn’t have to define your confidence or your future relationships. In today’s conversation, we’ll explore how to handle dating rejection in a healthy way, why it happens, how to build resilience, and what you can learn from the experience. Whether you’re getting back into dating or feeling discouraged after a setback...

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Mairead Loughman, professional match maker and Founder of Love HQ Matchmaking.

Apple turns 50 - how have they impacted Cork industry?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:03:00 +0000

Tech giant Apple will mark their 50th anniversary this Wednesday. The company went from a garage start-up to a more than $3.5 trillion powerhouse, but what impact have they had on industry in Cork?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is John Dolan, Journalist with the Irish Examiner and The Echo.

Reducing back and neck pain in the office!

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:02:00 +0000

Do you suffer from back and neck pain after sitting at your desk all day? How you set up your workstation, whether at work or in the office, can really help reduce or remove that niggling pain.

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Theresa Flynn, Senior Physiotherapist in Ergonomics at St Vincent’s University Hospital, and member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.

Making the switch to own-brand products in supermarkets

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:01:00 +0000

As grocery costs rise, switching to supermarket own-brand products offers an easy way to save without compromising on quality. With similar ingredients and taste, these simple swaps can make a noticeable difference to your weekly budget.

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss making the switch is Catriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

How male masturbation and ‘sperm dumping’ plays a role in fertility

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:01:00 +0000

Common wisdom dictates that abstinence ensures better quality semen for reproduction purposes. However, a new study shows how regular sex and masturbation actually help to ensure a fresh supply of top grade sperm by flushing the older cells.

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Rebecca Dean, a researcher in the Department of Biology at Oxford…

Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:58:00 +0000

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Gen Z woman ditches smartphone for an analogue life

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:14:00 +0000

Tom’s guest is a member of Gen Z, meaning she is a digital native, growing up in a world of MP3 music, streaming platforms like Netflix and smartphones. But recently, she decided to jump on the so-called ‘Analogue Challenge’, ditching all modern appliances for the glories of old-fashioned devices.

Aoife Rooney is the Assistant Editor of Weekend Magazine at the Irish Independent, and joins to discuss her experience.

The job of an OnlyFans ‘chatter’

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:13:00 +0000

Many OnlyFans models, who might have hundreds of thousands of followers, outsource their private messaging obligations to teams of so-called ‘chatters’, but who are these people, and what exactly do they have to do to earn their keep? Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Freelance Journalist Lara Bowman, who has been investigating all this for the Times in the UK...

Man reviews every parking space in supermarket

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:13:00 +0000

A dad in the UK has gone viral after spending over a year parking in every single space at his local Sainsbury’s, carefully tracking and rating each one.

What started as a way to beat boredom has captured people’s attention online, raising questions about why we’re so fascinated by the mundane…

Bored man Gareth Wild joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss!

Is the toupee making a comeback?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:12:00 +0000

While most of the attention in the bald community is given to the hair transplant industry, the toupee, or ‘hair system’, is experiencing something of a moment currently.

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is a man who works in this area, Jamie Kidd, owner of JK Hair Replacement in Phibsboro…

Would you get a dog wedding chaperone?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:24:00 +0000

Dogs are increasingly becoming a beloved part of weddings. Kathryn Scroope, registered Veterinary Nurse and Founder of Salty Dogs Kerry is providing a very popular dog chaperoning service for people's nuptials… What could go wrong!?

Kathryn joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Are we avoiding conversations about bodies?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:23:00 +0000

Red carpet season doesn’t just bring glamour; it shapes the body standards we absorb. This year, a trend towards extreme thinness has sparked concern, yet we’re also told never to comment on others’ bodies.

So, has that well-meaning rule gone too far, and are we now avoiding conversations we actually need to have?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Catherine Prasifka, Novelist and Columnist.

Should Ireland’s large towns be given city status?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:40:00 +0000

The Housing Minister yesterday stated that no large town in Ireland is likely to achieve city status in the near future. This has come as a great disappointment to the members of the Drogheda City Status Group, which has been campaigning on this issue for many years.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is their PRO, Anthony Murphy.

Patients are using AI to diagnose themselves - the medical opinion

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:39:00 +0000

We have probably all used ‘Doctor Google’ before a visit to a GP or consultant, but patients are now frequently turning to AI to ask about symptoms and even self diagnose!

Dr Omar Tujjar is Founder of international society of medical AI and Consultant in Anaesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Leaving Cert oral exams - how do you handle the stress?

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:39:00 +0000

As the Leaving Cert oral exams begin this weekend, we’re going to look now at some tips and tricks not just to help your kids manage the stress involved, but also to succeed.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Dan Sheedy, Principal of the Tuition Centre and a secondary school teacher for 25 years…

What’s your favourite nostalgic football moment? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:38:00 +0000

It's the final countdown to the must-win World Cup play-off match between Czechia and the Republic of Ireland in Prague.

What is your favourite nostalgic moment supporting the boys in green? Was it Italia 90, USA 94 or more recently Troy Parrott getting a hat-trick against Hungary last November? Henry McKean is in Prague, and has been chatting to fans…

Should you display books in the bathroom?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0000

Do you keep books in your toilet? Are they randomly thrown in there, or do you carefully select what’s on display? And, should you even keep books there?

Avril Allen Murphy, Interior Designer, joins Séan to discuss.

Berlin’s fetish clinic - how does it work?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:25:00 +0000

In an anonymous industrial state in Berlin, there's a clinic, but it doesn’t treat any diseases: it’s for people with a sexual fetish, who are turned on by medical environments.

So, how does this clinic work in treating that?

Dr Lana Van Orten, German Fetish Doctor and Dominatrix joins Seán to discuss.

What life is like with a misaligned eye

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:18:00 +0000

Seán’s guest has lived with slightly misaligned eyes ever since she was a child, leading to many occasions where people are not quite sure who she is speaking to… But how has it affected her life more broadly?

Joining to discuss is Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent.

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Three Similar Mysterious Deaths

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:17:00 +0000

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join Seán to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes.

This week, Cassie joins to discuss three mysterious deaths, decades apart from all over the world that have similar traits…

The legacy Mike Quill left on unions in New York

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:17:00 +0000

From a small village in Kerry to the streets of New York, one Irish emigrant would go on to bring the world’s most powerful city to a standstill.

Mike Quill wasn’t just a trade union leader, he was a revolutionary shaped by Ireland’s Civil War, who fought for workers’ rights, racial equality and dignity on the job. His legacy would even earn the respect of Martin Luther King Jr.

Seán is joined to discuss by Lorcan Collins, who runs 1916 Walking Tours.

The Woman who took the Oscars red carpet from a skip to decorate her home

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:15:00 +0000

The Oscars red carpet was in a skip. Then a woman took it home for her flat. What else could be repurposed? Paige Thalia, Content Creator

Around the World

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories.

Are there now six social classes compared to the traditional three ?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:36:00 +0000

While social class has played an influential role in society, are the traditional markers of the working class, middle class and upper class still relevant? The Telegraph has undertaken an ambitious survey of 13,000 people in Britain and Northern Ireland and has now compiled a new 6-category class system based on the results. Joining Sean was Connor Ibbetson, Senior Special Projects Reporter for the Telegraph to explain.

New child-led campaign gives insight into childhood experiences of Bullying.

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:36:00 +0000

A new child-led campaign launching today in Dublin’s North Inner City is giving young people a voice on safety and bullying.

Organised by the Community After Schools Project, “Listen to Us” shares children’s experiences through short podcasts and videos.

It comes as referrals to Tusla continue to rise, highlighting growing concerns around child safety.

Joining Sean to explain the project was Ruth Breen, DLP Designated Liason Person, Community After Schools and Taylor Brennan, who is an 11 year old student

Do we need more ladies' toilets then mens?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:35:00 +0000

Wherever you go, it wouldn’t be unusual to see a queue for the ladies' toilets...whether it’s at a function, a wedding reception, a bar, a shopping centre...so, why is toilet access for women not more of a priority and should more toilets be made available? Joining Sean was someone who has first-hand experience of this...Journalist Niamh O’Reilly

Would letting Pets on Public Transport be a wise decision?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:06:00 +0000

The National Transport Authority is currently trying to work out a uniform policy for pets on buses, trains and trams. So, should they be allowed and is it good for the animal in the first place? Joining Sean to discuss this was behaviorist Suzi Walsh...

GUBU,The Malcolm MacArthur murders and the political scandal it caused

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:05:00 +0000

GUBU has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary. The word was first coined by Irish Journalist Conor Cruise O’Brien and is an acronym for which stands for grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented. It is based on the events in the summer of 1992, where an aristocrat called Malcom McArthur committed a double murder and was involved in a political scandal of huge proportions. Joining Sean to explain the orgin of the word and the story of Malcom McArthur is Harry McGee, Political Correspondent of The Irish Times and host of Gubu podcast.

How do you choose the right mattress?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:04:00 +0000

We spend a third of our lives in bed, but are we choosing the right mattress?

Experts say the wrong one can affect everything from sleep quality to daily wellbeing…

Joining Seán is Pam Stone, CEO of Respa Beds, to discuss how to get it right.

How hard is it to get a retrofit grant?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:27:00 +0000

We’re all being encouraged to upgrade our homes to make them more sustainable, but with new windows, solar panels and insulation, it can get expensive…

SEAI grants are available, but they come with many conditions and require the homeowner to pay a lot up front. At least, that’s the view of some people.

So, how difficult is it to get one of these grants, and is it worth the effort?

Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Finn, AKA Pete the Builder, Presenter of ‘Home Rescue’ and the ‘Behind the Walls’ podcast.

Are we in the golden age of short stories?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:11:00 +0000

A new collection of short stories by Irish writers continues the tradition of this particular format of fiction being a particularly strong medium for writers in this country.

Joining Seán to discuss is Christopher Morash, Professor of Irish Writing at Trinity College and Editor of ‘Irish Stories’, who put the anthology together...

German bank heist - how safe are your valuables?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:11:00 +0000

A massive bank heist in Germany has left thousands of customers devastated after thieves emptied over 3,000 safety deposit boxes during a Christmas break-in.

With millions potentially stolen, victims have lost not just money, but valuables and peace of mind. It’s raising serious questions about bank security and protection.

Joining Seán to discuss is Kate Connolly, Journalist with the Guardian.

The Star Wars ship built in Cork - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:10:00 +0000

Meet Micheál Fitzgerald, who has built a spaceship in a barn on a farm in East Cork. As first reported in the Irish Examiner, the realistic spaceship has been used as a set in films, and the Star Wars labour of love looks just like the real thing - which Micheál started to build back in 2019.

Henry Mckean blasted off to space, and sent in this report…

Should you ban screens in the household?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:09:00 +0000

While the debate around excessive screen use is often framed around children being out of control and addicted to their devices, Seán’s guest takes a different view…

It’s the parents who are addicted to outsourcing their own caregiving responsibilities.

Joining to discuss is Newstalk’s Simon Tierney, who has been writing about this in the Irish Times.

How do you cook elk?

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:19:00 +0000

At the Masters golf championships, it's traditional that the reigning champion chooses the menu for one of the dinners. Rory McIlroy chose elk as one of the meats on offer, but how do you cook that?

Joining Seán to discuss is author and TV Chef Brian McDermott.

New collection showcases messages from Irish diaspora in the 1900s

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:18:00 +0000

A new university project showcases an online collection of messages sent between Ireland and America in the 1900s.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Breandán MacSuibhne, Historian of Modern Ireland and Director of the University of Galway’s Imirce Project.

One year on since the LA Fires - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:35:00 +0000

It's been over a year on since the LA Fires, which killed over 30 people and destroyed over 18,000 homes and structures and displaced around 200,000 people…

How are LA communities doing a year on, and are they getting back to normal and rebuilding or facing unforeseen struggles? Henry McKean has visited one of the worst affected parts of LA and joins Seán to discuss.

Can having a bath make you run faster?

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:33:00 +0000

A new scientific study has revealed that having regular hot baths can boost your performance as a long distance runner.

Joining Seán to discuss is Elliott Jenkins, a PhD Candidate in Exercise Physiology at Cardiff Metropolitan University…

Should we have oral immunotherapy in Ireland?

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:32:00 +0000

Seán’s guest spent time yesterday speaking to an Oireachtas committee about the need for greater and more extensive resources for oral immunotherapy for children with allergies.

Joining to discuss is Sheila Downes, from Allergy Action Ireland…

Do fashion trends tend to return?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:59:00 +0000

Fashion might feel fast and unpredictable, but research suggests it actually runs on a cycle. A study highlighted by Rhys Blakely in The Times supports the idea that trends tend to come back roughly every 20 years.

By analysing over a century of clothing data, researchers found styles like hemlines rise and fall in a kind of rhythm, meaning what’s out today could easily be back in fashion tomorrow. Even in today’s fast-moving, social media-driven world, the takeaway is simple: don’t throw it out just yet.

Joining Seán to discuss is Cathy O’Connor, Fashion Stylist.

MEP Barry Andrews on the situation in Beirut

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:33:00 +0000

While the focus of the world is on Iran, another casualty of this war is Lebanon, who is also being attacked by Israel.

Fianna Fáil MEP & Chair of the Development Committee at the European Parliament Barry Andrews arrived from Beirut this morning, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

How do you make tulips last?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:25:00 +0000

You can’t move for the tulips in florists and supermarkets around the country at the moment, but what are the best tips to make them last longer in a vase?

Joining Seán to discuss is JP Tanner, owner of Arbour Blooms in Dublin…

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: The Missing Postman

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join Seán to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes.

This week, Cassie joins to discuss multiple cases, including the story of a postman that went missing on Christmas Day…

What family life in an apartment looks like over 40 years

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:24:00 +0000

With the housing crisis, there is the school of thought that we should embrace apartment living, but it seems like we’re hard wired into wanting a house with a garden.

Fionnuala May, Architect with Fingal County Council and President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has been living in an apartment in Mountjoy Square for over 40 years and has raised a family there. She joins Seán to discuss.

Were there two St. Patricks?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:10:00 +0000

A theory that has been contentious for hundreds of years is that there were actually two Patricks, whose stories have been conjoined into the St Patrick we celebrate today....but what evidence is there for this? Dr Chris Doyle, Lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Galway, joined Sean Moncrieff on the show to discuss.

TV on the Radio: Scarpetta, Age of Attraction, Twisted Yoga

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

TV Reviewer James Dempsey joined Seán Moncrieff for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio…

Baywatch is coming back

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:40:00 +0000

Baywatch is coming back! We are being promised more sun, sand and slow-motion running on the beach.

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean spoke with Matt Nix, the reboot's showrunner and executive producer, as well as Greg Bonann, co-creator of the original series and executive producer of the new show, to get a taste of what's to come.

Guinness recipe in Norwegian vault

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:20:00 +0000

My next guest recently travelled to the Arctic island of Svalbard to deposit some very important Irish documents relating to Guinness in a secure vault. Eibhlin Colgan, Archive Manager with Guinness, joined Sean Moncreiff on the show.

Are smartwatches a viable alternative to smartphones?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:15:00 +0000

With the many risks that smartphones pose to children, more and more parents are giving their kids ‘child-safe’ smartwatches. The smartwatches allow parents to stay in contact with their child while also delaying access to social media until a more appropriate age. Are smartwatches a viable alternative to smartphones? Is it necessary to always be in contact with your child?

Ciara O’Brien, Technology correspondent for the Irish Times, joined Sean Moncrieff on the show to discuss some of the best models on the market, and whether purchasing a smartwatch is advisable.

What is dumbing down sport?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Newly invented sports have been making headlines recently, mainly due their simple and even stupid nature. Joining Sean Moncrieff on the show to discuss sports such as ‘RunNation’, where two burly men run into each other with the goal of knocking the other down, is sports journalist with Off the Ball, Cameron Hill.

Psychology of crying

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:39:00 +0000

Crying is something every human being does, yet many of us still feel embarrassed or apologetic when it happens. From childhood, people are often taught to see tears as a sign of weakness or losing control. But psychologically, crying is a natural and healthy human response.

We see it even on the biggest stages in the world actors and actresses last night were standing on stage at the Oscars, overwhelmed with emotion and crying as they accepted an award.

So why do we cry, what purpose do tears serve, and why do we still carry so much shame around them? Dr Marie Murray, Psychologist & Adjunct Professor, School of Psychology, UCD joined Sean Moncreiff on the show.

Pixar movie causes controversy after removing LGBT storyline

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:26:00 +0000

Last year Pixar released a film called ‘Elio’, which had controversy when an apparent LGBT storyline was taken out. Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer defended the decision by saying “Elio is not making therapy”.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Ruadhán Ó Críodáin, Executive Director of ShoutOut.

What is an ‘aqua ceilí’?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:26:00 +0000

Have you ever gone to a céilí in your togs? Well, the Aqua Céilí has been held at the Sean McDermott Street Pool in Dublin for the past four years.

But how exactly does it work?

Kate Beggy, Swim Teacher and Executive at Gael Linn joins Seán to discuss.

How does the Wife Carrying Race work?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Earlier this week, the 2026 edition of the annual Wife Carrying Race took place in Surrey in England. But how does it work, and why would someone want to carry their wife competitively?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ian Giles, Race Director of the annual Wife Carrying Race…

Speed dating in France leads with sexual fantasies - should we?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:24:00 +0000

In France, there’s a new variant on speed dating: prospective couples are armed with cards, each with their favourite sexual fantasies.

Is this a healthy approach to take with a person you just met?

Emily Power Smith, Clinical Sexologist and Sex Therapist joins Seán to discuss.

What was the ‘manosphere’ in the 80’s and 90’s?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:01:00 +0000

If you’ve watched Louis Theroux’s new documentary on the dark side of the ‘manosphere’ - it’s pretty depressing stuff. So where can men go to find some more positive role models?

Patrick Freyne, Features Writer Irish Times, has been exploring some role models from the past, and joins Seán to discuss.

Protecting Iran’s cultural treasures and heritage sites

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:54:00 +0000

Concern is growing for the large number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iran, after the famed Golestan Palace was damaged in bombing over the past few days. Joining Seán is a man from an organisation which seeks to protect sites of cultural heritage in conflict zones.

Professor Peter Stone is the President of the Blue Shield and joins to discuss.

Satirical Trump statues keep appearing in DC

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:35:00 +0000

A statue of Trump and Epstein, in a ‘Jack and Rose’ pose from Titanic, has mysteriously appeared on the National Mall in Washington DC. So, what’s going on here?

Joining Seán to discuss is Joe Heim, Reporter for the Washington Post…

Why flooding can cause depression and PTSD

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:34:00 +0000

Surprise surprise, it’s lashing rain again, which means potential flooding to homes and businesses. A new study has found that there is a mental health aspect: flooding can cause depression and PTSD.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Ashling Bourke, Associate Professor at Dublin City University (DCU) and co-author of the study…

Living with extreme migraines

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:12:00 +0000

There is a perception that a migraine simply means a bad headache and sensitivity to light, but it can be much more than that.

Catherine Hearns experienced her first episode after the birth of her second son, and was eventually diagnosed with a rare form of migraine: hemiplegic migraine.

She joins Seán to discuss.

If anything in this segment has affected you, help is available. You can freephone Pieta House’s 24 hour helpline at 1800 247 247 or text 'HELP' to 51444.

How a drummer made his own prosthesis to keep playing

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:11:00 +0000

One of the fastest drummers in the world only has one arm. What he has achieved with a specially designed prosthesis has given him a new lease of life.

Joining Seán to discuss is Jason Barnes from Atlanta, Georgia…

The illusion of food security in Ireland

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:37:00 +0000

The sudden increase in the price of fuel in the last week shows how vulnerable our island can be due to events in other parts of the world. The same applies to food, and despite us being able to produce much of it, Ireland’s food security is quite fragile. This week, one of the country’s major carrot producers decided to cease production.

Seán is joined by Michael Kelly, Founder of GIY to discuss.

Doctor uses robot to do surgery 2,400km away

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:23:00 +0000

A doctor in London has successfully removed the prostate from a patient 2,400km away in Gibraltar using a robot.

Joining Seán to discuss is Prokar Dasgupta, a Professor of Urology who heads The London Clinic’s Robotic Centre of Excellence…

World watercress eating champion admits he doesn’t like it!

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:23:00 +0000

Seventeen titles in a row, but he says he hates the taste of the stuff. One man in Hampshire has dominated the World Watercress Eating Championships for nearly two decades, even though he admits he dreads the event every year. Now, he’s preparing to return once again in a bid for an eighteenth title…

Glenn Walsh joins Seán to discuss.

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Ouija board stabbing

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:22:00 +0000

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join Seán to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes.

This week, Cassie joins to discuss the case of Carol Sue Elvaker, who killed her son-in-law after she was convinced to do it by a Ouija board...

EU Order of Merit award - do we need it?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:21:00 +0000

The EU has introduced a new Order of Merit award. But who are the Irish people listed, and do we need this sort of honours system at all? Joining Seán to discuss is John O’Brennan, Professor of European Politics at Maynooth…

The evolution of movie trailers

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:04:00 +0000

Some people try to avoid them entirely, but many cinemagoers enjoy watching trailers ahead of the movie to get a sense of upcoming releases. You could argue that trailers are an artform in themselves, but how have they evolved over the years?

Joining Seán to discuss is Film Critic Esther McCarthy.

Should men be wearing ‘proper’ shoes?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:41:00 +0000

There used to be a time when you were refused entry to wear runners, but now you can get funny looks for wearing ‘proper’ shoes. Plus, they’ve become less common in the office.

So, should we return to the dress shoe?

Joining Seán to discuss is Louis Copeland, owner of Louis Copeland and Sons.

Gerry Adams arrives in bulletproof vest - how do they work?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:41:00 +0000

When Gerry Adams arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice yesterday for a civil case, he appeared to be wearing a bulletproof vest, but how do they work? Do they actually protect the wearer from bullets?

Joining Seán to discuss is Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst…

What you should (and shouldn’t) keep in your fridge

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:40:00 +0000

Do you put eggs in the fridge? Should you put milk in the door of your fridge? How do you know what the correct method is?

Joining Seán to discuss is Agnes Bouchier-Hayes from the Technological University of the Shannon.

The importance of student teacher relationships

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:39:00 +0000

Unless your child is exceptional, they have strengths in some school subjects, and weaknesses in others - or they are happy to work on certain subjects more.

Writing in today’s Examiner, Colman Noctor, Child Psychotherapist, says that this may be up to a good teacher more than anything else.

He joins Seán to discuss.

Yeats’ studio ephemera up for auction - what are the highlights?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:39:00 +0000

Bidding on a collection of Jack B Yeats’ studio tools and ephemera will end tonight. So, what are some of the highlights?

Joining Seán to discuss is Auctioneer and curator of the contents, Niall Mullin…

Locals in Coon campaigning to save pub

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:01:00 +0000

A group of locals in the village of Coon in Kilkenny are in a race against time to save their pub, and a successful campaign could see it being run as a community enterprise.

Joining Seán to discuss is Brendan Healy, a member of the committee to save the Ranchers Return…

Does the Government need to do more to combat anti-Semitism?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:27:00 +0000

A new report from the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland has documented more than 140 anti-Semitic incidents in Ireland over a six-month period, raising concerns about the safety and visibility of the country’s small Jewish community.

Among those speaking out is Oliver Sears, Founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland. Writing in The Irish Times, he says many Jewish people in Ireland feel increasingly reluctant to report abuse or draw attention to their identity, and he’s calling on the Government to adopt stronger measures to monitor and combat anti-Semitism…

Oliver Sears joins Seán to discuss.

New documentary series covers women vs the law in Ireland

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:15:00 +0000

A new documentary series on TG4, starting this Wednesday, charts the conflict between Irish women and the law in Ireland: from the marriage bar to the provision of contraception.

Joining Seán to discuss is Medb Johnstone, producer of ‘Ceartas Crua: Mná V An Dlí’...

Image: TG4

What’s the best advice your mother gave you? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:13:00 +0000

Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday! What is the best advice your mother ever gave you?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Éanna Ní Lamhna on the 40th anniversary of National Tree Week

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:11:00 +0000

This week marks the 40th year of National Tree Week. Joining Seán to discuss it is Irish Biologist and former President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Éanna Ní Lamhna.

Building the most expensive Lego set currently on sale

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:22:00 +0000

The largest and most expensive Lego set currently on sale in Ireland and the UK is the Star Wars Death Star, coming in at a staggering €999.99, and recommended for over 18s only.

Joining Seán is a man who spent a lot of time getting it built: Nathan Spendelow, Tech Editor for Telegraph Recommended.

How the Deaflympics are embracing new technology

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:21:00 +0000

The Deaflympics is the oldest international multisport event for deaf athletes. At the most recent Deaflympics, a range of new technologies to make the games more inclusive for not only the athletes. but spectators too.

Broadcaster and Presenter of TechXplore Paul Carter attended the Deaflympics, and joins Seán to discuss.

Do people actually upstage the bride?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:21:00 +0000

Every celebrity or high-profile wedding comes with a flurry of comments across the interest of people, claiming guests were “upstaging the bride”, drawing too much attention to themselves or making the day all about them.

But, does this really happen? How many weddings have you been to where someone actually wears white? Or something better than the bride?

To talk about upstaging fear, Seán is joined by Editorial Assistant for the Irish Independent and Fashion Stylist Orla Dempsey.

What is the new Government private jet like?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Next week, the Taoiseach will take the first official trip in the new government jet, travelling from Dublin to Philadelphia and then on to DC for the St Patrick’s Day festivities in the White House. But ,what is the €53 million jet actually like?

Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Byrne, retired Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety & Security Auditor.

What is ‘Tedfest’?

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:06:00 +0000

Tedfest is the annual celebration of Father Ted, where hundreds of like minded fans descend on Inis Mór. Peter Phillips, Co-Founder of the event joins Seán to discuss Tedfest’s unlikely origins in the Sri Lankan civil war, and how the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan was key to its success…

Survey finds Gen Z men having more traditional views on gender roles

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:49:00 +0000

A major new survey of attitudes has discovered that Gen Z men have more traditional views on gender roles than their grandparents’ generation.

Joining Seán to discuss this is the leader of this research, Heejung Chung, Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College in London…

Do you laugh in serious situations? - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:20:00 +0000

According to a study, if you start laughing during a serious situation, it could be a sign of high intelligence. Henry McKean met people who start laughing at inappropriate times, how do teachers and business leaders cope with it and asked experts why it happens?

He sent in this report.

Why ‘Belly Bugs’ will make your child pick salad over chips!

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:20:00 +0000

How can we get our children to eat healthier? David Bell believes that the best way to get kids to eat healthier is to make them think it’s their idea. David founded the ‘Belly Bugs’ to help children understand their gut health, and take care of it.

He joins Seán to discuss.

Kildare Photographer shortlisted for Sony World Photography Awards

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:19:00 +0000

Irish photographer Shane Hynan has been shortlisted for 2026 Sony World Photography Awards Professional competition. The Kildare native has been lauded for his collection Beneath | Beofhód, a portrait of Ireland’s changing boglands.

Shane joins Seán to discuss his work.

How US oil embargoes are causing chaos in Cuba

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:18:00 +0000

Cuba, which depended heavily on Venezuelan oil imports, has been heading towards a major humanitarian crisis since the Trump administration began embargoing tankers to the island in January.

Irish Foreign News Reporter Hannah McCarthy has recently spent time in Cuba, and joins Seán to discuss…

Image: Reuters

Should more young people try a trade? - Josh Crosbie Reports

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:44:00 +0000

Every year at Leaving Cert results time, you’ll hear that the results don’t mean everything - and that there are many career options ahead of you. For example, we have a shortage of many different types of tradespeople. Iarnród Éireann is staging an event called ‘Try a Trade’ to highlight the range of apprenticeships available.

Josh Crosbie sent in this report...

Should we ditch curtains and use the ‘Dutch method’?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:03:00 +0000

Are curtains cancelled?

The so-called ‘Dutch method’ suggests sleeping with them open, letting early sunlight wake you naturally and reset your body clock. The Dutch have long embraced bare windows in the name of openness and community.

But in the age of blackout blinds and privacy paranoia, are curtains out of fashion - or are we just not ready for the neighbours to see quite that much of us?

Joining Seán to discuss is Róisín Murphy, Interior Designer.

Should the British be more sensitive to the Irish community’s death care?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:24:00 +0000

A new report from an organisation representing Irish interests in the UK shows just how difficult it is for the Irish community to have a ‘good Irish death’, with cultural differences around end of life care proving to be a significant hurdle.

Joining Seán to discuss is Brian Dalton, Chief Executive of Irish in Britain…

The Ford Fiesta turns 50!

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:13:00 +0000

The iconic Ford Fiesta is turning 50 this year, the beloved hatchback was a bestseller and still tops the secondhand market. So how did the Fiesta become such a titan of the motor industry? And if sales were so good, why did production end?

Joining Seán to discuss is Senior Contributor to Classic & Sports Car Magazine and contributor to the Daily Telegraph, Simon Hucknall.

Japanese scientists invent onion that doesn't make you cry!

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:12:00 +0000

Japanese scientists have created a new breed of onion, known as the ‘smile ball’, which does not make the eyes water when it is chopped.

Renowned Chef Dean Diplock joins Seán to discuss tearless onions, and some of the oddest ways people try to avoid crying when chopping onions.

Dog chipping scheme - 10 years on

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:12:00 +0000

It is 10 years this month since the government introduced the dog chipping scheme. So, has it been a success and what still needs to be done to make it more effective?

Joining Seán to discuss is Conor Dowling, Chief Inspector for the NSPCA…

The Jim Carey clone conspiracy

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:01:00 +0000

When the Canadian actor Jim Carey recently accepted an honorary prize at the prestigious César Awards in France, the internet was aghast at his look and behaviour, slowly becoming convinced that the man who gave the speech was not actually Carey at all…

Joining Seán to untangle all of this is film critic Brian Lloyd…

Why are parents choosing more gender neutral names for their kids?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:45:00 +0000

The results from the latest CSO baby names report shows a grá for gender neutral names, but why?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Darach Ó Séaghdha, author of ‘Motherfoclóir’ and ‘Craic Baby’...

School’s aquaponics project supplies Michelin star restaurant

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:44:00 +0000

A Dublin school’s aquaponics project has been such a success that it now supplies its produce to a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Joining Seán to discuss is Simon O’Donnell, who looks after the Urban Farm Project at Belvedere College in Dublin’s north inner city…

Image: V-Farm

Thousands of protected animals dying in tangle nets

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:43:00 +0000

Thousands of protected marine animals including grey seals, dolphins, angel sharks and flapper skates are drowning in tangle nets set for crayfish off Ireland’s west coast…

New figures from Ireland’s Marine Institute show the deaths are happening inside Special Areas of Conservation, raising serious questions about why the State has not acted on risks identified years ago.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Pádraic Fogarty, Environmental Campaigner.

Will new drivers from South Africa alleviate ‘ghost buses’?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:24:00 +0000

Commuters across Dublin are growing increasingly frustrated with so called ‘ghost buses’ services that appear on real-time displays, but then vanish or are cancelled. 100 drivers are set to be recruited by Dublin Bus from South Africa. Will this help with the problem?

Tom O’Connor, Assistant General Secretary of the NBRU, joins Seán to discuss.

Survivor of historical sex abuse shares her story

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:13:00 +0000

There’s always a difficulty in the investigation of cases of rape and sexual assault, often being the word of one person against another, with no witnesses. This is particularly so with historical sex abuse, which, after a long process, can result in no prosecution.

Seán’s guest has been writing about her own experience of this in the Irish Times, and joins to discuss.

HELPLINES:

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre - 1800 778 888

The extraordinary story behind the assassination of Trotsky

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:14:00 +0000

The ice axe that was used to assassinate Leon Trotsky is perhaps one of the most famous murder weapons in history, currently on display at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. But, what was the extraordinary story that led to the fateful moment when it was used back in Mexico City in 1940?

Joining Seán to discuss is Josh Ireland, author of the new book ‘The Death of Trotsky: the True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin’s Greatest Enemy’...

Should Ireland adopt the Welsh methods of language revival?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:27:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is recently back from Wales, where he was exploring how the native language of that country is thriving and looking at whether or not lessons can be learned about how Irish works here…

Shane Moynihan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West joins to discuss.

Why people are ditching the plane to get to their holiday

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:22:00 +0000

More and more people are choosing to travel to their holiday destination via land and water rather than using air travel, perhaps to reduce their carbon emissions, but also to make the journey a part of the holiday.

Joining Seán to discuss is Michelle Jackson, author and Travel Writer...

Is it time for a spring clean? - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:22:00 +0000

It’s now early March: is it time for a spring clean and a declutter? Does it clear the mind?

Henry McKean met people spring cleaning at a recycling centre and met decluttering experts. He sent in this report.

Can books fight loneliness?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:21:00 +0000

Reading is good for you for many reasons - one being a way to combat loneliness, which repeated studies have been discovering.

Louisa Earls, Manager of Books Upstairs bookshop, joins Seán to discuss.

Aisling Brennan on suffering a cardiac arrest at 27

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:21:00 +0000

Just days after Christmas, 27-year-old Offaly camogie player Aisling Brennan collapsed suddenly while at a friend’s house. With no warning signs and at the peak of her fitness, she had suffered a cardiac arrest. CPR from those around her and a defibrillator shock within minutes saved her life before she was airlifted to hospital and placed in an induced coma.

Now back training and urging others to learn CPR, Aisling joins Seán to discuss.

Trump allowed Doonbeg expansion - if he protects the snails

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:27:00 +0000

Clare County Council has given the green light for a new 320-capacity ballroom at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg, but there’s a small catch.

Before construction begins, the resort must put a protection plan in place for a tiny, 2mm rare snail, Vertigo angustior, which is safeguarded under EU environmental law.

The council says the measure is to ensure compliance with the EU Habitats Directive, even though reports submitted with the application concluded the development would have no impact on the species.

Joining Seán to discuss this is John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist.

Are we in a sex recession?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:22:00 +0000

If it feels like we’re in a romantic recession, you’re not wrong. From Dublin to New York, young people are reportedly having less sex and more screen time.

But in Denmark, the mood is very different.

In Copenhagen, Gen Z are still coupling up without the drama, no panic, no big think pieces, just a surprisingly healthy dating culture.

So, what’s their secret? And should the rest of us be taking notes?

Joining Seán to discuss is Zoe Williams, Guardian Columnist.

Colm O’Regan on the importance of libraries

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Despite an apparent decline in reading and funding problems, the Irish library network very much still exists - and should still be used!

Joining Seán to discuss is Colm O’Regan, Comedian and author.

Are pub crawls still a thing?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:01:00 +0000

Seán’s guest today has probably visited more pubs than most people and is a big believer in reclaiming and celebrating the original idea of a good old pub crawl. While he has written books about pubs in other countries, his new volume is focused on this island.

Joining to discuss is Thomas Vosper, author of ‘Historic Pub Crawls Through Ireland’.

The mystery of the HMS Saldanha

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:02:00 +0000

Shifting sands have revealed what may be a part of the starboard bow of the HMS Saldanha, a navy frigate that was wrecked off the coast of Donegal in 1811, leading to the deaths of 253 sailors.

Joining Seán to discuss is local Archeologist John O’Raw, who has been tracing the mystery surrounding this ship for decades…

Chef Gaz Smith on the power of chicken feet

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:01:00 +0000

Now, before you wrinkle your nose, yes, we’re talking about chicken feet. They may not win any beauty contests, but when it comes to making rich, nourishing broth, they’re absolute superstars.

Today we’re joined by Chef Gaz Smith, who’s going to show us how to turn those little claws into a delicious, collagen-packed broth and explain why this unusual ingredient might just be your new secret weapon in the kitchen...

How much bias is in a coin flip?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:31:00 +0000

A new poll of 2,000 adults has found that people still commonly use a coin toss to make decisions about things, but is there any bias involved in flipping a coin?

Joining Seán to discuss is Frantisek Bartos, a Post Doctoral Researcher in Psychological Methods at the University of Amsterdam...

Why ‘shelf cleavage’ is making a comeback

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:26:00 +0000

Corsets are back - “shelf cleavage” is having a moment, and apparently, we’re all meant to look like we’ve stepped out of Bridgerton or at least off the red carpet with Margot Robbie and Charli XCX.

But before we start lacing ourselves into Regency-era scaffolding, one Columnist says she’s sitting this trend out…

Tanya Sweeney, Columnist with the Irish Independent, joins Seán to discuss.

When does spring actually start?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

If you have young kids in primary school, you may have heard them discussing how we are currently in spring, as this is what is taught in the current curriculum. But is February actually spring?

Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Thorne, Climate Scientist at Maynooth University…

What is ‘hygiene poverty’?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Poverty can affect people in many ways, including hygiene poverty. When money is running low, hygiene items like soap, shampoo, deodorant and more can be skipped out on. The Hygiene Hub aims to help people in that situation.

Sorcha Killian, Head of Operations and Finances and Co-Founder of The Hygiene Hub joins Seán to discuss.

Why does the Cork accent sound close to a Jamaican one?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:06:00 +0000

Jamaicans are claiming a Cork TD as one of their own after a video of Thomas Gould speaking in the Dáil went viral.

People on social media say that his strong Cork accent sounds “uncannily” Jamaican, and even Gould himself is seeing the funny side, joking he won’t be releasing a Bob Marley album any time soon.

He joins Seán, as well as DrEllen Howley, Assistant Professor at the school of English in DCU, to discuss.

The need for more support for male abuse survivors

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

The resources available for people subject to domestic abuse are stretched thin enough - even more so for men. There is a Men’s Aid, but their help line only operates from 9 to 5.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Shane Kelly, CEO of Men's Aid Ireland.

Do most people have no hope for future finances?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:22:00 +0000

A new Credit Union survey has found Irish people’s outlook on everything from personal finance to the price of consumer goods tends to be negative. So, is there a sense of perma-gloom in the country at present and if so, how can people find positivity in the midst of it all?

Joining Seán to discuss is Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin…

New study finds that T-Rex went on tip toes instead of stomping

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:22:00 +0000

In Jurassic Park, the T-Rex stomps around the place with an earth-shattering rumble, but a new study in the States has discovered that it actually moved much more daintily, using its tip toes.

Filippo Bertozzo, Researcher at the Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels and a dinosaur expert, wasn’t involved in the study, but has been reviewing its findings, and joins Seán to discuss.

What happens to regular people on the rugby bulking diet?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:21:00 +0000

The rugby bulking diet involves the consumption of vast quantities of calories over a short period of time in order to put size on quickly. But what happens when an ordinary bloke tries it?

Joining Seán to discuss is Charles Richardson, Rugby Reporter for the Daily Telegraph, who did just that…

Limerick locals suffer from poitín withdrawls

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:15:00 +0000

Locals in Adare, County Limerick were left without poitín after its producer was caught by the Gardaí - and the lack of the drink was giving them withdrawals!

Joining Seán to discuss this and more is Pádraic Ó Griallais, Co-Founder of Micil, Irish Poitín Distillery in Galway.

Lettuce hair is taking over - but why?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:02:00 +0000

Jacob Elordi has one, and so does Connor Storrie from ‘Heated Rivalry’, but what exactly is the lettuce haircut? Is it basically a mullet?

Phil Domino, Barber in Neighbourhood Threat Barber joins Seán to discuss.

Tortoise island in danger of extinction due to lack of males

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:01:00 +0000

On the tiny island of Golem Grad in North Macedonia, a population of Hermann’s tortoise is heading for extinction, not because of predators or habitat loss, but because there are far too many males.

They outnumber females by about 19 to one. Scientists say relentless mating attempts are leaving females injured, stressed and in some cases falling from cliffs as they try to escape.

If the imbalance continues, researchers warn the last female could die within decades, sealing the fate of the entire island population…

Joining Seán to discuss this is Yvonne Buckley, Professor of Zoology at Trinity College Dublin.

Why is there more poverty in the LGBTQ+ community?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:24:00 +0000

A major new study has found that members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland face far greater levels of poverty than the general population, but why is this?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sara Singleton, Head of Public Education at TASC, who conducted the study…

Would you rent a goat?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:23:00 +0000

Seán’s guest operates a unique business - he rents out his herd of goats for urban and rural projects, including to Tidy Towns committees and to help with invasive species.

Joining to discuss is Cork native William Walsh, Founder of Billy’s Rent a Goat...

Should you write a will in your 20s?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:17:00 +0000

Only one in three adults in Ireland have a will, and most people don’t make one until much later in life. But, with major milestones like home ownership and parenthood happening later, should people in their 20s be thinking about it now?

From a Dublin rope technician climbing Mont Blanc, to a young mum in Offaly planning for her child’s future, more young adults are seeing a will as peace of mind, not just a document for the wealthy.

Joining Seán to discuss is Jacquelyn Dunne from Dunne Solicitors and Founder of The Journey Folder.

Why have we ditched estate cars for SUVs?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:17:00 +0000

Why do we love the SUV so much, and why have a majority of people picked it over the humble estate car?

Paddy Comyn, Head of Automotive Content and Communications with DoneDeal Cars, joins Seán to discuss.

Should Ireland have a National Women's Museum?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:16:00 +0000

With JP McManus offering the site of the now-shuttered Rugby Experience Museum to the State as a gift, the Minister for the Arts is today bringing to cabinet a proposal to use this building to house a new National Women’s Museum.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Sandra Collins, Head of UCD Library and former Chair of the Advisory Committee on Women’s Stories, who made the recommendation for such a museum...

What’s behind the boom in Bible sales?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:07:00 +0000

In a country once dominated by the Church and later known for turning away from it, a surprising trend is emerging.

Booksellers across Ireland say more young people are buying Bibles, not for school or as gifts, but for themselves.

So, what’s behind the shift?

Joining Seán to discuss is Seán O’Toole, second year law student at DCU and Founder of DCU Bible Study.

Ireland has more stillborn babies than road deaths every year

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:26:00 +0000

Ireland has one of the highest stillborn rates in Europe: 4 in 1,000, compared to an average of 0.8. It’s a small figure, but that is little comfort to families who have experienced this loss...

Mairie Cregan of Féileacáin, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, joins Seán to discuss.

Should the Government ramp up land purchases?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

The state currently owns about 100,000 hectares of land, but should the Government ramp this up?

Joining Seán to discuss is Christopher O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State for Nature…

Why is there opposition to a suspension bridge to Sicily?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:06:00 +0000

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni hopes to get her plans for the world’s longest suspension bridge, linking the Italian mainland with Sicily, off the ground. But there is a lot of opposition to the project.

Joining Seán to discuss is Nick Pisa, Senior Reporter with Mail Online…

Image: Webuild

Irish living in London - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:06:00 +0000

Over 150,000 Irish-born people live in London, and another 1 million have some sort of Irish heritage. Many young Irish are flocking to London, including Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Henry McKean met people connected to the London Irish Centre and met the young and old Irish outside Twickenham at the 6 Nations rugby match, and sent us this report.

Guy Winch on how to deal with work burn out

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0000

A new book is attempting to help people deal with stress and work burnout, taking readers through the days of the week and how each day exerts different stresses on our minds.

Joining Seán to discuss is Guy Winch, Psychologist and author of ‘Mind Over Grind’...

What causes shark attacks?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:39:00 +0000

The International Shark Attack File, which monitors shark bites across the globe, has released its latest figures, showing an increase on the previous year. But what exactly causes a shark to undertake an unprovoked attack on a human?

Joining Seán to discuss is Gavin Naylor from the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Program for Shark Research…

Papparazo’s perspective on viral new Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor photo

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:39:00 +0000

Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested yesterday for suspicion of misconduct in public office - which is where paparazzi were able to get a lucky unflattering photo of the infamous figure, which has since gone on to be on the front page of almost every newspaper!

Joining Seán to give his perspective on the snap is Aaron Parfitt, Paparazzo based in Manchester.

How damaging can headphones be?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:34:00 +0000

Should you be worried about ‘forever chemicals’ contained inside headphones? New research has found that many can contain cancer-causing chemicals.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Sandra Cummings, Consultant Audiologist with the Beacon Clinic.

Why did Oscar Wilde’s deathbed photograph sell for 100 times the asking price?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

A photograph of Oscar Wilde, taken just minutes after he died in November 1900, has fetched 100 times its guide price at auction in London this week. But, what does this extraordinary photograph tell us about the last tortured days of one of Ireland’s greatest writers?

Joining Seán to discuss is Martin Burns, Director of Oscar Wilde House on Merrion Square…

How feasible are ‘Doer Uppers’?

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:16:00 +0000

As the housing crisis continues apace, some people might be considering a ‘doer upper’, but how feasible is it to renovate a dwelling that is in a dilapidated state?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Shay Lally, Dublin-based quantity surveyor and Director and Founder of RENEW.

Why have nicotine pouches risen in popularity?

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:14:00 +0000

The new kid on the block when it comes to nicotine is snus, little nicotine pouches. But how does it work and why are researchers concerned about the absence of regulation?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Dr. Denise Proudfoot, who has been examining snus use.

How do you properly ask for a pay rise?

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:06:00 +0000

New research has shown that sought-after workers are being offered salary increases of up to 8%, but employers are holding off on increments for most employees. So, where do you start if you decide to take matters into your own hands and ask for a pay rise?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Peter Cosgrove, Future of Work Expert.

Comedian Claire Parker on her work at 32

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:04:00 +0000

Comedian Claire Parker has built a devoted, largely female audience with her sharp, pragmatic take on modern womanhood.

Blending stand-up with candid podcast conversations, she tackles everything from ageing and ambition to social media, self-worth, and the pressure women feel around motherhood.

At 32, she’s focused on being honest, vulnerable, and confident - without self-censorship or self-loathing.

Claire Parker joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss!

Is there still a stigma around therapy? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:01:00 +0000

Issues around anxiety are fueling sick days and a ‘worklessness’ crisis. Is it time we tried to get over any stigma around asking and seeking help once and for all?

Henry McKean has been finding out, and joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

What’s it like being a nude life model?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is a student and decided to become a life model to help fund his art lessons. So, what is being a nude life model like?

Johnny Murray joins to discuss.

Are you entitled to some of the €33 million held by the HSE?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:43:00 +0000

€33m belonging to dead or missing patients is being held unclaimed in accounts managed by the HSE. So, how do you find out if you are entitled to any of this?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mary Frances Fahy, solicitor and tax consultant at Fahy Neilan Solicitors, in Co. Roscommon…

How ‘What a Fat Girl Eats in a Day’ bucks online pressures

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:42:00 +0000

‘What I Eat in A Day’ videos have become commonplace across social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram but recently, the irreverent ‘What A Fat Girl Eats in a Day’ has come to shake things up. The pioneering UK creative behind it, Christy Collins, is quietly fighting back against #SkinnyTok and stereotypes.

She joins Seán to discuss the double-standards that started it all, and how attitudes have yet to change.

Why the corsage is making a comeback

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:35:00 +0000

Once a symbol of old-school romance and prom-night nostalgia, the corsage is making an unapologetically modern comeback. Championed in the 1990s by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, the floral flourish has re-emerged on today’s runways and street style scene as a statement accessory with surprising versatility.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Fashion Guru Laura Mullet.

How do you write a book?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:34:00 +0000

They say everyone has a book in them - the tricky part is getting it out, and then onto a shelf.

As author Richard Fitzpatrick releases his third book, he’s lifting the lid on what it really takes to go from bright idea to published hardback; agents, advances, edits, rejection, royalties, and a lot more coffee than glamour…

If you’ve ever thought, “I might write a book someday,” this might be the reality check, and the roadmap you need.

Richard Fitzpatrick joins Seán to discuss.

Parts for Russian drones used in Ukraine war are being shipped from Ireland

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:24:00 +0000

Parts for deadly drones, and made by companies headquartered in Ireland, have made their way to Russia despite EU bans on such activity, thanks to downstream sales.

Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times, has been involved in an investigation into this matter and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

What does it take to be a competitive window cleaner?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:58:00 +0000

As spring approaches, more and more people will be thinking about cleaning their windows, but did you know that there is a competitive window cleaning scene? Joining Seán is the man who holds the Guinness world record: Essex native Terry ‘Turbo’ Burrows.

Thousands of Irish passports reported lost or stolen

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:31:00 +0000

According to figures released to the Social Democrats, 150,000 passports have been lost by Irish people over the last 5 years. A further 15,000 were stolen in the same period.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Aidan Farrelly, a Social Democrats TD...

What’s the right way to stack a dishwasher?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

If you think politics divides households, you’ve never witnessed a dishwasher debate.

Knives up or down? Rinse or don’t rinse? And is rinse aid a miracle worker or a marketing scam? Well, Catriona Redmond joins Seán to end the cold war at the kitchen sink, with the definitive guide to loading your dishwasher properly.

Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about that bottom rack…

Should we be doing everything more slowly?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:22:00 +0000

Turns out, slow and steady really does win the race!

New research suggests older adults may be better at everyday tasks that require focus, not because they’re faster, but because they take their time. So, should younger people be doing things more slowly?

Dr Simon Hanzal from School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow joins Seán to discuss.

Amazon van gets stuck in water after following GPS

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:21:00 +0000

An Amazon delivery driver has driven his van onto a tidal path in the UK and got stuck in the water after following his GPS instructions. This isn’t the first time someone has gotten into trouble after trusting their GPS too slavishly.

Joining Seán to discuss is Elaine Burke, Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast…

What is the psychology of Lent?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:14:00 +0000

Tomorrow is the start of Lent - where those who lean towards religion may give up things in their lives for a period of time. However, people without a religious bone in their body will also be taking part. So, what is the psychology behind Lent, why do we do it?

Psychologist Stella O’Malley joins Seán to discuss.

Will Kim Jong Un’s daughter be his successor?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:11:00 +0000

Late last week, the intelligence service of South Korea stated that it believed Kim Jong Un has “entered the stage of nominating [his daughter, who is 13 years old] as successor.” But, how exactly does succession work in the secretive state?

Joining Seán to discuss is Hazel Smith, Professor of Korean Studies at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies, in London…

Image: Reuters

Can brushing your teeth fight dementia?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:54:00 +0000

A science conference has been told that taking better care of your teeth and gums can cut the risk of developing more than 50 conditions and diseases, including dementia and arthritis.

But why is this the case?

Joining Seán to discuss is Caroline Robbins, Dentist with Kiwi Dental and Vice chair of Irish Dental Association GP Committee.

Four trees in Rathmines could save native elm species

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:41:00 +0000

Four elm trees in a quiet square in Rathmines could help bring back Ireland’s native elm.

Experts believe the trees in Kenilworth Square may be resistant to Dutch elm disease, the fungus that has destroyed most elms across Ireland over the past 50 years.

If confirmed, these rare survivors could provide the genetic key to restoring the native wych elm nationwide.

Joining Seán to discuss is Arboriculturist Joe McConville.

What does Ramadan look like day-to-day?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:27:00 +0000

With Ramadan kicking off tomorrow for Ireland’s Muslim community, the next 30 days are a major challenge, both physically and mentally. There is a lot of commitment required to forego water and food between sunrise and sunset. But, what exactly are the practicalities of Ramadan on a day-to-day basis?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ibrahim Noonan, the Imam of Galway Mosque…

Do we need more bus shelters? - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Just 3 bus stops were built last year in Dublin, the year before it was 37. With 6 months of rain falling in 6 days, commuters are getting wet like never before. Henry McKean jumped on the bus to find out more, chatting to experts and passengers. He met Green Party Leader Roderic O'Gorman, who has raised the issue in the Dáil, and sent in this report.

Is the traditional community dying out?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

While Community Employment schemes are available to sports clubs and organisations, some argue those resources should be more focused on essential community work, especially as volunteer numbers continue to fall.

With more people commuting, less involvement in parish life, and fewer stepping forward to help, questions are now being raised about the future of community spirit, and whether CE schemes are becoming the backbone holding it all together.

Joining Seán to discuss is Martin Murray, former Mayor of Whitegate in Cork.

Friday 13th and Superstitions

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Today is Friday the 13th a date that, for many, carries an uneasy sense of bad luck and looming misfortune. From religious folklore linking the number 13 to Judas at the Last Supper, to modern horror films that cement its ominous reputation, the superstition has endured for generations.

But where does this fear really come from, and why does it still hold power in a country like Ireland, rich in folklore and tradition?

Dr Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the UCD School of Celtic Studies and Folklore, joined Sean to explain

Catherine Fulvio on teaching the basics of cooking to the TikTok generation

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:50:00 +0000

Chef Catherine Fulvio has launched a new Online cookery course for transition year students. The course aims to equip gen z with basic cooking skills so that they can cook easy and doable meals for themselves later in life. But is teaching Gen Z cooking online the best method? Catherine Fulvio Owner of Ballyknocken of House & Cookery School in Wicklow, joined Sean to explain why young people are learning the art of cooking online now.

Can you find love via video games?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:50:00 +0000

Church launches marriage-themed computer game for Valentine’s Day aimed at enticing more couples to the altar – What other video games try to encourage human behaviour (social engineering) and the marriages of gamers? Ronan Price, Journalist and games critic at Irish Independent joined Sean to explain all.

Closing for “holy hour”...The Strange pub rules of years gone by

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:35:00 +0000

There was a time when pubs would close for “holy hour” on Sundays. However, that was abolished in 2000, but what are the other strange things pubs in Ireland did back in the “good old days”

Joining Sean to explain all the strange rules and traditions that used to exist in pubs was Mick Clifford from the Irish Examiner

The Irish tricolour is older than we have been led to believe

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:20:00 +0000

New research has discovered that the tricolour is older than previously thought. Joining was joined by John Crotty, Historian and author of ‘The Irish Tricolour: the Truth Behind the Symbols and Struggles that Defined a Nation’ who has been researching the matter

Copper Face Jacks turns 30, Henry McKean pays a visit

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:15:00 +0000

Copper Face Jacks opened its doors 30 years ago this week. The landmark nightclub has had its moments. From 2011 All Ireland Football Champions - Dublin Captain Bryan Cullen's 'See you all in Copper's' speech to George Best having a pint, to guards and nurses finding love. But is the stereotype true, finding your life partner on the dance floor with a vodka and redbull? Last night we sent Copper Face Jacks Goldcard member Henry McKean down memory lane, going back 30 years and he sent us this report. With the people who make Coppers special, the revelers, bouncers and DJs

Living with an embarrassing laugh

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:55:00 +0000

Sean was joiend by an Jane Howard an arts writer based in Adelaide who happens to have a particularly loud guffaw, which can sometimes even land her in trouble when she goes to live shows.

Why doesn’t Galway have any gay bars left?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:55:00 +0000

Despite having had many in the past, Galway city now has no gays bars left. While some are saddened by this situation, Galway native Francis Conneely believes that there isn’t really a need for gay bars anymore. He Joined Sean to explain

The man who bought an abandoned Spanish village

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:40:00 +0000

A US couple is set to buy an abandoned Spanish village, complete with a church, school and bar for €310,000. It’s part of a growing trend across Spain, Portugal and Italy, where depopulated rural villages are being snapped up by foreign investors and transformed into tourism hubs and corporate retreat destinations. As rural “desertification” becomes a political issue in southern Europe, are these buyers breathing new life into forgotten communities or turning them into boutique playgrounds for outsiders? Jason Lee Beckwith joined Sean to explain why he bought the town and what its upkeep is like.

Parenting with Joanna Fortune

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries...

Why are Italians so against putting pineapple on pizza?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Luca Di Marzio, owner of Rosa Madre restaurant in Dublin. Earlier this week, a BBC reporter went viral after going around Milan, the host city of the winter Olympics, looking for a pizza with pineapple on it. One chef told him it is illegal. But why are Italians up in arms about it? Luca Di Marzio, owner of Rosa Madre restaurant in Dublin, joined Sean to explain

Getting a breast explant

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

My next guest wanted to go public with her story so that other women who have undergone plastic surgery might feel empowered to undergo a cosmetic reversal. Joining Sean was Sarah Lavender Smith, a writer and mountain ultra runner from Colorado.

What to do about the mouse-infested and worsening state of the Palace of Westminster?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

The Palace of Westminster, which houses Big Ben and the House of Commons, is falling apart. With parts of the rodent-infested building complex over a 1000 years old, the troubled iconic UNESCO world heritage site came to light last week when a mouse ran past the Leader of the Opposition during a televised interview. A new report has been published on the path forward. Joining Sean was a man who spends most of his days holed up there Mark Paul, London correspondent for the Irish Times.

You have heard of Dyslexia but what is Dysgraphia?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Donald Ewing, Head of Education and Policy with Dyslexia Ireland. Donal is an educational psychologist and does assessments with people with dyslexia, and he joined Sean to explain what Dysgraphia which is often associated with poor handwriting

What happens to your digital profile when you pass ? And should you make it part of your remembrance ?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:15:00 +0000

Where do people start when they need/want to preserve their digital legacy? Who can access your saved songs, your digtial notes, your blog/website, email addresses, can anyone? Subscriptions to netflix, gaming accounts, your Instagram, Dropbox – you might have crypto currency accounts, shopping apps, gambling/lotto apps, your utility bills the list is endless

Someone is going to need access to these when you pass away, whether its for practical purposes or emotional /sentimental, so how should you plan for it?

Jennifer Muldowney, AKA The Glam Reaper from Muldowney Memorials

Government plans to introduce a three-year ban on family reunification for recognised refugees. Why is this being done, and is it justified?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:30:00 +0000

The Government plans to introduce a three-year ban on family reunification for recognised refugees, along with new financial requirements. Ministers say it’s about tightening the system — but critics argue it risks leaving spouses and children in danger. With just over 2,500 family members reunited since 2022, is this necessary reform or an unfair restriction? Nasc Chief Executive Fiona Hurley, joined Sean to discuss

Irishman honoured with plaque for coining the term ‘United States of America’

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:30:00 +0000

An Irishman who travelled to America in the late 18th century has been honoured in Cork with a plaque for coining the term ‘United States of America’. Joining me now with the story is Michelle O’Mahony, a historian based in Cork...

Image: National Museum of Ireland

New study finds monkeys can engage in make-believe

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:25:00 +0000

A new study has found that bonobo monkeys can engage in make-believe in a very similar way to children. Joining Sean was Amalia Bastos, Lecturer in Comparative Psychology at the University of St. Andrews.

Around the World

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories.

Government to introduce a ‘Child Maintenance Calculator’

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:40:00 +0000

Keith Walsh, Family law solicitor at Keith Walsh Solicitors, joined Sean off the back of the announcement from the Justice Minister that the government is to introduce a ‘child maintenance calculator’ to help couples make DIY agreements. But what does this mean and will it help the often complicated task of try sorting out child maintenance.

Winter Olympic officials to investigate why medals keep breaking

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

A perhaps unexpected situation has arisen at the Milan Cortina Olympics this week with a number of successful athletes disappointed to discover that their medals have literally broken apart just minutes after winning them...so, what’s going on? Joining Sean was Sean Ingle, Chief Sports Writer for the Guardian, who is in Livigno in Italy where many of the events are currently taking place.

Freestanding kitchens are making a comeback

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Once a staple in homes around the world, free-standing kitchens are making a stylish comeback. After years of sleek built-in cabinetry dominating interior design trends, more homeowners and designers are embracing the flexibility, character, and charm of standalone kitchen pieces. Sean was joined by Roisin Murphy Interior Designer.

The Irish man taking a Middle-Aged Gap Year by cycling around the world

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:25:00 +0000

Can a midlife break spent criss-crossing the globe bring renewed meaning to life? This is what Ellie and Mark decided to do. They left their jobs and are currently cycling around the world. They have so far completed 28,000 km and are in the south of Japan at the moment. Mark Graham, 51 year old Waterford man is travelling the world and he joined Sean to tell him all about it.

Winner of the Microsoft Excel World Championships

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:10:00 +0000

Spreadsheeting is now a competitive problem solving e-sport, attracting huge audiences in the States. Joining Sean was Irishman Diarmuid Early, the most recent winner of the Microsoft Excel World Championships.

TV on the Radio: These Sacred Vows, Glitter & Gold and Memory of a Killer

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

James Dempsey joins Moncrieff with his picks for what to stream. On the list this week:

RTE comedy Drama series These Sacred Vows, Netflix documentary on the intense traning involved in Ice Dancing Glitter & Gold and Memory of a Killer a 2026 American Crime Drama follwoing a hitman struggling with early-onset Alzheimer's

Report finds 43 per cent higher rate of recorded sexual violence compared to any other EU countries. What explains this shocking number ?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Ireland has a 43 per cent higher rate of recorded sexual violence. These are incidents reported to the gardaí and officially entered into the criminal justice system this more than other EU countries.

Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive Officer Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, joined Sean to explain.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre: Offers a 24-hour helpline at 1800 77 8888 for free, confidential support.

How much should you spend on a wedding present ?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Wedding costs are at all-time high in Ireland, and that's not just for the happy couple. Surveys show it has never been more expensive to host a wedding or to accept an invitation to one.

While 96% of guests tend to give money as gifts, how much should you give, and should it depend on what you get out of the wedding?

If you attend a wedding in Adare Manor with an open bar, should you be expected to give more?

Sara Kennedy, author of the The Aisle blog and wedding expert joined Sean.

How dangerous is Household mould to your health, and is there anything you can do to prevent it?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Mould in the home is more than just an eyesore, it can be a serious health risk, especially for young children, older adults, and people with breathing problems. In damp or poorly ventilated houses, mould can grow quickly and quietly, often before you even notice it. In this brief, we’ll look at simple, practical steps you can take to reduce moisture in your home and prevent mould from taking hold.

Joining Sean was Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester

AI tech is being piloted in Cork to detect traffic violations

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:47:00 +0000

New artificial intelligence technology is currently being trialled on buses by the National Transport Authority.

Similar cameras are used in US cities to enforce parking violations including the obstruction of bus lanes, bus stops and bike lanes by road users.

The technology comes froms San Francisco company, Hayden AI, the system can record offences and violations while the bus is moving.

So could this technology help ease congestion and could it catch you next time you commit a offence ?

Joining Sean to explain was Peter Horgan, Labour councillor for Cork City

Are we making our pets fat and not realising? Henry McKean reports

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:40:00 +0000

Are we making our pets fat and not realising ? The Irish Blue Cross, the veterinary charity, is warning there is a hidden obesity crisis that may be shortening your pet's lifespan. Only 46% weigh their pets or not at all and 80% feed them treats or human food daily. Henry McKean reports.

Should novelists embrace Reality TV to market their work ?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

When the thriller writer Harriet Tyce appeared on The Traitors, her book sales skyrocketed by over 500%...So, could novelists be marketed in this way going forward and have they been missing a trick up to now? Sean was Eithne Shortall, Novelist and author of 5 books, including ‘The Lodgers’.

How do Michelin star inspections work?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0000

On Monday coming, the latest Michelin stars will be distributed to restaurants in the UK and Ireland. But how do the inspections work? Sean was joined by Joanne Cronin, food writer with the Irish Times, who has been investigating it.

Doping body on the lookout for 'penis injections' at Winter Olympics: Why Athletes often do bizarre things to get an advantage.

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Athletes are always chasing an edge — a fraction of a second, an extra inch, one more rep. And sometimes… that search gets weird. From bizarre diets and lucky rituals to science experiments that sound more like dares, athletes have tried just about everything to boost performance. Some swear by it, some regret it, and some probably shouldn’t admit it out loud. Daniel Hussey, Sports Journalist joined Sean to discussAthletes are always chasing an edge — a fraction of a second, an extra inch, one more rep. And sometimes… that search gets weird. From bizarre diets and lucky rituals to science experiments that sound more like dares, athletes have tried just about everything to boost performance. Some swear by it, some regret it, and some probably shouldn’t admit it out loud. Daniel Hussey, Sports Journalist joined Sean to discuss

The mythology of John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette tragic romance

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:30:00 +0000

With a new series examining the tragic romance between John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette premiering on Disney Plus next week, Sean was joined by journalist Liadán Hynes who has been looking into the enduring mythology surrounding the couple.

Could a sink hole occur in Ireland?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:20:00 +0000

Last week a massive sinkhole opened up suddenly in Dunbar in Scotland...but what actually causes sinkholes and do they happen in Ireland? Michelle McKeown, Lecturer in Environmental Geography at UCC and columnist in the Irish Examiner joined Sean to explain

Why is demand for personal protection dogs rising ?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:10:00 +0000

Demand for so-called “personal protection dogs” is surging in the UK. Once the preserve of celebrities and security professionals, these highly trained animals – taught to bite, hold and release on command – are now being marketed as family pets and living alarm systems. Supporters say they offer reassurance in an age of rising crime, but critics warn of serious risks: to public safety, to owners’ legal liability, and to the dogs themselves. But is the same practice happening here at home?

Robbie Owens, Founder of Blackstar K9 training, joined Sean to explain.

Why are there no repair men anymore ? Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:23:00 +0000

Why do we just replace our goods when they break and not try and fix them? In developing countries like Brazil there are repairmen (women) to fix everything. Here in Ireland, generally we just replace. Henry McKean has been speaking to people in the circular economy and he sent us this report.

Trump administration launches ‘Coalie’ mascot: But what is the point in political mascots anyway ?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:10:00 +0000

Doug Burgum, Trump’s Interior Secretary, has launched a new ambassador for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. It’s a mascot, with cute, big eyes and wellies, and his name is Coalie...but what is the actual point of political mascots like this? Joining Sean was is Lorcan Nyhan, from the Communications Clinic.

Being a surrogate in Ireland

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Becky Lotus is a surrogate from Ireland. She joined Sean to explain her journey, how she has no regrets about becoming one and to highlight the relative lack of legislation in Ireland in relation to surrogacy

How nature-based solutions could help ease the impact of flooding

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:06:00 +0000

As the recent flooding has shown, something needs to be done. However, instead of big engineering projects which take years to get over the line, are nature based solutions an alternative? Joining Sean to explain was climate and environmental researcher Sadhbh O’Neill.

Parenting with Joanna Fortune

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:48:00 +0000

Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries...

Why having sex in space is problematic.

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:25:00 +0000

According to a new scientific study, what being in space does to human fertility, pregnancy and early foetal development remains exceptionally under-researched. But with the advent of space tourism, should there be more focus on the possibility of sex in space, and would it even be possible? Joining Sean was Niamh Shaw, Science communicator specialising in space to talk about why Sex isn't really possible in space and to explain why research is now being done into the topic.

Why is Lego making brick-shaped shoes ?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:15:00 +0000

Fresh off the fashion conveyor belt, Lego has stepped into footwear — quite literally. The toy giant has teamed up with Crocs to launch a bold new €200 clog inspired by the most painful object known to mankind: the Lego brick. Bright red, blocky and already causing serious debate online, the shoes have split opinion between fans who call it playful creativity and critics who say it should’ve stayed in the toy box. Love them or loathe them, they’ve already hit Paris Fashion Week — and they’ll be landing in shops next month.

IMAGE: Lego Group.

The problem with government outsourcing electronic tagging operations to third parties

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:15:00 +0000

It was announced recently that the government would be outsourcing the operation of electronic tagging. But is the broader delegation to third parties eroding government control and expertise? Joining Sean was Paul Davis, Associate Professor at Dublin City University Business School.

Why does everyone have a strange job title now ?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:51:00 +0000

Are you more interested in being the head of mischief or a people’s champ than a marketing manager or a retail assistant? Even if the title aside, it’s the same role, same pay and same crap annual leave allocation! The rise in creative job titles continues – Donal O'Donoghue, managing director of sanderson recruitment joined Sean to discuss why we are all getting creative with our job titles now.

Why are Frozen Iguanas turning up all over Florida ?

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:42:00 +0000

Florida has woken up to a problem it doesn’t usually have, frozen iguanas falling out of trees. A rare cold snap over the weekend has left the oversized lizards so stunned they’re literally dropping onto lawns, pavements and the occasional parked car. And in a move that sounds more like a game show than wildlife management, residents have been given a limited window to scoop them up and hand them in — all in the name of pest control. Jessica Kilgore from Iguana Solutions in Florida joined Sean to discuss.

Why can one character define a soap.

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:20:00 +0000

In long-running soaps, it’s often not the storylines we remember most, but the characters who carry them. In Home and Away, few characters sparked as much debate, devotion, and disruption as the Braxton brothers. Love them or loathe them, they didn’t just stir up Summer Bay — they changed it. The right characters can make a series thrive… while the wrong ones can risk breaking it.

Joining Sean to discuss why certain characters can be the foundations of a certain soup was Jessica Shine, Media Communications Department of MTU Munster Technological University...

Around the World

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories.

Inflation hits the Dáil bar. But why is it still cheaper than most Restaurants?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Inflation has finally reached the corridors of power. TDs and Senators are now paying more for meals in the Dáil bar and Members’ Restaurant, with price hikes on everything from soup and burgers to calamari and lamb. While costs have risen across the menu, prices still undercut most Dublin city eateries — and notably, wine prices have been left untouched. So, is Leinster House feeling the squeeze like everyone else, or is this a reminder of how insulated political life can be?

Joining Sean was Craig Hughes, Political Editor of the Irish Daily Mail

The world's fastest wheelie bin.

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:15:00 +0000

A man in the UK has broken the record for the world’s fastest wheelie bin. Joining Sean to explain how he made and designed the world's quickest bin was Mechanical Design Engineer and binfluencer Michael Wallhead.

How to Stay Positive amid all this rain. Henry McKean Reports

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The long-term forecast by Met Eireann is of low pressure and more rain and possibly more flooding. There could be snow in ten days.

But with the poor weather, how do you stay positive with the constant rain? The heavy traffic, the flooding, the misery ? Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss.

Is the normalisation of the sex industry posing a danger to girls?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:35:00 +0000

When the cosmetics giant L’Oreal hired an OnlyFans model as a brand ambassador, it raised some eyebrows. Is the normalisation and mainstreaming of sex work content creators posing a danger to girls' futures? Joining Sean was Eoghan Cleary, a secondary school teacher and Educational Expert with the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute, who has been writing about this in The Journal

Why can’t you chuck old batteries in the general waste bin?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0000

WEEE Ireland are sending 1 million blue battery boxes to homes around the country this month to try and encourage better recycling habits. But why exactly are we not allowed to chuck old batteries in the black bin? Joining Sean was Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland to explain...

The tough parenting style trend known as “f*** around and find out”.

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:50:00 +0000

A tough new parenting trend known as Fafo – “f*** around and find out” – is taking off on social media, with some parents rejecting gentle parenting in favour of natural consequences and tough love. But does it teach resilience and independence, or leave children feeling unsupported and ashamed? Richard Hogan, Child Psychotherapist, joined Sean to discuss the ins and outs of Fafo

Prudish goes to war with art. 100 years since the Abbey Theatre Riots

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:50:00 +0000

When Sean O’Casey’s ‘The Plough and the Stars’ opened at the Abbey Theatre 100 years ago, a riot broke out. But why? Joining Sean to tell us the story was Frank McNally, Chief writer of the Irishman’s Diary in the Irish Times...

Does being a good kisser matter to a relationship ?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

We’re talking about one of those surprisingly relationship-making — or relationship-breaking — behaviours: kissing. It sounds simple, but a recent conversation in the media has highlighted how many of us really don’t know whether we’re good at it — or how our partner might feel about our technique. Some experts have even suggested that poor kissing can lead to serious frustration in relationships if it goes unaddressed.

Joining Sean to unpack it all was Emily Power Smith, Clinical sexologist and sex therapist

Coming next week... The Claire Byrne Show

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.

This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.

Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.

From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you. And it all kicks off on February 3rd.

Follow The Claire Byrne Show on the GoLoud app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The 100th anniversary since the release of the longest serving prisoners of the Irish revolution.

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:55:00 +0000

A hundred years ago, 33 Irish men were released from prison in Scotland. Among them was a TD. But what is the story behind their incarceration? Joining Sean to explain the story was Pat McGarty, Senior lecturer in public policy at MTU.

Wuthering Heights, is it a love story as the film version portrays it ?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:10:00 +0000

Another film version of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights staring Margot Robbi and Jacob Elordi is to be released. But what is the real meaning and reading of the book ? Is it a love story as the movie versions seem to portray or is there more themes other than romance in the iconic novel ?

Sean was joined by Emily Hourican Journalist and author, to discuss

Why the EU wants governments to be less reliant on U.S tech companies for security.

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:55:00 +0000

While individuals may have decided to cancel their Amazon subscriptions or delete their Instagram accounts over security concerns, some European governments are taking bigger steps to move away from US tech.

Brian Honan is Chief executive of BH Consulting, an independent advisory firm on cybersecurity and privacy based in Dublin, and he has been analysing the importance of digital sovereignty amid the current geopolitical turmoil and he joined Sean to discuss.

Could ferry boats help solve Dublin congestion?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:40:00 +0000

Could ferry boats solve Dublin congestion? Two Fine Gael representatives seem to think it will.

Dublin is the third most congested city, the sixth slowest city in the world for traffic. The M50 has repeatedly been called Ireland’s largest carpark, and we saw that in action during the floods from storm Chandra.

Sean was joined by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councillor John Kennedy to hear why he thinks ferries could make a difference to Dublins transport system.

Man living in his car because no one will rent to him with his dogs

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Sean was joined by James Keaty today on the program. James has been living in his car because he has been finding it so difficult to get rental accommodation that allows pets. He and Sean discussed the issues he has been facing amid the housing crisis. And how he is coping with living in his car with his partner and three dogs.

St Brigids day and Irish Women Revolutionaries

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:09:00 +0000

This weekend marks St. Brigid day, the day for our female patron saint. In 2023 St. Brigids day was officially recognised as a public holiday.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is hosting Rebels and Revolutionaries: Women’s History Tour to honour this. Sean was joined by Dr. Catherine Healy, the historian in residence at the epic museum

Parenting with Joanna Fortune

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:47:00 +0000

Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries..

How to improve your Financial literacy

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Do you know how much money you put into your pension every month and where it is invested?

A new survey shows that 7 in 10 Irish adults don’t understand basic financial vocabularly and we struggle to understand our money.

Kel Galavan is a Qualified Financial Advisor and author joined Sean to offer advice

Is the quiet nature of electric cars a problem ?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:10:00 +0000

While Electric Cars are great for the environment, they have certainly changed the sounds of our city streets making them quieter but is this a good thing?

Dr Flaithri Neff from the Technological University of Shannon has been doing research into how cars that are too quiet cause issues for pedestrians and cyclists; as well as those who are visually impaired. He joined Sean to explain.

Coco Gauff’s meltdown... How can we manage our anger in sport ?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:05:00 +0000

After she lost her match at the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday, world number 3 Coco Gauff went off the court and smashed her racket violently into the concrete 7 times. Little did she know that a camera had recorded the incident. It then went viral. This isn’t unusual behaviour for pro athletes. So how do sportspeople manage their anger, or is it better to ‘let it out’? Joining Sean to discuss was chartered sports psychologist Anne Marie Kennedy...

Britain plans to place health warning labels on firewood should Ireland do the same ?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:50:00 +0000

Under new British government plans, stoves and firewood are to carry health warning labelling in the UK. But should we introduce a similar scheme in Ireland, or will we end up killing off a part of our cultural heritage...the humble fire? Joining Sean was Orlagh Gaynor, Operations Officer for Irish Doctors for the Environment.

Boycotting the U.S from your travel list. Is that wise ?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:25:00 +0000

With the global state of play, many Irish tourists are choosing not to travel to the US in these tense times.

So is a travel boycott really a smart move?

Technology Editor at the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler, believes not... he joined Sean to explain

Around the World

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:47:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories.

This week...

Afghanistan - release female athlete after thirteen days in jail
South Africa - Mandela's goods cleared for sale by Supreme Court
Fiji - 6 charged in relation to country's biggest drug seizure
Germany - German nurse jailed for murders could be linked to 100 more deaths
Estonia - European Fencing Championship moved from Estonia

The 29-year-old with a life-threatening condition campaigning for access to a drug which could improve her life

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

At 29 most young people are looking forward to building a life and settling down, but for Niamh Ni Hoireabhaird this takes a bit of adjustment. She is newly married, but is living with Friedreich’s ataxia which is a rare and progressive neuromuscular condition which is beginning to deteriorate.

Niamh was hoping that a new drug which could potentially help her condition and improve her life would be made available, but because this isn’t deemed cost-effective those hopes were dashed last month.

In a statement, The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics confirmed that a HSE reimbursement decision has not been made as it is currently in the drug approval process.

Niamh Joined Sean to discuss her condition and how access to the drug may help her.

Everyone is buying second-hand, but are we still failing to make fashion sustainable?

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

The boom in second-hand fashion is often celebrated as a sustainability success story — but according to sustainability strategist Pat Kane, that’s only part of the picture. She argues that rising costs, value, and access are the real forces driving resale’s rapid growth. Pat Kane, founder of reuzi, joined Sean to discuss

Cartoonist for the Guardian on depicting Trump and how to make satire

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Martin Rowson has been skewering politicians in the Guardian for more than four decades, bringing ink, paint and biting satire to some of the biggest political moments of our time.

But with the world in turmoil, does satire still matter?

Martin Joined Sean to discuss

Amid the horrid weather, is now a good time to book a sunny break away ?

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

With the country in the midst of a bout of absolutely AWFUL weather, many of us are looking out at day after day of rain and wondering when will it ever stop, and how can I escape this...

Travel Writer Joan Scales joined Sean to offer some advice to people if they are looking to book a trip away.

Why we tend to date people who look like our parents

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:40:00 +0000

The Beckham family is no stranger to public fascination, but one recurring observation keeps popping up in headlines and social media: the striking similarity between the women the Beckham brothers date and their mother, Victoria Beckham. While some dismiss it as coincidence or media exaggeration, others see it as a window into how early attachment, familiarity, and ideals of beauty shape romantic choice. To unpack what psychology really says about attraction, imprinting, and the influence of parental figures—without the gossip. Sean was joined by Professor of Psychiatry Brendan Kelly who can separate myth from science.

New DinoTracker app aims to identify fossils

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:02:00 +0000

A new app uses AI to identify the footprints of dinosaurs. But how does it work? Sean to discuss was Steve Brusatte, Palaeontologist from the University of Edinburgh and scientific consultant on last year’s box office hit Jurassic World Rebirth...

Should Ireland have baby boxes?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:09:00 +0000

After New York’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani floated the idea of introducing a baby box scheme to his city, the Scottish government sent him one of theirs. But, should we have one in Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss is Helena Tubridy, former Midwife and Fertility Coach.

The myth of the perfect friend group

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:33:00 +0000

U.S. based Journalist Jenny Singer examines the common belief that adulthood requires a tight-knit, always-present friend group. Influenced by TV, social media, and cultural expectations, this idea persists even though most adult friendships are maintained one-on-one rather than in cohesive groups.

The piece explores why the desire for a friend group feels so strong, why such groups are rare, and how mistaking a fantasy for a norm can contribute to loneliness.

So, does the “perfect” friend group exist?

Jenny joins Seán to discuss.

Robert Glynn on self building his own ‘barn’ home

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:14:00 +0000

With building supplies getting more and more expensive, Seán’s guest decided to build a barn instead of a brick and mortar traditional structure. So, did it pay off? Interior Designer Robert Gylnn joins to discuss…

Did you grow up without TV? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:13:00 +0000

Given her profession, it might surprise you that Jessie Buckley did not grow up with a TV until she was a teenager. But, is this the way to grow up, or are some people missing out on memories of television as a child?

Joining Séan to discuss is Henry McKean, who has been out asking the public.

The battle for supremacy in First Class travel

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:29:00 +0000

With Lufthansa launching their exclusive new first class option recently, the battle for supremacy rages on among the world’s top airlines when it comes to the premier offering. But, is shelling out for First Class actually worth it?

Joining Seán to discuss is John Arlidge, a leading aviation journalist based in London, who has been touring some of the best options…

Image: Lufthansa

Eamonn Keaveney on walking barefoot across Europe

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Mayo man Eamonn Keaveney has walked over five thousand kilometres barefoot, from Istanbul to Ireland.

Now, nearly a year later, he is on the final stretch of the solo journey as he raises money for charity.

Eamonn joins Seán to discuss.

Is listening to an audiobook as good as reading?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:23:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Camilla Parker Bowles declared that audiobooks “count too” when it comes to reading. Over the past few years, sales of audiobooks have skyrocketed, but is there still a snobbery about it not being ‘real reading’?

Joining Seán to discuss is Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, AKA Sam Blake, the author of the new bestselling novel ‘Your Every Move’...

Is it bad if a child curses?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:22:00 +0000

What would you do if you heard your child cursing? Would you reprimand them, question the very education you gave them or perhaps even laugh?

While there isn’t a consensus on what to do if you catch your child swearing, Journalist Allegra Chapman thinks parents don’t need to cede to panic and instead reframe how young people see profanity. She joins Seán to discuss.

What is the swan census?

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:04:00 +0000

The swan census has been taking place across Ireland recently, to try and ascertain how many wild whoopers we have in this country.

Joining Seán to discuss is Helen Boland, from Birdwatch Ireland…

Sami Abu Wardeh on making comedy out of Irish Palestinian displacement

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:03:00 +0000

As the son of an Irish mother and a Palestinian father, Sami Abu Wardeh has experienced the effects of colonialism, war and displacement many times in his life and how it has shaped his family’s past.

Turning away from a career in medicine in favour of comedy, he is now exploring what resistance really means in the face of adversity, in his show ‘Palestine: Peace de Resistance’ which will be shown at the Project Arts Theatre in Dublin on the 26th and 27th of January...

He joins Seán to discuss.

Oscar nominations released - how did Ireland do?

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:22:00 +0000

The Oscar nominations have just been released, with lots of expectations surrounding Killarney’s Jessie Buckley.

Joining Seán to discuss is film maker John Kelly, whose animated short film ‘Retirement Plan’ was nominated, and film reviewer Esther McCarthy…

Questions to ask your older relatives - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:11:00 +0000

When an elderly relative dies, some people may have regrets on not spending enough time with them or not asking enough questions - but what questions should you ask your older relatives?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

The psychology behind treating yourself

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:10:00 +0000

After a long day at work, cooking may be the last thing on our minds. With the added benefit of a home-cooked meal and none of the effort, takeaways have fast become a way for us to save time, but few realized just how effective they were in cheering us up.

A study carried out by scientists from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that it is the most effective method to cheer up or console us after an intense day at work.

But beyond takeaways, why do we feel the need to ‘treat ourselves’ when things don’t quite go the way we planned and most of all, when they do?

Chartered Clinical Psychologist Dr Clare Kambamettu joins Seán to discuss.

China’s Marriage Market - Emily Keegan Reports

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

It’s not unusual for parents to get in the middle of their children's love lives or try to set them up with a person they think would be an impressive catch, but it may be strange for some to consider setting up a stall in the local park to try to marry off their child. Well, parents in China are actually doing just that.

Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan went to check out a marriage market in Shanghai, and sent in this report.

Should dogs be banned from pubs?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:17:00 +0000

Over the past number of years, landlords seem to have become a lot more welcoming to dogs, perhaps due to the pandemic when pet ownership rose significantly. Seán’s guest feels that the entire situation has gotten out of hand, and that dogs should now be banned from pubs altogether.

Joining to discuss is Enda Brady, host of ‘Roundtable’ on TRT World, who has been writing about his thoughts in the Irish Examiner…

Do you go ‘off menu’ at a restaurant?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

Is it okay to go ‘off menu’ at a restaurant or are you just creating a headache for the kitchen?

Joining Seán to discuss is Chef, Restauranteur and owner of Aniar in Galway, JP McMahon…

Is it okay to sign off a work email with a kiss?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

More and more work emails seem to be signed off with an ‘X’. But is it okay to put a kiss in correspondence with someone you may have never met and with whom you are in a formal, work relationship?

Joining Seán to discuss is Career Psychologist Sinead Brady…

New report shows strain on state care for children

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0000

The Child Law Project’s latest report shows the strain that services are under to provide accommodation for children in state care, and also explores the main reasons why children end up in care in the first place.

Joining Seán to discuss is Carol Coulter, Executive Director of the Child Law Project…

Submarine discovers WWII wreck off Donegal

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:57:00 +0000

Seán’s guest uses a special submersible, based in West Cork, to help unlock the secrets of Ireland’s 2,000 shipwrecks.

Joining to discuss is John Kearney, from Fastnet Maritime Heritage…

Mental health support benches aim to save lives

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:41:00 +0000

Micky Hazard’s nephew Jay passed away in 2019 when he took his own life, and the loss has spurred Micky on to help others. He and his sister have set up benches across the UK and Ireland that show phone numbers and QR codes where those in distress can seek out help.

He joins Seán to share his story.

EU says we need to stockpile 72 hours worth of stuff in case of disaster

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:40:00 +0000

Hadja Lahbib, the Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner for the EU, has called on citizens to prepare at least 72 hours' worth of essential supplies in case of a crisis, whether it be weather related or otherwise.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Frank Deegan, Founder of the Irish Survival and Prepper Group…

The Commodore 64 returns - how well does it hold up?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:40:00 +0000

The iconic 1980s video game console Commodore 64 is being re-launched. But how well does it hold up in this decade?

Tech Journalist Emmet Ryan joins Seán to discuss.

New EU law could kill the car radio

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:39:00 +0000

Big tech is affecting every part of our lives and today the European Commission is launching a law which could very well mean the end of the car radio…

With streaming and apps available in newer, fancier cars, will this spell the end of channel hopping between local stations?

Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin, Barry Andrews, joins Seán to discuss.

Beckham feud - what’s the next step for PR?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:39:00 +0000

The fallout for the Beckham family continues in the wake of Brooklyn Beckham’s bombshell statement last night, but how will his parents David and Victoria respond?

There is no doubt that crisis PR teams are hard at work... So how do things like these play out behind the scenes when a high profile brand or family is imploding?

Deirdre Waldron is the Founder of Fuzion, a brand communication agency and over the last three decades has vast experience in this area, specialising in reputation management and crisis communications. She joins Seán to discuss.

Dealing with ‘central heating hair’

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:24:00 +0000

With the weather fluctuating between cold and mild, many listeners will be struck with ‘central heating hair’, but what is it, and how can it be controlled?

Joining Seán to discuss is Hair Stylist Katrina Kelly…

Is antisocial behaviour getting worse?

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:29:00 +0000

Is antisocial behaviour really getting worse? And do you feel unsafe on our city streets?

The problems with Dublin have been extensively documented: crime, homelessness, addiction, but is there a reason to be optimistic?

Tony Duffin is the former CEO of the Ana Liffey Drug Project and for over 25 years has worked to improve things for the most vulnerable in society...

He joins Seán to discuss.

The not-so-glamorous side of running

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0000

With an increase in people taking part in long distance running and competing in races, it can cause the so-called “runner’s tummy” which is a common and often embarrassing side effect of endurance exercise, caused by a mix of digestion, nerves, timing, and what we eat before a run.

Joining Seán to discuss this and give advice for runners is Dietitian, Orla Walsh.

AI porn addiction is on the rise - what can be done?

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:13:00 +0000

There hasn’t been a day this week that the dangers of Grok haven’t been highlighted: particularly the nudification of women and children. However, AI’s dangerous and dark influence has been seeping in for many people, and now AI is impacting porn addiction in a big way as people begin to seek help…

Family Psychotherapist specialising in porn addiction, David Kavanagh is highlighting this trend, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should we adopt ‘French’ Sundays? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:13:00 +0000

Do we need to be more like the French and keep Sundays sacred? Closing the shops and forcing people to rest?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should we ditch the tissue for the handkerchief?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Do you carry a handkerchief?

With the winter colds and flus in full flow, some people are opting to ditch the manky tissue in favour of a luxury handkerchief...

Louis Copeland would be a handkerchief man arguing that a pocket square is key to completing any look…

He joins Seán to discuss.

Is political profanity on the rise?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

While touring a Ford factory in Michigan on Tuesday, Donald Trump was heckled by an autoworker. He responded with profanity and a hand gesture. So, how common is it for politicians to use profanity and has this evolved over time?

Joining Seán to discuss is Joseph Philips, a Politics Lecturer at Cardiff University…

Image: Reuters

The ‘Slime Jesus’ controversy in Germany explained

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Outrage continues to fulminate in Germany over the Christmas broadcast of the so-called ‘Slime Jesus’...

So, what is getting people so exercised?

Joining Seán to discuss is Deborah Cole, Berlin Correspondent for the Guardian…

Image: ARD

Should men have engagement rings too?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:24:00 +0000

After noticing a friend wearing only a wedding ring, with no engagement band, Journalist Jennifer Horgan reflected on engagement rings and questioned whether the tradition symbolises love, equality, or ownership.

She joins Seán to discuss.

YouTube is officially more popular than TV

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Is terrestrial telly doomed?

Eyebrows have been raised in the UK after new data revealed that more people are watching Youtube than the BBC – as views of the online site overtook those watching traditional TV.

So, what does this mean? TV Critic and Broadcaster in the UK, Scott Bryan, joins Seán to discuss.

Are grief levels with pet bereavement the same as with human loss?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

A new study suggests that people who are grieving a pet can experience prolonged grief disorder, but the International Classification of Diseases, a widely used diagnostic manual, limits the diagnosis to bereavement after the death of a human. Joining Seán to discuss this is Psychologist and Neuroscientist Sabina Brennan…

New study finds male libido peaking at 40

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:33:00 +0000

We tend to think male libido is all about hormones raging early, then a slow, inevitable decline, but a major new study turns that idea on its head. It found that men’s sexual desire actually peaks in their forties. If testosterone is already falling by then, what’s really fuelling desire: biology, confidence, relationships, or something else entirely?

Joining Seán to discuss is Clinical Sexologist and Psychosexual Therapist, Emily Power Smith.

Can derelict buildings be used for the housing crisis? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:33:00 +0000

While we have a derelict site tax, but for some reason, a lot of them are left unpaid, and there are towns around the country dotted with vacant or derelict properties. Is there a way to bring them back into use to help with the housing crisis?

Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

The reality of going on holiday with young kids

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:26:00 +0000

What is going on holiday with young kids really like, and why can it feel like absolute hell?

Anne Sheeran has a two year old and a four year old, and she has pledged to do things differently...

She joins Seán to discuss.

A Corkman’s role in liberating Venezuela from the Spanish

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:15:00 +0000

With the furore over Venezuela continuing, spare a thought for Corkman Daniel Florence O’Leary, who played a critical role in the country’s liberation from the Spanish.

Joining Seán to discuss is John Dolan, a writer for the Echo, who has been investigating…

How often should you change your socks?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:28:00 +0000

How often do you change your socks? According to an expert, it is vital to do it every day in order to avoid ‘Cheesy Foot’, ‘Onion Foot’, ‘Goat Foot’ and other unpleasantries.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester…

What’s behind a home’s BER rating?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:28:00 +0000

Your home’s BER rating could be costing homeowners more than they realise - and many still don’t know what it actually means.

With energy bills soaring, questions are being raised about whether people are getting the right advice at all.

Professor in Energy Economics at UCD, Lisa Ryan, joins Seán to discuss.

The difficulties facing gay couples in starting a family

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:27:00 +0000

Seán’s guest’s new play, ‘In Vitro’, opens at Bewley’s Cafe Theatre on February 2nd here in Dublin. Inspired by her and her wife’s experience of trying to have a family, the play explores the emerging class divide created by Ireland’s rules around IVF and the gay community.

Joining to discuss is Aoife O’Connor…

How accurate was Brendan Ingle’s portrayal in ‘Giant’?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:27:00 +0000

The new film ‘Giant’, which was reviewed last week on Movies and Booze, focuses on the relationship between boxing world champ Prince Nazeem and his Irish coach Brendan Ingle, but how does the film’s portrayal of Ingle tally with the real life figure? Joining Seán to discuss is his grand nephew Sean Ingle, Chief Sports Writer for the Guardian…

Why is the EU getting involved with housing?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:26:00 +0000

Why is the EU getting involved in solving the housing crisis?

And just what do European cities have in common when it comes to high rents and unaffordable property prices?

Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing at the Technological University Dublin, has been looking at things, and joins Seán to discuss.

Can you make it to stardom from reality TV?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:10:00 +0000

While Jessie Buckley began her career in reality television back in 2008, is it common for contestants to make the transition to the big time like her?

Joining Seán to discuss is Orlaith Condon, Host of ‘Pod Save Us’.

Why is the popularity of couples counselling increasing?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:24:00 +0000

Why is everyone going to therapy?

It seems that more and more millennials are seeking professional help to manage their relationships, with a rise noted in the amount of couples going to couples counselling before they even tie the knot.

So, just why is counselling important for ensuring success in a long term committed relationship?

Specialist in Couples Counselling with Accord, Mary Johnston, joins Seán to discuss.

What’s in the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ diet?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:17:00 +0000

The Trump administration released new dietary guidelines this month that call for Americans to eat whole foods and limit highly processed products.

The US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr has issued the guidelines which “evangelise real food,” such as protein and “end the war on healthy fats.”

Guidelines include images of an inverted pyramid that places meats and vegetables at the widest point on top, reversing the classic depiction of the American food pyramid.

Freelance Journalist with The Times UK Harry Wallop tried out the diet for five days, and joins Seán to give his take.

Image: Reuters

The father and son who built an Irish entertainment empire

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:17:00 +0000

A new book ,‘The Outsiders Who Built Irish Entertainment: Maurice and Louis Elliman’ tells the story of the father and son duo who created an entertainment empire in Ireland…

Author Wendy Elliman joins Seán to discuss.

What does the future of diplomacy look like?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

Are we nearing the death of diplomacy?

In the first two weeks of this year, we have already seen major events unfold on the world stage, with Trump’s seizure of Venezuela and his sights on Greenland becoming more and more concerning for EU leaders.

Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine persists and we are no closer to achieving a negotiation between Zelenskyy and Putin than we were three years ago.

But, what role does diplomacy still play in such troubling times, and does it still hold any value?

Former Irish ambassador to the EU, UK, and Italy and Executive Commentator, Bobby McDonagh, joins Seán to discuss…

Image: Reuters

Can children get ‘acquired ADHD’ from screentime?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

Children’s mental health clinics are fuller than ever, with rising cases of anxiety, attention problems and social withdrawal. One Paediatrician believes excessive screen use is a major driver, and that many of these problems are reversible.

Dr Sanjiv Nichani is a Consultant Paediatrician at Leicester Children’s Hospital and author of ‘Movement is Medicine’. He joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘longevity fixation syndrome’?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Transhumanism, the active desire to outlive your own mortality, is now seen as a disorder in some quarters.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Jan Gerber, Founder of Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich…

When pop stars interfere in politics

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:26:00 +0000

While Europe waits on Donald Trump’s plans for Greenland - it has certainly prompted Icelandic singer Björk to weigh in with her own opinion. What is she saying, and should pop stars comment on politics?

Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Seán to discuss.

Ireland’s youngest and fastest cyclist set to travel to Mount Everest by bike

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:26:00 +0000

A Corkman who cycled the length of Africa will be embarking on yet another gruelling challenge: travelling from Cork to Mount Everest by bike!

Daragh Cronin is thought to be the youngest and fastest Irish person to navigate the entire length of Africa by bike.

The 23-year-old is hoping to raise €30,000 during the seven-month, 12,500km expedition for the children’s wards at Cork University Hospital.

He joins Seán to discuss!

Cork Publican on finding sobriety

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:26:00 +0000

A Publican who owns three bars in Cork has launched an exhibition about his relationship with alcohol, addiction and recovery.

Publican Michael Droney joins Seán to discuss.

Over 58,000 have opted out of organ donation

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

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 figures that have been released. But what does the number of people opting out mean for those desperately waiting on the transplant list? And just how important is it to communicate your wishes with your family?

Colin White, National Advocacy Manager for the Irish Kidney Association joins Seán to discuss.

Image: American Heart Foundation

Why are there protests in Iran?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

There is increased international attention on the violent protests in Iran today after President Trump pledges to weigh in and consider very strong military action in Tehran. But why are these protests happening and what does the uprising signify for Iranians?

Dr Mahya Ostavar, Lecturer at University of Galway and Women’s Rights Activist from Iran joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

New record for largest sock collection set!

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:31:00 +0000

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 of the sock drawer.

He joins Seán to discuss!

What is the best Bond theme song?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:31:00 +0000

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 saying that Oasis would be interested, Seán is joined by Journalist Pat Carty to talk through some of the Bond songs we may have long forgotten…

Should Gen Z go out more?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:30:00 +0000

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 Lifestyle Columnist with the Irish Examiner Jane Cowan has decided to bring back debauchery.

In a very anti-January sentiment, she wants people in their twenties like herself to embrace the chaos of the decade and go out more…

She joins Seán to discuss.

Does Cork City need a cable car?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:29:00 +0000

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 problem…

Joining to discuss is Kathriona Devereux, Presenter of ‘10 Things to Know About’ on RTÉ television and a columnist with the Echo…

Lego reveals ‘smart brick’ - are we depriving ourselves of simple joys?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:04:00 +0000

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 responsive lights, a color-recognition scanner to sense its surroundings, can play almost any sound, and can detect the way it is twisted, turned and tapped during play.

Lego says this tech will react to how kids play, and then “play back” to help kids bring their stories to life.

But, are we depriving our children of the simple joys of Lego, and what role will smart technology have in toys in the future?

Joining Seán to give her views is Toy Expert and Founder of Jiminy Eco Toys, Sharon Keilthy…

Why our non-confrontational language is getting in the way

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:04:00 +0000

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 be getting in the way of us getting what we want?

Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics at University College Dublin, joins Seán to discuss the unique quirks that make up the Irish language…

The annoyance of losing things - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

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 such sentimental value? Why do so many of us struggle to be able to move on?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public what they have lost, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why are Venezuela’s gold reserves in London?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:16:00 +0000

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, where they have been held since the 1980s. Ireland too keeps much of its gold reserves on Threadneedle Street in London…

Joining Seán to untangle this is Richard Partington, the Guardian's Senior Economics Correspondent…

Ireland set to hold EU Presidency - what should we expect?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0000

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 Seán to discuss why the EU Presidency will be pivotal for our domestic and foreign policy is Andrew Forde…

Would banning advertising on junk food actually work?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:30:00 +0000

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 advertising unhealthy foods before 9pm and at all times on the internet.

In the list of banned foods are those with a high sugar, salt, and fat content, which even include porridge, cereal, and yoghurts.

Joining Seán to discuss the impact of this is Lana Repar, Lecturer in Food Business at UCC, to give us her take on how marketing strategies will have to adapt…

Meghan Markle sells a million jam jars - how can you make it at home?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:29:00 +0000

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 sought after, whether it has a royal connection or not, and just how easy it is to make at home?

Chef Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School joins Seán to discuss.

Raspberry Jam

Makes 3 x 450g (1lb) pots

Raspberry jam is the easiest and quickest of all jams to make, and one of the most delicious. Loganberries, Boysenberries or Tayberries may also be used in this recipe.

900g (2lbs) fresh raspberries

790g (1lb 12oz) granulated sugar

Wash, dry and sterilise the jars in the oven 100°C/Gas Mark 1/4, for 15 minutes. Heat the sugar in a moderate oven for 5-10 minutes.

Put the raspberries into a wide stainless steel saucepan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the juice begins to run, then add the hot sugar and stir over a gentle heat until fully dissolved. Increase the heat and boil steadily for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Test for a set by putting about a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate, leaving it for a few minutes in a cool place. It should wrinkle when pressed with a finger. * Remove from the heat immediately. Skim and pour into sterilised jam jars. Cover immediately.

Hide the jam in a cool place or else put on a shelf in your kitchen so you can feel great every time you look at it! Anyway, it will be so delicious it won't last long!

*How to Fix It!

If the jam overcooks it will be too thick. Just add a little boiling water to loosen.

Raspberry and Cassis Preserve

Make Raspberry jam as above, add 4 tablespoons of cassis to the jam just before potting.

Loganberry, Tayberry, and Boysenberry jams are made in exactly the same way

Why don’t writers retire?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:20:00 +0000

Why don’t writers retire?

Novelist Julian Barnes is bucking the trend having announced his retirement coinciding with his 80th birthday, saying that his next book will be his last, but just why is it so rare for creatives to stop working and instead...’’keep going until the grim reaper cuts you down in your study”.

Columnist for the Irish Independent Mary Kenny continues to write and joins Seán to discuss.

Does Ireland need to embrace bolder architecture?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:17:00 +0000

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 Times and joins Seán to discuss…

Tesla loses EV war to BYD - what now?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:17:00 +0000

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 discuss this, and the future of the electric vehicle market is John Hayes, Lecturer in Electronic Engineering at UCC…

US-based Irish therapist on growing anxiety in Trump’s America

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:16:00 +0000

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 California, and is moving back to Ireland over concerns his US citizenship will be revoked…

He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Parenting with Joanna Fortune

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries...

Where did the ‘Wilhelm Scream’ come from?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:05:00 +0000

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 from, and why is it used so much?

Steve Lee is a Sound Effects Wrangler and Founder and CEO of the Hollywood Sound Museum. He joins Seán to discuss.

Xi Jinping and the lost Irish novel

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:49:00 +0000

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 lost and forgotten here in Ireland, but which has sold millions of copies in Russia.

Joining Seán to discuss is Zoe Comyns, Creator of the Lyric FM documentary ‘Ethel Voynich - Music Mystery and Manuscripts’...

What is Canicross?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:37:00 +0000

In Scandinavian countries, you might see dog sledding in snowy conditions. Apparently, we have something like it in Ireland, but with a twist...

Joining Seán to discuss is President of Canicross Ireland, Louise Jones.

The significance of the 1926 census

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:37:00 +0000

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 conducted a century ago?

Joining Seán to discuss is Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Colin Sheridan.

Young people accused of not being “work-ready” - why?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:36:00 +0000

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 Health and Social Care, Alan Milburn, has recently said that teenagers are increasingly unprepared for the workplace due to the slump in weekend work outside of school hours.

But, are our youth becoming lazy, and are we seeing a “crisis of opportunity”?

Caroline Reidy of the HR Suite joins Seán to discuss.

How important is outdoor schooling?

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:24:00 +0000

These dark winter days make getting outside difficult, but with three quarters of children spending less time outside than prison inmates, one school in Wicklow is determined to do things differently...

The Outdoor Primary School offers an unusual learning experience for students who primarily learn in the woods.

Louise Nelson, Principal of Wicklow’s Outdoor Primary School, joins Seán to discuss.

How we got the stereotypical view of witches

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:20:00 +0000

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 hat, a cauldron, and they fly on a broomstick.

But where did that depiction come from?

Laura Kounine is an Associate Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Sussex and joined Sean to discuss.

TV on the radio: The Night Manager, New Season of Traitors and Run Away

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:50:00 +0000

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 series, Traitors UK is back for the 4th season this time to its original structure of non celebrity partcipants. And mystery writer Harlen Coben has a new series on Netflix called Run Away

Why boredom is good for us especially now

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Psychologist and Neurologist, Ian Robertson, joins sean to discuss and explore a counter-intuitive idea for the new year: that boredom isn’t something to fear, but something we urgently need to relearn.

He argues that our constant urge to scroll and stay stimulated is eroding our ability to think, feel and create freely. Ian makes the case for boredom as a temporary relief from “mental slavery”, a state that allows the mind to wander, emotions to surface, and creativity to re-emerge.

How to buy a New house in 2026? Will buyers fortunes improve?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:07:00 +0000

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 how should you go about trying to purchase a new build? Joining Sean to analyze the current trends in the housing market. offer tips to buyers, and discuss whether we can expect the housing crisis to improve or worsen in 2026 was Suzanne Tyrrell, a Director with Cohalan Downing Real Estate in Cork...

First day back blues, how hard is the transition back to work? Henry McKean Reports.

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:50:00 +0000

.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 workers today is their first day back to work. Do you look forward to it or do you dread it? Does it make you contemplate a change in your life? Is the transition back to work difficult? Is this the first day of new resolutions kicking in or failing? Henry Mckean reports....

Months in planning, over in two and a half hours: How the U.S snatched Maduro

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:40:00 +0000

While the operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was a complex tactical mission for US special forces, how exactly did they carry it out? Joining Sean to discuss the ins and outs of it and the implications it has for Venezuela and for the world was Dan Sabbagh, defence and security editor for the Guardian...

The New Book on Walt Disney's Mary Poppins and how it came to be one of the Most Successful Movies of All Time

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:07:00 +0000

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 successful movies of all time. Joining me now is Todd Pierce, Author of ‘Making Mary Poppins’...

Road bowling: One of Ireland's oldest sports in 2026

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

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 Sean was Seamus O’Tuama, Bowling Correspondent for the Irish Examiner.

The significance of Font

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:55:00 +0000

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 product of misguided policies under the previous Biden administration. But why ? Does the Type of font you use matter ? Joining John Fardy in for Sean to discuss was Owner of Signal Type Foundry Max Philips

First Fortnight Festival: The January festival breaking down the taboo of mental health through art.

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

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 annual mental health arts and culture festival, will host events right across the country seeking to use creative work to challenge the stigma around mental health. Maria Fleming is the CEO of First Fortnight festival, and she joined John Fardy in for Sean to discuss the purpose of the festival.

The Big Fat Newstalk Quiz of the Year 2025!

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

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 wackiest parts of 2025.

Joining Simon to chance their arm at the crown is Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Writer and Journalist, Comedian Jim Elliott and Jen Hogan, Irish Times Columnist and Host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast.

The best games to entertain with around Christmas

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:04:00 +0000

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 everyone involved...

Olivia Fahy, Entertainment journalist, has been rounding up some of her favourites and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Nintendo

Did Coca Cola win the soft drink war?

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:40:00 +0000

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 drinks in the world?

Joining Seán to discuss is Eoin Burke-Kennedy, Economics Correspondent of The Irish Times…

How do you look after your Christmas tree?

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:39:00 +0000

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 Christmas Tree Growers, and joins Seán to discuss.

What are your options for an alcohol-free Christmas?

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:38:00 +0000

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 enough to turn the mood from sweet to sour. From scare options to exorbitant prices, Irish Examiner Columnist and Food Writer Caitriona Redmond has seen it all since she went alcohol-free three years ago.

The journalist has compiled her experience and offers alternatives to your traditional champagne. She joins Seán to discuss.

The life of a church bell ringer!

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:37:00 +0000

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 think that ringing bells is just pulling a bit of rope, but there is an art to bell ringing, and it takes a good bit of training to get competent at it.

Raymond Cregan is the Ringing Master at Christ Church Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss.

Kennys Bookshop on being family-owned for 85 years

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:36:00 +0000

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 them have survived the past couple of decades…

One that has is the iconic Kennys Bookshop in Galway which celebrated its 85th birthday last month.

So amid all the changes, especially in how we read, how have they survived?

Tomas Kenny joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @kennysbookshop on Instagram

The global influence of Daniel O’Connell

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:25:00 +0000

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, just why was his influence so popular?

And what has Budweiser beer got to do with it?

Lecturer of Nineteenth Century Irish History at UCC, Dr Jay Roszman, joins Seán to discuss.

Director John Kelly talks ‘Retirement Plan’

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:25:00 +0000

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 reviews, and is 7 minutes of a man named Ray, voiced by Domhnall Gleeson, listing off all the things he hopes to do upon reaching retirement.

Its Director, John Kelly, joins Seán to discuss!

Why are non-fiction sales slumping?

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:12:00 +0000

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 Head of Zeus' Apollo Imprint…

What does Christmas look like when you’re homeless? - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:10:00 +0000

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 all the trimmings, music, small gifts, and most importantly, a warm and safe place where people are welcomed by name. For many of MQI’s clients, this is their only Christmas meal and the only sense of “home” they will have.

Henry McKean went along, and joins Seán to discuss.

Controversy over Canadian PM not using Canadian English

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Canadian linguists are upset over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abandonment of their country’s spelling rules in official documentation. A group of disgruntled linguists have now written an open letter to the PM, requesting he cease and desist.

Joining Seán to discuss is one of the signatories, John Chew, Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian English Dictionary…

Image: Reuters

Can you manifest friendships?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:23:00 +0000

We’ve all seen the trend of ‘manifesting’ online, but typically manifesting is reserved for love or money. Meehika Barua, however, decided to improve her social life by manifesting better friendships.

Meehika joins Seán to discuss.

What is the secret to living a long life?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:17:00 +0000

Ireland’s oldest person celebrated her 109th birthday earlier this week, she credits her longevity to ‘hard work, no smoking and no drinking’.

Joining Seán to discuss the secrets to living a long life is Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Head of Ageing Research at Trinity College Dublin.

What is it like to own Christmas reindeer?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:17:00 +0000

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 busiest time...

Philippa Auret from NI Reindeers joins Seán to discuss!

Is there shame attached to a short marriage?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Breakups are hard, but when you are newly married and your relationship breaks down shortly after your wedding, there can be shame attached...

Eve Simmons found herself navigating a split just six months after marrying her long-term partner.

She joins Seán to discuss.

How much do you spend on Christmas? - Josh Crosbie Reports

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:22:00 +0000

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 scramble for presents.

How much do you spend on the big Christmas shop, and what are the essentials you can't go without?

Newstalk’s Josh Crosbie has been finding out, and sends in this report...

Teaching Irish language classes in London!

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:07:00 +0000

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 has started teaching Irish classes and organising Irish speaking events to make sure that she doesn’t lose her Gaeilge...

Emily joins Seán to discuss!

Designing a book for children with dyslexia

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:58:00 +0000

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 Jen Wallace partnered with Little Island Books to make her story ‘Dinosaur Pie’ dyslexia-friendly, and joins Seán to discuss the process.

How do you protect your intellectual property in fashion?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:22:00 +0000

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 their intellectual property, which can see major retailers copying their designs and reproducing them to the masses…

So, what can be done?

Lecturer Dr Paul Davis from Dublin City University joins Seán to discuss.

How fearful are people of US visa entry requirements?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:21:00 +0000

As the Trump administration piles caveats onto visa entry requirements to the US, are more and more people fearful about their social media history and speaking out about the American government?

Joining Seán to discuss is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway…

Image: Reuters

Should the state pay for Ozempic?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, a Doctor and Columnist for the Irish Independent, believes that if the state is paying for cholesterol medication, it ought to be paying for Ozempic too.

Máire joins Seán to discuss society’s view on obesity, and why it needs to change.

First ever cataract surgery performed on hippo in Dublin Zoo

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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 Seán to discuss this world first, and the importance of conservation medicine.

The life and legacy of town planner Herbert Simms

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:24:00 +0000

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 life and legacy of Herbert Simms, one of Dublin's most notable town planners and architects.

Cartels are using cows to smuggle cocaine?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 cartels knowing that International law enforcement agencies will be reluctant to search cattle ships…

Max Stephens, International Crime Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph has been investigating this, and joins Seán to discuss.

Christougenniatikophobia: The fear of Christmas

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:15:00 +0000

For some people, the Christmas holiday can be a time of anxiety and hardship and even fear, especially if you are harbouring difficult emotions associated with the festive period. But do you suffer from Christougenniatikophobia?

Joining Seán to discuss is Christopher Paul Jones, a Therapist and Phobia Specialist from Harley St in London…

Should children ever work on farms?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:14:00 +0000

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 farmwork without undue risk…

Is TikTok spreading medical myths?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:14:00 +0000

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 medical myths like this?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Muiris Houston, Columnist with the Irish Times, who has been writing about this…

Ireland’s first female envoy

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:29:00 +0000

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 of Helen McEntee to Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, almost eight decades after her own appointment?

That’s the question that Clodagh Finn asks. The Columnist with the Irish Examiner, author and Researcher of Women’s History joins Seán to chat more about the first female envoy who paved the way in foreign affairs…

Ruth Medjber on Christmas with no kids

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:28:00 +0000

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 any?

Joining Seán is Photographer Ruth Medjber, who has been writing about her views on being a DINKWAD (Dual Income, No Kids, With A Dog) in the Independent…

From pop and poverty to politics and power - Live Aid 40 years on

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

During the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, Paul Vallely was Correspondent there for the London Times. After Live Aid, Bob Geldof contacted Paul to figure out where to distribute the funds, thus starting a decades-long relationship.

Paul is the author of ‘Live Aid: The Definitive 40-Year Story’, and joins Seán to discuss.

Speaking with Germany’s first Irish-born Mayor

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 medieval town of Dausenau, and says life in Germany has made her “a bit starchy”.

She joins to discuss.

From Odessa to Kerry - Yuliia Riabova’s story

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:17:00 +0000

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 the Producer and host of The New Residents Podcast on Radio Kerry and the winner of the Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year at the IMRO Radio Awards 2025.

She joins Seán to discuss.

How can we prevent youth crime recruitment?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:16:00 +0000

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 researching this very issue, with the aim of creating a new model of youth intervention for Ireland.

He joins Seán to discuss…

Newstalk’s 25 of 25: Best Actor

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:04:00 +0000

Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape it all. From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years. You, the listener, have been voting for who you think are the most influential people that moved us and inspired us as part of Newstalk's 25 of 25. And you have picked your winner for best actor!

Joining Seán to discuss is Arts Journalist Chris Wasser and Movie Critic Brian Lloyd…

Should the Gardaí have tasers?

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:23:00 +0000

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 particularly in these busy Christmas weeks, with body cams also being piloted?

Lucy Michael is Principal Investigator at Lucy Michael Research Training and Consultancy and a former member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. She has done extensive research into this area, and joins Seán to discuss.

Coming home for Christmas as an adult - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:21:00 +0000

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 McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why shapewear for men is growing in popularity

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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 look slim in their party clothes... But, shapewear for men is now growing in popularity as men seek those smooth lines also.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Guardian Columnist Tim Dowling.

Image: Underworks

Why are politicians so bad with social media?

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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?

Steven O’Leary, Founder of Olyitico and a social media expert, joins Seán to discuss just why politicians are so unnatural online.

Keeping track of films inside of films

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 Holiday are just some of the films which have fake movies, and Lynn Fisher has created a special database of these fake movies: Nestflix.

Lynn joins Seán to discuss.

Should you barbeque your turkey?

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 should barbeque your Christmas turkey!

Ireland has the highest percentage of ‘bears’ in the world

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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.

Joining Seán to discuss is Neal O’Hara, Chairman of Dublin Bears!

Paula Meehan on her poetry and life

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:17:00 +0000

Seán is joined by one of Ireland’s most influential poets, Paula Meehan. With a career spanning decades, Paula’s work has consistently explored themes of home, belonging, and marginalisation, speaking for those often left unheard.

Born in Dublin, she grew up in the tenements and has used her poetry to give voice to the dispossessed.

Paula is speaking at Other Voices, held in the Guiness storehouse on Tuesday the 16th of December: an evening of songs, stories and spoken word, all curated around the theme of ‘Home’.

Valentia Island locals hoping to establish UNESCO World Heritage site

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:13:00 +0000

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 case for it to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lucian Horvat, from the Valentia Island Development Company, joins to discuss.

The history of Christmas shop windows

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:13:00 +0000

Christmas time wouldn’t be complete without the festive shop window displays. Seán’s guest’s grandfather led the design and construction of Gimbel’s Christmas window displays in the 1940s. The department store has become a hallmark of the holiday season, featured in classics like ‘Elf’, and ‘Miracle on 34th Street'.

Emer Roche joins to discuss!

Do we eat too fast?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:29:00 +0000

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 down to relax while enjoying a meal in a restaurant...

But, are we as bad here, are we all wolfing down our food way too fast?

Registered Dietician Aoife Quinn joins Seán to discuss.

The politics of gift giving - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:28:00 +0000

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 of gift giving, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is nuclear power the way to go?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:28:00 +0000

As energy prices continue to rise and questions are raised over energy supply, it’s being wondered if Ireland should explore nuclear power. To discuss this, Seán is joined by Co-Founder of 18 for 0, Denis Duff, and Barrister and Environmental Campaigner, Neil McCann.

The story behind the construction of the Empire State Building

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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 Building and the Untold Story of the Craftsmen who Built It’.

He joins Seán to discuss!

Government considering spiked drink testing protocols in hospitals

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:50:00 +0000

With drink-spiking incidents expected to rise over the Christmas party season, the Government is considering new hospital testing protocols. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan says talks with the Health Minister will focus on ensuring suspected cases are quickly identified, tested, and properly investigated.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Dola Twomey of Safe Gigs Ireland.

Why many small businesses are vulnerable to cyberattacks

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:35:00 +0000

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 avoid or deal with a cyberhack, and with all of us booking GP and hair appointments online, should we be worried?

Dr Hazel Murray, Chair of Cybersecurity at Munster Technical University, joins Seán to discuss.

Eileen Harkin on fostering 27 children

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:34:00 +0000

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 children. Eileen joins Seán to tell more about her experience.

TD proposes ‘culture cards’ for 18-year-olds

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:34:00 +0000

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 to spend €100 on cultural and sporting events.

Fighting on the Cambodian-Thai border displaces thousands

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:33:00 +0000

Renewed fighting on the Cambodian-Thai border has displaced thousands and shut down schools in some of Cambodia’s poorest provinces. Irish development workers warn that the unrest threatens decades of progress, and the education of the country’s most vulnerable children…

Colm Byrne, CEO of Irish-Cambodian education development NGO, SeeBeyondBorders Ireland and former teacher from Portmarnock joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Would you get your Christmas tree professionally styled?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:36:00 +0000

There are now a number of organisations across Ireland providing professional Christmas tree styling services. But, how does it work?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Arlene McIntyre, Creative Director of Ventura Design in Dublin…

Things originally made for disabled people that we all use today

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:35:00 +0000

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 all of us whether you’ve got additional needs or not, like dipped curbs on pavements...

Yesterday, she had surgery to begin the process of receiving an artificial eye…

She joins Seán from hospital to discuss.

When should you introduce smartphones to your kids - if ever?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:24:00 +0000

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, several countries are reckoning with dangers of unsupervised internet access. Thus, the ‘Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland’ association was born. Starter phones, location tracking devices and even landlines, anything goes to stall the arrival of the smartphone into their lives.

Dave Corkery, Marketer, Podcaster and member of Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland has yet to introduce his children to smartphones and welcomes this new movement. He joins Seán to discuss.

What role do dance halls play today?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Irish dance halls have been a cornerstone of social life, bringing communities together and sometimes sparking generational debate.

The 1935 Public Dance Hall Act formalised these spaces, placing them under state and Church oversight.

In Donegal, Edwina Guckian’s ‘The Devil’s in the Dancehall’ brings this history to life, blending theatre with traditional dance and inviting audiences to take part in an immersive experience. She joins Seán to discuss.

The strange relationship between religion and AI

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:22:00 +0000

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 ethical implications of this type of technology?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr. Lyndon Drake, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, who studies theological ethics and artificial intelligence…

Is Trumpism here to stay?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:22:00 +0000

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 going to be a return to old Republicanism…”

So, is Trumpism here to stay? Or will the GOP revert to old-fashioned Republicanism once Trump leaves office in 2029?

Joining Seán to discuss is Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin.

Image: Reuters

The history and evolution of the spice bag!

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:17:00 +0000

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, School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss!

The scientific formula to make the happiest Christmas playlist

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:16:00 +0000

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 to do, dinners to organise and so many visits and events to fit in that sometimes it can all be a little overwhelming…

But fear not! Fionnuala Jones’ guest has used a scientific formula to create the world’s happiest playlist that will keep you smiling throughout.

Claire Renfrew, Chartered Psychologist specialising in Music Psychology, joins to discuss.

Leon Diop on his mixed-race childhood in Ireland

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:24:00 +0000

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 Boy’s Journey to Belonging’, telling the story of his mixed-race childhood in Ireland.

What are ‘micro-compatibilities’ in dating?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:08:00 +0000

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 time they arrive at the airport, because the little things could end up causing big problems down the line…

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones is a leading dating coach, Frances Kelleher, to break down what’s really going on here...

Is letting your anger out healthy?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:07:00 +0000

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 our online life, is letting our anger out healthy, or are we feeding a cycle that leaves us more stressed and divided?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Dr Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and author.

Does Oscar Wilde belong in St Mary’s Cathedral?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:07:00 +0000

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 Kenny, Journalist and Columnist for the Irish Independent, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss this more obscure aspect of Wilde’s life…

How to survive Queues-mas!

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:20:00 +0000

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 year.

Some of us are better at keeping our place and patience than others though...

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on how to survive Queues-mas this year.

The Irish man planning to row the Atlantic

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Galway man Daragh MacLoughlin will be attempting to row across the Atlantic as part of the World’s Toughest Row race. He’ll be setting out on his 4,800 km journey on December 12th, but joins Seán from his starting point in the Canary Islands ahead of his epic voyage…

What being a war photographer is like

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:52:00 +0000

For most people, being caught in a war zone with no weapon would be the stuff of nightmares, but for Pulitzer prize-winning Photojournalist Lynsey Addario, that is a basic element of her job…

Lynsey is the subject of a new documentary called ‘Love+War’, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is there a problem with pet obesity in Ireland?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:20:00 +0000

With the prospect of American Ozempic-style drugs coming on the market for dogs and cats, just how big a problem is pet obesity in Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss is Pete Wedderburn, aka Pete the Vet…

Office Christmas Party Stories - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

This Friday, most Office Christmas parties are taking place across Ireland. But have we learned anything from last year? The heavy drinking, the inappropriate hugging, the awkward moment on Monday morning when you had to face the person you snogged?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public for their stories, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is Ireland too small to matter with climate change?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

Have a discussion about climate change in Ireland and almost certainly at some point someone will make the argument that what we do here is too small to matter...

Is there a certain validity to that viewpoint?

Hannah Daly is Professor of Sustainable Energy at UCC, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should we be concerned about digital billboarding?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:20:00 +0000

Apart from the ticker tape ads on the sides of pitches, you may also have noticed an increase in digital billboards in public spaces. This is leading to increasing alarm as to their impact on local residents and wildlife due to their brightness.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dublin City Councillor, Mannix Flynn.

Image: True Impact Media

Danny Robbins on his new show 'Uncanny: Fear of the Dark'

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:11:00 +0000

Do you believe in ghosts?

And what does it really take to be convinced of paranormal stories?

Danny Robins has been treating ghost stories like a detective in his BBC podcast 'Uncanny' in which he examines everything from UFOs to ghostly encounters balancing skepticism and belief. Now, he will be taking it to the Bord Gáis with 'Uncanny: Fear of the Dark'.

So, why are we more intrigued than ever?

Danny joins Seán to discuss...

Image: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

Do we overcommit at Christmas?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:21:00 +0000

You know what it’s like, this time of year is full of Christmas catch-ups and meeting the gang for the annual get together, but are we overcommitting?

Do we need to stop making promises to go for pints if we actually don’t want to, or will we end up just cancelling at the last minute anyway?

Helen Vaughan, Psychotherapist at The Coast Counselling at Malahide joins Seán to discuss.

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:20:00 +0000

A recent poll has claimed to have settled once and for all that ‘Die Hard’, the Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman action classic, is definitively not a Christmas film…

Joining Seán to argue the case for ‘Die Hard’ as a Christmas classic is Journalist, Columnist, and Broadcaster, Esther McCarthy.

Jakarta named world’s most populous city

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

According to a new UN study, Jakarta has now overtaken Tokyo as the world’s most populous city. But, what is it actually like living in the Indonesian capital?

Joining Seán to discuss is Barry Dunning, an Irishman who spent a number of years living there…

Ireland’s oldest cat found in Co. Clare cave

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:19:00 +0000

Ireland's oldest cat has finally been carbon dated, allowing a more accurate picture of our ancient ecology.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Marion Dowd, Archaeologist at Atlantic Technological University in Sligo…

Why do boomers love junk that their kids have to inherit?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:18:00 +0000

Why are boomers addicted to junk? The Daily Mail has been writing about this, and the frustrations facing children worried about what clutter they’ll be inheriting!

Joining Seán to discuss this is Architect Róisín Murphy.

‘Rage bait’ named Oxford’s word of 2025

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

‘Rage bait’ has been named the official Oxford word of 2025 after language experts noticed its usage has tripled this year. The word is a sign of the times and follows in the footsteps of words like ‘BRAT’, ‘Manifestation’, ‘cooking’ or ‘sus’ mostly used on online platforms.

University of Limerick Linguist Dr Gail Flanagan joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss how words become word of the year, and what this year’s victor says about our relationship to the internet…

Are pop stars to blame for a resurgence in smoking?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:24:00 +0000

Are pop stars to blame for a resurgence in smoking? When pop stars like Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter use them in music videos or magazines, or any type of promotional content, they’re bound to creep back into the hands of Gen Z fans, right?

That’s the thoughts of Medical Doctor Maire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, who joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

How the World Cup has changed since 1990

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:20:00 +0000

With next year’s World Cup on the horizon, a new book explores the impact of the world’s largest sporting event, from its effect on culture to its political and social role. Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Simon Kuper, Financial Times Writer and author of ‘World Cup Fever: A Footballing Journey in Nice Tournaments’...

What is the ‘Celtic Curse’?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Feeling exhausted and lethargic can be caused by many things such as lack of sleep, being overworked or having a busy schedule, but for Ellen Troy, feeling tired for no reason became the norm for her until she discovered she had the ‘Celtic Curse’ or the medical term known as ‘Haemochromatosis’. So what exactly is it? Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Aontú Cllr on Fingal County Council, Ellen Troy…

What should you do before you’re 35? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Michelle Obama says no one should see turning 35 as a deadline for marriage or success. So, what should you have done before that time comes around?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Skating the Wild Atlantic Way

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Artist Becky Gilmour is travelling the Wild Atlantic Way - on a skateboard! She has been skating the West coast to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention...

She joins Seán to discuss!

Why do we love terrible TV?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:02:00 +0000

‘All’s Fair’, the new legal drama starring Kim Kardashian and Glenn Close, has been renewed for a second series after receiving the worst critical reviews of the year. Despite this critical panning, it became the biggest Hulu Original scripted series to premiere in three years, and went straight to number 1 on Disney Plus.

So, why exactly do we love terrible television?

Joining Seán to discuss is Jessica Shine, from the Media Communications Department of Munster Technological University…

Image: Hulu

Is there a normal dry spell balance?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:01:00 +0000

We’re all curious about each other’s sex lives… is everyone really having more sex than you?

And are dry spells normal or even encouraged? One Australian chat show ruffled feathers when a host admitted he had only ever had a dry spell of a month, while his coworkers had gone abstinent for much longer…

So, is there a normal balance?

Mary O'Conor, Psychosexual Therapist and the voice behind the Dear Mary Column in the Sunday Independent joins Seán to discuss.

Is the kettle disappearing?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:01:00 +0000

Are kettles disappearing from our kitchens? The invention of the hot tap and the popularity of minimalist interior design has created a debate on whether a cup of tea is nicer from the traditional kettle or the same.

Joining Seám to discuss is Interiors Columnist, Jennifer Sheahan…

Managing lawn mushrooms at this time of year

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:01:00 +0000

A lot of people have been noticing mushrooms popping up on their lawns lately, with the mix of frosty and mild weather contributing to their abundance. But, what can be done about them, and will they destroy your lawn?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mycophagist Bill O’Dea…

Dublin City to host its first World AIDS Day Festival

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:53:00 +0000

On December 1st, Dublin City will be hosting its first ever World AIDS Day Festival. To mark the occasion, Seán is joined by Robbie Lawlor, who is one of the organisers, to chat about the importance of HIV testing.

We lose three days a year looking for our parked car

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:14:00 +0000

New research has found that we lose up to three days a year searching for where we parked our cars. So, why do we forget, and how can we improve our memories? Joining Seán to discuss is Memory Expert, Dr. Gillian Murphy, from UCC.

Can you teach empathy to teenagers?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:13:00 +0000

Can you really teach empathy?

The University of Galway have developed a module on empathy, which they are looking to have rolled out in classrooms to assist teachers help Transition Year students learn the vital life skills of empathy.

But, what is it all about?

Dr Charlotte Silke is the Lead Researcher with Unesco Child and Family Research Centre, and joins Seán to discuss.

Are the boom times coming back? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Bank of Ireland is going to offer what they call a ‘trading down’ loan, also known as a bridging loan. What’s significant about this, is that this is the first time a major bank has offered this product since the boom times…

It begs the question, even in a cost of living crisis: is the boom back?

Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

Cabbage Patch Kids - the first Christmas toy craze

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:58:00 +0000

Every Christmas, for no apparent reason, there's something that your kids will really want. These kinds of fads happen all the time in the digital age, but before the world wide web, Cabbage Patch Kids became a huge craze around the festive season.

Joining Seán to discuss is Greg McKevitt, Journalist with The BBC.

Image: Cabbage Patch Kids

How can we really bring about change?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:22:00 +0000

“But what can I do?” That could be the refrain of our whole generation.

We’re faced with largescale problems and existential issues, but most don't think we have the power to do anything about them, so how can we really bring about change?

Michael Brownstein is Professor of Philosophy at the City University of New York (CUNY) and co-author of ‘Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change’. He joins Seán to discuss.

How durable is fast fashion?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:15:00 +0000

When you buy a cheap garment, how long do you actually expect it to last?

Valerie Flynn, of The Journal Investigates, has been running some tests, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is it less stress to have more kids?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:14:00 +0000

A survey of 7000 mothers by NBC television in the United States has found that mums who have more than 4 kids have lower stress levels than those with fewer children.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Emma Lewis, of @EightLittleLewisKids on Instagram, from Co. Down…

Why do some of us find photos embarrassing?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:14:00 +0000

Have you ever seen a photo of yourself and thought “I look amazing?” - chances are low, and for many people, getting photos taken is awkward and embarrassing…

And, whether you’re out for dinner in a big group or on holidays, often you might be very critical of photos of yourself.

But why? And do we need to embrace the so-called vanity?

Irish Independent Columnist, Tanya Sweeney, joins Seán to discuss.

Sexual orientation to be on next census for the first time

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:13:00 +0000

It has been announced that a question regarding sexual orientation will appear on our next census, in 2027, for the first time. But, why is this required, and how will it work in practice?

Joining Seán to discuss is Pádraig Rice, a Social Democrat TD for Cork South Central and Health Spokesperson for the Social Democrats…

Could AI hurt the job recruitment process?

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:07:00 +0000

We’ve all been told about the risks of AI taking jobs away from employees.

But is there also a risk for the employers in overuse of AI and allowing it to make decisions in the recruitment process?

Michelle Murphy is Director at Collins McNicholas Recruitment Agency, and joins Seán to discuss.

Irish nun on Nigerian school kidnapping

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:27:00 +0000

303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were kidnapped by gunmen from St. Mary's School, a Catholic institution in a very remote part of the north west of Nigeria, over the weekend.

The school is managed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, and Seán is joined by their Congressional Leader, Donegal native Sister Mary Barron, to discuss…

Life in Lebanon - one year after Israel ceasefire

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:12:00 +0000

Thursday will be the one year anniversary of the Israel and Lebanon ceasefire agreement.

But, this has been far from a peaceful year for Lebanese people…

Sally Hayden has been living in Beirut, and recently visited the South of the country where daily life is still dictated by fear of the IDF. She joins Seán to discuss.

Does Ireland have the best alternative music scene?

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:12:00 +0000

For a relatively small country, Ireland has had its fair share of mainstream international success in the music business over the years: U2, Van Morrison, Westlife, Thin Lizzy. These have all been familiar to radio listeners around the world for decades.

But, an article in The Guardian on Friday suggested that we now have the world’s best alternative music scene. Is that true?

Dylan Murphy is a Music Journalist and Host of the ‘Mabfield’ podcast. He joins Seán to discuss.

Victoria Mary Clarke on dealing with grief and loneliness around Christmas

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Things can feel heightened this time of year, as the run up to Christmas leads to forced cheeriness and merriment, but for so many people, it is also the most difficult time if you are grieving or lonely…

Author and artist Victoria Mary Clarke joins Seán to discuss.

If any of this has affected you: you can avail of the Samaritans 24/7 Freephone Helpline - 116 123, or you can go online to alone.ie.

Could sails replace crude oil on cargo ships?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:04:00 +0000

Seán’s guest spent two weeks aboard the Neoliner Origin, the world’s largest sailing cargo ship, for its maiden voyage from France to the US. But, could sail replace crude oil to power the world’s cargo vessels?

Joining to discuss is Environmental Journalist and author of the upcoming book ‘Present Tense: How we reckon with the end of the world’, Michaela Cavanagh.

How does Ireland’s deportation system work?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:28:00 +0000

How does Ireland’s deportation system actually work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Cormac O’Keefe, Security Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, who got a rare inside look into how the process actually works…

When is the best time to break up with someone? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:22:00 +0000

If you're in a relationship, and aren't really feeling that person a Christmas present, is this the best time to dump them? Do you have a breakup story around this time of year?

Newstalk's Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why do rich people have golden toilets?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Golden toilets have been hitting the headlines recently, with Zelensky’s Chief of Staff under pressure after detectives found a golden toilet bowl in his lavish bathroom, while another gold toilet was sold for more than 10 million euros at auction last week…

But, what is it about solid gold toilets that the rich and famous love so much?

And, does Trump use a golden loo himself?

Pip Rich is the Editor of Living Etcetera Magazine. He joins Seán to discuss.

Unionists for a United Ireland

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Can you be a unionist and be in favour of a United Ireland?

Well Seán’s guest certainly was a unionist, and has written a book called ‘The Irish Unity Dividend’.

Ben Collins joins to discuss.

The effort to keep Covid out of Antarctica

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:14:00 +0000

Seán’s guest arrived in Antarctica at the height of the Covid pandemic. Part of her role as a Doctor was to try and keep Antarctica as the last continent on earth that was free from the disease. Now, her experiences are being told in a brand new podcast series entitled ‘The Coldest Shift’.

Joining to discuss is Rachel Varnam, former Medical Officer with the British Antarctic Survey…

Image: Audioboom

Woman breaks record for world’s largest afro

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:13:00 +0000

Seán’s guest stopped straightening her hair a number of years ago and began to grow it out. Now, the Guinness World Records has just certified that she has the world’s largest afro.

Jess Martinez joins to discuss!

Why is an Italian Minister upset over carbonara?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:13:00 +0000

The Italian Minister of Agriculture has called for an “immediate investigation” after he discovered a supermarket in Brussels selling jars of pre-made carbonara sauce containing pancetta and cream. So, why is he so upset?

Joining Seán to discuss is Luca Di Marzio, owner of Rosa Madre Restaurant in Dublin…

New documentary shares stories of Magdalene laundry survivors

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:12:00 +0000

A new documentary ‘Testimony’ is out in cinemas today, and tells the compelling stories of the survivors of the Magdalene laundry, in their own words…

Filmmaker Aoife Kelleher has spent years making this film, and joins Seán to discuss.

Are we in the next step of human evolution with space travel?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:03:00 +0000

Around 500 million years ago, animals first ventured out of the oceans and onto land…

Since then, life has evolved in wondrous and unforeseeable ways to this new environment, with everything from dinosaurs to bats roaming around above the waves. And, in the case of ourselves, even venturing into orbit.

So, could life entering the cosmos be the beginning of a similar evolutionary leap?

Caleb Sharf, Astrobiologist with NASA and author of ‘The Giant Leap: Why Space Is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life’, joins Seán to discuss.

Should philosophy be taught in Irish schools?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:02:00 +0000

Today is World Philosophy Day. Seán’s guest believes that philosophy should be taught in Irish schools, just as it is in Italy, France and Germany, but why?

Vittorio Bufacchi, from the Philosophy Department at University College Cork, joins to discuss…

Daragh Morgan on being the first person to swim around Ireland

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Endurance swimmer Daragh Morgan has been making headlines as the first person to swim around Ireland. The feat took 338 hours over the course of 5 months to achieve…

Daragh joins Seán to discuss his incredible achievement, and why he did it.

Seriously Silly: The Life of Terry Jones

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

There’s a new authorised biography on Monty Python star Terry Jones: ‘Seriously Silly: The Life of Terry Jones’. The comedy legend’s biography features contributions from all of the surviving Pythons.

Joining Seán to discuss is author Robert Ross, a personal friend of Terry’s, and now also his Biographer.

Are you jumping on the World Cup bandwagon? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:09:00 +0000

The Republic of Ireland are playing the Czech Republic on March 26th in a World Cup play off, which makes us want to go down memory lane…

Are you jumping on the bandwagon?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

What to expect from the IFI French Film Festival

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:13:00 +0000

The 26th year of the IFI French Film Festival kicks off today, featuring 22 Irish premieres and 34 titles across the twelve days. But, what else can people expect at Ireland’s largest French cultural event?

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is David O’Mahoney, Head of Cinema Programming at the Irish Film Institute.

Image: IFI

How to wash a wool jumper

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:13:00 +0000

As the cold weather starts to bite, many listeners will be reaching for their winter woolies, but with complex labelling, how can you know if what you’re buying is genuinely wool rich, and how exactly should you care for your woolen garments? Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Environmental Activist Moya Doogan, who runs the @environmentaleadai sustainable fashion media account…

Are Irish fizzy drinks making a comeback?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:24:00 +0000

Are Irish fizzy drinks having a revival? Ali Dunworth, Food and Drinks Writer, and author of ‘A Compendium of Irish Pints’, seems to think that minerals are back and on the up.

Ali joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

Should we share our failures online?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Recently, Kim Kardashian has been drawing attention for her portrayal of a lawyer in ‘All’s Fair’, but unfortunately for her, the success of her onscreen character has not been matched in her real life.

In an Instagram video posted on Sunday, the Kardashian announced that she had not passed her Bar exam…

We’re not that used to people posting their failures on social media, and whilst that may be refreshing, is it advisable?

Ian Robertson is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Trinity College & Author of ‘How Confidence Works’. He joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

Is scheduling sex the secret to a healthy relationship?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:23:00 +0000

To get the spark back in Lotte Brundle, Feature and Lifestyle Journalist living in London’s relationship, she started creating space in her google calendar to have sex with her boyfriend. But, what is it all about?

She joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

Is Ireland taking the right approach to climate change?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Is Ireland on the right track when it comes to dealing with climate change?

Guest host Fionnuala Jones is joined by Dr. Tadgh O’Mahony, Assistant Professor of Environmental Policy at UCD, who believes that Ireland is getting it all wrong in our response to climate change, a response which Tadgh has called “erratic"...

Have musicals become cool again?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Have you noticed a swathe of musicals and musician biopics consistently releasing in the cinema? What’s behind the amount of them, and why are they seemingly so successful?

From Barbie to Wicked to Taylor Swift's film ‘The Official Release Party of a Showgirl’ and lots more, joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Journalist and author Aoife Barry…

Image: Universal Pictures

Are we ‘phone zombies’?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:21:00 +0000

How often do you check your phone every day? Dr Clare Moriarty, Visiting Fellow in Trinity College Dublin, has picked up on her habits, and is asking the question: are we 'phone zombies'?

Joe Philpott on his new memoir

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:17:00 +0000

Tom Dunne’s guest enjoyed success with his band Rubyhorse, touring the States in 2002 and even appearing on Conan O’Brien and David Letterman. His new memoir ‘All Roads Lead To Where You Are - From Bishopstown to The Beatles’ is out now. Joe Philpott joins to discuss!

Being 35 and stuck in your childhood bedroom

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:53:00 +0000

The Government has made promises to solve the housing crisis, and have stood by a long term plan on the basis that it will likely take fifteen years before things get better for people...

But, what if that is too late for you?

Emma Murphy is like many adults who are saving to buy their first home, and living in her childhood bedroom. At 35, she is in a position where she is delaying things in life…

She joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

How age progression portraits are made for missing people

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered how portraits of missing people are done years later, as families desperately renew appeals for information about a loved one?

Tim Widden is a Forensic Artist and age progression portraits are his speciality. He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The cultural and historical significance of the Irish pub

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Where did the Irish pub come from? How is it changing? And why is the traditional Irish pub so common overseas?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Perry Share, who co-wrote a new book on the subject, with Moonyoung Hong, called ‘The Irish Pub, Invention and Reinvention’.

Following the Swedish war survival guide for 72 hours

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Tom Dunne’s guest decided to follow the instructions of the Swedish government’s 72 hour survival guide by holing up in his garden shed in complete isolation for 3 days, with no electricity or other facilities. So, why did he do this and how did he get on? Joining to discuss is Geroge Chesterton, Senior Features Writer for the Daily Telegraph…

What can be learned from President inauguration menus?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Many of us would have watched the Presidential Inauguration last week to get a sense of what Catherine Connolly would bring to the role.

We expect that her words and her actions will be a fair representation of modern Ireland, but can you get a sense of what the country was like from other aspects of the President's behaviour, like what they choose to eat for example?

Dr. Elaine Mahon is a Lecturer in Gastronomy and Food Studies at Technological University Dublin (TUD) and she’s been looking at what we can learn from Presidents’ inauguration menus through the years. She joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

How Irish revolutionaries negotiated murky world of ‘spies and scoundrels’ in the fight for independence

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:05:00 +0000

A new book explores the extraordinary escapades undertaken by diplomats and revolutionaries to forge alliances abroad in support of Irish independence during the 1920s. Joining Tom Dunne in for Sean to talk about it all was the Editor of the book ‘The Irish Revolution: -Diplomacy and Reactions 1919-1923' Mervyn O’Driscoll,

Graduating college at 82

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about going back to college?

Well James O’Reilly has just graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in history and literature and he proves that it really is never too late.

He joined Tom Dunne in for Sean alongside his son Emmett to chat about his lifelong love for learning...

The Irishman Who Buried Himself Alive

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

What would you do to be famous?

For some people, it doesn’t matter. For others, it’s their greatest ambition.

In 1968 Irishman Mick Meaney decided he was willing to bury himself alive for his shot at fame.

Daire Collins is the director of a new documentary about these events called Beo Faon bhFód and he joined Tom Dunne in for Sean to discuss

Have we gotten better at showing our emotions in public?

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

After a famous win for Ireland yesterday, beating Hungary 3-2 to reach the playoffs for the World Cup, screams and tears engulfed the nation as Troy Parrott scored the winning goal in the last seconds of the game. But has yesterday shown that we have become better at expressing our emotions in public ?

Henry McKean reports.

Paul McCartney’s silent protest song

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:05:00 +0000

The vinyl release of a protest album entitled ‘Is This What We Want?’ will be launched on December 8th and will feature an extraordinary contribution from Paul McCartney. So, how will the album help in the fight against generative AI using artists’ work without their permission? Joining Tom Dunne in for Sean is the man behind this effort, Ed Newton-Rex, Founder of Fairly Trained.

“Secretive” artist sneaks AI-generated print into museum

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:23:00 +0000

A contemporary artist took the world by surprise this week when he snuck an AI-generated print into the National Museum of Cardiff.

Elias Marrow, who maintains anonymity in his work, used AI software to create his work, ‘Empty Plate’, which he says represents Wales in 2025.

The secretive artist carried out similar stunts at Bristol Museum and Tate Modern, but denied it was “vandalism”.

This has sparked a heated debate about the place of AI in art and whether it ought to be displayed…

Conceptual artist Elias Marrow joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Elias Marrow

A brief history of the aphorism

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:22:00 +0000

"All that glitters is not gold", "Do or do not, there is no try". The first quote is from Shakespeare, and the other is from Yoda. Both are examples of aphorisms, a form of expression you don't hear much anymore. According to this author, they're making a comeback.

Joining Seán to discuss is James Geary, author of ‘The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of The Aphorism’.

Writer Jane McNeice on breastfeeding her grandchildren

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Jane McNeice did not expect that her admission that she has breastfed her children and grandchildren would cause such strong reactions. To her, there is nothing more natural than feeding any child related to her that is hungry. As she sees it: “it’s no different than making them beans on toast”...

She joins Seán to discuss!

What is ‘Death Cleaning’?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:21:00 +0000

‘Death Cleaning’ is the Swedish practice of getting rid of stuff you don’t need before you die. But, why bother? And, is there more to it than meets the eye?

Joining Seán to discuss is Psychologist and host of the NBC show ‘The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning’, Katarina Blom…

Image: NBC

New immersive serial killer exhibition coming to Dublin

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:59:00 +0000

A brand-new exhibition coming to Dublin is set to take visitors on a gripping psychological journey into the darkest corners of the human mind...

‘Inescapable Darkness: A Serial Killers Exhibition’ will immerse people in the cases of some of history's most notorious killers, from Ancient Rome to the modern day.

Through realistic recreations, original case materials and cutting-edge virtual reality, guests can explore the psychology behind these crimes and the investigations that exposed them.

Joining Seán to discuss is John Zaller, Creative Director at Exhibition Hub.

New documentary ‘BOOBS’ celebrates the reality of female bodies

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:55:00 +0000

A brand-new short documentary celebrating boobs has been sparking conversations and sweeping awards around the globe.

The film, ‘BOOBS’, follows Dublin artist Geraldine Carton’s journey to paint one hundred real women’s breasts, celebrating the reality of female bodies in all their shapes, stories, and imperfections.

What began as a simple call-out on Instagram has grown into a powerful movement about body image, resilience, and self-acceptance.

Geraldine joins Seán to discuss more.

Image: @geraldine_carton on Instagram

Did Hitler really have only one testicle?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:15:00 +0000

It has long been debated as to whether or not Adolf Hitler had just one testicle. Now, a new documentary on Channel 4 explores this and other intimate topics associated with the infamous dictator.

Joining Seán to discuss is one of the participants, Dr. Alex Kay from the War Studies Department at the University of Potsdam.

What are your driving icks? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

There's nothing that inflames our judginess more than getting behind the wheel and judging other people on the road.

So, what are your biggest driving icks?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Opting out of religion in schools - do kids get accommodated?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:09:00 +0000

As parents of primary school children around the country participate in the largest ever survey of attitudes to school ethos, Seán’s guest has been sharing her personal experiences of her four children who have opted out of religious instruction.

Aoife Cassidy, Communications Officer at Education Equality, who has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner, joins to discuss…

Home hacks to treat a winter cold

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:10:00 +0000

As flu and cold season descends on us, what are the best home hacks to treat a cold, and does the old ‘Wine & Garlic’ method actually work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Illona Duffy, a GP based in Monaghan…

How terrorism has changed since the 1970s

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:21:00 +0000

From the extensive hijackings of the 1970s to the emergence of suicide bombers in the 1980s, a new book traces the evolution of terrorism in the mid to late 20th century.

Joining Seán to discuss is Jason Burke, Foreign Correspondent for the Guardian and author of ‘The Revolutionists: The Story of the Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s’...

Why are women banned from the sumo ring?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:14:00 +0000

Controversy has erupted in Japan as to whether or not the new female Prime Minister will step into the sacred sumo ring to present a prestigious trophy later this month, as sumo rules do not allow women to enter the dohyō…

Joining Seán to discuss is Ireland’s only female sumo wrestler, Tori Mallon, from Sumo na hÉireann, the Irish Sumo Wrestling Association...

Why this Cork gym is focusing on fitness accessibility

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

A Cork gym is breaking barriers in fitness accessibility.

Elite Fitness Cork has just introduced a new hyperbaric chamber to support people with serious health conditions, which has been proven can help people with symptoms of long Covid.

From professional athletes to wheelchair users, this gym is redefining what inclusivity in fitness really means.

Owner and kickboxing champion Colin O’Shaughnessy joins Seán to talk about why Elite Fitness Cork is more than just a gym…

The science behind trauma

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

What defines trauma, and why are people more vulnerable to it than others?

This will be the main focus of a talk happening at the Sugar Club in Dublin later this month, which will unravel the neuroscience behind Irish trauma…

Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscientist Dr. Michael Keane will be giving the talk and demonstrating trauma through visuals like brain imaging and scans.

He joins Seán to discuss more.

Why do we yawn?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

What makes us yawn? We all do it, but few of us actually know why. Even today, scientists are still puzzled by the recurring action. Wrongly attributed to breathing, the instinctive act might have more to do with our brains and neurological functions.

Professor of Behavioural Biology at John Hopkins University, Andrew Gallup joins Seán to discuss the breakthrough on the contagious gesture few of us understand…

The history of Armistice Day

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Today marks Armistice Day, the signing of negotiations which brought the end of World War I.

It is also known as Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day, and Poppy Day, in other parts of the world, and over the years has evolved to commemorate all those who have died in war.

Joining Seán to discuss the history of Armistice Day is Historian and Archives Manager at Dublin Cemeteries Trust, Dr. Brian Casey…

Is Gen Z ditching the bra?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Is Gen Z going ‘braless’ and what does this mean for the future of lingerie?

Social media has recently been taken by storm when actress Sydney Sweeney went for a ‘braless’ red carpet look.

She freed her nipples in a sheer dress that made the rounds on social media, with users blaming her for sexualising herself for the male gaze, while others hailing her for what was deemed to be a ‘feminist’ move.

But, is this the sign of a new trend emerging for women, and how could this define the future of the bra?

Owner of Peaches and Cream lingerie shop, Sinead Sanderson, joins Seán to discuss.

Is sightseeing at night the best way to be a tourist?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:15:00 +0000

You know what it’s like, when you go to a new city you can end up spending hours in queues and being stuck in crowds with the masses...

Actor Richard E Grant has revealed a new approach to sightseeing ,saying that the best time to explore somewhere new is at night, around 8pm, when every other tourist is eating dinner.

So, is this true? And what is there to do at night as a tourist in Ireland?

Trudy Carmody is a private tour guide who runs Experiencing Ireland. She joins Seán to discuss.

Watching democracy in action - and why it’s happening less

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:14:00 +0000

You may have been watching today’s inauguration of Catherine Connolly as Ireland’s 10th President.

Seán’s guest was there in person to see this peaceful transfer of democratic power in action, and whereas that’s the norm here, it’s a process that seems to be increasingly imperilled elsewhere…

Art O’Leary is Chief Executive of the Irish Electoral Commission (An Coimisiún Toghcháin), and joins to discuss.

CIÉ digitises and releases public archive of records

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:01:00 +0000

Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) has digitised its records, and is making them available to the public, with many documents going back to the glory days of Irish rail in the 19th century.

Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Forkan, Group Archivist for CIÉ.

Image: CIÉ

Why hate speech and extremism is driving women away from politics

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Hate speech and extremism causing women to be driven away from politics is putting our democracy in “serious danger”.

It follows the resignation of Sweden’s Centre Party Leader, Anna-Karin Hatt, over what she described as an “unbearable number of threats and harassment”.

The party leader said she no longer feels safe in her own home, with her predecessor leaving the role three years ago for the same reasons...

CEO of Women for Election, Brian Sheehan, joins Seán to discuss how this may be reflecting the situation here in Ireland…

How many meetings are actually necessary?

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:16:00 +0000

How much of your working day is spent in meetings?

We tend to think of them as a necessary evil, but are they all really necessary?

Joining Seán to discuss is Margaret E Ward, CEO of Clear Eye Leadership Consultancy.

Are the Irish good with compliments? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Designer Paul Costelloe said “I really love Irish people... they are so quick to pay you a compliment”, but is he right? Do we give out enough compliments to people? Are they genuine and how do you take a back handed compliment? Should we compliment people more?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why is Israel still blocking aid into Gaza?

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:14:00 +0000

One month into the ceasefire in Gaza, how have things actually improved on the ground?

Has the fighting halted completely, can people return to their homes (or what’s left of them) and just why is aid still being blocked?

John Whyte is the Acting Senior Deputy Director of UNRWA (Operations), the United National Relief and Works Agency for Palestine, for the Gaza Strip and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Will robot butlers actually make our lives easier?

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 Tesla. But, will these robots actually be able to do any of the tasks that are promising to make our everyday lives easier?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Tech Journalist Emmet Ryan, who has been investigating…

Image: 1X Tech

What are the carnivorous “death balls”?

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:19:00 +0000

Scientists have discovered 30 new deep-sea species, including a carnivorous “death ball” sponge unlike anything seen before.

The expedition explored volcanic craters and oceanic trenches near the South Sandwich Islands, revealing a hidden world of strange creatures.

Among the findings were iridescent scale worms, new species of sea stars, and the first confirmed footage of a juvenile colossal squid.

To tell us about these fascinating discoveries, Dr Michelle Taylor from the Ocean Census project joins us on the line…

Image: Schmidt Ocean Institute

The Irish woman who almost toppled the British Monarchy

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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 British Royal family has faced.

Just over a century ago, Irish woman Nellie Clifden was a central character in a controversy that almost toppled the Monarchy…

Those events inspired Andrew O’Connor’s 2018 novel ‘By Royal Appointment’, and he joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Xania Monet and the arrival of AI music artists

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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 incursion of AI into music mean for the future?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss this is Journalist Pat Carty…

Why would you get a tattoo of your lover’s mother?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:06:00 +0000

Feminist statement or search for instant notoriety? Harriet Richardson’s latest artwork has the internet divided. Especially since the work of art is in this case is - her!

The London-based artist spent nearly a thousand euro to tattoo the names of all of her former lover’s mothers across her ribs and even hired a private investigator to find some of them…

She joins Seán to discuss…

Should comedy be eligible for Arts Council funding?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:49:00 +0000

Over the past three years, comedian Ailish McCarthy has been working on getting a legislative gap filled. Although comedians are considered artists by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, they remain ineligible for grants and funds allocated by the Arts Council.

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh launched an amendment to the Arts Bill this Thursday to have their joke-telling recognized in law.

Ailish McCarthy joins Seán in the studio to discuss…

Why ‘silver influencers’ are changing the attitude to aging

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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 influencer, and women over the age of forty are making their voices heard more than ever before.

Dubbed ‘Silver Influencers’ by the BBC, this new generation of women is completely unapologetic about aging and seeks to redefine what being a mature woman is during this decade.

Stylist Cathy O’Connor joins Seán to discuss how she and other ‘silver influencers’ are changing the game for women across Ireland through representation.

Dublin’s safety blackspots - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:17:00 +0000

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 geography, do you feel safer in some areas and not in others?

Henry McKean has been touring the streets of Dublin City Centre and joins Seán to discuss…

How did globalisation begin?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:09:00 +0000

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’ aims to explore.

Lynch is a Global Economics correspondent for the Washington Post, and his latest book examines how the United States’ ambitious plans after the Cold War have led to interdependence and a precarious global economy.

He joins Seán to discuss.

What needs to be done about Cork floods?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:29:00 +0000

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 in the week…

This left many locals worried, as it marked the town’s seventh flood since 2020 and 10th since 2012.

So, what needs to be done to prevent more flooding?

Andrea is joined by Michael Collins, Leader of Independent Ireland, as well as local residents, to discuss.

The story of the last state execution of a woman in Ireland

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:05:00 +0000

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 discuss is Dr Patrick McGarty, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at Munster Technological University…

Could free buses work in Dublin?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 New York City’s buses across the entire network free to ride.

But, how feasible would something like this be here in Ireland? Could free buses work in Dublin?

Professor at the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, Brian Caulfield, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Location sharing - are we giving away too much?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:12:00 +0000

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 sharing is prompting her to reconsider whether or not this is good or not.

Saoirse Hanley from the Irish Independent has been writing about all this in today’s paper, and joins to discuss.

The relationship between food and autism

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Food and eating can be exceptionally challenging for autistic people, particularly kids. So, why is this, and what questions does it raise about the Free School Meals Scheme?

Joining Seán to discuss is Adam Harris, Founder of As I Am…

When is it time to break up with your hairdresser?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

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 hairdresser would not notice that you hadn’t seen them in months.

But, there could be another option that doesn’t involve ghosting your hairdresser…

Gwen Loughman joins Seán to discuss how to save that oh-so precious relationship…

Should opting out of organ donation be respected?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

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.

It follows the publication of figures in response to a recent parliamentary question, which revealed over 55,000 people have signed on to a HSE register to opt out of automatic organ donation upon death.

Under current revised legislation, everyone is assumed to be an organ donor unless they have expressed otherwise on the register.

Dr Suzanne Crowe joins Seán to discuss.

New pop-up book on LA’s ‘Pink Bungalow’

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:12:00 +0000

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 television forever, there was Allee Willis.

No idea who that is? She’d like to keep it that way. Perhaps ‘the most unknown famous woman in Hollywood’, she rubbed shoulders with the likes of Cindi Lauper and hosted some of the most decadent parties in her Los Angeles home nicknamed ‘The Pink Bungalow’.

Neal McCullough, an illustrator from Bangor, Co. Down first heard of her when she emailed him asking if he could make a sticker for a charity honoring her friend. What followed was an unlikely but fruitful collaboration.

He joins Seán to discuss his upcoming pop-up book inspired by her mythical home…

Image: Poposition Press

The role of a workplace in dealing with pregnancy loss

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:38:00 +0000

University College Cork has become the first Irish university to introduce paid leave to employees who have experienced pregnancy loss.

It follows extensive work carried out by the university’s Pregnancy Loss Research Group.

Its 2024 report revealed that many people surveyed reported negative and discriminatory attitudes in the workplace after they had revealed they had had a miscarriage, while others confided they had pressure from management to return to work before they were ready to do so.

Under current legislation, there is no statutory paid leave for people who experience pregnancy loss under 23 weeks, after which they can avail of full maternity or paternity leave.

To speak to us about this, Professor and leader of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at UCC, Keelin O’Donoghue, joins Seán.

The man responsible for Dublin’s trees

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

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 Seán to discuss is the man responsible for all this, Ludovic Beaumont, Tree Officer for Dublin City Council…

Are the men’s and women’s toilets equal?

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

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 past.

No doubt some inequality remains, and some things are harder to compare than others. Take public bathrooms for instance: are the men’s better than the women's?

Sarah Carey is a Columnist with the Irish Independent and has been writing about this. She joins Seán to discuss.

EU to publish review of its membership criteria

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0000

The European Union is publishing its annual review of candidate countries’ progress toward membership today.

It’s part of a long and demanding process that measures how well aspiring members meet the EU’s democratic and economic criteria.

From the western Balkans to Ukraine, the road to joining the Union has become more complex and exacting than ever.

To help with understanding what’s at stake, Seán by Professor of European Politics at Maynooth University, John O’Brennan…

Kim Kardashian and the conspiracy theory that never dies

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:05:00 +0000

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 landings never actually happened. So, why does this particular conspiracy theory persist while others fade away?

Joining Seán to discuss is Howard Berry, Reader in Film Heritage Practice at the University of Hertfordshire…

Over a third of young boys would consider an AI girlfriend

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:23:00 +0000

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 and romantic relationships is especially profound…

Now, research has been done with young boys, between the ages of 11 and 15, in the UK, showing that over a third would consider an AI girlfriend...

Lee Chambers, the Founder and Chief Executive of Male Allies UK, joins Seán to discuss.

Is there any way to fight planned obsolescence?

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:12:00 +0000

Are you sick of things breaking the second the guarantee expires?

From washing machines, phones and other kitchen appliances, are there simple ways to combat planned obsolescence?

And, should we all actually be repairing things ourselves instead of forking out for something new?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

Are we being conned about climate change?

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:12:00 +0000

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 reported and interpreted is a large part of the problem we are having…

Are scientists losing the communications battle to bad actors who willfully misrepresent the facts?

Dr Cormac O’Raifeartaigh is Senior Lecturer in Physics at the South East Technological University in Waterford. He joins Seán to discuss.

What are the worst restaurant habits? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Have traditional restaurant manners in Ireland been replaced by a free-for-all anything goes? Phone calls, watching videos and eating with your mouthful? What’s the worst you have seen, and has there been a noticeable decline in manners?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

Sagrada Familia becomes the tallest church in the world

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:23:00 +0000

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 installed. Joining Seán to discuss this is Stephen Burgen, Freelance Journalist based in Barcelona.

Why we should try new things - even if we’re bad at them

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:22:00 +0000

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 Defense of Dabbling’, joins Seán to discuss.

From direct provision to published author - Melatu Uche Okorie’s story

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:21:00 +0000

As Dublin celebrates its 15th anniversary as UNESCO City of Literature, an Irish-Nigerian writer reflects on her journey from direct provision to a successful career in the arts.

Melatu Uche Okorie is the award-winning author of ‘This Hostel Life’, a short story collection outlining her experience in the direct provision system.

She moved here from Nigeria in 2006 and spent eight and half years in a centre with her infant daughter.

She has since been shortlisted for the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year award at the Irish Book Awards, and her collection has even been adapted into an operatic work by the Irish National Opera.

Melatu joins Seán to share her story…

How you can repair moth-holed jumpers

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

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 layers have been attacked by moths in the meantime, but instead of throwing them away and buying more fast fashion, there are easy ways to repair things in your wardrobe...

Kim O’Driscoll is the Founder of the Prolong Project, and joins Seán to discuss.

What are the advantages of AI education?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:45:00 +0000

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 skills.

Jean Noonan, a part of Digital Business Ireland Advisory Council, and an Assistant Lecturer in the School of Business Technology, Retail, and Supply Chain at TU Dublin, thinks just that. She joins Seán to discuss

Taking an underground sound bath! - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 discovernorthernireland.com. Henry lay on a yoga mat deep underground with water rushing through, and sent this report!

What does it take to be ‘cool’?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 Seán to discuss.

Is there a link between loneliness and dementia?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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 year olds said they felt lonely “most or all of the time”.

This is approximately 80% higher than those aged over 65…

Dr. Sabina Brennan is a Psychologist, Neuroscientist and host of the Super Brain podcast, as well as author of ‘Still Me’.

She joins Seán to talk about why loneliness carries profound implications for brain health, and even heightens the risk of dementia…

Steven Moore on ‘The Stuff of History’

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:11:00 +0000

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 curious objects and forgotten people.

Steven joins Seán to discuss!

Ide O’Carroll on her 30 year research project

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:21:00 +0000

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 from Irish women who stayed living on the island, who did not emigrate, describe their lives and perspectives on a dramatically changed social context from the 1990s to 2023.

‘Thirty Years of Change Through Women’s Eyes’ releases officially tomorrow, and Ide joins Seán to discuss.

The power of swearing

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:19:00 +0000

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 aimed to explore just that.

The study found there is an intrinsic link between a country’s culture and its swear words, and that the type of taboo words reported can be indicators to the social hierarchies present in that country.

Simone Sulpizio, Psychology Professor at the University of Milano-Bicocca and lead author of the study joins Seán to discuss.

What does it take to join a board?

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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 country, there is much fascination in terms of boards and what it takes to be appointed to one, but actually there is a whole voluntary sector relying on people to come forward with their time and expertise...

Eva Gurn is the Chief Executive Officer at Boardmatch Ireland, and joins Seán to discuss.

Exhibition to showcase Ireland’s only known dinosaurs

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:18:00 +0000

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 Glucksman Gallery next month and will feature over 250 real fossils and over five tonnes of material.

The exhibition will merge science with art and creativity to bring Ireland’s dinosaur age to life.

To discuss more, Seán is joined by Professor of Palaeontology at University College Cork, Maria McNamara.

Image: UCC

Europe or the US - The geopolitical choice facing Ireland

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:17:00 +0000

Ireland is facing a geopolitical choice that is pulling us in two different directions.

We are not just witnessing a drift in the Transatlantic Alliance, but its collapse. This poses acute dangers for Ireland.

Ben Tonra is Full Professor of International Relations at the UCD School of Politics and International Relations. He joins Seán to discuss exactly what this means, and where we go from here.

What is the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The shortlist for this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has been announced. But, what is it about these photographs that captures people’s imagination and actually helps conservation efforts?

Joining Seán to discuss is Paul Joynson Hicks, Founder of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards…

Image: Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

The dark side of drinking during the winter months

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:23:00 +0000

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 people are increasingly noticing it affecting their day-to-day lives…

To overcome the bleakness of the winter months, we are also more likely to reach for a drink in the evenings.

But, what happens when alcohol meets seasonal depression, and what are the risks?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Travel Writer and Health & Wellness Coach, Sinéad Kennedy…

How easy is it for first time buyers to really buy a home?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:23:00 +0000

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 the last twelve months there have now been more first-time buyers granted mortgages than since the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2007.

So, what is the reality for people looking to buy for the first time, and is it really as hard as everyone says it is?

Sean Corbett from Sys Mortgages deals with this day in and day out, and joins Seán to discuss.

Can the US bullying on climate change be overcome?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:22:00 +0000

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 scientific consensus on the realities of climate change has been established for quite some time, a political consensus seems as far off as ever, thanks in no small part to the government of Donald Trump…

But, what can the rest of the world do to avoid catastrophe in the face of US opposition and obstruction?

Eamon Ryan is the former Leader of the Green Party, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

What making friends with AI is like

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:22:00 +0000

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 say that a lot of us are there already.

But, what is it like to try to make friends with an AI?

Madeleine Aggeler is Lifestyle and Wellness Reporter for Guardian US, and joins Seán to discuss.

The history of daylight saving time

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:09:00 +0000

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 during World War One. Joining me now to discuss this is David Malone, Professor in Maths and Statistics at Maynooth University...

Booker Prize announce Children’s Fiction category

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:07:00 +0000

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 fifty thousand pounds in prize money from 2027.

Author Sarah Webb joins Seán to discuss this.

Is there such a thing as ‘culchie culture’?

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:06:00 +0000

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 matter and joins Seán to discuss.

Hiring an escort for your 70th birthday

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:06:00 +0000

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 olds, it could be a party or a big cruise ship, but for Gail Rice she wanted more... so she decided to hire an escort!

Gail, who is a Registered Psychologist in the process of writing her memoir, joins Seán to discuss.

Life-sized dinosaur animatronics on sale in New Jersey

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:59:00 +0000

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 Station: Dinosaurs theme park in New Jersey in three weeks’ time.

Opened in 2012 by dinosaur enthusiast Guy Gsell, the park has attracted thousands of children and adults along its adventure trails, theme shows and workshops.

From as little as $700, you can buy your very own scientifically accurate dino, that can move and even roar.

To discuss, Executive Producer of the theme park, Guy Gsell, joins Seán.

The growing trend for ‘women’s sheds’

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:58:00 +0000

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 difference and would it make sense just to join them up?

Joining Seán to discuss is RoseMarie Dempsey, Chairperson of Clonakilty Women’s Shed…

Debunking hair care myths

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:27:00 +0000

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 your hair, and what separates hair care fact from fiction?

Joining Seán to discuss is Claire Fulham, Tricologist, and owner of Trua Tricology Clinic.

Should Trump be allowed to demolish parts of the White House?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:22:00 +0000

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.

Joining Seán to discuss is Niall Palmer, Senior Lecturer in U.S. Politics at Brunel University in London…

Image: Reuters

Should you bring your authentic self to work? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:21:00 +0000

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 'authentic self' to work - an apparent joke that did not go down well. But, is there a point to this? Should you leave your authentic self at home?

Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is raking leaves bad for the environment?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:14:00 +0000

You might have spent hours raking leaves this week, but from an environmental perspective, should we even touch the fallen leaves?

Dr Michelle McKeown is an Environmental Geographer at University College Cork, and she joins Seán to discuss.

New film examines the life of Gerry Adams

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:39:00 +0000

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, aims to recapture the life of the former Sinn Féin President.

Filmmaker Trisha Ziff is based in Mexico and has previously created films on the Spanish Civil War and Che Guevara.

She spent over five years working on this movie with Gerry Adams and a mostly Mexican crew, with a vision to give Adams a ‘simple platform’ to retell his story.

She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Wildcard Distribution

Has the humanitarian crisis in Sudan been ignored?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:38:00 +0000

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’s moral compass, and as the humanitarian crisis deepens, just why should focus turn to Sudan?

Senior Reporter with the Guardian Mark Townsend has been reporting on the situation, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Séamus Boland on his journey after dropping out of school at 13

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:38:00 +0000

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 Boland.

Séamus dropped out of school at 13, and today is the incoming President of the European Economic and Social Committee. He joins Seán to discuss his journey.

How to spot a deepfake video

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:37:00 +0000

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 actually is not real...

With a fake video circulating online of Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly purporting to withdraw from the election, attention has turned to what role these videos play...

Host of the ‘For Tech Sake Podcast’, Elaine Burke, joins Séan to discuss.

Should you be a night owl or an early bird?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:37:00 +0000

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 why does this division even exist in the first place?

Professor Andrew Coogan is a Behavioural Neuroscientist and Director of the Chronobiology and Sleep Research Laboratory at Maynooth University. He joins Seán to discuss.

The progress being made in diagnosing and understanding austism

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:05:00 +0000

Dr. Neil Kenny, Associate Professor and researcher at the School of Inclusive and Special Education at DCU joined Sean to chat about the progress being made in diagnosing and understanding autism.

A fifteen year mision to translate the work of Plato

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:05:00 +0000

An Irish academic has become the first person since the 19th century to translate the dialogues of Plato.

Dr. David Horan, Trinity College Dublin Academic of Philosophy, joined Sean on the show to discuss his work

Why are parks the hottest place to find love in China?

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:50:00 +0000

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 to discuss.

The Hypocrisy Trap

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:45:00 +0000

Author of ‘The Hypocrisy Trap’, Michael Hallsworth, chatted to Sean about his new book

Why do Gen Z hate horror movies?

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Sean was joined by, Dr Sarah Cleary, Horror consultant and writer of the myth of harm, to discuss whether the Gen Z generation abhors horror movies

Why greater protection for those living in informal rent arrangements is needed

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Valesca Lima Assistant professor at Dublin City University, researching housing policy and governance, to discuss the need for greater protection for those living in informal rent arrangements

Has Gaza ever been at peace?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:26:00 +0000

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 that has afflicted the beleaguered region since most of us can remember.

But, has it always been like this?

William Dalrymple is Historian and Co-Host of the ‘Empire Podcast’, which is currently running a series on the History of Gaza. He joins Seán to discuss…

Image: Reuters

How do you get stolen museum pieces back?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:16:00 +0000

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 chances of ever recovering these pieces?

Christopher A. Marinello, Esq is a Lawyer and Founder of Art Recovery International. He joins Seán to discuss.

Should personal finance be taught in schools?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Should we be teaching personal finance in school?

Experiences shared by people looking back on their school days reveal that most students of business and economics were still not financially literate, and clueless on basic topics such as salaries and pensions…

Joining Seán to discuss is Personal Finance Journalist and Presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk, Sinead Ryan.

Are your 40s really your best decade? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:08:00 +0000

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, or even year, of their life? Or should we even think about our lives in that way?

Newstalk's Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

New service lets you view Earth like an astronaut

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:11:00 +0000

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 can now watch live footage of the Earth from 400km high.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Charles Black, Founder of Sen…

What is the dinosaur super highway?

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:10:00 +0000

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 much about how they acted.

However, a remarkable discovery made this summer in Oxfordshire is giving scientists insights into the behaviour of these great beasts.

Kirsty Edgar is Professor of Palaeontology at the University of Birmingham, and joins Seán to discuss.

The cathartic role of ghost stories

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:10:00 +0000

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 these stories actually play in our lives?

Eilish Fisher, author of ‘The Waters and the Wild’, joins to discuss.

The man with the longest name in the world

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:08:00 +0000

Have you thought about changing your name?

Laurence Watkins from New Zealand is the Guinness World Record Holder for the longest name, which takes longer than twenty minutes to say…

He joins Seán to discuss!

The history of anaesthesia

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Today is World Anaesthesia Day, which marks the first successful demonstration of the inhalation of ether vapour as a means of overcoming pain of surgery.

It happened on October 16th, 1846 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, during a surgery performed by dentist William T. G. Morton.

Ireland followed suit with a second successful trial, which was administered on an 18-year-old girl during the famine.

Consultant Anaesthesiologist Dr. Patrick Seigne says today is an important opportunity to celebrate a practice that is often taken for granted, as well as Ireland’s contribution to the field. He joins Seán to discuss.

Why do old buildings keep getting demolished?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:53:00 +0000

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-purpose office buildings or build-to-rent blocks built instead.

So, as one building per minute is demolished in Europe, just why is this the go-to strategy?

Futurist and Urbanist Ludwig Engels is involved with HouseEurope, a European Citizens’ Initiative dedicated to refurbishment over demolition, and he joins Seán to discuss ahead of his Open House architecture talk…

Do Irish people have ‘donation guilt’?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Is there any escape from charity chuggers or energy switchers showing up at your door?

Doctor and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, says that people in Ireland find it easier to spend an hour entertaining salespeople or fundraisers rather than simply saying “No”...

Irish generosity is world-renowned, but must we be pestered into giving?

Máire joins Seán to discuss.

Do we need a National Wills Register?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:20:00 +0000

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 point of this, and would it help to make the retrieval and division of assets easier, or is it just more unnecessary bureaucracy?

Joining Seán to discuss this is John Lowe, from MoneyDoctors.ie…

The politics of family WhatsApp groups - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:19:00 +0000

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 one for the annoying ones you put up with? And, what happens when those annoying people find out about your hidden chats?

Newstalk's Henry McKean has been out in the public investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

New theory challenges the origin of the Book of Kells

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:11:00 +0000

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 forward that challenges this assumption…

Joining Seán to discuss is Victoria Whitworth, author of ‘The Book of Kells: Unlocking the Enigma’...

Has the gay rights movement and liberalism overreached?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:36:00 +0000

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, Ronan McCrea, Professor of Constitutional and European Law at University College London argues that it's time for the movement to possibly take a step back, or risk unravelling all that's been achieved…

He is author of ‘The End of the Gay Rights Revolution: How Hubris and Overreach Threaten Gay Freedom’, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should there be a dedicated government agency for returning diaspora?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Roughly 30,000 Irish emigrants return to Ireland each year to live. But, this process is both bureaucratically and emotionally challenging. Now, there are calls for a dedicated government agency to be established to help the diaspora return.

Joining Seán to discuss is Karen McHugh, Chief Executive of Safe Home Ireland…

The remarkable history of regenerative medicine

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:18:00 +0000

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 surgeries began with some rather hairy experimentation.

Joining me now is Mary Roach, Author of ‘Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy’...

How harmful is food fear mongering?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:18:00 +0000

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 likely won’t have to spend too long on social media to come across an influencer in a supermarket telling you why eating one product or another would be terrible for your health.

But, could the fear mongering itself be even more harmful?

Richie Kirwan is Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University. He joins Seán to discuss.

What makes a good portrait photo - and why is Trump’s so bad?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:17:00 +0000

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 hitting out about the unflattering picture…

But, what does it take to make a cover photo, and was this one deliberately uncomplimentary?

James Crombie is the 2025 Irish Press Photographer of the Year and his photograph is on the front page of the Irish Times today. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: TIME

Starting a music career in your 70s

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:07:00 +0000

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 in their twenties.

Not so for Seán’s guest. Linda Lamon is 75 and has four grandchildren, but that hasn’t stopped her from getting radio play in the UK and celebrity endorsements from the likes of Queen’s Brian May since she decided to make a go of it in 2020. She joins to discuss!

Who was the best Irish President?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:52:00 +0000

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 be Ireland’s next President.

On Friday the 24th of October, we will go to the polls to elect our 10th Head of State, but how will they compare to their predecessors? Who was our best and who was our worst?

Kevin Rafter is Full Professor of Political Communication at DCU and Co-Editor of ‘The Irish Presidency: Power, Ceremony and Politics’. He’s been ranking our former presidents from 1 to 9, and joins Seán to discuss.

When will the issue of dereliction be solved?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:19:00 +0000

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 latest failing in the Government’s attempt to tackle the issue of dereliction, but will the change from levy to tax as announced in the budget change the picture?

Frank O’Connor from the #DerelictIreland movement joins Seán to discuss.

Ireland’s national bird is in danger

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:19:00 +0000

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 Communications Expert, Jack Morley.

Daughter takes her own life after using ChatGPT as therapist

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:12:00 +0000

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 happened.

Sophie’s parents believe that an AI chat bot was giving their daughter advice on how to end her life…

Laura joins Seán to share her story…

Help is there if you need it. The Samaritans 24/7 Freephone Helpline Number is 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.ie.

Ireland’s vibrant farming past

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:01:00 +0000

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 crossroads, Michael B. Barry and John O’Byrne’s new instalment features hundreds of colourised photos that date back as early as the mid-1800s.

‘The Irish Farm in Colour’ was published last week and is the fourth book in a series which recaptures the Ireland of the past through colour.

Historian and author of the book, Michael B. Barry, joins Seán to discuss.

Is ‘Green Crime’ an ignored issue?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:23:00 +0000

When we talk about the climate crisis, we often tend to couch the conversation in terms of negligence or poor corporate governance, as if environmental crime is not really a crime in the way that theft or assault are.

But, there are organised gangs and corporate entities out there committing crimes against all of us everyday, just as there are those trying to stop them.

Julia Shaw is a Psychological Scientist at University College London and the author of multiple best-selling books including her latest: ‘Green Crime: Inside the Minds of the People Destroying the Planet, and How to Stop Them’. She joins Seán to discuss.

Trinity College’s lesser-known zoological museum

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:13:00 +0000

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 university is also home to a Zoological Museum, containing a 70-million-year-old fish and a plethora of extinct animals.

Dr Martyn Linnie is Curator of Trinity College Dublin’s zoological museum, and he joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Trinity College Zoological Museum Facebook

How do you manage rising food costs? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:11:00 +0000

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 cut since 2023. But, grocery prices have increased by 40% since 2022. How have you dealt with rising costs?

Henry McKean met grocery shoppers in Cork, and sent in this report.

How do Israelis feel about the new ceasefire?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:09:00 +0000

All eyes are focused today on Israel as the peace deal begins, with Hamas releasing the remaining hostages alive...

There have been scenes of celebration and jubilation. So, what now?

John Costello has been living in Israel for 17 years and he joins Seán from Tel Aviv to discuss…

Hotel in Poland launches initiative to boost birth rates

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:32:00 +0000

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 be paid a bonus of over €2,000 for every child they have.

That’s an initiative launched by Polish hotel chain Arche and its 73-year-old owner in an effort to boost the country’s low birth rates.

Poland’s fertility rate of 1.2 children per woman in 2023 is among the weakest in the EU, with only Malta, Spain and Lithuania behind it.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Raphael Minder, the Financial Times’ Central Europe Correspondent.

Would you try yoghurt made from ants?

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:32:00 +0000

Scientists and gourmands in Copenhagen have taken to producing yoghurt using the fermenting properties of ants. But, how does it all work?

Seán’s guest, a keen “fermentista” herself, decided to make her own ant yoghurt. Linda Geddes, former Science Correspondent for the Guardian, joins to discuss the results!

The history of collecting

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:31:00 +0000

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, or is it something inherent that we have seen throughout history?

James Delbourgo is Professor of History at Rutgers University and author of ‘A Noble Madness: The Dark Side of Collecting from Antiquity to Now’. He joins Seán to discuss.

Is multitasking a myth, and just how harmful is it for our brain?

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:27:00 +0000

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 University, Anthony Wagner, says multitasking does not exist, but what we are doing instead is forcing the brain to switch between tasks.

Research shows performing multiple tasks at the same time reduces productivity by up to 40% by increasing cognitive load, causing errors, and consuming mental energy.

But, UCD Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, Ciara Greene, says the human brain is flexible and completing multiple tasks at the same time does not impact our attention span.

To discuss further, she joins Seán.

Travelling on your tod!

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:20:00 +0000

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 reports.

Photographer Steve Pyke on his portraits of Irish writers

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Seán’s guest has photographed everyone from dictator August Pinochet to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, but his new book is a collection of portraits of Irish writers.

Photographer Steve Pyke joins Seán to discuss.

The pros and cons of sober-dating

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Sober-dating is all the rage now, but what does this mean for the future of socialising?

New Google search trends revealed that December 2024 marked an all-time high for searches on alcohol-free drinks.

The drinking culture has shifted radically, with many young people opting for zero-alcohol to meet their date at their ‘most authentic’ self.

But, Freelance Journalist Édaein O’Connell has tried this and says it’s important to see both sides of the coin.

She joins Seán to discuss.

Will we ever see women priests in the Catholic Church?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Although she is now happily married, Seán’s guest has always felt a calling to the priesthood, and has spent decades trying to change the Church’s position on the matter.

Now, she has written her memoir, ‘A Divine Calling: One Woman’s Life-Long Battle for Equality in the Catholic Church’. Soline Humbert joins Seán to discuss.

Palestinian filmmaker Lexi Alexander on her new film

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:15:00 +0000

A Palestinian filmmaker and former martial artist now living in Ireland has been sharing her story as her new movie hits streaming platforms this week.

Lexi Alexander was born and raised in 1970s Germany to a Palestinian father and German mother.

Her passion for martial arts brought her to all corners of the world, including the US, where renowned actor Chuck Norris encouraged her to become a stunt performer in Hollywood.

The rest is history – she was nominated for an Academy award and has now directed a new movie, ‘Absolute Dominion’ - which reimagines a futuristic society where a fierce martial-arts tournament is the key to restoring world peace.

To tell more about the new movie and about her incredible life, Lexi joins Seán to discuss.

Dealing with condensation season

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Condensation season has arrived… hurray?

As the weather turns colder, you will find water vapor building on the insides of your windows, especially in the bathroom. So, what can be done to offset all this?

Joining Seán to discuss is Denise O’Donoghue, Life Hack Columnist with the Irish Examiner, who has been investigating...

How education saved refugee Islam Borinca’s life

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:25:00 +0000

A visiting lecturer at UCD has been speaking about the pivotal role Ireland played in helping him process his survivor’s guilt after fleeing war-torn Kosovo when he was just eight years old.

Professor Islam Borinca’s life changed forever when his father and brother were murdered during the war between Kosovo and Serbia in 1998…

In a recent feature for The Journal, he speaks movingly about witnessing the destruction of his home, and how these experiences shaped his commitment to studying reconciliation and intergroup healing from war trauma.

The Social Psychologist reflects on what Ireland’s own history of division taught him, and how societies can work toward understanding, repair, and mutual respect.

He joins Seán to discuss.

The importance of teaching children creative writing

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:24:00 +0000

From Stephen King to George Saunders ,there is no shortage of authors willing to put their insights on how the greats write and how you can do it better

But, how does advising children on the topic of creative writing differ from dealing with more mature aspiring writers?

Patricia Forde is Laureate na nÓg and author of ‘Making It Up As You Go Along: A Children’s Guide to Writing Stories’. She joins Seán to discuss.

Have we reached peak social media?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:24:00 +0000

Be honest, how many hours are you spending scrolling, tapping and watching social media?

Are you permanently attached to your phone, or have you decided to buck the trend and give up altogether?

Technology Editor with the Irish Independent Adrian Weckler joins Seán to discuss whether we have actually reached peak social media…

How do cigarette sting operations work in Ireland?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:23:00 +0000

Last year, Revenue seized 112 million illicit cigarettes in Ireland. The black market trade in tobacco products is big business. So, how do tobacco companies go about clamping down on all this.

Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent for the Irish Times, joined a sting operation to find out, and joins Seán to discuss.

The ecological consequences of Lapland tourism

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Last year, over 14,000 Irish people visited Lapland. Over the past 30 years, tourism to the northern Finnish territory has exploded. Now, a new investigation has examined the ecological consequences of this…

Joining Seán to discuss is Lotta Narhi, an Investigative Environmental Journalist based in Finland.

Why are cases of TB skyrocketing?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:14:00 +0000

It’s a disease which many of us thought had been fairly much eradicated, but cases of TB are at their highest level since 2018, and could hit 300 by the end of this year…

Professor Anne Marie McLaughlin is from the St. James’ National TB Centre, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: CDC

The American woman who found love in Lisdoonvarna!

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:14:00 +0000

Seán’s guest decided, on a whim, to visit Ireland last month for the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival after hearing a reference to it on the hit TV show ‘Schitt’s Creek’.

What happened next is the stuff of an American Rom-Com! Colorado native Mary Timby joins Seán to discuss…

Image: Galway Tourism

Remembering author Jilly Cooper

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:13:00 +0000

Author of ‘Riders’ and ‘Rivals’, Jilly Cooper, has passed away. Perhaps best known for her bingeable bonkbusters, she brought joy to millions of readers, particularly in the UK and Ireland.

Joining Seán to reflect on her work and life is Sheila O’Flanagan, author of the bestselling recent novel ‘The Honeymoon Affair’...

Can ‘swag gap’ relationships last?

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Can ‘swag gap’ relationships truly last?

This new ‘gap’ that’s been circling on social media refers to when one partner is much cooler than the other – in fashion, in lingo, in friends, and in hobbies.

Users have taken to TikTok to share how their style clashed with that of their partner, and how relationships with such differences are inevitably destined to end.

But, is that really the case?

Joining Seán to discuss is Julie Cook, an author at The i Paper in the UK, who says her ‘swag gap’ marriage is a perfect match…

What is ‘Gilmore Girls Season’?

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:25:00 +0000

It was this very week a quarter of a century ago when Gilmore Girls premiered. It’s also ‘Gilmore Girls Season’, when every autumn devoted fans rewatch the series. But, what is it about the formula of this programme that attracts legions of repeat viewers?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Jess Shine, from the Media Communications Department of MTU in Cork…

Should you cook with your toddler?

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Would you let your 2 year old cook? Well, Jamie Oliver thinks you should! So much so, he is bringing out a new series of cookbooks aimed at toddlers and their parents.

Someone with a wealth of knowledge in this area is Chef and Author, Gina Daly. She joins Seán to discuss.

The role animals play in politics

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:24:00 +0000

From Putin’s alsatian to an alligator in the White House, pets have played a surprising role in politics.

Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Cardwell, Journalist and author of ‘Political Animals: The secret life of the political pets of Westminster and Washington’...

Will Ireland win the World Porridge Making Championships?

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:29:00 +0000

This Saturday will see the annual World Porridge Making Championships take place in Scotland.

Mayo’s Rebecca Holohan will be representing Ireland, and she joins Seán to discuss!

Maynooth University celebrates 25 years of its Psychology Department

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:18:00 +0000

‘Change is possible’ - that’s the message of Doctor and Neuroscientist Brian Pennie, who is about to deliver his first talk at Maynooth University since his studies there.

The university is celebrating 25 years of its Psychology Department, and is hosting a number of free events to mark the occasion, which are open to the public.

The event is taking place on October 8th, and coincides with the day Dr. Brian Pennie recovered from his heroin addiction.

12 years on, he has obtained a PhD and uses his platform to help people who are looking to turn their life around…

He also hosts the ‘Change is Possible’ podcast, which encourages everyone to pursue the very best version of themselves.

Dr. Brian Pennie joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @mu_psychology_ on Instagram

Have we gotten ruder? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Are we ruder in traffic than before? Have we lost our manners? Have we lost all courtesy and decency, and have we stopped saying thank you to the bus driver?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is life like in Gaza currently?

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:12:00 +0000

We saw overnight the detention, by Israeli forces, of activists on the Sumud Flotilla headed for Gaza, including a number of Irish citizens...

It comes as we await further news of any type of progress following a proposed peace deal proposed by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.

All the while the people of Gaza remain under constant bombardment having been displaced from the place they call home…

One of those is Reham Mahdi Al Jarrah, who works for Christian Aid Ireland’s local partner in Gaza, the Women’s Affairs Centre…

He joins Seán to discuss.

To donate to Christian Aid’s appeal as they support local partners in Gaza, visit: caid.ie/famine-gaza

Image: Reuters

Are the Simpsons still relevant?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:23:00 +0000

The Simpsons is the longest-running sitcom in US history, but is the world’s favourite yellow family still relevant?

US-based Journalist and Simpsons enthusiast, Alan Siegel, says the show didn’t just reflect America, it reshaped it forever.

With the 37th season out this week and a new movie in the works, he says the Simpsons are still going strong.

He joins Seán to discuss his new book ‘Stupid TV, Be More Funny’, and the legacy of the famous family from Springfield…

Image: Disney

How to set up a bird table for the winter

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:37:00 +0000

As the cold evenings close in, now is the ideal time to set up a bird table in the garden, or even attached to a window if you live in an apartment. But, how do you do it, and are there certain foods that will attract specific species?

Joining Seán to discuss is Niall Hatch, Head of Birdwatch Ireland…

Why are we obsessed with drinking water?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:37:00 +0000

Are we obsessed with drinking water?

Hydration has been at the centre of social media trends and even has its own hashtag on TikTok: #WaterTok.

Buzzy new viral products like gigantic 5L bottles or the Stanley Cup have fuelled this ‘water mania’ – but is there such a thing as drinking too much water?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dietitian Aoife Quinn…

Should we call Ireland a ‘kip’?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:36:00 +0000

There’s one thing that unites Irish people everywhere: we love to give out about the state of the place… but, heaven help anyone else who dares do the same.

Today, we’re exploring the tug-of-war that happens among emigrants: those who left Ireland with a dream in their suitcase, and came back with stories and maybe just a bit of snobbery.

Irish Times contributor Céire Sadlier has written about just that, and says she gets defensive when people call Ireland a ‘kip.’

She joins Seán to discuss.

Migrant nurses falling victim to visa scams

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:36:00 +0000

Imagine uprooting your life, spending thousands of euros, jumping through every hoop - only to land in a country with no job waiting for you. That’s the nightmare facing migrant nurses arriving in Ireland, scammed by recruitment agencies promising work that simply doesn’t exist.

Seán is joined by Varghese Joy from Migrant Nurses Ireland, who wants to expose how suspected visa fraud is leaving skilled nurses stranded, out of pocket, and out of work.

US Government shuts down - what does that mean?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:35:00 +0000

The U.S. Federal Government has ground to a halt in what’s known as a ‘shutdown’. But, what exactly does that mean, and why does it keep happening?

To help make sense of it all, Seán is joined by Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD.

Is wallpaper making a comeback?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Wallpaper is back in, and it’s louder, bolder and more vibrant than ever.

Wallpaper is all the rage for 2026, and have been hailed by interior designers across the country for the personality and warmth they can add to a room.

With peel-and-stick options, even renters can join the design revolution.

Joining Seán to discuss is Interior Designer, James McNamara…

Have you ever had a paranormal encounter?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:34:00 +0000

Have you ever seen or heard something unusual or unnerving that you can’t explain, have you ever had an encounter with paranormal activity? Well if you have, Seán’s next guest would like to hear about it.

Margaret McGrogan, an Applied Psychologist and PhD candidate at University of Galway, is leading the first national anonymous survey to explore these unusual and unexplained experiences. She joins Seán to discuss…

The causes and effects of CTE

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:34:00 +0000

Increasingly, in cases of death by suicide or mass shootings, CTE is a factor. It's a condition that can bring dramatic changes to someone, more likely to affect those in contact sports, but ongoing research indicates that a genetic disposition may play a role...

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Colin Doherty, Head of the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin and Consultant Neurologist at St. James' Hospital.

New Picasso exhibition to be showcased in Ireland

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:33:00 +0000

A brand-new exhibition showcasing the breadth of Picasso’s work will be opening at the National Gallery of Ireland.

‘Picasso: From the Studio’ will be the first Irish exhibition of this scale to showcase the Spanish master’s art since his death in 1973.

The first ever display of Picasso’s work in Ireland was organised by Trinity College students in a library storage room back in 1969.

This time around, the exhibition places Picasso in the context of his studios, highlighting the phases of his art and life.

It will feature paintings, sculptures, ceramics, works on paper, as well as photographic and audio-visual works.

Joining Seán to tell more is Curator of Modern Art at the National Gallery of Ireland, Janet McLean...

Why do we love to gossip? - Henry McKean Asks

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:32:00 +0000

A survey has revealed just how much people like to gossip. Here in Ireland is it a part of the fabric of society?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been getting all the gossip, and joins Seán to discuss!

New edition of Elizabeth Shaw’s memoir published

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:02:00 +0000

While Elizabeth Shaw may not be well known here in Ireland, the Belfast-born author has been a household name in Germany ever since she travelled to the GDR after World War II, to participate in the building of the communist state through her hugely popular children’s books.

Joining Seán is Fergal Lenehan, an Irish Academic Researcher based in Germany who has co-written (with Sabine Egger) the afterward for the book ‘How I Came to Berlin’, Shaw’s memoir, which has been newly published by Lilliput Press…

The importance of complaining

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:36:00 +0000

People are being reminded about the importance of complaining.

According to Irish Examiner Consumer Columnist, Caitríona Redmond, complaining can actually serve the common good.

Last summer, Caitríona was looking forward to a relaxing family holiday, but things didn’t go quite as planned. The three-star hotel she was staying in fell far short of what had been promised, and thanks to complaints lodged by her and other guests, the hotel has now been downgraded.

To tell us why speaking up can make a difference, she joins Seán to discuss.

Are car ads selling a myth?

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:31:00 +0000

Whenever you see an advert for a car brand on television, the visuals usually centre on open roads in a vast landscape, with the driver emanating a sense of freedom...

Seán’s guest says the notion that a car gives you freedom is a complete myth!

Ciaran Brennan, Communications Officer at the Irish Environmental Network joins to discuss.

Making conception sex more fun

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In Davina McCall’s new book, she talks about the challenge of keeping sex interesting and less functional while couples try to conceive. So, how do you keep the heat alive?

Joining Seán to discuss is Helena Tubridy, former Midwife turned Fertility Coach…

Corkman receives award for tending to unclaimed Air India grave

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

A man who has spent the past four decades tending to the graves of the only two unclaimed victims of the 1985 Air India disaster has been honoured by an Indian cultural group.

Finbarr Archer, who is the official driver to the Lord Mayor of Cork, was working for an undertaker at the time of the terrorist attack.

All 329 passengers and crew on board Air India flight 182 were killed in June of that year, when a bomb exploded on board the aircraft, approximately 190km off the south-west coast of Ireland on route from Montreal to Delhi…

The flight, which was brought down off the coast of Cork, remains the worst aviation disaster in Irish and Canadian history.

Finbarr Archer joins Seán to discuss.

Dealing with the scourge of ‘shoddy signage’

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:29:00 +0000

A Councillor in Limerick city is calling for businesses to take more responsibility for their shopfronts and to reduce the scourge of shoddy signage.

Joining Seán to discuss is Maria Donoghue, an Architect and Independent Councillor in Limerick…

Why is Biden’s Presidential portrait an Autopen?

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:26:00 +0000

This week, the White House released a video of the new ‘Presidential Walk of Fame’, featuring portraits of American Presidents. But, one particular frame didn’t feature a President at all. Instead, it showed a machine.

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @WhiteHouse on Twitter

Is the Riyadh Comedy Festival whitewashing a regime?

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:26:00 +0000

While the Saudis have invested enormously over the past few years into sports such as soccer and golf, they are now stepping into the cultural arena, with the Riyadh Comedy Festival kicking off this weekend. It has an almost unbelievable line up on the cards, from Dave Chapelle to Whitney Cummins and Jimmy Carr.

But, is this an attempt to whitewash the regime?

Joining Seán to discuss is Liam Kelly, Senior Culture Writer for the Daily Telegraph, who has been investigating…

Image: Riyadh Comedy Festival

What are AI ‘Griefbots’?

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:25:00 +0000

AI griefbots are personas made to fill in for a deceased individual. They can be used to help people grief a loved one’s death, by talking to an AI program pretending to be them.

So, how do they exactly work, and are they effective?

Justin Harrison, tech entrepreneur and Founder of You, Only Virtual, joins Seán to discuss.

What is it like to be an erotica voiceover actor?

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:25:00 +0000

You know those saucy books your nana might read on holiday? What is it like to voice the audiobook for them?

Joining Seán to discuss the world of erotica voiceovers is Davey Comerford, Quinn Voice Actor and Trainer.

How do you make a ‘human tower’?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:59:00 +0000

Human towers, or ‘castells’ as they are known in Catalonia, are hugely popular in their home country, but now there is a club in Dublin.

So, how do human towers actually work?

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is Irene Gabara, from Castellers d’Eire...

Image: Castellers d’Éire

Exploring deaf culture with ‘Her Father’s Voice’

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:59:00 +0000

A Dublin-based Playwright is exploring deaf culture with a creative, innovative spin in his new play.

Shane O’Reilly’s play ‘Her Father’s Voice’ (with music by Tom Lane) will premiere at the Dublin Theatre Festival, with six performances from October 1st to October 5th.

It draws on Shane’s own experience as a child of deaf parents.

This new work fuses theatre, opera, and film in a production that explores identity, family, and the unspoken consequences of life-altering decisions.

Shane joins guest host John Fardy to discuss more…

Image: Dublin Theatre Festival

Why is Rihanna’s baby’s middle name ‘Irish’?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:34:00 +0000

Rihanna has posted on her socials that her new baby is called Rocki Irish Mayers. So, what’s the connection to Ireland, and is it unusual to name a child with a placename or nationality?

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is SJ Strum, a baby naming consultant and the author of ‘Baby Name Envy’...

Image: @badgirlriri on Instagram

Why special needs education needs to be more inclusive

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:33:00 +0000

As the Government commits to establishing more places in special needs schools and special needs classrooms, John’s guest is calling for a different policy to be adopted, where children of all needs learn together in the same place.

Professor Joe Travers, who is the Director of the Centre of Inclusive Pedagogy at DCU’s Institute of Education says we are at a crossroads in relation to inclusive education in Ireland, and joins guest host John Fardy to discuss.

The Art of Small Talk

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:33:00 +0000

People who engage in small talk have the potential to live longer than those who don’t.

An article recently published in the Irish Examiner explored how small talk helps us feel a sense of belonging.

While it is one of the most dreaded aspects of the workplace, experts say communication is a vital component of how we function as humans, and it can define how we perceive our environment.

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is Clinical Hypnotherapist and Self-Leadership Coach based in Galway, Rachel Gotto.

Why does Trump have beef with the UN building?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:07:00 +0000

During a lengthy digression of his address to the UN yesterday, US President Donald Trump complained that the floors in the UN building are terrazzo instead of marble…

So, why is he so upset, and what’s wrong with good old terrazzo? Joining Seán to discuss is Architect and artist Róisín Murphy.

Image: Reuters

Do younger generations always get criticised by older ones?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:40:00 +0000

The pile on against Gen Z is unrelenting, but have older generations always looked at young people with a sense of distaste?

Corkonian Ross Frenett, CEO of Moonshot, a company working to end online harms, has been exploring this history, and joins Seán to discuss…

Could data centre heat be the answer for our energy crisis?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:13:00 +0000

Could heat generated from data centres be the answer for our energy crisis?

Heat produced in an Amazon data centre in Tallaght is already being used to heat student accommodation and local authority buildings.

Joining Seán to discuss is Sadhbh O’Neill, Climate and Environmental Researcher.

How fashionable is Limerick?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0000

When you think of Fashion you think of New York, London, Milan, but what about Limerick?

Well, plans are afoot for Limerick to get its very own fashion museum, but just how stylish is the city, and how does the manufacturing history inform fashionistas there today?

Celia Holman Lee, is the founder of one of Ireland's Longest Running Modelling Agencies, and she has been instrumental in this. She joins Seán to discuss.

How do ordinary people in Israel live with next door’s genocide?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:11:00 +0000

One question that many find hard to understand is how ordinary Israelis can go about their daily lives with a genocide happening or their doorstep…

Paul Kearns, an Irish journalist based in Tel Aviv, has been writing about this for the Irish Times, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why you shouldn’t wear shoes indoors!

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:11:00 +0000

Do you wear shoes indoors? It might be time to stop, unless you enjoy carrying in bacteria from the less hygienic outside world…

Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at Leicester University, joins Seán to discuss.

Harry Styles runs marathon in under 3 hours - how hard is that?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Is there anything Harry Styles can’t do?

The musician impressed fans by running the Berlin Marathon in under three hours… So just what kind of a feat is it to run a marathon this fast?

John Kinsella is a mountain runner and he has run all the major marathons in under 2 hours and 30 minutes. He joins Seán to discuss.

How the Irish gay rights movement was organised

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:25:00 +0000

A new book chronicles how the gay rights movement was organised in Ireland, and examines what lessons can be learnt from its losses and successes, and ultimately how these lessons can be passed on to future social movements.

Joining Seán to discuss is Michael Barron, author of ‘How Ireland’s LGBTQ+ Youth Movement Was Built: Civil Society in the Pursuit of Social Justice’...

Coping with the loss of a parent

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:15:00 +0000

The loss of one’s parents can be a ‘deeply traumatic’ experience for both young and old.

That’s according to Journalist Deirdre O’Shaughnessy, who lost both her parents in the past three years…

While her parents had been ill for years, she says they died ‘two different deaths,’ and her life has never been the same since.

Deirdre is the Opinion Editor at the Irish Examiner and host of the Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast, she joins Seán to discuss.

Free cloth nappy scheme rolled out to maternity hospitals

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:14:00 +0000

The Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme is now being rolled out to more and more maternity hospitals around Ireland, with Cork being the latest to introduce the project. But, how willing are new parents to get on board with the idea?

Joining Seán to discuss Abi O’Callaghan Platt, Policy Director with Voice Ireland...

Are smaller beds better for your marriage?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:13:00 +0000

According to the actor Matthew McConaughey, sleeping in a smaller bed really helped his relationship with his wife.

Is this something we should all be doing?

Frances Kelleher, Dating Coach, joins Seán to discuss.

Having survivor’s guilt after leaving Gaza

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:37:00 +0000

Faten Alsourani left Gaza to come and study in Ireland, and continues to work here today. However, she still has family living in Gaza, including her mother, sister, nieces and nephews. Every day she deals with what she describes as “survivor’s guilt”, living safely in Ireland while her close family are forced to face daily bombardment and famine…

Faten joins Seán to discuss…

“No bum hole needed” for prostate cancer exam - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:19:00 +0000

The Marie Keating Foundation is trying to raise awareness around prostate cancer, including how you now only need to take a blood test to check for it - “no bum hole needed”!

To discuss further, Seán is joined by Henry McKean.

Would you homeschool your child?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:18:00 +0000

While the number of families choosing to homeschool their children has risen over the past few years, does the national curriculum matter for these kids, or are they not obliged to follow it at all?

Joining Seán to discuss is Catherine Monahan, a former home educator, who homeschooled her son through the entirety of his primary and secondary years…

Road bowling is making a comeback!

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:18:00 +0000

It's road bowling season, and a major international event: the King and Queen of the Roads just wrapped up.

One of the event organisers, Séamus Ó Tuama, joins Seán to discuss how it went!

Why are you not allowed to swim in Venice’s canals?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:42:00 +0000

A couple from the UK have been banned from Venice after they were caught swimming in the Grand Canal. They were spotted by gondoliers and reported to police, for which they were fined €450 and banned from the city for 48 hours.

Swimming in the city’s 150 canals is prohibited, but that has not stopped people from doing it. This has reignited anger among locals, who are calling for fines to be higher and measures to be harsher…

Joining Seán to discuss is Journalist Josephine McKenna, who is based in Italy…

How parents can benefit from ‘adult-only’ time

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:41:00 +0000

Is an adult-only getaway the key to keeping your marriage alive, and where does AI come in? And, how difficult is it for parents of young children to balance friendships along with the rest of the everyday slog?

Author Sophie White explores these topics in her Irish Independent columns, as well as her new book ‘Such A Good Couple’. She joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘Extended Reality’ in film?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:41:00 +0000

‘Extended Reality’ is the new coming of age thing at the Venice Film Festival.

The Venice immersive section of the Venice International Film Festival is dedicated entirely to immersive arts and media, but what exactly is it?

Michel Reilhac is Founder of Venice Immersive, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: La Biennale di Venezia

How a few drinks can make you speak a language better!

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:40:00 +0000

If you've ever been on holiday and found yourself speaking the local language with the waiter a little too well, it may be because of the few drinks you had before that…

University of Bath Researcher, Inge Kersbergen, has put to the test the possibility that a little tipple makes you more efficient at speaking a new language, and she’s been awarded the Ig Nobel prize for her work!

She joins Seán to discuss.

Rare Saturn celestial event to take place this weekend

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

This Saturday morning will bear witness to a once in every 15 years celestial event, the passage of Titan in front of Saturn, and will be visible from Ireland.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Niall Smyth, Head of Research at Munster Technological University and Head of Blackrock Observatory in Cork…

Are young people afraid of causing offence?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:54:00 +0000

Are young people more consumed with self doubt and a fear of causing offence than other generations? And if so, what can be done to make them more resilient?

Joining Seán to discuss is Joe Humphries, Columnist with the Irish Times…

Could electronic conveyancing help the housing crisis?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Electronic conveyancing could cut the time taken to buy a home to as little as four weeks.

Secure, paperless and electronic conveyancing processes would save costs, cut red tape and reduce stress of house sales.

Right now, it can take up to 6 months, sometimes even more to buy and own a house.

Joining Seán to discuss is Mike Stack, a Solicitor with digital conveyancing specialists Beam.

What it’s like travelling with a ‘bad’ passport

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Do you dread the hassle of travel?

Well, if you’re an Irish passport holder, you may take for granted being able to travel without the panic of a visa. That is not the case if you’re from a country like India, where your passport can often lead to visa issues and airport delays...

Azmia Riaz has been writing about her experiences travelling with a ‘bad’ passport and just how inconvenient it really is. She joins Seán to discuss.

Why can’t students cook?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:17:00 +0000

A recent survey in the UK shows that over half of college students admit to only being able to cook up to 5 meals – and these include the likes of instant noodles…

Should we be equipping our young people with more efficient cooking skills before they fly the nest?

Joining Seán to discuss is Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, who has written a book on this very topic!

Gender reveal parties - here to stay or a flash in the pram?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:20:00 +0000

Cover your ears, superstitious listener, because this new generation of parents will cause you to toss all the salt and make you bless yourself into oblivion.

Not only are they finding out the gender of their babies, they're naming them and throwing a pre-birthday party too!

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on the stupidest trend to reach our shores so far.

How a ‘claw shoe’ helped pole vaulter break world record

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:01:00 +0000

When Mondo Duplantis broke the world pole vaulting record this week, attention turned to his unusual ‘claw shoes’...

So, what are they, and how do they work? Joining Seán to discuss is Sports Journalist Cathal Dennehy, who is on the ground at the World Championships in Tokyo...

Is Trump hurting free speech by suing the press?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:38:00 +0000

Donald Trump has announced that he will sue the New York Times for 15 billion dollars for alleged defamation. The US President now has several major active lawsuits against media outlets, but what is the reason for his war on the media, and what does it mean for free speech in America?

Joining Seán to discuss is Graham Finlay, Lecturer in the School of Politics at UCD…

The most public company breakups

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has quit the ice cream maker after almost 50 years at the company; this is over the brand's new ties with Unilever.

But, they are not the only company to have had a very public breakup...

Joining Seán to chat about some of the more interesting and maybe unknown side of corporate breakups is Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent for the Irish Times.

Why the Steve Biko case is being reopened

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:32:00 +0000

It was almost 50 years ago when the anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko was viciously beaten to death while in custody. His story became the subject of the Richard Attenborough movie ‘Cry Freedom’.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dillon Woods, whose father played a key role in bringing the truth of Biko’s murder to light.

Why you shouldn’t scroll on the toilet!

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:31:00 +0000

A new medical study has found that people who spend time scrolling social media while sitting on the toilet are far more likely to develop hemorrhoids…

Joining Seán to untangle this is the GP Brian Higgins.

Climate change to blame for 16,500 deaths in Europe this summer

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:29:00 +0000

Extreme temperatures caused by global warming may have caused 16,500 deaths across Europe this summer.

New research from the Grantham Institute in the UK has estimated that climate change is likely to be responsible for 68% of additional heat-related deaths.

This summer was one of the hottest on record, with temperatures soaring well past 45 degrees celsius in Western Europe, including Spain and Italy.

So, how are soaring temperatures affecting mortality rates, and how can we prevent it from increasing in the coming years?

Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Thorne, Professor of Physical Geography and Climate Change at Maynooth University…

How mobility dogs are helping children with mobility issues

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:14:00 +0000

A study led by Trinity College has shown improvement in physical activity and social engagement in children with mobility issues when a specially trained mobility assistance dog is introduced.

Dr Heather Curtain from Trinity School of Engineering and the Gait Laboratory was the first author of this research, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Trinity College Dublin

71 year old wins the Liffey Swim!

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Having completed the Liffey Swim 55 years in a row, Dublin native Derek ‘Bimbo’ Wilkes has once again claimed victory for the first time since 1989.

He joins Seán to discuss!

Remembering Robert Redford

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Robert Redford, American actor and Director, has died at the age of 89.

Joining Seán to look back on his legacy is Esther McCarthy, Film Critic.

The problems with ‘Supercar Season’ in London

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:20:00 +0000

As ‘Supercar Season’ in London draws to a close, Mark Paul, London Correspondent for the Irish Times, has been prowling the streets of the UK capital’s boujiest streets to get the lowdown on whether or not these priceless imported cars are acting with impunity…

He joins Seán to discuss.

Are you still stuck in your childhood bedroom?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:20:00 +0000

There are now more adults living at home with their parents than ever before...

And as the housing crisis deepens, the latest 2022 census data showed that 1 in 5 18 to 50 year olds lived with their parents, while 6 in 10 under 25 are still at home…

But for so many people who are stuck in this situation, living with family is their only hope of saving for a deposit and buying their first home.

El Keegan is a Photographer in this situation, and joins Seán to highlight the hidden housing problem…

What role should the President play in public life?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:19:00 +0000

As Ireland looks ahead to the next presidential election, we face an important question: what role should the President play in public life?

Traditionally, the office was seen as largely ceremonial, but in recent years, Irish Presidents have taken a more outspoken role on both national and international issues.

Some praise this as a fundamental approach, while others argue it risks blurring the boundaries between politics and the Presidency.

Joining Seán to discuss is Laura Cahillane, who is a Professor at the School of Law at the University of Limerick…

Long Kesh - what was life in a 1970s internment camp like?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:08:00 +0000

The University of Galway has unveiled a new digital archive revealing what life was like in an internment camp in the 1970s. The journals and photo albums were given to the college by Paddy McMenamin, who spent time in Long Kesh…

Archivist at the University of Galway Library, Dr Barry Houlihan has been pivotal in collating the material, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: University of Galway

Kristin Hannah on her recent book ‘The Women’

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is a multimillion bestselling author. Her recent book ‘The Women’, based during the Vietnam War and examining the role of American women in the conflict, was a huge success, with Warner Brothers buying up the filming rights. Other listeners will know her work from the hit Netflix show ‘Firefly Lane’ starring Katherine Heigl.

Author Kristin Hannah joins to discuss!

What are the office romance rules in Ireland?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:13:00 +0000

Over the past couple of months, a number of high profile corporate executives have either been fired or resigned over romances with their employees. But, what rules exist in Ireland in this area?

Joining Seán to discuss is Julie Galbraith, Head of Employment at Eversheds Sutherland law firm…

Will the Government pass the Occupied Territories Bill?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0000

The Irish Government is once again being urged to prioritise the Occupied Territories Bill.

This comes as a report was released today, signed by 80 humanitarian and faith-based organisations, saying that a ban on services must be included in the bill.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Conor O’Neill, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Christian Aid Ireland and Spokesperson for the campaign to pass the Occupied Territories Bill.

How did kids starting junior infants get on? - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0000

Around 60,000 kids from around Ireland started school for the first time recently. We decided to follow junior infants from their first day and then recheck on them to see how they got on.

Henry McKean joins Seán to share what he heard!

What is the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Ireland isn’t exactly overflowing with world champions, but we could potentially have a new one next week…

Emma Quirke is the world’s 3rd best Dissectologist, and a hot prospect at next week’s World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship!

She joins Seán to discuss.

Phill Jupitus on returning to the Galway Comedy Festival

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Marking the return of the Galway Comedy Festival, which takes place this October Bank Holiday, Seán is joined by Comedian Phill Jupitus!

Image: Off the Kerb Productions

Is there life on Mars?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:31:00 +0000

NASA’s Perseverance Rover has been on Mars since February 2021.

Its mission is to seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and regolith for possible return to Earth, and NASA announced on Wednesday night that it seems to have discovered something very interesting indeed…

Dr. Seán Jordan is Principal Investigator in the ProtoSigns Lab & Associate Professor in Biogeochemistry and Astrobiology at Dublin City University. He joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘Shrekking’ in the dating world?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:31:00 +0000

Have you heard the term ‘Shrekking’ before?

It seems to be the latest buzzword in dating, where women go on dates with men they consider to be much less attractive in a bid to be treated better…

But, does dating someone ‘uglier’ actually work?

Fiona Cooney writes a dating column for Evoke.ie, ‘No Sex and The City’ and she joins Seán to discuss.

Would you get a robot massage?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:15:00 +0000

While you might love the precision pressure of a massage, would you surrender your body to the tentacles of a robot masseuse? This is exactly what Seán's guest has done…

Madeleine Aggeler, Lifestyle and Wellness Reporter for Guardian US, joins to discuss.

How different are outdoor sculptures to indoor art?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:51:00 +0000

Ireland’s biggest sculpture event, Sculpture in Context, is currently taking place at the Botanic Gardens in north Dublin, with all the pieces located outdoors. But how different is outdoor sculpture to indoor work? Joining me now is artist Roisin de Buitlear, who is exhibiting at the event…

How three men in Cork delivered the news of Abraham Lincoln’s death

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:17:00 +0000

It was 160 years ago when President Abraham Lincoln was shot dead in a theatre in Washington DC. However, it took 12 days for this news to arrive in Europe. What is little known is the crucial role that three men in Cork played in the communication of this global news…

Joining Seán to discuss is Jo Kerrigan, author of ‘Stories from the Sea’...

Does it pay to be passive aggressive?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Offices can be notorious places for passive aggressive behaviour, as can people’s homes. But, can this type of action ever be truly effective?

Journalist Gwen Loughman has been writing about this in The Journal, and joins Seán to discuss.

What does a legal support boat do?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:16:00 +0000

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which is currently sailing through international waters towards the shores of Gaza in an attempt to break Israel’s illegal blockade is made up of dozens of boats.

One of those boats is the Shireen, a legal support boat, but what does a legal support boat do exactly?

Leigh Brosnan is an Asylum Barrister based in Dublin and a member of Irish Lawyers for Palestine. She is on board the Shireen now, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Freedom Flotilla

Developing Dublin, little by little

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:20:00 +0000

An underground metro service, a city centre lido - many impressive proposals have been suggested to transform life in the capital.

But while we wait for the finances, resourcing and energy to make such major projects happen, what smaller developments would make a big difference to Dublin city?

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Should you build a pond in your garden?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:22:00 +0000

While a garden pond might be something nice to look at, they are also a bountiful source for biodiversity. But, how do you build one, and what assistance is available from local authorities?

Joining Seán to discuss is Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather, who is this week marking the one year anniversary of his pond project…

Image: @CarlowWeather on Twitter

The history of Ireland’s great wives

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

"Behind every great man is a great woman" - or so goes the old cliché. Historically, the wives behind great men in history end up proving themselves to be even greater, but, because they were women, they didn't get that recognition.

Nicola Pierce, author of 'Great Irish Wives: Remarkable Lives from History' has been digging into the history of some of these women, and joins Seán to discuss.

How does the free children’s 'party kit' scheme work?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:22:00 +0000

A scheme which offers free party kits for children's birthdays has been rolled out across the country. But, how does it work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sharon Kielthy, Founder of Jiminy Eco Toys, who kickstarted the Party Kit Network in Ireland…

Image: Party Kit Network

Do we need balconies on apartments?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:21:00 +0000

You might have noticed that most new apartment blocks around the country are covered in balconies. But, are these mandated by councils, and at what cost? Do we really need them in a country where it rains so much?

Joining Seán to discuss is Seán O’Neill McPartlin, Director of Housing Policy at Progress Ireland…

What is ‘The West’?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Following last night’s shooting down of Russian drones in Polish Airspace, Poland has asked NATO to open consultations under Article 4 of its treaty, which states that members of the Western military alliance will consult together whenever any of them is threatened.

The incident is being seen as one of major concerns for ‘The West’.

But what is ‘The West’? Why are Poland in it? Are New Zealand and Australia, countries on the extreme east of the map, as we understand it, also part of “The West”?

Georgios Varouxakis is Professor in History of Political Thought at Queen Mary University of London and author of ‘The West: The History of an Idea’. He joins Seán to discuss.

What it’s like to jam with the President

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

As President Michael D Higgins prepares to leave the Áras later this year, he might be considering his next career move.

One possible option might be to return to being a touring poet.

Indeed, perhaps the first step in this career change happened at the weekend, when the President released a new poetry album with a live show in the National Concert Hall.

‘Against All Certainty’ is his debut collection of 10 spoken poems with music by Myles O’Reilly.

So what’s it like to jam with the President? Myles O’Reilly joins Seán to discuss.

How do you chronicle Ireland’s recent history?

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:50:00 +0000

Technically speaking, anything that is in the past can be categorized as history.

But, more often than not, historians deal with events that they exist at a great remove from.

That is not the case for Diarmaid Ferriter’s latest book ‘The Revelation of Ireland: 1995-2020’.

So, does chronicling recent events present a challenge for historians, and what can we say definitively about Ireland in the last 30 years?

Diarmaid Ferriter joins Seán to discuss.

What to know about improving your home’s energy rating

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:50:00 +0000

As a Senior Lecturer in clean energy at UCC, Dr Paul Deane knows a thing or two about energy efficiency...

But in reality, when you go from transforming a vacant home from a G BER rating to an A grade energy efficient house, you realise that the practical learnings are pretty major...

Dr Paul Deane joins Seán to discuss.

Will the EU’s Chat Control Regulations hurt privacy?

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:49:00 +0000

Last month, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan announced plans to introduce a bill that would attempt to tackle child sexual abuse and the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online.

The fact that the Government is committed to tackling this issue is also reflected in its support of the EU’s Chat Control Regulations.

But, do these steps compromise fundamental values and rights that the EU has committed to upholding?

Brian Honan, Chief Executive of BH Consulting, an independent advisory firm on cybersecurity and privacy based in Dublin, joins Seán to discuss.

Why is September a busy month for divorces?

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:49:00 +0000

September is one of the busiest months of the year for divorces, with couples in fractured relationships coming out of a summer spent together and realising that their marriage is broken…

Joining Seán to discuss this is Michelle Browne, Mediator and Divorce Consultant.

Why is Trump taking on architecture?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:37:00 +0000

Donald Trump’s latest executive order, entitled, ‘Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again’, is essentially a ban on any architectural style for civic buildings that isn’t representative of neo-classism.

Joining Seán to tell more is Emma Gileece, Architectural Historian.

Image: Reuters

How to deal with housing anxiety

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:29:00 +0000

With the enormous obstacles involved in buying a home in this country, housing anxiety can cause those who are searching for a home to feel anxious and low. Joining Seán to discuss this is Malie Coyne, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist based in Galway…

Should we have touchscreens in restaurants? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:06:00 +0000

Have you noticed a rise in touchscreens in take aways, petrol stations and mobile phone shops?

When you’re ordering fast food, would you rather stab a greasy touchscreen, or talk to a human being?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss!

John Gibbons on ‘The Lie of the Land’

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:05:00 +0000

John Gibbons is an Environmental Journalist and Commentator who is releasing a book called ‘The Lie of the Land’ about Ireland and the climate crisis.

John grew up on a farm and after over a decade of being in the climate landscape, he has a unique perspective on what needs to change…

He joins Seán to discuss.

Russia’s Intervision returns! What is it?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:15:00 +0000

While it might be a long wait until Eurovision in Vienna next May, fear not, because in two weeks time we will have Intervision, the Russian version! But, what is it all about and why is Putin bringing back the storied Eastern Block song contest?

Joining Seán to discuss is Richard Taylor, Writer for EurovisionIreland.net…

The oldest black hole ever may have been discovered!

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:14:00 +0000

A black hole that may have been spotted seconds before the big bang has been sighted by the James Webbs space telescope, which has the power to upend all the theories of the universe.

Shane Bergin, a Physicist and Assistant Professor in Science Education in UCD joins Seán to tell more.

What is ‘The Thing’?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:14:00 +0000

In 1945, just after the Second World War, a listening device dubbed as ‘The Thing’ was hidden within a piece of artwork and gifted to the US ambassador in Russia. The listening device remained in the ambassador's office for 7 years before it was found.

John Little, a 79-year-old specialist in counter-surveillance, has long been fascinated by the device, and even built his own replica of it. John went on to make a documentary about the device and the making of it, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why do we make fake memories?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:13:00 +0000

How reliable is your memory?

And would you ever admit to faking it? A new research project is set to analyse why we tend to fabricate false memories and just why our memory might be so unreliable and whether this is necessarily a bad thing…

Dr Gillian Murphy, Senior Lecturer at the School of Applied Psychology in UCC joins Seán to discuss.

AI psychosis is becoming a problem - what is it?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:01:00 +0000

As the increase of AI becomes increasingly frequent in our everyday lives, a new mental health concern is on the rise.

AI psychosis is a phenomenon characterized by distorted thoughts, paranoia or delusional beliefs reportedly triggered by interactions with AI chatbots.

Experts warn that the impact can be serious, ranging from social withdrawal and poor self-care to heightened anxiety.

Dr. David McLaughlan is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Priory and Co-Founder of Curb health. He joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘revenge quitting’?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:54:00 +0000

A new trend has been circling the internet called ‘revenge quitting’, this is where employees are resigning in spectacular fashion. From marching bands to making it public on TikTok, people have been doing it all.

Caroline Reidy, the Director of the HR Suite, joins Seán to talk about this trend.

Would you freeze yourself before you die?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0000

If you are despairing about the absence of evidence surrounding the existence of an afterlife, have you considered cryopreservation? There is currently only one facility in Europe that offers a service to freeze you for posterity.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Emil Kendziorra, Co-Founder of Tomorrow Bio in Berlin...

Image: Tomorrow Bio

Is breaking up over text okay? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0000

What is the etiquette around breaking up in 2025?

Is it in person, a DM, a text or a ghosting?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss!

Are we getting dumber?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:11:00 +0000

Did you notice that the world just didn't have its head screwed on right during the pandemic? Well, Stuart Jeffries did.

From Trump telling people to drink bleach and the party in 10 Downing Street, Stuart covered it all in his book ‘A Short History of Stupidity’. He joins Seán to discuss!

Why this Professor communicated her research through jazz

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:04:00 +0000

Over the past 3 decades, Florida’s oyster population has declined massively. So much so, that there has been a 5-year ban of harvesting oysters in America.

On top of this, wild oysters are functionally extinct around the world.

Professor Heather O’Leary, a Professor of Anthropology at St. Petersburg's University wanted to bring this to light in a way that everyone could understand: through jazz!

She joins Seán to discuss.

Do we engage in ‘performative prosperity’?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:39:00 +0000

Seán’s guest has just put in a beautiful shiny new kitchen in her house, but it has got her questioning the role of ‘performative prosperity’ in modern Ireland. Are we hanging our identities on superficial things too much?

Joining Seán to discuss is Orla McAndrew, a zero waste wedding and event caterer based in Cork…

Should we all send messages in bottles?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:11:00 +0000

The speed at which we can communicate in the modern world has many benefits for us all. It keeps us in touch with friends and family abroad, and allows us to access information from all around the world in an instant.

But, it can be a little overwhelming. Journalist Niamh O’Reilly decided to try to reach out in a different way at the start of this year: a message in a bottle. And now, she’s had a response.

She joins Seán to discuss.

How do you have fun at work?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:10:00 +0000

While most people are unlikely to associate their job with being fun, is there an argument to be made for approaching work in this way?

Joining Seán from New York to discuss is Bree Groff, author of ‘Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously)’...

Why is Germany pivoting to becoming a military superpower?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:10:00 +0000

The 2022 invasion of Ukraine pivoted Germany’s once discrete war machine to a star-studded spectacle.

With the glamour of an ‘upmarket car showroom’, a new shell factory (which will produce 350,000 shells annually) was launched using dry ice and a laser show.

Is this odd display of German militarism part of the zeitgeist?

Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent for the Irish Times, joins Seán to discuss.

What it’s like to raise trans children

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:09:00 +0000

Karen Sugrue is the Co-Chair of Mammies for Trans Rights, and she joins Seán to talk about the struggles and fear she has been facing, as she notices a shift in attitudes about her children…

How do you win the World Toe Wrestling Championships?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:05:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is fresh from his recent victory at the World Toe Wrestling Championships in Derbyshire, but how do you win this esteemed competition?

Ben “Toe Tal Destruction” Woodroffe joins to discuss!

What was the Nagrev poisoning crisis?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:25:00 +0000

In late December 1929 four Hungarian women went on trial for murdering their husbands.

This was a huge scandal in and of itself, but it turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg of what came to be known as the ‘Nagyrev poisoning crisis’.

Hope Reese is the author of ‘The Women Are Not Fine’, and joins Seán to discuss.

What are ‘portable’ coffee machines?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:23:00 +0000

With the cost of barista-made coffee rising considerably over the past year or so, more and more people appear to be turning to portable coffee machines. But, what are they and how do they work?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Ciara O'Brien, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Times…

Should we cycle more for our mental health?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:22:00 +0000

According to UNICEF, Irish teens are number one in academic performance, beating all other nations in the rich world. However, we rank only 24th in adolescent mental well-being…

In terms of both mental and physical health, we are far outpaced in both mental and physical health by the Dutch, the people who cycle incessantly.

So, should we take a leaf out of their book and hop on our bikes more often?

Aibhlín O’Leary, Head of Advocacy for UNICEF Ireland, joins Seán to discuss.

Did the Liverpool boycott of The Sun change voting attitudes?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:22:00 +0000

When the newspaper The Sun covered the Hillsborough Disaster, a tragic crush at a football match where 97 lost their lives, they wrongly blamed Liverpool supporters, and the city boycotted them. That boycott still exists today, but has it affected voting intentions and attitudes in the city?

Joining Seán to discuss is PhD Researcher in Political Science at Trinity, Lucas Paulo da Silva.

How can you safely land a plane without GPS?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:21:00 +0000

With the EU accusing Russia of ‘GPS Spoofing’, after Ursula van der Leyen’s airplane was allegedly targeted, what exactly is this form of electronic intervention - and how can an aircraft be landed safely without the use of GPS?

Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Byrne, retired Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety & Security Auditor…

The impact of the Public Dance Halls Act - 90 years on

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:38:00 +0000

This year marks the 90th anniversary of a piece of legislation which had a profound impact on the way people socialised in this country.

Joining Seán to discuss the Public Dance Halls Act of 1935 is Daniel Carey, a Post Doctoral Researcher at DCU…

Image: Irish Photo Archive

The evolution of the Irish restaurant menu

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:26:00 +0000

The traditional Irish hotel and restaurant menu has evolved enormously over the past four decades, with many homegrown staples, such as lamb and salmon, no longer featuring as costs rise.

Joining Seán to digest this is Paul Gallagher, Head of the Irish Hotels Federation…

Can Darwin explain JD Vance?

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:15:00 +0000

We all know Darwin’s Theory of Evolution - that we as humans all share a common ancestor. But, what else falls under the bracket of evolution? Is an iPhone a product of evolution? Or even JD Vance? Is everything evolving?

Joining Seán to explain is Mark Vellend, author of ‘Everything Evolves: Why Evolution Explains More Than We Think, From Proteins to Politics’.

Do you suffer from ‘friendflation’? - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:10:00 +0000

'Friendflation' is a new internet term, which defines the idea that it is too expensive nowadays to have too many friends, and all the dinners and nights out that go alongside it.

Is this something you suffer from?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he's heard.

Why has Limerick’s “bird shit district” become a tourist attraction?

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:09:00 +0000

We have had a huge amount of tourists visiting Ireland over the course of this summer, and generally they tend to frequent a lot of the same spots: the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Guinness Storehouse, etc.

However, a new (and slightly odd) tourism attraction has recently emerged in Limerick city, thanks to Blindboy Boatclub.

Fans of the author and podcaster have started flocking to Limerick’s “bird shit district”.

So, what is it? Blindboy Boatclub joins Seán to discuss.

Retracing Joyce’s steps from Ireland to Trieste

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

In 1904, James Joyce travelled from Ireland to Trieste by train, getting a little lost along the way. Now, the novelist Caoilinn Hughes has retraced Joyce’s journey in an attempt to understand the difference that over a century has made to this trip.

He joins Seán to discuss.

Is cultural criticism dying out?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

This week, the Chicago Tribune announced that it was scrapping its film critic position entirely. Is there a danger that cultural criticism is on the way out, as influencers take precedence with so-called ‘content’ rather than critical evaluation? Joining Seán to discuss this is Film Reviewer Esther McCarthy…

What is a ‘lavender marriage’?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:16:00 +0000

A lavender marriage is a marriage between a man and a woman. The catch? One, or both of them, is homosexual. In this scenario, why do these marriages happen?

Joining Seán to discuss is someone whose husband is gay, Samantha Wynn, based in Los Angeles.

The internet is good for seniors - why?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:08:00 +0000

A recent study has found lower rates of cognitive impairment among seniors who frequently use computers, smartphones, and the internet than those who avoid technology or use it less often, but why is this?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Brain HQ...

Should homebuyers be allowed a sleepover ahead of time?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:07:00 +0000

When you’re buying a new car, you’d be mad not to take it for a test drive. How else could you really know whether it’s the car for you?

Yet, when we buy a house, a much more expensive and longterm purchase we barely kick the tires. We may have one or two twenty minute visits before making the call.

There must be a better way. In America, more and more people are requesting a sleepover in advance of buying a property, but could that work here?

Estate Agent Owen O’Reilly joins Seán to discuss.

New documentary examines decline in Irish dolphin activity

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Dolphins have long made the waters off Ireland home, with the first record of a dolphin in Irish waters being recorded as far back as 752 AD. But in recent decades, dolphins have been coming closer to shore, and this isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Ken O’Sullivan is an Underwater Cameraman and Filmmaker, and has been recording the animals for over 20 years.

He joins Seán to discuss his new documentary covering the subject.

Does manifesting actually work? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

A lady was recently at a baby shower, and the mother to be was manifesting the sex of the baby, convinced it would work in her favour. Is this positive psychology actually borderline toxic on the basis there are some actual things that you can't possibly control or change?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Young people are more unhappy than the middle-aged, why?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:16:00 +0000

For decades now there has been a widely held belief among researchers that we are at our happiest in early adulthood, and then as we age into our middle age, we get more and more gloomy and unsatisfied with our lives.

But, new research suggests that for the first time in generations, the average 22-year-old is likely to be unhappier than their parents…

So, why then are younger adults struggling so much with their overall happiness?

Colman Noctor is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, and joins Seán to discuss.

New film documents past 20 years of mother’s relationship with son

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Seán’s guest has spent the past 20 years recording her relationship with her son Jim. The culmination of this longitudinal project is ‘Motherboard’, a film that will screen at the upcoming IFI Documentary Festival on Sunday September 14th, followed by a Q&A with Victoria and her son afterwards.

Victoria joins Seán to discuss.

New initiative aims to bring more life to local community

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:29:00 +0000

For many communities, there is a sense that as life gets busier some of the heart of the community can fade away; in Bluebell in south west Dublin, a new initiative is changing things and giving local people a safe place to go.

Dr Tommy Coombes manages the Bluebell Community Development Project, and coordinates the regeneration programme. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: https://bluebellcdp.ie

The reality of friendship in your 40s

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:19:00 +0000

When was the last time you got together with all of your oldest friends?

Friendship changes as we get older, and it can get harder and harder to prioritise time with pals…

Journalist and author Pat McCarry had great plans for his 20-year J1 reunion, but learned that life in your forties is very different to what you envisioned when you were footloose and fancyfree in your early twenties...

Pat joins Seán to discuss.

Are vintage engagement rings the next trend?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Will Taylor Swift change the engagement ring industry after sharing shots of her giant ring and romantic proposal with NFL player Travis Kelce?

Matthew Weldon is an Antique and Vintage Jewellery Expert, who owns Courtville Antiques. He joins Seán to discuss the history of engagement rings…

Image: @taylorswift on Instagram

Will a new EU pay transparency directive cut the gender pay gap?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

A new EU directive on pay transparency is going to change how open companies need to be about the salaries they offer to their employees, but what will this mean for cutting the gender pay gap?

Joining Seán to discuss is Deirdre Malone, Head of Employment at EY Law Ireland...

Why are some phrases so common in speech?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

It is very likely that someone has said “one hundred percent” to you when what they actually mean is “yes”, but why has this affirmation become so commonplace?

Joining Seán to unpack this is Gail Flanagan, Researcher in Applied Linguistics at the University of Limerick...

Around the World

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:22:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories…

Restorative justice for serious crimes

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:05:00 +0000

Restorative Justice is a voluntary process where victims and offenders, with the help of an impartial third party, meet to resolve repair the harm done by the crime committed.

While this process is available for ‘lower tariff offenses’, more serious cases aren’t always seen as eligible.

So why is that, and should it be more accessible?

Lecturer at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at UCD Professor Marie Keenan joins Séan to discuss.

Family dinner time under threat

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:49:00 +0000

Family dinner time seems to be increasingly under threat.

A survey carried out in the UK found a minority of people at the table, with 45% eating in front of the TV.

Hotelier, TV personality and author of Guide to Modern Irish Manners Noel Cunningham joins Séan to discuss.

Building your own tiny house

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:35:00 +0000

The cost-of-living and housing crisis have made life extremely difficult for the young people of Ireland.

Many have had to resort to emigration or living at home well into their thirties.

Paul Lawford, though, decided he was going to find another solution to the problem by building himself a tiny house from scratch.

Paul joins Séan to discuss how others can follow in his footsteps.

Can you fix a dodgy haircut?

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:23:00 +0000

At the US Open this week, the world number two Carlos Alcarez sported a new tight haircut.

He revealed in a post-match press interview that this was because his brother had tried to give him a trim but made a complete mess of it.

How often do barbers have to perform this corrective surgery?

Barber Phil Domino with Neighbourhood Threat on Fade St in Dublin joins Séan to discuss.

The new Irish Republican Brotherhood

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:05:00 +0000

Those with an understanding of Irish history will know the Irish Republican Brotherhood played a pivotal role in the country's politics from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

The IRB officially dissolved in 1924... or did they?

An organisation claiming to be the IRB still exists today, and Crime and Security Correspondent with the Irish Times Conor Gallagher has been writing about their activities.

Conor joins Séan to discuss.

Music to help babies sleep

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:47:00 +0000

When it comes to art, the preferences of adults and small children rarely coalesce.

Most parents are unlikely to choose to listen to Baby Shark in their spare time.

But is it possible to make music that keeps both cohorts happy?

DJ and Composer Graham Smyth’s latest album aims to do just that.

He joins Séan to discuss.

Hiring wolfhounds to walk - Henry McKean reports

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:32:00 +0000

In advance of the Oasis gig, Richard Ashcroft was spotted walking around Stephen’s Green in the company of some Irish wolfhounds.

But the dogs weren’t his – leading to the discovery that you can hire wolfhounds as part of a walking tour.

Pickled with jealousy, Henry McKean declared if it’s good enough for the former Verve frontman, it’s good enough for him.

Henry joins Séan to discuss.

Red Cross aid effort in Palestine

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:05:00 +0000

Last week, experts at the UN-backed body of food security increased the food insecurity level within Gaza city to its highest and most severe classification.

This officially proves that Gaza city and its surrounding areas are experiencing acute famine, despite the best efforts of aid workers and organisations

Head of International and Migration at the Irish Red Cross Niall O’Keeffe joins Séan to discuss.

Why are most cars grey now?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:44:00 +0000

Grey is by far the most popular choice for cars in this country, but why is this and why have we ditched the colour spectrum of the 70s and 80s?

Owner of Ashford Motors Nadia Adan joins Séan to discuss.

Tracking where clothes go when you recycle them

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:33:00 +0000

If you donate to a clothes bank, where do these clothes end up, and will someone even end up wearing them?

A project called Voice Ireland decided to track some donations, and found that many end up as far away as Africa or South East Asia.

Project leader with Voice Ireland Solene Schirrer joins Séan to explain why this happens.

Death of the traditional college student?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:22:00 +0000

More and more students are having to commute long distances due to the housing crisis, and having to hold down jobs while studying due to the cost-of-living crisis.

So, has the traditional idea of the student party life died out?

Deputy President of the DCU Students Union Lauren Joyce joins Séan to discuss.

Do you lie about your age?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:05:00 +0000

The idea of getting older is something that many of us struggle with, and some people prefer to keep how old they are a secret altogether.

TV star Kaye Adams recently confessed that she lied about being ten years younger for decades.

Kaye joins Séan to discuss her experience.

Is everything better with company? - Henry McKean Asks

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:44:00 +0000

A US study found that the smallest daily moments of company gain a lift from human connection. Is that true?

Henry McKean has been speaking with the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Cheshire restaurant launches menu curated by ‘Water Sommelier’

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:18:00 +0000

A restaurant in Cheshire in England has just launched its first ever water menu, curated by a dedicated Water Sommelier. But, what exactly does that entail?

That man, Doran Binder, joins guest host John Fardy to discuss his role.

Could an ancient cow’s tooth unlock the origins of Stonehenge?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:18:00 +0000

After careful analysis, the age-old mystery over exactly how the enormous monoliths at Stonehenge were lugged all the way from Wales to Wiltshire may at last be explainable.

Professor Jane Evans, Honorary Research Associate with the British Geological Survey, has been studying this, and joins guest host John Fardy to discuss.

Will AI change office culture?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Are you in the office every day, or do you have the luxury of working remotely?

And just how close are you with your colleagues? You might have met your other half at work - or do your coworkers drive you bananas with their annoying habits?

And how might AI change everything? Author Sylvia Leatham explores these questions in her debut novel ‘Chaos Theory’, and joins guest host John Fardy to discuss.

Are school uniforms outdated?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:16:00 +0000

It’s that time of year when an odd quirk of modern Irish society comes to light.

As our kids go back to school, we enter a period when our children are generally more formally clothed than the vast majority of the adult population.

So, are school uniforms, or at least the ones we currently use outdated?

Dr. Clare Moriarty has been writing about this in today’s Irish Examiner and joins guest host John Fardy to discuss.

So You Think You're an Adult

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Barbara Scully and Declan Buckley joins Sean to find solutions to listeners' life problems...

Joseph O'Connor - One City Many Stories

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Joseph O'Connor is among six Irish writers to share their thoughts on Dublin’s literary history and their own writing journeys in a new video series – Dublin, One City, Many Stories – from the Irish Writers Centre.

Mr O’Connor is the author of nine novels, including bestsellers Star of the Sea and Ghost Light.

Do people talk about their kids too much?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:42:00 +0000

Irish Times contributor Céire Sadlier joins Sean to explore why parents spend so much time talking about their children...

Parenting: Separation anxiety

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Joanna Fortune joins Sean to answer listeners' parenting questions...

What is ‘experimental archaeology’?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Experimental archaeology is a field of study within archaeology that focuses on recreating past technologies, activities, and environments to better understand how people lived in the past.

Sam Kean is the author of ‘Dinner with King Tut, How Rogue Archaeologists are Recreating the Sights, Smells and Tastes of Lost Civilizations’ and an Experimental Archaeologist who has spent the last 5 years going around the world and understanding how people lived in Africa to the Roman Empire and Mesoamerica.

He joins Seán to discuss.

How does leg lengthening surgery work?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:24:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is a Journalist based in Istanbul, and has spent time investigating the unusual world of leg lengthening surgery which clinics in the city provide.

Ruth Michaelson has been writing about her findings in the Guardian, and joins to discuss.

Should we actually eat the placenta?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

The DJ Calvin Harris has shared images of his wife’s placenta encapsulation to his 9 million followers on Instagram, in the aftermath of their son’s birth. But, how does placenta encapsulation work, and are there any real benefits to consuming this often-misunderstood organ?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dublin-based Doula, Krysia Lynch…

What exactly is ‘night swimming’?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:16:00 +0000

The past couple years, Ireland has made a big name for itself for its big wave surfing spots. With beaches such as Mullaghmore, Aileens and Bundoran becoming increasingly popular.

Al Mennie, a big wave surfer from Derry, plays a huge role in this, but recently he's taken up a different hobby…

Al Mennie, author of ‘Night Swimming: How to Swim Through the Darkness’ joins Seán to talk about night swimming, and what it entails…

Why are Lithuania training children to fly drones?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:15:00 +0000

The war between Russia and Ukraine has become something of a testing ground for military use of drones, and the lessons haven’t gone unnoticed elsewhere.

The Lithuanian government has just announced that they will be teaching over 20,000 people including children to construct and man such drones…

Lisa O’Carroll has been covering this story for the Guardian, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is a citizen's role in a democracy?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:15:00 +0000

With the Irish Presidential election coming up, normal everyday people are being urged to speak up for democratic principles. Elections are a charged environment, and a degree of misinformation and disinformation is inevitable.

On top of this, a Europe-wide survey reveals that fewer than 60% of young people in Europe believe that democracy is the best form of government, which suggests the foundational trust democracy relies on is eroding…

So, what is the cause of this, and what is a citizen’s role in a democracy?

Dr Eileen Culloty is the Assistant Professor in the School of Communications and Deputy Director in DCU’s Institute for Media, Democracy and Society, and she joins Seán to discuss.

Should we ditch the Mercator map?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:17:00 +0000

The Correct the Map Campaign is encouraging governments and organisations to stop using the Mercator Projection in favour of a map that more accurately represents land area.

Joining Seán to unpack this is Gerry Kearns, Geography Professor at Maynooth University...

Do you get FOMO? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:50:00 +0000

Why do many of us have the fear of missing out? What is it that makes us feel we need to be somewhere, and does social media magnify it?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘mankeeping’?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:35:00 +0000

While data shows us that women continue to carry the domestic burden in the home, a new phenomenon is gathering pace: ’mankeeping’. But, what is it, and how does it affect both women and men?

Joining Seán to discuss is Margaret Ward, Leadership Consultant and Irish Times Business Columnist, who has been writing about this…

How to look after your garden in the heat

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:31:00 +0000

Even with it being near the end of the summer, looking after your garden as it deals with high temperatures can be a challenge. So, what’s the best course of action?

Joining Seán to discuss is Garden Designer Peter Dowdall…

What is the EU’s relationship with China like today?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

This year marks 50 years of diplomatic relationship between China and The EU.

In 1975, just a couple of years after Ireland had joined what was the European Economic Community (EEC) at the time, the block opened up diplomatic relations with China.

50 years later, in a much-changed world, how is that relationship holding up?

Zhao Xiyuan is the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland and joins Seán to discuss.

Do cows like jazz?

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:24:00 +0000

Humans like Jazz. At least some of them do anyway.

But, do cows? It’s one of the great questions of our time, and the fine people on TikTok have been working night and day to find us an answer!

So what happens when you play jazz, or any other music for that matter, to cows?

Charles Goadby is a Dairy Farmer, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why has pretending to have a job become popular in China?

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:23:00 +0000

China’s youth unemployment rate has stayed stubbornly high since Covid, and is currently above 14%.

As a result, some young people have taken to pretending to have a job.

They are facilitated in this by The Pretend To Work Company, but what exactly is this company, and why are they so popular?

Professor Xiang Biao is Director of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology and joins Seán to discuss.

The good and the bad of growing up on O’Connell Street

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:23:00 +0000

Distant cousins of Danny DeVito grew up in the heart of Dublin City on O’Connell Street, and while the actor missed out on the hustle and bustle of Dublin’s fair city, some of his family remain there to this day.

On the second level of a five storey building on Lower O’Connell Street, artist Leo Divito grew up surrounded by family business, 8 kids and an “always busy house”.

Leo joins Seán to talk about the good and the bad of growing up on O’Connell Street.

Has dating become more transactional?

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:22:00 +0000

What were your first impressions of your partner?

And were you thinking about whether they were ‘MORTGAGE material as well as MARRIAGE material’ when you first met, or was it a matter whether you fancied the pants off them?

Columnist with the Irish Independent, Mary McCarthy feels that dating has become so much more transactional, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is there a shift towards renting debs dresses to be more sustainable?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:20:00 +0000

Some schools around the country have been taking a stand around the excess cost and waste followed by debs season.

But its not just the schools who’ve been veering away from typical debs traditions, many young people have been going alternative routes for debs fashion... From vintage dresses to rented suits, they’ re trying it all.

Terri Murphy Jones from Dublin Vintage Factory and The Big Smoke Vintage and Louise Lawlor from Rented Threads joined Fionnuala in studio.

The science behind reality TV and how it shapes our thinking

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:06:00 +0000

Reality television has been a point of contention for lots of people for many years, with many saying it promotes bad behaviour and not to mention the stress it brings upon the people participating in it.

But, new research by the BBC show that we could be wrong about reality TV.

Dr. Jacob Johanssen, is an Associate Professor of Communications at St. Mary's University London and was also involved in the reality show Embarrassing Bodies and he joined Fionnuala in studio

Gender gap in STEM subjects and the effect at third level

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:54:00 +0000

A studio has highlighted the stark gender gap in STEM subjects at Leaving Cert level.

Just over 43% of female Leaving Cert students studied another STEM subject outside of biology, such as agricultural science, applied maths, or construction studies. This compares to 70.3% when it comes to Leaving Cert boys.

Dr. Liz Coleman joined Fionnuala in studio to talk about the effects this has in third level education

So you think you're an adult

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:45:00 +0000

Declan Buckley and Amanda Brunker join Fionnuala in studio to offer up advice on problems big or small!

What literary references is Taylor Swift making with her new album?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:23:00 +0000

As excitement for Taylor Swift’s new album release reaches fever pitch, what do we know so far?

And just what literary references is Taylor making with her song titles?

Swiftie and Assistant Professor at the School of English in DCU, Dr Ellen Howley joins Fionnuala in studio to discuss the popstars upcoming album

Why sex education needs improvement

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:57:00 +0000

A study done by Galway University has called for ‘urgent action’ to address sex education in Irish schools after contraception use has dropped.

Dr. Andras Kolto, senior postdoctoral researcher at the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway joined Fionnuala in studio to discuss.

Summer in Dublin and the best swimming spots!

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:42:00 +0000

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean went out to hear when your favourite swimming spots are and what do to in Dublin in the Summer!

Calls for WhatsApp messages to be available during criminal investigations

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:23:00 +0000

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan recently announced plans to introduce a Bill that would require end-to-end encrypted messaging services, such as WhatsApp and Signal, to give Gardaí access to private texts and chats.

Simon McGarr is a Solicitor and Managing Director of Data Compliance Europe and he joins Fionnuala to discuss the possibility of this happening whilst protecting the privacy of the public.

Are we achieving a better work life balance?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Experts are declaring that people are choosing to ‘decentre’ their jobs from their lives and focus on a better work life balance in order to avoid burnout. And with a new report from the Department of Finance showing that people are working TWO AND A HALF HOURS LESS a week now than we were before covid, have our attitudes to work changed completely?

Career Psychologist and Author of Total Reset, Sinead Brady joined Fionnuala Jones in the studio.

What are the worst movies directed by actors?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Over the weekend, the UK Independent released a list of what they believe to be the worst movies directed by actors.

This list includes films like ‘Lost River’ by Ryan Gosling, ‘Charlie’s Angels’ by Elizabeth Banks, ‘The Beaver’ by Jodie Foster and much more.

But, are there some that are the outliers? Can actors direct? Or to go a step further, should some actors stick to directing?

Guest host Fionnuala Jones is joined by Film Critic, Journalist and Columnist Esther McCarthy to discuss.

What is in a name?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:22:00 +0000

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.”

Those of you who know your Shakespeare will immediately recognise that quote from Romeo and Juliet, but how much truth is there in it?

Is your name intrinsically part of your personality, or is it an incidental element of who you are?

Writer and Filmmaker Molly Furey has been contemplating this very question in today’s Irish Times. She joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

The discrimination sex workers face

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:29:00 +0000

New research by the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland has revealed that 3 out 4 sex workers started because they were in financial difficulty.

On top of this, migrant sex workers are facing major discrimination and marginalization when it comes to housing and trying to find some to stay.

Linda Kavanagh is the Communication and Advocacy Manager for the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland, and joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

Should we all start scrapbooking?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:22:00 +0000

If you’ve been looking for a new hobby, look no further!

Scrapbooking is making the rounds once again! More and more people are commemorating the little moments with everything from receipts, scraps or even concert tickets.

As well as remembering some core memories, scrapbooking has a lot of other benefits as well, including being a positive outlet for stress relief, enhancing your focus and improving your memory.

Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is author and Journalist, Aoife Barry and social media influencer James Kavanagh, both avid scrapbookers!

What are 2025’s biggest wedding trends?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:21:00 +0000

From giant engagement rings to vow renewals, the wedding business is booming, and one of the industries that is always influenced by celebrity culture.

But, what are the big 2025 trends and what in particular are couples embracing to make their special day extra special these days?

Wedding Expert Sara Kennedy, who runs The Aisle by Sara Kennedy, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

What is ‘Japanese walking’?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:21:00 +0000

A new walking trend has been gaining popularity online: Japanese walking. What many have been calling ‘high intensity walking’ is based on interval-style bursts of fast and slow walking.

So far, it has been showing promising health benefits and not to mention, very convenient. All you need is a stop watch and somewhere to walk.

Fiona Skelly, a Lecturer in Physical Activity and Health, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

Should you compliment strangers?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Most people would say that giving someone a compliment is a good thing.

But not everyone likes receiving a compliment, and often the context can turn a nice gesture into an awkward social moment.

So, should we be offering strangers compliments or is it better to keep your thoughts, even the positive ones, to yourself?

Pádraig Walsh is a Behavioural Psychologist and joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss.

Why Ireland’s coast is disappearing quicker than it should

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:05:00 +0000

Ireland's 7,500km coastline stretching from Donegal to Dingle is slowly but surely slipping away in front of our eyes…

Entire sections of our coastline are disappearing into the sea due to human activity and accelerated levels of climate change.

To talk further about this radical rate of coastal erosion, Seán is joined by Environmental Geographer Michelle McKeown.

How to look after your dog in a heatwave

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:04:00 +0000

While we may be basking in the good weather and enjoying the heatwave, experts are urging pet owners to take extra care, especially when bringing their dogs for a walk in the sun.

Dog’s Trust have called on owners to stay vigilant to avoid heatstroke, and joining Seán with more on this is Pete Wedderburn, AKA Pete the Vet.

Finding the time to enjoy silence (and why it's important)

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:38:00 +0000

Silence is something we often take for granted, we don't get to enjoy life without distractions nearly enough…

Although many believe that these moments in silence are ‘wasted time’.

To discuss his relationship with silence, Seán is joined by Psychologist and Founder of Jigsaw, Dr. Tony Bates.

Why Trinity turned their front lawn into a wild meadow

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:27:00 +0000

If you have walked past Trinity College Dublin in recent years, you’ll have noticed that the front lawn is no longer a pristine lawn of green grass, but rather a wild meadow.

At this time of the year in particular it can look a little unruly, and this has provoked the ire of a number of people, including the writer of today’s Irish Times Letter of the Day.

Collie Ennis is the Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin and joins Seán to discuss.

The history of Dublin’s queer pub scene

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:26:00 +0000

What was it like to be gay and going out in the 1970s and 80s?

Hana Flamm has been uncovering the Dublin queer pub scene, speaking to people about their memories and experiences as young gay people in those times.

She is documenting this in part of a series for GCN, where she is delving into the history of the scene, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: GCN

Should Ireland be an ‘AI island’?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Are we doing enough in terms of AI? And is our government really prepared for the monumental shifts set to happen as more and more companies use AI?

Well, what about the idea of positioning Ireland as an ‘AI island’ of expertise? This is something that is being proposed by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence. He joins Seán to discuss.

Children facing new school year uprooted from their homes

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:25:00 +0000

As we approach the end of the summer holidays, children all across the country will be going back to school, but for many children, this will look a lot different.

During the past few months, children and families in Direct Provision centres have been told to pack up and uproot their life. These forced transfers often result in families separated and children ending up in a new school every couple of years.

Cillian Quinn is the Policy and Programmes Coordinator of ActionAid Ireland, a charity that works with women and girls living in poverty, and he joins Seán to discuss.

Revising the relationship between Elvis and the Colonel

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:24:00 +0000

This week is the annual Elvis Week, marking 48 years since the passing of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, with many events taking place at Graceland, his iconic home in Memphis. While his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, has traditionally been portrayed as a Machiavellian character, a new book portrays him in a different light.

Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Guralnick, author of the new book ‘The Colonel and the King: Tom Parker, Elvis Presley, and the Partnership That Rocked the World’...

Is pornography a pathway to criminality?

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:25:00 +0000

The grim reality of the underbelly of the Internet is one of sexual exploitation, child abuse and offenders who trade off illegal pornographic content…

But, what can be done to tackle this, and are we doing enough to ensure that the internet is a safe place? And, just how difficult is it to report and enforce crimes in this area?

Mick Moran, CEO of the Irish Internet Hotline, and former Garda working in this area of law enforcement. He joins Seán to discuss…

New play explores Irish mass emigration programme

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:10:00 +0000

A new play, ‘The Robinson Experiment’, explores the extraordinary story of one of Ireland's mass emigration programmes during the 19th century.

Joining Seán to discuss is Cora Fenton, Producer at CallBack Theatre Company…

Image: CallBack Theatre

Would you like to live alone? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:10:00 +0000

Are we missing out by not living alone? One in five of us stick with a partner to keep living costs down and be under the same roof. What are the differences between going solo and pairing up?

Henry McKean has been speaking with the public for their thoughts, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should Ireland have a complete trade embargo on Israel?

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:09:00 +0000

The Occupied Territories Bill is winding its way through the Oireachtas.

Tabled originally in 2018, the bill would ban trade with the illegal settlements in the West Bank.

But, considering the ongoing actions of the Israeli government in Gaza, should Ireland consider a complete trade embargo on Israel?

John O'Brennan is Professor of European Politics at Maynooth University, and he has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner. He joins Seán to discuss.

Have saunas become the new pub?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:18:00 +0000

What are your plans for Friday night?

A whole swathe of people have skipped the pub, and instead are flocking to saunas with friends and forging connections with complete strangers as they sit and sweat together...

But, just why are saunas so popular, and are they really a new phenomenon in Ireland?

Rosanna Cooney, Journalist and author of ‘Sweathouse’, joins Seán to discuss.

Is there a ‘best’ way to cut a sandwich?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:16:00 +0000

You might not give it much thought, but the way you cut your sandwich can have an effect on how you enjoy it. Now, a man on social media is causing heads to turn with his unique ‘Y-shaped 3 cut’ sandwich technique.

Joining Seán to dissect this is Journalist and Food Writer, Shamim de Brún…

Why have sales of convertible cars declined?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Sales of convertible cars have slumped majorly over the past two decades. But, why is this, and are they not the epitome of cool anymore? Or, is it just because of the terrible weather in this part of the world?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dave Humphries, Motoring Journalist with CompleteCar.ie…

Does sex really sell magazines?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:15:00 +0000

The old maxim that ‘sex sells’ has been applied to many industries, but perhaps magazines is one of the most relevant. Seán’s guest was the Editor of UK Glamour Magazine for 17 years and has a unique insight into the challenge she faced between creating interesting content, and the reality that sex sold more copies.

Jo Malvin joins to discuss.

Is Google’s AI killing internet search?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:14:00 +0000

Since the dawn of the internet, the way in which we browse and search the internet has remained mostly the same.

In the past year that has changed, with AI summaries now appearing at the top of search feeds.

But, many websites utterly rely on you clicking on their feed for revenue. So, could these overviews be slowly killing the internet as we know it?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Lily Ray, Vice President of Search Engine Optimization Strategy and Research at the marketing agency Amsive.

New Palestinian cookbook showcases food culture and history

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:54:00 +0000

Seán’s guest, Izz Alkarajeh, is a Palestinian man who runs a popular restaurant in Cork with his wife Eman. They have now co-authored a new cookbook, and he joins, fresh from a visit to his family in the West Bank, to discuss.

‘Jibrin’ is available now to buy in Eason’s or online at izz.ie.

Image: Blasta Books

Why are people choosing to have dinner early?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:22:00 +0000

New data from the UK restaurant scene shows that more and more people are choosing to dine earlier, with the 6pm slot up considerably in bookings.

Joining Seán to discuss is Food and Drink Writer Ali Dunworth, who is a big fan of early evening dining…

Are lie-in holidays actually beneficial?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:22:00 +0000

Whether you’re planning a getaway or are just back from some time off, you might notice that you sleep better on holiday.

But, are those lie-ins really beneficial, and can you make up for all the lost sleep in a two week holiday?

Professor of Applied Psychology, Samantha Dockray from University College Cork joins Seán to discuss.

Mountjoy prisoners write book about how they ended up there

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Anyone serving time in prison has a story about how they ended up there - which can be used to help others from ending up in the same situation.

Senator Lynn Ruanne and Filmmaker Grace Dyas worked together to put those stories from Mountjoy prisoners into a book, and the Senator joins Seán to discuss.

Daniel O’Connell turns 250 - what is his legacy?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Today marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Great Emancipator, perhaps the most influential figure in Irish history, and an inspiration to equality campaigners around the world.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Patrick Geoghan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Presenter of Talking History on Newstalk, and a Biographer of Daniel O’Connell…

What support exists for drug and alcohol addiction?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:23:00 +0000

With cocaine addiction, particularly among women, on the rise and alcohol dependency remaining an ongoing issue – what support is out there for people in need of treatment?

As they publish their report revealing how many people are coming forward to access addiction support services, Tom Dunne is joined by Deputy Head of Services at Coolmine Therapeutic Community, Anita Harris…

How Oasis reached international stardom

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:19:00 +0000

The controversy and scramble last summer to get tickets for the upcoming Oasis gigs this month was probably a good indicator of just how beloved the band really is...

But, as we prepare for their gigs in Croker, Tom Dunne’s guest spent time with the band in their early days, and has written a book detailing their meteoric rise to international stardom.

John Robb, author of ‘Live Forever’, joins to discuss.

Does Gen Z have a bad approach to money?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Recent research undertaken by Ernst & Young shows that Gen Z has a significantly different approach to finance than previous generations. But, why is this, and will it make them vulnerable in the future?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is David Looney, Financial Advisory Director of Alpha Wealth in Cork…

80 years since Hiroshima’s nuclear bombing

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:17:00 +0000

On the 6th of August 1945, US bombers dropped the first nuclear bomb, nicknamed ‘Little Boy’, over the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

80 years later, guest host Tom Dunne is joined by Ronan McGreevy, Journalist and Historian, to walk through what happened, and the legacy of the bomb today.

Women taking partners’ surnames - are Gen Z bringing it back?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Traditionally in this country, a bride would have taken her new husband’s surname upon marriage. While this doesn’t happen as much nowadays, are Gen Z women now taking up the tradition again?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Saoirse Hanly, Columnist with the Irish Independent…

Why did John Wilkes Booth kill Abraham Lincoln?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:15:00 +0000

A new book has shed light on Abraham Lincoln’s murderer, the infamous John Wilkes Booth.

While Booth is thought of as a crazed, lone killer, author Scott Ellsworth’s new book, ‘Midnight on the Potomac’, reveals the gunman’s true personality, and the political connections that fuelled Lincoln’s assassination.

Scott Elsworth is a New York Times best-selling author, writer and Historian, and he joins Seán to discuss.

How does step-parenting coaching work?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

After celebrity Katherine Schwarzenegger got engaged to Hollywood actor Chris Pratt, she sought the advice of a step-parenting coach to help her with the transition to a blended family. So, how does this type of therapy work?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Sandra Schmidt, a Relationship and Parenting Trauma Therapist based in Kerry…

Why do we love retro football shirts?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:15:00 +0000

As the new Premier League season is set to kick off in around 2 weeks time, some of the biggest clubs will be trying to flog you their newest and latest football shirts.

But, should you buy a retro one instead?

In recent years classic football shirts have exploded in popularity, with them selling for many hundreds and in some cases thousands of euro.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to explain is Nigel Taylor, owner of Onsidejerseys.ie.

How does gerrymandering work?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Over the weekend, a rather odd thing happened in Texas.

Dozens of the state’s Democrat Representatives decided to up and leave.

But why? And was this a great act of peaceful resistance, or a treasonous betrayal of democracy?

Gina London is an International Communications Strategist & Trainer, and a former Award-winning CNN correspondent. She joins guest host Tom Dunne to explain.

Can being more macho help you to find yourself?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:14:00 +0000

Tom Dunne’s guest, Senior Features Writer with The Telegraph, George Chesterton, went on a bold, sometimes bloody, often brambly quest to reconnect with his masculinity, or perhaps just his sense of self, through four primal activities: deer stalking, butchery, foraging, and axe throwing.

Amid a “feminised household,” teenage daughters, and midlife drift, he found himself longing for something more grounded, elemental, and visceral than a round of golf or a city commute. So, he got his hands dirty (literally) and discovered something deeper than manliness: presence, purpose and peace.

He joins to discuss!

What is ‘bathroom camping’?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:13:00 +0000

Anyone with small kids will know about those sneaky escapes to the bathroom to get a moment’s peace, but the trend of so-called ‘bathroom camping’ is now something that people do on a night out and even in the office.

Kirsty Blake Knox, Columnist with the Irish Independent, has been writing about this phenomenon, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Enormous stick insect discovered in Australia

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:22:00 +0000

A new creature has claimed the title of Australia’s heaviest insect…

The discovered stick insect was very difficult to capture, but is proving fascinating to Entomologists.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Angus Emmott from James Cook University in Australia…

Would you build your home with hemp?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Hemp is used for many things in the world, but did you know that it could be one of the solutions to the climate crisis?

The plant can be used to make building blocks, and one of the biggest suppliers of them is based here in Ireland.

Ronan McDermott is the owner of Hemp Build, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

What it’s like to play in the Poc Fada

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:20:00 +0000

On Monday, the annual Poc Fada will take place up the Cooley Mountains in North Louth.

The sport has ancient traditions in Irish history, but it wasn’t until the early 1960s where the competition as we know it today developed.

So, what is it like to play in the Poc Fada?

Joining Tom Dunne to explain is Brendan Cummins, former Tipperary hurler, who holds the record for the most Poc Fada wins.

How the music festival has changed

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:20:00 +0000

With festival season kicking off in earnest this weekend with All Together Now, guest host Tom Dunne is joined by Journalist Pat Carty to discuss ahead of it - and much more!

What was the impact of showbands in Ireland?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:01:00 +0000

While today marks the 50th anniversary of the Miami Showband Massacre, a new book explores the extraordinary impact the showbands had on Irish society more broadly, from the pleasure they brought to Irish people’s lives during the dull economic landscape of mid-century Ireland, to the new ways of dancing that they ushered in…

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Rebecca Miller, Author of ‘Are You Dancing: Showbands, Popular Music, and Memory in Modern Ireland’.

Why does Australia celebrate Christmas in July?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:49:00 +0000

Christmas is a good bit away from us, but down under in Australia for many, especially in Sydney, Christmas isn't just celebrated in December, but also July!

The tradition apparently has Irish roots, with it originating from 6 Irish men walking into an Australian hotel.

Garry Crockett is former owner of the Mountain Heritage Hotel in Sydney, and he joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

How does outside world contact impact isolated tribes?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

If you’re a fan of Star Trek, you’ll be familiar with the concept of the ‘Prime Directive’. Put simply, the idea is that you avoid contact with people who haven’t reached your level of technological development.

This is more or less the approach of governments that still have uncontacted peoples living within the borders of their country today.

But, what do you do when initial contact has already been made? How do you manage that situation without creating a catastrophe?

John Reid is a Freelance Writer working with the Guardian on a series about uncontacted peoples and author of ‘Ever Green: Saving Big Forests to Save the Planet’. He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The Cost of Dating - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Gen Z adults in the States, those currently in their teens and 20s, are becoming more frugal about what they spend on dates as they deal with higher living costs, according to a Bank of America survey. Is it similar here?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to share what he’s heard.

Meta is banning political ads - a good thing?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:17:00 +0000

In October, the EU’s Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) regulation will come into force. The aim of the regulation is to ensure transparency when it comes to political ads on social media.

But on Friday, Meta announced that they’re banning political ads altogether.

So, is this a victory or a loss for the EU’s new regulations?

Clare O’Donoghue Velikić is the Director of ODV Digital, a digital consultancy for the political and campaigning sector, based in Dublin. She joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Oyster swallowing competition making appeal for women competitors

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:20:00 +0000

This Friday will see the annual Oyster Swallowing Competition take place, as part of the Ballylongford Oyster Festival in Kerry. The festival is struggling however to attract women competitors and is currently calling all female oyster enthusiasts to participate…

Joining Seán to discuss is Marie Hanrahan O’Neill, PRO of the Ballylongford Oyster Festival…

Who do house hunters really trust?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Are you a first time buyer desperately house hunting in a housing crisis?

According to a report from Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, prospective home owners don’t have much confidence or trust in estate agents or sellers, and instead turn to family and friends to get information when going through the process.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Ciaran Mulqueen from the Crazy House Prices social media pages.

How does manipulation work?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:17:00 +0000

To discuss this, Seán is joined by Cass Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard and Author of ‘Manipulation: What It Is, Why It’s Bad, What to Do About It’.

Image: Cambridge University Press

The history of the Sacred Heart

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Thousands gathered at Knock Shrine in Mayo last month for a ceremony where the Archbishop consecrated Ireland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

While the image of the Sacred Heart is nowhere near as popular as it once was, it is clearly still very important to Irish people today.

Professor of Ecclesiastical History at St Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Salvador Ryan, joins Seán to explain the history of the iconic image.

Ireland’s ‘Blue Flag Beach Challenge’

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Sea swimming has become all the rage in recent years and there are more than a few lovely places to engage in it this summer.

Ireland has 98 Blue Flag beaches in all. How many have you swam at?

Well after being faced with that question, Biddy Hughes and Orla Leahy decided to swim all 98 to raise money for the RNLI.

They’re currently on the northwest leg of the challenge, and Biddy Hughes joins Seán to discuss.

You can donate here - https://www.gofundme.com/f/sea-fillies-fundraising-for-the-rnli

Image: Achill Island

Starvation in Gaza and helplessness - from an Irish perspective

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Many of us will have seen photos and images of starving children across our social media feeds and tv screens in the last number of days, as warnings that Gaza is slipping into a famine are echoed across the world.

This comes as figures estimate that more than 60,000 people have died in the war…

Joining Seán to discuss this is John Whyte, Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza.

What it’s like to be an Interpreter

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Irish artist Jenny Brady’s new film, ‘The Glass Booth / An Both Gloine’, explores the worlds of interpretation and communication.

Chris Guichot de Fortis is an Interpreter working for a Brussels-based defense organization, and one of those people interviewed. He joins Sean to discuss.

Image: Project Arts Centre

Can you stop aging by just ignoring it?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Can you really turn back time? Well, what about by just not ever acknowledging how old you are?

56-year-old Mariah Carey has come out to say that she “doesn’t allow ageing” and that is what keeps her young...

Really?

Consultant Physician in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Ronan Collins, joins Seán to discuss.

How gross is the airport?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:22:00 +0000

You might be looking forward to a holiday at this stage in the summer, but if you are taking a trip abroad, just how gross is the airport?

And, should you be wiping down the plane before you get comfortable?

Anna Burns, Microbiologist and Nutrition Scientist, joins Seán to discuss.

Why does Chinese Guinness taste so wrong?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:21:00 +0000

While the many Irish pubs in China do a decent trade in Guinness, a major overhaul of where Chinese Guinness is brewed is getting people worried, and even threatening businesses.

Joining Seán to discuss is Denis Staunton, China Correspondent of The Irish Times.

Where are all the hand salutes in cities?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Often in the Irish countryside, motorists and pedestrians will offer a finger or hand salutation on passing each other. This is something that doesn’t happen nearly as often in the city.

Tina Pisco, Columnist with the Cork Echo, has been writing about it, and joins Seán to discuss.

Experiencing and dealing with psychosis

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Seán’s guest suffered a mental health episode during lockdown while living in Italy. Diagnosed as psychosis, a condition she wasn’t familiar with, her journey out of it has been a challenging task.

Joining to discuss is Lisa Callaghan, an Ambassador for Shine, the mental health charity…

Samaritans 24/7 Freephone Helpline - 116 123

The rich folklore within the Irish Traveller community

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Due to historical discrimination, the culture of the Irish Traveller community is not well known or understood.

But, the minority's heritage is steeped with rich folklore stories, including one which explains how the bogs of Ireland were formed!

Oein DeBhairduin is a Traveller activist and writer of ‘Why the Moon Travels’. He joins Seán to discuss.

What happened to DB Cooper?

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:40:00 +0000

On the evening of November 24th 1971, a man held a plane to ransom for $200,000, then parachuted out in his suit and dress shoes, never to be seen again.

DB Cooper had apparently pulled off one of the great heists in American history.

But, who was he and what happened to him?

Marty Andrade is the Author of ‘Finding DB Cooper’, and joins Seán to discuss.

Does your job define you? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

A quarter of us stick to core office hours and go home at 5 on the dot. What does your job say about you? And does it define you?

Henry McKean has been finding out, and joins Seán to discuss.

What will be the future of the Scouts in Ireland?

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

The Scouts, a vast youth organisation with thousands of members across the country, is attempting to offer a roadmap to our young people using more traditional methods.

Joining Seán to discuss is Sean Sheahan, CEO of Scouting Ireland…

Image: Scouting Ireland

How do Russia’s ‘kamikaze’ drones work?

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Last night, Russia sent another barrage of 300 kamikaze drones into Ukraine, a campaign they have ramped up by a factor of ten over the past 12 months. But, how do these drones work, and why are they favoured by both sides in the conflict?

Joining Séan to discuss is David Hambling, Journalist and Author of 'Swarm Troopers: How small drones will conquer the world'...

Who was Lafcadio Hearn?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

We live in a country famed for its writers - this is the land of Joyce, Wilde, Beckett, Shaw and many more. We know these names.

But, one name you might not be familiar with, which is very famous elsewhere, is that of Lafcadio Hearn.

An exhibition running in Farmleigh House based on Hearn’s 1904 book Kwaidan is aiming to teach Irish people more about his world renowned and most famous book.

Paul Murray is the author of ‘A Fantastic Journey: The Life and Literature of Lafcadio Hearn’. He joins Seán to discuss.

Are we witnessing the death of TV?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

The cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show has rocked the television industry, but what does it tell us more broadly about the decline of TV?

Joining Sean to discuss is Adrian Weckler, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Independent…

What is an ‘AI couples retreat’?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

A couples retreat is a staple of a relationship - the chance to get away from the responsibilities of life with a loved one. Now, imagine that, just with your phone…

Joining Seán to discuss these AI couple retreats is Science Journalist and Senior Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, Sam Apple.

What makes people indifferent about sport?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:15:00 +0000

With two All-Ireland weekends in a row, for those who are not into sports, it can be a rather alienating time. So, what is it that makes some people sports mad and others so indifferent?

Jennifer Horgan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner, has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

What are the best live album recordings?

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Were you unable or unwilling to fork out a gajillion Euro for one of Oasis’s dynamic tickets?

Well fear not, the now even wealthier Manchunian rockers have decided to throw you a bone in the shape of a live version of Cigarettes and Alcohol, recorded on their current tour.

So, is it any good? And where does it rank in the pantheon of great live recordings of the past?

Broadcaster Dave Fanning joins Seán to discuss.

Why has there been a reduction in aid commitments globally?

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:17:00 +0000

The 40th anniversary of Live Aid happened recently.

This great moment of global solidarity precipitated a decades-long increase in aid spending from across the developed world, but in recent years, that pattern has reversed.

Why has this happened, and how can we redress the balance?

Dominic MacSorley is Humanitarian Ambassador for Concern Worldwide and joins Seán to discuss.

What is the ‘toy library’?

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:16:00 +0000

With her house full of plastic toys that her child had gotten too old for, Seán’s guest decided that something needed to be done that would allow parents to share unwanted toys and help reduce plastic waste.

Joining to discuss is Georgia Anile, Founder of the Toy Library...

Blackspots for footpath parking - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Gardaí issued just over 900 fixed penalty notices in Dublin in the first six months of the year, with Finglas and Ballymun being the worst offenders. Why is this such a problem?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

New ringfort excavation tells more about ancient Irish society

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Excavations at a ring fort overlooking Galway Bay have revealed that it was home to some of the most prominent members of ancient Irish society.

So, what does it tell us exactly?

Joining Seán to discuss is Michelle Comber, Head of Archeology at University of Galway.

Image: @DiscoveryProgramme on Facebook

The Irish group delivering decommissioned vehicles to Ukraine

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:21:00 +0000

A group from Kilkenny recently returned from their 6th transcontinental convoy, delivering decommissioned commercial and public vehicles to the frontlines in the war-torn country, but how does the project work?

Joining Seán to discuss is is Jim Harding, Co-Founder of the Kilkenny Ukraine Group…

‘Dinosaur fish’ seen to be in Irish waters

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Have you heard of a sturgeon fish?

With a recent sighting of a fish previously thought to be extinct in Irish waters, what is this ‘dinosaur fish’, and why is it important for our aquatic ecosystem?

Anja Murray, Ecologist, Irish Examiner Columnist and author of ‘Wild Ireland’, joins Seán to discuss.

Being the world champion of doing nothing!

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:17:00 +0000

The International Space-Out Competition is an annual event that judges who is the best at doing… nothing! But, how is that decided, and what is taking part in the event like?

Joining Seán to discuss is Amelia Lumley, Puppeteer and winner of the 10th International Space-Out Competition.

How domestic filming locations are found

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:16:00 +0000

When you’re making a movie, how do you find the perfect location for a scene? Is it in a house ten minutes down the road, or on the other side of the country? And, could you make money renting out your own home?

Joining Seán to discuss the process of sourcing filming locations is Peter Conway, Location Manager and Scout.

The growing issue of child poverty in one parent families

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:14:00 +0000

A lot of parents are finding it hard to make ends meet as the rising cost of living hits, but one parent families are particularly impacted.

Most poor children live in one parent families, and 6 in 10 families living in emergency accommodation are children with lone parents.

So, with back to school costs looming and still more long weeks of school summer holidays ahead, how are parents coping on their own?

One Family CEO, Karen Kiernan, joins Seán to discuss.

The role of romance in Irish Literature.

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:12:00 +0000

Who doesn’t want to live happily ever after?

The important role of romance fiction in Irish Literature is being explored in a new exhibition, which has opened in the Museum of Literature Ireland.

Seán is joined by the Curator of Happy Ever After and author of ‘Modernism in Irish Women's Contemporary Writing: The Stubborn Mode’, Professor Paige Reynolds, to discuss this further...

Image: MoLI

The moving statue in Ballinspittle - 40 years on

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Forty years ago today a 17-year-old local girl, Claire O’Mahony, saw the statue of Our Lady, in the grotto just outside Ballinspittle at Sheehy’s Cross, move.

This incident began a sequence of events that saw thousands of people visit the town, widespread media coverage both at home and abroad and at least 30 other similar sightings elsewhere in the country.

Colette Sheridan is a Freelance Journalist who reported on the event at the time and has been writing about it in the Irish Times. She joins Seán to look back on this time.

How do we define Irishness?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:27:00 +0000

What we consider the markers of Irishness can be something of a fraught question, but one thing that we’re somewhat famous for is our accent.

So, what is it like to be Irish but not have the accent?

Kate Kerrigan is the Author & Performer of a new show on this subject called ‘Am I Irish Yet?’ She joins Seán to discuss…

Image: Circus250

Why is there no practical driving test for tractors?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:22:00 +0000

There is currently no practical driver training or test for tractors in Ireland. Paul Daly, a Fianna Fáil Senator and farmer, is calling for this to change, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why is July 22nd unusually short?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Often, some days feel longer or shorter than others, but today, July 22nd, is actually literally shorter than others.

Why is that?

Shane Bergin, Physicist & Assistant Professor in Science Education at UCD, joins Seán to discuss.

Calls made for dedicated animal crime unit

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:20:00 +0000

The My Lovely Horse Rescue group believe that there is an animal welfare crisis taking place in Ireland currently, and are calling on the Government to introduce a dedicated animal welfare and crime unit.

Joining Seán to discuss is Martina Devlin, Co-Founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue…

Are some people just bad at texting?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Are you a terrible texter? Or are you sick of sending messages and seeing the blue ticks and then waiting days for a reply?

When it comes to texting, is there a specific etiquette, and is not texting back just plain rude? Or are some people just bad texters rather than inconsiderate people?

Chartered Registered Counselling Psychologist, Niamh Delmar, joins Seán to discuss.

What is the ‘Stop Killing Games’ movement?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:07:00 +0000

A movement called ‘Stop Killing Games’ is trying to convince the EU to introduce new rules so that consumers have more rights in relation to the digital assets they own. But, what exactly is the problem?

Joining me now is Tech journalist and columnist with the Irish Times Emmet Ryan…

Image: stopkillinggames.com

Why Drogheda United has links with Turkey

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:06:00 +0000

If you’re a League of Ireland football fan, you may have noticed that the Drogheda United crest has a star and crescent on it, much like you would see on the flags of many Muslim-majority countries.

And, a recent social media post from TurkeyToday has been highlighting this fact.

So, what’s the connection there?

Joining Seán to discuss is Conor Hoey, Director with Drogheda United Football Club.

Has the nightgown become popular again?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

From Parker Posey in ‘The White Lotus’ to Megan Stalter in ‘Too Much’, the nightgown is having a moment. But, how did such an old-fashioned garment become fashionable again?

Joining Seán to discuss is Journalist and Fashion Expert, Laura Mullett…

What is inside this million year old ice?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:16:00 +0000

The world’s oldest ice cores have just arrived in the UK after a journey all the way from East Antarctica.

Scientists will soon begin melting this ice in an attempt to find out what the world was like 1.5 million years ago.

But, what can melted old water really tell us about the Earth of the distant past?

Dr. Liz Thomas is the Head of Ice Core Research at the British Antarctic Survey, and joins me now…

Image: @britishantarcticsurvey on Instagram

What rules do you have for house guests? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Amal and George Clooney have a no phones rule for guests, their policy is to allow a safe and frank conversation. So, what rules do you have for your house guests and how long is too long for someone to stay?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been talking to the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Has cocaine use in Ireland been normalised?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:09:00 +0000

Has cocaine become completely normalised?

A new report published by the Department of Health has highlighted that cocaine users are now older and better educated than ever before. The typical cocaine user is changing as older people embrace the party drug.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Professor Colin O'Gara, Addiction Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St. John of God Hospital…

Julie Jay and Colm O’Regan on the comedy work-life balance

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:29:00 +0000

Comedians Julie Jay and Colm O’Regan join Seán in Lighthouse Cinema to talk all things comedy, and the work-life balance that is needed in their careers.

Julie Jay and Colm O’Regan will be performing at the Paddy Power Comedy Festival this weekend. For more information go to ppcomedyfestival.com.

Liz Nugent on her latest book ‘Strange Sally Diamond’

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Seán’s guest’s latest book, ‘Strange Sally Diamond’, went straight to number one in Ireland.

Liz Nugent, one of Ireland’s foremost crime writers, joins live in Lighthouse Cinema to discuss!

Lost onion basket revived in local community

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:31:00 +0000

A traditional Irish basket for collecting harvested onions had been lost to history, until Seán’s guest managed to recreate one so accurately that it is now being celebrated by those in Kerry who remember the original.

Joining to discuss is Diane Southey from Saille Baskets in Kerry...

Do you make an effort to speak the language abroad?

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Do you make the effort when you are abroad to speak the language?

Even just a ‘gracias’ or ‘merci’ can go a long way.

So, are we good at attempting to speak another language (despite mispronouncing the words) or do we end up just increasing our volume in English?

Travel Writer Joan Scales joins Seán to discuss.

How do we define our own identity?

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Who are you?

When someone asks you that question what first springs to mind? Your nationality? Your job? Your sexual orientation? Your religion?

How useful are these concepts in actually describing us, and should we even be identifying as any of these things?

Alexander Douglas is the Author of ‘Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping the Self’. He joins Seán to discuss.

Why did Mallorca ban splitting the bill?

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

‘One bill per table’ - that’s the new rule being rolled out across all restaurants in Mallorca to stop tourists bickering over the bill and wasting staff time.

Surely splitting the bill can’t be that hard for restaurants, or can it?

Chef and Restaurateur in Galway, JP McMahon, joins Seán to discuss.

Pilot discusses quitting due to climate concerns

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Seán’s guest used to be a pilot with a major airline before he developed ‘eco-anxiety’, causing him to quit flying. He now features in a new documentary entitled ‘Guilt Trip’.

George Hibberd joins to discuss.

The story behind the thriving Japanese Irish music community

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:01:00 +0000

You may be aware that the Taoiseach was on a state visit to Japan last week.

What you may not know is that Japan has something of a thriving community of traditional Irish musicians, who are indigenous Japanese, with no ancestral ties to Ireland.

Rieko Yamashita is the Chair of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann Japan, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: John John Festival

How philosophy helps you make sense of the news

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:35:00 +0000

What can philosophy teach us? And just how can applying philosophical logic help when assessing major news stories and global conflict?

Co-Founder of Hear Listen, a community based philosophy project, Dr Robert Grant joins Seán to discuss.

165 year old post office closes in Kerry

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Nora O’Connor has been the Postmistress in Ballyduff in Kerry since 1984, after her family ran the post office there since the 1860s when the Penny Black was first introduced. This month, the doors have finally been closed for the last time.

Nora joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Google Maps

Is there forgotten treasure in your attic?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Whether it's been tucked away and forgotten about, or left to you through inheritance - the humble attic could be containing treasures right above your noses!

Joining Seán to discuss is Sara Kenny, owner of Sara Kenny Fine Art.

What is ‘dynamic pricing’ in supermarkets?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Does the price of barbecue food go up when the weather is good? And should you be stocking up on certain household items at particular times of year?

With the cost of groceries continuing to go up, people are feeling the pinch now more than ever.

Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Caitriona Redmond, joins Seán to discuss.

Did ‘No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish’ signs actually exist?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:15:00 +0000

While over a million Irish people emigrated to the UK during the 20th century, the narrative over these people’s experiences varies, with the mythology surrounding the ‘No blacks, no dogs, no Irish’ signs often contributing to the way we perceive this great migration. But, is there any evidence that these signs actually ever existed?

Joining Seán to discuss is Journalist Michael Murphy, who has been writing about this for the Daily Telegraph…

How to prevent and deal with an ingrown toenail

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:04:00 +0000

Getting an ingrown toenail during the summer can be a real pain, if you want to be in sandals and flip flops during the good weather. So, how do you prevent one, and what can be done if it's too late?

Joining Seán to discuss is Podiatrist Niall Donaghue, from the Cure Spa Clinic in Dublin, who has all the grisly details…

Long-awaited Defamation Bill passed - was it the right idea?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Last week saw Ireland's long-awaited Defamation Bill passed in both the Dáil and the Seanad.

However, not everyone is satisfied that the bill is sufficient to prevent so-called SLAPP cases and therefore to protect free speech.

Jessica Ní Mhainín is Head of Policy and Campaigns at Index on Censorship. She joins Seán to discuss.

€1 houses in Italy - what’s the catch?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Every so often you’ll spot those headlines about derelict homes going for one euro in Italy, and you might ask yourself if the dream matches the reality. However, some people who do the scheme end up spending far more money, so what does life in rural Italy really look like?

Stephanie Woods Barry, who runs a travel instagram @stephmylife bought in Abruzzo with her husband, and she joins Seán to discuss her experience.

Would you have a pet tarantula?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

1,500 illegally traded tarantulas were recently seized by officials in Cologne Bonn airport. But, how dangerous are tarantulas, and are they still popular as a pet? Joining Seán to discuss is Michel Dugnon, Principal Investigator of the Venom System Lab at the University of Galway…

What is ‘music therapy’?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

In an upcoming talk at the Sugar Club in Dublin on August 20th, Dr Shane Cassidy, a Music Therapist and Director of Neurolinks, will discuss how music can be used to help people with neurological conditions. But, what exactly is the link between the brain and music?

Dr Cassidy joins Seán to discuss.

Trump and the ‘Madman Theory’

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Is Trump really a madman, or is he simply following in the footsteps of Richard Nixon and acting out the Madman Theory in International diplomacy?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, Michael Desch.

Image: Reuters

Why Ireland is failing with marine preservation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:02:00 +0000

There are calls for the government to follow through on the promises made to ensure marine preservation and the protection of our ocean environments.

It is vital for marine life to be protected and for more on this, Seán is joined by Ecologist Pádraic Fogarty...

Should cars ditch touchscreens and go back to buttons?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:23:00 +0000

With cars relying more and more on touchscreen technology, is there a growing safety concern, and is it time to return to good old-fashioned buttons?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ger Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent…

How are phobias passed down to your kids?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:12:00 +0000

While you might be scared of spiders yourself, you probably don’t want to pass this fear onto your kids, so how do you manage the transfer of phobias?

Joining Seán to discuss is Rebecca Quinn, Principal Psychologist at the Tree House Practice in Dublin…

How happiness changes with age - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:11:00 +0000

What age are we at our happiest, and does it surprise you that happiness can dip in your mid-forties, especially in women?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been happily investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

How Temple Bar went from urban miracle to disaster

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:11:00 +0000

When Seán’s guest moved into his flat in the middle of Temple Bar in 1996, this historic and recently regenerated part of Dublin was a bohemian and cultural mecca. Frank MacDonald has been writing in the Irish Times about how it transformed into a very different beast over the decades, forcing him to sell up and move out of the city altogether.

He joins to discuss…

The untold story of the Yeats sisters

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:08:00 +0000

Almost anyone who grew up in Ireland will have encountered the poetry of WB Yeats at some point in their education. His brother, Jack B Yeats, was an acclaimed painter who took home Ireland’s first ever Olympic medal, winning the silver for art in 1924.

But, they weren’t the only siblings in the Yeats family, nor were they the only Yeats children to be highly acclaimed.

Lyndsey McDougall is a Singer with New Pagans and Art History lecturer at Ulster University. She joins to discuss.

Image: Trinity College Dublin

Why has Ireland’s temperature record been held for 140 years?

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:08:00 +0000

With most countries’ highest recorded temperatures having occurred in the 21st century, Ireland is very unusual. Ours occurred in the 19th century, a record that still stands 140 years later.

Joining Seán to discuss is John O’Sullivan, from the Climate Services Division of Met Éireann...

Neil Jordan on how the movie industry has changed

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:07:00 +0000

Filmmaker and Writer Neil Jordan joins Sean ahead of his appearance at the West Cork Literary Festival to talk about his career, memoir, and the ever-changing film industry.

Neil Jordan is in conversation on Monday July 14th at 8.30pm in The Maritime Hotel in Bantry. For tickets and more information go to www.westcorkmusic.ie/literary-festival/.

Should we rely on AI to referee sports?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:28:00 +0000

Tennis fans watching Wimbledon in the last week will have been up in arms at the issues with the AI electronic line calling system which was brought in for the first time for this year’s tournament.

With players and spectators suitably annoyed after high profile malfunctions in the last number of days, Host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, Elaine Burke, joins Seán to explain exactly what is going on, and just why new technology is not always reliable…

Exhibition to look back on the life of Michael D Higgins

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:52:00 +0000

There has been much discussion about who the next President may be, and who will put their name in the hat, but as part of this year’s Galway International Arts Festival, they have curated an exhibition looking back at current President Michael D Higgins - and all he has done in public life.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Artistic Director of the Galway Arts Festival, Paul Fahy…

Image: Galway Arts Festival

Being childless by choice

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:27:00 +0000

It’s much more common for people to decide not to have children than it would have been even a few decades ago, but still there are plenty of people who might try to dissuade from such a course of action.

A major consideration is loneliness in older age and in something that our next guest addresses in her new book.

Helen Taylor is the author of ‘Childless by Choice: The Meaning & Legacy of a Childfree Life’. She joins Seán to discuss.

The search for Ireland’s biggest 99 - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:27:00 +0000

As the Irish summer is finally here with temperatures reaching a possible 30 degrees, we sent Henry McKean to try and find the best and biggest ice cream. He visited Curran’s Service Station Ross Cross on the Old Dublin to Navan Road, near Tara County Meath, who sell foot-long 99s for €3.30. He sent this report.

What to do if you need to rehome your dog

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Getting a dog is a massive life decision, and while people may go into it with the best of intentions, the reality of providing a good home for a pet can be quite different.

One of the so-called stars from Made in Chelsea this week revealed that he had decided to rehome his dog because his lifestyle as an influencer was too busy for the pup he had brought into his life. This raised valid criticism from fans and followers...

But, practically speaking, what is the process to rehome a pet given there are situations where it may no longer be possible to keep a dog?

Seán is joined by Maciej Trojanowicz, Rehoming Centre Manager with Dog’s Trust, to discuss…

Why the housing crisis is a European-wide issue

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:25:00 +0000

New guidelines that will lift restrictions on apartment sizes and the number of one-bedroom units allowed in a development have been before Cabinet this week, as the Irish government seeks to tackle the housing crisis.

Ireland is by no means the only European Government struggling with this issue, but is lowering the cost for developers a good way to solve the problem, and why are we seeing housing crises across the western world?

Tim White is Research fellow at Queen Mary University of London and the London School of Economics, and joins Seán to discuss.

How your personality type influences your workout

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:05:00 +0000

Are you a gym bunny who loves sweaty high intensity classes with a group, or are you a marathon-loving running loner?

New research published by experts at University College London has found that your personality type influences what exercise workouts you prefer.

So, does it add up? Fitness Coach and Comedian Enya Martin joins Seán to discuss.

What can be learned from how we handled Covid?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:05:00 +0000

The Independent Covid Evaluation Panel aims to understand the extent of the damage from the Covid-19 pandemic, and take those learnings for advice on preparation for the next potential epidemic. So, what has been learned?

Nat O’Connor, Assistant Professor of Social Policy in UCD and a member of the Independent Covid Evaluation Panel has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner, and joins Seán to discuss.

How does Dublin Airport manage peak travel in the summer?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Is your summer holiday booked, and will you be travelling through Dublin Airport in a bid to escape Ireland for a break away abroad?

Given record passenger numbers, Aer Lingus have suggested that travellers drop their bags the night before to avoid long queues when checking in luggage... but, how is the airport coping with so many people during this exceptionally busy period?

Spokesperson for Dublin Airport, Graeme McQueen, joins Seán to discuss.

What is wild hurling?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Huge crowds converged on Croke Park over the weekend to witness the spectacle that is the All Ireland Hurling semi-finals.

Hurling is much loved here and is starting to gain exposure abroad as well with the BBC showing the matches live, but for most of us, it is something to be watched rather than played.

Hurling requires a very specific skillset that can take years to master, but former Wexford hurling captain Diarmuid Lyng is trying to re-connect people with the joy of actually taking part in one of the ancient aspects of our cultural heritage by engaging them in wild hurling.

So, what is wild hurling?

Diarmuid Lyng joins Seán to discuss.

The detrimental impact of ‘choking porn’

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:26:00 +0000

You’re probably aware that pornography is having a major impact on our culture and sexual practices.

There are many sinister elements to this, but among the most worrying is the prevalence of violent sexual practices among young people, in particular, strangulation.

So, is it time for a blanket ban on so-called ‘choking porn’?

Ruth Breslin is the Director of The Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute. She joins Seán to discuss.

Campaign launched for Wexford village to have its own playground

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:25:00 +0000

The community in Castlebridge, Co. Wexford, a town of 2,000 people, is currently campaigning to get their first playground. But, why is it such a struggle, and do we need a new approach in Ireland, so that we see playgrounds as a necessity rather than a privilege?

Joining Seán to discuss is local mother and campaigner Lucie Revay, who comes originally from the Czech Republic…

The lack of gender parity in music festival lineups

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:59:00 +0000

With many of the biggest musical acts in the world being solo women, we were told earlier in the year to prepare for “Pop Girl Summer”.

But, it appears that some of the Irish music festivals don’t seem to have gotten the memo…

Aoife Barry is a Freelance Journalist and Arts Columnist with the Sunday Times. She joins Seán to discuss.

Being homeless on arrival in Ireland

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:53:00 +0000

Being homeless is undoubtedly a terrible experience, and unfortunately it is one that too many people in this country are familiar with. But, there are organisations out there providing hope for people, and it is sometimes possible to come out the other side.

Allen Bobinac is the Manager of the Lighthouse Homeless Cafe in Dublin, and lived on the streets of the city for a year. He joins Seán to discuss.

Why it’s important to read to your children

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:53:00 +0000

According to a new report from Children’s Books Ireland, more than 1 in 5 Irish children under the age of four are not being read to. So, what are the benefits of reading aloud to your children?

Joining Sean to discuss is Leona Forde, Children’s author, best known for her popular Milly McCarthy series of books…

Should we put wind turbines in our back gardens?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:52:00 +0000

Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, is proposing the relaxing of regulations so that people can build wind turbines in their back gardens. So, should we be doing the same here?

Joining Seán to discuss is Environmental Journalist John Gibbons...

The cost of Irish Unification

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Irish Unification is a very emotive subject and often quite personal issue.

It can often be quite difficult to evaluate the various reasons people have for being for or against it.

But, one argument that often arises that is somewhat more measurable is the economic impact for all concerned.

So, just what would be the cost of unification?

John Doyle is the Vice President for Research at Dublin City University, and joins Sean to discuss.

How to deal with bored teenagers during the summer!

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:21:00 +0000

The summer holidays are long, especially for our teenagers who often sit outside the traditional models of summer camps and the like. What do you do when a lot of options are either too expensive or just non-existent in the first place?

Joining Seán to discuss is Journalist Jen Hogan, who has been writing about this for the Irish Times…

What is ‘time blindness’?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:21:00 +0000

One of the symptoms of ADHD is time blindness, but how does this differ from poor time management?

Joining Seán to discuss is Nicola Coss, ADHD Ireland National Service Development Manager.

Excavation of Tuam mother and baby home to begin

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:20:00 +0000

The excavation of the Tuam mother and baby home site has been hailed as “A light at the end of the tunnel” according to the families affected.

Anna Corrigan is down in Tuam all week and ahead of a public press statement from the Tuam Babies Families Group this afternoon she spoke to us today...

Anna believes her two brothers John and William Dolan may be buried there…

She joins Seán to discuss.

Why does cheese give us nightmares?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:08:00 +0000

A new study has examined the link between the consumption of cheese and bad dreams, and more broadly the relationship between problem foods and dreams. Joining Seán to discuss is Tore Nielson, Neuroscientist at the University of Montreal and Director of the Dream and Nightmare Lab.

Are we looking at a future of nuclear armament?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Beginning on June 13th and ending with a ceasefire on the 24th, the recent Israel/Iran conflict may have been relatively short lived, but its consequences will likely be long felt and widespread.

Could they even perhaps precipitate the collapse of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?

John O'Brennan is Professor of European Politics at Maynooth University, and he has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner. He joins Seán to discuss.

The folklore around animals and the weather

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:19:00 +0000

How many times have you looked at your weather app when it’s raining, only for your phone to insist that you’re actually mistaken and the sun is splitting the rocks!

This didn’t happen in the past. Back in the good old days, you could be sure of the weather by just taking a look around you.

If the hills seemed far away, then the weather would be good. If the cat sat with its back to the fire, then the weather would be bad. Simple!

Kelly Fitzgerald is the Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore in UCD. She joins Seán to discuss the origin behind some of these weather phrases.

Why Ireland needs mother and baby psychiatric units

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

With Ireland remaining an outlier on an EU level when it comes to mother and baby psychiatric units, what efforts need to be made in order to ensure that this issue gets resolved?

Joining Seán to discuss is Krysia Lynch, Chair of the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Service Ireland…

Is cycling without hands illegal? - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:18:00 +0000

A cyclist has claimed that he was given a ticket by a City of London Police officer under the Human Rights Act for cycling no handed. But, here in Ireland what is the law for cycling without holding onto the handlebars?

Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should sunscreen be classified as an ‘essential product’?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:17:00 +0000

With temperatures set to soar to 28 degrees later this week, many listeners will be paying top dollar for expensive suncream products. But, should the VAT be removed from suncream and should it be reclassified as an ‘essential product’?

Joining Seán to discuss is Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist…

Movies and Booze

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:05:00 +0000

Jean Smullen joins Moncrieff with two wines for the weekend. Chris Wasser reviews Jurassic World and Cronenberg’s The Shrouds, while Fionnuala Jones has the latest showbiz stories.

After the sad passing of Michael Madsen and the creative change-up for the next season of The Last Of Us, there's plenty in the news to discuss (and plenty of wine to taste.)

Listen here.

Going Grey With Pride

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:05:00 +0000

Helen O’Rahilly, Former television executive with the BBC, joined Moncrieff earlier to speak about her decision to ditch the dye and go grey – little did she realise quite how eagerly she would take to it.

Listen here

Sports Stars and Jewellery

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:55:00 +0000

Two tennis players at Wimbledon have lost jewellery during play this week, with top player Coco Gauff dropping an earring mid-backhand and another’s bracelet smashing into smithereens on the grass.

So, what are the rules and why do so many pro athletes wear bling on court?

Orla McElroy, Sports editor for Irish Mail Newspapers joined Moncrieff to discuss.

Listen here.

Poop Cruise

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:55:00 +0000

A new documentary taking Netflix by storm charts the most miserable cruise of all time, as a breakdown in electricity and plumbing led to a nightmare in the Gulf of Mexico in 2013.

James Ross, director of ‘Trainwreck: Poop Cruise,’ spoke with Moncrieff on the disaster in the cruise ship.

Listen here.

Making The Switch to a Dumbphone

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:35:00 +0000

Could you ditch your phone in favour of an old-school Nokia "dumbphone?"

In a bid to cut her screentime and curb all the distractions of Whatsapp and social media, Sex Educator Jenny Keane has made the move to a dumbphone and she says she’s never been happier...

Listen here to find out why.

Why Actors Are Being Brought Back to Life on Screen

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:15:00 +0000

A few days ago, Vin Diesel announced his conditions for him agreeing to make an 11th Fast & Furious movie... one of those was that his and Paul Walker’s characters would be reunited.

Only one problem with this: Paul Walker died 12 years ago.

So how would digital resurrection work in this case and is it a good idea?

Film Critic, Esther McCarthy joined Moncrieff earlier to discuss.

Why Climate Change is Making Wine More Alcoholic

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:10:00 +0000

John Wilson, Irish Times wine critic, joins Moncrieff to explain how rising global temperatures are affecting grapes .

Could this be why your favourite wine is now stronger than it used to be.

Listen here.

So, You Think You’re an Adult

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:58:00 +0000

Declan Buckley and Barbara Scully join Moncrieff to tackle another round of listener dilemmas.

From moving on from your ex to feeling lost after quitting your job, get all your adult woes answered by the gang here.

Beat the Lotto

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Ross Whitaker, director of Beat the Lotto, joins Moncrieff to talk about his new documentary exploring the time when a syndicate attempted an elaborate scheme to game the National Lottery in 1992.

Thew film will be available in cinemas from Friday 4 July.

Listen here.

Irish Cancer Society Warn Cancer Rates Could Double by 2045

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, joins Moncrieff to explain why the organisation is warning of a potential doubling in cancer cases by 2045 — and what must be done now to prevent that outcome.

Listen here

Campervan Culture in Ireland’s Tourist Hotspots

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

NewsTalk's Henry McKean reports from campsites across the country, talking to tourists and campervan owners about the growing popularity of van life, the pressure on facilities, and how locals feel about the surge in this "mobile tourism."

Listen here.

Crying at Work

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

On the back of Rachel Reeves' public showing of emotion in the UK Houses of Parliament, Lynda Barry, career consultant, joins Moncrieff to talk about the rising trend of workplace vulnerability — especially crying at work.

Listen here.

The Future of the Luas

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Paolo Carbone, Head of Light Rail Capital Programs with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, joins Moncrieff to talk about what’s next for Dublin’s Luas.

Expansion plans have been revealed as part of the Luas 2050 Project, and Paolo describes what areas will be part of the network.

Listen here for more.

Parenting on Moncrieff

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Psychotherapist Joanna Fortune joins Moncrieff to respond to listener parenting dilemmas.

From giving praise to dealing with early insecurities and more.

Listen here to get your parenting questions answered.

Iran’s Grand Strategy

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:35:00 +0000

Moncrieff is joined by Vali Nasr, author of Iran’s Grand Strategy – A Political History, to discuss Iran’s long-term geopolitical ambitions, its regional influence, and how recent global shifts, from war to ceasefire, are playing into Tehran’s strategy.

Listen here

What Belongs in the Fridge

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:12:00 +0000

Denise O’Donoghue, Life Hacks columnist for the Irish Examiner, joins Moncrieff to sort — once and for all —what should go in the fridge and what you’re ruining by refrigerating.

With the temperature rising over the Summer, you may be surprised at some of the goods that should be in the fridge as we creep on temperatures exceeding 30 degrees.

Listen here.

Nee-Naw

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:57:00 +0000

A new service is being launched this week to provide support to people who feel unsafe or unwell during a night out in Dublin city centre.

Known as the ‘Nee-Naw’ van, it has been launched by Dublin City Council, and supported by the Department of Justice, as a late-night welfare initiative.

Moncrieff is joined by Ray O’Donoghue, Night-Time Economy Adviser for Dublin City (also known as the Night Tsar) to discuss the initiative.

Listen here.

The Downside of Being a Digital Nomad

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:55:00 +0000

Freelance journalist, Emily Bratt, joins Moncrieff to talk about the less glamorous side of working remotely around the world — from tax chaos and loneliness to the burnout and even the tinge of hedonism that comes with such a lifestyle.

Listen here for more.

Historic Offences Bill

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Tonie Walsh, founding editor of Gay Community News, joins Moncrieff to discuss the introduction of the Historic Offences Bill, which seeks to expunge convictions under now-repealed laws that criminalised LGBTQ+ people in Ireland.

Men in Ireland were being sent to prison up until the 90s, many of these convictions remain on their records.

Listen here.

The Evolution of The Simpsons’ Voices

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:12:00 +0000

Jesse Hassenger, culture writer for AV Club and The Guardian, joins Moncrieff to explore how the voices of The Simpsons characters have changed over the decades — and why we didn’t really notice until recently.

Listen here.

Why People Are Being More Honest About Plastic Surgery

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Kerry Hanaphy, founder of Kerry Hanaphy Aesthetic Clinics, joins Moncrieff to discuss how she's noticed people are being much more open about plastic surgery and how attitudes are changing across demographics.

Listen here

Getting Out of a Reading Rut

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Saoirse Hanley, journalist with the Irish Independent, joins Moncrieff to talk about reading fatigue and how an online tool which suggested books based on colour might help you get out of a reading rut... sort of.

Listen here

Blood Donation Call-Out for the Summer

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, joins Moncrieff to make an urgent appeal for summer donations, with stocks dangerously low across several blood types.

Listen here

Celebrity Perfume Endorsements

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:15:00 +0000

On the back of Donald Trump's own fragrance drop, Moncrieff is joined by Sarah Halliwell, beauty editor at The Gloss Magazine, to examine the enduring power of celebrity-endorsed perfumes.

Listen here,

World's Most Dangerous Shipwreck

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:10:00 +0000

One of the most dangerous and closely observed shipwrecks in the world has been sitting in the Thames Estuary in London for 80 years.

But why is it so dangerous and what should be done about it?

Joining Moncrieff is David Alexander, Professor of Emergency Planning and Management at the University College London.

Listen here.

Can AI Really Remove Emojis from Kids’ Faces on Social Media?

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:05:00 +0000

Jess Kelly, NewsTalk Tech Correspondent and host of Tech Talk, joins Moncrieff to explain a new AI tool designed to detect and strip out emojis placed over children’s faces online.

It also raises further questions about the power of AI in holding our data and the ethical concerns that raises in itself.

Why Dog Poo on Beaches Is the Worst

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:25:00 +0000

Éanna Ní Lamhna, Irish biologist and environmental consultant, joins Moncrieff to explain the serious environmental and health consequences of dog fouling on beaches — from water pollution to the risk it poses to children and its sheer difficulty to deal with when we don't clean up dog foul after ourselves.

Listen here

Why We Refuse to Eat Insects

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Dr Dustin Crummett, Executive Director of the Insect Institute in Washington, joins Moncrieff to discuss why Western countries still resist the idea of eating bugs — despite environmental and nutritional benefits.

Will the general attitudes ever change, or has that process already begun?

Listen here.

A Year In the Woods: Montalto through the Seasons

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Paul Clements, A well-known nature writer has released a new book about the year he spent living in a cottage on the grounds of a County Down estate; Montalto.

He joins Moncrieff to discuss the process and sights of living in such a beatiful setting.

Listen here.

TV on the Radio

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:50:00 +0000

Sarina Bellissimo joins Moncrieff with her picks for what to stream. On the list thsi week:

Ironheart – a Marvel spin-off bringing a new tech genius into the MCU, Smoke – a new Nordic noir with a female detective twist, and, of course, The Bear season three of the hit familial/culinary drama returns with more pressure, tension and emotion.

Listen here.

Old Irish Censuses Recovered

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Brian Gurrin, census and population specialist with the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland project, joins Moncrieff to explain how old Irish census data — once thought lost — has been partially reconstructed, offering a rare window into Irish life, pre-civil war.

Listen here

Phoenix Revival

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

After a long campaign, the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle was saved from destruction by Cillian Murphy and Yvonne McGuinness.

Aoife Granville from the Save The Phoenix Campaign joins Moncrieff to discuss the next plans for this iconic location.

Listen here.

Puffin Snorkelling

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:10:00 +0000

Travel journalist James Stewart joins Moncrieff to talk about one of the world’s most niche nature experiences: Puffin snorkelling.

He explains where to do this 'undercover puffin activity,' what it’s like, and why this quirky adventure is gaining popularity.

Listen here

Baths Are Back

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:55:00 +0000

NewsTalk's own Sarah Madden investigates the resurgence of the humble bath.

Why did we start such an uptake of the shower, and why, in certain circles, the bath may be making a comeback.

Listen here.

Streaming Kneecap's Set

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:50:00 +0000

Helen Wilson joins Moncrieff to describe how her livestream of Kneecap's Glastonbury set blew up online.

Listen here.

Presidential Terms

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Sean Defoe, NewsTalk'sPolitical Correspondent, joins Moncrieff to discuss a proposal for changing the length of presidential terms in Ireland.

Should the seven-year term be shortened? And where exactly did such a term-length come from?

Listen here

Movies and Booze

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Michelle Lawlor, Brian Lloyd and Fionnuala Jones join Moncrieff for your weekly dose of wine, film, and showbiz.

This week it's F1: The Movie, Ran — Akira Kurosawa’s epic retelling of King Lear with wines from the Penedès region of Spain — including Pardas 'Negre Franc' and Maria Casanovas Cava Gran Reserva.

Plus; Beyoncé in Paris, celebrity break-ups, and other weekend streaming picks.

Listen here.

The Longest Tennis Match Ever

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

With Wimbledon just around the corner, former amateur tennis player Liam Hoctor joins Moncrieff to relive an epic 55-hour tennis marathon in Tullamore Tennis Club.

Listen here

Installing an Outdoor Shower

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Jen Sheahan, former Home of the Year winner and columnist with the Irish Examiner, joins Moncrieff with practical and aesthetic advice on adding an outdoor shower to your home.

Could this be a new trend taking over in the coming years? Get your dos and don'ts here.

Robocats

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Mark Greenhill, Mayor of the Blue Mountains in Australia, joins Moncrieff to explain how robotic cats are being used in the Blue Mountains library — offering comfort and companionship to dementia patients, and helping kids stay calm in cases of anxiety.

A novel solution to help with loneliness and isolation too, could we see it rolled out elsewhere?

Listen here.

Five Times a Best Man

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:35:00 +0000

Francis Nesbitt, joins Moncrieff to share stories from being a best man five times — the pressure, the speeches, the stag dos (and don'ts)

Get all the inside knowledge here.

How Our Fingers Wrinkle in the Bath?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:05:00 +0000

Nick Davis, neuroscientist and psychologist at Manchester Metropolitan University, joins Moncrieff to explain why our fingers get wrinkly in water — and why it might actually be a useful evolutionary trick.

Listen here

Younger People Shouldn't be in Nursing Homes

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Fiona Staunton, Director of Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland, joins Moncrieff to argue why younger people with early onset or chronic illness need specialised housing and care, not placement in nursing homes alongside the elderly.

People as young as 30 are being placed in nursing homes where the needs of their illnesses are not being met.

Listen here.

So, You Think You’re an Adult?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:45:00 +0000

Declan Buckley and Barbara Scully join Moncrieff to tackle your adult dilemmas.

From a 'too' secretive partner to a new man that announces himself "too loudly" in the group -- so to speak.

Listen here.

Are We Too Affectionate with Our Pets?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Has Ireland's love for pets has gone too far?

With insights from pet owners, kids, a vet and even a pet bonding specialist, NewsTalk's Henry McKean reports on if our obsession with animals is bordering on 'too much.'

Listen here

What Actually Causes Potholes?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:10:00 +0000

Dr Ciaran Feighan, civil engineer and consultant with Pavement Management Services Ltd. joins Moncrieff to explain how potholes really form, why Ireland struggles with them, and what we should be doing differently to maintain our roads.

Listen here

American Mother

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:25:00 +0000

Author Colum McCann, joins Moncrieff to talk about his latest book American Mother -- the true story of a woman whose life was transformed by grief and forgiveness in the aftermath of her son’s murder.

The novel is now being turned into an opera and joins Moncrieff to tell the story.

Listen here

How the brain invents your own reality

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 15:16:00 +0000

How does the brain perceive a situation which is new to us? A newly-released book explores how the mind fills in the gaps.

Joining Seán to discuss is Daniel Yon, Director of the Uncertainty Lab at Birkbeck University in London and author of ‘A Trick of the Mind: How the Brain Invents Your Reality’...

Image: Cornerstone Press

Ireland’s trade relationship with Israel is bigger than you think

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:33:00 +0000

According to an Al Jazeera report, Ireland is the second biggest importer of Israeli products.

And, with the Tánaiste bringing the outline of the Occupied Territories Bill to Cabinet yesterday, is our government's talk over Israeli actions in Gaza at odds with our actual economic relationship with the country?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Patrick Brodie, Assistant Professor at the School of Information and Communication Studies at UCD.

Image: Reuters

The chance of an asteroid hitting the Moon rises - but why?

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:32:00 +0000

The chances of an asteroid hitting the Moon in 2032 have been ratcheted upwards as new data becomes available.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Space Commentator, Leo Enright…

What does the “real” Iran look like?

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:31:00 +0000

Given recent events and the bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States, we can have a tendency to let headlines dominate our perception of these countries and their people.

Tomás Mac an t-Saoir is a touring cyclist who has cycled all around the world.

Last year he cycled around Iran and found the experience profoundly insightful.

He joins Seán to discuss.

The different meanings of saying “I love you”

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:31:00 +0000

How often do you hear the words "I love you"? Previously heard in a more romantic context, it seems to be used more and more in daily life, and is it losing meaning because of that?

Joining Seán to discuss is Céire Sadlier, Contributor to the Irish Times.

Would you take an AI tour of Dublin?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Would you take an AI tour of Dublin? What even is that, and is it any good compared to having a real tour guide?

Joining Seán to discuss is Liam Coates, Local Democracy Reporter with the Irish Independent.

How to deal with cow sunburn

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:36:00 +0000

While us humans are busy plastering on the suncream when the weather is good, spare a thought for our bovine friends who are just as vulnerable.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Eamon O’Connell, Vet at Summerhill Vet Clinic in Nenagh and Columnist with the Farming Independent…

The effect Tattle Life has had on its targets

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:35:00 +0000

In light of the recent successful defamation case against the online gossip site Tattle Life, the owner of the site has finally been revealed. But, what effect has it had on the people it targeted?

Journalist Aoife Moore has been covering the story, and has herself been a victim of abuse on the site. She joins Séan to discuss…

What does American cuisine look like?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:34:00 +0000

When you think of America, you generally think of bigger, louder and more brash - and such is the case often when we reflect on US cuisine; super-sized burgers, stacks of waffles dripping in maple syrup and adorned by battered and deep-fried buffalo chicken strips. But, what really is the staple food of our US cousins, and how much of it is influenced by immigrant cultures?

Felicity Cloake, is a foodwriter and author of the book, ‘Peach Street to Lobster Lane: Coast to Coast in Search of American Cuisine’. She joins Seán to discuss.

Could you go a year without sex?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Having a sexual dry spell is a common experience for many.

Maybe it's because you are just out of a painful relationship or just haven't been dating as of late.

But, could you go a year being celibate? And what would one learn to gain from the experience?

Melissa Febos has written a book on her experience, ‘The Dry Season’, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Allen & Unwin

What is ‘underwater’ rugby?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:33:00 +0000

If you want to play a game of rugby, you would imagine the best place would be a pitch.

But, what about the swimming pool?

Joining Seán to discuss the aquatic take on rugby is Nicholas Harvey, Founder of Pure Underwater Rugby Club based in the UK.

Image: @pureuwr Instagram

What is the ‘womanosphere’?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:32:00 +0000

The political impact of the manosphere probably can’t be overstated.

From its impact on teenage boys to the influence it exerts right into the Oval office.

But is there an emerging female equivalent?

Anna Silman is a Journalist who has been writing about ‘The Womanosphere’, and joins Seán to discuss.

The red squirrel is coming back - here’s why

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:03:00 +0000

As you may know, grey squirrels are the dominant species of squirrel in Ireland, despite them being non-native to the country. As a result of their dominance, the number of native red squirrels is limited.

But, according to new research, the red squirrel is making a comeback!

Joining Séan to discuss is Dr Emily Reilly from the University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences.

Are you a holiday hoarder?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:29:00 +0000

Are you a holiday hoarder? Someone who holds onto the death before cashing in on their annual leave, only to be left considering a three-week ski-holiday in January before you miss out on your leave days?

Joining Seán to discuss this concept is Caroline Reidy, Expert in Employment Law from the HR Suite.

What is behind the rise of oral gonorrhoea?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:28:00 +0000

A new study has revealed that oral gonorrhoea is on the rise in Ireland. But, what is causing it and how does it manifest itself?

Joining Seán to discuss is Aisling Loy, GUM Consultant at St James’s Hospital and Himerus Health…

The rise of ‘vertical dramas’

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:28:00 +0000

So-called ‘vertical dramas’, very short episodic films, are receiving millions in investment across the globe. But, what exactly is the attraction?

Joining Seán to discuss is Jen Cooper, Founder of Vertical Drama Love, an online community for fans of the genre...

Irish army to spend €300k on converting Land Rovers to electric engines

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:27:00 +0000

The Irish army’s Land Rover Defenders are generally used only in ceremonial funerals for deceased Presidents and Taoisigh. But now, a decision has been made to convert the diesel vehicles to electric at enormous cost to the taxpayer.

Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times, has the story, and joins Seán to discuss.

US to inspect social media accounts in visa process - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Students wanting to get into the US will be required to list all social media usernames for every platform they have used over the past 5 years, and make their private media profiles public.

How do young people feel about this? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking, and joins Seán to share what he's heard…

Why do Irish people say ‘amn’t’?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:39:00 +0000

There are lots of things we say and do that are that little bit different on this island.

A particularly noticeable one is our use of the word ‘amn’t’.

So are we just saying it wrong or why is it that we don’t say aren’t or ain’t like most of the English speaking world?

Fadi Boukaram posts about language as ‘Cedrusk’ on Instagram and he’s been speaking about this recently. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Dictionary.com

Glasnevin Cemetery to run Queer History Tours

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:32:00 +0000

In the run up to Dublin Pride, which takes place next Saturday June 28th, Glasnevin Cemetery are running Queer History Tours this weekend in advance of next week’s celebrations.

Anna Collins is the tour guide for them, and they join Seán to discuss.

Why do we celebrate the Summer Solstice?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:31:00 +0000

It’s billed as the longest day of the year – or the shortest night – the Summer Solstice in recent years has brought people from all over the world to some of our sacred sites marking this occasion.

However, traditionally its origins lay in more localised community get-togethers, crossroad gatherings and particularly bonfires to mark the feast of St John.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Michael Fortune, Folklorist.

What we can learn from the sex lives of animals

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

A new book examines how diverse sexuality and gender is not some recent concoction of the so-called “woke left”, but rather embedded in the ancient biology of the natural world.

Joining Seán to discuss is Nathan Lents, author of ‘The Sexual Evolution: How 500 Million Years of Sex, Gender and Mating Shape Modern Relationships’...

Image: Harper Collins Publishing

Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian on ‘Doppelgangers’

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Tom Dunne’s guest is very very hard to pigeonhole. She founded Nasa’s The International Space Orchestra, set up her own underground university and has worked with the likes of Beck, Damon Albarn and Massive Attack.

Now, she has a new movie ‘Doppelgangers’, which will be screened at Ireland’s international documentary film festival Docs Ireland in Belfast on the 25th of June.

She is Director and Designer of Experiences, Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, and she joins to discuss!

Rosie Foley takes Killaloe and rugby!

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

As the show is in Killaloe today, it would be a missed opportunity not speaking to this woman: she's a marathon swimmer, an Ireland and Munster rugby legend and a local.

Rosie Foley joins Seán for a chat!

Hunt Museum to run exhibition of Richard Harris archive

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Richard Harris was an extraordinary actor and widely regarded as one of Munster’s most impressive exports...

Whether you remember him from his roles in the Field or Harry Potter or any of his acclaimed stage performances, an upcoming exhibition at the Hunt Museum in Limerick will feature the first Public Exhibition of the Richard Harris Archive...

CEO at the Hunt Museum, Teresa Crowley, joins Seán to discuss.

Is Killaloe paradise in Ireland? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:48:00 +0000

It’s time for some summer vibes! The weather here in Killaloe (where the show is taking place today) is stunning and the summer feels in full swing.

Henry McKean has been chatting to locals and visitors and asking: is Killaloe paradise?

The history of Ardnacrusha Power Station

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:10:00 +0000

Given that the show is on the River Shannon today, it makes sense to think about how water is used to generate power and energy.

The Ardnacrusha hydroelectric scheme was a revolutionary step in public infrastructure and construction began on the power station one hundred years ago.

Station Manager at Ardnacrusha, Brendan Shine, joins Seán to tell more.

Image: Institution of Civil Engineers

Donal Ryan on his next novel

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:09:00 +0000

The Moncrieff Show is live from Killaloe River Cruises on the River Shannon, as part of Newstalk’s Summer Tour with thanks to ESB!

Seán’s first guest hails from Nenagh, just up the lake from where the show is taking place. His books have won several awards, and his most recent novel is ‘Heart, Be at Peace’. Donal Ryan joins to discuss!

The Meteoric Rise of Women’s Football

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Host of the COYGIG podcast on Off The Ball, Kathleen McNamee, joins Moncrieff to discuss the explosive growth of women’s football in Ireland and abroad.

Listen here

How to Cope on Couples' Holidays

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Helen Vaughan, psychotherapist, joins Moncrieff to share tips on navigating the emotional minefield of holidays with a partner — from managing expectations to avoiding rows in the sun.

Listen here

Why Sharing Towels is Gross

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:10:00 +0000

Dr Amalia Scannell, microbiologist and food biotechnologist in the UCD Institute of Food and Health, joins Moncrieff to explain why sharing towels can spread bacteria, fungi, and viruses — and what science says about how often we should be washing them.

Listen here

Cadaver Dogs

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:55:00 +0000

Raph O’Connor, Chief Training Officer with the Search and Rescue Dog Association Ireland North, joins Moncrieff to explain how dogs are trained to detect human remains in missing persons cases, disaster zones and forensic investigations, and what it takes to work in such intense conditions with an animal.

Get all the conversation here.

The World’s Shortest Commercial Flight

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:50:00 +0000

Greg Dickinson, Senior Travel Writer with The Telegraph, joins Moncrieff to explain the story behind the world’s shortest commercial flight — a 1.7-mile hop between two Orkney Islands in Scotland — and what it reveals about the people there, and the connections between the islands.

Listen here.

My Boyfriend Was an Undercover Cop

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:40:00 +0000

Kate Wilson, author of Disclosure: Unravelling the Spycops Files, joins Moncrieff to discuss how she discovered her long-term boyfriend was, in fact, an undercover police officer tasked with infiltrating activist groups, and how she fought a decade-long legal battle against the British state.

Listen here

Irish rugby team win LGBTQ+ cup

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:27:00 +0000

An Irish rugby club the Emerald Warriors have won an international rugby tournament in Oslo.

Hosted by international Gay Rugby, the Union Cup is Europe’s largest inclusive rugby tournament, featuring 45 teams from 10 countries.

Club President of the Emerald Warriors, Richie Fagan, joins Seán to discuss the win!

Image: @ewrfc on Twitter

Why have self checkouts added CCTV?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:17:00 +0000

If you have been to the shop recently and used a self-service checkout, you may have noticed that you are on camera!

Retailers have in recent times been installing CCTV at checkouts to combat rampant retail theft.

But, do these cameras raise concerns over data protection? And would it be better to go back to the conveyor and the cash register?

Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Journalist with the Irish Examiner has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

Tales from Strangers - Henry McKean Reports

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:16:00 +0000

We use these roads, paths, and railways to make human connections every day. Bus routes are the heart of Ireland’s connections, and along the way we have the opportunity to connect with strangers in a variety of ways.

Henry McKean joins Seán to tell more, and share what conversations he had with strangers.

(In partnership with Vodafone)

David Challen speaks on his family’s experience of coercive control

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Sally Challen killed her husband after four decades of coercive control, and spent eight years in prison before her conviction was quashed following decided campaigning from her family who produced evidence of years of gaslighting and manipulation at the hands of her husband.

The high profile case put a spotlight on coercive control and how insidious it is.

Her son, domestic abuse campaigner and author of ‘The Unthinkable: A Story of Control, Violence and My Mother’, David Challen, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Hachette UK

Why are clothes sizes not standardised? - Emily Keegan Reports

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:23:00 +0000

Have you ever been certain you’re one size in clothing, only to find yourself in the fitting room later with four pairs of jeans in the same size, and they all seem to fit differently? You’d probably expect a size 12 is the same in every shop, but if you’ve ever shopped around to update your wardrobe, you’ll probably know by now, that’s not the case. So why do sizes vary so much? And is there a standard guide shops and brands should be following? Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan has been looking into it, and brings us this report.

First images taken of the Sun’s south pole

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:18:00 +0000

A probe developed by the European Space Agency has taken the first images of the Sun’s south pole. How big of an achievement is this, and what can we learn from it?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr. Peter Gallagher, Director of the DIAS (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies) Dunsink Observatory.

Image: European Space Agency

Should you keep a list of good friends?

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Who are your really good friends, and could you list them?

And, more importantly, should you list them?

Keeping in touch can be hard, especially with busy lives and family responsibilities and all the rest of it, so is a list of prioritised people the way to go?

Niamh Ennis, Coach and Mentor, joins Seán to discuss.

The story behind ‘Through the Barricades’

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:20:00 +0000

A new documentary looking into the stories behind songs, is focusing on Spandau Ballet’s song ‘Through the Barricades’ and we are delighted to be joined now by singer and songwriter Gary Kemp…

Image: RTÉ

Could AI be good for education?

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:19:00 +0000

There are large concerns around the use of AI in education, but could it be used for good?

Dr Cillian Ó Fathaigh, Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the Jagiellonian University Kraków, joins Seán to discuss.

What are ‘Death Cafes’?

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Death Cafes are now popping up all over the world. Seán’s guest went along and found it a transformative experience, but what exactly are they?

Elizabeth McCafferty, Journalist and Broadcaster, joins to discuss.

The man behind the biggest chewing gum wrapper collection in the world

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Seán’s guest has been collecting chewing gum wrappers for decades. In fact, he has turned them into paper chains stretching a length of 37,000 metres, but why?

Joining to discuss is American collector, Gary Duschl...

Animations by children from Gaza to be showcased

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Children in Gaza have been deprived of the very basics of life and living, and that includes less tangible things like fun.

Haneen Koraz is an acclaimed Palestinian Animation Director who has been trying to help displaced children to reclaim these things in some way by teaching them to create and animate their own stories.

A selection of these children’s short films will be screened on Monday in The Stella Cinema, Rathmines at 6pm, who set up the event.

Shauna Cullen, Producer with Jam Media, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @animator_haneen on Instagram

Why you should draw a penis in Strava

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:29:00 +0000

A few months ago, Seán’s guest decided to draw an enormous digital penis across the English landscape, using GPS art, in order to raise awareness of men’s health. Now, he is calling on penis enthusiasts across the world to join him this year and draw as many dick pics as possible!

Terry Rosoman, Men's Health Campaigner, joins to discuss.

Should pro sports have a fertility policy for women?

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:27:00 +0000

The Women’s Tennis Association has announced that it is introducing a new policy in which a player’s ranking can be protected while they take time out for fertility treatments. This is further to their announcement of paid maternity leave for pro tennis players.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Doctor and Columnist with the Irish Independent…

Performing a play for 24 hours straight!

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:54:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is about to undertake an extraordinary theatrical marathon during the Cork Midsummer Festival: performing a play for 24 hours!

The Second Woman, starring Eileen Walsh, begins this Saturday, June 14th, at 4pm and will finish the following day at the same time. Tickets can be purchased for the entire 24-hour performance, or for shorter segments, at corkmidsummer.com.

Actor Eileen Walsh joins to discuss.

How the way you walk can be an indicator of health

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:53:00 +0000

There are certain things you can learn about a person from the way that they walk.

Perhaps you might get a sense of what type of person they are, whether they are confident or shy, stressed or relaxed.

But actually, a walk can tell you so much more and often it can be the first diagnostic port of call for medical professionals, indicating everything from your susceptibility to heart attack to your rate of cognitive decline.

Naomi Davey is Clinical Research Fellow in Memory and Falls at Tallaght University Hospital and joins Seán to discuss.

What do dads really want for Father’s Day?

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Whether it is your first father’s day or your 40th, there’s nothing like being celebrated...

But, what do dads really want for the day?

Journalist and Author of ‘Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?’, Seamas O’Reilly joins Seán to discuss.

How to prepare your kids for the 6th year holiday

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Many kids are preparing to head off on a 6th year holiday once the Leaving Cert comes to an end. But, how can parents prepare their sons and daughters to ensure a happy and safe experience on, for what will be for many, their first experience of going abroad independently, while keeping their own anxiety levels at bay in the process?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Chris Luke, retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, who has been writing about this in the Journal…

Are we too prudish for PDA? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

With summer loving in full swing, we often see more Public Displays of Affection, in the streets and at rock concerts. But, is it socially acceptable to snog and hug passionately in public, in 2025?

Henry McKean joins Seán to discuss!

The challenges for solo buyers in the Irish housing market

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:29:00 +0000

Close to 30% of first-time house buyers are now buying on their own. Solo buyers face special challenges that those buying as a couple don’t face.

Joining Seán to discuss is a woman with first-hand experience of this: Jennifer Sheahan, former Home of the Year Winner and Columnist for the Irish Examiner…

DSPCA issue warning over puppy farms

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:18:00 +0000

‘Breeding for profit’ is the modus operandi for many in the animal trade, as investigations show that Ireland has become the puppy farm capital of the world...

Just how damaging is this industry, and what about the pets who are impacted?

The DSPCA are warning people to do their own checks when getting a dog.

Gillian Bird, Head of Welfare Advocacy & Sustainability joins Seán to discuss.

How community and volunteer excavations work

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:18:00 +0000

A community archeology project in north Co. Dublin has made a number of remarkable discoveries over the past month or so, including a Roman era pot and a playing dice made from antlers and bones. But, how do community and volunteer excavation actually work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Christine Baker, Heritage Officer with Fingal County Council and Director of the Drumanagh Excavation...

Should governments make their own period tracking apps?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Technology has undeniably made life easier, but with many women using period tracking apps to keep note of their cycle, researchers in Cambridge University are urging for this data to be protected.

The recommendation is for public health bodies in the UK to create an alternative to the private apps, but is this realistic?

And just how important is tracking your period?

Doctor Yvonne Williams from the Shannon Medical Centre joins Seán to discuss.

What does it mean to feel ‘culturally Irish’?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:10:00 +0000

Ed Sheeran has said that he identifies as ‘culturally Irish’, but what does that mean exactly, and is it a feeling shared by many people who were born outside of this island?

Larry Donnelly is a Boston Attorney and Law Lecturer at NUI Galway. He joins Seán to discuss.

200 year old condom goes on display in Amsterdam

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:05:00 +0000

A 200 year old condom, in excellent condition, has now gone on display in Amsterdam. But, what does this artefact tell us about sexual practices in the past? Joining me now is Maria Holtrop, Rijksmuseum curator...

How accurate is your smartwatch?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Smartwatches promise a lot, from measuring your heart rate to calculating your sleep pattern. But, how accurate are they at counting the number of calories you’re burning?

Joining Seán to discuss is Cailbhe Doherty, Lecturer in the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science at UCD…

Kevin Barry on classism in Ireland

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:27:00 +0000

When you think of classist societies, the most familiar one you may think of would be the UK, with accents over there maybe leading you to make all kinds of assumptions on their wealth and background.

But, how classist is Irish society? Are we just as bad as them?

Author and Playwright Kevin Barry has some thoughts on this, and joins Seán to discuss.

What should you actually feed the ducks?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:27:00 +0000

A whopping fine for feeding the ducks?

One pensioner in England was fined one hundred and fifty pounds after feeding the local ducks biscuits, as councils are clamping down on bad behaviour in the UK.

So, biscuits are a bad idea, but what should you actually be feeding the ducks on a family day out these days?

Birdwatch Ireland’s Niall Hatch joins Seán to discuss.

Have we lost all our manners when it comes to parking?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:26:00 +0000

According to a letter writer in the Irish Times today, ‘’Inconsiderate parking is a perennial problem’’, and we’ve all experienced it...

Whether it’s someone in a giant SUV taking up two spaces or being blocked in and having to climb into the drivers seat via the passenger side, are we a nation of inconsiderate parkers?

Joining Seán to discuss is Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent.

Should dyslexic students get more time in state exams?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Unlike at university level, there is no extra time given to students with dyslexia while doing the state exams in Ireland. Pádraig Rice, Social Democrats TD for Cork South-Central and the party’s Spokesperson on Health, is calling for this to change, and joins Seán to discuss.

Could AI translate animal languages?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:09:00 +0000

We've all become very familiar with AI’s ability to master human language in recent years through the likes of ChatGPT.

But, if AI can figure out human language, can it do the same for animal languages? And could we soon have an animal translator on our phones?

David Farrier, Professor of Literature and the Environment in the University of Edinburgh and author of ‘Nature’s Genius: Evolution’s Lessons for a Changing Planet’, joins Seán to discuss.

Should California leave the USA?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:19:00 +0000

The National Guard has been sent into Los Angeles in response to protests over arrests by the immigration services in the United States.

The gap between California and the rest of the USA seems to be growing - so, should they secede?

Marcus Ruiz Evans is campaigning for this, and joins Seán to discuss.

The dark truth behind Saudi Arabian "care homes"

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:10:00 +0000

In Saudi Arabia, the authorities call them "care homes", when in reality they are institutions for women who are routinely tortured, for something as simple as disagreeing with a man...

Maryam Aldossari, Saudi Activist, joins Seán to discuss.

Is modern life too noisy? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:07:00 +0000

Extended exposure to noise pollution can affect your heart and brain function, disturb your sleep and cause severe annoyance!

Henry McKean joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss further, and share what he's heard from the public.

The world of running dating - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:06:00 +0000

Dating in Ireland these days is not easy, with so many people relying on dating apps and social media and getting nowhere. Singles are looking for a new outlet to find love and genuine connections.

To investigate, Henry McKean went on a singles run! He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss how he got on.

What was good about the Celtic Tiger?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:52:00 +0000

The Government seems to be unable to hit their housing building targets, with this year's goal being 41,000. Yet in 2006, 93,000 homes were built. Was the Celtic Tiger all that bad?

Ronan McGreevey, Journalist with the Irish Times, joins Seán to discuss.

Pop Girl Summer

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:50:00 +0000

Now while some of us elder statesmen of the music world might be looking forward to a dose of nostalgia with Oasis in Croke Park this August the summer festival circuit isn’t looking back in anger to the Britpop era but is embracing the now.

Pop Girl Summer is upon us apparently as female acts seem to dominating the festival circuit.

Louise Bruton is an Arts Journalist & DJ. She joined Tom Dunne to discuss

Did Scotland invent football?

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:03:00 +0000

If I were to start singing “it’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming…”

Most of you could probably reluctantly chime in with the line “football’s coming home”.

The “home” that the song is referring to is England of course, but did the beautiful game really originate there?

Ged O’Brien is the Founder of the Scottish Football Museum, and doesn’t think it did. He joins Tom Dunne to discuss…

Are cars still marketed for gender?

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0000

The Hyundai Santa Fe was recently crowned the 2025 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year. But, what is a “woman’s car” and are cars still marketed according to gender?

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is Dave Humphreys, Motoring Journalist with CompleteCar.ie…

Rare book shrine on display after 39 years of conservation work

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:29:00 +0000

Ireland's most important book shrine that was discovered on the bottom of a Longford Lake went on display after 39 years of conservation work.

Maeve Sikora, Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland, joins Tom to tell us more about Lough Kinale Book Shrine, and why it’s so important.

Do online child safety features actually work?

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Child safety online is a big issue and as such it is also big business.

Accordingly, a lot of tech companies have made much of their safer offerings for kids and teenagers, but do they actually work?

Alex Cooney is Chief Executive of Ireland’s online safety charity, CyberSafeKids. She joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

Tinder to introduce new height limits setting

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:26:00 +0000

What has height got to do with looking for love?

Well now on dating apps, users are being invited to filter by height…

Tinder looks set to allow people paying for their premium service to search for partners who are over or under a certain height, with the move likely to see short men and taller women struggle online...

So, why are we so obsessed with height? And does a man really need to be tall, dark and handsome to be successful on online dating apps?

Matchmaker Sharon Kenny joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The man who manages abandoned tents after festivals

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:26:00 +0000

As festival season kicks off, thousands of Irish people will be hauling their tents to various sites across the country. But, will they bring them home afterwards? Every year, countless tents are left abandoned across the country.

One man was so astonished by this level of waste that he now salvages them himself. Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Pip Sheridan, who runs Found in a Field…

Are the youth turning their noses to smelly cheese?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:21:00 +0000

The French are, of course, famous for their cheese, and for good reason! They make some of the tastiest and often smelliest cheeses on the planet.

But, are they on the brink of some sorted existential cheesy crisis?

It would seem that young French people are losing their love for pungent cheese and cheese in general, as a recent survey found that 18 to 24 year olds there were distinctly unenthusiastic about some of the country’s most odorous dairy products.

Kevin Sheridan is the owner of Sheridans Cheese, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

How long does it really take to build muscle?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:34:00 +0000

How long does it really take to build muscle?

And is there such a thing as a quick fix when it comes to exercise and getting healthier?

Should you really be pushing yourself in the gym to do more reps, or is it a case of just extending your evening stroll?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Fiona Skelly, Lecturer in Physical Activity and Health.

Artificial Moon surface created in Germany

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Tom Dunne’s guest has been instrumental in the development of ‘Luna’, an artificially created simulation of the moon. This Saturday, June 7th, Dr Aidan Cowley from the European Space Agency’s Astronaut Centre in Germany will be leading a conversation called “Keeping Astronauts Alive on the Moon”. The event is part of the annual UCD Festival.

Aidan joins to discuss.

How Italian Brainrot is making ideology digestible for children

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:32:00 +0000

You might have heard of ‘Ballerina Cappuccina’ or ‘Chimpanzini Bananini’ on your TikTok feed, and if you haven’t, well then that's a good sign. It means you’ve escaped ‘Italian Brainrot’... for now anyways.

These characters are as silly as they sound. They come from the new generative AI meme that is sweeping across social media and being consumed by children. But, is a ballerina with a cappuccino as a head really that innocent?

Guest host Tom Dunne is joined by Catherine Prasifka, author and writer-in-residence for Maynooth University to discuss.

What is ‘Corkness’ as a concept?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:32:00 +0000

What is ‘Corkness’?

With Cork due to take on Limerick in the Munster Hurling final, the idea of ‘Corkness’ and that swagger has come up again, but what is it really? And, are Cork people actually special?

Editor of CorkBeo.ie, Joe O’Shea, joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The intersection between Irish Republicanism and music

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:31:00 +0000

A new book explores the intersection between Irish Republicanism and music, a very timely publication in the context of the rise of Kneecap and others. Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Stan Erraught, Music lecturer at the University of Leeds and author of ‘Rebel Notes: Popular Music and Conflict in Ireland’…

Is it time for English spelling reform?

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why enough or through are spelled completely differently to how they are pronounced?

This is not just something that has troubled you, but has also been a bugbear for millions, perhaps billions, of English speakers stretching all the way back to the 12th century.

So, why have these odd spellings and others like them persisted?

Gabe Henry is the Author of ‘Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell’. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: HarperCollins Publishing

How to properly pack for a holiday

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Going on holiday is one of the joys in life... but for a lot of people, it leads to a bit of a panic when it comes to packing...

How many pairs of jocks do you really need for a quick city trip, and can you ever have enough pairs of shoes for that beach holiday?

Kirsty Blake Knox from the Irish Independent joins Seán to discuss.

Tom Kopke talks “risking his life” for Gloucestershire cheese-rolling

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:26:00 +0000

German man Tom Kopke was victorious at the Gloucestershire cheese-rolling event for the second year in a row, saying he "risked his life" to win.

Mr Kopke, 23, who runs his own YouTube channel, was one of dozens of competitors who took part in the traditional annual event down the slopes of Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire.

He joins Seán to discuss the experience.

Riona O’Connor goes viral for her witty bikini reviews to spread body positivity

Fri, 30 May 2025 13:48:00 +0000

It’s the time of year again when people are buying and trying on different swimwear and bikinis as they get ready for their holidays, but it’s not always as easy as it seems…

Social media puts a lot of pressure on people to feel like they must look a certain way in order to wear a bikini, but Riona O’Connor, actor, comedian and creator, has used it to spread body positivity messages by creating witty bikini review videos that went viral.

She joins Seán to discuss!

Memorial unveiled for 14 famine orphan girls shipped from Cork to Melbourne

Thu, 29 May 2025 15:03:00 +0000

A memorial has been unveiled in Dunmanway in Cork to remember the 14 girls who were orphaned by the Famine and shipped to Australia as part of the dubious Earl Grey Scheme.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Historian Michelle O’Mahony, who has been investigating the story…

Image: Cork County Council Library & Arts Service

New investigation shows majority of culled badgers found negative for TB

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:56:00 +0000

The Government’s badger culling programme is coming under scrutiny after an investigation by The Journal has alleged that 80% of culls have been carried out on badgers that were not carrying tuberculosis…

Joining Seán to discuss is Patricia Devlin, Reporter for the Journal Investigates...

What is the etiquette around thank you cards?

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:07:00 +0000

Did you know that writing a simple thank you note can improve your mental wellbeing? But, when exactly should we be writing thank you notes, and what are the rules around them?

Patricia Maybury, Etiquette Expert and Founder of The Etiquette Suite, joins Seán to discuss.

Are you shopping online or on the high street? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:06:00 +0000

Have you ever bought clothes online, then realised they are the wrong size and they don’t look like they did in the photo, so you send them back?

How do you shop for shoes and shirts in 2025? Online or in person?

Henry McKean joins Seán to share what he’s heard from the public!

Irish Air Force may become part-time - why?

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:05:00 +0000

It is being reported that due to resourcing problems, Irish military flight operations will have their hours reduced to a more part-time basis.

What is behind these issues, and what are the ramifications?

Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Byrne, retired Lieutenant Colonel.

What does outer space smell like?

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:25:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what space smells like?

Well, it ranges from rotten eggs to raspberries… Space Scientist Marina Barcenilla, who is recreating the smells of space, joins Seán to tell more.

What do we really know about the Virgin Mary?

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:24:00 +0000

We know her variously as the Blessed Virgin or the Mother of God.

But how much can we actually know about the person Mary of Nazareth?

Brendan Butler is a Theologian and author of ‘My Story, by Jesus of Nazareth’. He joins Seán to discuss.

What does a flexible 4 day work week look like?

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:24:00 +0000

There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the possibility that we might switch to a four day working week.

One CEO who has embraced this idea in the last two years is Aled Nelmes, who is CEO of Lumen SEO.

But, on the back of the success of his four day week policy Aled is now going a step further and allowing his employees an entirely flexible 4 day week.

So how does that work exactly? Aled joins Seán to discuss.

What should we do with our old tech?

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Are you one of those people who hoard your old mobile phones in a drawer somewhere in the house thinking that someday you might need them?

Well, if you are then keep listening, because Colin Baker, also known as The Gadget Guy Colin from Instagram, joins Seán to tell you what to do instead.

Is the morning after pill too invasive?

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:23:00 +0000

While the process through which women go in order to access the morning after pill has liberalised over the years, the consultation process can still be a difficult experience for some. But how does it compare to other countries? Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent, has been exploring this in the paper this morning…

Pushy airplane passengers set to be fined in Turkey

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Pushy passengers – we'll all come across them. The people who get up the minute the plane lands and race to the front in a bid to get off the flight first... they’ve been dubbed ‘aisle lice’.

It seems that airlines are cracking down on bad behaviour on board, and now Turkey’s Civil Aviation Authority have announced they will be fining impatient passengers skipping the queue and standing up before the airplane officially comes to a stop at the gate.

Joining Seán to tell more is Consumer Journalist Siobhan Maguire.

Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen Vs The World

Tue, 27 May 2025 15:02:00 +0000

It was billed as Magnus Carlsen V The World as the five-time World Chess Champion took on 143,000 people from all around the world.

But, how does a game like that work, and was it as amazing an achievement as it sounds for the Norwegian Grandmaster to force the World’s players into a tie?

Alexander Baburin is Ireland’s only Chess Grandmaster and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Woman seeking posthumous IVF facing bureaucratic hurdles

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:37:00 +0000

Seán's guest lost her husband to cancer just two months ago. While undergoing treatment, he made a donation so that they could have children in the future through IVF. Now, she is trying to undergo posthumous IVF, but the health service is restricted from covering this on the free IVF scheme. She would like this to change.

Joining Seán to discuss is Melanie Dineen Fleming…

What happens to washed up whales?

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:35:00 +0000

What should you do if you spot a giant whale washed up ashore?

And, what is the risk of an explosion?

The public have been warned to stay away from a very stinky minke whale on the beach in Portstewart Co Down...

Joining Seán to discuss is Padraig Whooley, Sightings Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group…

Should we replicate the Smoking Ban model for climate change?

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:34:00 +0000

Seán’s guest believes that we should replicate the success of the 2004 smoking ban to fight the climate crisis. But, how would this work?

Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate and Environmental Researcher, has been writing about this in the Irish Times, and joins to discuss.

What is the ‘first night effect’?

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why the first night's sleep away from home is always the worst whether you’re staying at a friend's house or on holidays in the Canary Islands?

Well, that’s called the ‘first night effect’, and Fiona Brennan, Sleep Expert and author of ‘The Positive Habit’ joins Seán to discuss more on that, and what we can do to avoid it.

Ruth Codd talks joining Celebrity Traitors

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:11:00 +0000

There has been a lot of hype about the stellar cast for the upcoming series of Celebrity Traitors and there is of course Irish representation there as well.

This is just the latest chapter in the story of actor Ruth Codd’s meteoric rise to fame.

She joins Seán to discuss!

Image: BBC

Jim Morrison’s Paris grave bust reappears after 37 years

Mon, 26 May 2025 15:16:00 +0000

A lot of us would be familiar with the image of Jim Morrison’s graffitied grave in Paris’s Père-Lachaise Cemetery.

What you may not have been aware of is that the grave used to have a marble sculpture of The Door’s frontman’s head atop it.

The bust had been missing, presumed stolen for 37 years but now unexpectedly it has shown up.

Carolyn Campbell is a Photographer and Author of 'City of Immortals: Père-Lachaise Cemetery, Paris'. She joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

Co-Founder of Lonely Planet discusses where he wouldn’t go back to

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:27:00 +0000

You would struggle to find anyone better travelled than Tony Wheeler. As the Co-Founder of Lonely Planet, he has been to over 170 countries, and still has more on his travel bucket list.

But, having sold the company that he and his wife Maureen spent decades building up, do guidebooks still serve a purpose for the modern day traveller?

And what countries would he never go back to?

Tony Wheeler joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Spotify’s disappearing songs and music ownership today

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Back in the days before streaming, it was completely normal and expected that you would own copies of your favourite songs and albums.

With the likes of Spotify that’s no longer the case. Now we merely pay for the privilege of listening to someone else’s collection.

So, what happens if a song is taken down from those services? Does it simply cease to be?

Dean Van Nguyen is a Music Journalist and Author, and joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

Are we a nation of eavesdroppers? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Do we like to listen to people in public? With the trend of people talking out loud on the phone - isn’t it impossible to avoid? What have you heard out and about?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins guest host Tom Dunne to share what he’s heard.

Should children invest their Communion money?

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:26:00 +0000

As Communion season rolls on, many parents will be wondering how their child should manage cash gifts. The average cash a child receives cumulatively for their Communion is now €588. One person used this as an opportunity to teach his kids about investment, and it has literally paid dividends.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Michael Houghton, Host of The Irish FIRE Podcast, a show about financial independence…

Shane Daniel Byrne and Killian Sundermann talk comedy and Young Hot Guys

Fri, 23 May 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Seán’s guests would be well known to listeners from their podcast ‘Young Hot Guys’ and their own stand up shows.

Comedians Shane Daniel Byrne and Killian Sundermann join Seán in the K Club to chat!

Cathal Berry talks life after politics

Fri, 23 May 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is a man who wears many hats: he’s a doctor, a former member of the defence forces and a former Independent TD in Kildare.

Joining Seán in the K Club is Cathal Berry!

What is the ‘Drake Equation’?

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:08:00 +0000

This Sunday, Newstalk is airing a Futureproof documentary special on the ‘Drake Equation’ and the scientists searching for signs of life in distant worlds.

The documentary is called ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ and will air at 12 noon on Sunday.

Aidan Mc Kelvey is the Producer of the documentary, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is the origin of music?

Thu, 22 May 2025 14:50:00 +0000

Every human has an innate sense of rhythm. It may not feel that way when you’re trying to throw some shapes to Funky Town at 1am, but we all do.

But, are we the only animals with a sense of music?

Professor Catherine Hobaiter is a Researcher in Evolutionary and comparative psychology at The University of St. Andrews. She joins Seán to discuss.

GamerFest to showcase new gaelic football video game

Thu, 22 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

GamerFest takes place this weekend - and among the highlights is the launch of the new Gaelic Football 2025 video game.

Gaming Content Creator Chris O’Gara, AKA The Gara Show, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: GamerFest

Is Dublin one of the best cities in the world? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 22 May 2025 14:27:00 +0000

According to the Oxford Economics Global City Index, Dublin is the 13th best city in the world, but falls to 100th when it comes to quality of life and housing.

Henry McKean has been out and about to try and get the feeling on the streets of the capital, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should the Normans be celebrated?

Thu, 22 May 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Earlier this week, the Government approved plans for Ireland’s Norman heritage to be celebrated as part of a European-wide cultural initiative called ‘2027 European year of the Normans’ to mark the group’s impact on western civilisation.

But, not everyone is particularly happy with the idea of celebrating Ireland’s 12th century invaders.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh is Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central and the party’s spokesperson on Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Arts and Culture. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: BBC History

Should we all be going for ‘fart walks’?

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:06:00 +0000

Fart walks, they’re exactly what they say on the tin...

Should we all be going for a walk after we eat our dinner so that we release all the gas we’ve been building up all day? The experts say yes.

Registered Dietitian and owner of Orla Walsh Nutrition, Orla Walsh, joins Seán to discuss.

Is Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ idea feasible?

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Those old enough to remember Ronald Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ will be familiar with the idea of a space based missile defence system, but perhaps we thought it would remain pie in the sky…

Not the case, according to Donald Trump. The US President announced yesterday that he had chosen a design for his “Golden Dome” system, and that it would be up and running before the end of his term.

Is that feasible? Is it even legal?

Declan Power is a Defence and Security Analyst, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Mother and Baby Homes to be taught about in schools for first time

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:28:00 +0000

For the first time, a formal curriculum resource on Ireland’s mother and baby institutions, industrial and reformatory schools and Magdalene laundries has been published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Sarah Anne Buckley, Associate Professor in History at the University of Galway and one of the leads of the Tuam Oral History Project, whose research has been included in the second level course…

Drummer with The Who fired for “overplaying”

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:24:00 +0000

The Who’s drummer Zak Starkey has been fired for apparently “overplaying”, but what does this mean, and how do drummers strike a balance between musical expression and not taking over?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dave Hingerty, a Professional Session Drummer and former University Lecturer in Drumming at BIMM Music Institute Dublin...

Proposal to shut Swan Alley to curb antisocial behaviour

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:24:00 +0000

We all know the ones, the laneways that you would be afraid to walk down at any time of the day or night...

Well, this afternoon, Dublin Councillors will be meeting to put forward a vote to close Swan Alley, which is just off Thomas Street in the Liberties, Dublin 8.

The small alleyway has been earmarked due to illegal drug taking and antisocial behaviour, and follows a similar move to gate off Harbour Court just off Abbey Street in Dublin City centre last year.

Labour Councillor for the area, Darragh Moriarty joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Google Maps

How should you deal with lazy colleagues?

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:23:00 +0000

In any job, it’s likely that you’ll encounter a lazy colleague or two, so what can you do to ensure that they don’t get on your absolute nerves and drive you mad?

Whether it’s someone who falls asleep at their desk or simply leaves all their work for others – we find out should you rat them out to the boss?

Career Psychologist and author of ‘Total Reset’, Sinead Brady, joins Seán to discuss.

Auschwitz Memorial launch digital replica intended for movies

Tue, 20 May 2025 15:12:00 +0000

The Auschwitz Memorial has announced a multi-million euro project, in which they have created an exact digital replica of the concentration camp for use in feature films. But, how will the project work, and how are movies about Auschwitz made since the ban on filming there took effect in the late 1980s?

Joining Seán to discuss is Film Critic Esther McCarthy…

Image: auschwitz.org

Why youth clubs need to be saved

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:24:00 +0000

There was a time when there were many youth clubs dotted around the country, but as smartphones take over, is it time to save these institutions as the last bastion of real world connectivity for our young people?

Joining me now is Colman Noctor, Child Psychotherapist, who has been writing about this in the Examiner today…

Is the semicolon dying out?

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:21:00 +0000

According to research, the death of the semicolon is near; with its usage in English books plummeting by almost half in two decades. But, what is the appropriate use of the semicolon? What grammatical function does it intend to fill? And, is its increasing rarity a cause for concern?

Lisa McLendon is Author of The Perfect English Grammar Workbook and has done research on the semicolon. She joins Seán to discuss.

What’s behind the recent boom of silk webs?

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:20:00 +0000

If you’ve been spending time in nature recently or been going on hikes or walks thanks to the nice weather, you might’ve come across large silk webs covering trees and bushes.

Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer in Trinity College Dublin, joins Seán to explain exactly what that fascinating silk sheet is, and why you should just admire it rather than be afraid of it.

Image: Butterfly Conservation

The man behind Kneecap’s balaclavas

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:19:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered who is behind the knitting needles for Kneecap’s famous tricolour balaclavas?

Lewis Kenny joins Seán to discuss how he started off at a knitting class, and now makes balaclavas for Kneecap.

Image: @tricolourbalaclava on Instagram

Should children get pocket money?

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Most of us probably remember getting a pound off your mother or the old man to go down and buy some comics or one hundred penny jellies.

It’s probably a treasured memory for some, but was it a beneficial experience? Did it affect how you viewed money as an adult, and should those of us who are parents now give out pocket money at all?

Rachel O’Dwyer is Lecturer in Digital Cultures in the National College of Art and Design, Dublin and Author of ‘Tokens: The Future of Money in the Age of the Platform’. She joins Seán to discuss.

Are Irish drivers guilty of ‘middle lane hogging’?

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:17:00 +0000

Do middle lane hoggers drive you mad?

Motorway driving can be stressful at the best of times, but the phenomenon of people sitting in the middle lane instead of moving in and out of the slow lane is something that you see right across the country.

So, are Irish drivers worse than others, and why is this a bad and dangerous habit?

Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor at the Sunday Independent, joins Seán to discuss.

‘The Elders’: a theatre group for over 65s

Mon, 19 May 2025 14:59:00 +0000

What started off as a once-off community project in 2018 has now turned into a vibrant community performance group for over 65s.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Director, Performer and Facilitator of The Elders, Andrea Scott.

Image: Mill Theatre

What does a will look like if you are single?

Mon, 19 May 2025 14:31:00 +0000

Deciding how to split up your wealth among loved ones and family can be quite daunting and confusing, but creating a will helps to iron out any confusion over how your wealth is divided when you pass away. But, what happens to your estate if you are single when you die?

Joining Seán to discuss is John Costello, Solicitor with Noble Law and Specialist in Wills and Administration of Estates.

Going back to education in your 50s

Mon, 19 May 2025 14:14:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to go back to education in your 50s?

Dr Suzanne Crowe recently went back to college to study law after two decades, while still juggling her full-time job and all the other responsibilities that life brings.

She joins Seán to discuss.

What we can learn from the history of droughts in Ireland

Mon, 19 May 2025 14:14:00 +0000

As the long absence of rain begins to have a serious impact on the country, Seán’s guest has been exploring what the history of droughts can teach us about how to manage current and future ones.

Joining to discuss is Michelle McKeown, Lecturer in Environmental Geography at UCC…

Quitting your job - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 19 May 2025 14:12:00 +0000

The BBC has confirmed Gary Lineker will leave his presenting roles sooner than planned.

His departure comes after he shared an Instagram post about Zionism that included a drawing of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult.

Henry McKean has been out and about talking to people about quitting, and joins Seán to discuss.

How this group use JCB diggers to dance

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:24:00 +0000

One of the highlights of the Balmoral Show this year, one of Ireland’s largest agricultural shows which is currently taking place in Co. Antrim, is the JCB Dancing Diggers.

These enormous, powerful machines are manipulated by their highly trained drivers to dance to music. Joining Seán to discuss is Matt Lucas, Captain of the JCB Dancing Diggers Team…

Image: Balmoral Show

Does TikTok teaching work?

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:24:00 +0000

This time of the year, young people are turning to TikTok to study for their exams!

But, how well does this method of learning work?

Katie Linehan, French and Spanish Teacher with the Dublin Academy of Education, joins Seán to discuss.

The story behind ‘The Balcony Movie’

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:23:00 +0000

An odd reality of urban life is that although those who reside in big cities are surrounded by other people, they rarely get to know a lot of their neighbours.

This was also the experience of Paweł Łoziński, until he decided to start greeting passers by from his balcony.

Paweł Łoziński is the Director of The Balcony Movie. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: MUBI

Record number of Irish beaches awarded Blue Flag status

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:22:00 +0000

A record number of Irish beaches have been awarded with a Blue Flag, announced this morning. But, what exactly does a blue flag mean, and where are the best beaches in Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss is Caroline Delaney, Outdoors Editor for the Irish Examiner…

Image: Beach Awards

GPO Museum announce new Pride Tour event

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:21:00 +0000

A new event at the GPO Museum seeks to highlight the contribution of the LGBTQ community to the struggle for Irish independence.

Joining Seán to discuss is Caitriona Travers, Tour Guide at the GPO Museum...

Magna Carta copy discovered to be an original is worth millions

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:56:00 +0000

An apparent copy of the Magna Carta, bought by Harvard university in 1946 for next to nothing, has, after extensive analysis, turned out to be an original.

Joining Seán to discuss is David Carpenter, Professor of Medieval History at King's College London...

Why you need a digital detox

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:56:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to go more than a few minutes without checking your phone and to go completely offline?

Rosanna Irwin, Founder of Samsú, will be hosting Dublin’s first phone-free event this Sunday and joins Seán to discuss the digital detox.

What songs are more likely to win Eurovision?

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Tonight, Ireland will compete in the Eurovision semi-final, with Emmy Kristiansen performing ‘Laika Party’.

But, have you ever wondered what it takes to win Eurovision?

Joe Bennet, Musicologist, Writer, and Researcher analysed hundreds of Eurovision finalists, and joins Seán to talk to us about what songs work best for Eurovision…

What are the worst presents to give to a child?

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:24:00 +0000

While you might think the pot of neon green slime you got for your godchild is the greatest gift ever, spare a thought for the parents who will inevitably have to clean it up after it’s been tossed aside. So, what are the worst presents you can get a child? Journalist Niamh O’Reilly has been writing about this in the Irish Independent, and joins Seán to discuss.

Separating Zionism from Judaism - an Irish perspective

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:24:00 +0000

As a Jewish and Irish woman, Seán’s guest feels that the non-Zionist perspective from her community has not been properly represented in the public discourse. Ria Czerniak-LeBov, an artist based in Dublin, joins to discuss.

Pilgrimage to every fallen soldier from Sligo

Wed, 14 May 2025 15:07:00 +0000

While Ireland’s soldiers who died on the fields of Flanders were long unacknowledged, this has shifted over the past while. For 11 years, Seán’s guest has been on a mission to change our national approach to the sacrifice of these men. She recently undertook a project to visit the final resting places of 678 souls from Co. Sligo who died during the conflict in France and Belgium, travelling 2,000 kilometres between 42 cemeteries.

Simone Hickey, Historian and author of ‘Bringing Them Home’, joins to discuss.

Why do men pollute more than women?

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:28:00 +0000

We know by now that It’s important for all of us to do what we can to curb the negative effects of climate change.

Of course, some people can do more than others. Your emissions can vary wildly depending on where you live in the world, your socio-economic status and apparently, your gender…

John Gibbons is the Founder of the climatechange.ie website. He joins Seán to discuss.

The Traitors announce celebrity series line up

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:22:00 +0000

The TV phenomenon that is the Traitors has now announced its celebrity version line up, coming in the autumn.

Joining Seán to examine it all is Orlaith Condon, Co-Host of Pod Save Us, the reality TV recap podcast…

Image: BBC

Kashmir Sapphire sells at Dublin auction for €550,000

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:21:00 +0000

A Kashmir Sapphire sold at an auction in Adams in Dublin for €550,000. That is the most expensive price ever seen in Ireland for such a ring.

Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, Head of the Jewellery and Watch Department at Adam’s, who had the sapphire and diamond ring tested, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Adams

Why mad morning routines are bad for you

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Are you up like a lark and jumping out of bed first thing to start the day?

Well, you may just have been influenced or targeted on social media by some of the ludicrously extreme morning routines that people seem to be sharing – navigating super productive 5-9’s before their 9-5...

Health Psychologist Aideen Stack joins Seán to weigh in…

The history of the far right in Ireland

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:20:00 +0000

A new book explores the history of the far right in Ireland, from the Italian community in Dublin in the 1920’s, to the Dublin Riots more recently.

Joining Seán to discuss is Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc, Author of ‘Burn Them Out! A History of Fascism and the Far Right in Ireland’...

Image: Bloomsbury Publishing

How fair is a coin toss actually?

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:24:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered how fair the coin toss actually is?

Research has shown that perception of how fair the outcome is depends entirely on who led the toss.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Michael Salter-Townshend, Assistant Professor of Statistics at UCD.

Should buildings in town open their toilets for the public?

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:41:00 +0000

The lack of public toilet facilities in Dublin city has been an ongoing issue for many years. However, the Green Party are pushing for more and more public buildings to open their doors for those people who need a bathroom break. But, how does the system work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Feljin Jose, a Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party...

The town that banned smartphones until you turn 14

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:40:00 +0000

Last week Tánaiste Simon Harris said that a ban on social media for under 16s is under serious consideration.

But, around a year ago, the primary schools in the town of St Albans, just north of London, took the collective decision to address the problem and pleaded with parents to delay giving their children smartphones until they turned 14.

This kick started a movement in the town to restrict phone access to children.

Joining Seán for more on this is Head of Schools at Cunningham Hill Schools, Matthew Tavender.

The history of Ireland’s fairy forts

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:39:00 +0000

A new book about fairy forts saw the authors traipsing up and down the country to find these mysterious places. But, what are they for and why shouldn’t they be disturbed? Joining Seán to discuss is Jo Kerrigan, a Specialist in Ancient Crafts and Folklore and Co-Author of ‘Irish Fairy Forts: Portals to the Past’...

Image: O’Brien Press

Why are men shaving their eyelashes?

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:39:00 +0000

Beauty trends come and go over the years and what may have been considered the height of beauty in the past can often seem ridiculous in the fullness of time.

With that in mind we should probably ask ourselves, why on Earth are some men shaving their eyelashes?

Meredith Jones is the Director of the Pan-University Institute for Communities and Society and has been speaking about this. She joins Seán to discuss.

Are we really getting too old for this ****?

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:38:00 +0000

Just like Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon, as we get older, we often discount our ability or our suitability to do certain things on account of our age.

But, does saying “I’m too old for this or that” actually accelerate the ageing process?

Professor Rose Anne Kenny is the Chair of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss.

Restoring an original Orient Express carriage

Mon, 12 May 2025 15:05:00 +0000

The Orient Express railway carriages that now host a restaurant in Galway have just undergone a major restoration. But, how exactly do you retain their iconic art deco authenticity while running a modern kitchen?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ronan O’Halloran, General Manager of Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate…

How certain do you have to be to have children?

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:25:00 +0000

How do you really know if you want kids?

This is a question that many people ask themselves, particularly women when they are told that they’ve got a ticking biological clock, and that time is ‘running out’...

Ruthie Ackerman, author of ‘The Mother Code’ faced this dilemma and was overcome with indecision.

She joins Seán to discuss.

Ireland’s rarest bee is under threat

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:07:00 +0000

Changes to agriculture practices and climate change have put our native bee population under threat.

The great yellow bumble bee, which was once seen quite widely buzzing around the countryside, is now confined to a few small areas in Co.Mayo.

Joining Seán to discuss is someone who has been monitoring the population of this bee closely, Ecologist Karina Dingerkus…

Man won’t cut his hair until Manchester United win 5 games in a row

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:06:00 +0000

Yesterday, Manchester United lost 2-0 to West Ham. For one fan, Man Utd losing really matters.

Frank Ilett from @theunitedstrand on Instagram has been growing his hair since October of last year, and is refusing to cut it until Man Utd win 5 games in a row…

Frank joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @theunitedstrand YouTube

How art galleries can improve your health!

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:06:00 +0000

Did you know that art galleries can be good for you?

A recent study revealed that just by looking at art can relieve you from anxiety and support your well-being.

Seán is joined by Dr Claire Howlin, Researcher and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss.

Why don’t we marry people from Northern Ireland?

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:04:00 +0000

Since the partition of Ireland in 1921, economic and social interaction between the two jurisdictions was limited until more recent times.

One effect of partition has been the low number of marriages between people of the two jurisdictions, and since the end of troubles and the signing of the Good Friday agreement, this trend seems to have continued.

So, why then do we not tend to marry northerners?

Joining Seán to discuss is John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

How difficult is it for businesses to hire staff?

Mon, 12 May 2025 13:33:00 +0000

If you look around any town or city, you will see staff wanted posters on the windows of businesses.

CSO figures show that Ireland is at full employment.

The last time this rate was matched was in the booming Celtic Tiger years.

So, how difficult is it for employers to attract workers?

Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been finding out.

The man who accidentally bought back his stolen car

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:22:00 +0000

How well do you know your car?

After his beloved Honda Civic was stolen, Ewan Valentine went on the hunt to replace his so-called ‘mid-life crisis car’, and ended up accidentally buying back his exact car in the process…

So, what clues gave it away?

Ewan joins Seán to tell more.

The history of Irish surnames

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:22:00 +0000

We’re used to the idea of American or Australian tourists coming here to trace their lineage, but do we really know where our own line comes from, and how far back can you trace an Irish name?

The television series Sloinne, which airs at 8.30 on TG4 on Sunday night follows seven guest hosts as they attempt to answer these questions.

Bríd Seoighe is the Series Producer of Sloinne, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: TG4

Millennials aren’t cool anymore, apparently

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:21:00 +0000

It’s official, millennials are not cool anymore. If you’re a millennial, you can take your avocado toast and your single speed sustainable bike and get out of here!

So says TikTok anyway…

Joining Seán to defend her people is millennial and Fashion Commentator, Lorna Weightman.

Why concept art is needed to make movies

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:20:00 +0000

The process of getting a movie from script to the cinema screen, is a lengthy one, especially if it is a major blockbuster, but one aspect of the process which maybe goes under the radar is creating concept art for productions.

Seán is joined by Dermot Power, who is a movie Concept Artist, and has worked on such blockbusters as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Batman.

Image: Dermot Power

2026 World Cup - is Trump up to the task?

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:59:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Donald Trump convened the first meeting of his administration’s 2026 World Cup taskforce, insisting that the tournament will go off without a hitch.

However, serious questions remain over how that will happen considering the considerable obstacles the tournament faces…

Off the Ball’s David Wilson joins Seán to discuss.

Image: AP Photo

Calls for artists to paint Dublin traffic boxes

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:55:00 +0000

Have you got an artistic flair? This week, Dublin Canvas in association with Dublin City Council launched their call out for submissions for people to paint those grey traffic boxes around the city, and show off their creative flair!

The project has seen unique artwork transform the grey dull city streets by adding individual art installations across the capital.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Siobhan Maher, Administrative Officer at Dublin City Council…

Image: Dublin Canvas

Irish Journalist wins Pulitzer Prize for Sudan coverage

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Declan Walsh and the staff of The New York Times won the award for International Reporting for their coverage of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, including revealing the role of the United Arab Emirates in the conflict, and its devastating human toll…

Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist and Chief Africa Correspondent for the New York Times, Declan Walsh joins Seán to discuss.

Is there still a stigma around red hair?

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:12:00 +0000

In a recent interview, the ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor revealed that her 5 sons, who all have red hair, have been subjected to some level of teasing. But, has acceptance in this area shifted over time?

Joining Seán to discuss is Comedian and Writer Emma Doran…

What it’s like for families after bodies are donated to science

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:11:00 +0000

Have you thought about what happens after we die, and would you ever consider donating your body to medical science?

Nina Shelton’s dad passed away in 2023 and now two years later, the family are preparing to get his body back after he made the decision to donate his body to medical science so that trainee doctors could learn from his death...

Nina is not alone in her experience, but wants to share what it’s been like for their family and the grieving process...

She joins Seán to discuss.

The rise of subscription services

Thu, 08 May 2025 13:59:00 +0000

More and more of the services we use are subscription based models.

From watching our favourite films to our exercise plans, companies have managed to convince us to sign up to monthly fees.

But many customers enjoy the convenience and it allows companies to be able to plan ahead.

Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been looking into the growing trend of direct debit subscriptions.

Why does a new tractor cost so much?

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:05:00 +0000

How much does a tractor cost, and what are the considerations to take into account before you invest?

Joining Seán to discuss is Darragh McCullough, Farmer, Columnist with the Irish Independent and recent purchaser of a new tractor.

Is democracy in the Middle East dead?

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:29:00 +0000

In our lifetime, the Middle East has seemingly always been a region that has been characterised by conflict, strife and instability.

So, is the prospect of democracy in the region dead?

Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and author of ‘The Great Betrayal: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in the Middle East’ joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Princeton University Press

Are gyms too focused on masculinity?

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:28:00 +0000

After witnessing the evolution of gym culture in Ireland over many decades, Seán’s guest argues that there is a lot more to be done in terms of making these spaces better for women, and that too often, they remain bastions of masculinity.

Joining to discuss is Sports Writer Clíona Foley, who has been writing about these things in the Irish Examiner…

Spain to have a shorter work week - will it work?

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Who wouldn’t like to work less hours to live a more ‘relaxed’ life?

Well, the Spanish government has made the decision to reduce the 40 hour work week to 37.5, meaning that over twelve million workers now have an extra two and a half hours to themselves every week...

So, how is this really going to work and are the Spanish delighted?

Graham Keeley is a Madrid-based Journalist and joins Seán to discuss.

Why more and more hotels are going child-free

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:27:00 +0000

More and more hotels, both domestically and internationally, are going child free. But, how do these hotels work, and why are they popular?

Joining Seán to discuss is someone who has stayed in a few: Joan Scales, Travel Journalist…

Is male contraception becoming viable?

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Male contraception is the wave of the future that has stayed in the future, always about 10 years away no matter what decade you’re living in.

But, could that be about to change?

Logan Nickels is Chief Research Officer with the Male Contraceptive Initiative. He joins Seán to discuss.

Why wine with ice cream is a new trend - and better than you’d think!

Tue, 06 May 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Apparently, the new trend for food is pairing ice cream with wine… It certainly sounds odd, but is meant to be better than you would think!

John Wilson, Wine Critic for the Irish Times, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Princess Pinky Girl

Would you ever do a home swap for your holiday?

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:25:00 +0000

Have you booked your summer holidays yet?

Well, have you ever considered swapping your home for somewhere in a far flung destination?

Patsy Winters has done home exchanges nearly fifty times, and she joins Seán to talk more about why it’s been the perfect way to travel the world for her…

How much of a risk is kissing with allergies?

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:23:00 +0000

Is kissing safe if you’ve got coeliac disease or a nut allergy?

New breakthrough research has been looking at couples to test out how food stays in the saliva, and whether it is safe to smooch after snacking on crackers if your other half is gluten intolerant…

Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr Iseult Sheehan, Clinical Director of Allergy Ireland.

The story behind the Dublin Songwriting Circle

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:22:00 +0000

Dublin has no shortage of open mic nights, but once a month, the Black Sheep Pub on Capel street hosts an altogether more interactive experience.

The Dublin Songwriting Circle allows people to share works in progress and discuss alterations they might make with the audience.

Luke Clerkin is the Co-Founder of the Dublin Songwriting Circle, and joins Seán to discuss.

Can ‘AI friends’ replace the real thing?

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:21:00 +0000

The Founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg has said that in the future he can see how AI could help us address loneliness. Although, he did stop short of saying AI could replace our real-life friends.

But, does he have a point? How many friends do you have online versus real friendships in real life? And could AI and digital innovations fulfil our social needs?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and Author.

Image: Meta

Court access to counselling notes - what should be done?

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:21:00 +0000

The 2025 Programme for Government contains a commitment to amend the law regarding the provision of a sexual abuse complainant’s counselling notes, but what should be done?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Susan Leahy, Associate Professor at the School of Law at the University of Limerick…

Would you buy a shipwreck from Facebook Marketplace?

Fri, 02 May 2025 14:38:00 +0000

If you’re looking for a second-hand car, or a set of used golf clubs, Facebook Marketplace might be a good place to look.

But, would you consider buying a shipwreck if it popped up on your Facebook?

Diver and Youtuber Dom Dobinson has done just that, and joins John Fardy to discuss.

Image: Dom Robinson

Why the BBC are using an AI version of Agatha Christie

Fri, 02 May 2025 14:37:00 +0000

Agatha Christie is one of the most known and celebrated authors in modern history, being a pioneer of the crime fiction genre. Today, BBC Maestro are offering online courses delivered by an AI version of the writer.

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss this is Dr Mark Alridge, Agatha Christie Historian and speaker at Southampton Solent University.

Image: Britannica

Soviet spacecraft set to crash into Earth soon

Fri, 02 May 2025 14:36:00 +0000

A Soviet-era spacecraft, that has been in orbit for over 50 years, is set to crash land into Earth at some stage over the next week or so. But, why is this going to happen, and what was the mysterious craft’s original mission?

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland…

Guinness World Records celebrate 70th anniversary of first book

Fri, 02 May 2025 14:16:00 +0000

This year, Guinness World Records is marking the 70th anniversary of the publication of their first book. But, did you know that the origins of this extraordinary story began in Castlebridge in Co. Wexford?

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is John Ryan from the Castlebridge Inspire Group…

Man tracks down origin of iconic ‘Shining’ photograph

Thu, 01 May 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Many horror buffs have puzzled for years over the mysterious photograph that appears at the end of the iconic 1980 Stanley Kubrick classic ‘The Shining’. Well recently, an academic in England has sleuthed an answer!

Joining Seán to discuss is Alasdair Spark, retired American Studies Lecturer at the University of Winchester…

The white Afrikaners lining up to accept Trump’s offer of asylum

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:42:00 +0000

Trump's offer of refugee status to white South Africans has, inevitably, proven hugely controversial, in a country with a dark history of apartheid. But, are South Africans taking him up on the offer?

Joining Seán to discuss is Rachel Savage, the Guardian's southern Africa correspondent…

Image: Reuters

Are poems only for the posh?

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:19:00 +0000

It's Irish National Poetry Day!

Are poems for the masses, or are they just for the posh?

Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie sent this in.

How many penises are on this medieval tapestry?

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:19:00 +0000

There are many important debates among historians. Where did the agricultural revolution start exactly? Would Germany have won World War 2 if they hadn’t invaded Russia?

And now, how many penises are there on the Bayeux Tapestry?

To answer this burning question, Seán is joined by Dr. Christopher Monk.

Should we have more cross-generational friends?

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Most people’s closest and dearest friends are around the same age as themselves. With us usually making our friends through school or college, it is not surprising that cross- generational friendships are somewhat unusual.

But, does having friends of varying ages fulfil needs your peers can't?

Joining Seán for more on this is Journalist Sinead Kehoe.

What is it like to use a driverless taxi?

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:17:00 +0000

As driverless taxis begin to take off in the States, what is it actually like to go for a trip in one?

Ciara O’Brien, Technology Correspondent for the Irish Times, has done it, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Waymo

Monty Python and the Holy Grail turns 50!

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:12:00 +0000

The first movie from iconic British comedy group Monty Python, ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, turns 50 this year!

Joining Seán to look back on the film is Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy.

Are men worse at remembering birthdays?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:26:00 +0000

In a recent episode of Joe & Stacey on BBC 1, it emerged that Joe Swash couldn’t remember most of the family’s birthdays.

But, why is that, and does it have anything to do with gender?

Ciara Greene is Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, UCD and author of ‘Memory Lane: The Perfectly Imperfect Ways We Remember’. She joins Seán to discuss.

Will a ‘Peter’ Pope end the world? St Malachy’s Prophecy

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:14:00 +0000

There’s a good chance that by the end of next week we will have a new Pope.

There’s also a reasonable chance that the new Pope’s name will be Peter.

If that happens, then there is an excellent chance that the end of days will follow shortly…

That’s according to an Irish Archbishop who died almost 900 years ago…

Niamh Griffin has been writing about this for the Irish Examiner, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is it ever okay to wear shorts in the office?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:14:00 +0000

With the good weather continuing, is it ever ok to wear shorts to the office, and are blazers too old fashioned nowadays?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Fashion Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullett…

Image: H&M

Why there is a need for anti-racism education in Ireland

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:13:00 +0000

A recent study, commissioned by the Policing Authority entitled Still Not Heard, Still Not Safe, reveals that people of African descent, and Brazilians, in Ireland continue to experience racial profiling and discriminatory policing and have a deep lack of trust in An Garda Siochana.

The findings are of no surprise to Dr. Ebun Joseph, Special Rapporteur on Racism and Racial Equality. She joins Seán to discuss.

Do you like nicknames?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:12:00 +0000

Do you have a nickname?

And is it one that you were given, or something you embraced over the years?

Nicknames can be weird, wonderful and often completely unrelated to the name you were given at birth.

Ceire Sadlier has been writing about nicknames and the pet names we have for each other in the Irish Times. She joins Seán to discuss.

New theory on meaning of spiral symbols at Newgrange

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:59:00 +0000

A new theory on the meaning of the spiral symbols at Newgrange might mean that the site is more of a “cosmic calendar” than we may have thought before.

Joe Fenwick, Archeological Field Officer at the University of Galway, joins Seán to discuss.

Why DIY is having a resurgence with women

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:21:00 +0000

How handy are you with power tools?

Whether you’re fed up waiting to get a tradesperson out, or are trying to save money, it seems there’s a big change to people getting back into DIY – especially young women.

So, what do you really need to be able to change a lightbulb, put up a curtain rail or lay new kitchen floors?

Suzanne Armstrong is a DIY Educator, and she’s been sharing her advice online, helping people get to grips with really doing it yourself around the house… She joins Seán to discuss.

Should you go to more gigs on your own?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:18:00 +0000

There is something of a social stigma that we have about attending certain events or doing certain activities on our own.

In particular, a gig or a concert is something that we tend to view as a communal experience.

But, should we go to more gigs on our own?

Emma Kehoe is an Empowerment Coach, Mindfulness Mentor and Radio Presenter and she recently went to see English musician Vraell alone. She joins Seán to discuss.

Has the adverb gone out of fashion?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:17:00 +0000

It’s over a week since many of us would have first heard that Pope Francis had “sadly died”.

And this particular phrasing may have reminded those of you who are more grammatically minded of the much slower demise of something else; the adverb.

So, why have they gone out of fashion?

Stephen Lucek is Assistant Professor in Linguistics at UCD. He joins Seán to discuss.

Could ChatGPT help with dating advice?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Who do you go to for advice?

And what do you do when your friends are fed up with listening to you? Well, could ChatGPT prove to be a listening ear?

Edeain O’Connell decided to share her dating dilemmas and use ChatGPT for relationship advice. She joins Seán to discuss.

The mysteries behind the Dublin Whiskey Fire of 1875

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:15:00 +0000

What happened in the Great Liberties Whiskey Fire of 1875 and what mysteries surround it one hundred and fifty years later?

Historian Donal Fallon joins Seán to discuss.

Are there nuclear weapons in space?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Russia’s secretive Cosmos 2553 satellite, which has seemingly been spinning out of control lately, has raised alarming questions about the potential use of weapons in space.

Joining Seán to discuss is Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government's Science Awareness programme…

Why rewilding is so important

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Randal Plunkett took on an ambitious project of rewilding his family estate, Dunsany, embarking on a large-scale rewilding project aiming to improve biodiversity on the grounds. With hundreds and hundreds of acres of land to manage, in the last decade the family have made major strides to bring back native wildlife and animals in Co Meath...

Randal joins Seán to discuss.

Making a mosaic out of digestive biscuits!

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:12:00 +0000

Can you really use digestive biscuits to make a portrait?

Mosaic Artist Ed Chapman has successfully created biscuit versions of Judi Dench and David Bowie as part of his new work...

He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @edchapmanmosaic on Instagram

Do we like missing out on things? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:11:00 +0000

Are you a ‘JOMO’ or ‘FOMO’ person?

According to the experts, the Joy of missing out can protect your mental health in a fear-of-missing-out world. It can help reclaim peace in a hyperconnected and never ending 24/7 cycle.

Henry McKean joins Seán to discuss, and share what he’s heard from the public.

Is having one child enough?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:10:00 +0000

Seán’s guest had decided with her husband to have only one child, but a chance encounter with a newborn brought pangs of yearning.

Joining to discuss is Tanya Sweeney, Columnist with the Irish Independent…

PJ Gallagher on 20 years of Naked Camera

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:22:00 +0000

This month marks the 20th anniversary of one of the funniest shows on Irish television, ‘Naked Camera’.

Seán is joined by its star, PJ Gallagher, Co-Presenter of Morning Glory with PJ and Jim on Radio Nova, to discuss.

Rory O’Neill on Panti Bliss, The Four Mothers and Marriage Equality

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:21:00 +0000

Seán is joined in The Sugar Club by drag artist and gay activist Rory O’Neill, AKA Panti Bliss.

Rory can currently be seen in cinemas nationwide in The Four Mothers,and Panti is facing a roast in The Abbey Theatre to celebrate ten years of marriage equality.

The hidden side of YouTube

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:15:00 +0000

There are many many people who have made whole careers out of content they put on YouTube; the likes of Mr.Beast can have hundreds of millions of views on just one video.

But, this isn’t at all representative of the bulk of content on the platform. The average YouTube video has only been viewed 41 times.

So, what happens when you circumvent the algorithm and delve into the depths of YouTube?

Ryan McGrady is Senior Researcher in the Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

The Great Gatsby Turns 100

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:35:00 +0000

As the Great Gatsby turns 100 this month, how relevant are its themes to the America of today? Seán speaks to Keith Duggan, Washington Correspondent for The Irish Times

35 Years of Nothing Compares 2 U

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:05:00 +0000

Can you remember where you were when you first heard it? This week marks thirty five years of Sinead O’Connor’s iconic hit ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ reaching number 1 in the US Billboard charts and changing the course of her career (and her life).... So why does the song remain one of the most recognisable love songs ever? And what does it say about the legacy left behind by Sinead O’Connor... Dave Fanning joined Seán to discuss

The Art of Friendship Exhibition

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Irish artists Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone were lifelong friends who are credited with bringing modern art to Ireland. An exhibition which explores their lives and works is currently on show at the National Gallery of Ireland and is the first joint exhibition of their work since 1924. Niamh McNally is co-curator of The Art Of Friendship spoke to Seán.

Finding Grey Pubes, Ageing and Feminism

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:25:00 +0000

Does it all really go down hill after 50? Author Kathy Lette decided to bare her soul and wrote about the experience of finding her first grey hair... down there and today she spoke to Seán about it

The Soviet Spy stationed in Ireland

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:03:00 +0000

In the 1960's, an Austrian man came to live in Ireland - tried to become a Butcher and later became a Travelling Salesman. The catch? He was a Soviet Spy the entire time!

To discuss, Seán is joined by Shaun Walker, International Correspondent for The Guardian and author of ‘The Illegals: Russia's Most Audacious Spies and Their Century-Long Mission to Infiltrate the West’.

Image: Penguin Random House

Why is free speech under attack?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:34:00 +0000

You only need to look at the controversy surrounding Kneecap’s appearance at the Coachella Music Festival to recognise that free speech has been and continues to be a contentious issue.

Nonetheless, in democracies we recognise the principle of free speech as a central tenet of our way of life.

So, why are we seeing freedom of speech being curtailed in the likes of Germany and the US?

Mary Lawlor is UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Kneecap

What is ‘tech neck’?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:17:00 +0000

As we use our mobile phones and other devices, a phenomenon known as ‘tech neck’ can take place, causing increased wrinkles to form in this area.

Seán’s guest decided to get treatment for it. Joining to discuss is Journalist Kate Demolder, who has been writing about her experience in the Irish Examiner…

New Oscars mandate requires judges to watch all films

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:14:00 +0000

What do you mean the judges haven’t seen all the Oscar nominated films?

This is the revelation that has led to the introduction of a new rule by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who run the Oscars, to ensure that voters must have watched the nominated movies before voting...

This comes as amendments are made to the system, and joining Seán to tell more is Film Critic, Esther McCarthy…

Is free will just an illusion?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:13:00 +0000

Are we truly in control of our actions, or are we bound by our predetermined genetic make-up, powerless to act against our instinctive reactions to the stimuli around us?

Do we have free will, or is it just a persistent illusion?

Kevin Mitchell is Associate Professor of Genetics and nNeuroscience at Trinity College Dublin and author of ‘Free Agents – How Evolution Gave Us Free Will’. He joins Seán to discuss.

The Pope has an open casket - is this still common?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:13:00 +0000

You might have noticed from the officially released Vatican photographs that the Pope is lying in an open casket. But, is this still a common practice in Ireland nowadays, and if so, why?

Joining Seán to discuss is David MacGowan from Foley and McGowan Funeral Home and Crematorium in Sligo and Ballina.

Image: Reuters

What speed dating is like for gay women

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

As more and more people are finding the online search for love frustrating, the opportunity for real life connection is increasingly sought-after. Although speed dating itself is nothing new, what about speed dating events for gay women?

Laura Kavanagh organises such evenings through Queen Of Hearts events, an idea born out of her gay female friends complaints about the online dating scene. She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @qohdating

How to defeat Bank Holiday brain mush

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Do you feel like you’re a bit slow today?

For many people, getting back into the swing of things after a few days off, particularly a long bank holiday weekend, can feel like a struggle.

But, why does your brain feel like mush after time off work?

Dr Tara Logan Buckley, Chartered Clinical Psychologist, joins Seán to discuss.

Festival to celebrate all things street photography

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:29:00 +0000

The Dublin Street Photography Festival kicks off next weekend on May 2nd in Charlemont Square, celebrating all things in the medium of street photography.

Joining Seán to discuss is Street Photographer and one the festival’s Co-Founders, Des Byrne.

Image: Dublin Street Photography Festival

New book explorers parallels between Nazi and Chilean Dictator

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:28:00 +0000

A new book explores two extraordinary parallel histories, documenting the lives and crimes of a notorious Nazi, and an infamous Chilean dictator.

Joining Seán to discuss is Philippe Sands, Human Rights Lawyer and Author of ‘38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia’...

Image: W&N

The dangers of a sunbed addiction

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:26:00 +0000

A woman who spent years using sunbeds has taken to social media to warn others about the legacy of her addiction.

Joining Seán to discuss is Kerrieann McDonnell, a Personal Trainer from Co. Clare…

Is Ireland in a psychedelic renaissance?

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:47:00 +0000

Science is rediscovering the medicinal potential of things like magic mushrooms for treatments. UCC recently held a research day about this, and Oliver Davis, Professor of French at UCC and former Co-Editor of the Frontiers in Psychology series joins Tom Dunne to discuss…

Everyday things to improve with family budgeting

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

With families feeling the pinch of the cost of living now more than ever, people are looking to overhaul their spending habits and make realistic savings in everyday life.

But, what mistakes are we making in terms of family budgeting, and what simple things can you do to improve your family’s finances?

Also, should you be using this long weekend to take a long hard look at your finances?

Anita Collins runs the ‘Efficient Family Life’ Instagram account, and joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

Home Alone Director wants to digitally remove Donald Trump from film

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Hollywood movie Director Chris Columbus has revealed this week that he would like to digitally remove Donald Trump from Home Alone 2. But, is there a precedent for removing certain scenes from films, years after they’ve been released?

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is Brian Lloyd, Film Critic and Movies & Booze Panelist…

How to navigate a big break up

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:28:00 +0000

What’s the best way to call off an engagement?

And how do you manage to recover after a big break up?

Frances Kelleher is a Dating and Relationship coach and she joins Tom Dunne to offer her advice and expertise when it comes to navigating a romantic split…

What is the ‘Straight Line Mission’?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:15:00 +0000

A new adventure challenge that has been popularised over the past few years is called ‘Straight Line Missioning’, and requires participants to travel over long distances, as the crow flies, so to speak. But, how does it work?

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is Adventurer and YouTuber, Tom Davies…

Image: @GeoWizard on YouTube

What is ‘guiltivisim’?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Most of us probably don’t have to scroll far down our social media feeds to find something about the war in Gaza or Ukraine, or perhaps Sudan or Yemen.

Raising awareness of the suffering of others is, of course, a good thing, but a new type of activism has emerged that perhaps isn’t quite as constructive.

Jennifer Horgan is a Columnist with the Irish Examiner and she’s been writing about the prevalence of “guiltivism”. She joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

Is the Thermomix dupe a worthy kitchen gadget?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:17:00 +0000

The Thermomix is a state-of-the-art kitchen companion that offers to make life easier in the kitchen. But at almost €1,500, the efficiency, creativity and convenience it promises come at a hefty price. Lidl have recently introduced a more pocket friendly version, but is it any good?

Digital Journalist with the Irish Times Niamh Browne spent a week with Monsieur Cuisine Smart and she joins Tom Dunne to discuss how she got on.

The Irish pilot who did the first east-west Atlantic crossing

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:16:00 +0000

The story of Irish Captain James Fitzmaurice from Laois, who piloted the first east-west Atlantic crossing in April 1928, is a fascinating one.

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss the background of this achievement is Dr Patrick McGarty, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at Munster Technological University.

IFI to screen classic films in their wide-screen glory!

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:16:00 +0000

If you’ve ever fancied seeing film classics such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ & ’Ryan’s Daughter’ in their full wide-screen glory, The Irish Film Institute is offering you the opportunity to do so. They are holding a 2-month, 16-film celebration of ’The Films of David Lean’ this April and May.

Dr Ruth Barton is a Professor of Film Studies in Trinity College, and joins Seán to discuss.

The Great Moose Migration and ‘Slow TV’

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:13:00 +0000

For some people, sitting down to watch TV is the most relaxing thing, but now millions of people are taking this one step further and embracing a trend called ‘Slow TV’.

And this week, ‘The Great Moose Migration’ from Sweden is proving to be wildly popular with viewers across the world tuning in to the livestream to see how the moose are getting on in Northern Sweden.

Stefan Edlund is the Producer on this project and joins Tom Dunne to tell more.

How this sculpture of Gerry Adams was made

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:07:00 +0000

A new sculpture of Gerry Adams is currently on exhibit at the Kilkenny Portrait Show. But, how do you go about creating the likeness of a living person in clay? It turns out the process of making a bust of someone is almost as interesting as the product itself!

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is Sculptor Aidan Harte…

Image: @HarteAidan on Twitter

Exploring the strange borders of Europe

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:10:00 +0000

In this country we are only too familiar with the problems that can occur when someone draws a new line on the map between two nations, but ours is far from the only complicated border in Europe.

Lewis Baston has walked many of them for his book ‘Borderlines: A History of Europe in 29 Borders’ and joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

Image: Hodder & Stoughton

Why we can’t stop scrolling

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:09:00 +0000

Do you find conversations boring to the point that you are constantly reaching for your phone?

Research shows that within two minutes of chatting Gen Z are bored and turning to their phones for entertainment.

But are we all as bad as each other?

Journalist with the Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanley, joins us now…

What it takes to have a champion cat

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:09:00 +0000

What makes a winning cat?

Over one hundred cats took part in the GCCFI Supreme Cat Show on Sunday, but only one cat was crowned the overall winner and that was five and a half year old Quevaga, a Maine Coon cat.

Her owner, Claudia Wagner, joins Tom Dunne to tell more.

Image: Friendly Ghosts

Why the EU should shut down content algorithms

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:08:00 +0000

As European nations rearm at a rate not seen since the Cold War, one commentator believes that a more insidious actor needs to be addressed first: the algorithms pushing egregious content on social media platforms.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss this is Dr Johnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, a unit of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

Newgrange discovery sheds light on life in Neolithic Ireland

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:20:00 +0000

If you’ve been lucky enough to visit Newgrange, you can attest to the fact that it’s a pretty impressive structure - so you can imagine just how impressive it was when first constructed over 5000 years ago.

Accordingly, it has often been assumed that those who were buried there were part of some sort of ruling class, but new research from UCD suggests that rather than being a grave for an elite family, the tomb was a social hub for the people, frequented by travellers coming from as far away as Sligo.

Dr Neil Carlin is a Lecturer in the School of Archaeology at UCD who was involved in the research. He joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Is testosterone therapy the right choice for middle-aged men?

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:22:00 +0000

More and more middle-aged Irish men are investigating the possibility of testosterone therapy, motivated by social media and podcasters such as Joe Rogan. But, can it work?

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is Dr. Emmet Byrne, a GP with a special interest in men’s health, based at the Optiman Clinic in Bray…

Should dogs be allowed in the office?

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:09:00 +0000

While there has been a rise in interest in employees bringing their dogs to the office, should workplaces have a pet policy in place to ensure that everything runs smoothly?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Stephanie Rousseau, Dog Behaviour Consultant, Founder of Happy Office Dogs and author of ‘Office Dogs: The Manual’...

How workplaces should manage bereaved employees

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:08:00 +0000

How should workplaces manage when an employee has been bereaved, and what supports should be in place to allow those in mourning to deal with their work-life balance?

Niamh Finucane is the Coordinator of Social Work and Bereavement Services at St Francis Hospice in Dublin’s Raheny and Blanchardstown, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The mental toughness you need to win the Masters

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:07:00 +0000

He finally did it!

Rory McIlroy completed a career grand slam in Augusta after coming out victorious in the Masters after a nail-biting play off.

But what kind of mental toughness did the golfer need to find to finally secure the win that has been elusive in his rollercoaster career?

Sports Psychologist and Lecturer in TUD, Dr Stephen McIvor, joins guest host Tom Dunne to weigh in.

Image: Reuters

How this man got an alphabetical shopping receipt

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:19:00 +0000

By choosing his groceries very carefully, and scanning them in a certain order at the supermarket till, a man has managed to get a perfectly alphabetical shopping receipt.

Joining Seán to discuss is shopper Graeme Bowman.

What is driving the demand for vinyl?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:18:00 +0000

What’s the last record you bought?

And do you own a vinyl record player?

Taylor Swift is once again proving to be the most popular artist of her generation with three of the top ten best-selling vinyl albums of the last decade being released by the pop superstar.

So with World Record Store Day tomorrow, what is driving the surge in vinyl?

Music Journalist Louise Bruton joins Seán to discuss.

Homeless Irish-American man running for Mayor of Seattle

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:18:00 +0000

An unhoused Irish-American man is currently running for Mayor of Seattle, in order to raise awareness of the significant housing issues facing the population of the Pacific NorthWest.

Joining Seán to discuss is Mayoral Candidate, Joe Molloy…

Image: Amy Radil

Oscars to give award for stunts from 2028

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:17:00 +0000

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new award for Stunt Design, which will be inaugurated at the 2028 Oscars.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Mike O’Shea, an Irish film Stunt Consultant who has worked on movies such as Mission Impossible and No Time to Die…

Image: Paramount Pictures

Mountaineering Ireland warns hikers over recent fires

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:05:00 +0000

With the weather as glorious as it is, many people will be taking the chance to get out in nature and get hiking.

Mountaineering Ireland have issued an urgent appeal for the public to prepare themselves when going on walking trails, and importantly to stay away from the Mourne Mountains because of fire.

Helen Lawless joins Seán to discuss.

New law campaigned by woman who lost son has been signed

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:03:00 +0000

Seán’s guest lost her son in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack. After campaigning for many years for event venues to be obliged to prepare for terrorist attacks, ‘Martyn’s Law’, named after her son, was signed into law last week.

Joining to discuss is Campaigner Figen Murray…

Image: Peter Byrne/PA

Is ‘slow dating’ the right way to start a relationship?

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:11:00 +0000

How long does it take you to fall in love?

And, is there such a thing as a slow burn, or should it be a whirlwind at the beginning?

Jake Maddock, a Relationship Coach and author, has touched a nerve online declaring that for the first eight weeks of meeting somebody, you should only see them once a week so as not to rush it…

Matchmaker Mairead Loughman joins Seán to discuss.

What is Syria like right now?

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:11:00 +0000

It’s the nature of news that once a conflict has ended, that country seems to slip out of our news feed, as if everything has been resolved and nothing remains to be decided.

But, of course, that is far from the truth…

Journalist Sally Hayden has visited Syria to see how things are playing out on the ground in the aftermath of the revolution. She joins Seán to discuss.

Admitting when you are wrong - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:10:00 +0000

How do we try to save face when we’ve lost an argument or made a fool of yourself? After Trump’s tariff u-turn, do you apologise? Do you try to change the goalposts or pretend it never happened?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Why ‘speedcubing’ is growing in popularity

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Are you any good at solving a Rubik’s cube?

And have you heard of speedcubing?

The new competition seems to be taking over the country as interest soars in the sport, with children keen to take part and solve rubix cubes as quickly as possible.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Kevin Timmons from Speedcubing Ireland…

New documentary examines John Lennon and Yoko Ono charity concerts

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:24:00 +0000

A new documentary film examines two charity concerts that John Lennon and Yoko Ono organised in the early 1970s, using a treasure trove of contemporary footage. Joining Seán to discuss more is Sam Rice-Edwards, Co-Director of One to One: John & Yoko…

Why do writers have so many superstitions?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:16:00 +0000

Author Anthony Horowitz has revealed that he writes a letter to his wife with details of how his book ends, just in case he gets hit by a bus before finishing it.

The novelist doesn’t want to leave his readers in suspense if anything happened to him, and confessed to this habit. So, what other weird and wacky writer superstitions do authors follow?

Bestselling novelist Liz Nugent joins Seán to discuss.

Could AI help us become more emotionally intelligent?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:15:00 +0000

If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you may have noticed that emotional intelligence is in short supply, and apparently only 36% of us actually qualify as emotionally intelligent.

It seems an unlikely solution, but could AI help us to empathise better with our fellow humans?

MarieToft is a Generative AI Thought Leader and Consultant and Founder of Emotionise AI. She joins Seán to discuss.

Should the definition of a rat change?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Whether you blame them for the black death, or you just think they’re a bit gross, rats don’t have a fantastic reputation among us humans.

And maybe that’s part of the problem.

In an effort to rehabilitate the image of the humble rodent, PETA have written to the Cambridge dictionary asking for them to change the definition of “Rat”...

Jennifer White from PETA joins Seán to discuss.

Why talking about periods shouldn’t be taboo

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:14:00 +0000

Are misinformation and body shaming continuing to cause problems for women and their menstrual cycle? Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Doctor and Columnist with the Irish Independent, has been writing about her thoughts on this in the newspaper and she joins me now…

The work behind celebrity prosthetic teeth

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Teeth are all anybody is talking about these days when it comes to TV and film, thanks in part to the fascination with Aimee Lou Wood in The White Lotus... but, for many years, we have seen actors get a set of false teeth and transform into new characters.

Remember Mike Myers in Austin Powers and Jonah Hill in Wolf of Wall Street?

The man behind those teeth is Leading Dental Technician and creator of SPFX Teeth, Gary Archer. He joins Seán to discuss.

Finding comedy in grief - and oversharing online

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:29:00 +0000

Life has a funny way of working out, but if you’ve just been dumped, lost your job and have nowhere to live, things can feel pretty miserable.

Aoife Dunne came to terms with the grief of losing her mother and built a loyal following online sharing the highs and lows of navigating life in your late thirties when you’re still just figuring it out...

She joins Seán to discuss.

How to revamp your summer whites for the good weather!

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:23:00 +0000

As the weather improves, many people will be digging out their summer whites. But, how do you revamp these garments to make them look as good as new, after spending last summer sweating in them?

Joining Seán to discuss is Laura de Barra, author of ‘Garment Goddess’...

How rising chocolate prices are affecting the Irish baking industry

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:22:00 +0000

Alarming price increases in both chocolate and butter are having a major impact on the baking and chocolate industry in Ireland…

Joining Seán to discuss this is Graham Herterich, AKA the Cupcake Bloke, owner of The Bakery in Rialto…

Why are there so many sightings of the Eurasian Hoopoe?

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:21:00 +0000

It's been a bumper season for sightings of the Eurasian Hoopoe on Ireland’s south coast, an exotic bird with a pink mohawk.

Joining Seán to discuss the sightings is Paul Connaughton, an Ornithologist who sits on the Irish Rare Birds Committee…

Is pedestrianisation hurting Irish businesses?

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:17:00 +0000

While the ongoing pedestrianisation of many towns and cities around Ireland since the pandemic often brings benefits, it can put a toll on retail businesses. One particular street in Dublin City, Drury Street, has exploded in popularity over the past two years, leading to large crowds of people congregating.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Clare Grennan, co-owner of Irish Design Shop…

What is the right way to wear aftershave?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:05:00 +0000

A new book claims that the French president Emmanuel Macron wears so much aftershave that his staff can smell him before they see him coming. So, how should aftershave be worn and should Irish men follow the French way of doing it?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sadie Chowen, Creative Director of the Burren Perfumery…

How do we end the ‘culture wars’?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:34:00 +0000

A major part of our public discourse in recent years has been about the so-called ‘culture wars’.

These discussions seem to exhibit an ever increasing toxicity which likely doesn’t help anyone.

So, how do we make peace?

Professor AC Grayling, Philosopher and Author of ‘Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars’, joins Seán to discuss.

Are male teachers the answer to fighting toxic masculinity?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:24:00 +0000

Could having more male teachers help with toxic masculinity?

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson sparked a discussion with her comments calling for more men to become teachers, so that young boys have better role models.

Is this the case here too? And what can be done to attract and encourage men into classrooms?

Principal and Host of ‘If I were Minister for Education’ Podcast, Simon Lewis, joins Seán to discuss.

The most memorable insults made in the Dáil

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:21:00 +0000

The recent debate on Dáil speaking time wasn’t exactly a shining example of parliamentary decorum, but it was far from the first time such behaviour reared its ugly head in Leinster House…

Diarmaid Ferriter is Professor of Modern Irish History in UCD, and he has been looking at some of the more colourful exchanges down through the years. He joins Seán to discuss.

Do we go mad when the Sun is out? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Temperatures are the highest so far this year, reaching up to 20 degrees in the midlands. But, are you wearing sunscreen, or is the stint of nice weather so good that you’re forgetting the basics?

Henry McKean hit the beach to find out, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why the typewriter is having a resurgence

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:19:00 +0000

The typewriter was patented by four inventors in Milwaukee in 1868, and today, the machine is having something of an unexpected revival, with the city even hosting a convention for typewriter enthusiasts called Qwertyfest.

Lisa Floading is one such enthusiast and collector, and joins Seán to discuss.

Has the gym replaced the pub for Gen Z?

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:18:00 +0000

Has the gym replaced the pub for the younger generation?

According to new figures, more young people are going to the gym now than ever before, and Gen Z could just be the healthiest generation ever... or at least, much more fitness focused than the baby boomers and millennials before them.

But, is spending so much time in the gym really good for you? Or is it making people lonelier?

Reporter, Content Creator and Gym-goer Padraig Wilson McCarthy joins Seán to discuss.

Henry McKean’s Make-A-Wish Challenge!

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:18:00 +0000

It’s Wish Day! This week marks Make-A-Wish Ireland’s annual fundraising week, which raises money to grant life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses nationwide.

Since 1992, Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted wishes for more than 3,350 children across Ireland, including 214 wishes granted in 2024 alone.

Henry McKean joins Seán to do multiple challenges - including sucking on a lemon, doing jumping jacks and wearing as many underpants as possible!

Nationwide scheme has citizens on the hunt for fossils!

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:05:00 +0000

A new citizen science project in UCC called the Great Irish Fossil Hunt aims to catalogue the fossils of Ireland. But, how will it work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Maria McNamara, Professor of Paleontology at UCC...

What happens when someone dies on a plane?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:55:00 +0000

It is something nobody likes thinking about, but what happens if someone has a medical emergency on a plane and passes away mid flight?

You might have heard about the Australian couple who complained about enduring a ‘traumatic’ experience after sitting next to a body for four hours on their long haul flight...

So, what’s the protocol?

Former cabin crew and host The Red Eye Podcast, Ally Murphy, joins Seán to discuss.

How has comedy changed in the modern day?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:23:00 +0000

In the good old days, being a successful comedian was all about getting on TV.

Making Gay Byrne chuckle on The Late Late or even taking the mick out of Seán on Don’t Feed The Gondolas was a sure fire way to put bums on seats at your next live show!

But, as with just about everything, social media has ripped up that rule book.

Kyla Cobbler is a Comedian who understands this as well as anyone. She joins Seán to discuss…

Children are facing an ‘allergy epidemic’ - here’s why

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:22:00 +0000

Once upon a time, parents were told not to introduce potential problem foods, such as seafood, peanuts etc, to kids until they were a bit older. Now, the advice has been changed.

Joining Seán to discuss is Juan Trujillo, Paediatric Allergist and Co-Director of the Centre of Excellence in Allergy at Cork University Hospital and UCC…

Cash-sniffing dogs - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:21:00 +0000

The Revenue Department in Ireland hires a lot of people - not just to make sure you're paying your taxes - but to prevent smuggling.

One if its staff members, who managed to sniff out a quarter of a million in cash and €2 million worth of cigarettes, is a dog named Toby.

Henry McKean went out to meet him!

Wish Week: Maisie’s Story

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:07:00 +0000

This week is Wish Week on Newstalk and right across the station we have been hearing about the amazing families who have had their wishes granted with the charity.

Maisie Randle, who is ten, was one of those children.

Her mother Rebecca joins Seán to tell all about Maisie’s big trip to the Harry Potter studios...

Let’s make 2025 the biggest Wish Week yet. Every cent matters. Donate online at makeawish.ie/donate!

Oxfam and An Post team up for clothes donation project

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Oxfam has teamed up with An Post for a new scheme where you can use the national postal service to pick up your donated clothes and other goods, for free! But, how does it all work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mark Sweeney, Donated Goods Strategy Manager for Oxfam Ireland…

Why men are stuck in fashion ruts

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:32:00 +0000

Be honest, do you have a style uniform?

According to the fashion experts, once men hit forty just keep buying the same clothes over and over again.

So is it a style rut or just a sensible safe wardrobe choice?

Fashion Stylist, Personal Shopper and owner of stylishguy.ie, Shane Burke, joins Seán to discuss.

How Arranmore island managed to grow its population

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:31:00 +0000

Have you ever fancied a slower pace of life living on an island?

Well, you may remember that the local community in Arranmore, which is an island off the coast of Donegal, were pioneering when it came to attracting remote workers to come and live on their beautiful shores...

So, just how did they manage to grow population numbers for the first time in many years? And did the Croí Cónaithe scheme offering renovation grants make a difference?

Adrian Begley from Arranmore Community Council joins Seán to discuss.

How does filibustering work?

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Last night, Senator Cory Booker broke the record for the longest speech ever on the senate floor in Washington DC, at just over 25 hours before he yielded the floor, but how exactly does filibustering work, and can it be effective?

Joining Seán to discuss is Graham Finlay, Lecturer in the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD…

Image: Reuters

Ireland’s missing persons cases

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:28:00 +0000

You have probably seen the media coverage for the missing farmer Michael Gaine, but not every case gets as much public attention.

So, how does a missing person case work normally?

Joining Seán to discuss is Christy Galligan, former Garda Sergeant and Search Supervisor…

Loch Ness Monster camera discovered after 50 years

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:13:00 +0000

Over half a century ago, a series of special cameras were submerged in Loch Ness as part of a programme to capture footage of the monster sea serpent that was believed to live there. Now one of them has been discovered, bone dry and in impeccable condition.

Joining Seán to discuss is Adrian Shine, from the Loch Ness Project and author of new book ‘A Natural History of Sea Serpents’...

Image: Britannica

Is the gender pay gap improving?

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:54:00 +0000

Since 2022, Irish employers have been required to publish details of what their male and female employees are being paid.

Has it had any affect to gender pay gaps? And who is monitoring it?

Jen Keane has read through all the reports and put up her findings on paygap.ie. She joins Seán to discuss.

How exercise can warp our sense of time

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:50:00 +0000

If you’ve ever held the plank position as part of your exercise regime, you’ll know that one minute of that core exercise can feel like a lifetime.

And now, the science appears to back that up. But, why does our perception of time alter so much when we’re exercising?

Ruth Ogden is a Professor of the Psychology of Time at Liverpool John Moores University. She joins Seán to discuss.

Aoife Barry on having her book stolen by AI

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:39:00 +0000

What happens when the book you’ve worked so hard on ends up online without your control?

This is the case for arts journalist and author Aoife Barry who is amongst many Irish and International authors faced with this conundrum...

She joins us now to tell us how AI stole her book.

Is ‘hetero-pessimism’ a problem on the internet?

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:38:00 +0000

You don’t have to search too hard on the internet to find people complaining about useless men, but then again you don’t have to search too hard to find people complaining about anything on the internet!

So, should we be concerned about a rise in hetero-pessimism among young women on social media?

Rachel Connolly is author of the novel ‘Lazy City’ and she has been writing about this in The Guardian. She joins Seán to discuss.

What the Nixon/Lynch row teaches us about diplomatic relations today

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:34:00 +0000

In the early 1970s, a row broke out between President Richard Nixon and Taoiseach Jack Lynch over landing rights at Dublin Airport… but what lessons does the saga teach us about diplomatic relations between Ireland and America today? This story is part of the latest volume of documents on Irish foreign policy, covering the years 1969 to 1973, which was launched in Dublin yesterday.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Michael Kennedy, Head of the Documents on Irish Foreign Policy Research Programme…

When can trademarks be used in television?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:58:00 +0000

A particular scene from the White Lotus, featuring the logo of a university in North Carolina, has prompted the institution to release a statement, but how and when can trademarks be used in television?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sarah Kieran, Solicitor with Media Lawyer...

Image: HBO

What is an ‘Age of Reason’ ceremony?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Would you consider doing an alternative Communion ceremony for your child?

Many parents are choosing to raise their children in a non-religious environment, but are still seeking ways to mark milestones.

Aoife Curran-Butler is a parent and a Celebrant, and she has developed a programme for so-called ‘Age of Reason’ ceremonies or ‘Aois na Cúise’...

She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Aoife Curran-Butler

Instagram Vs Reality: Solo Travel

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:27:00 +0000

Many people dream of quitting their job and heading off to go backpacking around the world. But, what happens when the reality of hostels and solo travel sets in, and you make the decision to come home early?

For a generation obsessed with social media, there can be shame and stigma in calling it a day and admitting defeat.

Justine Halpin joins Seán to chat about deciding to come home just three weeks into a five month solo travel adventure…

Peeing on the street - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney was caught short when he was spotted urinating in public after a night out in London…

How common is it here in Ireland to urinate in the street? Can’t forget spitting too! Henry McKean tries to find out, and joins Sean to discuss.

Should Google Maps use Irish place names in the Gaeltacht?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:21:00 +0000

If you open up Google Maps while you’re driving through the Gaeltacht, you might notice that many of the place names are anglicised. Historian and Researcher at DCU Dr. Colm Mac Gearailt wants to change this situation, as he claims that it doesn’t reflect the lived experience of those who reside there.

He joins Seán to discuss.

What is the Poetry Slam World Cup?

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0000

The Poetry Slam World Cup takes place in Paris at the end of May, and Ireland will be competing.

Holly Hughes will be Ireland’s representative at the Poetry Slam World Championships, and joins Seán to discuss.

Maser on his journey with street art

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:26:00 +0000

The best of cutting edge and contemporary art will be showcased by the country’s leading galleries and artists at the first ever Art Evolve fair at Dublin’s RDS this April 4-6th.

Seventy galleries and artists will bring together the very best in exciting Irish and international contemporary art under one roof.

One of the highlights of the show will be an installation by street artist Maser, showcasing various chapters of his working life, and offering visitors the chance to engage with the artist.

Maser joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Maser

How to let go of a grudge

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:25:00 +0000

The harbouring of a grudge can last a lifetime if unaddressed, but how exactly do they work on a psychological level?

Joining Seán to discuss is Chartered Registered Counselling Psychologist Niamh Delmar…

Image: PBS

Are women sports fans unfairly stigmatised?

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:24:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is a big Formula One fan and even travels to a few Grand Prix, but as a woman, she says she faces stigma as a sports fan, and her commitment and knowledge of the sport is unfairly questioned. But, is this an issue more broadly? Joining Seán to discuss is Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent, who has been writing about this in the Independent…

Image: Reuters

Would you use a therapy alpaca?

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Forget therapy dogs or cuddly cats, giant alpacas have been lifting the spirits of local residents in care homes in Wicklow and Wexford recently!

It seems alpaca therapy is effective for both young and old, and Joe Phelan from K2 Alpacas joins Seán to tell more.

How are earthquakes predicted?

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:51:00 +0000

In mid-October, Brent Dmitruk told his tens of thousands of social media followers that an earthquake would soon hit at the westernmost point of California.

Two months later, a magnitude 7.3 struck the site in northern California - putting millions under a tsunami warning and growing Mr Dmitruk's following online as they turned to him to forecast the next one.

So, is Mr Dmitruk a seismology genius, a shamen - or shyster?

Eleanor Dunn is PhD Researcher at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: SEIS

What happens to your social media after you die?

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Have you thought about what happens to your social media accounts after you die?

Do those closest to you have your passwords to login to your Facebook and Instagram accounts? Or does your other half even know your phone password?

Tech Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, Adrian Weckler, has been looking into this and joins Seán to discuss.

Do you like inter-generational family holidays? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:22:00 +0000

When families go on holiday - that can include other generations. Is that always a good idea? Do most families even like each other that much?

Henry McKean has been asking the public for their thoughts, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should Irish living abroad get voting rights?

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:21:00 +0000

In 2011, the Constitutional Convention endorsed a proposal to allow Irish citizens living abroad to vote in Presidential Elections.

Making this reform would require a referendum, but as of yet none seems to be forthcoming.

So, what’s the delay, and is it something we should be considering if not for the upcoming Presidential race, perhaps for the one after?

Dr. Theresa Reidy, Political Scientist and Senior lecturer in the Department of Government and Politics at University College Cork, joins Seán to discuss.

Are whole-grain foods really more healthy?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:13:00 +0000

Shops and advertising are keen to mention ‘whole-grain’ products, but what exactly does this mean, and how is a whole-grain product different from a refined one?

Joining Seán to discuss is Registered Dietician, Sarah Keogh...

What are ‘untranslatable’ words?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Language necessarily evolves to accommodate new ideas, new concepts and new cultural paradigms.

But, what happens when a word exists in one language, but not another?

There are lots of so-called ‘untranslatable’ words in English, and some Irish ones have been added to the latest version of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Fiona McPherson is Senior Editor at the Oxford English Dictionary and joins Seán to discuss.

Is bingo making a comeback for Gen Z?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:13:00 +0000

“Bang on the drum 71, clickety click 66.”

For listeners of a certain age, these phrases will immediately conjure up images of the old bingo hall.

But, perhaps some younger members of the audience have also heard them recently, because bingo is making a comeback among Gen Z, apparently.

Cassie Delaney is a Podcaster and a weekly bingo player. She joins Seán to discuss.

Signal: What is the app behind the White House leak?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:12:00 +0000

The messaging app at the centre of the communications crisis in the White House is called Signal. But, how secure is it, how does its technology work, and should it be used for handling classified information?

Joining Seán to discuss is Elaine Burke, Host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast…

What does a Doula do?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Do new parents need more support? Well, have you ever heard of a doula?

Doulas provide care and help to new mothers navigating the challenges of parenthood in the early days from birth to post-partum.

Roberta Hynes works in Dublin and she’s helped an estimated 200 families. She joins Seán to discuss.

Are beard transplants the next big thing?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:11:00 +0000

While hair transplant services are well known, beard transplants are now on the rise too. But, how do they work, and should we be wary?

Joining Seán to discuss is Spencer Stephenson, a Patient Advocate in the hair transplant industry…

How do celebrity wines work?

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:06:00 +0000

With Amy Huberman becoming the latest celebrity to put a wine with her name on the shelves, she joins a long line of others such as Graham Norton, Kylie Minogue and Cliff Richard…

But, what exactly is the business model here, and are celebrity wines actually any good?

Joining Seán to discuss is Michelle Lawlor, from the Nude Wine Company.

Image: Amy Huberman

Cigarette butts - the “biggest litter scourge”?

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:25:00 +0000

A group of tobacco companies has been compelled by the EU to provide funding for the clean-up of cigarette butts on Irish streets, due to the presence of plastic in the filters. The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System has described cigarette butts as “the biggest litter scourge” facing the State.

So, why are smokers throwing their butts on the ground?

Joining Seán to discuss is Simon Clarke, Director of Forest, the Smokers Lobby Group, which represents Britain and Ireland…

Are you sick of customer surveys?

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:24:00 +0000

Are you sick of being asked to rate your experience? Whether it’s a taxi ride, a toilet stop or even a supermarket trip... it seems that companies are obsessed with asking us for feedback.

So, are these customer surveys of any use, or are we all just fed up and suffering from feedback fatigue?

Financial Times Columnist, Pilita Clark, joins Seán to discuss.

Why caviar is having a resurgence

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:24:00 +0000

It’s official: caviar is back on menus, but this time, customers are being offered so-called ‘caviar bumps’ - little taster servings on the back of their hands...

Niall Sabongi from The Seafood Cafe in Temple Bar joins Seán to talk about this novel food trend.

One in three parents are putting their savings towards children

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Do all your savings go to your children?

A new report from the Central Bank has revealed that people are saving more, but they are also putting money away for the next generation, with one in three Irish parents saving for their children rather than their own future…

For more on this, Sean is joined by Money Coach Kel Galavan.

Knowing the ‘point of no return’ in a relationship

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Ever get the feeling your relationship is on its last legs?

Science says there’s a ‘point of no return’ - a moment when it’s pretty much doomed...

Joining Seán to dive into the details is expert Roe McDermott, Sexuality Studies Scholar and Columnist for the Irish Times.

What does the end of the universe look like?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

To the best of our scientific knowledge, 70% of our universe is made up of a mysterious force we call ‘Dark Energy’.

Since its discovery in the 1990s, it has been assumed that this accelerating force would continue to expand the universe until everything was so far apart that the whole thing would come to a very cold, and very quiet end.

However, new findings have called all of that into question.

Shane Bergin is a Physicist & Assistant Professor in Science Education at UCD. He joins Seán to discuss.

How much should street food kitchens be regulated?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0000

With homeless figures reaching record highs – the latest statistics revealing that 15,286 individuals are homeless, including 4,603 children…

Proposals to further regulate street food kitchens including soup runs have been hit with criticism from the charity sector.

The Muslim Sisters of Éire do a weekly soup kitchen at the GPO every Friday evening, feeding up to 675 people – three times as many as they did pre-Covid...

Lorraine O’Connor from the Muslim Sisters of Éire joins Seán to discuss.

The best gigs in Irish history

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0000

What was the best gig you were ever at?

There have been many iconic gigs on Irish soil, but a new podcast focuses on three in particular that have attained legendary status.

Dylan Murphy is the Host of the ‘I Was There’ podcast, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Ed Sirrs / Camera Press

Do you usually eat alone? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:26:00 +0000

According to a new finding from the 2025 World Happiness Report, 1 in 4 Americans are eating alone the vast majority of the time. But, how does that compare to here in Ireland?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Becoming a foster parent as a single gay man

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:25:00 +0000

Seán’s guest always wanted to be a dad but, being a single man, it took him a while to pluck up the courage to investigate the possibility of becoming a foster carer. Now, he is sharing his journey and has been writing about it in GCN magazine.

The foster dad (who will remain anonymous) joins to discuss…

Is any of your old tech valuable?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:05:00 +0000

Do you have a drawer in your house containing old mobile phones, maybe a Walkman or a Nokia 3210 from eons ago? Before you ditch them, consider whether or not they might actually have some value…

Ciara O’Brien, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Times, has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

How a geophysical map of Ireland is being made

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:04:00 +0000

Over the past 14 years, a set of two specialised aircraft have been slowly charting every piece of land in Ireland in order to build a highly detailed geophysical map of the country. There are just two counties left to complete the picture.

Joining Seán to discuss is Jim Hodgson, Senior Geologist and Tellus Project Manager…

What is the ‘Let Them’ theory?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:15:00 +0000

A parenting idea that is currently trending is called the ‘Let Them’ theory, in which parents essentially refrain from intervening and allow their kids to make mistakes. But, how does it all work?

Kirsty Blake Knox, Columnist with the Irish Independent, has been trying it out, and joins Seán to discuss.

What makes a good Music Manager?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:14:00 +0000

From U2 to Johnny Cash, we all know how much talent is required to get an album to number one. But, would these artists have been as successful if it wasn’t for the labour and skill of their Managers?

So, what makes a successful Manager?

Joining Seán to discuss is Michael Mary Murphy, Author of ‘Pop Music Management: Lessons from the Managers of Number One Albums’...

Which is the fairer sex for multitasking? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:13:00 +0000

According to a new poll in the UK, men can multitask as much as women! This shocking revelation has left one question standing: is this really true?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Blobfish named ‘Fish of the Year’

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:59:00 +0000

The blobfish, once labeled the world’s ugliest animal, has now been named Fish of the Year in New Zealand.

Joining Seán to discuss why is Konrad Kurta, Spokesperson from the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust…

Image: Australian Museum

Does the new Mental Health Bill make sense?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:29:00 +0000

Most treatment for mental illness is delivered on a voluntary basis in the community in Ireland, but a small portion of people are detained under an “involuntary admission”.

But, under the Mental Health Bill 2024, which is currently in a committee stage, the ways in which this is being done could be significantly altered.

Brendan Kelly is Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, and has been writing about this in today’s Irish Times. He joins Seán to discuss.

How these storytelling events became so successful

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0000

Just after the lockdown in 2021, Ciaran Gaffney told his friends that he’d like to hold a storytelling event with friends and family.

The event was unexpectedly a great success but what was more unexpected was that later events were so popular, that within 2 years, Ciaran was quitting his job to run these now international events full time.

Ciaran Gaffney is the Founder of Seanchoíche and joins Seán to discuss.

2000 year old mummy returns to Cairo from Cork

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0000

After 5 years, Artist Dorothy Cross has completed her ambition to repatriate a mummified body from Ireland to Egypt. But, how did it all begin?

Dorothy Cross, Artist and Producer of the ‘Kinship: Home’ project joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Dorothy Cross

Would you get a house sitter for your pet?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:17:00 +0000

With summer around the corner, you may be getting your arrangements ready for a break away. But, if you are a pet owner, getting them cared for can be a bit of a conundrum. Many choose to put pets in kennels, but what about letting someone house sit your pets while you're away?

Joining Seán for more on this is Bray-based Veterinarian, Pete Wedderburn.

How the pandemic has changed baby behaviours

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:16:00 +0000

How has the pandemic affected babies born during lockdown? With fewer social interactions and a shift in routines, these babies have had unique experiences. A groundbreaking study has been tracking their gut health, allergy rates, and social development.

To tell more about this fascinating research, Seán is joined by Professor Jonathan Hourihane, Paediatric Consultant and lead of the ‘Floral Study’.

How you can make your own vinyl records!

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:08:00 +0000

The resurgence in interest in vinyl isn’t just restricted to the purchase of records. There is now a growing craze for getting custom records cut on a lathe machine. Joining Seán to discuss is Tasha Trigger, owner of Lathe to the Grave…

Why are girls getting their period earlier?

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0000

Anecdotally it seems that girls are getting their period earlier, but is this true and should we be having ‘the talk’ a little earlier?

Dr Geraldine Connolly, Co-Founder of ‘My Girls Gynae’ joins Seán to explain what is happening, and why young girls are maturing faster…

What is a ‘bathroom divorce’?

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:24:00 +0000

A couple in America have announced they have gotten a so-called ‘bathroom divorce’, and that it saved their marriage… but what is this, and is it a good idea? Joining Seán to discuss is Jennifer Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’.

What can we learn from the ‘Urban Fox Survey’?

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:23:00 +0000

The ongoing Urban Fox Survey has now topped 2,000 sightings of the wily nocturnal mammal. But, what has been learned from the project?

Joining Seán to discuss is Jodie O’Regan, Project Officer for the Urban Fox Survey at the University of Galway…

The Russian & Chinese ‘influence networks’ in Ireland

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:20:00 +0000

What are the Chinese and Russian disinformation campaigns affecting Ireland? A Norwegian study has found Ireland mentioned thousands of times in so-called ‘influence networks’...

Joining Seán to explain is Alexander Dukalskis, Associate Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations in UCD.

What it’s like to build your own home

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Seán’s guest set out on a journey 8 years ago to self-build a house for her and her son.

Make-up Artist, Jade Kirwan, was given a site from her farmer father in Tipperary, but hiring a builder was not an option due to the cost. Since then, she has been hiring contractors, project managing and getting her hands dirty including insulating the whole house herself…

She has been documenting everything on social media and has amassed 20 thousand followers. She says “sheer ignorance and determination” has gotten her this far…

Jade joins to discuss her journey.

Image: @my_solo_self_build on Instagram

Why are ‘Irish’ tattoos so popular?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Tattoos and body art are becoming more popular - and for the weekend that’s in it, some people might fancy a permanent reminder of their Irishness…

Tattoo Artist Ryan Kelly, owner of the Heartbreak Social Club, is no stranger to this, and has tattooed everything from a shamrock to a portrait of Michael Collins…

He joins Seán to discuss.

Vegetable orchestra wins Guinness World Record!

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:14:00 +0000

An orchestra in Austria, which uses exclusively musical instruments made out of vegetables, has just been awarded a Guinness World Record!

Joining Seán to discuss is Matthias Meinharter, Co-Founder of the Vegetable Orchestra…

Do kids ruin female friendships?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:12:00 +0000

What do you do if you feel like you’ve been abandoned by your friends once they have kids? Seán’s guest offered advice to a reader in relation to this very issue, which has garnered a massive and divisive response across social media…

Emily Gould is a Features Writer for New York Magazine, and joins to discuss.

Should restaurants be able to rate their customers?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:11:00 +0000

It’ll be a busy weekend for restaurants across the country, as all sorts of people from all over the world descend for St Patrick’s Day.

But, you better be on your best behavior if you’re dining out because it has emerged that restaurants are reviewing their customers…

Chef and Restaurateur JP McMahon joins Seán to discuss - and give his tips on how not to get blacklisted.

What are Ireland’s greatest inventions?

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:56:00 +0000

There are many amazing inventions from the Irish - ranging from submarines to the hypodermic needle. But, which invention is the greatest?

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney will be hosting a full show this St Patrick’s Day to go through the top voted inventions - and joins Seán to discuss some of the highlights from this island.

Man executed by firing squad in the United States

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Just a few days ago, the state of South Carolina carried out an execution by firing squad for the first time in many years, as the US struggles to find a solution to a shortage of traditional drugs used in lethal injection.

Seán is joined by Jeffrey Collins, Journalist for the Associated Press, who was inside the death chamber to witness the execution…

Image: Associated Press

How to get the balance right for a healthy lunch

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:14:00 +0000

While the midday meal used to be the largest meal of the day in Ireland, that culinary convention has been largely resigned to history due to busier, on the go lives. But, how do you create a healthy lunch that isn’t so light you end up snacking for the afternoon?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dietician Sophie Pratt…

Do Italians have a better pace of life? - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Do Italians have a better life than us, and what does La Dolce Vita mean? Do they just appreciate life more? Henry McKean is in the Italian Alps at the Special Olympics World Winter Games and joins Seán to discuss.

Why are people choosing automatic over manual cars?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:57:00 +0000

Recent statistics show that more and more Irish people are choosing automatic over manual transmission cars. But which is better and does learning how to drive a car change depending on the transmission?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dave Humphries, Motoring Journalist with CompleteCar.ie…

The history of the Irish passport

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:17:00 +0000

Epic, the Irish Immigration Museum, is currently seeking stories and heirlooms from the public for their upcoming exhibition to mark a hundred years of the Irish passport. But, what were the first passports actually like?

Joining Seán to discuss is Catherine Healy, Historian in Residence at Epic, the Irish Immigration Museum…

Why refillables are the next step for the cosmetic industry

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:13:00 +0000

With 95% of cosmetic packaging being thrown away and cosmetics taking centuries to break down, the beauty industry has had to step up to the plate with being more environmentally responsible - and refillables are becoming the eco-friendly solution. From skincare to luxury palettes, there are lots of ways to give your beauty routine a sustainable makeover.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Laura Birmingham, Beauty Columnist  at The Irish Mail on Sunday and Beauty Editor at evoke.ie…

Why do we feel like we have less money for groceries?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:12:00 +0000

Why does it feel like we have less money for groceries, even when the official price stats say otherwise? It’s a question many of us are asking as we watch our grocery bills climb. While essentials like butter and bread continue to rise in price, it's the smaller luxuries: chocolate, coffee, and olive oil that really seem to sting.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist for the Irish Examiner…

What’s the ideal temperature at home?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Are you always bickering over whether it’s too hot or too cold in your home?

And does your other half want the heating boosted up while you would rather a cool breeze circulate?

Aoife Foley, Professor in Energy Systems and Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure at the University of Manchester joins Seán to discuss.

Spreading awareness for dense breast tissue reporting

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:08:00 +0000

It is difficult to put into words the impact that losing a parent has on a child, no matter what age you are.

Twenty five year old Martha Lovett Cullen lost her beloved mum to breast cancer seven months ago, and she is now campaigning for more awareness of dense breast tissue reporting so that other women can be better informed about their health...

Martha joins Seán to discuss.

If you have any questions or worries, don’t hesitate to contact breastcheck.ie by emailing info@breastcheck.ie or calling 1800 454555.

What is a ‘Saturn Return’?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:09:00 +0000

What is a ‘Saturn Return’ – something to live by or complete nonsense?

In astrology, there are two major times of transition in your life, and these are marked by ‘Saturn’s Return’, with this month full of planets in retrograde...

Joining Seán to explain what any of this means is Astrologer, Rachelle Hicks.

Should we embrace being bald?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Journalist Liam Collins was a proud bald man for over 30 years when he decided to try a hairpiece, but after his daughter failed to recognise him on the street, he decided it wasn’t for him…

Liam joins Seán to discuss the experience.

Image: Argyle Hair Solutions

Pushing back against ‘always-on’ culture

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Since Covid and the introduction of working from home, people have been finding it increasingly difficult to switch off from work. So much so that a circular has been sent around to staff in the civil service reminding them to ensure they stop taking part in unnecessary meetings…

In 2021 the Government legislated for the ‘right to disconnect’, but the fact that we are now so contactable makes this impossible…

Joining Seán to discuss is Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite.

How to thrive with thrifted furniture!

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Imagine never having to go to Ikea ever again! Well, Seán’s guest has made this a reality by thrifting every piece of furniture she owns - bar the mattress and the sofa.

Marianne Heaphy, otherwise known as the ‘Revamp Tramp’, also owns a business upscaling old furniture, and joins to discuss…

Would you have an ‘adult sleepover’?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:09:00 +0000

When you go travelling with friends, would you opt to sleep in the same bed with them? Well apparently, adult sleepovers are quite popular.

Travel Writer Nicola Brady is all for adult sleepovers, and is so comfortable with it she’d even sleep in the nip! She joins Seán to discuss.

How easy is it to renounce your citizenship?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:08:00 +0000

The new designated Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, holds dual Canadian and Irish citizenship, with his grandfather hailing from County Mayo. As he takes up his new role, he has said he is in the process of renouncing his Irish citizenship, but how does this process work, and is it common?

Joining Seán to discuss is Immigration Lawyer Cathal Malone…

How the early days of radio impacted people’s lives

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:06:00 +0000

A new book explores the early days of radio one hundred years ago, and how it had a deep effect on people’s everyday lives.

Joining Seán to discuss is Beaty Rubens, Author of ‘Listen In: How Radio Changed the Home’...

The ups and downs of self publishing

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Has self-publishing opened up the market for terrible writers to publish their own stories?

Author Bill Bryson has hit out that “Too many people are publishing their own books” saying that people are writing books without the standards needed to write a decent novel.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Publisher and Self-Published Author Rachel Drury…

Why are crows so noisy?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Does the noise of squawking crows annoy you so much that you want to murder the… murder?

Seán’s guest, Dr Michelle McKeown has been doing a deep dive into why crows are so noisy, especially around this time of the year. She joins to discuss.

What are the music tastes of world leaders?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:21:00 +0000

This morning, King Charles presented his favourite playlist on a special programme on Apple Music called ‘The King’s Music Room’. But, what does his playlist tell us about the professed musical tastes of world leaders more generally?

Journalist Pat Carty has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Apple Music

How much does a babysitter cost? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:20:00 +0000

How much should you pay your babysitter, and have they become unaffordable for parents when you include the meal out?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Why is a white dwarf star considered a ‘planet killer’?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:24:00 +0000

What is a white dwarf, and why are space scientists so excited by the latest discovery?

It’s been dubbed a possible ‘planet killer’, but how could a dying star cause havoc in the solar system?

To explain, Seán is joined by Frances McCarthy from MTU’s Blackrock Castle Observatory...

Should the undocumented Irish in America be worried?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:23:00 +0000

In the first week of his second term, Donald Trump made good on his promise to launch an immigration enforcement blitz, with nearly 1,000 people arrested by various federal agencies.

The Irish Examiner’s Land of the Free podcast looks at the plight of the undocumented Irish under this new regime…

Sean Murray is a News Reporter with the Irish Examiner and Host of the podcast. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Cagle Cartoons

Is dating the secret to a long and happy marriage?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:19:00 +0000

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given for a long and happy marriage?

Former Royal now-turned Wellness Guru, Meghan Markle has been doling out life tips in her latest series ‘With Love, Meghan’, and as part of the publicity campaign she revealed why her marriage to Prince Harry works – saying the pair have never stopped dating.

So, should you always date your other half in a bid to keep the spark alive?

Helen Vaughan, Psychotherapist from the Coast Counselling in Malahide and Maynooth joins Seán to discuss.

Bird Flu Risks in Ireland - Josh Crosbie Reports

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:23:00 +0000

Farmers have changed the way they farm hens, ducks and all types of poultry due to the detection of bird flu in Ireland.

All birds now have to be housed indoors, and this has created particular changes for free-range farms.

Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting with farmers and consumers to find out more on avian influenza...

How to get out of a reading rut!

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:59:00 +0000

Are you in a reading rut?

With research showing that 4 in 10 people in the UK actually haven’t read a book in a year, what can you do to get back on the metaphorical literary horse?

Author Eithne Shortall joins Seán to discuss…

Isaac Newton’s beer mug goes on show in London

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:42:00 +0000

While Isaac Newton may be best known for his laws of motion, it is his beer mug that is going on show this week at the Royal Society in London...

Joining Seán to discuss is Keith Moore, the Head of Library and Archives at the Royal Society.

Image: The Royal Society

Poverty and the Cost of Living - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:20:00 +0000

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, many families are now living in consistent poverty and are struggling to get by.

Henry McKean has been out and about speaking with the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Malta’s Eurovision song changed for being too rude?

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:19:00 +0000

The Maltese entry to this year’s Eurovision is being forced to change the title of their song and some lyrics due to its resemblance to a swear word in English…

Russell Alford, one half of the Gastrogays, has the story and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Malta Eurovision Song Contest

The growing problem of ‘public squalor’

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:18:00 +0000

As dereliction increasingly becomes a problem in towns and cities across Ireland, one unfortunate consequence of this is public squalor.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing at Technological University Dublin…

Could the wooly mammoth be resurrected?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:02:00 +0000

Anybody who has seen Jurassic Park will know that the park’s ferocious inhabitants are created by retrieving DNA from an ancient mosquito captured in amber.

In reality, finding sufficiently intact DNA from dinosaurs who died out 66 Million years ago is extremely unlikely, if not impossible…

However, the wooly mammoth only died out about ten to fifteen thousand years ago, so could they be brought back?

Ben Lamm is Co-Founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences. He joins Seán to discuss.

Access To Political Representation for People With Disabilities

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:27:00 +0000

Most people would like to have a Government that is representative of the population, but there are some groups with very little representation.

Dr Vivian Rath, Research Fellow at the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities at TCD was part of a group that looked into the difficulties that people with disabilities face when trying to enter politics. He joins Seán to discuss.

How to find out what colour suits you!

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:19:00 +0000

Do you know what colours suit you?

Are you a cool summer, or a deep spring… or does that mean anything to you at all?

It seems that Colour Analysis Consultations are all the rage as people are seeking professional advice on the best colours they should be wearing to complement their skin tone.

It’s a trend being driven by social media, but joining Seán to explain how it actually works is Colour and Image Consultant, Saffron Cullen...

Can ‘greenwashing’ be seen in our food?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:17:00 +0000

You will inevitably encounter many phrases while out shopping trying to convince you how natural the food you are buying is. Does 'free range' actually mean what you think it does?

Are we getting conned by ‘greenwashing’ claims on our food products?

Joining Sean to discuss is Paula McIntyre, Chef and Food Writer and Chair of the Irish Food Writers Guild.

How big of a problem is ‘laptop squatting’?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Is your local cafe being ruined by ‘laptop squatters’?

You know the type, they’re working remotely and tapping loudly on their laptops while drinking one measly coffee over the course of a full 8 hour working day…

Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly has had enough, and joins Seán to discuss.

Who does the most work at home?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:14:00 +0000

For most couples who live together, in a clichéd way, there seems to be some jobs that the man will do, and ones that the woman will.

Freelance Journalist Chloë Hamilton and her partner, as an experiment, decided to swap roles. She joins Seán to discuss the results.

Finding A Hobby As An Adult

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:34:00 +0000

Chloe McPolin, journalist with the Irish Independent is with Moncrieff today in speaking about a task we all have difficulty with; finding a new hobby.

Peppa Pig’s New Sibling

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Mummy Pig, the mother of Peppa, the porcine heroine of the long running TV series, is pregnant.

And as a TV show aims to express the undoubtedly difficult task of introducing a new member to your family, Moncrieff brings on their own expert.

Jen Hogan, Irish Times Columnist, who has had to perform this task with her seven children joins Moncrieff to go through it all.

Henry McKean Reports: How Many Friends Do You Have?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:15:00 +0000

Henry McKean is out and about for NewsTalk to ask the question; ‘what is the right amount of friends?’

Why Psychologists Shouldn’t Have To Hand Over Notes In Sexual Assault Cases

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Psychologist and survivor, Dr Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill, sits down on Moncrieff to speak about the complications that could arise from handing notes to authorities in cases of sexual assault.

What a ‘Storyteller in Residence’ looks like

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:15:00 +0000

The Irish are famous for their storytelling. We love a good natter or a yarn down the pub, but it’s not something we really think of as a job.

Unless, of course, you’re Ais Breen. She has recently been appointed Dublin City Libraries’ Storyteller in Residence, and she joins Seán to discuss.

Why can’t we remember being toddlers?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:14:00 +0000

What’s your earliest memory? And why can’t you remember anything before that, despite the fact that you obviously learned and remembered how to walk and talk?

Ciara Greene is Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, UCD and author of ‘Memory Lane: The Perfectly Imperfect Ways We Remember’. She joins Seán to discuss.

The role beards play in professional sport

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:13:00 +0000

After 49 years with a very strict no beard policy, the New York Yankees have finally lifted their facial hair embargo, to much fanfare in America. But, why was such a ban in place, and why do beards play such a significant role in professional sport?

Gavan Casey, Sports journalist with the 42, has been investigating, and he joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Associated Press

How do you handle a bad boss?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:12:00 +0000

It seems impossible to escape a terrible manager over the course of your career, but what’s the best way to deal with a bad boss?

Margaret E. Ward is Chief Executive of Clear Eye, a leadership consultancy, and she has been writing about this for her Irish Times ‘World of Work’ column...

Margaret joins Seán to discuss.

Questions to save for a boring dinner party!

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:04:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself stuck at a table completely bored out of your mind?

Whether it’s a wedding, a dinner party, or an awkward first date - Podcaster Cassie Delaney started a list of all the interesting questions to ask in order to really get to know your friends and family…

She’s now got over three hundred and eighty dinner party questions ready to go, and joins Seán to tell more!

The dark side of family influencers

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:50:00 +0000

Influencers can seemingly make content out of anything, be it brushing their hair or playing a video game.

For the most part, it is harmless enough, but what happens if the thing that’s bringing in the likes and the shares is videos of your kids? Should you stop?

This is just one of the questions arising from a new documentary called ‘An Update On Our Family’.

Rachel Mason is the Director, and joins Seán to discuss.

What are ‘micro retirements’?

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:17:00 +0000

Are you feeling burned out at work?

Well, it seems the new trend that is being embraced by some is ‘micro retirements’...

So, could unplugging completely from your career for a period of time leave you feeling more motivated and more refreshed when you come back?

Career Psychologist and author of ‘Total Reset’, Sinead Brady, joins Seán to discuss.

Is there an epidemic of nosy neighbours?

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Are you a nosy neighbour?

We know that this country is property mad, but does that mean that we’re very nosy neighbours? Especially if a home nearby goes up for sale, many people love nothing more than a look at the photos online, or even worse - a trip to the open house!

Comedian Emma Doran has strong views on this, and joins Seán to discuss.

How much do adult kids rely on parents? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:13:00 +0000

How often do your kids call you? Did you give them a deposit for a house or apartment?

The question is: do adult children rely too heavily on their older parents to pick up the pieces? Are millennials just flakes, or is it not their fault?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

What will our ‘technofossils’ look like?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:04:00 +0000

Imagine for a moment that it’s a million years in the future.

You’re walking along a rocky shoreline, when suddenly you notice something jutting out of the cliff face.

It’s a plastic rectangle with 104 buttons on its face. Each button has a symbol on it that is completely unfamiliar to you.

Today, we recognise this object as a computer keyboard, but what will the archaeologists of the far future make of it and what could it tell them about us?

Sarah Gabbott is Professor of Palaeontology at the University of Leicester and co-author of ‘Discarded: How Technofossils Will be Our Ultimate Legacy’. She joins Seán to discuss.

The struggles with being on time

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Are you always running late?

Some people are notoriously bad time keepers and it can be annoying to wait around for somebody who is constantly running late.

Thirty year old Isabelle Duff set herself a mission to be on time, was she able to become punctual?

Isabelle joins Seán to discuss.

Do you use your phone in the shower?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Do you bring your phone with you everywhere? And by everywhere, does that mean the toilet, and even the shower?

Podcaster and Influencer Ellie Kelly has admitted to scrolling on her phone in the shower(!) in a true sign that we are having a hard time putting our phones down...

Ellie joins Seán to discuss.

What life is like in Usonia

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:21:00 +0000

In the late 1940’s, Frank Lloyd Wright built a planned community an hour north of New York City.

The community remains an iconic example of Lloyd Wright’s pioneering style to this day, and indeed still houses one of its founding members, 100 year-old Roland Reisley. Seán to discuss.

Image: Architectural Digest

The search for missing Malaysian Airline flight resumes

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:14:00 +0000

The search for Malaysian Airline MH370 has resumed over a decade since it disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 2014…

Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Byrne, Airport Safety & Security Auditor and former Lieutenant Colonel in the Irish Air Corps.

What working on Countdown is like!

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:01:00 +0000

In the biggest shakeup in 3 years on Channel 4’s Countdown, Mathematician Tom Crawford is currently filling in for Rachel Riley as the show’s math wizard.

Tom joins Seán to discuss what the role is like.

Image: Channel 4 / Countdown / PA Wire

Why ‘walking pads’ are becoming a trend

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:45:00 +0000

Have you bought yourself a walking pad?

Rather than head out for a walk on a dark winter’s evening, it seems that people are snapping up stationary treadmills instead. These walking pads are quite the rage when it comes to fitness trends – especially for women as an alternative to pounding the pavements on a dark winter’s night...

Comedian and Coach Enya Martin just got one, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Fitness Equipment Ireland

How ‘The Apprentice’ almost didn’t happen

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:44:00 +0000

The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday night (early Monday morning Irish time).

One person who will be in attendance is Ruth Treacy, a Producer on the Donald Trump biopic ‘The Apprentice’.

The film has two nominations, but at one point it looked like it might not even get released thanks to cease and desist letters from the President of the USA.

Ruth joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Studio Canal

First human with a Neuralink speaks on his experience

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:27:00 +0000

Telekinesis has been a staple of mythology, fantasy and science fiction probably for as long as human beings have been telling such stories, but it’s always been something that was clearly confined to the world of fiction.

That is until 2024, when Noland Arbaugh became the first person in human history who could move things in the external world merely by thinking about it…

Noland is the world’s first recipient of Neuralink, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Neuralink

How to charge your phone properly

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:13:00 +0000

Ever worry that you’re not charging your phone properly? Is it really not a good idea to charge to 100%?

Joining Seán to debunk the myths and to offer his tips is Colin Baker, AKA Gadget Guy Colin, CEO of Back from the Future IT Support…

Dealing with menopause at 34

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:12:00 +0000

It took Seán’s guest a long time to figure out why she was struggling with pain. Eventually, she discovered that she had entered menopause early, at the age of just 34…

Now, she wants to share her journey. Joining the show to discuss is Tralee hair salon owner, Emma Quirke…

What does it mean to be a Blasket Island caretaker?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:13:00 +0000

A newlywed couple has landed the much-coveted position of caretaker to the Great Blasket Island. But, how will they cope without electricity and what exactly will be their duties?

Joining Seán to discuss is artist James Hayes…

Image: greatblasketisland.net

The struggles of parenting with ADHD

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:25:00 +0000

Being a parent can be overwhelming, chaotic and challenging, but if you’ve got ADHD - then the chances are that staying on top of things can feel even harder...

Karen Beckett is a mother of four young children who was diagnosed with ADHD after becoming a parent. As a Chartered Psychologist, she is doing research into how parents like herself, juggle (and struggle) with the daily jobs that come with managing a busy household…

She joins Seán to discuss.

Does Europe need its own nuclear deterrent?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:21:00 +0000

It’s clear for all to see that a major rupture now exists between the USA and Europe in relation to mutual security.

So, with the US backing away from its role as defence guarantor of Europe, and Vladimir Putin expressing his willingness to use Nuclear weapons where necessary, do we need a European nuclear deterrent?

John O'Brennan is Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at NUI Maynooth, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is there a ‘female tax’? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Writing in today’s Irish Times, Sarah Moss wants to know why she has to pay over €50 for a simple haircut, when her friend could do it in 5 minutes for free, but has emigrated to Australia...

So, how much do you pay for your hair and beauty needs? Is there simply a ‘female tax’ that men don’t have to pay? Is it unfair, or just a part of life?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their thoughts, and joins Seán to discuss.

The history behind shredding

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:15:00 +0000

The Department of Public Expenditure is currently welcoming tenders from service providers for a four year shredding contract. The seven million euro project will entail the destruction of everything from paper documents to USB flash drives. As we now live in the world of GDPR, shredding is experiencing a boom, but where did it all begin?

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney, who has been investigating, joins Seán to discuss.

Are donkeys portrayed accurately in film?

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:14:00 +0000

From ‘Aesop’s Fables’ to ‘Shrek’ and the ‘Banshees of Inisherin’, donkeys have often been represented in popular media, but has their representation always been fair and accurate, or has it been constricted by tired clichés?

A new film course in the UK is aiming to change this. Joining Seán to discuss is Fiona Handyside, Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Exeter…

Image: 20th Century Studios

The importance of a good speech

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:13:00 +0000

The idea of winning an award like an Oscar for acting is seen by some as a futile attempt to turn art into sport.

Some people have argued that comparing disparate performances is inherently unfair, and that a better metric would be to see a group of actors each take on the same part.

But the one performance that all of the competing actors must be prepared for is the victory speech. So could good speech win you the award?

Jesse Hassenberg is a Writer & Film Critic. He joins me now…

Image: Reuters

Mark McCabe on ‘Manic 2000’ turning 25!

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:12:00 +0000

It’s hard to believe it now, but Mark McCabe’s ‘Maniac’ turns 25 this year.

So, let’s wind back the clock!

Joining Seán to look back is Mark himself, DJ on 98FM and iRadio…

The psychology behind lying

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

We have been hearing a lot about ‘untruths’, but is an ‘untruth’ just the same as a lie?

Do we have a hard time admitting to lying, and how does our perception of it change depending on the situation?

Chartered Behavioural Psychologist with Changeable.ie, Padraig Walsh, joins Seán to discuss.

How gross is your kitchen sponge?

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:49:00 +0000

Just how gross and disgusting is your kitchen sponge?

And is your kitchen sink actually dirtier than your toilet seat?

Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at Leicester University joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘Platonic Co-Parenting’?

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Seán’s guest has written a new book about pursuing her life as a committed singleton, and how this led to her having a baby with a gay man, whom she lives with.

Joining the show to discuss is Nicola Slawson, author of ‘Single: Living a Complete Life on Your Own Terms’…

Image: Penguin

Will renting out allotments work for farmers?

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Teagasc is recommending that farmers diversify by renting our parcels of their land as allotments to the local community. But, is this a pragmatic idea?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mairead Lavery, former Farming Reporter…

Is it okay for kids to cry in public? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:14:00 +0000

Whether it’s a public space - or even a wedding - when a child cries in public, it’s hard to deny that it’s annoying! So, what should be done when it happens? Should kids be banned from certain events?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

The ‘Matrilocal’ Celtic Societies

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:52:00 +0000

You may have heard of the female ruler in Celtic Britain, Boudicca, who fought a rebellion against the invading Roman Empire.

To the Romans, and perhaps to us, the idea of such a powerful matriarch could be seen as quite a rare thing, but new research from an archaeological site in Dorsets could suggest that women in Britain in this era were often in positions of power.

Dr. Lara Cassidy is Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics in Trinity College Dublin and the lead author of the study. She joins Seán to discuss.

Spilling the Murdoch family secrets!

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:27:00 +0000

As a family in control of one of the most powerful media empires in the world, there has long been a fascination with the Murdochs. But, as Rupert Murdoch’s younger son, James Murdoch, speaks out about the family feuds and secret pacts – the dramatic fall out is even more sordid than a Succession script...

Staff Writer with The Atlantic McKay Coppins published his in-depth piece which saw him spend time with James Murdoch and his wife Kathryn as the couple revealed their regrets and just how estranged the relationship is with his father and brother…

He joins Seán to discuss.

When your husband decides to become a cyborg

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:16:00 +0000

Susanna Cappellaro was having a tough year in 2016. Having acted in films by Tim Burton and Peter Strickland, work had somewhat dried up.

It was a time when something needed to change in her life and it did when her husband Scott announced that he was going to become a cyborg…

Susanna Cappellaro is the Director of ‘My Husband The Cyborg’, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why is there a fight over the James Bond trademark?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:15:00 +0000

There hasn’t been a new James Bond movie since 2021, and with no sign of a replacement to Daniel Craig being announced anytime soon, the franchise seems to have lapsed into disuse.

Or at least, that is the claim of the Kleindienst Group, who have filed “cancellation actions based on non-use” targeting the James Bond name and associated trademarks…

Shane Smyth is a Solicitor with FR Kelly who specialises in trademarks and other forms of intellectual property. He joins Seán to discuss.

Is there political apathy towards transgender people?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:14:00 +0000

Donald Trump has made his opinions on trans issues very clear through a number of executive orders designed to combat what he calls “gender ideology”.

What’s less clear is the opinion of the political class on this side of the Atlantic.

Has a change of approach in the US led to apathy among Irish politicians?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Jenny Maguire, Trans Activist, who has been writing about this in the Irish Independent.

Are Gen Z giving up on capital letters?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:13:00 +0000

With singers such as Billie Eilish and products targeted at young people increasingly using exclusively lowercase letters, are Gen Z giving up on capitals?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Journalist and Writer, Saoirse Hanley...

Are airships on the way back?

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:56:00 +0000

With more and more attention on the negative environmental impacts of airplane travel, is it time to bring back the blimp?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Gregory Gottlieb, Chairperson of the Airship Association...

New record for the world’s longest storytelling session!

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:55:00 +0000

Tom Dunne’s guest has recently returned from participating at the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival 2025, in which she and her fellow storytellers set a new Guinness World Record.

Maria Gillen joins the show to discuss!

Ireland’s first pet dialysis machine! How does it work?

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:54:00 +0000

Ireland's first pet blood dialysis machine is currently being set up, but now the vets behind the project are looking for dogs and cats to donate blood.

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Laura Cuddy, Director of Veterinary Specialists Ireland, based in Meath…

Are career breaks a good system?

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:41:00 +0000

Are you planning a career break, or would you love the opportunity to take time away from your job, knowing that you have one to go back to?

The career breaks offered in the civil service have come under criticism, after it emerged that one employee had been on leave for 12 years recently...

But, are career breaks operating as a practical solution to childcare burdens that many are facing?

Dr Clare Moriarty, Post Doctoral Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

What American summers in the 1980’s were like

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:24:00 +0000

What do you remember about your childhood summer holidays?

Writer Emer Roche spent her Summers with her grandparents in the Hamptons every year, a far cry from day to day life in Dublin in the 1980’s…

She has written an almost love letter to those innocent days, and she joins guest host Tom Dunne to share her memories of a very different America than the one we recognise now…

Why are Irish and British funerals so different?

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:23:00 +0000

In Ireland, we are used to a very quick turnaround between the death of a loved one and their funeral. However, people in the UK have a much longer process. Why is this?

Journalist Sophie Grenham has been investigating in today’s Irish Independent, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

What are ‘carbon negative’ foods?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:11:00 +0000

There are probably many of you out there who have reduced our meat consumption in recent years to try to achieve a more carbon neutral lifestyle.

But, why settle for carbon neutral when there are actually foods out there that are carbon negative.

Joseph Poore is Director of the Oxford Martin Programme on Food Sustainability, and joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

Is it possible to live plastic-free?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:29:00 +0000

We all know that plastic is a bit of a plague on the environment, and we all know we should be cutting it out if at all possible…

But, is that something that’s possible? Can you completely cut out plastic?

Freelance Writer Emma Beddington has given it a try, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Can retinol damage your skin?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:22:00 +0000

Retinol is the new buzz word in skin care, with many people influenced to add it as a daily step in their skincare routine, but what exactly is retinol, and just how beneficial is it for you?

And, can using too much of it actually damage the skin barrier, especially for young people?

Professor Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Father Ted turns 30 - behind the scenes stories

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:21:00 +0000

As Father Ted marks its 30th anniversary, guest host Tom Dunne is joined by a woman who has a unique insight into what went on behind the scenes of the iconic TV show.

Lissa Evans was a Producer on the show and has now written a new book: ‘Picnic on Craggy Island: the Surreal Joys of Producing Father Ted’...

Image: CONTROL

Could AI replace relationships?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Over the weekend, a lot of you would have been out wining and dining, and hopefully having a great time with your significant other, but in the age of AI - could romantic human relationships be a bit old hat?

What is agentic AI, and might it replace our spouses and partners in the long run?

Dr. Lollie Mancey is an Anthropologist & AI Ethicist who has her own digital companion ‘Billy’. She joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The popularity of children's books ahead of Ireland Reads Day

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000

We are all encouraged to try and pick up a book this month, and in particular this week, as Saturday is Ireland Read's Day.

Last year, Children's books were the most popular titles borrowed from libraries across the country.

Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been to the library to see what young people are enjoying about reading.

Is coddle actually good?

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:56:00 +0000

Disgusting or delicious? The Dublin dish coddle has been dividing opinions for decades...

But, what makes the perfect coddle, and what ingredients are people adding to mix it up?

Lovin Dublin has been appealing for people to share their version of coddle in order to get a sense of what people are tucking into for dinner on these dark winter days...

Lovin Dublin’s Chef Marcus O’Laoire joins Seán to discuss.

How the same word can mean different things in Ireland

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:44:00 +0000

The word ‘now’ is something that is both a statement and a weapon in Ireland. It’s the mark of satisfaction, a warning, and sometimes even a time bender.

To tell more about the origins of ‘now’ and other commonly used words and phrases in Ireland, Seán is joined by Michael Fortune from folklore.ie…

One in five species in Ireland are at risk of extinction

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:07:00 +0000

When you think of endangered species, your first thought may be of the Red Panda or an exotic animal, but in fact, in Ireland - one in five species are at risk...

For more on this, Seán is joined by Anja Murray, author of ‘Wild Embrace: Connecting to the Wonder of Ireland’s Natural World’.

Image: Species on the Edge

Mitigating the negative effects of conspiracy theories

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:06:00 +0000

In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic we’re all aware of the negative impacts conspiracy theories can have on a global level…

But, they can also be hugely damaging to individuals and relationships.

What governments and agencies are not clear on is how best to tackle the problem.

Seán’s guest might be able to help. Cian O’Mahony is a Researcher at University College Cork. He joins to discuss.

When should you celebrate your anniversary? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:05:00 +0000

When should you celebrate your anniversary? Should it be the first time you met? The first date? The first time you are going steady? The engagement or the wedding? And do you get cross when your partner forgets a key anniversary?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Pinball is on the rise in Dublin!

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:09:00 +0000

Not since ‘Tommy the Musical’ by The Who has there been such an interest in pinball in Ireland. Now that things have settled down after the Irish National Pinball Championships, what is driving this interest?

Joining Seán to discuss is Donovan Delaney, Co-founder of Pinbaile…

Image: @pinbaile on Instagram

Is international justice actually possible?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:30:00 +0000

There are a number of world figures with international arrest warrants - but what are the actual odds of Putin or Netenyahu going to court? Is international justice growing - or becoming weaker?

Joining Seán to discuss is Steve Crawshaw, author of ‘Prosecuting the Powerful: War Crimes and the Battle for Justice’.

Image: hachette UK

Celebrating language diversity in Ireland

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:21:00 +0000

According to the CSO, at least 72 different languages are spoken in Ireland - the Mother Tongues Festival intends to celebrate that!

Taking place on the 21st and 22nd of February in Rua Red and The Civic Theatre in Tallaght, Dr Kunle Animashaun, Adjunct Lecturer at Trinity College Dublin is leading a workshop on Yoruba traditions, and joins Seán to discuss.

Gen Z are driving demand for big knickers - why?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Underwear outlets are reporting an explosion in demand for big knickers, and not just because Bridged Jones is back this week. So, what is driving all this?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sinead Sanderson, Owner of Peaches and Cream Underwear in Dublin.

Dealing with mental health problems in prison

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:06:00 +0000

People with mental illnesses are more likely to be in prison, and for vulnerable adults, spending time in jail does not help them and costs the taxpayer a lot of money and resources…

Writing in today’s Irish Examiner, Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, looks at some of the potential solutions to dealing with mental health in prisons, and dispelling myths.

He joins Seán to discuss.

The search for Ireland’s first talking picture

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:16:00 +0000

Long before ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ or even ‘The Quiet Man’, the American movie industry came to Ireland to make a film.

‘Sweet Inniscarra’ was the first talkie filmed on location here in 1931.

In the interim, the original reels have gone missing and now one man is spearheading efforts to find a copy.

Tom Hurley is the Radio Producer and documentary maker leading the charge. He joins Seán to discuss.

Study finds that cockatoos flavour their food!

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:47:00 +0000

A new study in Austria shows that cockatoos are among the only known animals to flavour their food.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Alice Auersperg, Cognitive Biologist and Professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna…

What is the ‘8am club’?

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:46:00 +0000

Do you feel the pressure to get up at 5am and be productive?

The people who get up early in the morning have for many years been hailed as the successful ones, the ‘do-ers’ who work hard and get things done. But, is busyness really worth it, and are we all just sleep-deprived?

Author Emily M Austen is fighting back against this... forget the 5am club, she says, it’s all about the 8am club! She joins Seán to discuss.

What does a national tree strategy look like?

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Last week, Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice called for a tree-free corridor of 35m from transmission lines in forests and 30m on roads.

But with Ireland already lagging far behind the European average for forest cover, do we really want to start cutting down more trees.

Eoghan Daltun is a Farmer, Rewilder and Author of award-winning bestseller 'An Irish Atlantic Rainforest'. He joins Seán to discuss.

How you can save for an early retirement

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Retiring early is a dream for many - but to do so requires a lot of sacrifices.

Michael Houghton decided to make those drastic changes, and is now looking at retirement in his 40's.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Michael, Host of the ‘Irish FIRE’ (Financial Independence, Retire Early) podcast…

Rescued first edition of Harry Potter sells big at auction

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:59:00 +0000

A chance encounter with a famous novel that was missing a letter has led to a sizable auction sale…

Joining Seán to discuss is Daniel Pearce from NLB Auctions in Devon.

The real life ‘50 First Dates’ story

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:32:00 +0000

What would you do if you couldn’t remember your partner or how you fell in love?

Canadian Nesh Pillay and her other half, JJ, have been dubbed the real life ‘50 First Dates’ story after Nesh lost her memory in October 2022. What followed was years of recovery, and life turned out to be much more complicated than a romantic comedy...

Nesh Pillay, subject of the Amazon Prime documentary ‘50,000 First Dates: A True Love Story’, joins Seán to share her story.

Image: Sony Pictures

Do you keep a diary? Should you?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:09:00 +0000

With the way technology is now, have we lost the art of diary keeping? Do you still write in one? Bridget Jones is one character whose dedication to her diary sparked inspiration for author Edel Coffey.

She joins Seán to discuss!

Image: Universal

The story behind Ireland’s first Michelin Star

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Later today, Ireland might have its first ever three Michelin Star restaurant, with Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen rumoured to be in line for the accolade - 51 years after the country got its first ever star.

That was awarded to the Arbutus Lodge Hotel in 1974.

Declan Ryan is the former owner of the Arbutus Lodge Hotel, and he joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Savills Ireland

What is the best hotel in Dublin?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is a hotel reviewer and stayed overnight in 40 hotels across Ireland’s capital last year. She is writing about her conclusions in tomorrow’s Weekend Magazine in the Irish Independent.

Nicola Brady joins to discuss.

Performers queue up to audition for Disneyland roles

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:45:00 +0000

More than 150 people are auditioning to work at Disneyland Paris in Dublin today.

Singers, dancers, and all-round performers are competing in the hope of landing a gig at the famous theme park.

Our reporter, Josh Crosbie has been down at the auditions today finding out what it takes to be selected.

Would you sleep in a human-sized dog bed?

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:21:00 +0000

If you are a dog owner, you may be used to your pet sneaking into your bed…

But, what if you reversed things and slept in the dog bed instead?

There is a 6ft human dog for sale in Lidl at the moment and Guardian contributor Tim Dowling has been testing it. Tim joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Lidl

The story of the woman who fooled the world

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Just over ten years ago, an Australian called Belle Gibson developed a wellness empire, largely built on the idea that she had managed to cure her own brain cancer through ditching traditional medicine and following a more natural path.

Investigative Journalist Beau Donelly played a crucial role in dismantling this lie and his book, entitled ‘The Woman Who Fooled the World’, has now been turned into a new Netflix series which launched yesterday. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Netflix

Artist to install house in the sea in Wexford

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:12:00 +0000

An artist has come up with a unique concept to draw attention to environmental concerns in Wexford, with a plan to install an actual life-sized house in the sea. Joining Seán to discuss is artist and freediver, Nina McGowan…

Why you should stop getting notifications

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Are you constantly being bombarded by notifications and is your phone lighting up every few minutes with messages?

Author and Journalist Sophie White took drastic steps to try and curb her addiction to being constantly contactable. She joins Seán to discuss.

Dubai Chocolate goes viral - what’s the appeal?

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:08:00 +0000

If you have been on social media lately you may have seen people snapping an odd chocolate bar in half with a green goo oozing out of it.

This is Dubai Chocolate: a pistachio and tahini-infused bar that has taken the internet by storm in recent months.

A sweetery in Mullingar has started producing and selling the bar, and the demand for the chocolate is through the roof!

Denise Buckey, owner of Sugar Plum Sweetery joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Sugar Plum Sweetery

Why does Gen Z love tarot cards?

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:11:00 +0000

Tarot card reading was once a pastime of Renaissance Italy aristocrats. But now, Gen Z are seeking guidance with social media driving an increase to its popularity.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Amanda Healy, who is a Tarot card reader based in George’s Street Arcade Dublin.

Local councils are trying to combat hoarding

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Hoarding is a disorder classified as difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions, and it was made famous by various reality shows covering it over the years.

With hoarding being a major health and safety risk, local authorities are keen to address it. Gloucester City Council and other councils in the UK are taking a new psychological approach in dealing with hoarding, one which is having increased success in addressing the disorder at its roots…

Joining Seán to discuss is Heather Matuozzo, Director of Clouds End, a social enterprise to help hoarders.

Could 3D printing solve the housing crisis?

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Could 3D Printing be the solution to our housing crisis?

Tonight, three families in Dundalk will be sleeping in their new homes which have been made with pioneering 3D printing technology.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Justin Kinsella, who is the Managing Director of HTL Tech…

The story behind this viral stick page

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:12:00 +0000

You may have childhood memories of picking up sticks, maybe because they looked strange, or because they doubled as a sword!

Well, a page on Instagram that spotlights all kinds of sticks has exploded in popularity in recent years.

Account @officialstickreviews has close to 3 million followers, and its co-founder, Boone Hogg, joins Seán to discuss.

What is the true definition for anti-semitism?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:23:00 +0000

With the Taoiseach announcing that Ireland will adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, what does this mean, and will it cause problems?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Barry Cannon, Associate Professor of Sociology at Maynooth University, who has been expressing a view on this in the Irish Times today…

Buffy is set to return! Remember when it used Gaeilge?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:09:00 +0000

With the news that Buffy the Vampire Slayer is making a return to our screens, we’ve been taking a deep dive into the archive to re-examine a famous episode of the series which featured the Irish language…

Joining Seán to discuss is Film Critic and fan, Brian Lloyd.

Do we wash our clothes too much?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Are we washing our clothes too much?

Well, according to the French, it's time to step away from the washing machine and let our smelly clothes breathe...

Advice from the French government’s Ecological Transition Agency has sparked a debate about whether we’re wasting far too much electricity and water doing the washing.

Author Laura De Barra joins Seán to discuss.

Knowing when to stop driving

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:07:00 +0000

You may have a parent, or elderly loved one whose driving may have become problematic…

But, why do some elderly find it so hard when it comes to giving up driving? And, when is the right time for them to quit?

Mary Kenny, Journalist for the Irish Independent, joins Seán to discuss.

What a ‘mummy makeover’ is really like

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:06:00 +0000

The term ‘mummy makeover’ is something that gets a lot of bad press...

But, what does having a tummy tuck and breast reduction really involve?

Dr Laura Lenihan is two weeks post surgery, and she has been documenting her recovery... She joins Seán to discuss.

Using AI to write a book about yourself

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:59:00 +0000

Seán's guest was given a book as a gift - and to her surprise, it was seemingly written by AI, and about her!

What's worrying to most authors, however, is that it only took about a minute to make...

Zoe Kleinman, Technology Editor with BBC News, joins Seán to discuss.

What is a dog chaperone?

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:51:00 +0000

Your wedding is a day you’ll never forget, and now, many couples are including their beloved pets as part of their big day.

But, how do you make sure that your dog isn’t over excited walking down the aisle with you? And how do you get rid of your pet after the ceremony and photos so that you can dance the night away in peace?

Rebecca McBride has found a niche in the market and she works as a dog chaperone for weddings. She joins Seán to discuss.

The money questions couples need to ask

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:50:00 +0000

How often do you and your other half talk about money?

Finances can make or break a couple – from savings to secret accounts…

So, what are the big questions couples need to be asking each other as part of a healthy relationship with each other and with money?

Money Coach Kel Galavan joins Seán to discuss.

New school shooting game aims to educate

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:30:00 +0000

There has been a long running debate over whether video games influence people in such a way that they can be a root cause of horrific acts like school shootings.

But, a new game called ‘The Final Exam’ is aiming to have the exact opposite effect.

Patricia Oliver, Co-Founder of Change the Ref joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Change the Ref

The Joy of ‘Micro Pettiness’ - Henry McKean Reports

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:03:00 +0000

'Micro pettiness' are small acts of revenge that the affected part might not even notice. Do you have these tiny bits of revenge? Or are you a victim of it?

Henry McKean has been speaking with the public, and joins Seán to share what he's heard.

Movies & Booze

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:10:00 +0000

Seán was joined on this weeks Movies & Booze by Fionnuala Jones, Chris Wasser & Michelle Lawlor

What is Boomerasking

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:10:00 +0000

The conversational phenomenon of ‘boomerasking’ has now become such an irritating characteristic that the Wall Street Journal has issued a plea for it to be stopped. But what is it and are you guilty of it? Kirsty Blake Knox, Columnist with the Irish Independent tells Seán all about it

Trashy Divorces

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:41:00 +0000

It was quite the display of tech bros and political pals at Trump’s inauguration between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. We’re diving into Trump and his cronies messy past – specifically they’re relationships and public break ups. Seán spoke to Alicia Mintz who is the co-host of the Trashy Divorces Podcast which takes a look at when relationships go bad.

The Science of Racism

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:21:00 +0000

Social psychologist at University College London and author of The Science of Racism: Everything you need to know but probably don't - yet Keon West spoke to Sean about his book.

Gym Etiquette

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:10:00 +0000

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean brings us the dos and don't of gym etiquette and tells how Pat Henry is closing his gym after 40 years.

Dr. Strangelove Stage Adaptation

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:57:00 +0000

The world’s first stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s timeless classic Dr. Strangelove will make its Irish debut at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre next Wednesday running from the 5th to the 22nd of February. Sean speaks to Armando Lannucci, Multi Award winning satirist, writer, director & producer

The Irish perspective of the Norman Invasion

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:11:00 +0000

Most people would have learned about the Norman Invasion of Ireland back at the end of primary school, or the start of secondary school.

So, the details might be somewhat hazy in your mind, but that may not be a bad thing as much of what we learned was a story told primarily from the perspective of the invader rather than the invaded. Indeed, it’s not even referred to as the Norman Invasion anymore!

Dr Seán Ó Hoireabhard is a Lecturer in Medieval History at Maynooth University and the author of a new book focussing on the invasion as experienced by the native Irish Kings. It’s called ‘The Medieval Irish Kings and the English Invasion’. Seán joins Seán to discuss.

Image: British Heritage Travel

What life with no nose is like

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Vasculitis is a rare condition that constricts blood vessels and can lead to loss of function or degeneration of certain parts of the body.

In the case of Jayne Hardman, the disorder took her nose, but as she puts it, she now has several to choose from.

Jayne Hardman is Patient Advocate for Vasculitis UK and joins Seán to discuss.

Why is ‘The Great Wave’ so iconic?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:11:00 +0000

‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ remains one of the most iconic and mass-produced images in the world, from its original printing almost 200 years ago, to its appearance on t-shirts and handbags today. The National Museum of Ireland has prints on display in Collins Barracks from the same collection of Mount Fuji prints, which offer an intriguing insight into the artist himself.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Siobhan Doyle, Curator at the National Museum of Ireland, who looks after these prints…

Study finds shorter life expectancy for those with ADHD

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:10:00 +0000

A major new study examines the life expectancy of people with ADHD and the results are startling…

Seán is joined by Josh Stott, Professor of Ageing and Clinical Psychology at University College London to discuss.

Can employers fire you over your social media?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Could you end up losing your job over something you post on social media?

The answer appears to be yes... and now, employers are entitled to step in when an employee posts something online in their private time if it could damage their reputation.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Michael O’Doherty, Barrister, Lecturer and author of ‘Internet Law’...

Downsizing to control your finances

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about downsizing?

One Dublin family decided to get serious about their finances and move out of the five bedroom home they were renting, and back into a small two-bedroom flat in a bid to take control of their finances once and for all.

Founder of Cut Social Hair Salon, Katrina Kelly, joins Seán to share her story…

The fascinating story behind WW2’s bear soldier

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:39:00 +0000

If you’re a World War 2 aficionado you might be aware of the famous Polish victory at the battle of Monte Cassino.

What you may not know is that the 2nd Polish Corps counted among its ranks a beer-drinking, cigarette-loving Private who was, in fact, a bear!

Alan Pollock is a Playwright and author of ‘The Bear Who Went To War: The true story of Wotjek the bear cub adopted by Polish soldiers in World War Two’. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum

New ‘Mr Leather’ announced in Dublin ceremony

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:38:00 +0000

Over the past weekend, the leather community gathered in Dublin for their annual weekend of festivities, culminating in the crowning of Mr Dublin Leather 2025.

Jamie Ryan, the newly-crowned Mr Leather joins Seán to discuss.

Dealing with ‘fertility desperation’

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:37:00 +0000

In her new book ‘Dare I Say It’, actor Naomi Watts writes about her fertility struggles, and how at one point she would have eaten her dog's toenails if somebody had told her it would help her to get pregnant. For many couples, trying to conceive can become a desperate mission filled with woo-woo advice...

Fertility Coach, Psychotherapist and former Midwife Helena Tubridy joins Seán to discuss.

Why do political differences lead to outrage?

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:36:00 +0000

On a fundamental level most of us would have a similar sense of what’s right and wrong, what’s good and bad.

We view murder as wrong, we don’t randomly attack people on the street and we don’t swipe other people’s stuff from them - for the most part.

Why then, are we so divided when it comes to political ideologies?

Kurt Gray is a Moral Psychologist and author of ‘Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground’. He joins Seán to discuss.

Why do Gen Z hate phone calls?

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:17:00 +0000

Whatever happened to the phone call?

Those of us over 40 probably have a vague memory of it being a thing but for the most part it’s a practice that has become all but extinct among Gen Z.

Kate McCusker, an illustrious member of that generation decided to try to bring it back. She joins Seán to discuss.

Nepalese government announce price-hike for Everest

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:59:00 +0000

The Nepalese government has announced that it is going to sharply increase the fee to climb Mount Everest for the first time in a decade. But, will this affect the number of people applying, and how expensive exactly is it overall to climb the world’s tallest peak?

Irish adventurer Johnny Ward joins Seán to discuss.

Chinese AI model plans to compete with America

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:54:00 +0000

There has been increasing chat recently about an emerging Chinese AI portal called DeepSeek. But, how has it managed to develop in spite of huge chip restrictions imposed on China by the US?

Joining Seán to discuss is Elaine Burke, Host of The Connected AI Podcast…

What is the cost of cancer?

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:20:00 +0000

A cancer diagnosis is life changing, but for many families affected by cancer, the financial toll of treatment is something to consider... Just as your income is down, there are more bills coming in than ever.

The Irish Cancer Society estimates that households affected by cancer are spending an extra €700 a month at a time when their average loss of income is double that at €1,500 per month.

For more on this, Seán is joined by CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, Averil Power...

What is ‘bed rotting’?

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:08:00 +0000

With the weather as wild and unpredictable as it is between Storm Éowyn and Storm Herminia, there may be no better time to embrace a day pottering... But, why is a day on the sofa actually good for you? And who doesn't do a bit of 'bed rotting'?

James Kavanagh, Influencer and TV Presenter, is a self-proclaimed expert on the subject and joins Seán to discuss how to do it properly...

Could we see a third term for Trump?

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Between 1933 and 1945, Franklin Delano Roosevelt served an unprecedented four terms as US President.

The backdrop to this was, of course, the spectre of World War 2.

But, with Republicans speaking about an unprecedented crisis in America that only the new president can solve, could we possibly see a third Trump term?

Scott Lucas is a Professor & Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

The kindness of strangers - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:06:00 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of people are without power and water in the afermath of Storm Éowyn, but one side of this is that strangers are coming together to help each other.

Henry McKean was a recipient of that help, and joins Seán to discuss what he saw.

The show that lets the audience perform!

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:35:00 +0000

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of performing in a major theatre in front of a big crowd, but you always felt that your singing voice wasn’t quite up to it…

Well, don’t let that stop you!

Amhráin na Mara (Songs of the Sea) takes place on January 28th at the Cork Arts Theatre, and this is a gig in which the line between performer and spectator will well and truly be crossed.

Eamonn Ó Ceallaigh is a Singer, Gaeilgeoir and Muinteoir and the man behind the event. He joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

What is a grab bag? Staying prepared for the worst

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:33:00 +0000

With today’s storm causing havoc across the country, should more of us be prepping? One particular aspect of prepping that Tom Dunne’s guest has been investigating are grab bags. But, what is a grab bag and how does it work?

Joining to discuss is Breda Graham, adventurer and Journalist for the Irish Examiner…

30th anniversary of Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:24:00 +0000

It was 30 years ago this week that Mat Utd’s Eric Cantona infamously kung fu kicked a fan at Crystal Palace. But, why did it happen, and what was the fall out?

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss is Thom Gibbs, Senior Sports Writer for the Daily Telegraph, who has been investigating…

Forget the Loch Ness Monster - look out for aliens!

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:23:00 +0000

Breaking news: the Loch Ness Monster is not real!

Well, that’s what guest host Tom Dunne’s guest says anyway - and that instead, we should be spending our time looking for aliens!

Professor Tim Coulson is Professor of Zoology at Oxford University and the author of ‘The Universal History of Us: A 13.8 billion year tale from the Big Bang to you’. He joins to discuss.

Image: Britannica

How has Ireland done in Oscar nominations?

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:23:00 +0000

After being delayed due to the LA wildfires, this year’s Oscar nominations have just been announced live in Hollywood. So, how have the Irish fared, and what movie has received the most nominations?

Joining Seán to discuss is Film Critic Esther McCarthy…

Image: Oscars

How do you make an audiobook?

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Audiobooks have become big business, and naturally you may have listened to some big name actors narrating your favourite novel.

But, they’re certainly not always narrated by Hollywood alumni, and that’s at least partly because it’s quite a specific skill that requires one to carefully walk the line between narrator and character actor.

That’s not something every actor can do. So, what does it take to record an audiobook?

Aoife McMahon is one of Ireland’s most in-demand audiobook narrators, having recorded more than 200 titles, including best-sellers by Marian Keyes, Sally Rooney, Jo Spain and Colm Tóibín. She joins Seán to discuss.

Why is the UK Ministry of Defence hiring sci-fi writers?

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:19:00 +0000

In order to better understand how policies could affect human outcomes and how people might react to various catastrophes, the UK Ministry for Defence has now enlisted the help of sci-fi authors…

Joining Seán to discuss is Emma Newman, Science fiction author and producer of the ‘Imagining Tomorrow’ podcast.

What it’s like to be catfished

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:14:00 +0000

Could somebody online be pretending to be you?

There’s been a national fascination with ‘catfishing’ recently, but can it really happen to anyone?

Surely, nobody would want to impersonate your normal, everyday life…

Well, this happened to Aoife Howard Ring and she joins Seán to discuss.

‘Corpse flower’ is about to bloom in Sydney

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:57:00 +0000

A huge and putrid plant called a corpse flower is about to bloom at any moment, and is currently being watched by thousands around the world on a YouTube livestream.

Joining Seán to discuss is John Siemon, Director of Horticulture and Living Collections at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney…

There are less than 30 cobblers left in Ireland

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:35:00 +0000

When was the last time you got your shoes repaired instead of just buying a new pair?

Within your answer to that you may recognise the plight of the cobbler…

There are less than thirty left in the country. So, is this a dying trade, or could talk of the circular economy begin a revival of business?

Michael Rossiter is a Cobbler in Kilkenny, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is coffee paste the future?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:11:00 +0000

The days of drinking instant coffee from a flask are over! Enter spreadable coffee from a tube…

Joining Seán to discuss is Philippe Greinacher, Co-Founder of No Normal Coffee…

Image: No Normal Coffee

What does a pluralist Syria look like?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Speaking yesterday, the UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen made clear the global organisation’s desire for a pluralist democratic Syria.

But considering the unpopularity of the UN on the ground in the country ,and the factionalised nature of the political landscape there, is that a realistic aim?

Dr Rahaf Aldoughli is Lecturer in Middle East and North African studies at Lancaster University, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is a ‘light box’?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Dublin City Council has this week rolled out light boxes across all libraries in the capital. But, what are they, and why would you use one?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ciara Dardis, Divisional Librarian with Dublin City Libraries in charge of events and partnerships…

Does taping your mouth shut help you sleep?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Have you thought about taping your mouth shut to get a better night’s sleep?

A new viral craze has seen people put tape to stop themselves breathing through their mouth overnight...

Professor Annie Curtis, Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at RCSI, joins Seán to discuss.

The house that survived LA’s wildfires

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:10:00 +0000

This month’s LA wildfires may yet prove to be the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history... It is already the country’s most costly wildfire on record.

You’ve seen the pictures of devastated neighbourhoods reduced to ashes, with the Pacific Palisades no different to many other neighbourhoods in the LA area. Except for the fact that one house seemed to have survived the onrushing flames more or less unscathed…

Michael Kovac is the Founder and Design Partner at Kovac Architecture Studio and the owner of that house. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

Why are thongs being banned in Sydney?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:50:00 +0000

A council in Greater Sydney has banned thong and g-string bikinis at its public swimming pools, causing outrage among pool users.

Despite the outrage, sales of thongs are up at Marks & Spencer…

So, why is there policing on what women can wear?

Seán is joined by Édaein O'Connell, Freelance Journalist, to discuss.

Can Ireland handle a wave of espionage?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:49:00 +0000

In the past, Ireland as a country has assumed a certain level of immunity from espionage.

It perhaps comes from our neutrality, our geographical location or our alliances, but in recent times, not only is Ireland not without espionage, it is in fact a major target in the 21st century…

So, how prepared are we to deal with this threat?

Dr Edward Burke is Assistant Professor in the History of War since 1945 at University College Dublin. He joins Seán to discuss.

Are supermarket loyalty schemes worth it?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:18:00 +0000

Does it really pay to be loyal, or are we giving away too much information?

The Consumer Columnist for the Irish Examiner, Caitriona Redmond took a long hard look at supermarket loyalty cards, and whether they are really worth having.

She joins Seán to discuss.

Citizen science survey aims to map the Irish stoat

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:16:00 +0000

What's the difference between a stoat, a weasel, a mink and a pine marten? A citizen science survey of Ireland is currently trying to map the Irish stoat.

Joining Seán to discuss is Vicky Knight, Species Conservation Officer with Vincent Wildlife Trust…

Should international surrogacy be banned?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:15:00 +0000

In the last couple of weeks Italy brought in a new law making surrogacy a “universal crime”.

This has been seen as part of a larger international reaction against the practice of surrogacy.

So, with the Assisted Human Reproduction Act set to be enacted later this year, how will all of this affect Irish couples looking to avail of the practice?

Annette Hickey is a Family Law Solicitor and one of Ireland's foremost Solicitors in Surrogacy Law. She joins Seán to discuss.

The world’s oldest fish is aging backwards

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:07:00 +0000

In 2019, it was discovered that the Bigmouth Buffalo fish was the world’s longest-lived freshwater fish, surviving to an age of at least 127 years old.

But, this wasn’t the most incredible thing that the researchers discovered. The fish actually appears to be aging backwards!

Dr. Alec Lackmann is Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: National Geographic

What is ‘eldest daughter syndrome’?

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:32:00 +0000

The idea of ‘eldest daughter syndrome’ is the latest trend on TikTok, but what is it, and do first born daughters really carry a burden of responsibility?

Joining Seán to discuss is eldest daughter and Freelance Journalist Adele Miner, who has been investigating this for the Irish Examiner…

The history of Ireland’s banking strikes

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:11:00 +0000

What happened during the Bank Strikes in Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s? And how did people get access to cash when the banks went on strike?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Rachel O’Dwyer is a Lecturer in Digital Cultures in the National College of Art and Design, Dublin and author of ‘Tokens: The Future of Money in the Age of the Platform’.

Star Citizen - the most expensive piece of entertainment ever

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:10:00 +0000

The development expenses of blockbuster games have been climbing ever higher over the years towards big Hollywood-style spending.

But, a new game has outstriped those film budgets quite substantially: ‘Star Citizen’ might just be the most expensive piece of entertainment ever made…

Peter Lynch is a Lecturer in Computer Games in TUD, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Cloud Imperium Games

What did you want to be when you grew up? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:09:00 +0000

Life rarely works out the way you planned it. When you were younger - did you actually achieve the profession you said you wanted? And, is that such a bad thing?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

White-tailed eagle shot in Westmeath

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:53:00 +0000

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced that one of the state’s rare white-tailed eagles has been shot dead in Co. Westmeath. But, why is this so significant?

Joining Seán to discuss is Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland…

Why is milk a villain’s drink?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Even though “Them bones them bones need calcium!”, why is it that drinking whole milk has become so contentious?

In many films and TV shows, milk is often portrayed as the villain’s drink...

Newstalk’s Own, Sarah McKenna Barry, joins Seán to discuss.

What happened to GAA Handball?

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:09:00 +0000

GAA is such a central part of Irish life that, even if you are not athletically inclined at all, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid its sports.

Well, two of them at least. Whereas Hurling and Football are ubiquitous, we almost forget that Handball exists.

Why? And what happened to this once popular Irish pastime?

Ailill Martin is a Documentary Filmmaker and Director of ‘Hit The Wall’, he joins Seán to discuss.

What’s your biggest regret in life? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:06:00 +0000

Is it healthy to reflect on past mistakes? Should we be wallowing in them? Or is it best to rarely think about things - and move on with our lives?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their biggest regrets, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Why do we yawn?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:04:00 +0000

Why do we yawn? Is it our body’s way to tell us we’re tired, or is it an attempt to keep us awake? Also, why is it infectious?

Phil Smyth, Physicist, Engineer and Science Communicator joins Seán to discuss.

Could a ‘Digital Euro’ be our answer to cryptocurrency?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:46:00 +0000

As a continent, Europe is the least engaged with cryptocurrencies. Are we lagging behind, and if so, could a so-called ‘Digital Euro’ be the solution?

Joining Seán to discuss is Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP and member of the EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee…

Could we see Cornish independence?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:27:00 +0000

The amount of people living in Cornwall who now identify as Cornish nationals, as opposed to English, has doubled since 2011. With a Labour government now in power in Westminster, is the opportunity for devolution around the corner?

Joining Seán to discuss is Joanie Willett, Associate Professor of Politics at the University of Exeter and Co-Director of the Institute for Cornish Studies…

How technology has changed death

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:25:00 +0000

As technology has infiltrated almost every part of our lives, it may have gone unnoticed to many that it is also infiltrating death…

Online grief groups, grief bots and QR codes on gravestones are all becoming aspects of the modern grieving process.

But, are they doing us any good?

Margaret O’Reilly-Carroll, Grief Counselor and Psychotherapist, joins Seán to discuss.

What is a ‘5 minute city’?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:25:00 +0000

You are probably familiar with the concept of the ‘15 minute city’, where the essential things in our lives aren’t too far away. While we struggle to get anywhere near that in Ireland, the Scandinavians are once again showing us up!

Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district is a ‘5 minute city’ and it’s been operating successfully for over a decade.

Anne Skovbro is the Managing Director of By & Havn, the government-owned city and port authority, which owns and manages Nordhavn. She joins Seán to discuss.

Has women’s contraception gone backwards?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:19:00 +0000

Free contraception is available in Ireland for women from ages 17 to 35.

But, research in the UK suggests that many women are moving away from traditional hormonal contraception in favour of apps that track their cycles…

Experts say that this is not advisable...

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Siobhan O Higgins, Lecturer and Sexologist at the Department of Health Promotion and the School of Psychology at the University of Galway.

The legacy of Thomas the Tank Engine’s creator

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:58:00 +0000

The woman who turned the Thomas the Tank Engine books into a global TV phenomenon has died. But, how did she pull it off?

Joining Seán to discuss is a man who knew her well, Brannon Carty, lifelong fan of Thomas the Tank Engine and Producer of An Unlikely Fandom…

Newly-declassified MI5 guidebook is fascinating

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:46:00 +0000

A newly declassified guide booklet for new spies reveals fascinating details on how the British trained their new espionage recruits in the middle part of the last century.

Joining Seán to discuss is Professor Anthony Glees, Intelligence and Security Expert at the University of Buckingham…

Bertie Ahern: How to Broker a Peace Deal

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:28:00 +0000

Reports suggest today that Hamas has accepted the Gaza peace deal with Israel, some sources claim it could be finalised by the end of this week.

But, what is entailed in brokering such a deal?

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern joins Seán to discuss.

Have we seen the death of nightclubs?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:27:00 +0000

There was a time when people spent their Friday and Saturday nights on the dance floor…

Nowadays, there are just over 80 nightclubs open nationwide, a stark difference since the turn of the century.

So, is the nightclub dead? Robbie Fox, owner of Renards Nightclub, joins Seán to discuss.

Spain introduces 100% real estate tax on non-EU residents

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:19:00 +0000

Yesterday, the Spanish Prime Minister unveiled a series of measures to attempt to alleviate the housing problem facing the country.

Perhaps the most remarkable of these measures was a 100% tax on real estate bought by non-residents from countries outside the EU.

So, is this something that we should be looking at here in Ireland?

Rory Hearne, Social Democrat TD Dublin North West and author of ‘Gaffs: Why no one can get a house and what we can do about it’, joins Seán to discuss.

New campaign seeks to bury the forgotten

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:05:00 +0000

There are currently 65 people whose remains are lying in unmarked shallow graves around the country, since the War of Independence. A new campaign is calling for the government to locate and bury, in a respectful manner, these remains.

Joining Seán to discuss is John Mooney, Crime and Security Correspondent for the Sunday Times…

Is music really as big as ever?

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:42:00 +0000

Despite the many predictions of doom in the music industry, the UK trade body for music retailers has just reported a “20 year high for recorded music revenues”, which apparently exceeds the pinnacle of the CD era…

So, is it boom time for musicians? Or is the picture a little more complicated?

Eamon Forde is a Freelance Music Business and Technology Journalist, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is technology ruining the human experience?

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:36:00 +0000

We can all see that there are pros and cons to the digital age.

Where at one point we may gain a convenience, we might also lose a skill.

But, has our reliance on technology fundamentally changed us as human beings? And are we losing touch with fundamental aspects of the human experience?

Christine Rosen is the author of ‘The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World’ and joins Seán to discuss…

What owning the world’s smartest dog looks like

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:12:00 +0000

You might hear anecdotally that border collies are the smartest dogs, and in Britain at least, this appears to be the case.

A 6-year-old Border Collie named Harvey has been named one of the world’s brightest dogs by Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest.

Irene Hewlett is the owner of Harvey, and joins Seán to discuss.

Should Dublin change its 20-year rule for statues?

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:11:00 +0000

While calls have been made for a statue to be erected to Sinead O’Connor in Dublin, current rules don’t allow a figure to be commemorated until 20 years after their death. But, should the regulations be changed?

Joining Seán to discuss is Cllr Donna Cooney, Chairperson of the Naming and Commemorations Committee of Dublin City Council and Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin…

What have you heard on public transport? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:07:00 +0000

It seems that recently, people have become less aware about their personal conversations, leaving everyone in their vicinity in earshot of their business - especially on public transport.

So, what have you heard?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

What is 'sleep divorce'?

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:34:00 +0000

Last month, figures revealed that a third of Irish couples aren't getting enough sleep. To help fix this, couples have been sleeping in separate beds, and it's now being called 'sleep divorce'...

To discuss, Seán is joined by Fiona Brennan, Clinical Hypnotherapist and author of 'Sleep Well: Eight Habits to help you Fall asleep, stay asleep, wake up refreshed'.

How to know if she’s faking it

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:25:00 +0000

Babygirl hits screens in Ireland today and depicts a saucy love affair between a female CEO and her 28-year-old intern.

The CEO is in a seemingly happy and sex filled marriage, but has been faking it with her husband and uses the younger man to satisfy her needs.

But, it begs the question: why do women fake it? And how can men know when women are faking it?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Dr Caroline West, Sex Educator and author of ‘Wrong Women: Selling Sex in Monto, Dublin’s Forgotten Red Light District’, out on Feb 20th…

Image: A24

Farmers have been digging sheep out of the snow

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:24:00 +0000

One of the most remarkable images emerging from the cold snap this week is that of the hill farming community digging out their sheep buried in several feet of snow on the Galtee Mountains.

Joining Seán to discuss is Anne Drake, who runs Ballyhoura Farm Escape on the Limerick Cork border, whose family has been deeply affected…

How important is a dress code in sports?

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:23:00 +0000

After the world’s number one chess player was forbidden from playing a match because he was wearing jeans, questions are now being asked about the dress code of certain sports…

Joining Seán to discuss is Sportswriter Emma John, who has been investigating this for the Guardian.

Image: @MagnusCarlsen on X / Twitter

How to organise your personal tech for the new year

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:03:00 +0000

With lots of devices requiring new passwords for the new year, and the inbox full after the holidays, what can we do to clean up our personal tech?

Joining Seán to discuss Ciara O’Brien, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Times…

How a name change can affect geopolitics

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:46:00 +0000

Trump has announced that he intends to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. What does this mean for geopolitics in the region, and how can the names of major geographical features be changed unilaterally?

Joining Seán to discuss is Gerry Kearns, Professor in the Department of Geography at Maynooth University…

Image: Reuters, Britannica

What is ‘Gaza Cola’?

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:14:00 +0000

With a popular boycott of both Coca Cola and Pepsi across many of the nations in the Middle East, a new product has stepped in, which will use its profits to rebuild a hospital in the region.

Osama Qashoo, Founder of Gaza Cola, joins Seán to discuss.

Why more women are going ‘full bush’!

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:13:00 +0000

The full bush bikini movement is the latest trend to hit TikTok and apparently, more and more young women are getting behind body hair positivity.

So, are the days of the pink razor over?

Suzanne Harrington, Journalist and Author, joins Seán to discuss.

What’s the point of small talk? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:12:00 +0000

Is small talk something that’s necessary in our lives? In Sweden, there's apparently none! Could we ever go without it? And, should we?

Henry McKean has been out having small talk with the public, and joins Sean to share what he’s heard.

Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:24:00 +0000

It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

However, in recent years, with the rise in popularity of intermittent fasting, it is hard to know what to believe.

Joining Seán to discuss is Sarah Keogh, Dietician and founder of EatWell…

Newly-married couple’s home is falling into river

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:23:00 +0000

A newly-married couple living in Inchicore have been forced to vacate their home due to the danger of it falling into the River Camac, which the property backs onto. Joining Seán to discuss is Ellen Blehein, Inchicore resident…

Why accents tend to change

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:20:00 +0000

Over time, your accents can tend to change. According to research, Queen Elizabeth II sounded more cockney throughout her 70-year reign. So, why does this happen?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Rob Drummond, Professor of Sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University and author of ‘You’re All Talk: Why we Are What we Speak’.

Why are people against less censorship?

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:06:00 +0000

Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Facebook and Instagram in the United States will remove their content moderation. Is this a bad thing?

Seán is joined by Eoin O’Dell, Associate Professor in the School of Law at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss.

How human activity impacts animal adaptations

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:01:00 +0000

Perhaps the most famous example of observed evolution in a species is that of the Peppered Moth, which largely turned black in some English cities during the Industrial Revolution so as to use soot-covered trees as camouflage, and then turned back to their natural grey colour upon the advent of cleaner fuels.

This demonstrates natural selection, but it also shows the impact of human activity on the species around us, and that impact has only increased and intensified in the 21st century…

Patrick Greenfield is a Biodiversity and Environment Reporter for the Guardian and the Observer who has been writing about this. He joins Seán to discuss.

What is Ireland’s ‘pulmonic ingressive’?

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:47:00 +0000

Irish people are famous for the so-called ‘pulmonic ingressive’ or ‘inhaled yeah’... but, what is it exactly, and where does it come from?

Joining Seán to discuss is Davy Holden, who runs a popular Irish history social media account, who has been investigating…

10th anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attack

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:25:00 +0000

It’s exactly 10 years to the day that a terrorist attack killed most of the editorial staff at France’s satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

The shooting is being marked in a typically-controversial style with a special 10th anniversary edition of the publication.

But, how do the French public view Charlie Hebdo now? And in what way did this incident change France?

Simon Kuper is a Journalist and Author of ‘Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century’. He joins Seán to discuss.

Is hospital food getting better?

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:24:00 +0000

While Ireland has traditionally had a poor reputation for its hospital food, things are changing, especially at one particular maternity hospital.

Joining Seán to discuss is Deborah Cullen, Catering Manager for the Rotunda Hospital...

Why ‘fairy porn’ is insulting the Welsh

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Fairy erotica is big business these days, but it seems the people of Wales are not too happy about it. They claim that fairy porn is a misrepresentation of the country!

Newstalk’s Ciara Treacy joins Seán to tell more.

Image: Bloomsbury

The science behind hula hooping

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:04:00 +0000

Were you a dab hand at hula hooping in your youth, and do you reckon you’d still be king or queen of the playground if you were to revisit it in adulthood?

Well, it turns out that the type of figure you have will play a key role in how well the plastic tube will circle around your body.

Researchers at New York University concluded that a narrow waist and large hips are optimal for keeping a hoop spinning.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Olivia Pomerenk, a PhD candidate at New York University and co-author of the analysis…

What is ‘pig butchering’? Avoiding online scams

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:25:00 +0000

A recent survey concluded that Ireland is the most phished country in the world. At this time of the year, people are particularly vulnerable to online scams. So-called ‘pig butchering’ is now on the rise in Ireland, but what is it and how can you safeguard against it?

Joining Seán to discuss is Adrian Wreckler, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Independent…

What are ‘Swap Centres’?

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:24:00 +0000

The Green Party are motioning a commitment from Dublin City Council to do a case study of Copenhagen's work on localised Re-Use Centres, otherwise known as ‘Swap Centres’. These centres bring people from the community together to swap clothes, furniture, books and whatever else you’re having to cultivate community and foster a culture of upcycling.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for the North Inner City.

What are your snow day memories? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:01:00 +0000

The current weather might have you looking back on some of your fondest memories when the snow would grace you with its presence. So, what are some of your favourite snow day memories?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

When should you take down your Christmas tree?

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:12:00 +0000

Simon Tierney joins Sean Moncrieff to discuss some hard life lessons learnt from taking his tree down too early...

Are young people uninterested in farming?

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:50:00 +0000

Young people are opting against a career in farming, with a new CSO survey revealing that less than 5% of farmers in Ireland are under the age of 35.

Why is it that young people from agricultural backgrounds don’t see a future working the land? Or is there something else going on?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Macra President, Elaine Houlihan.

How a simple chat can help with suicide prevention

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:17:00 +0000

A group of volunteers in Limerick claim a simple chat could mean the difference between life and death. Volunteers from across the county patrol the River Shannon hoping to help people who are struggling with their mental health.

Seán is joined by Lee Reeves, member and Ambassador of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, to discuss…

Why some mums regret staying at home

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:16:00 +0000

With the financial restrictions today, it can be hard for families to have a stay at home mum. However, those who can, sometimes regret it.

Jen Hogan, Journalist and Columnist with the Irish Times and host of Conversations with Parents Podcast joins Seán to discuss.

25 years since the millennium - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:10:00 +0000

It’s been 25 years since the millennium turned over - back when the Liffey digital clock broke down, and when people were terrified about Y2K.

Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their memories, and joins Seán to discuss.

Families reuniting for Christmas - Henry McKean Reports

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

There wasn't a dry eye at Dublin Airport, as families reunite for Christmas from all over the world!

Henry McKean sends in this report…

How the Ancient Romans treated soldiers

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:25:00 +0000

While the Ancient Romans waged battle across their empire, how exactly did they treat pain on the battlefield and what sort of medical equipment did they use? My next guest collects such equipment and even does reenactments. Joining me now is Martin McAree, Chairperson of Legion Ireland, The Roman Military Society of Ireland…

Should celebrity memoirs recognise ghost writers?

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Christmas is a major time for celebrity memoirs: the number one book in the country this Christmas is the autobiography of one of Ireland’s most famous rugby stars. However, the Society of Authors is calling on celebrities to do more to ensure that their ghostwriters are properly credited…

Joining Seán to discuss is Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, who writes under the pseudonym of Sam Blake, and is the Chairperson of the Society of Authors…

How two brothers beat the Guinness shortage

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:14:00 +0000

You may have found it funny to hear about a shortage of Guinness in British pubs in the last while. Well, two brothers have discovered it’s no laughing matter, and have taken action by ensuring they have a supply of the black stuff.

Colm Lynch from Hop Pole in Wandesworth joins Seán to discuss.

What was the best decade for Christmas? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:03:00 +0000

When was the best time to have Christmas? Are they better now than ever - or were things simpler and better back in the day?

Henry McKean has been asking the public for their festive favourites, and joins Seán to discuss.

Was the Silent Night really that silent?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:12:00 +0000

The nativity, also known as the Christmas pageant, claims to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

However, new research suggests that the so-called ‘silent night’ may not have been that silent…

Seán is joined by Chris Greenough, Professor of Social Sciences at Edgehill University, to discuss.

Can death be abolished?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:11:00 +0000

A new book explores how to preserve our brains when we die, so that our successors can revive us at a later date!

Joining Seán to discuss is Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, Neuroscientist and author of ‘The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death’...

Should you get a real or fake Christmas tree?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Over half a million Christmas trees will be cut down for homes across Ireland this festive period, but which is actually better for the environment… real or fake?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Michelle McKeown, Lecturer in Environmental Geography at UCC.

Why spiced beef is a Cork tradition

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:58:00 +0000

While spiced beef has traditionally been associated with Cork, it has grown wings over the past few years and appears to be becoming more and more popular across the country.

Michael Moynihan, Columnist for the Irish Examiner has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

Does Roblox draw children into gambling?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:50:00 +0000

The popular video game Roblox is apparently being used by illegal casinos to draw young children into online gambling.

The new investigation found that children under the age of 12 are betting on slot machines and blackjack…

For more on this, Seán is joined by Dr Deirdre Leahy, Lecturer in Cybercrime at UCC and Lecturer in Cyber Skills programme in MTU.

Is AI dangerous for artists?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:18:00 +0000

Kate Bush has called on Ministers to protect artists from AI using their copyrighted works amid growing concerns from high-profile creatives and ongoing political uncertainty over how to handle the issue…

Ed Newton-Rex, founder of Fairly Trained, a non-profit that protects artists’ rights from AI, joins Seán to discuss.

Do Disney princesses actually live ‘happily ever after’?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:17:00 +0000

Is there really such a thing as ‘happily ever after’? Not for Disney’s famous princesses apparently. A new study suggests that many of these well-known characters would have suffered from a range of unpleasant health conditions had they lived in the real world.

Sanne Van Dijk is a PhD Candidate in Epidemiology at the University of Twente and one of the researchers on this project and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Disney

Is the Christmas card dead? - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:14:00 +0000

Did you get any Christmas cards this year? It seems like something that has been dying out...

Henry McKean has been investigating how popular the card is (or isn't) and joins Seán to discuss.

Why is there a Guinness shortage in the UK?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:59:00 +0000

Due to a shortage of the supply of Guinness in London currently, and the fact that it is now the best selling draught beer in the UK, some pubs have resorted to using ration cards…

Kate Davidson, owner of the Old Ivy House Pub in London, joins Seán to discuss.

Gardaí to spend €12 million on shoes

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:15:00 +0000

The Garda Síochána intends to spend 12 million euro on shoes for the force over the next few years, with every member of the 14,000 currently serving Gardai to have three pairs of official shoes each.

Joining Seán to discuss is Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent for The Irish Times…

What is a ‘hiccuping’ star?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:14:00 +0000

A rare ‘hiccupping’ star has finally been documented for the first time ever. But, what is it, and why is it so big?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Charlotte Angus, Post Doctoral Researcher in the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast…

Saying ‘no’ around Christmas - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:43:00 +0000

At this time of year, we are rushing around saying yes to everyone, but is it time to actually take a step back and just say “No, I can’t do it”?

The public have been saying yes to answering Henry McKean’s questions, and he joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

New record set for world’s oldest newlyweds!

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:39:00 +0000

A new Guinness World Record has been verified for the oldest newlyweds: Marjorie Fiterman and Bernie Littman are both over 100 years of age!

Joining Seán to discuss is Sarah Sicherman, Bernie’s granddaughter…

Can sandwiches count as a meal?

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:38:00 +0000

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has sparked outrage after claiming that sandwiches are not ‘real food’ and that ‘lunch is for wimps’...

Joining Seán to discuss this is Russel Alford, one half of the ‘GastroGays’ and Restaurant Critic for the Sunday Times.

UK shop knits nude versions of local townspeople!

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:11:00 +0000

A shop in England has knitted the effigies of local townspeople for their Christmas window display, but there’s a twist… they’re all naked!

Joining Seán is Sara Steele, Owner of the Carpet Gallery and Haberdashery store in Hampshire…

Having fun with a ‘sober’ Christmas

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:53:00 +0000

Christmas is a time for festive cheer and, for most, a time when they drink too much beer!

But, what about those who are sober at Christmas?

How do they manage? And more importantly, how do they incorporate fun?

Joining Seán to discuss is Katie Byrne, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

Making the perfect cheeseboard

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:12:00 +0000

What makes a perfect cheeseboard? Is it the creamy textures, the bold flavours, or the perfect pairing with chutneys and crackers?

Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Sheridan, Managing Director of Sheridans Cheesemongers Ltd.

Image: Sheridans Cheese

Is Eurovision’s new code of conduct fair?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:12:00 +0000

In light of controversies at this year’s Eurovision in Malmo, a new code of conduct is being introduced by the European Broadcasting Union...but what does it entail?

Joining Seán to discuss is Richard Taylor, contributor to Eurovision Ireland - the official Irish Eurovision Blog.

What makes people forgetful? - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:11:00 +0000

What makes the human brain forget things? Why do we often lose our keys? Are you a forgetful person?

Henry McKean has remembered to ask the public for their thoughts, and joins Seán to discuss!

Why is the cost of coffee increasing?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:21:00 +0000

How much would you pay for your morning coffee? Prices are going up as coffee bean costs hit record highs. Bad weather in Brazil and Vietnam has led to smaller harvests, and demand keeps growing.

Joining Seán to discuss this is James McCormack, CEO of Dublin Barista School.

New animated film explores trafficking in Dublin

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:20:00 +0000

A new short animated film, The Runners – A Trafficking Timeline, sheds light on a grim reality unfolding in Dublin’s north inner city: children as young as 10 being trafficked and forced into criminality by organized gangs. This film, created with input from community workers, parents, and young people, aims to raise awareness and push for action against this form of modern-day slavery.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Paula Kearney, Board Member at Inner City Organisations Network. Welcome to the show Paula…

Image: ICON on Facebook

Is ‘teenspeak’ leading changes in language?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:24:00 +0000

As both Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries announce their Words of the Year, from ‘brat’ to ‘brainrot’, are these phrases simply a product of teenspeak and are young people therefore pushing the future of our language?

Joining Seán to discuss is Gail Flanagan, Linguistics Researcher at the University of Limerick...

Talking in the 3rd person relieves stress - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:08:00 +0000

Researchers have found that talking to yourself in the third person is a stress reliever. When you step outside your own bubble and start treating yourself like other people, you're less likely going to be hard on yourself, and deal with the problem at hand.

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

Ireland’s lost WW2 defenses

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:44:00 +0000

A discovery has been made during a roadworks project in Limerick: ‘pillboxes’ - World War 2 defences built in case of invasion. But, what are they exactly, and how many exist in Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Bryn Coldrick, Cultural Heritage Specialist at Archaeological Management Solutions.

Could Ireland become a green energy superpower?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:43:00 +0000

Could Ireland become a green energy superpower?

The German government is keen for Ireland to help supply hydrogen to fuel their manufacturing industries.

How would it all work? Existing gas pipelines between Ireland and Scotland could be repurposed to fulfil this requirement of ‘green energy’.

To tell more, Seán is joined by CEO of Energy Co-Operatives Ireland, Cormac Walsh.

Is the Toy Show too consumerist?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:43:00 +0000

The Late Late Toy Show returns once more tomorrow night, but Tanya Sweeney, Columnist with the Irish Independent, is slightly concerned about letting her 4-year-old watch. Why? One dreaded thing: consumerism. She joins Seán to discuss.

The Irish abroad for Christmas

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Thousands of people have started to arrive back home for Christmas.

Over the next few weeks, there will be tears of reunions at the airports.

Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been speaking with those who will be enjoying the festivities in the sun, and those missing family abroad.

The many, many ‘Christmas Carol’ movies

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:28:00 +0000

With Christmas creeping up on us all, one of the most told tales around this time of year is Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas carol’. Since its publication in 1843, the story of Scrooge and the three ghosts of Christmas has been made into numerous films throughout the years, with all having a different approach to telling the iconic story.

Joining Seán to talk through the different renditions of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on screen is Mick Jordan, Writer and Filmmaker.

Image: Disney

How should you respond to rudeness?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:14:00 +0000

From supermarket rows to cinematic queue showdowns, how should we respond to everyday rudeness? A witty comeback, or a dose of unexpected kindness?

Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor and Weekend Magazine Columnist at the Irish Examiner has found that her attitude to a lack of manners has evolved over time. She joins Seán to discuss.

Why was the deepest hole in the world made?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:13:00 +0000

The race for green energy solutions has forced many countries to consider the potential of geothermal heat. This approach will require the digging of some of the deepest holes on Earth in order to harness that heat.

Currently, the deepest mermaid hole on the planet is the Kola Superdeep Borehole at a whopping 12.2km deep, but it has its origin in the cold war era, long before people were seriously considering this sort of power.

So, why was it dug?

Mark Piesing is a Journalist & Author who has written about the hole. He joins Seán to discuss.

The PlayStation turns 30 - looking back at its impact

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:13:00 +0000

The Sony PlayStation turns 30 years old today. This video game console sold over 100 million units in its lifetime, being described as a ‘Concorde’ moment in the games industry. With the console loading games via a CD and not cartridges, the perception of games being just for children left, as new generations became hooked. But, aside from its groundbreaking technology, the PlayStation had a significant impact on popular culture, and the role that video games play in our everyday lives…

Peter Lynch, Lecturer in Computer Games in TUD joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Sony

Living with a sexless relationship

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Can a partnership, relationship or marriage thrive without those steamy bedroom antics?

Well, to tell us about all of the reasons why a couple might move sex down the priority list of a marriage or relationship, and why there might be other reasons pertaining to life outside of the bedroom is Eithne Bacuzzi, Relationship Counsellor and Psychosexual Therapist…

Buying second hand clothing as a Christmas gift

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:01:00 +0000

Thinking about being a tad more sustainable with your gift giving this Christmas? Buying pre-loved clothing could be a thoughtful and unique way to surprise someone special, but how do you know where to start and what you should be looking for?

Joining Seán for all her top tips on pre-loved clothing is Laura Mullet, Fashion Expert and Journalist.

Why companies are using AI for customer service

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:41:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence is quickly transforming how businesses handle customer service, making it more efficient and personalized. But, as AI improves, how are companies balancing it with human support?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent, Jess Kelly.

Does food have a nationality?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:26:00 +0000

A football coach has found herself in a legal row with a sport governing body over expenses.

She claims that spaghetti and chopped tomatoes are “culturally” African ingredients. Is she right? Do foods have a strict nationality?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomair, Chair of the Masters in Gastronomy and Food Studies at TU Dublin and Co-Editor of ‘Irish Food History: A Companion’.

Do you have facial blindness?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Could you recognize a loved one in a crowd, or would their face be just another blur? Face blindness, or prosopagnosia, affects at least 2% of people and isn’t just forgetfulness - scientists say it’s a standalone medical condition. From struggling to identify friends to mistaking strangers for family, this genetic or injury-related disorder has profound impacts on social interactions and everyday life.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Sarah Bate, Professor of Psychology at Bournemouth University.

What are your legal rights in the workplace?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:19:00 +0000

Are you shivering at work, but your boss won’t turn on the heating? Did you accidentally break equipment, only for it to be deducted from your wages? Are you unsure about what your legal rights are in the workplace?

Joining Seán to discuss is Anne Lyne, Partner, Hayes Employment Law Solicitors.

What is the ‘Celtic Curse’?

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:18:00 +0000

What’s dubbed as the ‘Celtic Curse’ or Haemochromatosis, is an over absorption of iron from the food we eat which can lead to an overload of iron in the blood. But, why is it that there’s such a high amount of Irish at risk of developing the condition?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Professor John Ryan, Consultant Hepatologist at Beaumont Hospital and the Irish Liver Foundation.

The Dublin metro area built in the 1970’s

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:11:00 +0000

The long awaited metrolink will not be operational in Dublin until 2035…

However, it seems that in the 1970’s, those in charge of planning and design in Dublin Airport thought that an underground metro would be operational in the near future.

Joining Seán to discuss is Eoin Burke Kennedy, Economic Correspondent at the Irish Times.

Image: PJ Hegarty

The impact China’s one-child policy has had

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:10:00 +0000

What happens when a government controls the size of your family? China's one-child policy changed millions of lives and reshaped society in ways that are still unfolding today.

Joining Seán to discuss is Shi Naseer, author of The Cry of the Silkworm, to uncover the personal and global impacts of one of the most controversial social experiments in modern history…

Why did this goat get a pension?

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:08:00 +0000

The best travelled mammal in the 18th century wasn’t a human… it was a goat! In fact, this goat was so famous she was eventually given a pension.

Joining Seán to tell more is Jackie French, author of ‘The Goat Who Sailed The World’.

The VR device you can ‘taste’

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:13:00 +0000

If you've ever watched a cooking show and wished you could taste the food on screen, scientists may now have the answer. A lickable VR device has been developed to create ‘adjustable taste’ experiences in virtual worlds.

Business and Technology Journalist with the Irish Times, Ciara O’Brien, joins Seán to explain the latest technology.

The truth behind iconic movie locations

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:08:00 +0000

Have you ever dreamed of staying in The Holiday’s cozy Rosehill Cottage, or imagined Gotham City as the gritty streets of New York? Well, think again! Movie magic often means what you see on screen isn’t filmed where you think it is.

Joining Seán to reveal the truth behind iconic movie locations is Ferdia Murphy, Production Director and expert in creating cinematic worlds.

Notre Dame Cathedral completely restored after fire

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:07:00 +0000

Notre Dame Cathedral has risen from the ashes! Five years after the devastating fire, French President Emmanuel Macron toured the beautifully restored landmark, calling it "more beautiful than ever." With €700 million in donations and the work of over 1,300 artisans, the cathedral is set to reopen on December 7th.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Peter Conradi, Europe Editor of The Sunday Times.

Image: Britannica

Where did tattoos come from?

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:54:00 +0000

A new book suggests that the craze for tattoos in this part of the world began with the rich upper classes!

Joining Seán to discuss is Matt Lodder, an art historian at the University of Essex and author of ‘Tattoos: The Untold History of a Modern Art’...

Should the United Nations be restructured?

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:13:00 +0000

For the last year or two the international news feeds have been dominated by a number of seemingly intractable armed conflicts.

The UN was founded with a view to preventing further wars, so could a restructuring of the institution end our current tragic inertia?

Omar Barghouti is co-founder of the Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) movement for Palestinian rights and a co-recipient of the 2017 Gandhi Peace Award, and joins Seán to discuss.

What are your pet peeves? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Scraping fingers down a blackboard, sticking your finger up your nose: there are many things that give people the ick. So, what’s your biggest pet peeve?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public what annoys them, and joins Seán to discuss.

The secret to developing good habits

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:55:00 +0000

We all have habits, whether they be good or bad. But, what if there was a science-backed blueprint to help us not only break the bad ones but make the good ones stick?

Groundbreaking research from Trinity College Dublin has just uncovered exactly that. Led by Dr. Eike Buabang, this study reveals how our brain’s automatic and goal-directed systems work together, and sometimes against us, when it comes to habits.

Dr. Eike Buabang joins Seán to discuss.

New project examines old Irish recipes from the National Library collection

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:24:00 +0000

Among the thousands of tomes housed in the National Library of Ireland are many cookbooks, stretching back to the 1660s. The recipes inside offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, particularly women.

Two keepers at the NLI have been examining these books for a series of talks called ‘Cooking the Books’. Joining Seán to discuss are Joanne Carroll and Nora Thornton, Assistant Keepers at the National Library of Ireland…

Image: National Library of Ireland

How bad is misinformation with influencers?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:16:00 +0000

A new survey carried out by UNESCO casts a stark warning on the absence of fact checking among online influencers. But, what can be done to rectify the situation? Joining Seán to discuss is Adeline Hulin, Head of the Unit for Media and Information Literacy at UNESCO...

What does a ‘Theatre Fight Director’ do?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:15:00 +0000

In recent years there have been calls to include an award for stunts in the Oscars.

The idea being that Hollywood should recognise the creative input and the difficulty involved in coordinating and performing these set pieces.

Those difficulties are made all the more difficult if what you’re coordinating has to be performed in front of a live audience.

That is the role of a Theatre Fight Director. Kate Waters has been a Fight Director for 23 years, working with some of the most famous actors and actresses in the world. She joins Seán to chat.

Should Northern Ireland’s flag change for the Commonwealth Games?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:15:00 +0000

There's increasing debate over Northern Ireland's flag at the Commonwealth Games, with calls for a change to better represent the region's diversity.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Conal Heatley, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland.

Experiencing AIDS in Ireland

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:14:00 +0000

How far have we come in the fight against HIV in Ireland? To mark World AIDS Day, a powerful new documentary, ‘Memorial – The Story of HIV/AIDS in Ireland’, will be airing this Thursday on RTÉ. This documentary takes a deep dive into the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on Irish society, telling the stories of those who lived through it, and the newly unveiled AIDS Memorial at Phoenix Park.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Liz Martin, HIV Survivor and Advocate…

Does IQ directly relate to intelligence?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:18:00 +0000

Ten year old Krish Arora has become one of Mensa’s younger members after attaining the maximum score possible.

This means that young Krish scored higher than would be expected of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking…

But, does that mean that he’s smarter than two of history’s most gifted thinkers? And what exactly does a high IQ indicate?

Seán is joined by Brian Marshall, Publicity Officer with Mensa Ireland, to discuss.

What cocaine really does to your body

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:52:00 +0000

What really happens to your body when you take cocaine? Dr. Chris Luke, Medical Columnist and Podcaster has seen the harrowing effects of this drug up close, and joins Seán to unpack the science, the history, and the harsh realities of cocaine.

The history of the ‘Shamrock’ car

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:41:00 +0000

The ‘Shamrock’ was a car built in Ireland intended for the American market, but after the tenth car was made, production ceased - making it a very rare collector’s item.

Alison Healy, Journalist with the Irish Times has been writing about the strange history of the car, and joins Seán to discuss.

Who has the fairest democratic system?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:32:00 +0000

On Friday many of us here in Ireland will be going to the polls to exercise our democratic franchise. 2024 is a pivotal year for democracies around the world with as many as 2 Billion people world wide taking part in elections.

But although these are all taking place in democracies, not all democratic systems are the same.

So what is the fairest and how does ours compare?

Lee Drutman is a Political Scientist at New America, and joins Seán to discuss.

Are personal ads making a comeback?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Are you looking for love but are having no luck finding it online? Maybe it's time to try something a little more traditional. Personal ads have been a cornerstone of connection for decades, and they are one of the most beloved sections in the Irish Farmers Journal.

To discuss why farmers are still turning to these pages to find romance, Seán is joined by Ciara Leahy, Editor of the Irish Country Living Magazine for the Irish Farmers Journal.

Why are we prescribing hearing aids at half the rate of the UK?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:18:00 +0000

Ireland is prescribing a staggering 50% less hearing aids, per capita, than the UK. Why is this, and what can be done to help more people?

Joining Seán to discuss is Brendan Lennon, Director of Advocacy for Chime…

Why are c-sections becoming more popular?

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Figures from Eurostat data show that the rate of c-sections in Irish maternity hospitals has jumped to 41% among first time mums. This is double the EU average. So, what is driving this increase?

Joining guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss is Dr Krysia Lynch, Chairperson for the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services in Ireland…

Should you rent toys before buying?

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:14:00 +0000

With the holiday season fast approaching, parents are looking for ways to save money, reduce waste, and find toys their kids will truly love. Enter Vicky Noble, the craftswoman behind DluluKaloo Wooden Toys, an eco-friendly Irish enterprise inspired by a similar initiative in Australia.

Her solution? Renting toys before buying them! Parents can now “try before they buy,” whether it’s for big-ticket items like balance boards or special birthday bundles. And the perks? Less clutter, smarter spending, and a greener planet.

Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by Vicky to discuss.

Vicky will bring Dlulukaloo Wooden Toys to a national audience when she exhibits at Gifted, the country’s biggest craft and design fair.

It takes place at Dublin’s RDS from December 4-8.

Image: DluluKaloo

What is a ‘deconstructed wedding’?

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:13:00 +0000

Rather than having ‘the big day’ be, well, one day - should a wedding be spread among multiple dates? This is called a ‘deconstructed wedding’, and it's becoming a growing trend.

Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by Wedding Planner Tara Fey to discuss.

Should SUVs be banned in city centres? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:12:00 +0000

A new motion in Paris proposes to ban SUVs from the city - should we be doing the same? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss.

Are men bad conversationalists?

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:24:00 +0000

Ever gone on a date where the guy just keeps talking about his gym routine, and you're left wondering if he even knows how to ask a question? Well, you're not alone! Today, we’re unpacking why some men struggle with conversation, from being socially pushed to stay quiet about feelings to the pressure of being 'manly' and emotional all at once.

Brendan Kelly, Psychiatrist, joins Seán to discuss.

Scientists create the world’s thinnest pasta!

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:23:00 +0000

Until now, the world’s thinnest pasta has been made in a village in Sardinia, the so-called ‘Threads of God’ pasta. But now, a crowd of scientists in London has created one that is 200 times thinner than a human hair!

Joining Seán to discuss is Adam Clancy, a lecturer in Materials Chemistry at University College London...

Image: Beatrice Britton / Adam Clancy

Getting a pilot’s licence before your driving licence

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:22:00 +0000

Few people have a licence of any description in their early teens, and even fewer have their whole career mapped out before reaching the age of 18. 16 year old Muireann Bagley, however, has clocked up 21 flying hours, and will be sitting her Private Pilot Licence exam as soon as she turns 17 next February…

Muireann joins Seán to discuss her flying experience.

What makes this Christmas song so popular?

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:21:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Whether in a bustling shopping centre, a cosy office party, or you’re listening to your favourite festive playlist, one song reigns supreme: Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You.’

But, did you know this holiday juggernaut started as a humble release in 1994? Thirty years on, it’s the defining sound of Christmas, topping charts worldwide and capturing hearts with its timeless mix of gospel, R&B, and pop magic.

So, what makes the song so popular?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Jeffrey Ingold, Music Journalist.

How bad is the smog in New Delhi?

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:53:00 +0000

Restrictions on the movement of vehicles and people have been tightened in Delhi as a toxic smog envelopes the Indian capital. A respiratory Doctor in India has said that being exposed to the smog is the equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day…

Rahul Bedia is a Freelance Senior Journalist in New Delhi, and joins Seán to discuss.

The Spanish Armada’s relationship with Ireland

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:53:00 +0000

The Spanish Armada, while often remembered as a clash between England and Spain, had its impact stretched far beyond the English Channel, leaving a lasting mark on Ireland’s shores.

Michael B. Barry’s new book ‘1588, The Spanish Armada and the 24 Ships Lost on Ireland’s Shores’ explores the surprising connections between Spain and Ireland. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Andalus Press

The strange story behind ‘Housewife of the Year’

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:12:00 +0000

A new documentary film, opening in Irish cinemas tomorrow, explores the bizarre story of a curious national television contest called ‘Housewife of the Year’.

Joining Seán to discuss is its Director, Ciarán Cassidy.

How long should you sit on the toilet? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:07:00 +0000

Apparently, there is a recommended amount of time you should be spending on a toilet. Are there issues with sitting on the loo for too long? And what’s the recommendation?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating and asking about people’s toilet timings, and joins Seán to discuss.

How people stand out when canvassing

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:06:00 +0000

How do you make yourself stand out from the crowd when canvassing for an election? With so many candidates on the ballot paper, you have to create a perception of uniqueness, which means thinking outside the box and getting creative. From Ben Gilroy’s infamous hurley video to Danny Healy Rae’s crayons, there are endless ways to win over voters.

Joining Seán to go through some of the most innovative examples is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

Recreating Richard III’s voice

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:01:00 +0000

While the remains of Richard III were discovered back in 2012 under a car park in Leicester, a new part of the project has tried to recreate his voice, with surprising results.

Joining Seán to discuss is Phillipa Langley, Historian and author who discovered the remains of Richard III...

Image: Britannica

Navigating divorce after 50

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:27:00 +0000

Divorce after 50 is on the rise, and it can drastically change your retirement plans. With fewer working years left, declining pensions and assets like your home and retirement accounts at stake. Navigating a ‘grey divorce’ requires careful planning.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Family Law Solicitor, Keith Walsh.

Why we need more female tradespeople

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:26:00 +0000

‘There is a screaming need for lots more female tradespeople’ - that’s according to Freelance Journalist Áilín Quinlan, who recently made the point that more and more women living alone may feel more comfortable dealing with female tradespeople visiting their homes.

Áilín joins Seán to discuss.

How often do earthquakes happen in Ireland?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:25:00 +0000

A small earthquake was recorded in Cork yesterday. This was a very rare occurrence, with most taking place in Wexford and Donegal.

Joining Seán to discuss this is James Granell, Seismic Data Analyst for the Irish National Seismic Network…

What is ‘demisexuality’?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:25:00 +0000

In last night’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, N-Dubz star and former XFactor Judge, Tulisa Contostavlos opened up about being demisexual, shedding light on a term many may not know. Demisexuality describes those who only experience romantic or sexual attraction after forming a deep emotional connection with someone.

To tell more about what it is to be demisexual, Seán is joined by Sex and Relationship Expert, Caroline West.

Image: ITV

Can ‘manifesting’ be harmful?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:24:00 +0000

Cambridge Dictionary has named ‘manifest’ its word of the year for 2024. But can the concept of willing your desires into reality be harmful?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sander van der Linden, Professor of Social Psychology at Cambridge University and author of ‘Foolproof: Why We Fall for Misinformation’...

The dating app made for vegans

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:57:00 +0000

‘Veggly’ is a dating app made specifically for vegans, but is it necessary? Can vegans and meat eaters not get along?

Joining Seán to discuss is Becky Jenkins, Vegan and Animal Rebellion Ireland Activist.

Who should be able to vote for Ireland’s President?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:51:00 +0000

When Sinn Féin published their manifesto today, one part pledged to hold a referendum on extending voting rights for the President of Ireland to citizens in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Emma de Souza, writer and Northern Ireland Spokesperson for VotingRights.ie...

Should parents coach their child’s sports team?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:50:00 +0000

While many parents enjoy yelling tactics and strategy from the sidelines, very few decide to don the whistle and clipboard and take the reins for themselves.

But coaching your child’s team can actually be a rewarding process both for your child and for yourself, that’s the view of Ian Mallon, Communications Consultant with Staydia Sports and Sports Business Columnist with Irish Examiner.

Ian joins Seán to discuss.

Having regrets after cosmetic surgery

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Cosmetic procedures, once the exclusive indulgence of the rich and famous, have now become mainstream, with treatments like lip fillers and Botox as common as a trip to the hairdresser. But, what happens when the promise of perfection leaves you caught in a cycle of wanting more, or when the results fall short of your expectations?

Podcaster and social media influencer, Niamh O’Connor, joins Seán to share her journey through the highs and lows of cosmetic enhancements.

Kids are losing their sense of direction

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:12:00 +0000

As so many kids now possess a smartphone, and therefore have access to Google Maps, have they lost their sense of direction, and why is that a problem?

Joining Seán to discuss is Jerry Brotton, Author of ‘Four Points of the Compass: The Unexpected History of Direction’...

Is the Gaeltacht in danger?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:11:00 +0000

A lack of affordable housing in a Meath Gaeltacht is ‘preventing Irish speakers from staying’, that’s the call from local residents who fear that without intervention, the Gaeltacht will be a thing of the past.

Joining Seán to discuss from the Baile Ghib Gaeltacht in Meath is Harry McGarry, Principal of St. Patrick's Classical School.

How a wrestling organisation is making God cool again

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:59:00 +0000

The Church of England is struggling with dwindling congregations, but a wrestling charity is putting on matches with prayer and worship to buck the trend. Founder of Kingdom Wrestling, Gareth Thompson, has erected a 16-foot wrestling ring at St Peter’s Church in Shipley, with the aim to bring communities together in the name of God, and wrestling!

Gareth joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @KingdomWrestUK on X/Twitter

Why Christmas is a hotbed for STIs

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:25:00 +0000

It’s the season of joy, celebration, and a sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections across Ireland! Public health officials are urging partygoers to prioritise their sexual well-being this festive season, as cases of STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and even antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea continue to climb…

Last year alone, chlamydia cases soared by 26%, with over 13,000 cases reported. Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Aisling Loy, Consultant in Sexual Health at St James's Hospital & Himerus Health Clinic.

Will we eventually have pet robot dogs?

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:22:00 +0000

A robot dog named ‘Spot’ has been spotted patrolling the perimeter of President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Passers-by are warned by a sign on each of Spot’s legs: “DO NOT PET.” Are dogs like Spot the future of pet-ownership?

Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Boston Dynamics

Fraudulent honey becoming an issue for consumers

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:21:00 +0000

Recent studies in both the EU and the UK have shown an alarming amount of honey on supermarket shelves to be inauthentic, sometimes being bulked out with sugary syrups.

Joining Seán to discuss is Lynne Ingram, a Somerset Beekeeper and Chair of the Honey Authenticity Network UK.

What canvassing is like - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Henry has been out in the Dublin Bay North constituency following around those canvassing vying for the 5 seats up for grabs. How does it work, and what are the public’s main issues? He sends in this report.

How the Endurance was found

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:19:00 +0000

The wreck of Endurance, the ship crewed by Ernest Shackleton and Irish seamen including Kerry's Tom Crean and Cork man Timothy McCarthy, was thought lost forever when it became trapped in pack ice and later sank in November 1915. More than a century later, the crew of Endurance22 achieved what was widely regarded as impossible - a successful attempt to locate the shipwreck.

A new Disney+ documentary, 'Endurance', out this month, details the hunt for the wreckage, and Seán is joined by the documentary’s Producer, Ruth Johnston, to discuss.

Image: National Geographic

Could a cure for hangovers actually exist?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:48:00 +0000

A potential cure for hangovers is on the horizon. Scientists have developed a pill that, taken before drinking, could prevent hangover symptoms by converting alcohol into harmless substances. Early tests on mice show great results, and human trials are coming soon.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Roger Highfield, Science Journalist and author…

Do you always wash your hands? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth as his Secretary of Defense, someone who has admitted to not washing his hands... How often do you wash yours?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Book publisher to use AI for translations

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:11:00 +0000

A publisher in the Netherlands has sparked controversy after announcing that it will use AI to translate its commercial fiction division, but can AI replace human translators?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mary Phelan, Chairperson of the Association of Translators and Interpreters Ireland [ATII]...

Should we have a ‘Department of Government Efficiency’?

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:23:00 +0000

In the build up to the General Election, questions are swirling around accountability in public spending, with projects like the €1.4 million Dáil bike shed and the delayed Greystones cliff walk facing costly, bureaucratic hold-ups.

Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump has tapped Elon Musk to lead a new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ to cut through red tape and drive results. So, do we need a similar approach here to ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Cormac Lucey, Economics Columnist with the Sunday Times.

Image: Reuters

What India and Ireland have in common

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:22:00 +0000

Ireland and India may seem far apart in terms of culture, language and tradition, but Seán’s guest says otherwise. There are, in fact, remarkable similarities between the cultures that, once noticed, are impossible to ignore.

Author Manchán Magan joins Seán to discuss his latest book: ‘Brehons and Brahmins: Resonances between Irish and Indian Cultures’.

Image: Mayo Books

How is ‘astrophotography’ done?

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:21:00 +0000

This weekend at Dublin’s Art Source fair, Astrophotographer Tom O’Donoghue brings the wonders of deep space to Earth. After a career change in 2008, Tom began capturing stunning images of galaxies, nebulae, and solar eclipses from around the world. One highlight is ‘The Rho Ophiuchi Nebula,’ photographed over 25 nights in Spain.

Tom joins Seán to discuss more.

Do hospitals need to be more climate conscious?

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Hospitals are famously wasteful places, with many things necessarily being thrown out. In fact, 20% of medical care is waste, from plastic biohazard buckets to glass vials. So, how can this change in order to help the climate crisis?

Joining Seán to discuss is Professor Seamus O'Reilly, Consultant Medical Oncologist in Cork University Hospital, who has been carrying out research in this area…

Extremely rare bird still found to be in Ireland

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:05:00 +0000

According to a new survey carried out in the southeast of the country, evidence has now been produced that one of Ireland’s most elusive birds, the nocturnal nightjar, is indeed still present in Ireland.

Joining Seán to discuss is John Lusby, Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland…

Image: BirdWatch Ireland

How ‘Indiana Stones’ is bringing back stone lifting

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:02:00 +0000

David Keohan, also known as ‘Indiana Stones’, is reviving the ancient tradition of stone lifting in Ireland. A hobby he got into during lockdown has now encouraged people across the country to put themselves to the test of lifting some of Ireland’s ancient stones to win the glory and honour historically attached to them.

David joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Nick Bradshaw

Why are young men unhappy?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:38:00 +0000

We live in a society where the term ‘high value man’ is flung around.

But, what is a high value man? And what happens to men when they can’t live up to this standard? And, ultimately, are young men these days unhappy?

Joining Seán to discuss is Joe Humphreys, author of The Irish Times Unthinkable philosophy column...

What is ‘ticker tape synesthesia’?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:11:00 +0000

Ticker tape synesthesia is a cognitive state in which those who experience it can actually see the words being spoken to them. But, how does it work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mark Price, Professor in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bergen…

Green Party pledge to subsidise appliance repair costs

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Over the last couple of decades, it has become increasingly difficult to get basic household appliances fixed, with the old adage ‘it would be cheaper to buy a new one’ being said more and more. A new proposal aims to make repairing a viable option again.

Joining Seán to discuss is Ossian Smyth, Green Party TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Circular Economy…

The strangest inventions ever made

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:02:00 +0000

National Science Week, and in that spirit, what are the world’s most weird and wonderful inventions?

Joining Seán to discuss her top picks is Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, Ruth Freeman.

For more information on events across Science Week, check out scienceweek.ie. With thanks to Research Ireland.

Image: Ostrichpillow

How does Ireland’s bomb squad work?

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:26:00 +0000

On Friday, the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit was called out to Ballymun to carry out a controlled explosion. But,how exactly does this unit operate, and what danger are these men and women putting themselves in?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ray Lane, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Ordnance Corps in the Irish Army and author of ‘Only a Soldier Knows’...

Why do we overshare?

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:06:00 +0000

Ever caught yourself sharing way too much with someone you barely know and afterwards think, ‘why the hell did I just do that?’ While it can feel good to open up, oversharing can actually lead to awkwardness and misjudgment but how can you stop yourself from being way too open with relative strangers?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr Claire Hayes, Consultant Clinical Psychologist.

Do you believe in luck? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:04:00 +0000

Are some of us just more lucky in life compared to others? Can you make your own luck and twist it to your advantage, or is it something you are born with? Like being born on the right side of the tracks, or with pretty privilege?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public if they believe in luck, and joins Seán to discuss.

The story behind the world’s biggest streaker

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:28:00 +0000

While most people have witnessed the odd streaker here or there, either at a match or watching at home on TV, what is it like to actually do this on a regular basis in front of thousands of people?

Mark Roberts is the world’s most prolific streaker, having carried out naked streaks at everything from Wimbledon to the Champions League Final. He joins Seán to discuss.

Vet performs surgery and saves goldfish

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:27:00 +0000

A vet has dramatically saved a family's 17-year-old goldfish after he was struck down by a killer tumour.

Emer O’Reilly from MyVet Lucan carried out a rare and intricate operation on the pet, and joins Seán to discuss.

The biggest box office flops in history

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:26:00 +0000

When Hollywood spends big bucks on a movie, it expects a decent return. But, what happens when a movie flops?

Joining Seán to discuss is Tim Robey, Film critic with the Daily Telegraph and author of ‘Box Office Poison: Hollywood’s Story in a Century of Flops’...

Image: Disney

Ivan Yates on what to expect from Election 2024

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:21:00 +0000

Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially kicked off the next General Election today, dissolving the Dáil.

With voting set to take place on November 29th, Ivan Yates joins Seán to discuss what we can expect.

The words Ireland contributed to English

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:58:00 +0000

Did you know that the Irish gave the world the submarine, the ejector seat and of course, Guinness?

But, we’ve also given the English language hundreds more words and phrases.

Colin Murphy, Author of ‘Who Gives a Focal?’, joins Seán to discuss.

Paul Mescal Lookalike Competition - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:46:00 +0000

The Irish premiere for ‘Gladiator 2’ is happening tonight in Dublin, and beforehand, a much more important event took place: the Paul Mescal Lookalike Competition!

Henry McKean went down there to enter - and sent in this report.

How to dry your clothes in the winter

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:12:00 +0000

A Twitter user yesterday posted a picture of their laundry hanging out in the garden, asking the question: “It isn't raining, but it is a damp day. Does laundry actually dry in these conditions, or is it pointless hanging it out?”

So, in the winter season, what are the best ways to dry your clothes, and what should be avoided? For example, letting your laundry dry in an unventilated room can cause mould and even ‘black lung’...

Joining Seán to discuss is Sinead Ryan, Presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk.

What is a ‘sperm donor party’?

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:11:00 +0000

As a society, we’ve really taken to celebrating all of life’s milestones, from baby showers to gender reveals, and now: sperm donor parties…

Freelance Journalist, Édaein O’Connell, joins Seán to discuss her experience of going to one.

How to manage and know your allergies

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:10:00 +0000

A 56-year-old man has died after suffering what is believed to be an allergic reaction to wasp stings. Michael Sheehan was cutting a hedge with friends at his home in Cork, when he was stung on the back and neck several times on Tuesday.

Clinical Director of Allergy Ireland, Dr Iseult Sheehan, joins Seán to discuss allergy management and awareness.

Are kids reading enough today?

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:08:00 +0000

A new survey in the UK has found that kids are now reading in record low numbers, but is the situation in Ireland different?

Joining Seán to discuss is award-winning Children’s Author, Sarah Webb.

What’s behind recent concert injuries?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:07:00 +0000

With both Chris Martin from Coldplay and Olivia Rodrigo both falling through the stage in recent weeks, what is causing a spate of mishaps in live touring, and what can be done to safeguard performers?

Joining Seán to discuss is Milad Highani, Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales in Sydney…

What is visiting Antarctica like?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:23:00 +0000

Visiting Antarctica is something that not many people get to experience, but when Seán’s guest got the opportunity to do so, she was intrigued by the prospect. What she didn’t expect was how the experience was so akin to visiting a different planet.

Joining Seán to discuss is Science Communicator Niamh Shaw, who will be delivering a talk about her experiences at the University of Galway on Tuesday 12 November…

The biggest food faux pas

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:22:00 +0000

In a new survey, things such as double dipping and leaving dishes in the sink overnight are some of people's pet peeves in the kitchen.

Joining Seán to discuss more examples is Edward Hayden, Chef, Broadcaster and Culinary Lecturer.

Should we boo ‘God Save the King’?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:21:00 +0000

The FAI has been fined €10,000 after fans booed ‘God Save the King’ before Ireland’s Nations League match against England at the Aviva Stadium in September. Will this action have any impact on spectators’ future behaviour? Are booing and other intimidation tactics just part of the package when it comes to sporting events?

Joining Seán to discuss is Chief Sports Writer for the Irish Daily Star, Kieran Cunningham.

Smart home devices are spying on you - should you care?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:19:00 +0000

A new survey from Which? Magazine shows that some smart home devices are engaged in excessive surveillance, but should you be worried?

Joining Seán to untangle this is Ciara O’Brien, Tech Correspondent with the Irish Times...

Dublin Bus drivers tired of being controlled

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:13:00 +0000

Dublin Bus drivers and Dublin Bus are not getting along at the moment. Drivers often find themselves ahead of schedule, and are told to pull over and wait until they're at the correct time. It has lead to drivers being tired of being controlled.

Kathleen, a Dublin Bus driver, joins Seán to discuss.

Man builds world’s smallest home!

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:55:00 +0000

A man in West Virginia is now seeking Guinness World Record recognition for having built what he believes is the world’s tiniest home. But, just how small are we talking and what exactly is in it?

Joining Seán to discuss is tiny home enthusiast and blogger, Levi Kelly...

What is the ‘Knitting Map’?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:36:00 +0000

An enormous piece of knitting, measuring the size of a tennis court, was first woven almost 20 years ago by women in Cork. Now this giant fabric has found a new lease of life in an exhibition exploring the climate crisis deep in Donald Trump country. Joining Seán to discuss is Jools Gilson, Professor of Creative Practice at UCC, who has just returned from West Virginia where the knitting has been installed…

Image: joolsgilson.com

100th anniversary of the Boundary Commission

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:21:00 +0000

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Boundary Commission, set up to determine exactly where the border should lie between Northern Ireland and the Free State.

Joining Seán to discuss is Ronan McGreavy, Irish Times journalist, Historian and author of ‘The Kidnapping: A hostage, a desperate manhunt and a bloody rescue that shocked Ireland’...

Making paintings with boxing gloves

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Paint Punch is a unique community-focused, youth arts programme started in Limerick which has seen young people create impressive works of art by punching paint onto boards with boxing gloves. The innovative project came about after Artist Frank McCarthy noticed how much young Traveller boys spoke about their passion for boxing in all their conversations.

Frank joins Seán to discuss the project.

Image: Clare Youth Service Facebook

Why AI customer service can be a nightmare

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:11:00 +0000

While AI can be useful in many ways, is there anything worse than having a goods or services issue, and being faced with the dreaded virtual customer service bot supposedly designed to help you with your problem?

Chairman of The Communications Clinic, Terry Prone joins Seán to share her customer service nightmare.

Man creates art of the Beatles using only screws!

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

A British artist has used tens of thousands of screws to create a striking portrait of the Beatles. But how did he do it?

Joining Seán to discuss is the artist, Darren Timby.

Children want to spend less time on phones - but can’t

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:27:00 +0000

Phones have become so pervasive in society that children are now wanting to spend less time on them, but are unsure of how to do that.

Joining Seán to discuss is Psychotherapist and Author, Stella O’Malley.

Would Donald Trump end the Paris Agreement again?

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:15:00 +0000

If Donald Trump wins the presidency tomorrow, could he take the US out of the Paris Agreement for a second time, and if so, what effect would this have on the climate crisis?

Joining Seán to discuss is Environmental Journalist, John Gibbons…

Image: Reuters

Why Éamon De Valera became a Native American Chieftain

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:14:00 +0000

The American-born Irish statesman and political leader Éamon De Valera is known for many things, not least his important role in the 1916 rising.

However, on October 18, 1919, Éamon De Valera, while touring the US as the President of the Irish Republic, was adopted as an honorary Chieftain to a Native American tribe in Wisconsin.

Joining Seán to discuss is Colum Kenny, Journalist and Historian.

When do we become grumpy? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:05:00 +0000

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has been described as a ‘grumpy old man’ in off-the-record briefings from Fine Gael. Is this a fair thing to call someone? Is it ageist? And when, if ever, do we become grumpy?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public about their general mood, and joins Seán to discuss.

Testing the ‘Infinite Monkey Theorem’

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:09:00 +0000

The ‘Infinite Monkey Theorem’ holds that a randomly typing primate would eventually write out the complete works of Shakespeare, but now a scientific study has challenged the old adage.

Joining Seán to discuss is Stephen Woodcock from the University of Technology Sydney.

Image: Disney

The biggest words of the year

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:08:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again, where Collin’s English Dictionary picks their word of the year.

And (pretend to be surprised!), this year's winner is ‘Brat’. However, how did they define Brat, considering Charlie XCX, the singer who made the world popular, says ‘it’s just a vibe’.

To tell us about this and the other words on the list, Seán is joined by Padraig Wilson McCarthy, Content Creator.

Why we should ‘tell the bees’

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:07:00 +0000

When big events happen in our lives, it’s natural that we tell the people closest to us.

However, what if those closest to us aren’t human? The tradition of ‘telling the bees’ about big life events stems back to the 1800s.

To tell us more about this custom Seán is joined by Eimear Chaomhánach, Author of the book ‘The Keeper of the Bees’.

Are you wearing the wrong shoe size?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:55:00 +0000

More than one in three adults aren’t wearing the right size shoes, according to a study in the UK.

The research also found 28 per cent of people weren’t aware that different widths of shoes were even available.

Niall Donohoe, Podiatrist from the CureSpa Clinic in Goatstown, joins Seán to discuss.

How to test wine in a restaurant

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:13:00 +0000

Often in a restaurant, diners will find themselves being asked to taste the wine before the full pour takes place. While this can be intimidating for some people, what is the actual protocol involved?

Joining Seán to find out is Michelle Lawlor, from the Nude Wine Company.

What is EFT - and how does it work?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:12:00 +0000

This week, journalist Naula Woulfe wrote a piece in the Irish Independent about how she used EFT to kick the habit of biting her nails, which she had been doing for years.

But, what is EFT, and how could it work for you?

Joining Seán to discuss is Anne Brannick, Chairperson of the Irish Association of Relationship Mentors who practises EFT.

What is happening in Sudan?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:11:00 +0000

Sudan now represents the largest displacement crisis in the world with more than 11 million people internally displaced and almost 3.2 million people who have fled the country.

But, what is causing this movement, and what can be done to help ease the situation?

Seán is joined by Dominic MacSorely, Concern’s Humanitarian Ambassador and a former Country Director in Sudan to discuss.

Image: Reuters

50th anniversary of Ireland Vs the USSR

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:21:00 +0000

It was 50 years ago today that the USSR football team came in from the cold and played Ireland in a historic showdown at Dalymount Park.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Gerry Farrell, Club Historian with Bohemians...

How to carve pumpkins like a pro!

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:34:00 +0000

For over 15 years, Dublin man Mark McNamara has turned pumpkin carving into a true art form, creating one-of-a-kind designs that have captured the attention of venues and fans across Ireland.

With a background in model making and a passion for intricate design, Mark’s carved pumpkins range from iconic portraits, to seasonal favourites. During his busiest times, he’s been known to carve up to 17 pumpkins in a single day!

Mark joins Seán to discuss more.

Image: @pumpkinsbymark on Instagram

Is reincarnation actually real?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:32:00 +0000

A new podcast explores the extraordinary story of John Pollock, a British man who became convinced that his twin daughters were reincarnated from previous children who had died in tragic circumstances.

Joining Seán to discuss is Rosie Pye, the Journalist behind the new podcast ‘Extrasensory’...

Image: Apple

Are we in a golden age of airplane food?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:31:00 +0000

Have you ever had a good meal on an airplane? Whether or not you have, apparently, we may be in a golden age for it!

To discuss, Seán is joined by Melanie May, Solo Travel Blogger and ‘Talk Travel’ Presenter on Dublin City FM to discuss.

How sitting can cause erectile dysfunction

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Here’s a health tip that might make you shift in your seat. Did you know that hours of slouching at your desk can impact more than just your posture? Dr. Jeff Foster is sharing how poor posture could actually weaken blood flow and muscle strength down below, affecting sexual performance in ways you might not expect. But, there’s good news: small changes in how you sit and stand could make a big difference.

To tell more, Seán is joined by Medical Doctor, Author and Tedx Speaker Mark Rowe.

Could a 3rd party candidate decide the US election?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:58:00 +0000

With just a week to go before Election Day, the race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump is neck-and-neck. But, in a contest this close, third-party candidates could quietly play a pivotal role.

Historically, candidates from the Green Party, Libertarian Party, and Independents have influenced the outcomes in key battleground states, sometimes by just a few thousand votes. This year, polls show that even a small percentage of votes going to third-party contenders like Cornel West, Jill Stein, or Chase Oliver could tip the scales.

To tell more about this, Seán is joined by Harry Browne, lecturer in the School of Media in TU Dublin.

What is rudeness? - Henry McKean Asks

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:33:00 +0000

When are we being rude? Does rudeness have a particular scale, or does it depend on how sensitive someone is to that rudeness?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out (politely) asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Getting the most out of your petrol tank

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Have you ever been too lazy to pull into a petrol station, or wondered how long you actually have in the tank?

Well, apparently there are some hacks that could help you get a longer distance when the petrol light comes on.

Dave Humphreys is Editor of Complete Car.ie, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is it hard to say ‘I love you’?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:11:00 +0000

What do the words "I love you" really mean? For some, they come easily, shaped by a childhood of open affection; for others, they’re harder to say, perhaps influenced by a fear of rejection or cultural norms that favour other ways to show love. But, does love have to be spoken to be real?

Joining Seán to discuss this is Enda Murphy, Psychotherapist.

Keith Barry on his hypnotic new book!

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:13:00 +0000

A world-renowned mentalist, entertainer and subconscious mind specialist, Keith Barry needs no introductions.

In his new book ‘Sleep Hacks', he unveils his unique approach: integrating hypnosis, neuroscience and brain-hacking techniques to assist anyone who is struggling to attain deep, rejuvenating sleep.

Kieth joins Seán in front of a live crowd in Lawlor’s Hotel Naas to discuss, and hypnotise the audience!

Could we see drone deliveries soon?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:58:00 +0000

Dublin City Council has already been using drones for the last five years, but soon, unmanned drones could be perched on rooftops across Dublin ready to make deliveries to different locations across the city.

Joining Seán to discuss this plan is Jamie Cudden, Smart City Lead in Dublin City Council…

Translating Taylor Swift’s songs into Irish

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:50:00 +0000

As part of this year’s IMRAM Irish-Language Literature festival, one particular event seeks to translate songs from two of Taylor Swift’s pandemic albums. But, how does the project work?

Joining Kieran to discuss is Cian MacCárthaigh, from the band IMLÉ.

What impact does a marathon have on your body?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:06:00 +0000

Over 20,000 people will take part in the Dublin Marathon this weekend, with some achieving a lifelong goal to do it.

While it’s a huge achievement, what impact does running at this distance have on your body?

Dr Niall Moyna, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at DCU has been doing some research on this, and joins Seán to discuss.

New investigation into the dark money of Opus Dei

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:04:00 +0000

A new investigation into the financial activities of Opus Dei shines a light on an organisation which has traditionally operated in the shadows…

Joining Seán to discuss is Gareth Gore, Investigative Journalist and author of ‘Opus: dark money, a secretive cult, and its mission to remake our world’.

Image: Scribe UK

How was a new Bram Stoker story discovered?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:34:00 +0000

A story written by Bram Stoker in the 1890s will feature at this weekend’s Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival. But, how exactly did it come to light?

Joining Seán to discuss is writer and Bram Stoker enthusiast, Brian Cleary…

Can a criminal run for election?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:09:00 +0000

Controversy is brewing as Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, a notorious figure in Irish crime, is considering running as an independent candidate in Dublin Central's general election. Hutch, who was acquitted of murder last year, could be challenging political heavyweights like Mary Lou McDonald and Paschal Donohoe for a seat. But, with a criminal past, is he eligible to run for public office? Are there rules about who can stand for election in Ireland?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Dr Jennifer Kavanagh, Lecturer in Constitutional Law at South East Technological University.

How autism assistance dogs are trained

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:07:00 +0000

Last week, the latest set of autism assistance dogs graduated from their training school.

These dogs can prove essential in so many aspects of the autistic person’s life, particularly in children.

One of those organisations tasked with training these dogs is Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. David McCarthy is Head of Fundraising and Communications and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland

What makes Excel so special?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:06:00 +0000

When Bill Gates set his coders to work on Microsoft Excel, his ambition was to woo the world’s accountants.

40 years on, and it’s now being used for everything from planning weddings, to children’s parties.

Seán is joined by Stephen O‘Leary, Founder at Olytico to discuss why it’s so widely used.

How electroconvulsive therapy helps depression

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:04:00 +0000

A headset, which zaps the brains of people suffering from depression, was able to improve symptoms in over 64% of the patients involved in the trial.

This therapy is known as transcranial direct current stimulation, and differs from the more commonly known electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.

To tell more about this, Seán is joined by Sarah Kittel-Schneider, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at UCC and Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry…

How much money should you be saving?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:50:00 +0000

A recent survey by Capital Credit Union reveals that one in ten Irish adults have no savings, while 65% have less than €5,000 set aside for emergencies. Worryingly, over three in ten people in their 30s have less than €500 put away.

But, how much should we really be saving at different stages of life? In your 20s, 30s, or even planning for retirement: what's the right target? And, if you're thinking of starting a family, how much extra should you be saving?

Joining Seán to discuss this is John Lowe from MoneyDoctors.ie.

The life of a tour photographer

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:49:00 +0000

You might love looking at pictures of your favourite artists performing on stage, but did you ever wonder what it’s like to be the person behind the camera?

Seán’s guest has toured with the likes of Hozier, and had her pictures of Glastonbury used across the globe. Photographer Ruth Medjber joins to discuss.

Image: Ruthless Imagery

Campaign to get PGI status for boxty

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:11:00 +0000

Boxty is an Irish potato favourite, but a campaign is gathering speed to secure Protected Geographical Indication status for its home in the northwest of the country. Joining Seán to discuss is Marian Harkin, Independent TD for Sligo Leitrim and one of the leaders of the campaign.

Image: Ian Knauer

Watching TV together: a lost experience?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:09:00 +0000

While communal television viewing was part and parcel of several generations of Irish children, the same cannot be said of today, where streaming, the diminishment of live TV and the rise of smartphones has made this collective experience rarer and rarer. But, what has been lost?

Joining Seán to discuss is Colman Noctor, Child Psychologist and Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

How to properly talk to someone with a stutter

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:21:00 +0000

Tomorrow marks International Stuttering Awareness Day. It is believed that about 50,000 people in Ireland currently have a stutter, but is there a right way and a wrong way to help someone who is struggling to get their words out?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Jonathan Linklater, Speech Therapist and Development Manager for the Irish Stammering Association.

Residents of Wexford coast fighting erosion

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:10:00 +0000

The people of Seaview near Kilmore in Wexford have been watching the coast encroach on their homes over the past five years.

They’ve been allocated over €650,000 to help stop this erosion, but unfortunately this is not a long-term solution, as it will move the problem up the coast.

Joining Seán to discuss is Lisa McDonald, Fiana Fáil Cllr for Rosslare.

Why do sick people come into the office?

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:09:00 +0000

Despite the experiences of a global pandemic, many people continue to insist on coming into the office when they’re sick. So, is this a valiant and impressive show of strength, or are they putting everyone else at risk?

Joining Seán to discuss is Pilita Clarke, Columnist with the Financial Times.

Do you like being alone? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:08:00 +0000

Britney Spears has announced that she's married again... to herself. The singer posted a video on social media wearing a white dress and veil, while carrying a bouquet. She's captioned it by telling fans it's the "most brilliant thing" she's ever done.

So (maybe not as much as Britney), do you like your own company? Do you go to the cinema on your own or even go on holiday on your own?

Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Is the Victoria Secret Fashion Show necessary?

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:22:00 +0000

After a six-year hiatus, the Victoria Secret Fashion show returned this week.

It has faced massive controversy in the past for glamourising weight loss and perpetuating unrealistic standards of beauty… But, has it changed?

Joining Seán to discuss is Laura Mullet, Journalist and Celebrity Fashion Stylist.

What are the worst driving habits?

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:19:00 +0000

According to a new survey, aggressive car beeping has become more common, as well as offensive hand gestures and giving out, but why is this? And what are our worst driving habits?

Eugene Drennan, Spokesperson for the Irish Road Haulage Association, joins Seán to discuss.

Emu is raised by chicken named Nugget in ‘Birdworld’

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:18:00 +0000

Over in the UK, an emu that was abandoned by her parents has been raised by a chicken, named Nugget. But, how does that work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Polly Bramham, Living Collections Manager, Birdworld.

Mick Barry breaks rules by bringing prop into Dáil chamber

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:17:00 +0000

Earlier this week, the TD Mick Barry produced a bottle of tap water in the Dáil chamber in order to support an argument he was making. But, what exactly are the rules around prop use in our parliament?

Joining Seán to discuss is Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor of the Irish Examiner…

Image: Oireachtas TV

How to calm your pets during fireworks

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:57:00 +0000

Many pet owners get concerned at this time of the year about what is the best way to shield their dogs from exploding fireworks. One expert believes that playing reggae music to your pets may well be the solution.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dog Behaviourist and Trainer, Suzie Walsh.

Controversy takes over the world of conkers

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:53:00 +0000

The world of competitive conkers erupted in controversy after questions were raised about the integrity of a conker belonging to the winner of the annual championship.

Joining Seán to discuss is Neil Horton, Landlord of the Southwick Shuckburgh Arms in Northamptonshire and Committee Member of the World Conker Committee…

How hard is it to have a ‘bromance’? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:14:00 +0000

Writing in the Irish Examiner, Bernard O’Shea claims that bromances are “tighter than your jeans after Christmas dinner”. How true is this? And how hard are they to form?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public about their bromances, and joins Seán to discuss.

Using ‘Baby Loss Photography’ to remember

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:08:00 +0000

This week is Baby Loss Awareness week.

One charity is paving the way for families to remember their babies through the gift of photography.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Ann Marie Gillooley, Volunteer at ‘Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.’

North Korea destroys roads to the South

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:56:00 +0000

In a significant escalation of tensions between North and South Korea, some of the historic roads that used to connect the two parts of the country, divided since the war in the 1950’s, have been blown up! So, what does this mean geopolitically?

Joining Seán to discuss is Professor Hazel Smith from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and author of ‘North Korea: Markets and Military Rule’.

How to properly do CPR

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:39:00 +0000

Today is World Restart a Heart Day.

Figures show that well over 200 lives were saved last year because someone started CPR.

So, joining Seán to discuss how to perform CPR is David Hall, CEO of Lifeline Ambulance Service.

Hugs: quality over quantity?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:38:00 +0000

While many people will describe themselves as huggers, is the quality of a hug more important than the hug itself?

Céire Sadlier, a contributor to the Irish Times, thinks this is the case, and as a lifelong hugger herself, she has been writing about her experience. She joins Seán to discuss.

How often should you clean the kettle?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:37:00 +0000

You probably never give a second thought to cleaning our kettle.

Boiling water kills all the bacteria anyway, right? Well, apparently not!

Joining Seán to explain what could be lurking in the waters of kettles is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester.

Empty Dutch prisons are becoming cinemas

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:15:00 +0000

The Dutch prison population has fallen by more than 40% recently, to the point where they are closing some facilities down as prisons, and turning them into other amenities, like cinemas.

It comes off the back of the news that Irish prisons are at breaking point due to overcrowding…

So, how good is it in the Netherlands? Renate Van Der Zee is a Journalist and Writer who has been writing about this in the Guardian, and joins Seán to discuss.

Three-armed robot conductor leads concert!

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:56:00 +0000

A world first took place recently as a three-armed robot conductor carried out its duties at a special classical music concert in Germany.

Joining Seán to discuss is Markus Rindt, Artistic Director of the Sinfoniker in Dresden…

Why midwives should be celebrated

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:45:00 +0000

An exhibition celebrating the contribution of community midwives in early 20th century Ireland has opened at the Museum of Country Life in Co Mayo.

The programme also showcases the valuable work of volunteers around the country in documenting their local history.

Emma Laffey is the Curator of the Exhibition, and is also Health Care Assistant at the Maternity Unit in Portiuncula University Hospital. She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Museum of Country Life

What life is like for an Irishman in Israel

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:29:00 +0000

You may take it for granted that Ireland's news media is able to portray the horrors taking place in Gaza, but that is certainly not the case in Israel. So, what is it like living there during the war as a foreigner?

Joining Seán to discuss is Freelance Journalist Paul Kearns, who is currently living in Tel Aviv.

Should you eat burgers with a knife and fork?

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:19:00 +0000

An ex-butler to King Charles has caused consternation by suggesting that a burger should be eaten using a knife and fork. But, what exactly is the correct way to use cutlery?

Joining Seán to discuss is Brenda Hyland Beirne, Founder and Managing Director of The Irish School of Etiquette...

Nadia Adan’s incredible success story

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:12:00 +0000

Seán’s guest came to Ireland from Somalia at just seven years old with nothing but clothes on her back.

Two decades later, she owns Ashford Motors, a female-led car dealership.

She has just released her second calendar in aid of Men’s Aid in which she models alongside cars.

Nadia Adan joins the show to discuss.

What is ‘past-life regression’ therapy?

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:28:00 +0000

Have you ever struggled to get over an ex? Well, there may be an option for you: past-life regression therapy, an intriguing method some believe reveals hidden connections from previous lives.

Lorraine Flaherty, a Clinical Hypnosis Lecturer and Therapist, joins Seán to discuss.

The art of storytelling

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:17:00 +0000

Pop superstar Kylie Minogue was chosen to read the CBeebies Bedtime Story, which will air on Friday night.

It might make you think of the art of story reading, and what makes a good storyteller.

Joining Seán to discuss the art of storytelling is Lorraine Levis, Head of Sales for Bloomsbury, Ireland, Author of ‘Once Upon A Reader: Raising your Children with a Love of Books'.

What are the hardest Irish names to pronounce?

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:16:00 +0000

A recent study in the UK found that people there had the greatest difficulty in pronouncing certain Irish names.

Apparently, the hardest name of all to pronounce was Aoife...

Joining Seán to discuss this is Newstalk’s Caoimhe Harney.

American Vs Irish Humour - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:14:00 +0000

With the 50th anniversary of American comedy show Saturday Night Live ongoing, there must be something to it to stay on the air for so long. So, when looking at American humour and comparing it to Irish comedy, which is better?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out getting the public’s thoughts, and joins Seán to discuss.

Latest Loch Ness sighting - is it real?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:11:00 +0000

Stories and sightings of the Loch Ness monster have been around for hundreds of years, but the latest contact may prove that it does in fact exist…

Loch Ness Skipper, Shaun Sloggie joins Seán to discuss further.

Hit show ‘The Traitors’ to get Irish version

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:10:00 +0000

An Irish adaptation of the global hit reality competition series, ‘The Traitors’ will soon be hitting our screens. Casting has now opened for the show, but will it work in Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss is Content Creator and Reality TV fanatic, Pádraig Wilson McCarthy.

What makes the perfect face?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:09:00 +0000

According to a UK-based plastic surgeon using the ancient Greek ‘Golden Ratio of Beauty’, the world’s most handsome men have been ranked. Topping the list is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with Irish star Paul Mescal securing an impressive third place. This unique list measures facial symmetry to determine physical perfection, and other stars like Robert Pattinson, George Clooney, and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan also made the cut.

Joining Seán to discuss the science of beauty is Professor Jack Kelly, President of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons.

What is the best type of curry?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:08:00 +0000

Spice lovers rejoice: it’s National Curry Week! Whether you like it hot or shy away from spice, there’s an option for you.

Chef and Founder of Green Saffron Spices, Arun Kapil, joins Seán to chat about his top five curries.

Is having good posture that important?

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:58:00 +0000

A poll of 2,000 adults found that 6 in 10 office workers blame their bad posture on tech gadgets.

In this modern world, the sedentary lifestyle doesn’t exactly lend itself to good posture. But, what can we do to prevent such habits?

Physio Andrew Dunne joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘slow travel’?

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:05:00 +0000

When we visit a new place, we can often become consumed with seeing all it has to offer. But, do we really stop to soak up the culture, experience the language and taste the food? That’s where the concept of ‘slow travel comes’ in…

Joining Seán to discuss is Gemma Tipton, Journalist with The Irish Times.

Wimbledon umpires to be replaced by AI

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:04:00 +0000

Hundreds of umpires are set to be out of a job. It follows a decision by Wimbledon to replace them with new AI technology.

Seán is joined by Hebe Lawson, former Ball Girl at Wimbledon, to discuss.

Image: Wimbledon

The history of Italian chippers in Ireland

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:03:00 +0000

It’s hard to walk down a main street in Ireland without seeing an Italian chipper. They are a staple of Irish culture.

But, did you know that they are also a staple of Italian culture? Each year, the village of Casalattico hosts ‘Irish Fest’, which celebrates the long standing relationship between that area and chippers.

Joining Seán to discuss is Maria Fusco, from the Fusco chipper family.

Is twin telepathy real?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Twins often say that they can read each other's minds, or can sense when the other is in danger. However, is there any real scientific evidence to back this up?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Nancy Segal, a Psychologist who specialises in the study of twins.

What is the meaning of art?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:29:00 +0000

A Dutch museum has recovered an artwork that looks like two empty beer cans, after a staff member accidentally threw it in the rubbish bin thinking it was trash… Was the project wasted on this staff member, or have we gone too far in terms of what we call art?

Joining Seán discuss is Lecturer at UCD’s School of Art History and Cultural Policy, Dr Roising Kennedy.

Image: Paramount

Meet Ireland’s only mink-detection dog

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:11:00 +0000

Some sniffer dogs uncover drugs, and others recover missing people, but Lorg - a three-year-old labrador retriever, is Ireland’s only mink-detection dog.

Seán is joined by Lorg’s owner, Senior Project Manager of the Breeding Waders Project, Owen Murphy, to discuss the work of Conservation Detection Dogs.

Does Google have an ‘illegal monopoly’?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:10:00 +0000

US officials have confirmed they are considering breaking up Google's "illegal monopoly" of internet searches.

Joining Seán to discuss the implications of this is Tech Editor for the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler.

Life after the Irish Defence Forces

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:09:00 +0000

For many in the Defence Forces, their job is a vocation.

They live a life less ordinary than most, yet one of order, discipline and battle. This type of career is not without its struggles, but what happens when it ends?

Seán is joined by Chris Donovan, Irish Veteran and ONE Resident, to discuss.

What does it mean to be a ‘stoic’?

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:52:00 +0000

Ryan Holiday will be speaking in the Dublin Convention Centre on a philosophy that is over two and a half thousand years old: stoicism. But, what exactly is it?

Seán is joined by Ryan Holiday, author and podcaster, to discuss.

Shane McGowan mural unveiled in Tipperary

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:47:00 +0000

A mural of the late Shane McGowan was revealed in Tipperary over the weekend. Mural Artist, Neil O’Dwyer, is behind the new piece, and Seán to discuss the painting process.

Image: @irishmurals Instagram

First Mormon Temple to open in Ireland

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:46:00 +0000

The first Mormon Temple in Ireland has been given the green light for construction following an announcement by the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Ben O’ Farrell, local member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.

How to acknowledge disappointment

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:22:00 +0000

From an early age, we are told to be positive and look on the bright side of life.

After all, with all the hunger and suffering in the world we should be grateful, right?

However, toxic positivity can be bad for our health, and maybe we’re gaslighting ourselves...

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Claire Hayes, Consultant Clinical Psychologist.

31-year-old treasure hunt comes to an end

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:22:00 +0000

‘On The Trail Of The Golden Owl’, a book of riddles published in 1993, contained 11 clues, and a hidden 12th one - leading treasure hunters to search for the long sought-after prize. Now, the 31-year-long treasure hunt has come to an end!

While the winner has not yet revealed themselves, Seán is joined by the founder of GoldenOwlHunt.com, Jo Bartley, to tell more about the hunt’s cult following…

Image: L’essentiel

The problem with potholes

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:21:00 +0000

A survey in the UK has found that AA was called out to almost half a million breakdowns caused by potholes in the first nine months of this year…

So, how do Ireland’s roads compare, and can you claim insurance if your car is damaged by a pothole?

Seán is joined by Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent, to discuss.

Are solar farms viable now?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Michael O’Leary has invested just over €140,000 installing solar panels and 90kW of batteries at his 2,000-acre home in Gigginstown, Co. Westmeath.

It comes after what has been a noticeable shift in the opinion from Irish people about panels as a way to power their homes.

Ciaran Marron is Founder of Activ8 Solar and joins Seán to discuss.

Should animals have political representation?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:28:00 +0000

This Thursday, a Philosopher named Pablo Fernandez will give a talk in Trinity College about how animals should be given a voice through elected representatives to defend animal rights. So, should this be a thing?

Gerben Uunk, Co-Founder and Party Secretary for the Party for Animal Welfare joins Seán to discuss.

How do earworms actually work?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:13:00 +0000

Kristen Bell has apologised to parents for getting ‘Let It Go’ from ‘Frozen’ “stuck in their head”.

It is one of the most popular earworms in the world. But, what exactly is an earworm? And how do you get it out of your head?

Dr Naomi Lavelle is a Science Consultant who has been investigating this, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Disney

Is maximalism making a comeback?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:08:00 +0000

Whitewashed walls and grey couches could soon be a thing of the past.

Pink walls and green curtains are making a comeback. According to the experts, maximalism is back in fashion.

Joining Seán to discuss this trend is Róisín Murphy, Architect and Artist.

Is there an afterlife? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:06:00 +0000

Actor Al Pacino recently revealed that he was so sick with covid in 2020, that his pulse stopped for multiple minutes. When he was revived, he didn’t see anything in between that time. So, is there an afterlife?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

What it’s like flying the UK’s first electric airplane

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:24:00 +0000

While most vehicles, from cars to buses, are progressively going electric, one area remains sluggish to change: airplanes. Seán’s guest did a test flight in the UK’s first approved electric aircraft. Greg Dickinson, Senior Travel Writer with the Telegraph, joins the show to discuss.

Image: The Telegraph

100,000 undiscovered plant species still left - how?

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:20:00 +0000

A new botanical study has suggested there are still over 100,000 undiscovered plant species in the world, mostly concentrated in so-called ‘dark spots’. But, where are these dark spots, and what can be done to save the unknown species before they go extinct?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Sam Pironon, a biodiversity scientist at Queen Mary University in London and Honorary Research Associate at Kew Gardens…

Celebrating 20 years of Desperate Housewives!

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:19:00 +0000

20 years ago this week, Desperate Housewives premiered on ABC in America.

It went on to become the number 1 TV show in the USA, and lasted for 8 seasons, featuring more than 180 episodes.

Like every big show, it also had its dedicated fanbase, with one of those being Ryan Evans, who has spent in the region of $10k on memorabilia for his website Wisteria Lane Collection.

Ryan joins Seán to discuss.

The most obscure potato recipes to try

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:18:00 +0000

It’s National Potato Day! Joining Seán to talk about the most obscure things you can do with this country’s prized vegetable is Chef Jack O’Keeffe.

When do method actors stop acting?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:59:00 +0000

When method actors take on a role, they live with the character they are portraying. But, when filming ends - how long do they continue being that character before they snap back to reality?

Movie Reviewer Brian Lloyd joins Seán to discuss.

What is the annual Deer Rut Watch?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:55:00 +0000

It’s Rut Season, and that means the male deer of the country are gearing up for a big October. But, why is this such a spectacle, and why are there watch parties taking place?

Joining Seán to discuss is Gillian Stewart, Supervisor Guide at Wicklow Mountains National Park…

The full story behind Rock Shandy’s invention

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:23:00 +0000

It is a very nostalgic Irish drink that people will remember fondly from their childhood but the pub where the Rock Shandy was invented now features the full story on their wall.

Joining Seán to discuss is Nigel O’Rourke, owner of O'Rourke's Tavern in Blackrock in Dublin…

What is ‘Emophilia’?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:02:00 +0000

You have probably fallen in love - maybe more than once! However, there are some who fall in love so often, it can become problematic: it's called 'Emophilia'.

Joining Seán to discuss is Daniel Nelson Jones, Associate Professor of Management and Interdisciplinary Social Psychology at the University of Nevada Reno.

Are you posh? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:01:00 +0000

What does it mean to be posh? Is it as simple as washing your hands more than once a day? Or do you have to drink tea with a pinky out?

Henry McKean has been out asking the public about their poshness, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is the ‘Joint Standoff Weapon’?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:56:00 +0000

As part of Joe Biden’s massive financial and weapons package for Ukraine, one particular munition stands out for its longer-range capabilities. It’s called the ‘Joint Standoff Weapon’. But, what exactly is it, and how does it work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Jake Epstein, Senior Defence Reporter for Business Insider…

Image: Reuters

Germany’s strange relationship with cannabis

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:16:00 +0000

Germany legalised the use of cannabis six months ago by introducing a so-called ‘club model’. But, due to classic German red tape issues, movement has been exceptionally slow. So, what’s going on?

Joining Seán to discuss is Paul Krantz, a journalist with The Local in Berlin.

What are your ‘sleep crutches’?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:09:00 +0000

Do you go to sleep to the sound of waves crashing against rocks? Or does the sound of a river flowing help you drift off? Well, you’re not alone!

New research has found that 'green noises' from nature are the most relaxing.

However, if you rely on these noises to soothe you to sleep, what happens when you don’t have access to them?

Seán is joined by Anne Marie Boyhan, Holistic Sleep Expert, founder of the Sleep Care Company and Author of the 'Sleep Journal' to discuss.

The ethical porn site for women

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:08:00 +0000

A British erotica website aims to deliver ethically made pornography with the female consumer in mind, offering itself as the antithesis of mass-produced American porn.

Joining Seán to discuss is Anna Richards, Founder of FrolicMe…

Why was a fake mountain built in Shanghai?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

While the Chinese are well known for their construction mega projects, a new installation in Shanghai called Twin Hills is literally an artificial mountain.

Joining Seán to discuss his experience being there is Oliver Wainwright, Architecture Critic for the Guardian.

Image: Shanghai Daily

Should the Church allow weddings outside of churches?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:20:00 +0000

A new study from the Iona Institute finds that people are opting less and less for a Church wedding. But, one of the report’s recommendations is for the Church to follow American Catholicism’s lead and allow marriage ceremonies to take place outside of church buildings.

Joining Seán to discuss Breda O’Brien, Columnist with the Irish Times and patron of the Iona Institute.

Can you separate the art from the artist?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:13:00 +0000

A new play in London explores the darker side to beloved children’s author Roald Dahl and his antisemitism. It begs the question: can you separate the art from the artist? Joining Seán to discuss is Pop Culture and Entertainment Expert, Deirdre Molumby.

Image: Manuel Harlan

No Irish on number plates - why?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:12:00 +0000

The regulations for number plates on cars state that the county on the plate should be shown in Irish, but that seems to be disappearing. So, what's going on? Dave Humphries from completecar.ie joins Seán to discuss.

What was your first date like? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:09:00 +0000

Melania Trump has revealed that on her first date with Donald Trump, he took her on an hour and half car ride on to view a property. Combining business and pleasure.

What was your first date like with your partner? Henry McKean has been finding out, and joins Seán to discuss.

Why squeezing your exercise into the weekend works

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:29:00 +0000

If exercise takes a back seat in the working week, don’t worry! Cramming the recommended amount of physical activity into the weekend still has significant health benefits, research suggests.

John Belton, owner of No.17 PT, Human Performance and Wellness Coach, joins Seán to discuss.

The most expensive duvets in the world!

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:27:00 +0000

If you want a good duvet - a very good duvet - the company Novegr is selling ones for up to 30 grand! How can they be so expensive?

Their CEO, Nils Stemen, joins Seán to discuss.

How to manage sex with an age gap

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:26:00 +0000

Yesterday, Catherine Zeta Jones posted a naked picture on Instagram. She claimed that it was difficult to know what to get Michael Douglas after 25 years of marriage.

It got us thinking about sex when there’s an age gap in your relationship? How can you manage this through the years?

Seán is joined by Emily Power Smith, Clinical Sexologist and Sex Therapist, to discuss.

Domino’s dip going for thousands on eBay - why?

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:25:00 +0000

When Domino's Pizza recalled their famous garlic and herb dip in the UK recently, it sent consumers into a frenzy of panic. Now, secondhand dips are going for enormous sums on eBay so that people can get their hit. So, can we really not live without our condiments?

Joining Seán to discuss is Russell Alford, one half of The GastroGays and Sunday Times Restaurant Critic…

How to avoid poisonous mushrooms

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:57:00 +0000

The months of September and October are mushroom season. With thousands of wild species in Ireland, how can we tell which are poisonous, hallucinogenic or edible?

Joining Seán to discuss is Anja Murray, Ecologist, author and Columnist for the Irish Examiner…

Why is Trump’s face so orange?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:46:00 +0000

While some commentators have suggested that Donald Trump’s face reached peak tan in 2020, his complexion remains bafflingly orange. We have asked an expert to analyse his face for us to try and explain what’s going on.

Joining Seán to discuss is Professor Caitriona Ryan from the Institute of Dermatologists…

Do pets make better companions than people?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:02:00 +0000

Pets make better companions than people! That’s according to Pete Wedderburn, aka Pete the Vet, who also says that although our pets may not love us, in the way that we understand love, they do give us “unconditional positive regard”, and this feels like love.

Pete joins Seán to discuss.

‘Vampire’ children found buried in Poland

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:02:00 +0000

Workers renovating a fence wall near a historical cathedral in Poland have found the remains of two medieval children, one of whom had signs of a supposed “vampire burial”.

To learn more, Seán is joined by Dr Philippa Byrne, Assistant Professor in Medieval History at Trinity College Dublin.

How do you write a love song? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:01:00 +0000

When you want to write a love song (or any song for that matter), how do you dig into that emotional side and put it on the page? And more importantly, make it sound good?

Well, this Sunday in Drogheda, there is a songwriting festival which includes songwriting workshops, and Newstalk’s Henry McKean met the organisers to find out more. He joins Seán to discuss.

Is this the world’s largest pumpkin?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:56:00 +0000

As the competitive pumpkin growing community gears up for Halloween, one man in England believes that his might be the biggest ever.

Joining Seán to discuss is pumpkin grower, Ian Patton.

Who are ‘the Irish’?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:22:00 +0000

In today’s Ireland, the far right demands a pure “Irishness”, but our island’s story has long been interwoven with other ethnicities and diasporas.

Dr Maurice Casey, Author and Historian at Queen’s University Belfast, recently wrote a piece in the Guardian titled: ‘Who are the Irish?’ and joins Seán to discuss.

What are the best PR comebacks?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:19:00 +0000

Phillip Schofield will be returning to screens more than a year after his departure from breakfast television. The former ‘This Morning’ presenter will appear in Channel 5’s ‘Cast Away’ next Monday night in an attempt to repair his image in his first comeback to television.

Will it work? That remains to be seen, but to discuss some of the best PR comebacks, Seán is joined by Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

Time Out names Inchicore as one of world's coolest neighbourhoods

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:17:00 +0000

Inchicore has been named by Time Out magazine as one of the 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. The Dublin 8 spot officially joins the likes of Stoneybatter and Phibsboro as one of the buzziest neighbourhoods in the country, according to the publication.

Labour Party Councillor and Inchicore resident, Darragh Moriarty, joins Seán to discuss why it’s worthy of this accolade.

Image: Land Development Agency

What are the most common nightmares?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:16:00 +0000

A new survey looks at the most common nightmares experienced by Irish people in different parts of the country. From being naked in public, to getting chased. So, what do these nightmares tell us about ourselves?

Joining Seán to discuss is Paul Gill, Hypnotherapist and author of ‘The Definitive Book of Dreams’...

Couple who met on cruise got engaged after 4 weeks!

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:11:00 +0000

A cruise ship called ‘The Odyssey’ was planned to set sail from Belfast last May, but has effectively been stuck for mechanical and certification issues. Until things are sorted, its passengers have been waiting in the city - and some of them got on better than others!

Seán is joined by one half of the couple who met on the ship and are now engaged, Angela Harsanyi, to learn more.

The craziest items sold at an auction

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

How much would you be willing to pay for a used toilet seat?

Probably not much. However, the used toilet seats of celebrities can sell at auction for thousands. It seems like people are willing to fork out for celebrity memorabilia.

Joining Seán to tell more about the craziest items sold at auction is Chiara Brown, Commissioning Editor at the Times Luxury, Times UK.

Should pints be smaller?

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:57:00 +0000

A new study in the UK has pub landlords up in arms. The study trialed a new smaller glass instead of the usual pint measure, and found that people drank less as a result. So, should we do away with pints?

Joining Seán to discuss is Damien Ryan, a publican in Clifden in Galway…

How deer culling in Ireland works

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:56:00 +0000

If you’ve caught a glimpse of a deer in Ireland, then you’re probably not that lucky. The country is thronged with deer, so much so, that heavy deer management is in place.

Over 78,000 deer were culled in Ireland in a 12-month period up to February 28, 2023.

Joining Seán to discuss how this works is Damien Hannigan, Spokesperson Irish Deer Commission…

What are ‘blue zones’? And are they real?

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:20:00 +0000

From Netflix documentaries to special diets, there has been more and more talk of so-called ‘Blue Zones’, areas of the world where there is a high concentration of centenarians. But, is it all bogus? And how can we trust the ages of the super old?

Joining Seán to discuss is Saul Newman, from the Centre for Longitudinal Studies at University College London, who has just won an Ig Nobel Award for his research in this area…

Why do we import most of our vegetables?

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:10:00 +0000

It's relatively easy to grow carrots in Ireland, but if you wanted to buy them in a shop - you're going to see produce from different countries, and even continents! So, why is this?

Seán is joined by Siobhan Walsh, Tillage Editor at the Irish Farmer’s Journal, to discuss.

Was this Wuthering Heights casting a mistake?

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:07:00 +0000

Emerald Fennell, the director of hits such as Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, has announced that her new adaptation of Wuthering Heights will feature Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the title roles, sparking controversy over her decision.

Joining Seán to discuss this is author Sam Blake…

How hard is it to own a thatched cottage?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Many of the country’s thatched cottage owners are experiencing challenges with regard to insurance, due to the high premiums and lack of companies willing to provide cover.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Ciarán MacDonnell, a thatched cottage owner and Founder of the Thatched Insurance Action Group…

Why are breast reductions becoming more popular?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:24:00 +0000

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery conducts a yearly survey of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. Among the statistics within that report is a ranking of the most popular cosmetic interventions globally, and breast augmentation is consistently at the top. However, it’s not just larger breasts women want, breast reductions are becoming increasingly popular.

Joining Seán to discuss this procedure is Éilís Fitzgerald - Consultant Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at the Beacon Hospital.

The spy glasses causing a scandal in the Italian government

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:16:00 +0000

Last month, the Italian Tourism Minister had to resign over an affair he had with an influencer. Now, the Italian police are investigating whether or not this influencer used spy glasses to secretly film in parliament.

Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent, Jess Kelly, has her own spy glasses to show off, and joins Seán to explain more.

What is a ‘mini moon’?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:15:00 +0000

From late September, Earth will have a second moon.

This second moon is known as a “mini moon” and is extremely rare.

Joining Seán to explain more is David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine.

Taking a lie detector test - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:14:00 +0000

Last week at the Ploughing, production company Kite Entertainment were casting for the Irish version of The Traitors. They were looking for good liars. So, are the Irish good at lying? And what happens in a lie detector test?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean got to try one, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is a hot air balloon race like?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:11:00 +0000

The Gordon Bennett Cup is the longest hot air balloon race in the world.

It recently took place, and there was only one female team in the competition.

One of those was Deborah Scholes, who joins Seán to discuss.

Does Sally Rooney get chess right in her new book?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:10:00 +0000

Sally Rooney’s much anticipated new novel ‘Intermezzo’ is set in the world of competitive chess. But, how does it compare to the real scene?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mark Watkins, Treasurer of Cork Chess Club, who has been analysing the book for the Irish Examiner.

Image: Faber & Faber

How to avoid a massive mini-bar bill

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:10:00 +0000

If you’ve ever stumbled into a hotel room in the wee hours of the morning, you’ll know the temptation to break into the mini-bar can be overwhelming.

However, what happens when you’re slapped with that dreaded mini-bar bill? Is there any way of avoiding it?

Seán is joined by Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel and Solo Travel to find out…

Woman goes viral after making cup of tea in an air fryer

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:09:00 +0000

While air fryers are all the rage nowadays, there is one thing you probably haven’t imagined preparing in the popular convection oven: a cup of tea. Seán’s guest went viral after being featured on This Morning on ITV yesterday after her guide on how to achieve the perfect air fryer tea.

Joining Seán to discuss is influencer Whitney Ainscough from Yorkshire, who uses her air fryer to cook pretty much everything…

Vatican to make decision over Medjugorje

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:56:00 +0000

Every year many Irish pilgrims visit Medjugorje in Bosnia. Today, the Vatican issued a statement on its process of authentication.

Joining Seán to discuss what this means is Michael Kelly, Director of Public Affairs of Aid to the Church in Need and former Editor of The Irish Catholic.

Image: Joe Walsh Tours

What gifts can politicians accept in Ireland?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:13:00 +0000

As the controversy continues over the large amount of gifts accepted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, what exactly are the rules for public officials accepting gifts here in Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss is Seán Defoe, Political Correspondent for Bauer Media.

Are we too serious? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:12:00 +0000

As a people, have we become too serious? What do we do nowadays to have fun? With so many responsibilities, where do we find the time?

Well, Henry McKean has been out asking the public if they are boring or not and joins Seán to discuss.

What are head lice exactly?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:08:00 +0000

It's that time of year again, where your children come home from school pulling the hair off themselves because they are riddled with head lice.

But, what are these creatures that invade our homes each year?

Carol Johnson is a Trichologist and joins Seán to discuss.

Is music plagiarism just a coincidence?

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:59:00 +0000

Miley Cyrus is reportedly being sued for alleged copyright infringement over her hit 2023 single ‘Flowers’, by a company that claims it owns a share of the copyright of pop singer Bruno Mars’ ‘When I Was Your Man’.

But, seeing as every song released after 2010 sounds the same, are we going to run into this situation more and more in the future?

Philip Magee is an Irish Music Producer and joins me Seán to discuss.

The pill that can fix a drinking problem

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:28:00 +0000

Lots of people like to unwind after a hard day's work with a glass of wine, a bottle of beer or even a tipple of gin.

Sometimes one becomes 2, and 3 becomes 4. Before you know it, you’re questioning whether or not you have a problem.

And if that’s you, you’re not alone. But, what if there was a way to curb your habit, without giving up drinking? Spoiler alert, there is!

Joining Seán to discuss is Annabel Fenwick Elliott, Freelance Writer and Editor.

Should the hierarchical minimum wage be made more equal?

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:22:00 +0000

Currently in Ireland, the minimum wage is offered in different bandwidths for those workers who are under the age of 20. Seán’s guest has been arguing in the Irish Times that the minimum wage should be the same for everyone, regardless of age.

Jamie Mac Giolla Bhrian, student at DCU and youth activist, joins the show to discuss.

Irishman to compete in mullet competition

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:21:00 +0000

While mullets appear to be getting more and more popular among younger people, one man from Mayo has taken it to a different level and will soon compete in the Swiss Mullet Cup.

Joining Seán to discuss is competitive mullet wearer, Trevor Hyland.

Should we still have turf fires?

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:20:00 +0000

For many homes across the country, nothing signals the arrival of winter quite like a turf fire.

These days though, turf fires are a contentious issue.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Ger Hough, Owner of Hough's Pub in Bangher, Co Offaly…

This woman’s escape from a ‘trad wife’ marriage

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:19:00 +0000

While there has been much discussion online of so-called ‘trad wife’ influencers, one woman has now written a book about her own journey of escape from a very troublesome marriage which bore many of the hallmarks of the trad wife movement.

Joining Seán to discuss is Tia Levings, Author of ‘A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy’.

The history of whaling in Ireland

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:02:00 +0000

A new documentary film on TG4 this week explores the colourful and grisly history of whaling in Ireland, which was motivated primarily by the demand for the animals’ oil, which could be used as a fuel.

Joining Seán to discuss is Aenghus Mac Eochagáin, Director of 'Fathaigh na Farraige' (Giants of the Sea) on TG4.

What is a ‘Harvest Moon’ - and what’s happening tonight?

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:42:00 +0000

Three major celestial events are set to take place tonight including a supermoon, a lunar eclipse and the Harvest Moon. But, what can we expect exactly?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Niall Smith, Director of the Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork.

The day to day of a doggie daycare

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:32:00 +0000

You can’t open a newspaper these days without hearing about the childcare sector, but what about doggie daycare?

Well, it’s a thing. And one of the most popular locations is The Canine Centre in Churchtown in Dublin.

Naomi Tracey is the owner of the Canine Centre and joins Seán to discuss how they operate.

Image: Canine Centre

Should you be tracking your partner?

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:31:00 +0000

Tracking has become a facet of modern life; tracking packages, shipments, and our children’s whereabouts seems relatively normal.

Less normal is the world of marital tracking, where loved ones and family members can see each other’s location at all times thanks to features like Find My Phone.

Joining Seán to tell more is Kirsty Blake Knox, Journalist with The Irish Independent.

How assisted dying has been working in New Zealand

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:04:00 +0000

Assisted dying has been a contentious topic in Ireland for some time now, as has the rhetoric around it.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, assisted dying has been legal since the 7th of November 2021.

However, the decision there was also met with contention. Tōtara Hospice in New Zealand is the only hospice that facilitates the right to die on site.

Seán is joined by the CEO of Tōtara Hospice, Tina McCafferty to discuss…

The problems with maintaining an afro

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:23:00 +0000

Yesterday was World Afro day, and although it has become a staple of pop culture, is there still a stigma around having one, and how hard are they to maintain?

Denga Phiriga is the Owner of Whipped to Glow and joins Seán to discuss.

The nightmare that is teaching teenagers to drive

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:08:00 +0000

Teaching someone how to drive is not for the faint hearted. It can often involve grabbing doors, closing eyes and perhaps the odd scream.

Basically, it can be a nightmare!

To discuss, Seán is joined by Brenda Bolger, Driving Instructor at Bolger’s Driving School.

Why are home births becoming more popular?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:07:00 +0000

New figures that have been released by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre show that there has been a significant increase in women opting for home births in Ireland. But, why is this? And how does it all work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Krysia Lynch, Chairperson for the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services in Ireland.

Are you a slow or fast walker? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:06:00 +0000

Fast walkers have become increasingly frustrated with slow street walkers getting in their way as they dart around their town or city, running late and looking busy.

Henry McKean took to the parks and walking routes of Dublin and joins Seán to share what he heard.

What is Disney’s ‘Club 33’?

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Club 33 is an ultra-exclusive club in Disneyland. It’s in the news this week because a man has been kicked out of it after getting drunk on site, a big no-no in the family-centric and clean-cut image of Disney. But, why is he now pushing court cases to get reinstated as a member?

Dirk Libbey, Journalist for Cinema Blend in California, has the story and joins Seán to discuss.

Flappy Bird to return after over 10 years

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:29:00 +0000

In 2013 the extremely popular game Flappy Bird was removed from the App Store because its original creator deemed it too addictive for users.

Well good news, it’s coming back in 2025!

Padraig Ryan is a gamer and from Geek Ireland and joins Seán to discuss.

The best (and worst) cameos in entertainment

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:28:00 +0000

French First Lady Brigitte Macron is to make a cameo in Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’.

It’s one of the more high profile cameos over recent years, which seemed to be at their peak in the late 90’s. But, what were some of the best?

Sarina Bellissimo is an Entertainment and Culture Journalist, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Netflix

The history of smoking in sport

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:27:00 +0000

These days it’s not that common to see athletes smoking.

But, at the Solheim Cup this weekend you might catch a glimpse of Charley Hull out on course with a cigarette in hand. She’s been granted permission by her captain to smoke.

Joining Seán to tell more about smoking in sport is Daniel Hussey, Freelance Sports Journalist.

Do nail salons lift morale? - Henry McKean Asks

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 11:23:00 +0000

Obviously, people have been getting their nails done for many years - but there seems to be a recent explosion of nail bars in Dublin. So, why are they so popular, and what are the benefits? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Victoria Mary Clarke talks about new stamp unveiled to honor Shane MacGowan

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:34:00 +0000

Victoria tells Seán her husband would have been thrilled with his stamp. She also claims she spoke to Shane from beyond the grave through a clairvoyant.

Is squatting a solution to the housing crisis?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:38:00 +0000

Sean Moncrieff spoke to 27 year old Asha Woodhouse who is squatting at a house in Cork. She and four other people, who are members of 'Connolly Youth Movement" are occupying the residential property in protest of the government's housing policy.

How do you know when you're in love?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:38:00 +0000

Relationship Expert and Life Coach Frances Kelleher tells Seán Moncrieff about her tried and tested "blueprint" for finding love.

How filthy is your water bottle?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:07:00 +0000

Dr. Primrose Freestone , Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at University of Leicester, joins Seán Moncrieff to reveal some uncomfortable truths...

How to spend the €13 billion Apple tax windfall

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:07:00 +0000

Simon Tierney joins Seán Moncrieff to suggest some outlandish infrastructure projects for Ireland...

How a ‘Scent Designer’ can create any smell

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:07:00 +0000

Smell can transport us back in time, and transcend us to a different place.

And, if you want to know what the cesspit of a Norman Fortress smells like, well... hold your breath!

Joining Seán to discuss is Tasha Marks, Scent Designer, Historian and Artist.

How much time do you spend at a restaurant?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:21:00 +0000

A new survey on dining times in different global capitals paints an intriguing picture of how and when people choose to visit restaurants. But, what does it tell us about our own dining habits, and how do they compare to other cities around the world? Joining Seán to discuss is Chef and Director of Conbini Condiments, Holly Dalton.

Does birth order affect your love life?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:14:00 +0000

If you’re a first born married to a first born, then listen up!

According to some studies and theories. your relationship may be doomed to fail.

So, should we be considering birth order rather than dating app algorithms when looking for love?

Seán is joined by William Cane, Author of ‘The Birth Order Book of Love’, to discuss.

Is jiving making a comeback?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:13:00 +0000

Over the weekend, Taoiseach Simon Harris popped into the Dungarvan show where he was caught attempting to jig and jive.

In decades past, jiving would have been considered a pastime for sold folks.

However, in recent years there’s been a resurgence in interest and the age profile has gotten younger.

Niall Doorhy, Dance Teacher from Galway, joins Seán to discuss.

Shipwrecks discovered off the coast of Dublin

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:12:00 +0000

Work is under way to identify the origins of three historic shipwrecks that were discovered on Portmarnock Strand in Dublin over the summer.

The wrecks were exposed due to a shifting sandbank, which also exposed another wreck, which has not been visible for seven years.

One of those involved in the project is Karl Brady, Senior Archaeologist at the National Monuments Service. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Nigel Motyer

The luxuries you can’t live without - Henry McKean Reports

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:11:00 +0000

New research says that people, despite the cost of living crisis, are spending on average €800 a year - just on coffee!

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public about some of the luxuries they just can’t live without…

Infamous Fyre Festival set to return

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:19:00 +0000

The infamous Fyre Festival, which took place under calamitous circumstances, ending with its organiser getting jailed, may be making a return in 2025.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Event Producer Andy King, who was involved in the original festival in 2017 and subsequently became a star after his now-legendary appearance in the Netflix documentary about the whole saga.

Donald Trump wants to prove if aliens exist

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:18:00 +0000

Since the beginning of time people have questioned whether life outside this earth exists. Well, we might soon be a little closer to getting some answers.

Donald Trump has claimed if he is reelected, he will push for alleged UFO footage to be declassified.

But, do aliens really exist?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Avi Loeb, Professor of Science at Harvard, Astrophysicist, and Alien Hunter…

What is a ‘swap shop’?

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:17:00 +0000

As more and more people turn away from fast fashion, so too has there been a rise in swap shops popping up around the country. But, how do they work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Orla O’Leary, Co-Founder of Swapportunity Éire.

Image: @swapportunity.eire on Instagram

Is it feminine to use a straw?

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:16:00 +0000

This week Fox News host Jesse Watters mocked Democratic VP candidate Tim Waltz for drinking a milkshake with a straw.

But, is using a straw really such a cardinal sin? And what exactly is the straw etiquette?

To answer that, Seán is joined by Bartender Gillian Boyle.

Uncontacted tribe kills two loggers

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:59:00 +0000

Two loggers have been shot dead with a bow and arrow after a confrontation with an uncontacted tribe.

The Mashco Piro tribe in the Peruvian Amazon is one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes.

To discuss what exactly happened, Seán is joined by Fiona Watson, Campaigns Director at Survival International.

How does polling work?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:51:00 +0000

If you’ve been following the US Presidential election over the last few weeks, you will have noticed a lot of analysts putting a huge emphasis on polling.

It comes off the back of a recent poll in Ireland, which put Fine Gael back as the most popular party in the country

So, what are these opinion polls, and how are they carried out?

Kevin Cunningham is a Lecturer in Politics at TU Dublin and MD & Founder at Ireland Thinks and joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘fridgescaping’?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:12:00 +0000

While many people will have a few magnets on their fridge, a new trend called ‘fridgescaping’ sees people decorating the inside too, for some reason.

Joining Seán to discuss this is India McTaggart, Entertainment & Royal Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph...

Image: Lynzi Living

The spoon made to help with dementia

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:11:00 +0000

A new product is in the final pre-production stages to enhance food flavours for people living with dementia. The ‘Tasty Spoon’ uses electro stimulation to bring back sensitivity to the tongue.

Dr Christian Morgner, Project Lead & Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries at University of Sheffield joins Seán to discuss.

Image: University of Sheffield

What does your car say about you? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:09:00 +0000

Four in ten parents say they're embarrassed to offer people lifts because their car is such a mess. Crumbs from crisps and biscuits or stains from drinks spilt by children cause the most guilt for those with cluttered cars.

So, is your car messy or clean? And what does it say about you?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss.

King of Swaziland gets engaged to his 16th wife

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:03:00 +0000

The King of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, has become engaged to the daughter of the former President of South Africa. This woman will be the king’s 16th wife to date! Joining Seán to give more on the story is Rachel Savage, Southern Africa correspondent for the Guardian.

Why don’t rock stars retire?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:21:00 +0000

From Mick Jagger to Paul McCartney, it often seems that rock stars seem to have more longevity than the rest of us. What’s going on?

Joining Seán to discuss is David Hepworth, author of new book: ‘Hope I Get Old Before I Die: Why Rock Stars Never Retire’.

The history of sex

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:15:00 +0000

When we think about the history of sex, we may think about marriage and children.

However, it turns out it’s quite the contrary, and down through history sex has been a crucial part of a healthy life.

From Roman times to famine times, people have been getting it on…

Joining Seán to speak more on the history of sex is Esme Louise James, Sex Historian, and author of ‘Kinky History’.

The man who travels to Dublin to sing a protest song once a week

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:13:00 +0000

Seán Moncrieff’s guest has been travelling from Cork to Dublin every Thursday for two and a half years in order to sing his protest song outside Leinster House. But, what is driving this extraordinary commitment?

Joining the show to discuss is musician Martin Leahy.

Are we obsessed with bathrooms?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:12:00 +0000

How many toilets are too many for one home?

Kevin McCloud, has been reflecting on 25 years of Grand Designs and says his biggest bugbear with new homes is the amount of bathrooms they have in them.

Does he have a point? Roisin Murphy is an Architect and Artist, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is Telegram?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:11:00 +0000

A Russian-born co-founder of the messaging app ‘Telegram’ was arrested in France last month, and is currently out on bail.

Pavel Durov’s arrest has been criticised by Elon Musk and other high profile figures.

But, what is Telegram? And how does it differ from other messaging apps?

Joining Seán to discuss is Adrian Weckler, Tech Correspondent at the Irish Independent.

What is a Silent Book Club?

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:02:00 +0000

While book clubs are thriving up and down the country, many of them (understandably) descend into a wine-fuelled chat fest! But, there is one particular group where talking is frowned upon. How does that work?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Zoe Coleman, Co-Founder of the Silent Book Club Dublin.

How shows like Jeremy Kyle work behind the scenes

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:40:00 +0000

An inquest hearing into a man's death following an appearance on the Jeremy Kyle Show is currently underway.

After this incident, the show was taken off air by ITV. But, what was it like behind the scenes at these type of TV shows?

Jim Waterston is a Media Commentator and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Image: ITV

Who was Big Bertha the cow?

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:33:00 +0000

Big Bertha was a cow who held two Guinness World Records. She was so famous that after her death a wake was held in the town of Sneem in Co. Kerry.

Joining the show to tell more about the life and history of Bertha is Justin Green, Co-Founder of Bertha’s Revenge Gin & Owner of Ballyvolane House.

The history of male circumcision

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:20:00 +0000

When we think about male circumcision in Ireland, we probably think of it as something performed for religious reasons.

Fewer than one fifth of European men are circumcised, but once you cross the Atlantic, this figure rises to almost 50% of the male population.

So, why is the practice so popular in the United States?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss this is Harry Guiremand, Spokesman at Bloodstained Men & Friends.

Why are film festival standing ovations so long?

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:11:00 +0000

The critically acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s new movie The Room Next Door, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, received a 17 minute standing ovation after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival yesterday. But, why are standing ovations at film festivals so long? And do the people doing all this clapping not get tired!?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Film Critic Brian Lloyd.

Image: @RaminSetoodeh on X

The art of the apology

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:10:00 +0000

Apologising is a fine art, but most people don’t know how to do it.

How do you sound sincere, or how do you apologise when you don’t mean it?

Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic (and an expert on apologising) joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

How to sniff out BS in an interview

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:01:00 +0000

We often hear that confidence is the key to success. That said, is there a danger of hiring a confident but incompetent employee?

So, how do we sniff out the chancers from the competently confident candidates?

Joining Tom Dunne to discuss this is Deirdre McCarthy, Director at Leinster Appointments Recruitment Agency.

How to cope with house spiders

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:22:00 +0000

Yes, it’s that time of the year when an assortment of house spiders can be found in our homes. But, is there anything that can be done to keep them out of the house or should we welcome them with open arms?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Dr. Michel Dugon from the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Galway.

Could you own an extremely valuable comic?

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:15:00 +0000

The highest-graded copy of “Fantastic Four #1” ever offered by Heritage Auctions is expected to fetch seven figures when it goes under the hammer this month.

But if you have comics, how do you know if you have a rare treasure or a dud?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to tell more about the world of comics is Stephen Mooney, Marvel Artist and Comic Collector.

Image: Heritage Auctions

The crisis in the hurley-making business

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:14:00 +0000

There is a crisis in the hurley-making business as Ash Dieback Disease continues to ravage trees around the country. But, how will the annual demand for half a million hurleys be met?

Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Aidan Falconer, Hurley Maker and Chairman of the Irish Hurley Makers Association.

What weird things have you seen on public transport? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:13:00 +0000

Ryan Coogan has been writing about shocking behaviour on London’s tube in today’s Irish Independent, but how does it compare to public transport here? What are some strange things you’ve seen?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

What are some nostalgic foods? - Henry McKean Asks

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:39:00 +0000

Angel Delight is the food most likely to remind people of their childhood, according to a new survey. With Mr. Whippy came second, followed by jelly and ice cream. What are some of your favourite nostalgic foods?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Lab grown foie gras is pushing for EU approval

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:07:00 +0000

The first application for EU market access for a lab grown meat has been made, and it’s foie gras, the controversial paté that divides consumers. But, why exactly is foie gras so controversial?

Joining Seán to unpack this is Tom Doorley, Food Writer and Columnist with the Sunday Times.

Parenting: My 3 year old has started cursing

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:43:00 +0000

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune joins Seán Moncrieff to answer your parenting questions…

How common are psychopaths?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:23:00 +0000

The terms psychopath and psycho are often thrown around.

We imagine a psychopath to be like the serial killers that we see in movies.

However, psychopaths are more common than you might think, especially in the workplace or corporate settings..

Seán is joined by Melrona Kirrane, Associate Professor of Organisational Psychology at DCU Business School to discuss.

Image: Universal Pictures

How building a pond can increase biodiversity

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:02:00 +0000

Ponds are the new wildflower meadow, they are all the rage for boosting biodiversity. One farmer in Co. Roscommon has become so enamoured with them that he has now built 17 of them on his land! Tommy Earley joins Seán to discuss his love of the pond.

Should we take life advice from centenarians?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:01:00 +0000

Less than two weeks ago, the world’s oldest person died. The Spanish woman Maria Branyas Morera lived until the extraordinary age of 117. She put her longevity down to “order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends”, among other things. But, some scientists argue that taking longevity advice from centenarians is actually a fool’s errand.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Richard Faragher, Professor of Biogerontology at the University of Brighton.

How social media influences politics

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

You’ve probably heard of Kamala Harris’ Brat Summer and Simon’s Harris’ ability to jump on TikTok trends.

But, how important is social media in upcoming elections, and is it better to be seen as funny and meme worthy over being a serious politician in order to attract young voters?

To discuss, Seán is joined by author Joanne Sweeney from the Digital Training Institute.

Is ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’ so bad?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:58:00 +0000

Empty nest syndrome is a term thrown around when people suddenly find themselves in an empty home because their children have moved out.

However, some parents may find they have a newfound freedom and peace, whilst others struggle with loneliness and silence.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Fiona Looney, Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail.

What are the ‘Gravy Wrestling Championships’?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:57:00 +0000

Hundreds of revellers descended on a pub in England for the annual Gravy Wrestling Championships yesterday. But, how does this unusual sport work?

Joining Seán to discuss is John Lowe, Manager of the Rose n Bowl pub in Lancashire.

Image: World Gravy Wrestling

Why are the younger generations worse at typing?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:44:00 +0000

The number of students learning how to touch type is decreasing with the rise in other devices such as smartphones and tablets.

However, colleges and businesses are finding that Gen Z is struggling to keep up with their workload because they lack this skill.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Francis Walsh, Centre Manager of Pitman Training Dublin Pearse St.

Dublin to get ‘continuous footpaths’ - what are they?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:37:00 +0000

Dublin City Council has announced the roll out of continuous footpaths around the capital. But, what exactly are these, and how do they work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ciarán Cuffe, Green Party member and former MEP.

Image: Dublin City Council

Is sibling rivalry actually a thing?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:22:00 +0000

Oasis have announced a reunion tour - after having been split apart for so long. This is chalked up to sibling rivalry, but is that really a thing, and how common is it?

Seán is joined by Fiona Brennan, Acclaimed Clinical Hypnotherapist to discuss.

Would you eat olive oil ice cream?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Popstar Dua Lipa has said that she wants to make her own flavour of ice cream: olive oil and seasalt! Is that as gross as it might sound? Or could it be quite nice?

Seán is joined by Willie Devereux, Owner of Scúp Gelato in Wexford, to discuss.

Are wind turbines actually ugly?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:59:00 +0000

There are a number of active campaigns around Ireland that are lobbying against wind farms due to their supposed aesthetic deficiencies. But, do we need to change our mindset in order to view wind turbines as beautiful instead?

Joining Seán to discuss Sadhbh O’Neill, Independent Climate and Environmental Researcher, who has been writing about this in today’s Irish Times…

Sicily to ban mafia souvenirs

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:02:00 +0000

Sicily is famous for many things, its beautiful scenery, its rich food culture and beautiful vineyards. It’s also known for being the home of the mafia.

However, the local government there has decided to put a ban on the sale of mob souvenirs.

Nick Squires is Rome Correspondent for The Telegraph, and has been writing about this. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Paramount Pictures

Is our bad weather actually a good thing?

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:23:00 +0000

Another summer is drawing to a close, and the sun has barely made an appearance.

The cooler weather, it seems, is here to stay in Ireland, but, with most of southern Europe burning up, is this such a bad thing?

Seán’s guest says that we need to celebrate the Irish climate. Patsy McGarry, Journalist with the Irish Times joins to discuss.

30 years of the widget - that little ball in Guinness

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:09:00 +0000

This year marks the 30th anniversary of when the widget, that little plastic ball in cans of Guinness, won the Queen's Award for Technological Achievement. In doing so, the widget beat out the Internet for best invention that year, but the story of the ball goes all the way back to the 1960s.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dean McGuinness, owner of Premier International Beers.

The pros and cons of choosing a modular home

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:08:00 +0000

As the housing crisis continues, some listeners might consider the idea of investing in a modular home. But, what exactly is this, and will it save you money?

Joining Seán to discuss is Jennifer Sheahan, Former Home of the Year Winner and Columnist for the Irish Examiner.

Image: McGuigan Architects

What would make school better? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:07:00 +0000

What would you add or change to a school curriculum? A group of science bodies say "essential experiences" will reduce inequalities in subjects like science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking what life learning things would you have loved to have been taught in school, and joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss.

The worst mistakes wedding guests can make

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:12:00 +0000

We know the tradition of not wearing white to a wedding, but in the Irish Times today Emer McLysaght writes that black is also best avoided, because apparently it shows you disapprove of the union. So, what are some of the worst wedding guest faux pas you can commit?

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is Jessica O’Sullivan, One Fab Day Wedding Magazine Editor.

120 year old postcard finally delivered!

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:10:00 +0000

A postcard that was sent over 120 years ago was finally delivered a few days ago, but not to its intended recipient. This was an extraordinary and unlikely story that unfolded in south Wales recently, and John Fardy is joined by Henry Darby, Marketing and Communications Officer for Swansea Building Society to discuss.

Image: Swansea Building Society

What makes a good plot twist?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:08:00 +0000

Who doesn’t love a good plot twist? That jaw-dropping moment when a movie pulls the rug out from under you. But, here’s the thing, while a great twist can elevate a film to legendary status, too much twisting can leave a plot tangled and the audience confused.

Joining John Fardy to discuss the art of the twist is Olivia Fahy, Movie Reviewer and Editor of Geek Ireland.

Image: Disney

Is it safe to drink ‘raw milk’?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:06:00 +0000

There is a new trend that's stirring up quite the controversy: raw milk. It's gaining popularity across the globe, with even superstar striker Erling Haaland a keen consumer of unpasteurised milk. However, not everyone is raising a glass in celebration. While some claim it's packed with more vitamins and minerals than its pasteurised counterpart, health experts are sounding the alarm.

Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss this is Dairy Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, Aidan Brennan.

New platform launched to report sexual harassment

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:07:00 +0000

While it is well known that many incidents of sexual harassment go unreported, a new platform aims to make it easier for women to log their experiences. Joining me guest host John Fardy to discuss is Emily O’Gorman, Founder of Reportd.

The trouble with the gun emoji

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:05:00 +0000

Elon Musk, the owner of X [formerly Twitter] has announced that he is bucking the trend and switching the gun emoji on his platform from a water pistol to a real firearm, in a bid to counter so-called ‘wokeism’.

Joining guest host John Fardy to look at this and the broader evolution of the emoji landscape is Elaine Burke, Host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast.

Why do we love fast food?

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 14:08:00 +0000

McDonald's is set to open 200 new outlets in Ireland and the UK over next four years, and the American chain Wendy's has announced that it’s opening their first restaurant on this side of the Atlantic next year.

So, is Ireland fast food obsessed? And what is our favourite chain?

Russell Alford is Co-Restaurant Critic at The Sunday Times Ireland and author of the deep frying cookbook ‘HOT FAT’ and joins John Fardy to discuss.

How mountain rescue dogs do their jobs

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 14:06:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what kind of work goes behind handling and training a mountain rescue dog? It’s an incredibly important role our canine friends can play.

To discuss, guest host John Fardy is joined by Audrey McNicholas, Dog Handler with SARDA (Search and Rescue Dog Association).

Image: SARDA Ireland

What do Americans think of Ireland? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 14:03:00 +0000

With the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on, many Americans are visiting Ireland for the first time - some with roots in the country, others without. So, what do they think of our island?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking tourists, American or otherwise, and joins guest host John Fardy to share what he’s heard.

Are trigger warnings always necessary?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:04:00 +0000

In an age where we’re more conscious than ever about mental health and well-being, trigger warnings have become a common practice in schools, media, and online spaces. Some say they’re essential for protecting individuals from content that could cause emotional distress, while others argue that they’re overly cautious and might even stifle open dialogue.

So, what’s the real deal with trigger warnings?

To discuss, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and Author.

Are you punching above your weight in your relationship?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Let’s be honest, ‘punching above your weight’ is something that can lead to a lot of teasing, a few raised eyebrows, and some good-natured ribbing, but sometimes it can be hurtful and demeaning to the person who is the constant butt of the joke.

So, how do you deal with this relentless slagging and feel more confident in your relationship?

Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss this is Mark Fennel, Author and Life Coach. Mark, welcome to the show.

How are antiques valued?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:10:00 +0000

Ever wondered what makes that old vase in your attic worth a fortune, or just a few euros? Well, it's not only about age, there's an art to valuing antique items. From rarity and condition to provenance and historical significance, there are several key factors that determine the true value of a piece.

To tell more, Mairead is joined by George Williams, Co-Owner of George Williams Antiques.

How to stop your pet cat from killing birds

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:09:00 +0000

As cats are natural predators, it can be hard for some owners to stop them from torturing and killing birds when they are released into the garden. But, are there some tips to avoid this happening? Vet Pete Wedderburn has been writing about this in the Wexford People and joins Mairead Ronan to discuss.

What is ‘jig-acting’?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:08:00 +0000

We Irish are known for our way with words, but is there a danger that some of our most unique phrases might die out if we don’t preserve them?

Mairead Ronan’s guest is particularly worried about the following expression: “jig-acting”. Journalist Alison Healy has been writing about this in the Irish Times and joins to discuss.

Are cockroaches a problem in Ireland?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:55:00 +0000

A bar on Parnell St in Dublin was recently issued with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority after the discovery of a cockroach infestation. Live, moving cockroaches were observed under actual food preparation areas. Shudder the thought! So, just how big an issue is this invasive species in Ireland and what can be done about it?

Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Brendan Higgins from Central Pest Control.

What is a waterspout?

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:55:00 +0000

The waterspout that sank a luxury yacht followed storms that have swept through Italy in recent days, but for most people this may have been the first time they’ve heard of them.

Cathal Nolan is an Award Winning Climate Scientist at UCC and the founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, and joins guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss.

Would you go to a themed Airbnb?

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:52:00 +0000

Can you imagine staying in a pirate ship, a vintage 50s diner, or even a cosy Hobbit hole?

There’s a new trend that's taking the travel world by storm: themed Airbnbs.

Travel enthusiasts are flocking to these creatively designed spaces for an escape that's as much about the experience as it is about the location.

To tell more, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Melanie May, solo travel blogger and “Talk Travel” Presenter on Dublin City FM.

Image: Airbnb

Proposal for Dublin’s first public lido

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:50:00 +0000

While the residents of many other European cities benefit from the provision of public lidos, Dublin still lags behind. However, a campaign group aims to change this with an ongoing push for a new amenity in George’s Dock here in the capital.

Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Patrick Earls, Founder of the Dublin City Lido Campaign.

Image: Dublin City Lido

Paying to work on a farm - a fun idea?

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work on a farm?

Well you now can, thanks to an idea from Sinead Coffey from Hidden Hills Waterville, which is now allowing people their chance to get stuck in.

Sinead joins guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss.

What is ‘Dopamine Dressing’?

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed how wearing your favourite outfit or a pop of colour can instantly lift your spirits? Well, there's actually some science behind that feeling: it's called 'dopamine dressing.' This trendy concept explores the connection between the clothes we wear and the way they make us feel, tapping into the idea that certain colours and styles can actually boost our mood.

To tell more, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Taryn de Vere, Artist and Designer and Laura Mullet, Celebrity Stylist.

Why are we spending so much on Champagne?

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:52:00 +0000

New figures show that 2023 witnessed an all time high in sales of Champagne in Ireland, with consumers shelling out almost 19 million euro on the high end bubbles. So why are we all going bananas for the Champers? And, are we beginning to turn up our noses at its pretenders, Cava and Prosecco?

Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is resident Movies & Booze wine expert, Leslie Williams.

Phoenix Cinema looking to rise from its ashes

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:57:00 +0000

The Phoenix Cinema, a century-old building in Dingle, is on the market for a steep price, and an advocacy group is trying to purchase the cinema in order to bring it back.

Aoife Granville, the spokesperson for the campaign, joined Mairead Ronan to discuss.

Image: www.phoenixcinema.ie

Is it okay to comment on a baby bump?

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:23:00 +0000

Is it ever okay to comment on someone’s baby bump? It’s a seemingly innocent gesture, but as one journalist found out the hard way, even the most well-intentioned comments can go horribly wrong.

Imagine interviewing a major celebrity, only to be met with a sarcastic remark that leaves you questioning everything. We’re talking about the infamous Blake Lively interview that’s resurfaced after eight years, sparking a debate on whether it's ever appropriate to mention someone’s pregnancy.

Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Producer and Digital Journalist, Rebecca Horan.

What's the best (or worst) gig you've seen? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:19:00 +0000

It’s been a weekend of festivals and big gigs recently. With Kylie Minogue finishing up Electric Picnic and ACDC selling out Croke Park. So, what makes a good gig, and what is the best (or worst!) one you've been to?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has asking concert-goers and musicians, and joins guest host Mairead Ronan to share what he’s heard.

Why we love bananas in Ireland

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:11:00 +0000

What is your fruit of choice? If you are thinking of a banana, you’re not alone. Because it turns out the Irish are one of the highest consumers of bananas per-capita in the world!

John Fitzgerald, a contributor to the Irish Times has been writing about this, and joins guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss.

Why are the Poolbeg Chimneys so iconic?

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:08:00 +0000

Painting work on the Poolbeg Chimneys in Dublin begins this week. Having been immortalised in print, on t-shirts and even coffee mugs, why are the towers so iconic, and do they continue to divide opinion?

Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Emma Gileece, Architectural Historian.

Where do our favourite foods come from?

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:12:00 +0000

Have you ever been curious about the origins of your favourite foods? While many dishes are carefully crafted by skilled chefs, some of the most beloved treats owe their existence to a stroke of luck. From the unexpected creation of chocolate sliced pan to the serendipitous invention of potato chips, there is no end to the food inventions that came about purely by chance.

Joining guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss is Chef Jack O’Keeffe.

Is it okay to bring a child to a festival?

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:11:00 +0000

It’s the first day of Electric Picnic, and thousands of people are flocking to Laois.

However, some people are travelling with children in tow. So, is it acceptable to bring your children to a festival?

Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by Comedian Julie Jay to discuss.

Do we need to solve CAPTCHAs anymore?

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

It’s 2024 – should we still be solving CAPTCHAs? CAPTCHAs being the online tests where you agonise over a nine inch grid of images to identify traffic lights or bikes to prove you’re not a bot.

Are these tests really necessary in protecting ourselves online? Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly, joins guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss.

Mothers teach Dublin Zoo orangutan to breastfeed

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:53:00 +0000

Dublin zoo enlisted the help of 30 breastfeeding mothers to help encourage a female Orangutan bond with her newborn.

To tell more about this project, guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by Lizzie Reeves, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation at the National Maternity Hospital.

Should we be writing letters more often?

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:07:00 +0000

Letter writing seems to be an art that is dying out, but is that necessarily a bad thing?

Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by author and operator of writing.ie, Sam Blake, to discuss.

Nora-Jane Noone on returning to Galway

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Nora-Jane Noone secured her breakout role in The Magdalene Sisters at 16, encouraged by her cousin to go to an open audition on the basis that she was “into acting”. Since then she’s had many roles both in Ireland and internationally, and after years living abroad in London and LA, she has now returned to her native Galway to pursue opportunities at home.

Her latest film ‘Bring Them Down’ also stars Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott, and she joins guest host Stefanie Preissner to chat.

Has farming been glamourised?

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:01:00 +0000

It’s been reported that legendary footballer Roy Keane plans to ditch punditry and take up farming.

When asked where he sees himself in a decade’s time he said: “A nice house somewhere with a bit of land and a few animals…”

But, is farming all it’s cracked up to be? Or has it been glamourised?

To discuss, Stefanie Preissner is joined by Rachel Donovan, News Correspondent, Irish Farmers Journal.

Image: Amazon

What causes an aurora borealis?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:58:00 +0000

You may have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, better known as the northern lights.

But what causes this spectacular display in our skies?

Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, to discuss.

Converting your car into a holiday home

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:22:00 +0000

It’s the time of year when we’re all trying to cut the cost of the holiday holiday.

But, have you ever considered converting your car into a tiny home to take on holidays with you?

Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by Jennifer Sheahan from the Irish Examiner, who did just that…

Image: Vanpackers

Who is the greatest Disney character of all time?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:18:00 +0000

We all have our favourite Disney characters, and it can be a passionate subject for many.

Jessica Spencer is a presenter with Spin 1038, and has been putting together a list of some of the greats. She joins Stefanie Preissner to share.

Is ‘Only-Child Syndrome’ real?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:15:00 +0000

Nearly half of all family households in the EU now consist of a one-child family, according to the German data company Statista. And that trend is likely to increase as births fall. The only child, once the exception, is becoming the norm.

So, are there characteristics associated with being an only child, or does it just depend on how you’re raised? Friend of the show Mary McEvoy joins Stefanie Preissner to share her own experience of being an only child.

Having conversations about death

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:13:00 +0000

Most of us don’t discuss our own death, but perhaps we should!

Should we be having conversations around death and how we’d like to be remembered?

Guest host Stefanie Preissner is joined by Joe McNamara, Director of Corrigan & Sons Funeral Home Dublin.

2,000 new words being added to Scrabble - why?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:08:00 +0000

Modern slang words such as ‘sitch’ and ‘noobie’ are among almost 2,000 new entries in the Scrabble dictionary. In a first major update since 2020, officials have spelled out the need to keep the game up to date.

Feargal Weatherhead, Current All Ireland Scrabble Champion, joins Luke O’Neill to discuss.

Being left-handed in a right-handed world

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:06:00 +0000

The 13th of August marks International Left-handers Day!

To discuss what it’s like to be in the minority of handedness, guest host Luke O’Neill is joined by proud ciotóg Margaret Leahy, from Fable Tours.

What is an 'Ozempic rebound'?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 10:19:00 +0000

Guest host Luke O'Neill was joined by Dr Eva Orsmond, Medical Doctor and Health advocate to discuss the ever-hot topic of Ozempic, and the rebound effect your weight can have when you stop taking it.

Who is ‘The Cupcake Bloke’, and why is he at EP?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:31:00 +0000

This weekend the Electric Picnic Music and Arts festival returns to Stradbally in Co. Laois, with one of the highlights being the Theatre of Food.

Over the 3 days of the festival, the Theatre of Food will feature the likes of Trisha Lewis, JP McMahon and more. One of those featured is Graham Herterich, also known as the Cupcake Bloke. He joins Luke O’Neill to discuss.

The far right roots in the tradwife trend

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:27:00 +0000

If you’re an avid social media user, then it’s likely you’ve stumbled across the tradwife trend taking TikTok by storm. The trend, which has been dubbed “the real housewives of the internet”, is mostly young women promoting the art of home-making, raising children, baking and keeping a tidy home, while the husband goes to work to provide for the family. This, of course, raises questions in terms of enforced gender roles and the movement’s far right roots.

Joining guest host Luke O’Neill to discuss this is Professor of Digital Media and Gender at DCU, Debbie Ging.

What is the ‘Smug Hair Club’?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:06:00 +0000

Luke O’Neill’s guest is a member of the so-called Smug Hair Club, alongside other hirsute celebrities, such as Cillian Murphy, Brad Pitt and George Clooney. But, is there any evidence to back up their smugness?

Journalist Jonathan de Burca Butler has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner, and joins to discuss.

Scottish woman breaks sheep shearing world record!

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Luke’s next guest may not be an Olympian, but last week she achieved a feat of athleticism to rival anything accomplished at the Olympics in Paris – and requiring just as much intensive training and support.

Luke O’Neill is joined by Una Cameron, World Record Holder for sheep shearing.

Is the lunch hour dead?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:03:00 +0000

In times gone by it was normal for Irish workers to take a fixed lunch hour, often done collectively and often accompanied by booze. Now the routine more often involves a solitary sandwich at one’s desk. But should the lunch hour be revived?

Joining guest host Luke O'Neill to discuss is Michael Moynihan, Columnist for the Irish Examiner.

What is ‘Dad TV’?

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000

We had Dad Jokes and Dad Dancing, but now we have a new entry to the Dad canon… Dad TV. But, what makes a show Dad-like?

Joining Seán to discuss is Pat Stacey, TV critic for the Irish Independent and the Herald.

Image: Amazon Prime

Controversy over misplaced apostrophe in Yorkshire litter campaign

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:52:00 +0000

A well intentioned anti-litter campaign has fallen foul of those who seek to preserve the Yorkshire dialect. But, how can a single apostrophe cause so many problems?

Joining Seán to discuss is Rodney Dimbleby, Chairperson of the Yorkshire Dialect Society.

What does ‘sex before coffee’ mean?

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:50:00 +0000

‘Sex before coffee” is the go-to cliche of Scandinavian romantic habits, but in each country, it means something different.

In Iceland it literally means every romantic endeavour will start with sex.

So, why is this?

Seán is joined by Zoe Williams, Guardian Columnist, to discuss.

75 years of George Orwell’s 1984

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:07:00 +0000

It is the 75th anniversary of George Orwell’s iconic book, 1984.

Joining Seán to remember the story, its impact, and what we can learn from it today is Dorien Lysnkey, author of ‘The Ministry of Truths: A Biography of George Orwell's 1984’.

The different debs traditions across Ireland

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:05:00 +0000

The debs are a rite of passage for most Irish students.

However, traditions and customs around the big night vary across the country.

Joining Seán now to discuss this is Alan McCardle, Managing Director of Debs Ireland.

What are the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships?

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:59:00 +0000

Next month The Annual Jigsaw Puzzle World Championships kick off in Spain, with hundreds of competitors representing around 75 different countries. But, how does it work, and how can jigsaw puzzles be competitive?

Seán is joined by Irish competitor Siobhán Quinn to learn more.

Are prisons always the answer for criminals?

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:57:00 +0000

With a record number of people in prison in Ireland, is it time that we looked at alternative options for people who commit low level offences?

Saoirse Brady is the Executive Director Irish Penal Reform Trust, and joins Seán to discuss.

Children found out their parents were sleeper agents

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:30:00 +0000

A couple who masqueraded as Peruvian whilst living in Slovenia have been ousted as Russian Sleeper agents.

The couple’s two children have had their lives turned upside down, as they never knew of their parents' real identity.

For more on this, Seán is joined by Amanda Ohlke, Director of Adult Education at the International Spy Museum.

Controversy over bilingual signs in Northern Ireland

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:31:00 +0000

Over the past 2 years, the bilingual street signs scheme has slowly been rolled out in Northern Ireland. But how does it work and why has the recent defacement of one particular sign led to the PSNI opening a hate crime investigation?

Joining Seán to discuss is Claire Hanna, SDLP MP for South Belfast and Mid Down.

How books are being delivered to Ukraine

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:12:00 +0000

The War in Ukraine has had impacts on many aspects of society, but one you may not have thought about is the impact on books.

Louisa Cameron of Raven Books in Blackrock visited Ukraine recently to have a look at this and joins Seán to discuss.

The art behind photo journalism

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Over the last few months we’ve seen some amazing examples of photojournalism.

From the now iconic photo of Donald Trump after his assassination attempt, to the pictures of burned out Luas tramps after the Dublin riots, these pictures paint a thousand words.

Niall Carson is a Photojournalist with PA Media Group and has been doing this job for 25 years. He joins Seán to discuss.

The downsides of having a large penis

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:01:00 +0000

Matt Barr apparently has the UK’s largest penis, and believe it or not, it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. He details his issues in his upcoming book ‘A Long Story’, and joins Seán to discuss what life is like.

Making soaps for men using Guinness and Barry’s Tea

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:58:00 +0000

While much of the soap market has moved towards the pump format, there is still a devoted customer base for the original bar. One man in Dublin turned a lockdown hobby into a successful business, offering Guinness and Barry’s Tea soap for men. Joining me now is John Larkin, Founder of The Black Stuff.

Image: The Black Stuff

Nobody wants to be a priest - why?

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:48:00 +0000

Just one man is currently studying to join the priesthood, with another starting his studies this September. This is due to a crisis of faith, according to Father Seamus McEntee, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Dublin. He joins Seán to discuss.

How to get over a fear of flying

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:34:00 +0000

As many listeners prepare to fly abroad for their holidays, spare a thought for those who struggle to even get on a plane due to aerophobia. Statistics show that 1 in 5 Irish people have a fear of flying.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr JF Leader, Psychologist with Fear of Flying Ireland.

Insults that evolve and die out

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:19:00 +0000

A new study shows that many young people in the UK appear to be unaware of the meaning of classic insults such as ‘plonker’ and ‘ninny’, but are Irish insults more robust?

Joining Seán to discuss is Donal O’Dea, Co-Author of ‘The Book of Feckin' Irish Insults for gobdaws as thick as manure and only half as useful’...

Have dog accessories gone too far?

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:15:00 +0000

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all - Dolce & Gabbana have debuted a dog perfume…

Fefé by D&G is a designer fragrance for pups, which retails at €100.

It begs the question: have we gone too far when it comes to dog accessories?

Joining Seán in the studio to discuss this is Jennifer Sheahan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner, former Home of the Year winner, and dog owner!

Image: Dolce & Gabbana

Can hate-spreading platforms actually be shut down?

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:12:00 +0000

Anti-immigration protests and riots have been rife in the UK over the last number of days, but where the far-right finds itself most at home and often where these types of sentiments spark up is online. Fergus Finlay believes we should be shutting down social media platforms that help to spread hate, but is this a realistic or indeed practical option? He joins Seán to discuss.

So You Think You’re an Adult:My housemate cuts his toenails in the sitting room

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

You thought being a grown-up was easy? Barbara Scully, Declan Buckley and Sean Moncrieff help tackle listener dilemmas!

The hypocrisy behind cancel culture

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:10:00 +0000

A commentator on Eurosport was let go the other night after making a comment about female swimmers.

But why has cancel culture taken over from apologies and forgiveness?

Brendan O’Neill, a writer for the The Daily Mail, who has been exploring this joined Sean on the show to discuss.

What unrealistic high standards do you have? Henry Mckean reports

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:10:00 +0000

What unrealistic high standards do people have? Henry McKean joined Sean on the show to discuss.

Life Story Documentaries

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Turtle Bunbury is a historian who’s using his career experience to create audio recordings for families across the country wishing preserve their family’s history. Turtle Bunbury spoke to Sean about this.

Around the World: Elections results in Venezuela

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories…

What does it mean to be Northern Irish?

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Twitter is full of commentary this week about Rory McIlroy competing for Ireland at the Olympics.

Some are questioning his nationality, which considers Northern Irish.

But what does it mean to be Northern Irish?

Trevor Ringland, Former Rugby International and Member of the Northern Ireland Conservatives and Chairman of the One Small Step Campaign spoke to Sean about this

What more needs to be done to reduce deaths on our roads - Political Reaction ?

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:30:00 +0000

What more needs to be done to reduce deaths on our roads?

For political reaction, Kieran was joined by James Lawless, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and by Liam Geraghty, Garda Superintendent..

Olympics Roundup

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:30:00 +0000

Mick Mccarthy from Off the Ball joined Kieran to give him a roundup on day 5 of the Olympics

Playlist for politicians

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

It has become a thing where politicians have to tell the world about their taste in music, especially in the US, where they even release playlists to demonstrate how cool and relatable they are.

Kamala Harris has just done it or at least made a visit to our Washington DC, record shop, where she picked up a few albums.

Tom Dunne joined Sean on the show to discuss this..

Things that we did growing up that young people wouldn't understand Henry Mckean Reports

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:10:00 +0000

What things did you do in the past which were considered totally normal but are now considered strange today?

From a 24 hour photo to the answer machine to slow internet dial up. Henry McKean joined Sean on the show to discuss.

Spotting a celebrity: Henry McKean reports from Skerries

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:10:00 +0000

Roy Keane was spotted in Skerries, the North County Dublin seaside town. Autograph hunters came out of the woodwork. Why do some of us get goosebumps and starstruck when a star comes to town? Our reporter, Henry McKean on meeting a celebrity or spotting one.

Life as a Builder

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000

A new survey of the fittest workers show tradespeople do an average of 27 hours a week of physical activity.

Roofers come out on top, averaging 23 hours of physical labour a week, followed by carpenters, plumbers, electricians and builders.

But what kind of toll does being a builder have on the body? And is the builders breakfast still a thing? Pete the Builder spoke to Sean about this

Why do we think we look younger than we are?

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:45:00 +0000

A study published in the Journal of psychology found that a majority of people think they look younger than they actually are, or at least that they look younger than their peers. So, why does this happen? Sean was joined by Dr. Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist to discuss this

Are european cities getting more unwelcoming to tourists?

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:45:00 +0000

As more and more European cities launch campaigns or witness protests to discourage tourist numbers, from Barcelona to Amsterdam, are these places now offering an unwelcome experience to Irish travelers? Columnist with the Irish Independent, Frank Coughlan, discussed this with Sean.

Selling plates for charity

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Well known chef and Owner of MacNean House & Restaurant,Neven Maguire is selling his dishes for the charity, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Neven spoke to Sean about this.

Does wealth have a deadening effect?

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:10:00 +0000

Are the super wealthy actually a bit dead inside? Sean was joined by George Monbiot, Journalist and activist to discuss this...

50th anniversary of women at the Forty Foot

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:45:00 +0000

This month marks the 50th anniversary of women bathers at the Forty Foot, the iconic swimming spot in Dublin Bay. The summer of 1974 heralded a bizarre face-off between men and women at the popular spot.

Sean was joined by Brian Fennell, husband of the late Fine Gael politician and activist Nuala Fennell.

Around the World:Italian Competition Agency investigating work practices at Dior

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories…

Is it time to ditch your car?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:20:00 +0000

As the climate crisis heats up, are more and more people ditching their cars? but can you really manage without it? Independent climate and Environmental Researcher, Sadhbh O’Neill, discusses this with Sean.

Are we going to stop having big families?

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Is having a big family a thing of the past? According to a new study, women may soon have the opportunity to be able to delay motherhood, with a drug that is being looked at for its potential ability to slow the ageing of ovaries.

Medical journalist, June Shannon, joined Sean to discuss.

Botanists vote to remove racist reference from plants’ scientific names

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Last week, scientists voted to eliminate the names of certain plants that are deemed to be racially offensive. The decision was made after a gruelling six-day session attended by more than 100 researchers, as part of the International Botanical Congress.

Botanist Sandy Knapp of the Natural History Museum in London, joined Sean on the show to discuss

Henry McKean on the joy of quitting.

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:20:00 +0000

Oh the joys of quitting, can it ever be a good thing?

Our Reporter, Henry McKean went to find out and he joined Sean on the show to share his results.

How Dungeons & Dragons is good for your mental health!

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:27:00 +0000

A new UCC study has shown that taking part in Dungeons & Dragons, the table-top role-playing game, can be good for players’ mental health.

Joining Seán to discuss her findings is Study Lead and PhD Researcher at UCC School of Applied Psychology, Orla Walsh.

The history of hurling, and the hurling stick

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:24:00 +0000

As the country prepares for the All-Ireland Final this weekend, what exactly is the history of hurling, and the hurley stick itself?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Paul Rouse, Professor at the School of History in UCD.

Who is the most successful celebrity nepo baby?

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:22:00 +0000

The most successful celebrity nepo baby has been revealed in a new study by LatestDeals.co.uk.

The list is topped by Miley Cyrus, followed by every other member of the Kardashian family. But, is it fair to still classify these as nepo babies?

Sarina Bellissimo is a Broadcaster and Entertainment Journalist, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Disney

What is ‘cab slagging’?

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:12:00 +0000

The hashtag #cabgslag has nearly 4,000 posts on TikTok, with most videos being posted by female users. What is ‘cab slagging’, you may ask? Urban Dictionary defines it as: “A girl that’s dating/having a fling with a culchie, and thus ends up sitting in the cab of his tractor as he works.”

Joining Seán to tell more is Aoife Rooney, Assistant Editor at Weekend Magazine.

Kenya’s Guinness brewery is bigger than you think

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:14:00 +0000

When you think of Guinness, you might not associate it with Kenya, but it’s huge there!

During Micheál Martin’s visit to the country, he had a tour of the brewery. Newstalk Reporter, Andrew Louth, was there, and joins Seán to discuss the drink’s impact.

What is the bowling scene like in Ireland?

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:57:00 +0000

It has been announced that a new ten pin bowling alley is to open in south Dublin before the end of the year. But, what is the current bowling scene in Ireland like? And just how competitive does it get?

Joining Seán to discuss is Christopher Sloan, Professional Bowler and Chairperson of the Irish Tenpin Bowling Association.

Are relationship tests actually useful?

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:06:00 +0000

If you’re sitting in a room with someone you love right now, wondering if they feel the same, there are some tests you can do in order to find that out.

Chrissie Russell has been looking at this in today's Irish Independent and joins me on the line now, Afternoon Chrissie.

What is good gig etiquette? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:55:00 +0000

Bob Dylan has announced shows in the UK, and some of the press are making a stink of the fact that he does not allow phones at the performances, an attempt to curb poor audience behaviour and engagement. If filming is considered rude, what is good concert/gig etiquette?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking concert-goers, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

What is a ‘Wedding Nanny’?

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:55:00 +0000

The topic of childfree weddings is often debated. If you’re unsure of where you stand on the issue, there’s now a solution that may be a compromise between both points of view.

Wedding Nannies are now available to come and mind your children on location for your special day, and joining Seán to discuss is The Wedding Nanny, Aisling Roche.

New Buddhist temple opens in Cork

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:18:00 +0000

After having a presence in West Cork for decades, the Buddhist community finally has a proper Tibetan temple perched on the cliffs near Castletownbere. Joining Seán to discuss is Malcolm MacClancy, Centre Director of Dzogchen Beara…

Image: Dzogchen Beara

The history and culture of the AR-15

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:25:00 +0000

The rifle that was used in the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last weekend was an AR-15, a weapon that many Americans have taken pride in.

Joining Seán to discuss the history and culture of this firearm is Zusha Elinson, National Reporter for the Wall Street Journal and co-author of ‘American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15'.

What is ‘Malvertising’?

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:23:00 +0000

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joined Seán to discuss ‘Malvertising’ - online viruses and malware, disguised as regular ads! They go through how hackers use them, and how you can avoid them.

Mysterious axe heads anonymously donated to museum

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:22:00 +0000

The National Museum of Ireland is appealing for more information after two axe heads, which are believed to be more than 4,000 years old, were sent in a Flahavan’s flapjack box by an anonymous letter writer.

Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland, Matthew Seaver, joins Seán to discuss the significance of a find like this.

Is the 17th of July the worst day to fly?

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:21:00 +0000

If you’re planning on flying today, you might not like what you’re about to hear. The 17th of July has an unusual history of failed flights that met a tragic end. Two are even within a year of each other.

Joining Seán to tell more is Irish Independent Journalist and host of The Home Show on Newstalk, Sinead Ryan.

New space suit to turn urine into drinking water

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:22:00 +0000

With NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions, the demand for astronauts to carry out longer and longer spacewalks creates a challenge for the use of bathroom facilities. Now, designers have invented a special space suit that can recycle urine as drinking water.

To discuss, Seán is joined by Sofia Etlin, a researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-designer of the suit.

Image: Claire Walter

Why did Irish artists go to the Olympics?

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:21:00 +0000

A new exhibition in Waterford showcases some of Ireland’s Olympians, but not as you might imagine. These are the artists and writers who participated in the cultural Olympiad, which were medal events in the early part of the modern Olympics.

Joining Seán to discuss is Luke Currall, Curator at Waterford Gallery of Art.

Will cars stop having radios?

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Video killed the radio star, but are car manufacturers next? Top car brands are reportedly looking at phasing out radios in new car models to save space and cut costs.

Joining Seán to discuss is Motoring Journalist for CompleteCar.ie, Dave Humphreys.

Trump’s VP is the first to have a beard in over 100 years - why?

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:28:00 +0000

As Trump last night picked right wing firebrand Senator JD Vance as his running mate, it was quickly noted that Vance was the first person on a presidential ticket to have a beard since 1892. So, why do so few politicians wear beards, and is there a stigma attached?

Joining Seán to discuss is Keith Flett, Founder & Organiser of the Bearded Liberation Front.

The world’s most expensive wedding is insane

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:22:00 +0000

The world’s most expensive wedding took place in India this weekend. The celebrations have been going on for 6 months, yes you heard it right, 6 months.

But what is the appeal of having a wedding like this, and what kind of planning goes into it?

Sara Kennedy is Wedding Expert from the Irish Wedding Blog, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: @carriebjohnson

Who is the voice behind the DART?

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:19:00 +0000

As the DART marks its 40th anniversary, have you ever wondered who is behind the iconic train announcements, from ‘Please Mind the Gap’ to ‘Seats are Not for Feet’.

Joining Seán to discuss is Michael Comyn, Broadcaster and the voice of the DART.

How clean (or dirty) are hotel rooms?

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:15:00 +0000

For most of us, staying in a hotel room is something to look forward to as part of a holiday or wider excursion. Well, unfortunately, there’s a large chance that your hotel room, despite how it might appear to the naked eye, isn't that clean. And even if it's an expensive room, that doesn't necessarily mean it's any less dirty.

Joining Seán to discuss is someone with insight on the topic, Hotelier & Host of ‘At Your Service’, John Brennan.

Man crosses from Sicily to mainland on a rope!

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

An Estonian man has managed to complete the first ever walk across the famous Strait of Messina that connects Sicily to the Italian mainland. And how did he do it? By using a 3.5 kilometre rope!

Joining Stefanie Preissner to discuss is Jaan Roose, slackline walker and Hollywood stuntman.

Image: Red Bull

Discussing misogyny in Ireland

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:29:00 +0000

As a woman, it’s likely that you’ve been exposed to some level of misogyny during your adult years, be it assumptions about your sexuality or unwanted comments and attention on your physical appearance. Columnist for the Irish Examiner, Jennifer Horgan, is unpacking this misogyny in her latest article, titled: ‘I hate to say this, but I hope my daughters will have small breasts.’

Jennifer joins Stefanie Preissner to discuss.

Do we still find clowns scary?

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:29:00 +0000

Clowns have had a reputation for being quite frightening, for both kids and adults. Is this still the case today? What kind of reputation do clowns have now? Are things more or less the same?

Stefanie Preissner is joined by Jolly Jingles, a clown based in the UK, to discuss.

Venice raises €2 million under tourist tax pilot scheme

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:21:00 +0000

Venice has earned two million euro from a pilot programme which charges day-trippers an entrance fee in a bid to cut down on overtourism. Despite its financial success, there has been much controversy around the scheme since it was introduced in April, with locals protesting that it is not enough to deter locals from the city.

Joining guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss is The Guardian’s Rome Correspondent, Angela Giuffrida.

Do we love bandwagoning?

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:20:00 +0000

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that this country loves a bandwagon. A more recent example of this was Taylor Swift’s three sellout tours at the Aviva – everyone was suddenly a superfan!

Édaein O’Connell was writing about Ireland’s rich history of bandwagons in the Independent recently, and joins guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss.

How do you greet someone? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:17:00 +0000

The King of England broke tradition recently, by fist-bumping people in favour of a handshake. What are some of the ways we greet people? And are some better than others?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been greeting the public to get their thoughts.

Nude portrait artist is fighting Instagram censorship

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:26:00 +0000

Instagram is notorious for censoring female toplessness, while accepting male toplessness, but how does this affect artists who use the platform to showcase their work?

Joining Seán to discuss is a Newry-based artist fighting the censorship, Cliodhna Doherty.

What is a ‘Banter Merchant’?

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:25:00 +0000

Are you someone who can bring the craic to just about every occasion?

Well, if so, there is a new job opening that could be for you!

The AC Hotel in Glasgow has advertised the position of a Banter Merchant. Jennifer Williamson is the Deputy Manager of the Hotel, and joins Seán to discuss.

Making your own bar at home!

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:24:00 +0000

While fans of 'Mad Men' will be well aware of the allure of a fancy home bar, is it possible to actually make one yourself at home? And what should be included?

Joining Seán to discuss is Jennifer Sheahan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and former ‘Home of the Year’ winner.

The plant detective - what is forensic ecology?

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:15:00 +0000

You’ve heard of forensics, but have you heard of forensic ecology? Patricia Wiltshire has worked on more than 300 cases, solving murders across the UK and Ireland using her extensive knowledge of botany and palynology (the study of plant pollen and spores) to help her do so.

Patricia Seán to discuss her astounding career as a forensic ecologist.

New project to find great white sharks in Ireland

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:01:00 +0000

A new research enterprise will take place this September to try and discover whether or not great white sharks are present in Irish waters.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr Nick Payne, Assistant Professor in Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Sciences.

Calls for Rory Gallagher’s guitar to remain in Ireland

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:46:00 +0000

As Rory Gallagher’s iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar goes up for auction, calls are growing for it to remain in Ireland.

Joining Seán to discuss is Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Councillor Dan Boyle.

Image: Bonhams

New retreat in Meath gives digital detox

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:25:00 +0000

A new cabin in the woods in Co. Meath aims to offer a completely analogue experience to guests, from the use of cassette players to ditching your smartphone.

Joining Seán to discuss is Rosanna Irwin, Founder of Samsú.

Image: Samsú

Are we afraid to talk to strangers?

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:23:00 +0000

Have we become afraid to talk to strangers? When you’re out for a walk and pass someone – do you say hello? Or if you’re at the supermarket, would you strike up a conversation with the person on the tills?

For many, the thought of doing this sends shivers down their spine, but journalist Niamh O’Reilly thinks it’s good for the soul! She joins Seán to discuss.

Things that go missing - Henry McKean Reports

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:18:00 +0000

What are the most common things to go missing? Do you find yourself panicking looking for your keys in the morning?

Well, Henry McKean has been asking the public about their misplaced things, and shares them with the show.

Ireland’s interesting Olympic stories

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:11:00 +0000

In two weeks’ time, Olympic fever will take over the world when the games take place in Paris.

And for a small Island, Ireland has punched well above its weight and along the way has some interesting stories to tell too.

Clodagh Finn is a journalist with the Irish Examiner and has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner, she joins Seán to share.

Vending machines for… ammunition?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Vending machines have become commonplace across many shops and services, but how would you feel if your usual confectionary was swapped with ammunition? That’s what’s happening in the US, with new technology allowing shoppers to pick up bullets instead of their usual bag of crisps.

Seán is joined by Grant Magers, CEO of American Rounds, the company behind this new idea, to discuss.

Fate of oiled birds uncertain after charity closes down

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:28:00 +0000

The closing of a charity which deals specifically with oiled wildlife has left a vacuum in Ireland for when the next oil spill occurs.

Joining Seán to discuss is Pauline Beades, Veterinary nurse and founder of the Oiled Wildlife Response Network.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Suncream

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:08:00 +0000

While many listeners will be packing the old factor 50 into their suitcases from last summer, will it actually work as well? Or does it expire?

Joining Seán to discuss suncream do’s and don’ts is Professor Caitriona Ryan, from the Institute of Dermatologists.

Dublin Airport viewing area faces objection - how does it work?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:06:00 +0000

A major planning objection has been submitted with regard to Dublin Airport’s proposal for a designated viewing area for plane spotters. But how exactly do planning objections work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Joe Corr, Managing Director for planning with CWPA in Swords & former Irish Planning Institute President.

Was sex better in the 70's?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:16:00 +0000

Young people today are often praised for being very sexually confident and open minded.

But does this mean they are having better sex? Or was sex better back in the 70’s, when it was seen as more rebellious?

Mary Kenny pondered this in the Irish Independent, and joined Seán to discuss.

Remembering the 1984 Slane riots

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:48:00 +0000

Forty years ago, Bob Dylan took to the stage at Slane for an unforgettable gig that saw him joined by Van Morrison and Bono. But what is perhaps unknown or forgotten by many is the riots that took place in Slane the night before, on July 7th 1984.

Carol Lee, a photographer at the scene of the Slane riots joins Seán to discuss.

Image: RTÉ

Bog butter discovered in Donegal!

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:47:00 +0000

A farmer in Donegal has discovered an enormous slab of butter buried in his land, which could be hundreds or even thousands of years old.

Joining Seán to discuss is Micheál Boyle, the farmer who discovered it.

How to survive the summer as a parent

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:47:00 +0000

Parents across the country are dealing with having the kids home full time as school is out, so how do you survive?

Jen Hogan, Columnist with the Irish Times, has been writing about her top tips in today’s newspaper, and joins Seán to discuss.

What are the best (and worst) movie sequels?

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 14:39:00 +0000

The trailer for Gladiator 2, starring Paul Mescal, is out today, which poses the question – do sequels ever live up to the original?

Joining Seán to discuss the best and worst film sequels is Movie Reviewer & Editor of Geek Ireland, Olivia Fahy.

Image: Paramount

Damien Dempsey joins the show!

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 14:38:00 +0000

Seán’s guest is a Donaghmede native whose songwriting career spans more than 20 years, releasing 10 albums (soon to be 11!) and performing with names like Bob Dylan and the late Sinead O’Connor along the way.

Damien Dempsey joins the show to discuss his latest musical ventures.

If you want to see Damien live, he will be playing at the Iveagh Gardens, Friday 19th & Saturday 20th July 2024.

Are the new bottle caps actually working?

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 14:24:00 +0000

Are you one of those people who’ve been getting extremely annoyed by the new bottle caps that have been rolled out over the last few weeks?

If so, you’re in the majority, with social media a flood with hacks about how to bypass them.

But why are they here?

Christopher O’Sullivan is a Fianna Fail TD for Cork South-West and has been looking into this. He joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Coca-Cola

Why is there no Re-Turn scheme on islands?

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:56:00 +0000

While millions of bottles and cans have so far been processed through the Re-Turn Deposit Scheme here on the mainland, our island communities appear largely to have been forgotten about.

Joining Seán to discuss is Chloe Ní Mháille, Public Relations Officer for Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann, the Irish Islands Federation.

Are you usually late? - Henry McKean Asks

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:12:00 +0000

Nicki Minaj made the news recently for her apparently disastrous concert at Malahide Castle. She was so late, that her set only lasted 40 minutes before she had to end - leaving many fans disappointed.

So, are you like Nicki? Do you find yourself late to things often? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

Colm O’Gorman and the importance of advocacy

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:16:00 +0000

As the Moncrieff show is live from Wexford today, it made sense to get a native on!

Colm O'Gorman has been behind many campaigns from the marriage equality campaigns and repeal the 8th to name a few, he’s a former politician, and currently writes a weekly food column with the Irish Examiner when he’s not working with refugee resettlement into our communities.

He joins Seán for a chat at the Wexford Opera House.

What goes into mass producing strawberries?

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:14:00 +0000

Wimbledon is on the TV, so that means one thing… it’s strawberry season! And Wexford is Ireland’s most famous purveyor of them. But, what exactly goes into producing these berries on a mass scale?

Joining Seán to discuss in the Wexford Opera House is Murt Murphy, a strawberry farmer from Boro Valley Fruit Farm in Enniscorthy.

What is ‘raw-dogging’ on a flight?

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Have you ever raw-dogged on a flight? No. Not that.

Raw-dogging is the latest trend and trial of frequent flyers, who see themselves as challenged pilgrims almost. It’s the art of doing simply nothing in the air and abstaining from onboard entertainment, no book, no phone, no music. Nothing but gazing out the window and being with one's thoughts. A concept older generations may perceive as just a regular day.

Joan Scales is a travel writer and broadcaster and joins Seán to discuss the trend.

Knowing when you’re being scammed - and avoiding it

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:22:00 +0000

A pensioner got more than he bargained for recently when three men knocked on his door offering to clean his gutters for only €60.

One dirty wall and several broken tiles later, the pensioner realised trying to cut corners can sometimes leave you drained out.

Irish Times Consumer Affairs Expert Conor Pope joins Seán to discuss how we can avoid a similar fate.

How did this man have over 1,000 kids?

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:21:00 +0000

A new documentary on Netflix explores the extraordinary story of Jonathan Meijer, a man who may have fathered up to eleven hundred children. But what was his motivation?

Joining Seán to discuss is Josh Allott, Director of ‘The Man with 1000 Kids’.

Image: Netflix

Is a sandwich a meal? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:12:00 +0000

In the wake of voting in the UK, current PM Rishi Sunak has said that his favourite meal is a sandwich! Is that really a good answer, will a sandwich work as a meal? What do you think?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean joined Seán to discuss, and share what he’s heard from the public.

What do you need for the perfect picnic?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:07:00 +0000

When you’re having a picnic, weather forgiving, what are the essential things you need to make sure it is as perfect as possible?

Seán is joined by Tom Doorley, Food & Wine writer and Columnist with the Sunday Times to find out.

Lily Allen launches OnlyFans for feet pictures

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:16:00 +0000

Musician Lily Allen has launched an OnlyFans page specifically to sell pictures of her feet.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Shawna Scott, owner of SexSiopa.

Count Binface: The Next Prime Minister?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:10:00 +0000

The United Kingdom is going to the polls, and one candidate is hoping to overthrow Rishi Sunak…

Count Binface himself joins Seán to discuss why he should be Prime Minister.

When tech becomes obsolete

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:07:00 +0000

If you were to think of a vintage phone, what would come to mind? It’s not the wind up, rotary or old payphone. It is the iPhone X, which Apple has deemed vintage in their eyes.

The tech giant has decided to hang up on the Iphone X and halted production and software updates to the original HomePod, and first-gen AirPods.

Elaine Burke is the host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast and she joins Seán to discuss.

Should we be eating cheaper cuts of meat?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:06:00 +0000

While our grandparents' generation were brought up on offal, shin and tongue...these cheap cuts have been lost to newer generations. But should we return to them?

Joining Seán to discuss is farmer and journalist Hannah Quinn Mulligan, who has been writing about this for the Irish Independent.

What makes a good dog friendly hotel?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:05:00 +0000

With many people preparing to take a holiday in Ireland this summer, what are the options if you wish to bring your pooch with you? And what exactly makes a dog friendly hotel?

Joining Seán to discuss is Marianne Doyle, Founder of DogFriendlyIreland.ie.

Medical robots small enough to fit in a pill!

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:05:00 +0000

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of a groundbreaking pill that releases tiny robots into your tummy, in a bid to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Joining Seán to discuss is Niamh Shaw, Science Communicator.

Why aren’t Irish-made films more popular?

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:54:00 +0000

Despite Irish films gaining international acclaim, they face significant challenges in attracting local audiences, with only a small percentage of cinema visits in Ireland being for domestically produced movies.

Joining Seán to discuss this new research is Rónán O’Muirthile, Head of Faculty at IADT.

Image: Searchlight Pictures

How Queer Shed Clare is bringing a community together

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:38:00 +0000

Hammers, nails and hard hats are some of the tools in bringing the LGBTQ+ community together in Clare as they set up Queer Shed Clare.

The shed offers workshops, training and skills in DIY but also helps to build a sense of community among LGBTQ+ people living in Clare, something that has been growing strong in the last few years.

Orla Vaughan is Secretary of Queer Clare, member of the Queer Shed Clare, and joins Seán.

Image: Queer Shed Clare

The memory box that fights dementia

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:24:00 +0000

The old saying goes, music is the window to the soul, but it’s also a powerful tool for triggering memories for people with dementia.

Music And Memory Boxes is a new initiative being rolled out in nursing homes across Cork for dementia patients. The boxes are filled with old photos, books and music of a certain era and it’s proven a success in sparking memories for dementia patients who are striking conversations of old times.

Margaret O’Sullivan is executive librarian at the Rory Gallagher Music Library in Cork and the creator behind the Music And Memory Boxes. She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Music Memory Box

Why do we use the QWERTY keyboard?

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:22:00 +0000

150 years ago the now familiar QWERTY keyboard was first used.

It has become a staple of every desk and laptop across the country since then, with some letters getting more love than others.

Paul Clement has been writing about this in today’s Irishman’s Diary in the Irish Times and joins Seán to discuss the history of the layout.

Why men should know more about menopause

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:14:00 +0000

The importance of men understanding menopause can make all the difference to women going through it.

Men should read, listen and understand what menopause exactly is to support and help women at home and in the workplace.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Niki Woods, Midlife Wellbeing Coach, Menopause Expert and Author of ‘The Man’s Guide to Menopause’.

How will the Dublin Transport Plan work?

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:52:00 +0000

The Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail Emer Higgins said she will ask Dublin City Council to pause the plan that is due to come into effect in August.

It’s because of concerns about the impact it could have on jobs and retail sales in the city.

But what type of planning goes into these big changes in the city? Conor Skehan is a Sunday Independent Columnist, former Chair of the Housing Agency, Lecturer in Planning at Technological University Dublin and joins Seán to discuss.

Historic newspaper made available in Ireland's Virtual Treasury

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:26:00 +0000

The digitisation of The Dublin Gazette, a treasure trove of historical narratives, brings the vibrant stories of past centuries to life, from juicy local gossip to pivotal events. This project breathes new life into old pages, making centuries-old issues accessible for public exploration and scholarly research.

Joining Seán to discuss is Ciarán Wallace, Deputy Director of Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland.

What makes a sinkhole?

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:38:00 +0000

Last week, you might have seen the images of a sinkhole that went viral. The hole collapsed in on itself in the middle of a football field in Illinois. But what are sinkholes exactly? And how do they come about?

Dr Siobhán Power, Geologist with Geological Survey Ireland, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

What do you think of dress codes? - Henry McKean Asks

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:35:00 +0000

Whether at work, school or a fancy restaurant, everyone comes across dress codes during their lives, but what do you think about them? Should it be suit and tie wherever you go? Or should you be allowed to wear Crocs in the office?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean joined Seán to share what he has heard from the public.

What’s Michael Jackson’s chimp up to?

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:10:00 +0000

This might surprise you, but Michael Jackson’s chimp, Bubbles, is still alive! In the years since the popstar’s passing, what has his pet been up to?

Joining Seán to discuss is Patti Ragan, Founder of ‘The Center for Great Apes’.

Neighbour row becomes Sheffield’s newest tourist attraction!

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:08:00 +0000

A seemingly minor neighbourhood dispute has led to an unexpected tourist attraction in Sheffield!

Joining Seán to share the details is Ashley Pemberton, News Editor at SWNS Press Agency in Leeds.

How realistic is ‘The Bear’?

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:06:00 +0000

The critically-acclaimed chef drama ‘The Bear’ returns for a third season on Disney+. But, how realistic is their depiction of a restaurant kitchen?

Joining Seán to discuss is chef JP McMahon.

Image: Disney UK

Swiftenomics: The money behind Taylor Swift

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:02:00 +0000

Taylor Swift has rented out the 3 Arena for the next 4 nights – not to perform, but to sell her merchandise!

Fans have been queuing up since dawn this morning, just to get their hands on a 45 quid t-shirt, such is the power of Swiftenomics.

Dr. Emma Howard is an Economist and Lecturer at TU Dublin and has been studying this, and joins Seán to discuss.

The medical benefit to having smaller breasts?

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:49:00 +0000

Here’s an intriguing, yet potentially misleading headline: "Scientists discover a surprising benefit of having smaller breasts" when it comes to the production of lactose in breastmilk.

Joining Seán to examine this claim, and explain what it really means is Dr Afif El-Khuffash, a paediatrician, lactation consultant, and co-host of the ‘Baby Tribe Podcast’.

Why do we perform rituals?

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:07:00 +0000

Ever wonder why Rafael Nadal bounces the ball a million times before serving? Or why Beyoncé has pre-show routines that rival ancient ceremonies? Michael Norton, Behavioural Scientist and Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School joins Seán to reveal how these quirky rituals can transform our everyday actions into magical moments.

What is the best BBQ to get?

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:59:00 +0000

Summertime also means barbecuing time! But if you don’t have one already, or want to upgrade, what BBQ should you get?

Chef Jack O’Keeffe joins Seán Moncrieff to recommend the best options if you want to barbecue this summer!

Is it hard for us to say no? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:55:00 +0000

We might find it difficult to say no to things - especially if we’re saying it in person. And when we do, a recent survey in the UK states that many of us regret saying no.

So, what’s the issue, why do we find it hard to say no? And should we say it more?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean, has been out in Stillorgan asking people if they’re more of a yes or no person, and joins Seán to share what he heard.

Why do we have nightmares?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:30:00 +0000

New research suggests that individual personality traits and emotional state can play a significant role in how many nightmares a person has, and how profoundly they are affected by them. But what are nightmares? Why do we have them, and do they serve any real purpose?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Deirdre Barrett, Dream Researcher at Harvard Medical School, and author of ‘Committee of Sleep’ and ‘Pandemic Dreams’.

Have modern songwriters gotten lazy?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:32:00 +0000

Have modern songwriters become lazy? ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus says that modern artists think a song is complete too early. He believes once a songwriter comes up with a good chorus or a good hook, they render it complete without giving the rest of the song time.

Joining Seán to discuss this statement is singer-songwriter RuthAnne.

Has working abroad lost its appeal?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:55:00 +0000

If you got a job at a large multinational company, it was seen as a perk to work in other countries - but since the pandemic and working from home, is this really seen as a bonus anymore?

Joining Seán to discuss their own experience is Financial Times journalist Pilita Clarke.

Should we reintroduce wildlife to Ireland?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:45:00 +0000

The reintroduction of wild species has been discussed in Ireland, and Dr Jonny Hanson has put together a report on how this could happen. This week, the first wildcats were born outside captivity in Scotland – could this be a reality for Ireland?

Dr Hanson, Environmental Social Scientist at Queen’s University Belfast, joins Seán to discuss.

Japanese robots… with human-like skin?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:43:00 +0000

There’s no denying that automation is becoming part of our everyday lives, but do we want robots to be indistinguishable from humans?

Engineers in Tokyo have for the first time manufactured skin from human cells, and attached it to a robot’s face. It’s a long way from being convincing, but it’s a big step in robotics.

Adrian Weckler is the Technology Editor with the Irish Independent; he’s been taking a look at this creepy face, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Takeuchi et al.

Making independent TV productions in Ireland

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:34:00 +0000

RTÉ has revealed a new plan for its future, which includes job cuts, and outsourcing some of its shows like Fair City and The Late Late Show to independent studios.

How will this work? Philip Kampff from Vision Independent Productions joins Seán to discuss.

What are the Nettle Eating Championships?

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:28:00 +0000

The annual Nettle Eating Championship took place last weekend in Dorset. Organised by Dorset Nectar Cider, the winner this year ate 116 feet of nettles, in 30 minutes! So, why do people gather to eat nettles?

Ryan Strong is from Dorset Nectar Cider, and joins Seán to explain the competition.

Does Brian Ború’s crown actually exist?

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:42:00 +0000

Cathal Crowe of Fianna Fáil was on the Pat Kenny Show calling for the return of Brian Ború’s crown from the Vatican to Ireland, but does it actually exist?

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Seán Duffy, Professor of Medieval Irish and Insular History at Trinity College Dublin.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a struggle for some, but imagine only getting a diagnosis later in life?

That is what happened to Aisling Leonard-Curtin, who says her diagnosis now helps her with her work.

She joins Seán to discuss.

The ups and downs of being an only child

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:02:00 +0000

Ever wondered what it's like to grow up without siblings in a country full of nosy neighbours?

Joining Seán to shed light on the joys and quirks of being an only child in Ireland is Vicki Notaro, journalist and author of the bestselling debut ‘Reality Check’.

What are the biggest food crimes? - Henry McKean Asks

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:50:00 +0000

Every day, people commit heinous food crimes, whether that be putting pineapple on pizza, or combining things that shouldn’t be combined.

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking people about their biggest food crimes, and joins Seán to share his findings.

The Coca-Cola Collector in Cork!

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:06:00 +0000

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 Seán to discuss how this all began, and how big her collection is.

What are crystal children?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:32:00 +0000

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 transition, a generation of children will help us with the adjustment.

Joining Seán to explain and discuss is Claire Stone, Psychic Reader and Founder of the Angel Mystery School.

The tickling fetish is on the rise

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:21:00 +0000

From ancient torture techniques to modern-day play, tickling as a kink is on the rise. New research from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany reveals that some enthusiasts can orgasm from touch alone.

Joining Seán to tickle his curiosity is Clarity Mills, a motivational speaker and professional dominatrix.

How are vegetables sold for cheap?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:17:00 +0000

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 able to sell them so cheap? And how is that money divided up among the farmers who supply them?

Joining Seán to discuss is Kenneth Keavey, CEO of Green Earth Organics.

What are the best Irish songs?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:13:00 +0000

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 Ireland to nominate their top 50 songs in order of preference. From there, they applied a ranking system to come up with the top tracks.

Joining Seán to review the order is John Meagher, the paper’s music journalist who compiled the list.

How do you deal with stinky feet?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:12:00 +0000

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 Clinic in Goatstown, to discuss how to deal with those sweaty, smelly feet and keep them fresh…

The history of dictators’ pets

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:14:00 +0000

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 is a long history of pet ownership among autocrats throughout the 20th century and beyond.

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney has been investigating, and he joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Reuters

What makes a good game show?

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:58:00 +0000

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.

Some would debate if that’s even a game show, but there’s no denying that we love watching a bit of jeopardy with real people, whether for money or a trophy.

So, what makes a great game show?

Mark Hughes, a question writer for these kinds of shows, joins Seán to discuss.

Image: ITV

Is the phone call as we know it dead?

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:52:00 +0000

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’Mahoney, Columnist with the Wexford People, has been writing about her nostalgia for a time when the landline was the beating heart of the family home. She joins Seán to discuss.

Sales of balconette bras soar because of Bridgerton!

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:06:00 +0000

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 soared, which would give women a more busty, fuller shape.

To complement the look, sales of high-leg knickers are also increasing.

Laura Mullet is a fashion expert and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Netflix

Rare pearl found in Irish oyster - how?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:05:00 +0000

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 oyster he shuck while preparing a dish produced a pearl!

An Irish oyster like this producing a pearl is extremely rare, with odds of about 1 in 5 million!

Dec McManus is from Howth’s King Sitric, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is a moon standstill?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:09:00 +0000

While much attention focuses on Newgrange over the summer solstice this week, a unique event will happen tomorrow night when a moon standstill will occur over a Bronze Age altar in Kerry.

Joining Seán to discuss is Stephen O’Sullivan, Chairperson of Bonane Community Council.

The complex history of Kevin O’Higgins

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:08:00 +0000

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 story.

Joining Seán to discuss is Arthur Matthews, Author of ‘Walled in By Hate: Kevin O’Higgins, His Friends and Enemies’.

Is it okay to settle in love? - Henry McKean Asks

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:01:00 +0000

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. Is this the case? Are we all willing to settle when it comes to love?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking people about that, and what people find annoying about their partners. He joins Seán to discuss.

What Spotify knows about you

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:15:00 +0000

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 discuss is Glenn McDonald, former ‘data alchemist’ for Spotify and author of new book ‘You Have Not Yet Heard Your Favourite Song’...

How do you brush your teeth correctly?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:26:00 +0000

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 Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director with Dental Care Ireland.

Would you drink the world’s oldest wine?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:19:00 +0000

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 Wine joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss what this means - and of course - if you can drink it.

What are the Vatican’s ‘Rescritti’ laws?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:13:00 +0000

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 Vatican, including wiretapping!

Joining Seán to discuss is Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times.

The weird internet videos we watch

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:11:00 +0000

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! Elaine Burke from the 'For Tech's Sake' podcast joins Seán to talk about the more unusual content categories that have us fully invested.

Taylor Swift’s Irish family history uncovered

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:10:00 +0000

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?

Joining Seán to find out is Fiona O’Mahony, Head of the Irish Family History Centre at EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum.

Kerry men to be commemorated at Wales internment camp

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:57:00 +0000

This Thursday a plaque will be unveiled outside a former internment camp in Wales, featuring the names of 37 Kerrymen who spent time incarcerated there in 1916.

Joining Seán to discuss is Cllr. Jim Finucane, outgoing Chairman of Kerry County Council.

AI photography contest won with real picture!

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:53:00 +0000

Miles Astray has won a major AI photography competition but has now been disqualified. Why? Because his photograph is natural, with no AI input whatsoever. But why did he do this?

Miles joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Miles Astray

How much is Guinness memorabilia worth?

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:33:00 +0000

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 stint as a research chemist at Guinness’ London brewery in the 70s and 80s. David’s personal hoard of collectibles is under the hammer now.

He joins Seán to discuss the collection.

Image: Guinness Storehouse

Ireland joins coalition for the return of Ukrainian children

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:16:00 +0000

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 years ago.

They were taken across the border after their towns were invaded, and their families killed.

Sean Fleming, Minister of State at the Dept of Foreign Affairs, recently heard first hand accounts from some of the 400 children who’ve been rescued. He joins the show to discuss.

How did ‘House Swapping’ become so popular?

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:02:00 +0000

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 squeamish about strangers sleeping in your bed?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sinead Canney, Founder of LetsSwap.ie.

What are the most disgusting habits? - Henry McKean Asks

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:45:00 +0000

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 the most disgusting of all?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins Seán to find out.

When will we see driverless cars in Europe?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:14:00 +0000

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 largest experiment in driverless cars.

500 robot-taxis are already whizzing around the city of 11 million people, 4.5 million cars, eight-lane expressways and towering bridges – and Baidu have announced they’ll add 1,000 more into the fleet.

So when might we expect to see these cars in Europe? Dave Humphreys from CompleteCar.ie joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Waymo

How do you move 3,000 artefacts from the ‘Dead Zoo’?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:41:00 +0000

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 out is a delicate one.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Paolo Viscardi, Keeper of the Natural History Museum.

What does the tricolour stand for in today’s Ireland?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:10:00 +0000

With Ireland’s wins at the European Athletic Championships in Rome last week, the tricolour has been somewhat unavoidable. But why are we so obsessed with the flag and what does it stand for in today’s Ireland?

Joining Seán to discuss is Columnist for the Irish Examiner, Colin Sheridan.

The history of psychological warfare

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:53:00 +0000

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 sending bags of rubbish.

UCD’s Graham Finlay joins Seán to discuss this, and other examples of psychological warfare throughout history.

What makes the perfect hotel breakfast buffet?

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:50:00 +0000

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 it?

Joining Seán to discuss is Culinary Consultant and TV Chef, Aisling Larkin.

Can you teach your cat Irish?

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:28:00 +0000

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 Seán to discuss how this is possible!

The role food plays in Ulysses

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:27:00 +0000

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 Gastronomy and Food Studies at TU Dublin, has been writing about this and joins Seán to discuss.

How does ultrasonic coffee work?

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:25:00 +0000

A new coffee making process uses ultrasonic sound waves to create an apparently stronger and less bitter beverage. But how does it work?

Joining Seán to explain is Dr Francisco Trujillo, a senior lecturer in the school of chemical engineering at the University of New South Wales.

Why do election winners get lifted up?

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:49:00 +0000

The election counts have finally finished, where we saw crushing defeats and exhilarating wins at counting centres. What could also be seen were the winners often being lifted up into the air in celebration. Why is this a thing?

To discuss, Seán is joined by Green Party TD Patrick Costello.

Kilkenny photographer is documenting the demise of the Amazon

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:14:00 +0000

An Irish photographer has a new exhibition which is running currently as part of the Belfast Photo Festival. Richard Mosse’s work focuses on documenting the deforestation of the Amazon where he has spent an extensive amount of time.

He joins Seán to discuss.

Project to remember victims of Nazi medical experiments

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:58:00 +0000

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 end there. Posthumously, he became a victim of Nazi medical experiments.

Now, a project is aiming to trace his family and return some honour to him and other victims.

Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Aisling Shalvey, Project Coordinator with the German National Academy of Sciences.

World Albinism Awareness Day - What is Albinism?

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:18:00 +0000

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. Jonathan DeBurca Butler went out to find people with the condition to learn more, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Albinism Fellowship

The best way to navigate customer service

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:52:00 +0000

SoftBank has developed AI voice-conversion technology to reduce call centre operators' psychological stress by altering the voices of angry customers to sound calmer.

But for many of us, calling a customer care line is the last resort. So what is the best way to navigate them in order to reduce stress for everyone?

Conor Pope is the Consumer Affairs Correspondent at the Irish Times, and joins Seán to discuss.

Have you been caught out? - Henry McKean asks

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:49:00 +0000

From forgetting your passport to forgetting your trousers - there’s been times where we’ve been caught out.

Newstalk’s Henry McKean has collected various stories of fumbles and failures, and joins Seán Moncrieff to share.

The history of mummies in Dublin

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:06:00 +0000

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 number of precious mummies which have laid there for hundreds of years.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Rob Buchanan, an amateur historian, who runs the Dublin Time Machine History Blog.

Is the Irish accent really that charming abroad?

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:59:00 +0000

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 accent always a passport to acceptance and connection?

Joining Seán to discuss is Melanie May, Travel Writer and Presenter of Talk Travel on Dublin City FM.

Action figures that celebrate Irish culture!

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:06:00 +0000

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 up Hiberno Toys, which creates toys based on Irish culture. Gaining a fair bit of attention on Instagram and Reddit.

Seán is joined by Richard to check out the figures and discuss.

Image: @hibernotoys on Instagram

Would you meet a dead relative in Virtual Reality?

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:57:00 +0000

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, Associate Professor of Film Studies, in Trinity College Dublin.

Film and cinema has always utilised the latest technologies, but if it bleeds into our real lives by creating illusions, is that a good thing?

Jennifer joins Seán to discuss.

How long should a gig be?

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:48:00 +0000

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 comes to gigs? Joining Seán to discuss is journalist and broadcaster Pat Carty.

Rise in churches across America where it’s legal to take drugs

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:34:00 +0000

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 Busby, reporter with Vice, visited the church and joined Seán to discuss.

Pop up pool problems cause controversy

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:47:00 +0000

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 operational, which is causing controversy.

Mary McMorrow, Operations Director at Swim Ireland, joins Seán to discuss.

Has Ireland’s weather changed for good?

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:40:00 +0000

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.

Is this our new reality? Cathal Nolan is a Climate Scientist, and the founder of Ireland’s Weather channel, and has been studying this. He joins Seán to discuss.

Is the housing crisis to blame for pubs closing down?

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:20:00 +0000

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 and a change in culture. But, is the housing crisis to blame too?

Joining Seán to discuss is Mark Keenan, Property Editor for the Irish Independent, who has been writing about this.

Why are more women vegan than men?

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:59:00 +0000

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 majority of their members women?

Joining Seán to discuss is James O’Donovan, Secretary of the Vegan Society of Ireland.

Items that have stood the test of time - Henry McKean asks

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:43:00 +0000

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 fan of the smartphone. What are some other things that we’ve kept from a long time?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean went out to ask the public for their items that have stood the test of time.

What are the plans for the Olympics Opening Ceremony?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

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?

Joining to discuss is Philip Barker, Editor of the Journal of Olympic History.

Image: Paris 2024

Ban on certain dog breeds - not the answer?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:25:00 +0000

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, aka Pete the Vet, does not believe that this is the answer. He joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss.

Should we have more wind farms in Ireland?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:02:00 +0000

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 discuss the significance of this increase is CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe.

The best mispronounced words from kids!

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:56:00 +0000

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 speaking to parents to find some of the common occurrences in Irish households, and joins Seán to share her findings.

How is a Counting Centre run?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:54:00 +0000

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 of us just go to the polling station, mark the papers, pop them into the box and wait to hear whether “our guys” got elected.

But, what happens between slipping that paper into the box and declaring a candidate elected is a mammoth task.

So, who runs them? Are there legal advisors on site should a discrepancy arise? What are the security measures? And what if there really was a mouse in a ballot box?

Derek Mooney is a former Fianna Fáil Strategist and Campaign Manager, he joins Seán to discuss.

Northern Irish man beats drumming world record!

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:03:00 +0000

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 actually pull off this feat?

Joining John to discuss is that drummer, Ali Brown.

DeLorean Revival Festival taking place in Belfast!

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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 major celebration.

Joining John to discuss is David Mathers, Co-Organiser of DeLorean Revival.

Aldi celebrates 25 years in Ireland

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:49:00 +0000

From lawnmowers to ski suits to foot massagers, there’s something for everyone in the middle aisle of Aldi.

The “German discounter” is celebrating 25 years in Ireland, and while it took some time to get used to the speedy checkouts, they’ve become a staple store across Ireland with 161 premises.

But how much did their arrival change the Irish market?

Denis O’Hora is Director of the Masters in Consumer Psychology at University of Galway, and joins guest host John Fardy to discuss.

Cosmonaut becomes first human to spend 1000 days in space!

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:59:00 +0000

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 and mind?

Joining Seán to discuss is Leo Enright, Space Commentator.

Is going to the cinema too expensive now?

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:58:00 +0000

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.

Some are saying this is the reason big movies aren’t performing as well as the box office.

Brian Lloyd is the movie editor for Entertainment.ie, and joins Seán to discuss.

Bad Tourists

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:47:00 +0000

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 nudity on their joliers?

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on Bad Tourists and why their tirade might be taking a turn for the worse:

State acquires two new surveillance aircraft - what for?

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:28:00 +0000

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 with the aircraft: Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times.

Image: Irish Air Corps

Over €3.3 million worth of prize bonds are unclaimed!

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:27:00 +0000

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 why this is the case is Siobhan Maguire, Consumer Journalist.

Who are the most iconic soap characters?

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:26:00 +0000

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 role has cemented her as a soap icon. But, what are some other soap characters we can call iconic?

Joining Seán to discuss is Ken Sweeney, ShowBiz Editor of the Irish Sun.

Image: RTÉ

How can you smoke your food at home?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:01:00 +0000

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 foods at home?

Seán is joined by Chef JP McMahon to find out.

What’s the utility room really for?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:35:00 +0000

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 ground for the stuff we no longer want on our kitchen counter?

Jennifer Sheahan, the former Home of the Year winner, has been writing about it today in the Irish Examiner, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is ‘Food Security’?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:16:00 +0000

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 coined as ‘Food Security’, but what does it exactly mean? And how can it be helped?

Joining Seán to discuss is Sophie Healy Throw: a Food Activist and Founder of Act for Food. She has recently received a Global Citizen Award for her work.

Is the Leaving Cert getting harder?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:15:00 +0000

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 Maths exam back in the day? Seán is joined by Hazel Murray, who is a Research Fellow at Munster Technological University, and has been studying this.

Louisiana judges could order ‘surgical castration’ for sex offenders

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Louisiana judges could order surgical castration for people convicted of sex crimes against young children under legislation approved Monday, and if Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signs it into law, the state apparently would be the first with such a punishment.

Meghan Friedmann is a state politics reporter for The Advocate and The Times-Picayune who is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She joins Seán to discuss.

Voting is good for your health?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:03:00 +0000

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 science behind it.

Joining Seán to tell how voting is good for our health is Dr. Muiris Houston, Contributor to the Irish Times and Adjunct Professor of Narrative Based Medicine at Trinity College.

The pros and cons of deleting your ex from photos

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:56:00 +0000

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 app.

But, is it healthy to delete former lovers from your social media channels more generally?

Joining Seán to discuss is Kirsty Blake Knox, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

‘The Screamers’ House is up for sale!

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:19:00 +0000

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 group of people who wanted to undo the trauma of being born.

Patrick Boner, the current owner, joins Seán to discuss the home’s history.

The history of the Moka coffee pot

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:48:00 +0000

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 espresso, capsule and filter machines over the past number of years.

Joining Seán to discuss from the Espresso Capital of the World, Milan, is author and historian Tim Fanning.

Ireland’s longest living heart transplant recipient

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:48:00 +0000

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 transplant in 1986 in the Mater Hospital.

He joins Seán to discuss his experience.

You're fired!

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:47:00 +0000

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 unheard of, for you or Newstalk staffers.

Sarah Madden, and her sketchy CV, reports.

Doormats made to spark political debates for canvassers

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:35:00 +0000

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 given out for free in order to spark debate on the campaign trail.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Conor McCabe, member of the School of Thought collective.

New vaccine trial to prevent melanoma cancer

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:38:00 +0000

The world’s first personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for melanoma halves the risk of patients dying or the disease.

Melanoma affects more than 150,000 people a year globally, according to 2020 figures from World Cancer Research Fund International.

Kingston Mills is a Professor of Experimental Immunology and Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin and joins Seán to discuss.

The Luas turns 20 years old!

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:38:00 +0000

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 of transport for many, and the butt of many jokes online.

Joining Seán to talk about the tram line is Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer for The Irish Independent.

How realistic is going from the couch to 5km?

Fri, 31 May 2024 15:58:00 +0000

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 realistic going from the couch to doing a 5km run is…

John Lennon’s Guitar sells for $2.9 million!

Fri, 31 May 2024 14:37:00 +0000

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 whopping 2.9 million dollars, setting a new world record for the highest-selling guitar at auction in Beatles history.

Joining Seán to discuss is Owen McQuail, Owner of “Some Neck Guitars”.

Image: Reuters

What is the cheapest capital in Europe?

Fri, 31 May 2024 14:35:00 +0000

Vilnius, the little capital in Lithuania, unknown to many, has been named Europe’s cheapest city break.

Brendan Harding, writer in the business community in Lithuania, former travel journalist and originally from Carlow town moved to the Lithuanian capital nearly 10 years ago.

He joins Seán to discuss what life is like in Vilinius.

World’s youngest professional artist verified by Guinness World Records

Fri, 31 May 2024 14:32:00 +0000

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 and 152 days.

Joining Seán to discuss is the artist’s mum, an artist herself, Chantelle Kuukua Eghan.

Wexford buskers protest new street performance rules

Thu, 30 May 2024 14:52:00 +0000

New bylaws in Wexford concerning the decibel level at which buskers can play music have caused a protest movement to develop.

Joining Seán to discuss is Cameron Allan, a musician and artist in Wexford.

What exactly is a ‘dodgy box’?

Thu, 30 May 2024 14:06:00 +0000

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 'dodgy box' actually is and the service is Ciara O'Brien, Tech Correspondent with The Irish Times.

Dads ‘babysitting’ instead of minding kids - a double standard?

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:56:00 +0000

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 people commonly refer to fathers minding their kids as ‘babysitting’ them?

Niamh joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss.

Is the one hour lunch dead? - Henry McKean asks

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:45:00 +0000

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 McKean asks the public, including Pat Kenny!

World’s most relaxed people gather in Seoul for ‘Space-Out’ competition

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:21:00 +0000

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. But how does this unusual event work?

Joining Seán is Raphael Rashid, Seoul-based freelance journalist and author of ‘The Korea We Refuse to See’, who has been writing about this for the Guardian.

Should Ireland be as tough on Trump as they are on Israel?

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:20:00 +0000

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 about other issues around the world recently.

If Donald Trump is reelected in, should we be as bold towards the USA? Senator Michael McDowell has been writing about this in today's Irish Times and joins Seán to discuss.

Robot breaks Rubik’s Cube world record

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:18:00 +0000

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 seconds – the same amount of time it takes to blink.

Joining Seán to talk about this new feat is Mary Hennessy of Speedcubing Ireland Chairperson and one of the World Cube Association Delegates for Ireland.

‘Silent’ hair appointments are becoming popular!

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:17:00 +0000

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 appointment where customers are free to shut off, relax and don’t have to participate in dreaded small talk.

Sonia Magnier, Business and Wellbeing Coach and former hair salon owner wishes she had implemented this years ago. She joins Seán to discuss.

How have email signatures evolved?

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:16:00 +0000

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 loaded onto the bottoms of our correspondence and even the new trend of using permanent ‘out of office’ automatic replies.

Joining Seán is Pilita Clarke, Financial Times columnist, who has been writing about this.

What makes for good political canvassing?

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:15:00 +0000

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 country in advance of the local and European elections next week. But is there an art to the canvas?

Joining Seán to discuss is former Campaign Manager, Derek Mooney.

A new habitable planet has been discovered!

Tue, 28 May 2024 15:05:00 +0000

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, PhD student and Co-Lead of a new study at the University of Edinburgh…

Image: NASA

Irish Ambassador in Israel being treated inappropriately

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:47:00 +0000

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, while Israeli media filmed her. According to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, this was “very inappropriate and wrong”.

Joining Seán to discuss this is Bobby McDonough, Former ambassador of Ireland to London, Rome and Brussels, who has been writing about this for the Irish Times.

What is Temu? And why is it so popular?

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:23:00 +0000

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.

Joining Seán to give an insight into all things Temu is Consumer Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times, Conor Pope.

Image: Temu

Why is this Irish village changing its name?

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Ballyclerahan, a village in south Tipperary, is to consider formally changing its name to what the community has been colloquially known as for decades – Clerihan. This will be the first historic name change in more than 500 years.

Spearheading the cause is Local Fine Gael Councillor, John Fitzgerald. He joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss.

What do you bring from home on holiday? - Henry McKean asks

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:05:00 +0000

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, is this something we all do?

Newstalk's Henry McKean asks people in Dublin airport about their home comforts abroad.

Building an electric car in your garden

Mon, 27 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

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 own in his back garden and now he has finally completed the project for a surprisingly cost-effective amount. Joining me now is Tom Cheesewright…

Image: @bookofthefuture on Instagram

Dealing with turbulence from a pilot’s perspective

Mon, 27 May 2024 14:40:00 +0000

With the air turbulence incident on the Doha to Dublin flight over the weekend, what exactly do pilots do to manage a situation like this?

Joining Seán to discuss is Kevin Byrne, retired Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety & Security Auditor.

What is ‘Fagin’s Law’?

Mon, 27 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Last week new laws criminalising adults who entice or force a child to engage in any form of criminality came into force.

The so-called ‘Fagin’s Law’ will make the offence punishable by up to five years in prison, on conviction in the higher courts.

Also as part of the government’s plan to disrupt the use of youths in criminal activities, the department of justice has invested in an intensive intervention pilot: the Greentown Programme, run by Research Evidence into Policy, Programmes and Practice (REPPP) at University of Limerick.

Dr Seán Redmond, is Principal Investigator REPPP Programme and joins Séan to discuss.

The top dating questions - according to Google

Mon, 27 May 2024 13:54:00 +0000

Google recently released their top ‘should’ searches related to dating over the past year, and people have a lot of questions when it comes to dating etiquette.

Joining Seán to answer everything from whether you should kiss on a first date to who should pay, is Dating Coach & Owner of INTRO matchmaking, Feargal Harrington.

Is the idea of a ‘Country’ still useful?

Mon, 27 May 2024 13:53:00 +0000

With Climate change and the threat of AI among the biggest issues facing society at the moment, is the concept of a country still relevant?

Dr. Graham Finlay is from the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin and joins Seán to discuss.

Is there a difference in raising boys and girls?

Mon, 27 May 2024 13:32:00 +0000

We’ve all heard the expressions ‘boys will be boys’ and ‘girls will be girls’ when rearing children, so how does a child’s gender affect how you parent them? Actor Chris Pratt recently said that he notices a ‘big difference’ when raising his daughters compared to his son.

With Seán to discuss is journalist and mother of seven, Jen Hogan.

Could we have an office in our cars soon?

Thu, 23 May 2024 15:03:00 +0000

Imagine a car with a wind turbine or a vehicle designed with a built-in meeting room – sounds like science fiction, right? Yet, these are just a few of the innovative and sometimes wild patents filed by major car companies over the years.

To delve into these fascinating inventions and explore the history and future of automotive innovation, Seán is joined by Dave Humphreys, Motoring Journalist from CompleteCar.ie.

Cockfighting is on the rise in Ireland

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:48:00 +0000

An investigation carried out by Noteworthy, the investigative department of The Journal, has uncovered evidence of illegal cockfighting taking place up and down the country. But what needs to be done to prevent and stop this activity?

Joining to discuss is Labour senator Annie Hoey.

What are school reunions like in Ireland?

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:26:00 +0000

It sounds like a scene straight out of a movie or an episode of Friends: the quintessential high school reunion, a post-education milestone that every American seems to face. But what's the real deal with these reunions? Are they purely an American invention?

Interestingly, it appears that schools in Ireland have caught on to the reunion trend as well. Frank Coughlan, a columnist for the Irish Independent, recently attended one. He joins Seán to discuss how it went.

Apple’s 100 Greatest Albums list - is it good?

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:25:00 +0000

Apple Music has released its list of the 100 greatest albums of all time.

The top 10 features Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and The Beatles - with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill taking the number 1 spot.

Today FM’s Claire Beck and Newstalk’s Tom Dunne join Seán to tell everyone how wrong Apple Music are.

Have you ever lied for a job? - Henry McKean reports

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:10:00 +0000

The TV presenter Angela Scanlon admitted that she lied to the BBC in a job interview- saying that she had plenty of studio experience in Ireland, when that was not truly the case.

But, don’t we all lie a bit when trying to get a job?

Newstalk’s Henry McKean went to find some answers.

What makes a good portrait?

Wed, 22 May 2024 15:01:00 +0000

It has been a week of controversy in the world of art with King Charles III’s new official portrait, stirring some conversation with many claiming it looks ‘hellish’. Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart’s portrait has also sparked debates as she has demanded her portrait be removed from the National Gallery of Australia.

Joining Seán to discuss what makes a good portrait is Kathleen James-Chakraborty, Professor of Art History University College Dublin.

Image: Jonathan Yeo

How does recognising a state work?

Wed, 22 May 2024 14:33:00 +0000

Ireland, Norway and Spain have all announced plans to recognise a state of Palestine. But, what is recognizing a state? And how does it work?

Scott Lucas is a Professor at the Clinton Institute in University College Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss the process.

Are Ireland’s new roller coasters worth riding?

Wed, 22 May 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Two new roller coasters have just opened in Ireland, promising to thrill and amaze—but do they deliver the excitement that coaster enthusiasts crave? We turned to the experts to find out if these rides are worth the hype. Joining Seán to discuss is Richard Bannister, who is on the Executive Committee of the European Coaster Club.

Image: Emerald Park

Scarlett Johansson & ChatGPT voice legal troubles

Wed, 22 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000

A furore has developed stateside after OpenAI launched a new iteration of ChatGPT which uses voice technology that seems to resemble that of Scarlett Johansson, in an odd throwback to the 2013 movie ‘Her’.

Joining Seán to unpack this legal quagmire is Ciara O’Brien, Tech correspondent for the Irish Times…

Image: Open AI

Should Dublin Airport destroy old buildings to expand?

Wed, 22 May 2024 13:48:00 +0000

As part of the airport’s expansion plans, two original aircraft hangars from the 1940s and the iconic North Terminal, which was used for many VIPs and Heads of State, will have to be levelled.

Frank McDonald, former Environment Editor of The Irish Times says this shouldn’t happen as these are important elements of our architectural heritage. He joins Seán to discuss.

How popular is World Goth Day?

Wed, 22 May 2024 13:35:00 +0000

Today marks World Goth Day, and you might be surprised to hear that the Goth community has witnessed a resurgence over the past few years…

Joining Seán to discuss Wesley Whitworth, Founder of Goth Ireland.

What is Ogham?

Tue, 21 May 2024 15:09:00 +0000

It seems that Ogham has made a comeback with it recently showing up in a Coventry Garden, and also on Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug in Sweden.

But what exactly is Ogham, and why is it being used again?

Joining Seán to explain is Professor David Stifter, Professor for Old and Middle Irish in Maynooth and currently working on the Digitisation of Ogham project ‘Ogham in 3D’.

Image: Florian Thiery

New beer to be made from sliced pan!

Tue, 21 May 2024 15:09:00 +0000

After a successful trial last summer, Wicklow Wolf is now going full steam ahead with its appropriately named ‘Sliced Can’ beer, which uses Brennan’s Bread in its ingredients, but how does it all work?

Joining Seán to discuss is Quincey Fennelly, Co-founder of Wicklow Wolf.

It’s been 20 years since ‘Friends’ ended

Tue, 21 May 2024 15:08:00 +0000

It’s 20 years since we all waited with bated breath to see if Rachel Greene got off the plane, in the final episode of ‘Friends’.

It has gone on to be one of the most successful TV shows of all time, but is ‘Friends' really as good as it’s made out to be?

Olivia Fahy is Editor of Geek Ireland and self-declared ‘Friends’ encyclopaedia and joins Seán to discuss.

Is Cannes’ meat ban a form of virtue signalling?

Tue, 21 May 2024 15:07:00 +0000

The Cannes Film Festival recently took place, and to be more sustainable, they banned red meat. However, celebrities still arrived in their private jets. Is Canne's effort to be sustainable impactful or complete greenwashing?

Dr Darren Clarke is an assistant professor in Climate and Environmental Sustainability in DCU and joins Seán to discuss.

How mams are ‘practical’ and dads are ‘craic’

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:05:00 +0000

During a recent trip away from the family home, Seán’s guest realised just how different the roles are that are played by mums and dads. But why is one practical, and the other fun?

Joining Séan to discuss is Julie Jay, comedian and Irish Examiner columnist...

Pets are out and about, but should they be?

Tue, 21 May 2024 13:35:00 +0000

More than half of Irish households have a pet.

Cats, gerbils and exotic birds make up part of the pet population, but dogs are by far the most "pupular" family furry.

Once confined to the back garden - owners are now taking them out and about more and more, but is this a good thing for us and our pets?

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

New project to make gigs and late night venues safer

Mon, 20 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Sexual harassment and discrimination on night outs is, unfortunately, a widespread experience that needs to be stopped. Safe Gigs Ireland wants to end this and is working to create safe spaces for everyone.

Dola Twomey is the lead out of ‘Safe Gigs Ireland’ and a therapist at Sexual Violence Centre, Cork and joins Seán to discuss.

Why are Irish Defence Forces in South Lebanon?

Mon, 20 May 2024 14:18:00 +0000

While war still rages in Gaza, there is a conflict in the north, with Hasbullah and Israel launching rockets at each other - and Irish troops are stuck in the middle of it.

Tom Clonan, Senator and former Army Officer who served in the region, joins Seán to talk about the history of the conflict and why we’re there today.

Are French Fries the best chip?

Mon, 20 May 2024 14:14:00 +0000

Potatoes: the Irish family staple. And with them, there’s so much you can do, especially when it comes to making chips! You can have chunky chips, skinny chips, crinkle cut chips or even make some wedges. However, French fries have come out on top as being the fan favourites, with 62% of Brits saying they prefer French fries over the chunky chip!

Joining Seán to explain why is Gary O’Hanlon, Executive Chef of The K Club.

How is Tidy Towns actually judged?

Mon, 20 May 2024 13:50:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again, when local groups across Ireland are busy getting their towns in pristine condition ahead of the Tidy Towns Competition.

But, what do the judges look for when they roll into town?

Mary Howard is the chair of the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee and joins Seán to discuss.

Is celibacy a new trend?

Mon, 20 May 2024 13:49:00 +0000

The dating app Bumble recently went viral for all the wrong reasons because of their newest billboard reading, “You know full well a vow of celibacy is not the answer". People online were outraged, as usual. However, it has sparked the conversation surrounding celibacy and its growing trend.

Mangala Holland is a female pleasure and sexual confidence expert, and joins Seán to discuss.

How to make a blended family work

Mon, 20 May 2024 13:26:00 +0000

Although blended families are now more common, it still has all its challenges. It can take time for each family member to adjust to the new dynamic and can be difficult to strike the right balance when taking on the role as a step-parent.

Joining Seán to discuss the best way to achieve a successful blended family isKaren Kiernan, CEO of One Family.

What’s the point of a ‘Supercomputer’?

Fri, 17 May 2024 14:39:00 +0000

There are computers. And then there are supercomputers. Most normal computers are handy for everyday tasks, however, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to create complex simulations or conduct necessary research. That’s where the powerful supercomputer comes in.

Joining Seán to discuss is Professor Stefano Sanvito, Professor of Condensed Matter Theory and Physics Director of CRANN Institute

The history of Glasnevin cemetery

Fri, 17 May 2024 14:24:00 +0000

The population of Dublin is roughly the same as the amount of people in Glasnevin Cemetery - which may lead you to think of the stories left dead and buried.

Well, it prompted Warren Farrell to write 'So once was I'. He joins Seán to share what he's learned.

Capturing the memory of a teenage disco

Fri, 17 May 2024 14:02:00 +0000

It’s one of the most exciting moments of many young lives, and a new photobook aims to capture the realities of local teenage discos from a teenage girl's perspective.

Photographer Eimear Lynch travelled the country in service of her new book ‘Girls’ Night’, snapping images of the many rituals associated with a night on the community hall tiles. She joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Eimear Lynch

How historically accurate is ‘Bridgerton’?

Fri, 17 May 2024 13:58:00 +0000

Bridgerton has recently returned for a third season! As they delve into different characters this season with new romances, it can make you wonder how historically accurate the show really is…

Joining Seán to talk about the Netflix phenomenon is Dr. Mary Muldowney Historian in Residence for Dublin North West.

Image: Netflix UK & Ireland

What’s the appeal of the ‘Mile High Club’?

Thu, 16 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

For many, the mile high club is a bucket list achievement. The club refers to a group of people who have managed to have a romantic rendezvous while in the clouds. If you’ve always wanted to become a member of this exclusive club, but weren't sure how to go about it, look no further than the Love Cloud in Las Vegas.

Captain Tony, President and Chief Pilot of Love Cloud, joins Seán to discuss.

Realising when you have burnout…

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:46:00 +0000

Sometimes things can feel like they’re too much and can become completely overwhelming. Emma Gannon had this feeling and was eventually forced to take a career break after being diagnosed with chronic burnout.

Emma Gannon, author of ‘A Year of Nothing’ joins Seán to discuss.

Is failure actually good for us?

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:02:00 +0000

Rejection and failure can be a bitter pill to swallow but as they say “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. Failure is part of a healthy life journey and it’s important for us not to shield our children from it, says Richard Hogan.

Dr. Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Author and Columnist with The Irish Examiner joins Seán to discuss.

Has anything changed since ‘Super Size Me’?

Thu, 16 May 2024 13:55:00 +0000

20 years ago the documentary ‘Super Size Me’ was released. In it, Morgan Spurlock took part in a social experiment which saw him attempting to eat food from the McDonald's menu for an entire month.

The documentary was supposed to be a turning point in our relationship with fast food, but two decades on, has much changed?

Isabelle Fegan is a registered Dietician and joins Seán to discuss.

‘I spent all my money on a horse!’ - Henry McKean & Communions

Thu, 16 May 2024 13:47:00 +0000

The Communion season is upon us... Is it a rite of passage? Or are we all being hypocrites, since many of us won’t bring the child to mass every Sunday?

Newstalk's Henry McKean has been asking about communion memories and how much people received.

Why is customer support so frustrating?

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:21:00 +0000

Sometimes it can feel like a living nightmare trying to talk to a real human being in customer support, you’re either dealing with chat bots, or ridiculous waiting times.

Consumer Journalist Siobhan Maguire joins Seán to give the best tips when dealing with customer care.

What does a modern day butler look like?

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Butlers are still around, but things are probably quite different these days. Today’s modern day butler duties would resemble those of a personal assistant. It’s no longer about just polishing the family cutlery. And, as their duties have evolved, they are no longer confined to just the family home, but are often out and about by their employer's side.

Sean Davron, Butler Director at The Dorchester, who has also been a butler for 42 years speaks with Seán about being a butler today.

The Dublin Portal isn’t our first failed monument…

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:50:00 +0000

Dublin’s newly opened portal – which offers a two way 24/7 livestream to New York City – has been temporarily turned off after several high profile inappropriate incidents. Culprits, on both sides of the Atlantic, treated fellow portal viewers to nudity, images of the Twin Towers and suspected drug use.

But, this isn’t the first time a Dublin monument has made headlines. Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent has been writing about this and joins Seán to discuss.

Is the all-in-one streaming service incoming?

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:39:00 +0000

Last night, one of the biggest media companies in America announced that they are to offer a new streaming service bundle, which will include Netflix, Apple TV and Peacock - all in one place.

It comes off the back of Disney and Warner announcing last week that they are to offer a bundle option too. So, are we getting that one step closer to an all-in-one streaming service?

Elaine Burke is the host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast and joins Seán to discuss.

How to navigate the drama with group chats

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:20:00 +0000

Group chats can be a place of entertainment which brings people together, but it can also be a stomping ground for snarky comments and division. From school parent chats to secret subgroups - it can be difficult to navigate the world of group chats.

Siobhan O’Neill White, Director of mamsnet.ie, joins Seán to discuss.

Shelbourne celebrate 250-year lease for Tolka Park!

Tue, 14 May 2024 15:03:00 +0000

Dublin City Council has granted Shelbourne a 250-year lease for Tolka Park. The League of Ireland club has faced an anxious future over their permanent home venue as they do not own the Tolka Park site.

It’s after a successful campaign from the Save Tolk Park campaign. Lee Daly is a spokesperson for them, and joins Seán to discuss.

Did the first pig kidney transplant work?

Tue, 14 May 2024 14:43:00 +0000

Richard Slayman, the man who received the first ever pig kidney transplant has died 2 months after the operation although doctors say his death was not a direct result of the transplant.

Dr Adam Griesemer, the leading surgeon on the first pig kidney transplant and Associate Professor of Surgery at NYU Langone Health joins Seán to discuss.

Is the age of carpet dying out?

Tue, 14 May 2024 14:38:00 +0000

Dyson has launched a brand-new product - a £600 electric mop. As more and more people shift away from carpets and move towards wooden and tiled floors is people's love for the wall-to-wall carpet dying out?

Joining Seán to discuss is Róisín Murphy, Architect and Broadcaster.

How safe is the content in your phone?

Tue, 14 May 2024 14:20:00 +0000

Digital driving licences are set to be introduced later this year. The new driving licence will be conveniently kept in the wallet app on your phone. Although this will be a huge advantage to many, it’s not without its downsides…

Joining Seán to discuss this further isAdrian Weckler, Tech Editor at the Irish & Sunday Independent.

How do you plan for your death?

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:28:00 +0000

You might not think about it a lot, but death is one of two certainties in life. So, what do you want to happen to your body when the time comes?

Stefanie Preissner wrote about her investigations into buying a burial plot, and it led to interesting points for cost, location, and having to plan in advance.

David Fanagan is the Director of Fanagan’s Funeral Directors, and joins Seán to discuss the inevitable.

Who was Roger Corman?

Mon, 13 May 2024 15:28:00 +0000

A legend of cult cinema, who played a part in launching the careers of Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron has died.

His name is Roger Corman, and although he is an Oscar Winner, you may never had heard of him.

Here to look back on his strange career with Seán is Brian Lloyd, Movie Editor with Entertainment.ie.

Image: Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times, 1978

What living with hypochondria is like…

Mon, 13 May 2024 14:33:00 +0000

In recent years mental health problems have become widely accepted and understood yet hypochondria is “still the one that we’re allowed to laugh at” , says Caroline.

Caroline Crampton, hypochondriac, author of ‘A Body Made of Glass’ and podcaster joins Seán to discuss.

What exactly is ‘Sleep Tourism’?

Mon, 13 May 2024 14:25:00 +0000

With more awareness about the importance of sleep, travellers are looking for hotels that can offer some good quality shut eye. From pillow menus to €15,000 mattresses, hotels are cashing in on the new trend that is sleep tourism.

Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air and Travel Magazine joins Seán to discuss.

Why do we collect things?

Mon, 13 May 2024 14:18:00 +0000

Coins, watches, stamps and fridge magnets are just a few of the many popular items people collect but why do we ‘collect’ items? And what makes someone a collector?

Roslyn Dee, columnist for the Independent, who now owns 44 copies of the Great Gatsby says she thinks collecting is obsessional and she joins Seán to discuss.

Upcoming Elections: How does the voting process work?

Mon, 13 May 2024 14:15:00 +0000

As local and European elections are looming people are being urged to register and vote. Although the registration process has gotten easier in recent years, there are still many questions about how to get on the register and the voting process.

Joining Seán is Art O'Leary, CEO of the Electoral Commission, to discuss.

The history of red lipstick

Fri, 10 May 2024 13:55:00 +0000

Sean talked to Faye Keegan, a writer, about the fascinating history of red lipstick. Over the centuries, the meaning of wearing it has evolved dramatically—from a symbol of power to being tried as a witch. Faye explores these bizarre origins and the shifting symbolism of this bold cosmetic.

Are you afraid of fairy forts?

Fri, 10 May 2024 13:45:00 +0000

The stories of the fairy forts and trees date back centuries; it is said that if you tamper with the fairies, bad luck will follow you around, but why do they hold such importance today? Sean talks to Eddie Lenihan, storyteller, seanchaí and author of ‘Meeting The Other Crowd’ about these long-held superstitions.

How to swear in Swedish

Fri, 10 May 2024 13:35:00 +0000

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean asks locals in Malmo how to say all sorts of bad words in Swedish.

What stories do costumes convey on screen?

Fri, 10 May 2024 13:20:00 +0000

The Iconic Costumes of the Irish Silver Screen exhibition has recently opened at the Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons. The exhibition features costumes from the likes of ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘Breakfast on Pluto’. Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh is a costume designer and co-founder of the Irish Costume Archive Project (ICAP), joined Sean to talk about the clothes behind the character.

How brands hook you with scents

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:45:00 +0000

How important is our sense of smell in our day-to-day lives? Very important it turns out. More and more brands are following in the footsteps of Abercrombie & Fitch , LUSH and Subway, who use their strong scents to draw customers in. Sean is joined by Dr. Alan Hiersch, Neurological director of Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago to explain the powerful link between scents and brands.

Ireland gets its own Amazon

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:45:00 +0000

Amazon has announced the launch of its new online Irish store, which will open next year. Amazon.ie will include over 100 million products and will feature Irish businesses. Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Sean to explore what this means for the Irish market.

What makes a good election poster?

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Election season is upon us, as you will have seen by the posters that are being erected across the country at the moment. But what makes a good election poster? Derek Mooney is a Former Fianna Fail Strategist and former campaign manager, and joins Sean to discuss.

Controversy in Malmö: Israel gets booed

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean travels to Malmö and speaks with Sean about the reactions surrounding Israel's controversial participation in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

"Do we know if he had a blue tooth?" The viking namesake behind wireless tech Bluetooth

Wed, 08 May 2024 15:36:00 +0000

It may be surprising to some that the namesake and symbol of wireless technology Bluetooth was inspired by a real viking.

But how did the Nordic warrior become the name of a huge technological development? And did he have a blue tooth?

Professor Poul Holm of Environmental History at Trinity College Dublin joined Seán to share the life of Blue Tooth the Viking.

Is it normal to have a relationship with your stalker?

Wed, 08 May 2024 15:19:00 +0000

Netflix’s Baby Reindeer follows the true story of comedian Richard Gadd’s dysfunctional relationship with his stalker.

But what are the characteristics of a stalker?

Seán is joined by Forensic Psychologist Dr. Patrick Randall to learn more about stalking dynamics and what to look out for.

"Sheep just want to die on purpose!" Farmers on the impact of losing animals

Wed, 08 May 2024 14:58:00 +0000

Jeremy Clarkson's venture into farming has come with some heartbreaking lessons and choices, including sending his beloved Pepper the cow to the abattoir.

But do farmers mourn the death of their animals like pets?

Seán was joined by farmer and journalist Hannah Mulligan to learn more about life and death on the farm.

Is it healthy to look back on old photographs?

Wed, 08 May 2024 13:46:00 +0000

Looking back on old photographs can bring on powerful emotions when remembering how much our lives have changed.

But is it helpful to reminisce on times gone by?

Seán is joined by Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr. Claire Hayes to learn more about how old photographs can be a comfort or a weapon to our mental health.

How to survive this year's wedding season

Wed, 08 May 2024 13:25:00 +0000

Wedding season is quickly approaching, but what are the tips and tricks to survive the next few months of festivities?

Seán speaks to journalist Édaein O’Connell to learn what’s expected of guests and wedding parties.

The Cuckoo Tracking Project

Tue, 07 May 2024 15:34:00 +0000

Cuckoo birds are arriving back in Ireland after their 18,000km round trip migration.

But where exactly do they go and what way do they come back?

Seán is joined by Conservation Ranger and lead on the Cuckoo Tracking Project, Sam Bailey to learn more.

Should a sexual orientation question be added to the census?

Tue, 07 May 2024 15:04:00 +0000

The CSO is considering broadening the range of questions for sexuality and gender in the 2027 census.

CEO of BeLonGTo Youth Services Moninne Griffith says the life experience of the LGBTQ+ community should be recorded and joins Seán to discuss.

"It was unbelievable" The Hotel Singer Who Opened for a Take That Concert in Glasgow

Tue, 07 May 2024 15:04:00 +0000

Daniel Rooney was singing in a hotel in Glasglow when he was told Take That’s Gary Barlow had a gig for him that would “change his life”.

With 30 minutes to prepare, the singer opened for the British boy band performing for a crowd of 14,000 people.

Daniel joins Seán to share the whirlwind story.

Image credit: @danielrooney_music / Instagram

Around The World: US Teacher Uses AI To Frame Boss of Racism

Tue, 07 May 2024 14:11:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler takes listeners through the week's international stories...

Visiting the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö - Henry McKean in Sweden

Tue, 07 May 2024 14:02:00 +0000

While visiting Malmö to report on the Eurovision, Newstalk's Henry McKean stopped off at the Disgusting Food Museum to tuck into some stomach churning dishes.

From eating dead ants to tasting the smelly durian fruit, Henry joins Seán to discuss the cuisine.

What exactly is Padel?

Fri, 03 May 2024 14:01:00 +0000

Padel has gained huge popularity recently, celebrities like Roger Federer, David Beckham and Robbie Keane have played Padel and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down as there are loads of indoor and outdoor centres popping up across the nation, but what exactly is Padel?

Barry Coffey is the President of the Irish Padel Association and joins Seán to discuss.

Where does the Confirmation pledge come from?

Fri, 03 May 2024 13:43:00 +0000

The Pledge is a promise that kids make during the Holy Communion process in 5th or 6th class. Confirmation season is here and 90% of the primary schools in the country remain under Catholic patronage. This is in spite of the fact that a new study revealed that more than half of teachers in Catholic schools “do not believe in a personal God”.

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Seán to give his report on its origins, how prevalent it is today and how it exactly works.

Gen Z believes 57 is old!

Fri, 03 May 2024 13:22:00 +0000

A recent study found that people under 27 think 57 is old. They also believe that retirement is just sitting and pottering around the place.

However, the baby boomers believe that 60 is the new 40, and those between 60 and 78 are living their best lives!

Terry Prone is the Chairman of the Communications Clinic and joins Seán to discuss.

How do you spot a narcissist?

Thu, 02 May 2024 15:04:00 +0000

John Fardy’s guests are two psychotherapists who specialise in adult children of narcissistic parents. Having met through Instagram a number of years ago, they’ve since created a podcast ‘In Sight: Exposing Narcissism’ and released their new book last month: ‘You’re Not the Problem: The Impact of Narcissism and Emotional Abuse and How to Heal.’ Katie McKenna and Helen Villiers join John to discuss narcissism.

How do algorithms actually work?

Thu, 02 May 2024 14:57:00 +0000

Curiosity may get the better of us when we are scrolling on social media, maybe we interact with a peculiar-looking video, only for our timeline to be bombarded with the same types of videos! How do these algorithms even work and how do we fix it!

Well, Elaine Burke is a journalist and Host of the 'For Tech Sake Podcast' and joins John to discuss.

The 50th anniversary of Abba’s Eurovision win!

Thu, 02 May 2024 14:08:00 +0000

As we gear up for Eurovision next week, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Abba’s famous 1974 win with ‘Waterloo’.

Joining John is Giles Smith, Author of new book ‘My My! Abba Through the Ages’ to discuss.

‘I am the mother of an only child - by choice.’

Thu, 02 May 2024 13:54:00 +0000

Being a parent has become increasingly difficult in today’s society, with many external factors now influencing prospective parents’ decisions on whether or not to have a child.

Rachel O’Dwyer recently wrote a piece for the Irish Times in which she detailed her experience as a mother of an only child by choice, she joins John to discuss.

‘If I see a number I don’t know, I don’t answer!’ - Henry McKean asks if people answer their phone

Thu, 02 May 2024 13:49:00 +0000

One in four young adults have never answered their mobile phone. Henry McKean, who does answer his phone most of the time, joins guest host John Fardy to figure out why young people don’t like answering…

Miriam Rivera and the dark side of reality TV

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:59:00 +0000

You may remember the extremely problematic reality show ‘There’s something about Miriam’, where contestants did not know that the woman they were hoping to end up with was transgender. A new Channel 4 documentary has been released about this woman called ‘Miriam: Death of A Reality Star’.

Luned Tonderai is the Series Director, and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Channel 4

How does Ireland’s asylum process work?

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:32:00 +0000

Asylum seekers have been moved from tents at the International Protection Office on Mount Street in Dublin’s city centre to State accommodation in Citywest and Crooksling in southwest Dublin. There were more than 200 tents in the streets and laneways surrounding the office, all occupied by male asylum seekers.

To discuss the asylum seeking process in detail with Séan is Principal of Sinnott Solicitors Dublin, as well as Founding Member of the Irish Immigration Lawyers Association, Carol Sinnott.

Why are pee-stained jeans a new fashion trend?

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:24:00 +0000

There seems to be a new trend every single day that never fails to shock people. Pee-stained jeans are the latest fashion trend...or disaster. Are these crazy pieces created just to get publicity, or are we just not fashionable enough?

Laura Mullett is a journalist and fashion expert and joins Seán to discuss the latest ‘fashion’ trends.

Is the hot school meals scheme done well enough?

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:16:00 +0000

As the government rolls out the hot school meals scheme to more and more primary schools across the country, is it fit for purpose? Or should it be done in a more environmentally friendly way?

Joining Seán is Ruth Hegarty, Food Policy Consultant to discuss.

When does summer officially begin?

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:15:00 +0000

It’s the first of May, and for many people out there – the official start to summer. But for others, it’s all a lie - and summer won’t start until June!

Discussing one of the greatest debates in the Irish calendar with Seán is Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather.

Irish community in Tel Aviv disappointed by Ireland’s position on conflict

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:09:00 +0000

With a small - but significant community of Irish people living in Israel, what are their views on how the Irish government, and Ireland in general, have been dealing with the current conflict in Gaza?

Joining Seán to discuss is John Costello, a Dubliner living in Tel Aviv, who has been writing about these issues in today’s Irish Independent.

Image: John Costello

The Force flows through West Cork

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:16:00 +0000

There’s a new festival in West Cork coming from a galaxy far, far away – you guessed it, the Feel the Force Festival will be celebrating all things Star Wars and superfan Nuri Albakri is the man behind the event and joins Seán to discuss.

Could wine agriculture take off in Ireland?

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:10:00 +0000

With continental European summers getting hotter and drier, is it time for Ireland to step up to the mark and adopt wine agriculture on an industrial scale? The Brits are already at it...

Joining Seán to discuss is Hannah Quinn-Mulligan, Farmer and Journalist, who has been writing about this in her column in the Irish Independent.

How many people actually died in the Civil War?

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:58:00 +0000

Despite much scholarship on the subject, there is little agreement on just how many people actually died during the Civil War in 1922 and 1923. However, a new project at UCC aims to change this. Joining Seán to discuss is John Dorney, Research Assistant on the Irish Civil War Fatalities Project and the author of The Civil War in Dublin.

Image: National Library of Ireland, HOG54.

Keeping old Irish recipes alive

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:43:00 +0000

Passing down recipes from generation to generation is crucial to our culture but it seems that it has faded in recent years, most likely due to finding a recipe within seconds online. An Irish woman started collecting old Irish recipes in 2020, and now has 3,000 of them!

Roisin Hynes is a writer at oldirishrecipes.com, as well as that collector and joins Seán to discuss.

Image: Old Irish Recipes

‘My mother was a dominatrix in Dublin in the 1980s’

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:26:00 +0000

Seán’s guest Susan grew up in a unique household in 1980s Dublin, where her mother ruled the roost as a dominatrix, to make a living after falling on hard times. Susan Bluechild even did a stint herself at 16, assisting her mother with her unusual profession.

She joins Seán to talk about the experience.

Do we get our personality from our parents?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:58:00 +0000

We’ve all heard the saying ‘like father like son’ but how accurate is that statement? New research has been carried out to investigate how much of our personality we inherit from out parents. Joining Seán to discuss the findings is the lead author of the study, Dr René Mottus, Reader at the University of Edinburgh and Professor at the University of Tartu.

The history of Irish people living in the UK

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:33:00 +0000

The Epic Museum in Dublin has put together an exhibit called ‘Look Back to Look Forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain’ that collects stories of Irish people living in the UK. Seán is joined by the CEO of the Irish in Britain Organisation, to discuss the exhibit and our history.

Is zero alcohol Guinness actually good?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:21:00 +0000

In the last year, sales of Guinness 0.0 have surged by nearly 50%, highlighting the increased interest in non-alcoholic drinks in recent years. Joining Seán to discuss the drink’s rise in popularity is the Guiness Guru himself, Darragh Curran.

Image: Guinness/Diageo

How do you split the household chores?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:19:00 +0000

Household chores can be a divisive subject in any relationship, with one person often picking up the slack and subsequent frustration in the process. How do you divide your chores at home? To discuss the topic is Broadcaster, Keith Walsh, who joins Seán.

Using bath water to grow your plants - a good idea?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:17:00 +0000

As unpredictable weather and summer droughts increase due to climate change, there is now a growing trend for people to use so-called ‘grey water’, rather than fresh tap water, when watering their gardens. But how does this process work? Joining Seán to discuss this is Michael Kelly, Founder of GIY in Waterford.

Should you always play with your child?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:15:00 +0000

There’s much debate online on whether it’s important to teach your child to play alone and entertain themselves, or whether you should suck it up and play with them. Irish Times journalist Tanya Sweeney recently wrote an article on this and joined Seán to discuss.

The world’s first AI beauty pageant! (For some reason)

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:27:00 +0000

The world’s first AI beauty pageant has been launched, with over 1000 entries so far. The winners are set to be announced next month.

Sally-Ann Fawcett is one of the ‘Miss AI’ judges and the author of ‘Misdemeanours: Beauty Queen Scandals’, and joins Seán to discuss the event.

This man did wine tastings during the London Marathon

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:18:00 +0000

Seán’s guest managed to complete the London Marathon the other day with a little help from an unusual source...wine!

Tom Gilbey, a sommelier and wine professional, did a wine tasting at every mile marker during the event, and even managed to get most of the blind tastings correct. He joins the show to talk about the experience - and the most important question: why?

The incredible power of… Bluey?

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:03:00 +0000

Whether you’re a parent of young children or not, you’ve most-likely heard of the children’s cartoon Bluey, which is taking the world by storm! The cartoon has become the Taylor Swift of children’s television, with its last surprise episode causing numerous discussions online. Joining Seán to chat about all things Bluey is 98fm’s Suzanne Kane.

Image: BBC Studios

Do people still read poetry?

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:37:00 +0000

It’s National Poetry Day, and although most of us think that we’ve not interested in poetry or never consume it, you might be wrong...

To discuss the world of poetry and its popularity, Seán is joined by Newstalk Producer Seán Reidy.

Make-A-Wish Story: Evelyn O’Byrne

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:23:00 +0000

Newstalk is partnering with Make-A-Wish Ireland to celebrate Wish Week. Join us all week as we talk to some incredible children and their courageous families, and hear how Make-A-Wish Ireland have been beacons of light for children facing the toughest battles of their lives.

Make-A-Wish Ireland is dependent on the generosity of the public. You can donate online at makeawish.ie/donate.

Evelyn O’Byrne has Juvenile Batten disease - she was diagnosed when she was 6. She was able to go to Disney Land through Make-A-Wish and loved the experience.

Joining Seán to talk about her daughter’s illness and how they are doing is Evelyn’s mother, Jolene.

The increasing cost of solo travel in Ireland

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:58:00 +0000

Despite Ireland seeing an increase in solo travellers year on year, the lack of single occupancy rooms is a massive problem, with hotels generally charging double room rates across the board.

Joining Seán to share her experience as a solo traveller is Travel Blogger Janet Newenham.

Why are celebrity baby names so weird?

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:45:00 +0000

Celebrity baby names have always stirred headlines for their often off-the-wall nature. From Gwenyth Paltrow’s daughter Apple, to Cheryl Cole’s son Bear, it seems no parameters apply in the land of fame! Singer Anne-Marie has recently named her daughter Seven.

Mum of seven (children!) and journalist, Jen Hogan joins Seán to discuss.

Limerick’s first directly elected mayor - how much power will they have?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Limerick is leading a national experiment as the campaign for Ireland's first directly elected mayor is now in full swing. The directly elected mayor model aims to give real power in local government back to those elected by the people. Joining Seán to run everybody up to speed on the campaign and the 13 candidates currently running is News Reporter for Limerick’s Live 95, Nigel Dugdale.

Will TikTok be banned in America?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:31:00 +0000

As part of the foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was passed by the US Senate, Tik Tok has just one year to divest from its Chinese parent company - or else face a total ban in America.

Joining Seán to untangle all of this is Adrian Wreckler, Irish Independent’s Technology Editor.

This man drove the full length of America on a motorbike

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:27:00 +0000

When this guest retired, he decided to drive his motorbike the full length of the Americas, from Chile to the US. Joining Seán is Peter Murtagh, Journalist and author of ‘From Tip to Top: The journey of a lifetime from Chile to Alaska’.

Hozier gets a number 1 hit in America!

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:11:00 +0000

Hozier has become the fourth ever Irish artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. 

The Wicklow musician’s song ‘Too Sweet’ has ascended to the number one spot, climbing from the number two spot since last week.

Danny McElhinney is a Music Journalist from the Irish Mail on Sunday and joins Seán to discuss the song’s success.

Wexford town builds roof over entire street

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:08:00 +0000

With the increase in outdoor areas for hospitality businesses since the pandemic, is there an argument for putting a roof over streets to stop the pesky rain from ruining our al fresco dining experiences? This is exactly what has happened on Monck street in Wexford town. However, it has divided opinion. Joining Seán is Padraig Byrne, Journalist with the Wexford People to discuss.

Image: Visit Wexford

What do subterranean creatures sound like?

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:26:00 +0000

Half of the world’s creatures live under the ground in soil, but have you ever thought about what they sound like? A new project seeks to find some answers...

Joining Seán is Dr. Jackie Stroud, soil scientist at the University of Warwick, to discuss.

What we can learn about a united Ireland from Germany

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:23:00 +0000

As discussions continue apace about the prospect of a United Ireland, are there economic lessons to be learnt from the reunification of Germany in the early 1990s? Seán's guest lived and worked near Leipzig during that transition over thirty years ago. Cormac Lucey, Economic columnist with the Sunday Times and Independent Candidate in the local elections, joins Seán to discuss.

'Somebody kicked the door in!’ - Henry McKean asks about good/bad neighbours

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:08:00 +0000

It seems young people are bringing back a sense of community spirit. A new survey by the Nextdoor app found Gen Z- those aged 27 and under-are most open to helping their neighbours.

To discuss further, Seán is joined by Henry McKean.

Are the days of cheap flights over?

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:33:00 +0000

For years, budget airlines have soared due to the fact they could sell flights for the same price as a pint of Guinness in Temple Bar.

However, due to inflation, is this now a thing of the past?

Édaein O'Connell is a journalist who has been looking at this, and joins Seán to discuss.

State apologises for Stardust tragedy - Is it enough?

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:19:00 +0000

Taoiseach Simon Harris delivers a formal state apology to the families and victims of the Stardust fire tragedy over 40 years ago in the Dáil.

Joining Seán to comment on the proceedings is Editor of TheJournal.ie, Sineád O’Carroll.

How common are tattoo typos?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:36:00 +0000

It was revealed the other day that the supermodel Cara Delavigne has had a correction made to one of her tattoos after a typo was accidentally inked on her arm. But just how common is it for typos to happen during the tattooing process? Joining Seán is Rob Connolly, Owner of The Ink Factory Studios in Dublin and New York.

What exactly is ‘microfeminism’?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:32:00 +0000

There’s a new term trending on social media called ‘microfeminism,’ which underscores the idea that creating change doesn’t always require grandiose actions but starts with small, highly intentional daily gestures. Joining Seán to discuss is Associate Professor in Social Psychology at the University of Surrey, Dr Aífe Hopkins-Doyle.

This professor has been recording his entire life

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:20:00 +0000

An Irish man has been lifelogging for 18 years; every 30 seconds, a photograph is taken and catalogued using AI. This is for a good reason; the purpose of lifelogging is to help people with dementia and Alzheimer's with their memory and support them. Cathal Gurrin is the deputy director of the ADAPT Centre and Professor at the School of Computing in DCU and joins Seán to discuss.

What does ‘We must meet soon’ mean?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:17:00 +0000

Trying to meet up with friends can be tricky, and a lot of us may end up saying, ‘Must meet up soon!’ just as a reminder that we still want to meet up, or do we? Well, Tanya Sweeney is an Irish Independent Columnist and joins Seán to discuss.

Tuesdays with Morrie with Dan Butler

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:10:00 +0000

A new production of Tuesdays with Morrie is currently playing at the Gaiety Theatre here in Dublin, until this coming Saturday. One of the lead actors is Dan Butler, perhaps best known to Irish audiences for his inimitable portrayal of Bulldog Briscoe in the classic sitcom Frasier. He joins Seán to discuss the production.

Image: Uncredited

What makes a tourist attraction stand out?

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:20:00 +0000

The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin has been named as the most boring tourist attraction in the country.

Ireland escaped quite well in this new list, put together by solitared.com. The museum was ranked 38th, with the Branson Scenic Railway in Missouri taking the top spot.

We sent Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie to find out what makes a tourist attraction stand out.

New special bridge to help dormice travel between trees

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:05:00 +0000

With so many ash trees being felled due to dieback in England, a new system has been introduced to allow treetop-dwelling dormice to travel: mini bridges. Joining me Seán to discuss this is Kate Wollen from Forestry England.

Irishman set to be foreman on Trump trial

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:32:00 +0000

Last night news broke in New York that a man originally from Ireland would not only sit on the jury of Donald Trump’s hush money trial, but had also been selected as foreman. Joining Seán to discuss the jury selection process is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal.

Why is the Old Irish Goat being targeted by trophy hunters?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:26:00 +0000

While the Old Irish Goat is already an endangered species in Ireland, the absence of legal protection means it is now also the target of trophy hunters. Joining Seán to discuss the issue is Sinead Keane, volunteer with the Old Irish Goat Society.

TV licence inspectors are being sent for resilience training!

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:16:00 +0000

TV licence inspectors are getting so much abuse that they are now having to get resilience training - what exactly is that? Seán is joined by Richard Burke, Managing Director or Resilience Matters to discuss.

She fled to a monastery to escape her hectic life...

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:08:00 +0000

Life can be incredibly hectic; it may feel like we are constantly on a roller coaster, and sometimes need to switch it off completely. Putting your phone on silent may not be enough, but fleeing to a Benedictine Monastery might be! Veena McCoole did just that, and joins Seán to talk about the experience.

What is loud budgeting - and should we do it?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:04:00 +0000

One of the latest TikTok trends is “loud budgeting” - where people are open and vocal about how much money they have, as well as how much they will spend.

Seán is joined by Frank Conway, Founder of MoneyWhizz to discuss.

How much do you make writing a book?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:08:00 +0000

While 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

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:59:00 +0000

A 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?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:43:00 +0000

The 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"?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:34:00 +0000

A 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?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:22:00 +0000

US 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?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:09:00 +0000

This 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

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Last 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?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:36:00 +0000

Based 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

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:24:00 +0000

The 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?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:08:00 +0000

While 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?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:59:00 +0000

According 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?

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:48:00 +0000

Since 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

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:25:00 +0000

The 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...

The Most Blasphemous Adverts of All Time

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:15:00 +0000

An 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...

Dermot Bannon: People stop me in queues to ask about their home renovations

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:15:00 +0000

It 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...

How do you deal with rage?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:16:00 +0000

A 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

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

A 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

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:52:00 +0000

An 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

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:47:00 +0000

After 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

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:32:00 +0000

Today 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?

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:25:00 +0000

There 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

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:55:00 +0000

According 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

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

The 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?

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:05:00 +0000

When 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'

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:50:00 +0000

Thin 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?

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:50:00 +0000

Following 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

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

During 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?

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:08:00 +0000

While 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

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

As 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?

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Have 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

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

A 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

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Grey’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

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

For 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?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:12:00 +0000

David 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

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:58:00 +0000

Stefanie 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?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:26:00 +0000

It 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

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:21:00 +0000

A 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

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:15:00 +0000

Newstalk'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?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:05:00 +0000

Would 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?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:58:00 +0000

There 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?

The History of Hot Cross Buns

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:42:00 +0000

Many 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...

People see things at different rates: Here's why

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:42:00 +0000

Just 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...

Viral 'Fish Doorbell' is helping marine life in The Netherlands

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:40:00 +0000

Ding 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?

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:34:00 +0000

After 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?

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

If 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

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:20:00 +0000

March 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

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:45:00 +0000

An 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

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:12:00 +0000

The 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

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Could 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?

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:55:00 +0000

Oscar 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...

Are jeans banned in North Korea?

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:45:00 +0000

When 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 and Military Rule’ to discuss...

The Secret Army: The Lost Documentary about the IRA

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:03:00 +0000

A 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 disappeared.

The BBC’s Darragh MacIntyre is the reporter on the feature-length film – also called “The Secret Army” and he joined Sean to discuss...

International Whiskey Day: The Irish Influence

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:24:00 +0000

Today 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

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:05:00 +0000

With 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?

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:55:00 +0000

Studies 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'

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Ali 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'

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Under 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?

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:10:00 +0000

There 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

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:35:00 +0000

Politicians 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...

How is security intelligence collected?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Russia 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...

Belfast table tennis club sets new Guinness World Record

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:10:00 +0000

A 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...

Should we argue in relationships?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Do 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?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:50:00 +0000

Godparents 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?

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:56:00 +0000

'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?

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

It’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?

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:23:00 +0000

While 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?

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:12:00 +0000

When 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'

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:56:00 +0000

Today, 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...

North Star: A Belfast celebration of Black music and culture

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:58:00 +0000

On 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…

Why can’t Irish passport holders in Northern Ireland vote in Irish elections?

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:58:00 +0000

While 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...

'Things take me a while!' - Henry asks the people of Belfast about procrastinating

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:45:00 +0000

Many 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!

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:03:00 +0000

The 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'

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:50:00 +0000

Today'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?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

We 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

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Emily 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?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:12:00 +0000

With 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

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

A 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?

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:58:00 +0000

Lloyd'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'

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:41:00 +0000

We 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'

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Yesterday 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

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:55:00 +0000

Shigeichi 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)

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:07:00 +0000

The 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

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The 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

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:25:00 +0000

In 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

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:15:00 +0000

This 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?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:12:00 +0000

As 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?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Unless 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...

How to deal with windbags during office meetings

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:55:00 +0000

One 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...

Female-only tractor safety course launched

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:55:00 +0000

In 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...

The death of hitchhiking

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Have 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

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:55:00 +0000

Seachtain 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'

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:41:00 +0000

Flags 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

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:25:00 +0000

Since 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

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:20:00 +0000

During 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'

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:12:00 +0000

As 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

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:40:00 +0000

How 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

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:20:00 +0000

Curiosities 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.

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:50:00 +0000

Trim 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 which has been chosen to host the scheme.

The Enhanced Games: The sporting event that levels the playing field by allowing the use of performance-enhancing drugs

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

The 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 Games’s Head of Athlete Relations and Bobsleigh Olympian from Canada

Post Wedding Blues

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:25:00 +0000

Weddings 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.

I do think there is a case of some spring cleaning' Does the constitution need a larger rework?

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:40:00 +0000

With voters going to the ballot boxes on Friday to vote in the 10th referendum in 10 years.

Is bunreacht na héireann so outdated and flawed that we need a more substantive overhaul of the founding legal document of our state?

Sean was joined by Reader in Constitutional Law and Human Rights at Birmingham Law School, Dr Alan Greene, to debate and discuss.

'We need a zero tolerance approach' Sinn Fein Senator Lynn Boylan on crimes against wildlife

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

While there has been a increase in the amount of prosecutions for wildlife crimes in the state.

These prosecutions have been spread unevenly across, counties with some suggesting that crimes against wildlife may be occurring without prosecution

But what is a wildlife crime? How can we combat it? And do we need a dedicated wildlife crime unit?

Sean was joined by Lynn Boylan, Sinn Fein Senator and Spokesperson for Climate Justice to discuss the matter.

'I thought it was a weed' Rhubarb season is upon us!

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:35:00 +0000

Rhubarb season is in full swing !

Rhubarb which is actually classified as vegetable is divisive food for many. With some hating its bitter taste and others happily including it in their five a day.

Joining Sean, to discuss the humble Rhubarb and its history in Irish culture and cuisine was Mark Moriarty, Chef and Irish Times Columnist

'It was ahead of its time' After 40 years of Naval service the Le Eithne has made it last journey.

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:20:00 +0000

LÉ Eithne the last naval ship built in Ireland has set sail on its final voyage ahead of its likely scrappage.

The Vessel was the flagship of the Irish Naval Service and served 38 years on missions at home and abroad before it was decommissioned in July 2022.

Joining Sean to explain the importance of LÉ Eithne, its capabilities and what it was like to serve aboard her was Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and former Captain of the ship.

Orania: South Africa's whites-only town

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:15:00 +0000

An Irish photographer has spent time in one of the most exclusive towns in the world. A place called Orania, in South Africa, which has very strict guidelines on who can actually be a resident. But is this town an extension of apartheid?

Sean was joined by photojournalist Stephen Bean to discuss...

'They're very low maintenance' - Number of alpaca owners in Ireland on the rise

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:52:00 +0000

There has been a huge spike in the ownership of Alpaca’s in Ireland recently.

You can’t eat them or milk them, they only produce one offspring a year and they cost around €1,500 a head, so why have their numbers shot up?

Sean was joined by Paul O’Brennan, Vice Chair of the Alpaca Association of Ireland...

'They call me giggles' - Henry McKean asks people about their nicknames

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:14:00 +0000

Have you ever met someone and wondered how they got their nickname? Why do we give people nicknames and what do they say about people that our real names don't?

Henry McKean went to ask people how they got their nicknames...

'People struggle to reintegrate' - Coffee trailers employing ex-prisoners around Dublin

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:08:00 +0000

A number of coffee trailers around Dublin employ only ex-prisoners, trained up as baristas, as a social enterprise to help former inmates back into employment.

Sean was joined by Pearse O’Reilly, Training and Social Enterprise Manager at PACE Social Enterprise...

'An act of desperation' - The history of self-immolation as political protest

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:06:00 +0000

Two weeks ago an American man set himself alight outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Self-immolation has a long and disturbing history.

Sean was joined by Amber French, Senior Editorial Advisor with the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict...

'I'm surprised they're still around' - Fraternities and Sororities Explained

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:32:00 +0000

The University of Maryland has hit the pause button on all fraternity and sorority shenanigans, announcing a suspension of Greek Life activities. These bastions of 'brotherhood' and 'sisterhood' aren't just social hideaways; they're your golden pass to a lifelong club of exclusivity. Yet, joining these elite circles may just be a high-stakes game.

Sean was joined by Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer at University of Galway and columnist with TheJournal.ie…

Why does South Korea have the lowest birth rate in the world?

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:10:00 +0000

South Korea has broken its own record for having the world’s lowest birth rate, with estimations that the country’s population will halve by 2100 if current trends persist. But why are Korean women so reluctant to have children?

Sean was joined by Dr. Kevin Cawley, Director of the Irish Institute of Korean Studies at UCC...

The Rise of AI Influencers

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 14:46:00 +0000

Have you ever been scrolling on social media and came across a photo of someone promoting a product that looked too perfect? Well, it may have been an AI influencer! In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of AI influencers but why?

Elaine Burke is host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast joined Sean to discuss...

Following Yoko Ono’s instruction manual

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:07:00 +0000

An exhibition at the Tate Modern in London features a series of instructions created by Yoko Ono back in the 1960s. The sometimes bizarre suggestions, such as “Grieve for a made up friend” offer an intriguing window into the 91 year old artist’s mind.

Journalist Oobah Butler has decided to take her instructions literally and has carried them out.

'I surprised myself' - Stephanie Rohan learns to drive a bus

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:54:00 +0000

At the moment only 6 per cent of bus drivers in Dublin are women. Dublin Bus has recently launched a campaign to increase that number.

Newstalk's Stephanie Rohan headed to the Dublin Bus training centre in Phibsboro to try her hand at it...

How to build a straw house

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:28:00 +0000

Going green and being sustainable is an important consideration for most people, but one man in Cork has taken things one step further. He has built a home made of straw.

Sean was joined by Liam Walsh, carpenter and builder to discuss…

'It's put to good use' - Horse dung catchers cleaning up streets in Killarney

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:28:00 +0000

A councillor in Wexford is calling for horse riders to ensure they clean up their animals’ poo due to fouling occurring on Curracloe beach. So, how should this problem be addressed? One solution has enjoyed success in Killarney over the past number of years.

Sean was joined by Niall Kelleher, Fianna Fail Councillor in Kerry...

'I asked her Dad' - Henry McKean asks people about wedding traditions

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:28:00 +0000

Wedding traditions such as the bride's father paying for the wedding and wearing a veil are apparently dying traditions among younger generations.

Sean was joined by Henry McKean who has been looking into this...

What to do if someone finds a body in a bog

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:26:00 +0000

When human remains were discovered in a bog in Derry last month, it wasn’t immediately clear if the body was contemporary or ancient. This has now led to calls for a code of best practice so that police and archeologists can work together in such situations.

Sean was joined by Rosie Everett, a lecturer in Environmental Sciences in UCC...

Families left 'raging' after Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:40:00 +0000

While it promised a world of wonder, the Willy Wonka event in Glasgow descended into farce over the weekend.

Now, parents of disappointed kids are fighting back.

Sean was joined by Libby Brooks, Scotland Correspondent for the Guardian...

Image: Facebook via Stuart Sinclair

Gen Alpha: Everything you need to know

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:31:00 +0000

Gen Alpha, the first generation who can swipe left and right on a tablet before they've learned to turn the pages of a picture book. Destined to claim the title of the largest generation globally, they raise questions: Who are these tech-savvy trailblazers? What whims and fancies guide them? And what twists await our future as they strut into the working world?

Sean was joined by Dr Melissa Bohnert, who completed her post-doc in Trinity College Dublin looking at the effects of digital use on children’s wellbeing, and currently works on the Children School Lives Project at University College Dublin…

Review into sex work legislation delayed until later this year

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:23:00 +0000

A review into laws around sex work will Ireland has been delayed once again.

It’s after the industry was decriminalised in 2017, leading to some uncertainty for those who work in the industry.

Linda Kavanagh is from the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland and joined Sean to discuss...

Ending a sentence with a preposition is now acceptable

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:20:00 +0000

One of the world’s major dictionaries has decided, after hundreds of years of debate, that it is now ok to end sentences with a preposition.

Sean was joined by Dr. Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics at UCD...

Italian priest avoids 'poisoned chalice' in attempted murder at Mass

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:57:00 +0000

The local priest of a church in Calabria is under police protection after his chalice was spiked with bleach, allegedly by a local mafia organisation.

Philip Willan, freelance journalist based in Rome, who is covering the story from The Times, joined Sean to discuss...

'The logo is redundant' - Deposit Return Scheme poses cost challenge for small business

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:42:00 +0000

The Deposit Return Scheme is causing problems for small businesses; A small craft beer company would have to pay €70,000 a year to put the Re-turn labels on their products and due to this may have to let staff members go.

Dean McGuiness, owner of Premier International Beers joined Sean to discuss...

Wagyu: Cheap vs Expensive

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:26:00 +0000

What actually is Wagyu? You could find yourself spending £900 for a wagyu steak in a particular restaurant in Mayfair but you can also buy so-called wagyu burgers for very cheap in Aldi.

To discuss, Sean was joined by Rick Higgins, Butcher and Co-author of ‘And for Mains’...

'I love airplane food' - Henry McKean asks what people think of the meals on airlines

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:25:00 +0000

A man on Tiktok reviewed the Aer Lingus 10 euro breakfast on his 6am flight to Hamburg. He liked it in the end. But how has airline food changed in recent years? And how do you get an upgrade into business and first class without paying?

Henry McKean who loves airplane food joined Sean to discuss...

How Bob Marley Popularised Tracksuits

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:09:00 +0000

Carmen Bellot, Style Editor at British Esquire joined Sean on the show to discuss how Bob Marley popularised the tracksuit...

Coercive control: 'He slowly became very controlling'

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:50:00 +0000

The other day we covered Rebecca Syndrome, where a partner becomes obsessed with your past relationships. Henry McKean met a lady who had a different story, about her friend who was caught up in cohesive control. Henry McKean wanted to find out more. He met Jody Duggan whose ex-partner Jake Boles went to jail for coercive control and assault...

A History of Callcards

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:21:00 +0000

Before smartphones dominated Ireland's streets, payphone boxes stood as nostalgic relics, sparking conversations in an era where landlines were scarce. In the late 80s and 90s, accessing payphones required purchasing a call card, akin to a disposable credit card, each with a unique design, and thus, a new collectors’ item was born.

Sean was joined by Ross Cullen, founder of Callcard.ie.to discuss...

How to Build Tunnels for an Underground Rail System

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:14:00 +0000

Dublin's urban evolution takes centre stage with the MetroLink, a visionary metro line poised to outshine the previous proposed plan, Metro North. The saga began in the annals of Irish governance back in 2005 with the Transport 21 transport plan.

Fast forward to the present, and MetroLink emerges as the refined embodiment of progress in the city's transit narrative. But how can we build a tunnel without all of Dublin collapsing in on itself?

Sean was joined by Mehdi Hosseini, Tunnelling Consultant...

Should you be allowed to vote from birth?

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:05:00 +0000

Nick Clegg’s former Director of Policy, when he was Deputy Prime Minister, has called for the voting age to be extended to babies.

Sean was joined by Caillum Heddermann, a college student and Activist based in Limerick...

Rotating house goes on sale in New Zealand

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:55:00 +0000

A unique property is currently on sale in New Zealand, a completely rotating house. So, if the sun is creating a glare on your TV, don’t bother moving seats, just move the entire gaff.

Sean was joined by man who designed and built it, Don Dunick...

US city giving free pints to Irish people who travel over for St. Patrick's Day

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:46:00 +0000

You can get a free pints in Dublin, Ohio! All you have to do is fly there for St Patrick's Day and you will be welcomed with open arms and rewarded with free pints. Sara Blatnik is the Marketing Director for Visit Dublin Ohio and she joined Sean on the show today

Trinity College Library ranked one of the world's popular

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:46:00 +0000

The Trinity College library has been ranked 11th in the top 15 libraries in the world. This ranking is based on a meticulous analysis of Google review scores, Wikipedia page views, and the frequency of social media posts.

Sean was joined by Anne Marie Diffley, Visitor Services Manager at Trinity College Library to discuss...

Is 'beer before wine' a myth?

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:10:00 +0000

You have heard the old adage ‘Beer before wine and you’ll be fine...wine before beer and you’ll be queer’, but is it true or simply an old wives’ tale?

Sean was joined by Joran Kochling, an anesthesiologist at University Hospital of Hamburg...

Jungle Dave

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:40:00 +0000

For anyone with a fear of snakes, this may not be the nicest news story for you. The largest and heaviest snake in the world has been identified, living in the Amazon.

Sean was joined by Jungle Dave, from Dave’s Jungle Zoo and some special guests…

Amotz Asa-El: Ireland's hostility towards Israel must be end

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:34:00 +0000

While Ireland’s position on the war in Gaza has repeatedly been called out by Israeli authorities, an opinion piece in an Israeli newspaper has attempted to find the historical source of what the writer describes as this country’s ‘hostility’ to Israel.

Sean was joined by Amotz Asa-El, Senior Commentator for the Jerusalem Post and Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute...

The World's Hardest Puzzle

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:12:00 +0000

A mysterious puzzle from 2014 is still not solved. Cicada 3301, is known to be the world’s hardest puzzle but what is the answer and who was behind it? Nicky Anderson is a journalist and podcast producer with Stak, who has dove headfirst into this mysterious world and she joined Sean to discuss...

Image: Stak

The World's First Trillionaire

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:47:00 +0000

A recent report by Oxfam, entitled Inequality Inc, forecasts that we will see the world’s first trillionaire within the next decade. Atossa Araxia Abrahamian is a Journalist and author and has been writing about this for the Guardian...

Trophy missing for 90 years returns home to Scotland

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:35:00 +0000

A lost trophy for an old Highland Games event has been found after 90 years thanks to a public campaign.

Sean was joined by Jonathan Christie, chief executive of The Cabrach Trust...

'I want an investigation' - Local Councillor calls for ban on burying of deer in Phoenix Park

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:35:00 +0000

The Office of Public Works has buried numerous deer in a mass grave near a densely populated residential area in Phoenix Park, prompting a local representative to demand an immediate cessation of this practice.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Howard Mahony, for the Castleknock Local Electoral Area is calling for a full investigation...

Gen-Z are now going to bed by 9pm: Here's Why

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:22:00 +0000

Gen Z are going to bed at 9 pm, is this today's version of a wild night out on the town? Maybe this is the ultimate secret to happiness!

Sean was joined by Tim Dowling, writer for The Guardian and has put this to the test...

How clean are your household items?

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:11:00 +0000

You may look around the house right now and think the place looks lovely and clean.

However, you’re wrong! A study carried out by UK company OnlineBedrooms found that most surfaces in our homes are mank, and we should replace them regularly.

Sean was joined by Microbiologist Orla Cahill to discuss...

Do actors hate some of their own movies?

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:59:00 +0000

The internet is full of rumours about Dakota Johnson’s feeling about her new movie Madam Web.

Maybe are saying, Dakota’s strange behavior on the press tour are because she actually hates this movie.

But is this more common then you would think? Brian Lloyd from Entertainment.ie joined Sean to discuss...

A Guide to Dark Tourism in Ireland

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:45:00 +0000

Kilmainham Gaol is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions because of its rich history.

But it’s not the only location around the Island that is considered ‘Dark Tourism’.

But what is Dark Tourism, and should we be glorifying it?

Sean was joined by Dr. Gillian O’Brien, Professor of Public History at Liverpool John Moore's University...

Surprise Parties: 'The night was brilliant when I got over the shock!'

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:30:00 +0000

A BBC weather presenter accidently revealed a surprise birthday party on a live broadcast.

Sean was joined by Newstalk's Chief party pooper Henry McKean who went to find out what people think of surprise parties...

Do Irish cities need more zebra crossings?

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:26:00 +0000

Many European cities have an abundance of zebra crossings, while Ireland has much less. There are just three in the whole of Dublin city. Why is this and should it change?

Sean was joined by Green Party City Councillor Michael Pidgeon yo discuss...

Opium's Hidden Histories

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:55:00 +0000

When Amitav Ghosh began the research for his monumental cycle of novels, The Ibis Trilogy, ten years ago, he was startled to find how the lives of the 19th century sailors he wrote of were dictated not only by the currents of the Indian Ocean, but also by the precious commodity carried in enormous quantities on those currents: Opium. Most surprising of all, however, was the discovery that his own identity and family history was swept up in the story.

Author, Amitav Ghosh joined Sean on the show...

The Changing Trends of Cake

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:32:00 +0000

How did we go from the simple sponge cake to frilly Victorian style cakes! And why do the trends change so quickly?

Graham Heterich is the author of 'Bake' and owner of The Bakery in Rialto and he joined Sean to discuss...

How do Prisoner of War exchanges work?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:22:00 +0000

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and this time last year, we were there on the ground reporting for Newstalk. Recently, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 100 prisoners of war, but how are these exchanges conducted?

Sean was joined by Declan Power, Defence and Security Expert...

'Completely different from anything you've heard before' - Sony launches 360 Reality Audio music experience

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Sony has launched a 3D music system, which they say is 360 Reality Audio. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly has been using the system and joined Sean to discuss...

'It's ok to have fun while you're studying' - 'Barbie' to be added to Leaving Cert English curriculum

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Move over Shakespeare, there's a new leading lady in the English curriculum! In a plot twist that even Barbie herself couldn't have predicted, Greta Gerwig's blockbuster film and the Banshees of Inisherin are set to grace the Leaving Cert stage by 2026.

Sean was joined by Dr Ellen Howley, Assistant Professor at DCU’s School of English to discuss...

The Dublin Run Club with a Difference

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Daniel O’Farrell, Organiser of the Pastry Pace Run Club joined Tom Dunne on the show today...

Is it ok to eat mouldy cheese?

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:20:00 +0000

We've all been there – that moment when you excitedly swing open the fridge door, ready to indulge in your favourite cheese, only to be met with the disheartening sight of a pesky mould invasion. The question that inevitably pops into your mind: can you just trim the mouldy bits off and savour the rest?

Tom Dunne was joined by Kevin Sheridan from Sherdian’s Cheesemongers to discuss...

Has Beyoncé Always Been Country?

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Beyoncé is poised for the launch of her upcoming album, Renaissance Part 2, which sees her tapping into her Houston roots, and exploring the realm of country music. This has sent the world into a frenzy – fuelling fan theories, and re-igniting a debate on where country music really has its origins.

Tom Dunne was joined by Claire Beck, Presenter with Today FM…

Electric Picnic headline act set to be announced 'next month'

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Electric Picnic has announced that the main stage at the festival will be connected to the grid and powered by renewable energy in 2024.

This marks the first time a festival of its kind in the UK and Ireland will install mains power to reduce its carbon footprint.

Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

Building a Home Using Hemp

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hemp is used for many things in the world, but did you know that it could be one of the solutions to the climate crisis.

The plant can be used to make building blocks, and one of the biggest suppliers of them is based here in Ireland.

Ronan McDermott, owner of Hemp Ireland joined John Fardy to discuss...

The Founding Father of Animation in Ireland

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:35:00 +0000

This week marks a decade since the passing of the founding father of Irish animation, Jimmy T Murakami. Born to Japanese parents in the United States, Murakami played a pivotal role in shaping Ireland's thriving animation industry.

John Fardy was joined by Maurice Galway, Director and Co-Founder of the Animation Dingle Festival and Vanessa Gilvea, Head of National Film School in IADT...

Image: Loopline

Frog Mating Season: 'Male frogs need to get really cold in order to be very fertile'

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:30:00 +0000

While many humans were wooing their partners for Valentine’s day yesterday, you might have heard the call of frogs.

Yes, the mating season for the common frog has coincided with Valentine’s day for the last few years, but their mating rituals means both male and female frogs are more exposed and vulnerable than usual.

Collie Ennis is the Science Officer with the Herpetological Society of Ireland, and a Zoology research associate at Trinity College in Dublin, and he’s leading a campaign to help protect the amorous amphibians...

‘You’re bugging me, p**s off!’ - Henry McKean visits Karen’s Diner

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:03:00 +0000

Over the past few years customer service has continued to deteriorate in Ireland. But how bad does it have to get until you complain? Or do you say nothing? Henry McKean has been looking at it for us...

Does carbon offsetting work?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:40:00 +0000

A number of famous people have recently been criticized for their carbon footprint, due to the emissions from their private jets.

None more so then Taylor Swift, who says she has offset the carbon that will be emitted as she flies around the world for her Era’s Tour.

But what is Carbon Offsetting, and how does it work?

Tara Shine, CEO of Changes by Degrees...

Why are wine bottles 750ml?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:34:00 +0000

The wine brand '19 Crimes' has just released a bottle which contains 1,125ml of wine. The bottle is aimed at throuples.

But why are standard wine bottles 750ml in size? Leslie Williams joined Sean to discuss...

'It's not surprising' - 25pc of adults sleep with the lights on

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:10:00 +0000

One in four adults are big babies… or sleep with the lights on – that’s according to a new poll conducted by Netflix.

So why is it that a quarter of us are afraid to sleep in the dark?

Iseult White, psychotherapist and author joined Sean to discuss...

Is Tesco on Jervis Street haunted?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:10:00 +0000

If you’ve ever been to Tesco in the Jervis Street Shopping Centre and got a bit of a weird vibe off the place, you aren’t the only one.

A video has gone viral on Instagram, which reveals that the shop was once the location of a morgue for a hospital that was once located in the building.

Jane Casey, Digital Content Creator joined Sean to discuss...

'OnlyFans changed my life' - Porn Star Andy Lee says there's 'a stigma against the adult industry'

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Ireland’s most successful porn star is the subject of a new documentary, following his life and career in the industry and his success on Only Fans. He says the online trolls are getting worse, and as part of his documentary, ran an experiment to expose them.

Sean was joined by Andy Lee, a porn star and an OnlyFans creator...

Image: Instagram via Andy Lee (@do_it_like_andy)

What Happened To The Real-Life Free Willy?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:15:00 +0000

It was 30 years ago this month that the movie Free Willy was released in cinemas. However, the furore over the real-life whale depicted in the film became an even bigger story than the movie itself.

Sean was joined by Melissa Hobson, Marine science and conservation writer, who has been investigating the fate of the whale...

The Hangover Prevention Shot

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:37:00 +0000

Milk thistle, a dirty fry, Alka-Seltzers, Dioralyte sachets, and a touch of lemon under the armpit – these are all touted as hangover remedies after a night of indulgence.

But do any of them actually work? Is there a legitimate cure for the dreaded hangover? A novel beverage has recently entered the market, The Safety Shot, asserting its ability to lower blood alcohol content.

Linda Geddes, Science Correspondent for The Guardian, bravely put it to the test...

Rebecca Syndrome: What is it and is it impacting your relationship?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:14:00 +0000

More than half of people suffer from something called Rebecca Syndrome but what is it? Is it general social media stalking of your ex or something more sinister.

Henry McKean joined Sean with this report...

World Radio Day

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Today is world radio day! Radio plays such a huge role in modern Irish life but where did it begin?

Sean was joined by Eddie Bohan, a radio historian...

Garda Body Cameras: How will they work?

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:28:00 +0000

An Garda Síochána have published a €2.1 million tender for body cameras intended for use on garda uniforms.

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly has seen them in use first-hand and joined Sean to discuss...

Einstein and the Bomb

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:16:00 +0000

A new docudrama on Netflix explores Albert Einstein’s extraordinary escapade as he sought shelter from the Nazis in Norfolk.

Sean was joined by Philip Ralph, Writer of 'Einstein and the Bomb'...

Sinéad O'Connor nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Sinead O’Connor has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall alongside Mariah Carey, Oasis and Mary J. Blige but what is the point of the Hall of Fame award and how has it changed over the years?

Arts Journalist, Pat Carty joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'They haven't been running the church properly' - Protests held over Canterbury Cathedral silent disco

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:05:00 +0000

A series of music events in famous Church of England venues has provoked a backlash after a silent disco took place in Canterbury Cathedral.

One of the men leading the protests, petition organiser Cajetan Skowronski joined Sean to discuss...

Shoes in the house: Yes or No?

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 14:52:00 +0000

In most Asian, European and Middle Eastern homes, shoes are never worn inside as it can be a sign of disrespect from the guests to the owners of the home. Charles Gerba, a professor of virology at the University of Arizona, discovered a grab bag of fecal matter when he conducted a study that entailed swabbing the bottom of 26 shoes.

He found e-coli on more than a quarter of them and some kind of fecal bacteria on almost all. So if we all have poop on our shoes, should we be taking them off when we arrive home?

Anna Burns, Nutritionist, Scientist & Microbiologist joined Sean to discuss...

Paris 2024 Olympic medals to contain a piece from the Eiffel Tower

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:20:00 +0000

The organising committee of the upcoming Paris Olympics has announced that a little bit of the Eiffel Tower will be in each medal given out during the Games.

Sean was joined by Philip Barker, Editor of the Journal of Olympic History...

The Year of the Dragon

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:05:00 +0000

The luckiest year is upon us as it is the year of the dragon according to The Chinese New Year and today is New Year’s Eve! What does this time of year mean for Asian communities and what will the dragon bring?

Dr Isabella Jackon, assistant professor in Chinese Studies at Trinity College joined Sean to discuss...

Who invented butter chicken?

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

You’ve heard about the War of the Roses, you might have seen the War of the Buttons, but have you heard about the War of the Butter Chicken? India’s High Court is currently preparing to rule over who invented the nation’s most famous dish.

Suhasini Raj, New Delhi based Reporter for the New York Times joined Sean to tell the story of how it happened and what’s going on...

The Most Iconic On-Screen Kisses

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:45:00 +0000

As we approach Valentine’s Day, many listeners will be digging out their favourite romantic movies to enjoy. But any romantic film worth its salt will have a kissing scene, so what is it that makes some of these iconic and some...not so much? And what is the history of kissing in movies?

Simon Tierney has been investigating and he joined Sean to discuss...

Winston Churchill's teeth sold at auction

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:25:00 +0000

Sir Winston Churchill’s teeth have been sold at auction, a unique set of dentures that were once used to deliver some of the most famous speeches of the 20th century.

Sean was joined by Niall Fry, an auctioneer and valuer at the Cotswold Auction Company in England...

The World's First Masters Degree in Panto

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:55:00 +0000

An English university offers a master's degree in ‘Contemporary Pantomime Practice’ and the first-ever class has graduated! Do we need a master’s in Panto?

Jefferson Parlett, an actor from Plymouth, and one of the newly graduated students joined Sean on the show...

The Kidnapping of Shergar, 41 Years On

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Today marks 41 years since the infamous kidnapping of Shergar, and despite a major manhunt at the time, we still don’t have any answers.

Dr Patrick McGarty is a senior lecturer in public policy at Munster Technological University and he joined Sean on the show today...

'I'm still trying to figure it all out' - Trans comedian Becky Cheatle on 'exploring' her gender through comedy

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Becky Starfighter Cheatle is an Irish comedian whose next performance is taking place in the upcoming Scene & Heard Festival, which kicks off next week...

Image: Becky Cheatle via Instagram

'It can happen anywhere' - Henry McKean asks the people of Cork about flirting

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:08:00 +0000

Some of us are gifted flirters, while most say it's a skill that holds them back. What sets the good and bad flirters apart and can you learn to be better?

Henry McKean joined Sean from the flirting capital of Ireland, Cork...

What is the impact of Tucker Carlson interviewing Vladimir Putin?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:40:00 +0000

Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, has announced that he is in Moscow and has been granted a very rare interview between a Western journalist and Putin. But what does this mean for public opinion in America and backing for Biden’s struggle to maintain support for Ukraine?

Sean was joined by Graham Finlay from the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD...

The Benefits of Intergenerational Care

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:28:00 +0000

The interactions between the elderly and children have always been one to bring joy.

Well a charity in the UK are currently doing research on the benefits of intergenerational care, which sees kids sharing settings with elderly people.

Sue Egersdorff, Co. Founder of Ready Generation Charity joined Sean to discuss...

How Does TV Dubbing Work?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:14:00 +0000

RTÉ are putting 80,000 euro into dubbing Peppa Pig and Thomas the Tank Engine, but how does dubbing work and will this benefit children?

Deirdre Barry, CEO and producer at Avalon Films joined Sean to discuss...

The UK's unluckiest game show contestant

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Imagine appearing on over 50 TC shows, some of them the biggest game shows in the world, and never winning a cent.

Edward Oldfield, serial game show contestant joined Sean on the show today...

'People never really leave us' - Around one-third of people hold on to things from ex-partners

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:45:00 +0000

Many of us will have a box stashed away in the bottom of a wardrobe or under a bed filled with memories from the past.

Usually they’re sentimental things relating to a loved one or someone who’s died, but remarkably, about a third of people hold on to things from ex partners.

Is this a form of self-flagellation, or is there a greater purpose for it?

Brendan Kelly is Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of Resilience, which is out now

Movies turned Musicals: The best movies to make it to the stage

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:55:00 +0000

Musicals seem to be popping up everywhere, but why and are they even any good? Freelance journalist and musical lover Esther McCarthy joined Sean to discuss...

Which parenting tribe do you belong to in the playground?

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:37:00 +0000

When you are at the playground with your children, do you ever look around and see the different types of parents around you? Could it be the hungover parent or the overly prepared one?

Kirsty Blake Knox writer and journalist with The Irish Independent joined Sean to discuss...

Dublin Airport launches new pet screening facility

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:25:00 +0000

After an over 3-year hiatus, Dublin Airport has launched its new pet screening service.

Sean was joined by Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager for Dublin Airport to discuss how it works...

Image: X.com via Dublin Airport @DublinAirport

Is snoozing the alarm good or bad for you?

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:17:00 +0000

New research suggests that hitting the snooze button to squeeze in an extra five or 10 minutes of sleep may actually be good for you. Henry McKean went to find out...

America's first ever smart road

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 16:05:00 +0000

Detroit, the so-called Motor Town of the States, has recently opened America’s first ever smart road, a highway that allows electric vehicles to charge as they drive. But how does this technology actually work and could it lead to a wireless future for electric cars?

Sean was joined by Ciara O’Brien, Technology Correspondent for the Irish Times...

Suspected Chinese spy pigeon released after 8 months in detention

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:58:00 +0000

A pigeon suspected of being a Chinese spy has been released after spending 8 months in detention, it turns out it was a racing pigeon from Taiwan.

Rahul Bedi, journalist based in India joined Sean on the show today to discuss...

Nail Health: Everything you need to know

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:46:00 +0000

Fingernails are something you don’t think about until there’s a problem, and it could be an unsightly fungal infection but for many women it could be as a result of cosmetic treatments that involve an array of chemicals and toxins.

Selene Daly, registered advanced nurse practitioner in dermatology joined Sean to discuss...

100 Years of the Winter Olympics

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:15:00 +0000

It was 100 years ago that athletes first competed in the Winter Olympics, taking place in Chamonix in the French Alpes. But how different was the 1924 event compared to today’s Games? Sean was joined by Philip Barker, Editor of the Journal of Olympic History...

'We can do it the same as a male can do it' - Calls for more female succession in farming

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Traditionally, farms were left to the sons but what about the daughters? Well, The Department of Agriculture has a new plan to promote and normalise female succession in farming.

Sean was joined by Elaine Houlihan, Macra na Feirme national president...

'I have an 8 filling breakfast roll everyday' - Henry asks what you have for breakfast

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:11:00 +0000

One in five people have eaten the exact same breakfast every day for the last 5 years.

Henry McKean hit the streets to find out what you have for breakfast...

Sea Sheperds: The people cleaning up our seas

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:55:00 +0000

Our sea is filled with ghost nets, which are described as ‘..curtains of death’ but what are they and what is being done about these death traps?

Ciaran King is a diver and volunteer with the Sea Sheperds and he joined Sean on the show...

Is peeing in the countryside considered littering?

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:35:00 +0000

A local council in Hertfordshire in England has come under fire after issuing a number of fines to people who have urinated in rural areas, under littering bylaws. This has brought up a question as to whether so-called ‘wild peeing’ should be categorised as littering or not.

Sean was joined by Nick Freeman, a UK-based solicitor,to discuss...

Image: Getty Images

Paris' 'Ratatouille restaurant' loses over €1.5m worth of wine

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Wine worth more than €1.5m (£1.3m) has vanished from La Tour d'Argent, one of Paris' most famous restaurants and the inspiration for the film Ratatouille.

Romanée Conti, one of the most expensive wines in the world, is among the bottles taken from the 442-year-old restaurant.

The wine could have gone missing any time since January 2020.

John Linchfield. Correspondent based in France joined Sean to discuss...

The Third Place: 'They allow for a communication and connection with other people'

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:12:00 +0000

If your home and work are where you spend most of your time – the first and second locations that your life is centered around, where would you say the third place is?

In the late 80s, an urban sociologist wrote about the importance of informal public gathering spaces, but have we lost those in our busy modern lives?

Dr Jill O’Mahoney is a lecturer in Sociology in SETU joined Sean to discuss...

Calling all Gobnaits: Festival set to take place celebrating the patron saint of bee keepers

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:05:00 +0000

Calling all Gobnaits!

A festival is taking place is in Cork to celebrate the patron saint of bee keepers, and to give her more prominence in Irish history.

Eibhlin Ni Lionaird is one of the organisers and she joined Sean to discuss...

How do films get a classification?

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:50:00 +0000

Do you decide what film you let your children watch based on the film certifications? And how do these certifications even work and do they have an impact on the industry?

Dr Ciarán Kissane is the Director of Film Classification and he joined Sean in studio to discuss...

Masters of the Air: The history behind the new TV series

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:27:00 +0000

The new Apple TV series Masters of the Air, which chronicles the escapades of the American B-17 bombers during WWII, is based on a book of the same name.

Sean was joined by Donald Miller, author of ‘Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany’ and historical adviser on the new adaptation on Apple TV...

Is Working From Home Causing Bad Habits in Staff?

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:05:00 +0000

Working from home has its perks but it also raises concerns about addictive behaviour and the dangers of falling deep into addiction, one man who knows a lot about managing a full-time job whilst being in active addiction is neuroscientist and founder of ‘change is possible’,

Dr.Brian Pennie and he joined Sean to discuss...

'County Coogee' - The Irish are 'taking a break from life at home' in Australia

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:46:00 +0000

There is a common theory at the moment that young people are being forced to immigrate to Australia, due to the high cost of living in Ireland.

It’s thought that many are going down under for a better quality of life, to make more money and live in affordable accommodation. But is that really the case on the ground?

Édaein O’Connell has been writing about this in today’s Irish Independet and joined Sean to discuss...

International Croissant Day

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:08:00 +0000

As today is International Croissant Day, it got us thinking about the origins of this delectable delight and were surprised to discover that its beginnings are not as French as one might imagine.

Sean was joined by Courtney Traub, Editor and Founder of Paris Unlocked...

‘I’m absolutely useless when it comes to playing music’ - Henry attempts to learn the ukulele

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:01:00 +0000

As part of Smithwick’s Trad Fest Henry McKean was asked to try and learn an instrument and was approached by Ukulele Tuesday, a Ukelele band which meets every Tuesday in the Stags Head in Dublin, upstairs at 8pm.

Henry McKean joined Sean to chat about how he got on...

Lack of own brand baby formula 'hugely problematic' for many parents

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:06:00 +0000

Parents who buy baby formula will be well aware of the soaring costs of these products over the past two years. The ban on using vouchers or loyalty cards exacerbates the issue for shoppers. But one of the glaring issues in this area is the absence of generic or own brand alternatives.

Sean was joined by Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent for the Irish Times...

Ambassador Theatre set to reopen with 'railings surrounding it'

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:45:00 +0000

The Ambassador Theatre at the top of O’Connell Street has been a landmark since its opening in 1764.

Having been on something of a hiatus since Covid, the venue looks set to open its doors again, but the new operators have concerns about security and as such, they want to erect 1.7 metre high railings.

This hasn’t gone down well in some quarters.

Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor with the Irish Times joined Sean to discuss...

Living Funerals: How do they work?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:32:00 +0000

More and more people are opting to carry out a living funeral, in which the subject attends their own send off or spends time in a coffin in order to find acceptance about one’s own mortality. But how does it all work?

Sean was joined by Megan Harwood-Baynes, Digital investigations reporter for Sky News...

The Rise of Feng Shui in Ireland

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:17:00 +0000

Have you ever looked across the room at a piece of furniture and thought ‘I’m not getting good energy from that’.

Well then maybe you’re in need of some Feng Shui in your house? Designers are saying they are seeing an increase in the practice in Irish houses, but what is it?

Edel Cleary from Feng Shui Design joined Sean on the show today...

Is there a cure for jetlag?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:40:00 +0000

Pilita Clarke, Columnist and Associate Editor of the Financial Times joined Sean on the show today to discuss jetlag and if there's a cure for it out there...

David Puttnam on Brexit, the Oscars and life in Cork

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

David Puttnam is a producer whose films have won 10 Oscars, 31 BAFTAs, 13 Golden Globes, 9 Emmys, and the Palme d'Or at Cannes. He is British born, but has lived in Skibbereen since 1998, he also now has Irish citizenship.

Sean was joined by David Puttnam LIVE in the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork today...

Fintan McCarthy: 'All systems go' ahead of Paris 2024

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:15:00 +0000

The 2024 Olympics takes place in Paris this summer. Participating athlete's preparations will have been well underway for years, and hoping to continue on from their gold medal winning victory in Tokyo are rowing duo Fintan McCarthy and Paul O Donovan

Sean was joined by Fintan McCarthy LIVE in the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork today...

Saudi Arabia set to open first off-licence in Riyadh

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:23:00 +0000

The Saudi Arabian government has announced that it is set to open its first alcohol shop since prohibition began in the country in 1952.

Sean was joined by Vaughan Yates, Co-Founder of the Virgin Mary Collective, which currently has an alcohol-free bar in the Saudi capital...

Are Love Languages Real?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:16:00 +0000

The 5 languages of love created by Baptist, Gary Chapman in 1992 have become cemented into popular consciousness as a guideline for how to express and receive love in relationships

With the 5 languages being 1) words of affirmation 2) acts of service 3) Physical touch 4) quality time together, and finally 5) gift giving

However new research by psychologists has questioned the validity of the guidelines, stating that Humans don’t have a primary love language.

Sean was joined by Stephanie Regan, clinical psychotherapist and co-host of the Tough Love podcast...

Unguarded: A play based around surrogacy laws in Ireland

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:13:00 +0000

A lot of people have created families through surrogacy but they don’t have the rights as others – they are in legal limbo’ those of the words of Anthony Kinahan, actor, activist and theatre maker. His new play, Unguarded, tells the story of a worst case surrogate scenario...

Image: Project Arts Centre

'The Beatles!' - What posters did you have on your childhood wall?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:50:00 +0000

Claire Foy whilst promoting her new film ‘All of Us Strangers’ with Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott, told BBC Radio 2 she had a poster of Shaggy on her wall. Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal thought she meant Scooby Doo, not the rapper. This signaled hilarity in the studio. And got us thinking, are posters making a comeback?

Henry McKean has been looking into it for us...

Debunking Social Media Scams

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:32:00 +0000

Scam ads are all over the internet, from packages that never arrive to fake article scams that lead you to investing in a fake cryptocurrency company but how do these scams work?

Sean was joined by Shane Raymond is a misinformation journalist and fact checker specialist with The Journal.ie...

Johnny Marr slams Donald Trump for using The Smiths song during a rally last year

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:32:00 +0000

Last night, the Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr tweeted his disgust at a Donald Trump campaign event using one of his band’s songs. He then vowed to stop the Trump team from using their music in the future. This is yet another episode in disgruntled musicians complaining about the politicisation of their work but can anything actually be done about it?

Danny McElhinny, Music journalist with the Irish Mail on Sunday joined Sean to discuss...

Part of St. Brigid’s relic to return to Kildare after nearly 1000 years

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:25:00 +0000

Last year, a campaign was launched to bring back St Brigid’s relic from Lisbon to Kildare. We spoke with David Mongey, Chairman of INTO Kildare and member of the Brigid 1500 group. Since then the story has taken a twist, and he’s back with an update...

Holidaymakers warned to 'be aware' of types of fauna when travelling abroad

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Jamie Doran was hospitalized after he made contact with a caterpillar. Should we be more aware of deadly insects when travelling around Europe and even in Ireland?

Collie Ennis is a Zoology research associate at Trinity College Dublin joined Sean to discuss...

Micro-Joys: Finding the Good in the Little Things

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:55:00 +0000

You’ve heard the phrase “find joy in the little things”, but in a world of wars, housing crises and climate change, it can be hard to see joy.

But the Greater Good Science Centre at the University of California is encouraging people to take just seven minutes of their day to do activities that is likely to increase positive emotions.

Emma Beddington joined Sean to discuss...

Do we really turn into our parents?

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:46:00 +0000

We all think we are avoiding it, but sooner or later there comes a time when we just have to accept that we are turning into our parents.

But did you know, it’s more common then you think. That’s according to a piece by Helen O’Callaghan in the Irish Examiner.

Bethan O’Riordan, Psychotherapist and from the Calm Parenting Community joined Sean to discuss...

The Dating App for Bald People

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:35:00 +0000

A niche dating site for the bald community seeks to link the folically challenged with those who admire a smooth pate.

Sean was joined by David Minns, Founder of Bald Dating...

Why are cars getting bigger?

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Figures released today show that cars are getting wider by about a centimetre every two years.

More than 73,000 SUVs were sold in Ireland last year, up from 61,000 in 2022, while medium and small SUVs accounted for 55% of the total car sales market.

But why are SUVs so popular? They’re expensive to buy, expensive to run, and with so many of them on the roads now, parking is becoming a daily issue.

Dave Humphries from CompleteCar.ie joined Sean to discuss...

Oscars 2024: Oppenheimer dominates nominations

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:16:00 +0000

Cillian Murphy has been nominated for Best Actor at this year’s Oscars.

The Irishman was nominated for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s historical epic 'Oppenheimer'.

Esther McCarthy joined Sean to discuss this and the other nominations and snubs...

Should the Irish Pub be placed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list?

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:40:00 +0000

As more and more pubs around Ireland close, is it time to offer some form of cultural protection?

Sean was joined by Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth to discuss...

A History of Irish Political Cartoons

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:25:00 +0000

Political satire has been a mainstay of commentary for centuries, allowing for brief but impactful remarks about current affairs, scandals and characters.

And you might think the cartoon sketch is more common in the UK.

However, there is a rich history of cartooning in Ireland, and historian and former public servant Felix Larkin has long been championing the cause...

60 Years of Tolka Row

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:06:00 +0000

It was this month 60 years ago that Ireland got its first soap opera. Tolka Row focused on two families in an imaginary housing estate in north Dublin and ran for 5 years in the 1960s.

Sean was joined by Eamon Bohan, Curator of the Irish Pirate Radio Archive in DCU, has been investigating its origins for the current edition of Ireland’s Own and he joins me now...

Image: SuperannRTÉ

'Getting back in the saddle' - 'A lot of benefits' from scheduling sex with a partner

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:58:00 +0000

The comedian and actor Katherine Ryan has disclosed in a newspaper interview that she and her husband schedule their sexual encounters. So, is ‘booking it in’ a good idea or does it take the romance out of it all?

Sean was joined by Caroline West, sex educator and relationship columnist with the Irish Independent...

How to take off and land in a storm

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:52:00 +0000

You might have seen videos online of plans trying to land at various airports across the UK and Ireland last night during Storm Isha.

Anyone who’s been in that unfortunate situation knows that now only is it a hair-raising experience, but it can mean the flight is diverted to anyone city where the conditions are more favourable.

So how are those decisions made? How many attempts does a pilot make before aborting?

Sean was joined by Kevin Byrne, retired Lieutenant Colonel, airport safety and security auditor...

Alpha vs Beta Relationships

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:55:00 +0000

There’s the old saying opposites attract, but sometimes we can’t help but look for the traits we like about ourselves in our prospective partners.

So if you’re an Alpha, you’d be a leader, opinionated, ambitions. Could it work if you were partnered with someone quieter, more contemplative, ie a Beta?

Tanya Sweeny is writing about this in today’s Irish Independent and she joined Sean to discuss...

The Return of the Hovercraft

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:48:00 +0000

The hovercraft route between the south of England and the Isle of Wight is currently the only year round scheduled service using this mode of transport. But there are now increasing signals that the hovercraft may well be about to enjoy a resurgence.

Sean was joined by Ben Avery, Chief Hovercraft Pilot with Griffin Hoverwork...

The Flaws with Rotten Tomatoes

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:45:00 +0000

One of the writers of the latest season of True Detective has gone public with her criticism of people ‘review bombing’ her show in order to skew the audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the popular review aggregator website. But what is review bombing and is it symptomatic of broader problems with this platform?

Sean was joined by Brian Lloyd, Movies Editor at Entertainment.ie and Movies and Booze panelist...

'My mam does everything' - Henry asks who does the housework in your house?

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:15:00 +0000

A Chinese mum live streamed her 9 year old son to make sure he is doing his homework, and so she can concentrate on her housework.

This got us thinking about housework and who does it in your house?

Sean was joined by Henry McKean to discuss...

What is 'bookshelf wealth'?

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:10:00 +0000

A new interiors trend called ‘bookshelf wealth’ is all the rage but what is it and is cultivating a bookshelf taking precedence over the actual reading of the books in the first place?

Sean was joined by Avril Murphy Allen, Artist and interior designer to discuss...

How do you pronounce scone?

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:01:00 +0000

Scone or scon? It has divided counties and nations for decades, but it seems both are correct.

Countdown presenter Susie Dent has said the dictionary allows for both pronunciations, but surely one of them is correct? Aren’t there rules for how words are to sound in certain combinations of letters?

Dr Stephen Lucek (loo-check) is Assistant Prof in Linguistics in UCD 

How should we introduce young people to alcohol?

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

An incident in a pub in the UK, in which a child was refused a champagne flute for her soft drink, has triggered a conversation about when and how we introduce alcohol to young people.

Rosamund Hall, a wine consultant and writer, has been looking at this for the UK Independent and she joined Sean on the show today...

All-Island Strategic Rail Review would see Fermanagh as 'only county' without rail

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:35:00 +0000

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition to get Fermanagh included in the All Island Strategic Rail Review.

The draft plan was published last autumn and as it stands, Fermanagh would be the only county in Ireland or the UK without any rail service.

So why is the county being left out?

Steve Bradley, Chair of Into the West, a rail campaign group focusing on the north west of Ireland joined Sean to discuss...

Sober rave in Dublin about 'exploring a different way' to party

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:55:00 +0000

Raves aren’t for the fainthearted. Often you’re packed into a warehouse with hundreds of other people, who are sweating and a little bit worse for wear.

But imagine doing it sober? Well you soon can, in Dublin

Paul Walsh is the founder of Club Loosen in Dublin, a company that puts on sober raves and he joined Sean to discuss...

Songs making a comeback from their use in recent movies And TV

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Older songs are making a comeback, with some being discovered for the first time by younger generations. The nostalgic wave can be prompted by a new Tik Tok trend, a song being used in a popular show like Stranger Things, or maybe it’s been featured in “that” scene at the end of Saltburn.

Sean was joined by Claire Beck, Presenter with Today FM to discuss…

How does the cold weather affect an EV battery?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Electric cars are a great invention but what happens to the batteries during the cold winter months, or if you are in Ireland, the coldness year-round.

Shane O’Donoghue, Editor of completecar.ie joined Sean to discuss...

What is a community hotel?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:41:00 +0000

The government yesterday agreed in principle to the request to turn a derelict hotel in Roscrea into a community hotel, in an attempt to calm tensions over the arrival of a number of asylum seekers to the area. But what is a community hotel and how do they work?

Sean was joined by Kieran Harrahill, Senior Researcher in Climate Justice at TASC, the Think Tank for Action on Social Change...

Hacks to Reduce Your Phone Use

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:59:00 +0000

Comedian Tommy Tiernan found a grayscale screen to be his unlikely ally in curtailing phone use. But that’s just one trick in the digital detox handbook for those looking to scale back time spent sitting in front of screens.

Elaine Burke, Host of the For Tech Sake podcast joined Sean to discuss...

Ireland's History of Emigration

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:38:00 +0000

The media has been dominated by stories over the last number of months about protests taking place outside reception centres over immigrants seeking international protection here.

However, there was a time in history when the Irish were facing similar protests in counties like the US and UK.

Irial Glynn is a migration historian at UCD and she joined Sean on the show this afternoon...

The Baby Name Consultants

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:23:00 +0000

More and more people are choosing to outsource their baby naming to consultants. But how does the process work?

Sean was joined SJ Strum, Founder of Baby Name Envy...

'I wouldn't really watch live TV' - Is realtime TV watching on the way out?

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0000

The days of watching live TV could be numbered.

The Broadcasters Audience Research Board in the UK says the proportion of programming watched on demand rose to 44 per cent of all viewing last year.

But how true is this after record viewership figure for the Late Late Toy Show and Mr Bates Versus The Post Office?

Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

What is the role of the Irish Army Ranger Wing?

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

A new purpose-built headquarters for the Army Ranger Wing is due to be built this year, as part of a series of infrastructure investments in the Defense Forces.

The new headquarters for the special operations division of the Defense Forces, is due to be located in the Curragh Camp in Kildare.

But what is the remit of the Army Ranger wing?

Cathal Berry, Independent TD for Kildare, and a former member of the Defence Forces joined Sean on the show...

Robin rescued in Kildare after getting caught in 'cruel' glue trap

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:15:00 +0000

A charity based in Kildare town has recently released a robin red breast that came into its care, after getting itself attached to a glue trap.

Dan Donoher, Manager of Kildare Wildlife Rescue joined Sean to discuss...

How do you define genocide?

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:55:00 +0000

Last week, the eyes of the world were on the International Criminal Court, as Aouth Africa took a case against Israel over the situation in Gaza.

Some were claiming that what was happening in Palestine constituted genocide, however, this has been disputed by Israel. But what is the definition of genocide?

Professor Ray Murphy is from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway  and he joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'I was going through two a day' - Attempting to quit vaping 'tougher than it seems'

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:50:00 +0000

Starting is easy, quitting's tough. JJ Clarke, Assistant Podcast Producer at the Irish Independent, insightfully explores this in his latest piece. He delves into the deceptive simplicity of taking up vaping and the Herculean challenge of letting it go. He joined Sean on the show this afternoon...

Gladiators is back!

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:21:00 +0000

Saturday evening TV in the 1990s was in its prime, with classics like Blind Date, Noel’s House Party, You’ve been Framed and others.

But one gameshow stands out – Gladiators.

With its famous catchphrases like “Contenders, Ready?” and “Awooga”, it was hugely popular tv, and it’s making a comeback.

Tomorrow night, a brand new set of Gladiators will return to the BBC.

Rory Cashin, Entertainment Journalist joined Sean to discuss...

German Chancellor embraces 19th Century tech to outsmart Russian spies

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:11:00 +0000

The German Chancellor’s office has announced that it will retain its 19th century pneumatic tube messaging system due to its fears of Russian interception of digital alternatives.

Sean was joined by James Rothwell, Berlin Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph...

The Most Turbulent Flights in the World

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:05:00 +0000

Turbulence is the worst part of flying for many people. Though it’s a phenomenon that happens surprisingly regularly, it can often be alarming – one that can strike fear into even the most seasoned flyers.

But what is turbulence, and what flight paths is it the worst on?

Gerry Byrne, aviation journalist joined Sean to discuss...

Do Irish women say 'sorry' too much?

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:46:00 +0000

According to comedian Emma Doran, Irish women are apologise too much.

Emma depicts this in her latest video, which features various characters, one of which apologises for her kettle being too loud, while in another apologises for her death inconveniencing the mourners.

But is this the case for all Irish women?

Barbara Scully joined Sean to discuss...

The World's Ugliest Lawn Competition

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:15:00 +0000

There is a comptetion currently ongoing for the World's Ugliest Lawn. Broadcaster and Gardener Diarmuid Gavin is one of the judges and he joined Sean to discuss...

How do people decide what to dress their loved ones in for their funeral

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:11:00 +0000

Singer Imelda May has revealed that her father was dressed in a clown suit for his wake because he had specifically requested them to arrange this as he wanted to make people laugh. But how do people decide what to dress their loved ones in for their funeral?

Sean was joined by Mary Cuniffe, Manager of Massey Bros Funeral Home in Templeogue...

Is the traditional phonebooth about to make a comeback?

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Cork city's old phone boxes are due to be replaced with digital kiosks.

Eir is applying to Cork City Council to replace their old phone boxes with new kiosk-style digital payphones.

Meanwhile in Dublin the new digital phone boxes are installed. Sean was joined by Henry McKean who is going down memory lane and looking at how old phone boxes are being renovated and turned into other things to help communities...

The Search for Ireland’s Buried Treasure Ship

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:04:00 +0000

It may seem like a notion of times past, but are there any treasure shipwrecks in Ireland? According to Edmond O’Byrne, Member of the Lifeboat in Kilmore Quay, there is one buried deep under the sand off the coast of Wexford, and he has been trying to access it for over 30 years...

Are your 20s the best decade of your life?

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:57:00 +0000

Are your 20s the best decade of your life?

Is it the golden decade where you set yourself up for careers, life partnerships and the prospect of children?

Or is it simply that we look back to our youth with rose-tinted glasses?

Sean was joined by Leslie Shoemaker, counselling psychologist and lecturer in TU Dublin to discuss...

'The demand is there' - Calls for a 'permanent' Olympic ice rink in Ireland

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:23:00 +0000

Ireland is just one of a very small handful of countries in Europe that doesn’t have an Olympic-sized ice rink. This has put athletes and parents up and down the country in the frustrating position of having to leave the country to access facilities.

Brendan O’Brien, Sports writer with the Irish Examiner, has been investigating and he joined Sean to discuss...

Le Chéile: Mentoring group helping young people reach their potential

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Le Chéile Mentoring, the national volunteer mentoring and family support service, has launched a new recruitment campaign seeking Dubliners to become mentors of young people and parents.

The organisation provides a one-to-one mentoring service for young people and parents referred by the Probation Service, An Garda Síochána and the Oberstown Children Detention Campus.

Cormac Ryan is Mentor Coordinator with Le Chéile in Dublin and he joined Sean on the show today...

29 bodies to be exhumed at Mountjoy Prison

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:49:00 +0000

An excavation is to take place at Mountjoy Prison to exhume the bodies of 29 bodies.

The 28 men and one woman were all executed for murder between 1923 and 1954.

But what were their stories? Why are they being exhumed now and what will happen to their remains?

Tim Carey, historian and author of “Hanged For Murder: Irish State Executions”, joined Sean on the show today...

British Post Office scandal 'top of the political agenda' following ITV drama

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:34:00 +0000

A controversy has erupted in the UK surrounding the use of software by the British Post Office, which lead to a number of former Post Masters wrongfully convicted of fraud, theft and more.

The story has been depicted in the ITV drama Mr. Bates Vs The Post Office, which has been viewed over 8 million times in less then a week.

Lord James Arbuthnot is a former Tory MP, who was an advocate for the Post Masters group during at the height of the controversy and he joined Sean on the show today...

Star Trek's prediction of a United Ireland in 2024

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Star Trek fans out there will know all too well why 2024 is such a special year for Ireland’s relationship with Star Trek.

In order to look at the mention of Irish reunification in a particular 1990 episode, Sean was joined by Brian Lloyd, Movie Editor at Entertainment.ie and Movies & Booze panelist...

'Flat 7UP, that's the cure' - People's memories of pulling a sickie

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:50:00 +0000

It's that time of year where we are all tempted to pull a sickie or maybe we are genuinely sick. But how has it changed from the 1970, 80s and 90s until now?

Henry 'the pulling a sickie' McKean, joined Sean on the show today...

Letter found in Royal Irish Academy Library 40 Years after it was written

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:50:00 +0000

A note left in an old book in the Royal Irish Academy Library in 1983 has been discovered 40 years later.

Author of the letter, Brendan Guilfoyle, Professor of Mathematics at Munster Technological University in Kerry joined Sean on the show today...

'There's much more access to testing' - Rise in number of STIs in Ireland

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:43:00 +0000

Over 6,700 cases of gonorrhoea were reported in Ireland last year, up from 3,976 in 2022. There has been a 70% increase in the number of gonorrhoea cases in Ireland, according to the latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

The main reason for this increase has been put down to younger people no longer wearing condoms.

Dr. Derek Freedman, specialist in the treatment of STI’s joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Scala - The World's Wildest Cinema

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0000

The Thatcher years are known for many things, but for those who may have felt like outsiders, the Scala cinema in London provided an influential and inspirational space for “weirdos and misfits” – as described in the title of a new documentary.

With monthly programmes mixing high-art classics as well as horror, Kung Fu, sexploitation and LGBTQ+ movies, it pushed boundaries of both taste and convention.

Many of the young audience went on to become filmmakers, musicians, artists and actors.

After 15 years - and in the midst of recession, technical changes and a law suit from Warner Brothers - it all fell apart.

Jane Giles, co-director and a former programmer for Scala cinema joined Sean on the show today...

The Tidying Mouse

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0000

A man's shed has been the nightly cleaning project of a discreet mouse, caught on film by wildlife photographer Rodney Holbrook over the course of two months. Holbrook observed that items he had left in disarray were mysteriously restored to their proper places each morning.

Rodney joined Sean on the show today to discuss...

How to Qualify for the Abandoned Home Grant

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:51:00 +0000

Room to Improve returned to TV screens last night, and instead of the architecture, it was the grants that got viewers.

The couple featured saved over 120,000 euro after they availed of a number of government grants, including the Abandoned Home grant.

However, many viewers raised questions over how easy it is to get this grant, and wondered what the process is like.

Joe Corr, Managing Director for planning from CWPA in Swords and former Irish Planning Institute President joined Sean on the show today...

Microsoft keyboard gets first update in 30 years

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:13:00 +0000

Microsoft is to make its first keyboard change in almost 30 years this year.

The tech giant is adding a key to the keyboard of its Windows 11 PCs that will give direct access to its new Copilot services, marking a new push for the AI-powered feature.

Ciara O’Brien from the Irish Times joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

My dog ate $4,000 in cash

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:05:00 +0000

A couple from Pittsburg got the shock of their lives recently when they discovered that $4,000 in cash that they left on their kitchen counter was eaten by their pet dog. But were they able to retrieve it once it passed through Cecil the goldendoodle?

Tom Dunne was jonied on the show by Cecil’s owner, Carrie Law...

'It's hard to comprehend it sometimes' - Irish musician with 60 million streams on Spotify

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:59:00 +0000

A 22-year old musician from Monaghan is making strides on Spotify. Solas  was the most successful debut song on streaming from an Irish artist since Take Me To Church by Hozier, with more than 60 million plays.

Tom Dunne was joined by Jamie Duffy on the show...

Image: Jamie Duffy

Peggy Rain: Irish inventor gets backing from Dragon's Den investors

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:50:00 +0000

An Irish inventor who featured on Dragons Den on the BBC last night has wowed inventors with his unique rain-proof washing line. But how does it work?

Tom Dunne was joined by Engineer and inventor Colin O’Brien...

Image: Peggy Rain

13-Year-Old Boy Completes Tetris

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:56:00 +0000

The original Tetris game will turn 40 this year, but only yesterday did a human manage to complete it.

And it was a 13 year old boy in Oklahoma, employing a particular set of hand skills in order to cope with the speed of the falling blocks.

Elaine Burke, Host of the podcast For Tech Sake joined Tom Dunne on the show...

Solo Skiing Across Antarctica

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:11:00 +0000

One woman in the UK has recently completed an extraordinary journey in one of the harshest environments on Earth, having skied solo across 1000 kilometres of ice to the South Pole. Preet Chandi, a Captain in the British Army, joined Tom Dunne from Antarctica...

The Cultural Importance of Owning Physical Media

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:05:00 +0000

While most culture is moving towards digital consumption models, is there still an inherent value in developing and maintaining a physical collection of books, DVDs and music?

Journalist and writer Aoife Barry has been writing about this for the Irish Times and she joined Tom Dunne on the show today...

'It's all going down the same way' - Henry asks what makes the perfect breakfast?

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 14:50:00 +0000

Hotel chain Premier Inn has designed a plate with a built-in bean barrier. They have incorporated a ceramic relief of the company’s snoozy moon logo into a plate so that the crescent can keep the baked beans at bay, separate from the eggs and bacon. But what makes a good hotel breakfast?

Tom Dunne was joined by Henry McKean with this report...

Irish Music to Look Out for in 2024

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:35:00 +0000

Over the last few years we have produced some top class Irish music, that has been showcased and celebrated around the world.

But, some say that the best is yet to come.

Eoghan O’Sullivan, a journalist with the Irish Examiner joined Tom Dunne to look at some of the biggest Irish music for 2024...

100th Anniversary of the Shipping Forecast Radio Bulletin

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:21:00 +0000

Those melodious tones of the shipping forecast will be known to many. But did you know that this week marks it’s 100th anniversary of broadcast on radio? Apart from its essential service to sailors and the shipping community, it also has a cult following from the land-based community.

Tom Dunne was joined by artist and author Roger O’Reilly...

Fostering an Animal

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Did you know that you can foster animals?

The DSPCA has a foster care system, in which people can sign up to look after pets for a short term period.

Annie Doran, is a DSPCA foster carer and she joined Tom Dunne on the show today...

How to treat scabies

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:57:00 +0000

Irish medics are sounding the alarm because scabies cases are on the upswing and are turning into a bit of a pesky public health conundrum. What's fuelling this itchy outbreak, and more importantly, how do we stop this scratchy situation from spreading?

Tom Dunne was joined by Dr Scott Walkin, Clinical Lead in Infection Control and GP to discuss...

The Luckiest Star Signs for 2024

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:40:00 +0000

Last year, we had the pleasure of hosting Inbaal Honigman, the renowned celebrity psychic who dazzled us with her prediction that 2023 would be a stellar year for Leos and Capricorns. Now, as we step into 2024, the burning question on everyone's minds is: Which zodiac sign will clinch the title of the luckiest this year?

Inbaal Honigman joined Tom Dunne to share her celestial insights...

New Book of Kells Experience to open at Trinity College Dublin

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 15:58:00 +0000

The all-new Book of Kells Experience opens in Trinity from tomorrow and the hope is that it will attract not just foreign tourists but more domestic ones too.

John Fardy was joined by Drew Duggan, Head of Tourism at Trinity College Dublin...

'Hollywood is getting really lazy' - Is there too many movie remakes nowadays?

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 15:32:00 +0000

Many movie remakes and spin-offs hit our screens this year, with the most recent, Wonka, taking more than 137 million euro at the box office last month.

The release of new movies based on our favourite old characters has been a tried and trusted way for Hollywood to keep us coming back to the cinema.

But are these remakes any good, and are they starting to lose their appeal with audiences?

Sarina Belissimo, Broadcaster and Movie and TV reviewer joined John Fardy on the show today...

How AI can help predict early death

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 15:10:00 +0000

A new AI model has been used to help predict early death. But how does this type of tech work and how accurate is it?

John Fardy was joined by Sune Lehmann, Data Scientist at the Technical University of Denmark...

Going Car-Free in London for a Year

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:45:00 +0000

When Nicholas Hellen became a victim of the notorious ULEZ pollution charge in London, he decided to ditch the car and has just celebrated one year being car free. But what has the experience been like?

John Fardy was joined by Nicholas Hellen, Transport Editor for The Sunday Times...

'Real-life Grinch' cutting down Christmas lights in Scotland

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

One of the highlights of the darker evenings this time of year is getting to see houses decorated in Christmas lights, but not for one small town in Scotland. A grinch is going around and cutting the wires.

Emma Lawson, Journalist with the Sunday Post joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Champagne Injuries

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:24:00 +0000

Opening a bottle of bubbly the wrong way is not a fun occasion, as it could lead to deadly eye injuries! In a new feature in the British Medical Journal, we’re aiming for cheers, not tears. The lead author, Dr Ethan Waisberg, is an Academic Foundation Doctor at the University of Cambridge and he joined Sean on the show today...

The Business of Christmas No. 1

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:17:00 +0000

Danny McElhinney, Music journalist Irish Mail on Sunday joined Sean to discuss how the race for Christmas number 1 works...

OPW initiates restoration of Abbey Theatre's original facade stones

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:10:00 +0000

When much of the building of the original Abbey Theatre was destroyed in a fire in 1951, its facade stones were saved by city architect Dáithí Hanly. Those historic stones, which have been sitting in a garden in Killiney for over 60 years, are now coming into the care of the OPW.

Sean was joined by Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage and Assistant Secretary General of the OPW...

Opening a shop on Christmas Day

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:05:00 +0000

It’s Christmas day and you’ve just realised there’s no milk in the fridge! For those in county Cork, fear not, as one shop will be open for a few hours.

Sean was joined by Rhyanna Curtis, of Foley’s Express Food Store in Mallow…

'Worse with age and longer' - Henry McKean looks at how to tackle a bad hangover

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:11:00 +0000

It’s peak hangover season but can you really cure a hangover and what is the worst hangover you have ever had? You might fancy a bacon sandwich or a Big Mac and Coke, but are there healthy strategies that can really make a difference?

Henry McKean joined Sean today on the show...

The Science of Gift Giving

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:10:00 +0000

It turns out, splashing cash on gifts doesn't always make them better – who knew pricey pressies don't always equal big smiles?

Jeff Galak, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business in Pittsburgh joined Sean to talk through the science behind good gift giving is…

The 5 types of Christmas traveller

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Although Ireland pretty much shuts down on Christmas Day, we perhaps forget that much of the rest of the world carries on as normal. And for this reason, air travel also continues.

Paula Gahan, Cabin Crew for an International Airline & Host of the Bad Air Hostess Podcast, has worked on many Christmas Days over the years and she has been writing for the Irish Times about the 5 types of festive traveller...

Ireland's First Cinema

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

On this day, December 20th, we're not just marking any ordinary anniversary. It's the day James Joyce decided that words weren't enough and ventured into the cinematic world, opening Ireland's first cinema.

Dr Patrick McGarty, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at Munster Technological University.joined Sean to shed light on a lesser-known chapter in the life of one of Ireland's most revered literary figures...

Author Siobhan Davis: 'It was my lifelong dream'

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:24:00 +0000

When Siobhan Davis decided to become an author in her 40s, little did she know that within ten years she would end up selling 2 million copies of her steamy romance novels. Her latest book ‘Reeve’ is released on December 30th and she joined Sean on the show today to discuss...

Image: Siobhan Davis

Volunteers in UK exposed to air pollution to assess its effects on the brain.

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:05:00 +0000

A new study in the UK uses 4 separate pollution chambers to test their effects on humans. But how does it all work?

Sean was joined by Dr. Ian Mudway, Senior lecturer in the School of Public Health at Imperial College London...

How to cheat at Christmas Dinner

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:50:00 +0000

What if you have been assigned the task of cooking Christmas dinner but you’ve never done it before and you haven’t planned anything?

Food writer Ali Dunworth to the rescue. Her first tip? Throw the turkey on the barbecue in the back garden...

Tom Munnelly: An Unsung Hero of Irish Music

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:59:00 +0000

A new documentary airing on TG4 on On Christmas Eve tells the story about Tom Munnelly, an Irish folk song collector. He is known as an unsung hero among many in the community and collected over 20,000 songs in his lifetime

Tom’s friend and brother-in-law, Jerry O’Reilly joined Sean on the show today...

How to sign off on an email

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Whether you put much thought into it or not, does the way you sign off on your emails say something about your personality? This is something the comedian Kelly Landry has been talking about. But we have asked Gina London, Leadership Communications expert and columnist with the Sunday Independent, to offer her views on if ‘Best Regards’ trumps ‘With thanks’...

'We have 3000 pictures of our Granny' - Henry meets people with weird Christmas decorations

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Most of us have our Christmas trees up at this stage. But what weird and wonderful things do you decorate your tree with? Henry McKean reports...

'It's highly significant' - Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Yesterday, the Vatican made a landmark ruling. In a historic move, it will allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. The move has been approved by Pope Francis, who first endorsed the idea in 2020.

Sean was joined by Bernard Lynch, Retired Catholic Priest who is gay ...

The Search for The Second Chamber at Newgrange

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Ever since Newgrange was first excavated in the 1960s, it has long been suspected that there may be a second chamber in the mound. Now a new documentary on TG4 explores this theory.

Sean was joined by Seán Mac an tSíthigh, Journalist, folklorist and presenter of Rún na Bóinne...

Running 365 Marathons in 365 Days

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:16:00 +0000

Aaron Johnson has just completed 365 marathons in 365 days. But how does he handle this punishing schedule while maintaining a job at the same time?

Image: Instagram via @mycrazycollies

Most Googled Fetish of 2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:06:00 +0000

It’s 2023’s most searched fetish – giantess. If you haven’t a clue what it is, rest assured as we have Clarity Mills, a Motivational Speaker, Sex Educator and Professional Dominatrix, joined Sean to break it down for us...

'It's a city centre landmark' - St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre set for renovations

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:58:00 +0000

Like it or loathe it, Stephens Green Shopping Centre has been a distinctive building in the capital city since opening in 1988.

Now it’s set to be radically changed as Dublin City Council has granted planning permission for a 100 million euro redevelopment.

Former Environment Editor with the Irish Times, Frank McDonald, was one of the objectors and he joined Sean to discuss...

Is Christmas Number 1 relevant anymore?

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:45:00 +0000

There was a time when the Christmas Number 1 single was a hotly contested battle but is it still relevant in the world of streaming and what is the history of the Irish Christmas number 1?

Sean was joined by Kirsty Blake-Knox, Columnist with Irish Independent to discuss...

The Golden Age of Christmas Movies

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:52:00 +0000

Why haven’t we had a decent Christmas movie in the last 20 years?

Sean was joined by Tom A Christie, a cinema historian and the author of “The Golden Age of Christmas Movies” and “A Totally Bodacious Nineties Christmas”...

How to cook Christmas Dinner in an Airfryer

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Now, while most people will be setting the timer on the over on Christmas Day, and no doubt sweating over getting the turkey just right, there is another option, just throw the entire Christmas dinner in the air fryer.

Sean was joined by Pat Whelan from James Whelan Butchers...

A Dummies Guide to Car Maintenance

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:32:00 +0000

When it comes to basic car maintenance knowledge, a recent survey finds that 45% of us don’t know how to change a tyre, 35% can’t find the fan belt and 13% don’t even know how to open the bonnet!

Sean was joined by Dave Humphreys, Motoring Journalist from CompleteCar.ie…

Christmas Dinner for the homeless

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:22:00 +0000

This year the annual RDS Christmas Dinner will feed over 5000 people. But what is the history and logistics of this very old tradition?

Sean was joined by Adrian King from the Knights of the Order of St. Columbanus and Member of the Organising Committee of the Annual RDS Christmas Dinner...

Lockerbie Air Disaster: 35 Years On

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:10:00 +0000

Next month marks the 35th anniversary of the Lockerbie Bombing, when 270 people were killed in the UK’s worst ever terrorist attack. Sky documentaries has a new multi-part series which re-examines this extraordinary event.

Sean was joined by director, John Dower, whose work is known to Irish audiences having previously directed the Netflix series about Sophie Toscan du Plantier...

'Let's all share the buzz!' - Do you enjoy Christmas pop music on repeat?

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Christmas shopping is in full swing but spare a thought for the shop assistants who have to listen to Christmas pop music on repeat all day long. How do they cope?

Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

Dublin museum launches exhibition in honour of The Pogues

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:25:00 +0000

An exhibition in the works for the past year is now on display. It’s called ‘They Gave The Walls A Talking’ and honours the extraordinary story of The Pogues and Shane MacGowan at EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum, developed in collaboration with Hot Press.

Sean was joined by Stuart Clarke, Deputy Editor of Hot Press…

Campaign launched to increase the biodiversity of animal and plant emojis

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:15:00 +0000

While your average lion, elephant and monkey emojis are a dime a dozen, less fashionable life forms, such as flat worms and bacteria are much more difficult to come across in emoji form. Now there is a major push to increase their biodiversity. Joining me now is Stefano Mammola, a post-doctorate ecologist in Italy...

Being a Turkey Farmer at Christmas

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:10:00 +0000

As we approach the peak of their busiest season, one Kildare farm is bustling with preparation, readying turkeys for our Christmas dinners.

Sean was joined by Billy Gray, the Owner of Feighcullen Farm, a haven for sustainable poultry farming of ducks, chickens, turkeys, and geese.

Thriller at 40: 'Many non-dancers can have a spectacular time doing the dance'

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:58:00 +0000

This month marks the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking music video ‘Thriller’, a video whose dance movies have often been mimicked but perhaps never equaled.

Sean was joined Vincent Paterson, the assistant choreographer of ‘Thriller’...

Are men bad at giving Christmas gifts?

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Is there a difference in the way men and women organise and give Christmas presents?

Justine O’Mahoney, Columnist with the Wexford People, argues that men simply are bad present givers, often bereft of thought and that they leave it all to the last minute...

The Most Expensive Coffee in the World

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:01:00 +0000

One of the purest, rarest and indeed most expensive coffees in the world comes from the island of St. Helena, where Napoleon was exiled to at the end of his life. But why is it so special?

Mark Stratton, a travel journalist joined Sean to discuss...

What is inyeon?

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:01:00 +0000

The film ‘Past Lives’ garnered several nominations yesterday at the Golden Globes announcement. The movie relies heavily on the concept of ‘inyeon’, which explains how the characters meet. But what is ‘inyeon’?

Sean was joined by Sarah Son, Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Sheffield...

The Wrongful Conviciton for the Murder of an Irish Priest in Texas

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:46:00 +0000

In a tale that reads like fiction, a man wrongfully convicted for the murder of an Irish priest he didn't commit, and the unexpected journey of compassion that followed. How does one find the strength to forgive the unforgivable?

Sean was joined by Ann Murphy, Reporter with the Irish Examiner and host of the podcast, “Forgiven”...

Coddle Makes a Comeback

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:12:00 +0000

Is the key to a nutritious, satisfying, and economical diet hidden in the recipes passed down by our grandmothers? Traditional Irish recipes are experiencing a resurgence nationwide, indicating a return to the sustainable culinary practices of our ancestors.

Sean was joined by Roann Byrne, a renowned chef and food writer, co-founder of Danu, and one of the Irish Times’s top 50 people to watch this year...

Saying no to invitations: 'I don't give an excuse!'

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Some may consider it rude, but experts suggest people often overestimate the social consequences of rejecting an invitation.

To discuss this further, Sean was joined by Henry McKean to discuss..

30th Anniversary of the Downing Street Declaration

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:40:00 +0000

This weeks marks the 30th anniversary of the historic Downing Street Declaration.

Johnny Fallon, of Carr Communications joined Sean to discuss...

Badvertising - Stopping adverts fuelling the climate crisis

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:08:00 +0000

Badvertising, the UK based group that challenges adverts that fuel the climate crisis, has recently scored a victory over an ad by Toyota. They also have a new book out.

Sean was joined by Andrew Simms, co-author of 'Badvertising'...

Gifting Bees for Christmas

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Wondering what to get someone for Christmas? Maybe you should cross bees off that list. In just over 10 years, there has been a rise in Irish people shopping and gifting bees from abroad. In a world where online shopping makes everything accessible, including bees, what's the real cost of this convenience to our native bee populations?

Sean was joined by Gerard Coyne, a founding member and current Vice Chairperson of Native Irish Honey Bee Society...

'I thought I was doing the right thing' - GP's experience of conversion therapy

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Conversion therapy practices will carry a criminal offence under planned legislation, according to Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman.

The Minister updated Cabinet today on the progress being made in banning conversion therapy practices, something that is contained in the programme for government.

Dr. Gareth Patterson is an Irish GP living in London who has been through it, and joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Gossip and how to get away with it...

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Tis the season for office gossip, from who did what at the Christmas party to who's bonus is beating out the others

And though the practice isn't always recommendable, it's also one as old as time

Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on Ireland's favourite bad habit, but is it a bad habit at all?

Gavin James LIVE at Movies and Booze

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:05:00 +0000

The Movies and Booze Christmas Special was LIVE from the Stella Cinema in Rathmines.

Gavin James dropped by to play some tunes and have a chat...

G7 countries to ban Russian diamonds

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:51:00 +0000

The G7 nations have agreed to ban the importation of Russian diamonds from the beginning of 2024.

While it’s an effort to curb Russia’s funding for the war in Ukraine, it’s unlikely to have a huge financial impact because of their links to Dubai and China.

So what’s happening in the diamond trade? Have the African nations gotten a handle on the issues there?

Gerry Appleby from Appleby Jewellers joined Sean to discuss...

Self-service checkouts: 'I avoid them!'

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:25:00 +0000

They were meant to make our lives a whole lot easier, but some would say they’ve done the opposite.

The self service till never seems to work right, and nothing is worse then hearing that loud phrase ‘unexpected item in the baggage area’.

Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent joined Sean to discuss...

The Best Concert Movies

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Have you ever loved a concert so much that you would go and watch it a second time, but this time on the big screen? With the recent release of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour and Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, the concert film has come back into the limelight. But there have several blockbuster movies of concerts before now.

Sean was joined by Music Journalist with the Irish Mail on Sunday, Danny McElhinney...

'It's a crutch to lean on' - The Irish Prepper Community is growing

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 14:50:00 +0000

When you think of preppers, people who live their lives in a state of readiness for a catastrophe, one’s mind wanders to images of Americans in massive bunkers. But did you know that Ireland has an active prepper community of 3000 people.

Sean was joined by Frank Deegan, Founder of the Irish Survival and Prepper Group...

John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:20:00 +0000

A new docuseries on Apple TV seeks to understand what exactly it is that drove Mark Chapman to take the life of John Lennon, outside the infamous Dakota Building in New York, this month in 1980.

Sean was joined by Nick Holt, Co-director of John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial...

Ireland's Biggest Christmas Market

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:41:00 +0000

Many people fly off to various European capitals in December to experience their Christmas markets but one such market in Ireland has stood the test of time and is now among the largest and most successful in the country. But what is it that has made it a success when others have failed?

Sean was joined by Maria Moynihan Lee, the managing director of Milestone Inventive which runs Galway’s Christmas Market...

Solar power schoolbags making waves at COP28

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:26:00 +0000

COP28 is underway this week, and outside of the endless government discussions taking place, there is also some cool environmentally friendly tech on show.

One of those is the solar powered schoolbag, which has become a game changer for children in some regions.

Sean was joined by Caroline O’Doherty, Environment Correspondent at the Irish Independent...

Richard Coles: 'I never wanted to be a popstar, it just sort of happened'

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Former Church of England Vicar, Richard Coles is bringing his new live show ‘Borderline National Trinket’ to Dublin on January 25th when he will lift the lid on what exactly it was like going from ‘80s pop star to clergyman.

Richard Coles joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Sing Along Social: 'We unleash the power of cheesy pop music'

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Not a note in your head? No fear Sing Along Social is here. Hosted by The Craic Mechanics, they create a safe and gas space where friends and strangers gather together to sing along to their favourite cheesy pop songs.

Founder Aoife McElwain joined Sean to discuss...

Image: Sing Along Social

Staying in a hotel for Christmas: 'You can have a treatment in the spa'

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to stay in a hotel on Christmas? There are only a select few that remain open in Ireland right through the big days. One man who knows all about running a hotel during the festive period is Nicky Logue, General Manager of the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge...

Image: InterContinental Dublin

Wonka's Choclatier

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:20:00 +0000

The new Willy Wonka movie is being released this week and audiences may be surprised to discover that, unlike the iconic 1971 film of Roald Dahl’s story, all the chocolate and confectionary creations in the new version are actually real.

Cardiff-based chocolatier Gabriella Cugno joined Sean to discuss her creations...

'I'm late all the time!' - Why are the Irish such bad timekeepers?

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:11:00 +0000

According to the insights learned from the Global Attitudes Toward Work Report, being fashionably late seems to have a distinct cultural twist in Ireland. A mere 41.2% of the Irish population deems punctuality as 'extremely or very important.' So, as we delve into the Christmas celebrations, is the being late on purpose something we all do for the Christmas party?

Henry McKean reports...

Is holding your pee during long movies at the cinema bad for you?

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:41:00 +0000

As movies get longer and longer, more and more people are struggling to hold their pee for the length of the film during a trip to the cinema. So, is it ever ok to ‘hold it in’?

Sean was joined by Dr. Fardod O’Kelly, a urologist at Clane Hospital and The Beacon...

Old Moore's Almanac predicts first female Taoiseach in 2024

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:31:00 +0000

Old Moore predicts Ireland will get first female Taoiseach but she will have a tough year in 2024

Popular Almanac also foresees an assassination warning for former US president Donald Trump

Nicole Buckler Kelly is the Editor of Old Moore Almanac and joined Sean to discuss...

Rizz announced as Word of the Year 2023

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Rizz has been announced as the Oxford Word of the Year.

It describes the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner with style, charm or attractiveness.

Fiona McPherson is Senior Editor at the Oxford English Dictionary and she joined Sean to discuss...

Monagahan snail farmer using snail mucin in skincare products

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Kieran Corley, Snail farmer and founder of Bragan Skincare joined Sean on the show today to discuss how he uses his snails to help make his products...

'We object to losing the library' - Senator calls for Dáil library to remain open

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Following a revamp, the Dáil Library, or sometimes known as the Reading Room, was tranformed. Now there is a proposal to get rid of the room altogether and replace it with a room for committee meetings.

For more on this, Sean was joined by Senator Michael McDowell...

The Reverse Advent Calendar

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:18:00 +0000

Advent starts this coming Sunday and people around the country will be eagerly opening up that first window to reveal the treat inside. But one woman in Dublin is operating a Reverse Advent Calendar. What is this and how does it work?

Sean was joined by Caitríona Redmond, Food writer, Columnist in the Irish Examiner and Cost of Living Expert...

How comedy has changed through the years

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:18:00 +0000

Perhaps at no other time in modern history has comedy been such a big draw, with superstar comedians selling out venues as big as the ones that popstars can conquer. But at the same time, it seems that comedy is itself in peril, as more and more jokes, and the people who tell them, get cancelled. So where is the world of comedy at in 2023?

Jesse David Fox, is a leading American Comedy critic and the author of new book ‘Comedy Book: How Comedy Conquered Culture — and the Magic That Makes It Work’ and he joined Sean on the show today...

Ireland's first ever Rage Room

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:02:00 +0000

Ireland’s first ever rage room is set to opened in Ballyfermot.

It provides relief for individuals feeling stressed or frustrated, delivering therapeutic outcomes after an hour of enjoyable property damage.

Participants receive protective gear and are granted access to sledgehammers and glass bottles to release their anger on unused machinery.

Lucas Baltrusis, owner of Rage Room Ireland joined Sean to discuss...

People now opting for more than one Christmas tree in their home

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:46:00 +0000

According to research by retail giant John Lewis, more and more people are opting to put up multiple Christmas tress, rather than the stardard one.

Sean was joined by architect and artist Roisin Murphy...

Coping with Alopecia

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:32:00 +0000

Louis Theroux has revealed he's considering getting his expressive eyebrows tattooed to save his career after losing them during his battle with alopecia.

The documentary maker revealed the news in an Instagram post recently. However, what has people talking is the nature of the alopecia. It’s patchy and mainly on his facial hair so far. So how common is this?

Carol Johnson, Trichologist, joined Sean to discuss...

Penny Lane sign returned after 47 years

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 11:13:00 +0000

The road signs for Penny Lane have been hot property for decades, however one of the original road signs from the Beatles era in Liverpool has been returned almost 50 years after it was stolen.

Mary Chadwick, General Manager of The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool joined Sean to discuss...

Composer revives music written by Auschwitz orchestra

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

On a research trip to Auschwitz, my next guest discovered a one-page fragment of a musical composition titled “Futile Regrets”.

It’s quite well known that inmates performed music both for the SS and in the open air in the camp, but the works would have been chosen carefully to reflect the politics of the camp.

So to discover a personal composition allowed for a very powerful insight into the emotions of an inmate at the concentration camp.

Leo Geyer is a composer and conductor who had been commissioned to write a piece in memory of Sir Martin Gilbert, a British holocaust expert, and so he decided to complete this unsigned work.

Leo Geyer joined Sean on the show today...

'I don't think it's a bad thing' - Is it offensive to call someone a geek or a nerd?

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:10:00 +0000

A ten-year-old boy in the UK has launched a petition to change the nerd emoji. He says it gives people the wrong impression and makes life very difficult for glasses wearers. Does he have a point?

Henry McKean joined Sean for this report...

'A genius songwriter' - Tom Dunne remembers the late Shane MacGowan

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:05:00 +0000

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.

Newstalk presenter and Something Happens frontman Tom Dunne joined Sean Moncrieff today on the show...

Some Gardaí 'don't want to put themselves into situations where complaints will be made about them'

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:35:00 +0000

One of the things that is of emerging concern, in the aftermath of the Dublin Riots last week, is the question of how much force the Gardai feel they are able to use in the face of street violence.

Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times, has been investigating this and he joined Sean to discuss...

Is it time to ditch plastic toys?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:24:00 +0000

With the vast majority of toys being made of plastic and shipped from China, is it time to start looking at more ecologically kind alternatives?

Sean was joined by Sharon Kielthy, Founder of Jiminy Eco Toys...

'You're a medical detective' - Dr Marie Cassidy on her life and career

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:12:00 +0000

A new podcast from former State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy called 'Life in Death' has been launched by GoLoud.

Dr. Marie Cassidy joined Sean on the show this afternoon...

'It saves loads of time' - Mum in the UK cooking Christmas Dinner a month in advance

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:55:00 +0000

With Christmas right around the corner, the preparations are underway for everyone around the country. One Mother in the UK has taken Christmas preparations to the extreme, so far in fact, that she already had some of her Christmas Dinner cooked and has frozen it!

Sean was joined by Claire Gillies from Delicious and Real to discuss...

Working as a Christmas Tree Farmer

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 10:40:00 +0000

Christmas tree farmers up and down the country are settling into the busiest time of their year, as thousands of people go on the hunt for their perfect Noble Fir.

John Fardy was joined by Darragh McCullough, Farmer and journalist, who has been writing about his experiences in today’s Irish Independent..

The Lesbian Couples of the 1916 Rising

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:50:00 +0000

A new documentary will air next week which focusses on female couples at the heart of the Irish Revolution

Croíthe Radacacha, which translates to Radical Hearts, is a feature about some of the female and lesbian relationships at the centre of the Irish Revolution.

Director Ciara Hyland joined John Fardy on the show today....

Image: TG4

Woodpeckers wrecking electricity poles around Ireland

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Pole-wrecking woodpeckers. It’s not a tongue twister, but a problem faced by the ESB as woodpeckers have been damaging electricity poles and causing power outages.

So why are the birds choosing poles over natural trees?

Niall Hatch, Head of Communications and Development at Birdwatch Ireland...

How to Make the Friends 'Moist Maker' Sandwich

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:10:00 +0000

“MY SANDWICH!? YOU ATE MYYYY SANDWICH!!!?” Those are the words of Ross Gellar in an episode of Friends, when someone stole his Thanksgiving leftovers sambo, “The Moist Maker.” But what’s in it? How is it prepared? How could one sandwich be that delicious? Well, the secret is in it’s title.

John Fardy was joined by Ali Dunworth, culinary creative and food writer to discuss…

Image: Netflix

'It changed everything' - Henry McKean celebrates 40 years of 'Now That’s What I Call Music'

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:46:00 +0000

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Now That’s What I Call Music. And it’s still going. Henry McKean joined John Fardy to ask why?

New VR game aims to help men understand testicular health

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:40:00 +0000

A new video game, using virtual reality, aims to help men understand testicular health in a more accessible way.

Tom Dunne was joined by Dr. Mohamad Saab, a senior lecturer and director of graduate studies at UCC’s School of Nursing and Midwifery,...

Travelling Around Europe with a Dog

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:50:00 +0000

The idea of taking a year off work to travel may put the fear of God into some people but this is exactly what Ariana Dunne did for a year in 2022. She travelled with her chocolate cockapoo, Molly.

Tom was joined by Ariana Dunne, Host of the Solo Powered Podcast...

The world's largest iceberg is on the move

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:22:00 +0000

The world’s largest iceberg is on the move for the first time in 30 years, after getting moored and subsequently unstuck, near the Antarctic mainland. But just how big is this giant and do we know where it will travel towards?

Tom Dunne was joined by Professor Paul Dunlop, Glaciologist and Research Director at the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences in Ulster University...

Image: Shutterstock

Props from 'Normal People' and 'My Left Foot' to go on auction

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:10:00 +0000

As the film and TV industry has grown in Ireland, so too have the supporting sectors.

One of those is props; the signature pen held by a central character, the copper pots and pans from a 19th century Big House in the west of Ireland, a kitsch living room that matches a quirky personality.

Well one of the country’s main prop houses is auctioning off decades of their pieces from shows like Normal People and films like My Left Foot.

Killian McNulty, manager of film prop house Historic Interiors and he joined Tom Dunne on the show today...

'I'm flabbergasted he survived' - Stranded Kerry turtle to fly to the Azores in time for Christmas

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:05:00 +0000

A washed up turtle non-native to Ireland is being flown in a cockpit with a pilot. We want to hear why this species don’t survive here, and the rehabilitation process back into the wild. Kevin Flannery, Marine Biologists at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

The Cost of Christmas

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Christmas in Ireland is now one of the most expensive in the world, according to the number crunchers in the Irish Times. They have published their ‘12 Costs of Christmas’ this morning and Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times, joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

Ireland's first professional circus course

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

For years, people in Ireland have literally been running away with the circus – in terms of training anyway.

There was never a professional circus course here and so any aspiring circus performers had to travel to Europe or elsewhere to develop their skills, and most often they’d stay there to work professionally.

However a group of 12 artists are about to complete Boost - the first ever professional course, and we’re joined by their director, Aoife Raleigh

Deep space astronauts may suffer from erectile dysfunction, study finds

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:55:00 +0000

While it is well known that long stints in space can cause muscle and bone wastage, until now information on sexual health has been scant. A new study attempts to understand what happens to men’s penises over extended time in orbit.

Sean was joined by Justin La Favor, Expert in neurovascular dysfunction at Florida State University...

No-Kill Caviar: How does it work?

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:45:00 +0000

The traditional method for extracting eggs for caviar involves clubbing a sturgeon and slaughtering them. However, there is a growing movement towards a more ethical ‘no kill’ method.

Sean was joined by Angela Köhler, Polar and marine scientist to discuss...

The Best of the Late Late Toy Show

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

The Late Late Toy Show has become the unofficial start of Christmas for many families across Ireland, and tonight, Patrick Kielty will become the fourth presenter to host the show.

Now in its 49th year, what started out as a single segment on The Late Late has become an extravaganza.

Kirsty Blake Knox, feature writer with the Irish Independent has been going over its history and some of the best bits...

Dublin Airport 'exploring potential options' for revamped plane spotting area

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Dublin Airport has said it is “exploring potential options” to improve the viewing area available for plane spotters around the airport.

But how popular is the art of plane spotting and what does it involve?

Sean was joined by Gerry Byrne, aviation journalist to discuss...

Focail na mBan: Women’s Words by Manchán Magan

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:20:00 +0000

A new book celebrates the Irish language’s association with female genitalia, and is illustrated by a host of artists. Sean was joined by author Manchán Magan, Author of Focail na mBan: Women’s Words...

How are housing estates named?

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Over the past 20 years or so, with the proliferation of suburban housing estates, the naming of these places appears to be becoming more and more innocuous, with ‘meadow’ this and ‘brook’ that popping up left right and centre. But how does the naming of estates actually work and should there be a little more imagination involved? Sean was joined by Christopher Fitzgerald, a post doctoral researcher in Linguistics at Mary Immaculate College...

The value of family heirlooms and how to protect sentimental items

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

The age-old question, if your house was on fire what is the one thing you would pick up?

When it comes to family heirlooms some of us love them, other people stuff them in the attic to never see the light of day again.

Josh Crosbie has been meeting with people and experts in this area to find out all about sentimental value.

Qatar help broker hostage deal and 4-day ceasefire in Gaza

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:45:00 +0000

Israel’s cabinet on Wednesday approved a ceasefire deal with the Hamas militant group that would bring a temporary halt to a devastating war that has stretched on for over six weeks.

The deal was brokered by Qatar, who have shown to be a diplomatic force in the region. But what is involved in these type of negotiations, and why did they take place now?

Tom Clonan, Senator and former army officer and joined Sean to discuss...

Italian prince saves Ferrari Persano horse from extinction

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

The horse that graces the logo of one of the world’s most luxurious cars has a story that goes far beyond the world of motoring. Sean was joined by journalist Charlotte Eagar who has been investigating the story of the Persano horse, which has been saved from extinction by an Italian prince...

'The apostrophe deserves being protected' - UK villagers win battle to have sign changed

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:10:00 +0000

A group of locals in Hampshire are rejoicing after the apostrophe was returned to their street name on official signage. One man who is hugely supportive of this move is Bob McCalden, Chairman of the Apostrophe Protection Society...

Image: Hampshire Chronicle

'A terrifying experience' - Donegal influencer taking part in Squid Game: The Challenge

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

You’ll remember the huge hit tv show on Netflix last year, Squid Games. In the fictional show, competitors risk their lives to win money.

It’s been given the reality TV treatment, with 456 competitors from around the world applying to win 4.56 million – 10,000 for each competitor.

'Squid Games: The Challenge ' has been described as brutal, manipulative and unflinching. The contestants play similar games as in the TV show, with elimination rounds in between.

Infuencer Eric Roberts from Donegal is taking part in the show and he joined Sean to discuss...

'It's for nostalgia': Henry looks at the return of the mixtape

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:37:00 +0000

The Moncrieff Show has discovered there has been a rise in people getting their old tape decks fixed, perhaps to play their mixtapes. Henry McKean met legacy DJs and mixtape lovers who made them to impress a girl or a boy. The thought and dedication creating a mixtape was huge. Henry visits the Hifi Hospital in Kells and finds out how to make the perfect mix tape...

Sean Moncrieff in Somalia: 'It's very distressing' - Stephen Rae

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:55:00 +0000

Sean Moncrieff spent last week in Somalia with Unicef. Today on the show we heard an interview he did with actor and Unicef Ambassador Stephen Rae while in Somalia.

The Sex Toy Show with Jenny Keane

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:38:00 +0000

After two sell-out years, Jenny Keane's annual 'The Sex Toy Show' is back with an all-new show hosted by Ireland’s Sex Education guru.

Streaming live from Dublin on Thursday the 23rd of November, the massively popular two-hour show will see Jenny Keane and friends take you through a spicy showcase of the latest and best in pleasure toys available.

Jenny Keane joined Sean on the show today to discuss...

Fermanagh woman honoured for role in Danish Resistance during World War II

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:22:00 +0000

A woman who grew up in Co. Fermanagh has been honoured with a blue plaque for her bravery as a member of the Danish Resistance during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. But her extraordinary life really does beggar belief. Sean was joined by Clodagh Finn, author and journalist, who has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner...

'It's a struggle' - Are we now more broke than ever before?

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Irish Independent columnist Tanya Sweeney wrote: “I spent my 20s feeling flush and spending money on holidays, designer bags and taxis. Now I earn more but am constantly broke.”

Her article struck a chord with readers with many of feeling we are in the same boat. Henry McKean has been to the commuter belt town Naas in County Kildare and he joined Sean on the show...

Calls for national dog database amid rise in attacks on sheep flocks

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Another dog attack in Kerry last week resulted in the deaths of 25 pedigree Dorset ewes. The Irish Farmers’ Association are calling on government to take more action to protect their animals.

Sean was joined by Pat O’Shea, sheep farmer and Kerry IFA Hill Farming Chair...

Study reveals feminists 'tend to have positive attitudes towards men'

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:40:00 +0000

A wide scale study has revealed feminists don’t actually hate men.

‘The Misandry Myth: An Inaccurate Stereotype About Feminists’ Attitudes Toward Men’ has busted the myth that feminists hate men and highlights misconceptions about feminists.

10,000 participants were asked how much they agreed with statements like “men act like babies when they are sick” and “women seek to gain power by getting control over men”.

Sean was joined by lead author of the study and Assistant Professor in Social Psychology in the University of Surrey, Dr. Aífe Hopkins-Doyle...

UN Representative for Somalia Catriona Laing

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Sean Moncrieff spent last week in Somalia with Unicef. While there he met with Catriona Laing, United Nations representative for Somalia...

Sean Moncrieff in Somalia

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Sean Moncrieff spent last week in Somalia with Unicef. Today on the show he spoke about his experience and heard from some of the people he met there...

The Reluctant Beatle

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:40:00 +0000

George Harrison was often described as ‘the quiet Beatle’. But with such an extraordinary life of ups and downs, it hardly seems a fair moniker. A new biography delves deep beneath the public persona. Tom Dunne was joined by Philip Norman, legendary rock biographer and author of The Reluctant Beatle...

Why is cuteness so irresistible?

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Joshua Paul Dale is an expert in why we tend to find cute things irresistable, from the enlarged eyes of Disney characters to puppies, his new book is entitled ‘Irresistible: How Cuteness Wired our Brains and Conquered the World'...

'It's mainly Diana in the South of France on a boat' - The Crown season 6 review

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Pat Fitzpatrick, Journalist and Author joined Tom Dunne to discuss the release of The Crown season 6 on Netflix...

'Starbucks lovers' and 'sweet dreams are made of cheese' - what lyrics have you misheard?

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean went out in the streets of Dublin to find out what lyrics we've all been hearing wrong.

Noel McIntyre on his book: ‘RíRá Mullingar: A Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle’

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Filmmaker and photographer, Noel McIntyre spoke to Tom Dunne about his new photo book showcasing the Fleadh. ‘RíRá Mullingar: A Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle’ captures the magic the Fleadh brought to Noel's hometown of Mullingar.

The book club that took 25 years to finish one book

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 15:15:00 +0000

A book club in California, that has spent almost three decades reading “Finnegans Wake” has completed the book. Starting in 1995, the group would show up to monthly meetings at a local library and read two pages a month, eventually slowing to just one page per discussion.

Gerry Fialka who is a member of the club joined Tom Dunne.

The lost menu of the Titanic

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:15:00 +0000

This weekend, several surviving items from the Titanic were snapped up at auction for eyewatering prices.

A dinner menu from the ship offering oysters, beef, spring lamb and mallard duck fetched £83,000 while a pocket watch owned by one of the passengers carried a price tag of £97,000.

Tom was joined by Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Son to discuss.

Author Joe Brady on new book 'Dublin: Mapping the City'

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:10:00 +0000

'Dublin: Mapping the City' is a new book that explores historic maps of Dublin city, tracing its evolution through an examination of the hygiene, urban planning and even the car parking story of the nation’s capital. Tom spoke to co-author Joe Brady.

The adverse effects of perimenopause and how to cope with them

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:45:00 +0000

Luckily, conversation about menopause is beginning to open up in Ireland, but there is still a lot of mis- and dis- information to wade through when getting to grips with the condition.

There are ways to cope with the adverse effects of menopause, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Dr Caoimhe Hartley joined Tom to discuss how best to manage menopause.

Learning ancestral skills as a way to reconnect with nature

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:35:00 +0000

Connecting with nature is also an opportunity to connect with yourself. So says ancestral skills teacher and wildlife tracker Lucy O’Hagan, whose ‘Wild Awake’ classes rekindle ancestral life ways for cultural and ecological resistance in Ireland. Think living of off wild foods, tanning animal hides, and building fires from scratch.

There has been an enormous surge in a desire to reconnect with the land in modern Ireland. Why exactly is this, and how can the revival of ancient practices improve our lives

Tom spoke to Lucy to learn more.

'Cultural cringe' as a response to traditional Irish music

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:25:00 +0000

An impromptu trad session on board a delayed Aer Lingus flight last week got a mixed response online and revealed the schism in Irish culture between celebrating traditional music and scoffing at the musicians and their “diddley-eye” tendencies.

People took to X, formerly Twitter, in droves to ridicule the musicians onboard, with some saying they’d rather the plane be hijacked than have to sit through the ruckus.

Where does this aversion to traditional Irish music come from, and why is it so widespread? Tom spoke to Edel Fox, a proud trad musician and a producer and director at Tyrone Productions.

The changing landscape of the office whipround

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:15:00 +0000

The office whipround, a mainstay of offices when celebrating milestones or farewells, has undergone a massive transformation in recent times. Previously, the practice involved the simple but agonising process of collecting cash and putting it in a card.

With the advent of remote working and the decline of cash the whipround has undergone a transformation. Platforms such as Collection Pot, Giftround, and Thankbox are springing up to provide a digital alternative.

Pilita Clark, Associate Editor and Business Columnist at the Financial Times, joined Tom to discuss.

'A phenomenally difficult storm to predict' - Were weather warnings for Storm Debi appropriate?

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Around 80,000 homes and businesses were without power at one stage this morning due to Storm Debi, as the storm made its way through the country overnight and through the early part of today.

Were the weather warnings, which we were issued last night and through this morning, fit for purpose?

To discuss, Tom spoke to Cathal Nolan, a climatologist at Ireland’s Weather Channel.

'There is the opportunity there for more girls to get involved' - Rallycross Driver Aoife Rafferty

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:45:00 +0000

The Moncrieff show comes to you today live from Galmont Hotel for Movies and Booze with thanks to our friends in Marks and Spencer.

The world of motorsport has unfairly been dominated by males since its conception. But that is starting to change.

One woman on the cusp of that change is Aoife Rafferty a Galway Native and Rallycross Driver.

Aoife In 2022 was selected as the first female driver into the Motorsport Ireland (MI) Rally Academy and is just back from the British Rallycross where she finished 5th place in her first-ever Rally Cross tournament.

Tom Dunne was thrilled to sit down with Aoife to chat about the world of motorsport, the lack of gender diversity in the sport and how she found herself becoming a rallycross driver.

'People think I’m like the character. Im the complete opposite' - Galway Comedian Stevo Timmothy.

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:25:00 +0000

The Moncrieff show comes to you today live from Galmont Hotel for Movies and Booze with thanks to our friends in Marks and Spencer.

As we are in Galway, Tom Dunne sat down for a chat with internet sensation comedian and local, Stevo Timothy.

Stevo's Farmer Michael sketches have gained him millions of views online, gathering him a huge amount of attention on social media.

The two chatted about interactions in public, social media and whether he prefers live comedy over his online sketches.

Permission has been granted for the first net zero transatlantic flight

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

The British aviation watchdog has given Virgin permission for a world-first transatlantic flight using only sustainable jet fuel. It'll fly from London to New York at the end of November. It's part of efforts by the airline industry to decarbonise travel.

Sean spoke to Kevin Byrne, Retired Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel & lecturer in Aviation Safety Management at DCU.

Covenant Eyes: The app that reduces porn consumption

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

A clip has resurfaced from a year ago of the newly elected US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson discussing his use of an app which claims it can help people manage their porn consumption.

The app 'Covenant Eyes' has now become widely used in the US.

Dhruv Mehrotra, Staff writer at WIRED magazine told Sean more about the app.

Irishman Alan Fisher is the cooking and baking world record holder

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

An Irish chef living in Japan and has just landed two Guinness World Records, for cooking and baking marathons. Alan Fisher, a chef originally from Dundalk in Co Louth, is the new Guinness World Record holder for both the longest cooking marathon (individual) and the longest baking marathon (individual). Fisher claimed the longest baking marathon (individual) with a time of 47 hours and 21 minutes.

Alan spoke to Sean.

Should TDs wear the keffiyeh in the Dail?

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

A number of TDs have sported the keffiyeh in the Dail chamber over the past few weeks, in solidarity with Palestinians. The keffiyeh is considered a political statement so how does this fit with any dress code that may exist in the Dail? Gavan Reilly, Political Correspondent for Virgin Media News spoke to Sean about the Dail dress code.

The presidential election in Ukraine has been delayed

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out holding a presidential vote in the spring. He has urged his countrymen to avoid political divides, saying they must concentrate all resources on fighting Russia.

Donnacha Ó Beacháin is a Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government, DCU spoke to Sean about what happens to Elections during a war period.

Nestlé discontinues a number of iconic chocolate bars

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Nestlé have announced both the Caramac bar and Animal Bar will be discontinued.

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean went to, Coolock, Ireland's chocolate capital, to get reaction.

Is AI posing a threat to football pundits?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

This week, Open AI held a developer day where they announced the expansion of ChatGPT which means that people can now create their own customised versions of Chat GPT.

Elaine Burke, presenter of the For Tech Sake podcast spoke to Sean about the future of ChatGPT.

Who is the thatcher on the cover of Led Zepplin IV?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Led Zepplin IV is known not just for 'Stairway to Heaven' but also for its anonymous thatcher depicted on the album cover.

The mystery as to who this thatcher was appears to have been solved. Brian Edwards, a historian with the University of the West of England spoke to Sean.

Being a geriatric mother: 'Women's fertility falls off a cliff at 35'

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

New CSO figures have revealed that the average age of first time mothers is 33.3 years of age. Medicine still defines a geriatric pregnancy as 35. Fiona Looney, Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail spoke to Sean about being defined as a geriatric mother.

How can psychedelics help with mental illness?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Psychoactive mushrooms developed a reputation for wild psychedelia from the 60’s onwards.

David Nutt, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College in London and Author of 'Psychedelics: The Revolutionary Drugs that Could Change Your Life — A Guide from the Expert' has spent years researching their potential for alleviating mental illness. He spoke to Sean.

Ireland's land speed record holder - Mel Nolan

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:30:00 +0000

This month marks the anniversary of an extraordinary land speed record taking place on the famous Carrigrohane Straight in Cork, all the way back in 1930.

In November 1930, Joseph Wright rode a motorcycle at 150.7mph down a stretch of the Carrigrohane Straight, just outside Cork. It’s a record that’s still published in the official FIM register.

Racer, Mel Nolan, set the still standing Irish record there in 1981, he spoke to Sean.

Image: Mel Nolan with the record breaking, Cork built, Turbo/ Nitrous Honda

This Listowel native was Head Chef of the White House

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:30:00 +0000

Surely one of the greatest honours a chef can attain is to be selected as the Head Chef of the White House. Well, this is exactly what happened to Kerry woman Kathy Buckley, going on to serve under a number of presidents during the 1920s, including Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.

Seán spoke to Vincent Carmody whose new book 'Kathy White House' chronicles Kathy's story.

Top tips for maintaining your older home

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:20:00 +0000

If you have an older home, your efforts to preserve it might be doing more harm than good. From using the wrong paint to matching up the wrong stones, the incorrect materials used in an older home for modern living can have disastrous results.

Stonemason Frank McCormack from Irish Natural Stone shared his top tips for maintenance with Seán.

Irish tipping legislation, one year on

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:45:00 +0000

As the one year anniversary of the recent tipping legislation approaches, some questions are starting to arise about how practical it really is.

Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland, joined Seán to explain how it works and the kind of issues cropping up as a result of it.

Women from the West of Ireland live longer

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Women in the West and North West of Ireland have the highest life expectancy in the country.

Figures from Eurostat show women in the region have a life expectancy of 84.9 on average, while men have a life expectancy of 80.4, marginally lower than the Eastern and Midlands region.

What are the factors that contribute to this? Maire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh is a Medical Doctor and West of Ireland Woman joined Seán to discuss.

A smoke-free generation in the UK: Britain's plan to eliminate smoking

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:10:00 +0000

Anyone born after 1 January 2009 would never be able to buy cigarettes according to legislation under way in the United Kingdom. The proposal even includes e-cigarettes.

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean joined Seán to ask: is Ireland going to follow suit?

The surprising political messages behind vintage clothing

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:20:00 +0000

When you're rocking your vintage 1950s fishtail trousers or your 'tradwife' floral dress are you thinking about the political statement you are projecting to the world?

Many in the vintage community are fearful that certain groups will use garments from a certain era as weapons to further an agenda or viewpoint and have tried to combat this by using the hashtag banner of 'Vintage Style, Not Vintage Values'.

Oliver Steeles joined Seán to make the case for de-weaponising fashion.

Feline facial expressions: what is your cat trying to tell you?

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:05:00 +0000

You may think of cats as unemotive, vacant creatures but new research from Lyon College in Arkansas has found that feline’s can have up to 300 facial expressions.

Senior author of the study Brittany Florkiewicz joined Seán to tell us more.

Tourists flock to Albania for Mediterranean coastlines and cheap, delicious food

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:15:00 +0000

Tourism in Albania has skyrocketed, with people in search of beautiful Mediterranean coastlines and beaches but without the price tags of traditional resorts in Italy or France.

Writer and comedian Peter Flanagan told Seán all about his trip to Albania a few weeks ago.

Ireland's historical houses have a story to tell

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:05:00 +0000

Ireland's remaining historical houses are a highly valuable cultural resource.

What kind of stories do these homes tell, and what are they used for now?

Justin Greene, owner of Ballyvolane House and a Board Member of Historic Houses of Ireland and joined Seán to discuss the historical value of the houses dotted across Ireland.

Student bodies want out of university ranking systems

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:50:00 +0000

Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) has called for a “formal and insightful investigation” into the college’s participation in university rankings systems as part of the Union of Students Ireland's call to leave the rankings system if a university wishes to do so.

In an email sent to Provost Linda Doyle, TCDSU President László Molnárfi said university rankings prompt unnecessary academic competition, misalignment of values and academic integrity and “may also cause social exclusion and exclusionary managerialism by numbers”.

László joined Seán to make the case for exiting the rankings.

Viagra is here to help men of all ages

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:35:00 +0000

The way we view Viagra has transformed over the past few years. What was once seen as a taboo drug taken only by older men, Viagra has become increasingly normalised, and sexual health experts encourage open conversation around its use.

Dr Caroline West joined Seán to discuss Viagra and its evolving place in Irish society.

Are dining experiences and menus becoming too complex?

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:33:00 +0000

It is the first Friday of the month and many of you might have a dinner reservation.

Menus are constantly changing and some people are not happy with the changing descriptions of simple food.

Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been speaking to those creating dishes and those who enjoy eating out.

"A lot of people are sceptical" Iphone Battery Lawsuit is ready for UK court

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:45:00 +0000

Apple has faced a major legal setback in the UK. The tech giant was unsuccessful in having a lawsuit blocked that claims Apple used software to reduce iPhones Battery capacity.

Joining Tom Dunne to give us the background on this case and the controversy Apple has faced over its batteries, Was Newstalks, Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

"Some of these bells are frankly very loud" Cow Bells Causing Havoc In Switzerland

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:10:00 +0000

When you imagine the Swiss Alps, an image that likely comes to mind is the bucolic picture of dairy herds carrying the iconic sounds of a cowbell. But now the tinkling of these bells is causing an uproar as residents of a particular town have called for them to be restricted due to noise pollution.

Imogen Foulkes, a BBC journalist based in Geneva, joined Tom Dunne to tell us all about it

A new exhibition marking a 100 years since Kilmainham Gaol's closure has just opened.

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:05:00 +0000

A new display at Kilmainham Gaol, Museum marks 100 years since the last prisoners were held in the Goal. The final leaders held between October of 1923 and January 1924 were some of the most influential leaders of the anti-treaty republican movement including including Ernie O’Malley, Austin Stack and Peadar O’Donnell. Future Taoiseach and President of Ireland Éamon de Valera was also held in the prison during this period

Brian Crowley Collections Curator at Kilmainham Goal joined Tom Dunne in the studio to discuss the prison's new exhibition on the influential, last wave of prisons held in Kilmainham.

The cars, records and clothes that bring nostalgia

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:35:00 +0000

New research by Auto Trader has found that average cars from the early noughties have shot up in value.

The price increase can come down to fewer of these vehicles on the roads but it also seems people are back buying these cars for nostalgia.

Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been looking into the whole area of classic, retro and vintage collectables.

The Nipple Bra: 'This isn't the freak show it sounds like!'

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:35:00 +0000

You might have heard the phrase “free the nipple”, and maybe you noticed a recent fashion trend where women are choosing to go braless.

But Kim Kardashian – never one to miss a business opportunity – has launched 'the nipple bra' which does exactly what it says on the tin.

Laura Mullett is a fashion expert and journalist and she explained the trend, and reviews this new product from SKIMS.

Why is "From the River to the Sea" so divisive?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:26:00 +0000

Earlier this week, a Labour MP in the UK was suspended after he used a particular phrase that is igniting controversy: "From the River to the Sea".

It's been heard at protest marches but also during political discourse as the Israel/Hamas War continues.

But its history and meaning has been exploited on a number of sides. Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the UCD Clinton Institute, explained its history and why it's become controversial.

Limerick retiree hoping to walk into the history books

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:10:00 +0000

A pensioner who has effectively walked around the world twice is now chasing a new goal, a Guinness World Record.

Vinod Bajaj, 73, is hoping to beat the record with his total walking distance of 80,204km, which he completed by hiking near his home in Limerick every day for seven years...

The History of Ireland's Witch Trials

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:55:00 +0000

When you think of witchtrials, you may think of those in Salem, but did you know, we they took place here in Ireland, too?

And in fact, the first was held here in 1324, 300 years before they took place in America.

Niamh Boyce is an author who has been writing about this in her book 'Her Kind –The gripping story of Ireland’s first witch hunt' and she joined Sean to discuss...

Parenting a child with ARFID

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, more commonly known as ARFID, is a neurological based eating disorder where the person avoids certain foods or types of food, restricts their food intake, or both.

This can be influenced by several reasons such as avoidance due to the sensory characteristics of food, a lack of interest in eating or worries about the consequences of eating, for example a phobia affecting food intake or fear of choking.

Nisha’s 6-year-old son was diagnosed with ARFID last year and Nisha is joined Sean in studio to discuss...

‘When people start reaching a certain age, there would be something compiled': Writing an obituary for people who haven’t died yet

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:25:00 +0000

It's routinely the case that news organisations have an obituary written for people who haven't died yet. When the sad day comes that said person does pass away, the obituary can be published with a minimum amount of updating, but mistakes can happen.

Alison Healy, writer and contributor to The Irish Times has written a number of these over the years and she joined Sena to discuss...

'I feel like a zombie' - Henry McKean joins the 5am Club

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:10:00 +0000

Richard Branson, Anna Wintour and Michelle Obama set their alarms by it. There is a new TikTok trend of workouts and early morning planning sessions, hashtag “the five-to-nine before the nine-to-five”. Welcome to the 5am Club.

We asked Henry McKean to join this exclusive club for a week and he joined Sean today to see how he got on...

Chef Arun Kapil on life after the acid rave scene and helping form Sugababes

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Ballymaloe is about as far away from the 90s acid rave scene as it gets, but those two worlds collided for Arun Kapil in the early naughties.

He’d created a hugely successful record label, helped form the Sugababes and All Saints girl groups, but after 15 years of the Ibiza party scene, it was time for a change. And so he found himself doing the world renowned Ballymaloe cookery course.

There he met his now wife, and they run a spice company linking his new home with his Indian heritage.

One of the many chefs and producers at this weekend’s Savour Kilkenny food festival, Arun Kapil joined Sean to discuss his life and career...

Is your phone automatically altering your selfies?

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Ann Marie O'Sullivan has taken a lot of selfies, but as she writes in today's Irish Independent, her phone has been doing something she hasn't been aware of. It was airbrushing her features.

Freelance writer, Ann Marie O'Sullivan joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Green Day's new album cover features image from the Troubles

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Green Day’s latest album cover has picture from a riot scene from The Troubles in Northern Ireland. It shows a smiling boy with a rock in his hand standing in front of a burned out car.

Is this artistic creativity or an exploitation of a very sensitive time in our history on the island of Ireland?

Niamh Campbell, Journalist from The Belfast Telgraph joined Sean to discuss...

Image: Chris Steele Perkins

100 Years of Housing: Crisis Without End

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:32:00 +0000

Although it sometimes seems as if the housing crisis stumbles from one disappointment to the next, there is now over 100 years of housing planning since the State began. A new programme on TG4 seeks to put the current crisis in a broader historical context.

Sean was joined by Paul Webster, Director of 100 Bliain de Thithíocht (100 Years of Housing: Crisis Without End)..

Image: TG4

'It's about taking it right to the edge' - Sophie White on her love of horror movies

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:20:00 +0000

With Halloween just around the corner and the dark evenings setting in, there’ll be some families sitting down for the annual viewing of Hocus Pocus, but for others this is their favourite time of the year when horror comes into the spotlight.

Author Sophie White is a self-confessed horror superfan, and she’s put together a festival to mark the goriest, scariest and most disturbing fiction around...

TICKETS: The All-Hallows Horrorcon Tickets, Sat 11 Nov 2023 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

'It can be very problematic': Why are young people turned off by sex on TV?

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

A new survey says Gen Z thinks there is too much sex on TV and sees most relationships on screen as forced. Henry McKean has been looking into this...

Are our attention spans getting shorter?

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:07:00 +0000

With the proliferation of social media, the narrative we consistently hear is that our attention spans are reducing. But is this true or instead, have our attention spans always been manipulated by different forms of media?

Sean was joined by Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare studies at Hertford College, Oxford, who has been writing about these issues for the Guardian...

'It's kids being kids' - How do you find flying with cranky children?

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 14:36:00 +0000

Researchers from Oxford University found each tantrum on a plane lasts 15 minutes. Parents are being urged to make sure their children nap for 37 minutes, do activities for boredom for 31 minutes, are fed for 19 minutes, and have noise blocked out with music or reading for 14 minutes. Two-thirds of parents surveyed say the idea of flying with a misbehaving toddler fills them with anxiety.

But in reality how hard is it for parents?

Henry McKean has been speaking to travelling families at Cork airport...

Dear Winter: Writing letters to the season to cope with SAD

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:36:00 +0000

As winter approaches, with its gloomy days and longer nights, it's no wonder we can feel a little down.

But experts may have finally found an answer to the 'winter blues' – and it involves having a word with the season itself.

Sean was joined by Professor Hayden Lorimer, Co-investigator on the Living with SAD project – which was a co-study between University of Glasgow and Edinburgh...

Mouth Taping for Sleep: Is It Safe?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:26:00 +0000

A TikTok trend of taping your mouth shut at bedtime to enforce nasal breathing is gaining traction in Ireland, but experts say evidence of the benefits is lacking.

Videos of the practice, favoured by celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Bradbury and Erling Haaland, have gained more than 38.5 million views on TikTok. It involves placing a strip of skin-friendly tape over or around the lips to help keep them shut while

Sean was joined by Prof. Ken O’Halloran is a Professor of Physiology and Department Head at UCC...

Napoleon's penis compared to 'a piece leather'

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:20:00 +0000

When Napoleon died on the island of St. Helena in 1821, something very intimate was removed from his person and has become the stuff of legend ever since.

Sean was joined by Historian and broadcaster Ashley Cowie from HistoryFuzz.com...

'Married couples are better off' - Calls for changes to tax rules for unmarried couples

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

One of the main differences between married and unmarried couples continues to be the perceived notion that the tax system favours those who have tied the knot. But to what extent is this true? Some people are calling for change in this area.

Sean was joined by Norma Moriarty, Fianna Fail TD for Kerry...

'The last poo at the zoo' - London zookeeper who turned animal faeces into art

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:50:00 +0000

A former senior zookeeper at London Zoo has been collecting animal poo for over 20 years. Now, her extraordinary collection is on exhibition. Tracey Lee, ex-zookeeper and artist joined Sean to discuss...

Image: The Origin of the Faeces: Poo from the Zoo

Rainwater 'one of the biggest causes' for poor water quality in bathing areas

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Over half of the 148 regulated bathing waters across Ireland had restrictions during this year’s bathing season.

That’s according to a detailed report carried out by Noteworthy, the investigative platform from The Journal.

They also found that the number of days on which Ireland’s official swimming spots have been restricted has almost tripled in the past decade.

Alice Chambers is the investigative journalist who worked on it and she joined Sean to discuss...

New initiative shares babysitting duties with other parents

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

We used to say that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, but increasingly parenting has become a less community-based process. A new network tries to revive some of these old principals, and saves on babysitting costs too.

Sean was joined by Sue Redmond, Co-Founder of Care Shared...

How to spot a fake review

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Major websites such as Amazon and and Tripadvisor have recently announced plans to clamp down on fake reviews on their sites. But how big actually is the issue of these fake reviews, and how do we know not to fall for them?

Sean was joined by Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor with the Irish Independent.

'Animals come first' - Henry meets people who love their pet more than their partner

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:50:00 +0000

Having a nap, sharing a cuddle and watching TV were the situations owners preferred to spend with their pet over their partner – while 31 per cent said they’d even rather share their duvet and bed with their cat.

Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

'If you slag everybody, you're kind of slagging nobody' - Cartoonist creates trading cards for Protestants and Catholics

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:45:00 +0000

They say politics is a game, but an artist from Portrush has designed a set of trading cards, based on what he might call “typical” Catholics and Protestants.

Fergus Boylan has been drawing sketches about Northern Ireland for papers and websites, but his latest venture’s success has come of something as a surprise.

From the Protestant café owner to the Catholic goth, characters from most towns in the North are given scores on their craic, strengths, bitterness and smarts...

Image: X via @infiniteguff

Getting a hair transplant: 'I didn't leave the house without a hat'

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:20:00 +0000

It’s becoming more and more common to hear about someone you know gettinga flight to Turkey for a medical or cosmetic procedure, so much so that it seems almost a normal, everyday thing to do now. But, there’s obviously still a lot of thought put into these things before the person takes the plunge, and the experience can be far from ordinary for many.

Sean was joined by Rudi Zygadlo, a musician and writer took the leap and flew to Turkey for a new head of hair...

What time is dinner?

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:05:00 +0000

What time do you have your dinner? And what does dinner consist of to you? Depending on which part of the country you live in, your answers to those two questions could be very different. For many, dinner is in the middle of the day to give you the energy to keep working, while for others, it’s only acceptable in the evening when all the work is done.

Sean was joined by Edward Hayden, the chef, broadcaster and culinary lecturer at South East Technological University to discuss...

Identifying airstrikes 'needs an independent form of verification to give it authenitcity'

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The devastation caused by an explosion at a hospital in Gaza has been met with widespread condemnation.

However it is still unclear who is responsible for it – both sides are laying the blame at the other’s feet.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “All facts need to be established, and those responsible must be held accountable.” But is that even possible?

Declan Power, Security and Defence Specialist joined Sean to discuss..

'They have scouts there' - Modelling agencies recruiting from Kenyan refugee camp

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:10:00 +0000

More and more international modeling agencies are recruiting from one of the largest refugee camps in the world, located in Kenya. But what is the fate of these models?

Sean was joined by Journalist Lisa Brinkworth who has been investigating this for the Sunday Times...

'It was forgotten about' - Wicklow Lighthouse restored to former glory

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Nowadays, we always hear about old buildings or infrastructure being refurbished or replaced to become more modern and look for suitable for a 21st century society. Well, in the case of the Wicklow Harbour lighthouse, the local council are doing the opposite, by restoring the original dome from 1884, and removing the newer roof.

Joanne O’Dowd, Senior Executive Engineer with Wicklow County Council joined Sean to discuss...

Meta set to use celebrities likeness for AI chatbots

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Meta will soon feature deepfake versions of celebrities, except in this instance it's legal. The company has reportedly spent millions on the rights to use the images and the voices of the likes of Kendall Jenner, Paris Hilton and Snoop Dogg as chatbots,

For more on this Sean was joined by Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss...

The pros and cons of lending to friends

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:35:00 +0000

How often have you been stung by friends to pay you back for something?

Maybe you are always the one who goes missing when it’s your round.

Today is National Pay Back a Friend day in the US.

Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been hearing from disgruntled friends about the debts they are owed.

'A booming industry': Medical cannabis factory set to open on island of Ireland

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:10:00 +0000

The island’s first ever medical cannabis production facility is currently being built in Belfast.

Sean was joinedby Peter Reynolds, director of communications for Growth Industries...

Malcolm Byrne: Vapes should be prescription only

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Vaping products should only be available on prescription.

That’s the suggestion from Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne, but could this send previous speakers back to cigarettes?

Sean was joined by Senator Malcolm Byrne on today's show to discuss...

The tiny UK village with a magical connection to Disney

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Today marks 100 years since Walt Disney founded Disney. In every film since 2006 the film studio pays tribute to a small village in Lincolshire and the crest can be seen on every Disney castle. Norton Disney is a small village with a population of 242, but it’s impact is much bigger than you may think.

Richard Parker, secretary of the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group joined Sean to discuss...

Family photos displayed in homes ‘can be formative for our sense of identity’

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:20:00 +0000

New research shows that a measly 2% of family photos ever make it onto the wall of people’s homes, with most of these memories existing purely on digital devices. But how does this huge reduction in the developing of photographs affect kids’ sense of self?

Sean was joined by Kate Demolder, a freelance journalist, who has been investigating this for the Irish Independent...

Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers and Everyday Heroes

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:55:00 +0000

Inspired by the global groundswell of outrage over the murder of George Floyd back in 2020, a group of Irish people came together to throw a spotlight on the untold stories of black people in Ireland. The organisation has grown over the past few years and has now produced a book entitled Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers and Everyday Heroes.

Sean was joined by Briana Fitzsimons, Co-author of the book...

Pennywise clown ‘terrorising villagers’ in rural Scotland

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:40:00 +0000

A clown dressed up as Pennywise from the Stephen King book and movie IT has reportedly been stalking the streets of a Scottish village.

He has even issued a message to the media and dared the police to catch them in Skelmorlie.

Jenness Mitchell, Scottish Reporter with Sky News joined Sean to discuss...

How to make Ferrero Rocher at home amidst shortages

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Turkey, the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts, had a bad harvest this year, there are now fears of an impending shortage of Ferrero Rocher. Silvana Franco, Food writer and TV chef, has decided to go and recreate the delectable treat at home...

Making Movie Monsters

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Bryan Campbell and his movie monsters creations bring a slice of Hollywood to Ireland. Bryan, who grew up with a love of the Predator movies made the switch to movie magic after recovering from an injury in 2009. Since then Bryan and his business partner set up Arachnid FX and their work can be spotted in major films and tv shows.

Bryan Campbell, co-owner of Arachnid FX joined Sean on the show today...

Image: Arachnid FX

Is 'depressive realism' the antidote to toxic positivity?

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

You have heard of 'toxic positivity' but one philosopher is putting forward the alternative – 'depressive realism'.

Dr Julie Reche is from Ukraine but she is now visiting faculty at UCD and UCC, having come to Ireland as a refugee with her daughter. Her new book is called 'Negative Psychoanalysis for the Living Dead: Philosophical Pessimism and the Death Drive'. Julie spoke to Sean.

Scientist risks losing his job over climate change

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Gianluca Grimalda has spent the last six months travelling around the largest island in the Soloman Islands archipelago, finding out how its people have been impacted by climate change.

He has been traveling by cargo ship, ferry, trains and coaches, but due to a number of unfortunate incidents, he’s delayed his return to the Kiel Institute for World Economy in Germany.

The environmental campaigner risks losing his job today because he refuses to fly home. He spoke to Sean about his travels and the effects of climate change.

Donating your body to science with Philomena McAteer

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Chief Technical Officer of Anatomy at Trinity College Dublin, Philomena McAteer, spoke to Sean about how one can go about donating their body to science.

Hitler's birthplace is to become a police station

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

The Austrian government has finally made a decision on what to do with the house that Hitler was born in. Nearly 8 decades after Adolf Hitler’s suicide, the Austrian government has begun transforming Hitler's birthplace into a police station.

Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent for the Irish Times spoke to Sean about the history of the building and how the decision came about.

Cleaning the house is good for your mental health!

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

A new study by eBay suggests everyday tasks are the best way to wind down. Watering plants and hanging out the washing were deemed the most popular tasks for de-stressing.

Aggie McKenzie, Author of AggiesTips.com and host of How Clean Is Your House spoke to Sean about the benefits of cleaning.

'The dogs know they are special’ K9 Jets: The Private Jet Charter for Pets

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 16:20:00 +0000

An airline which offers bespoke travel services for dogs and other pets is drawing the attention of climate campaigners. K9 Jets operates a number of routes where pets can travel in comfort and style alongside their owners, and they are planning a Dublin route in 2024.

Joining Sean was, Co-founder of K9 Jets Adam Golder,

'It could mean they are in jail for a year just for not buying a ticket' The German man buying public transport ticket swindlers out of jail

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:45:00 +0000

In Germany, those who fail to pay for public transport can face prison time. Most ticket swindlers are incarcerated as they can't afford to pay the fine given to them. But a loophole has been found in German Law. The fine doesn't have to be paid by the offenders themselves and can be paid by anyone.

Arne Semsrott , Founder of Freiheitsfonds (The Freedom Fund) has been doing just that freeing 850 people from German jails for this offence

Arne Joined Sean to to discuss his work, and why the law is unjust and discriminator.

"I was still hungry" Man breaks World Record, eating 50 carolina reaper peppers

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Mike Jack of Canada has broken the record for consuming the most amount of Carolina reaper peppers, the world’s hottest pepper with 1.64m Scoville heat units. Mike consumed 50 peppers, in 6 minutes and 49.2 seconds and went on to eat 135 peppers in total !

But how does one prepare for such as task, is it dangerous and what explains the popularity of competitive chili pepper eating?

Guinness World Record Holder Mike Jack joined Sean to discuss.

Image by Monique Wiendels

'It was enough to take down a city block' Fergal Keane on finding Gelignite

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Former broadcaster Fergal Keane when renovating an old farm shed discovered a large batch of unexploded ordnance. Specifically, Gelignite thought to trace back to the War of Independence. Following the discovery the former journalist contacted authorities where a bomb squad of the Irish army conducted a controlled explosion. Fergal joined Sean on the show to discuss his extraordinary discovery

One Hundred Years of Brendan Behan

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:11:00 +0000

Celebrating 100 years of Brendan Behan, the Museum of Literature Ireland has remembered the literary giant's life through an audio-visual tribute. The Borstal Boy writer, who was considered the first Irish celebrity, was considered a genius in field however his struggle with alcoholism took him at the ripe age of 40.

Behan departed, leaving audiences with the legacy of his words and his celebrated plays. Author of the Butcher Boy, Pat McCabe, created the museum tribute to Behan and recounts on his life as a novelist, playwright, social commentator and Irish Republic. He joined Sean to discuss the literary great...

Why nature's calendar is different to ours

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:32:00 +0000

It’s the first week in October, and according to Nature’s Calendar of mircoseasons, it is Beech Nuts Fall season. Which, is one of the 72 microseasons in Nature’s Calendar, based off the traditional Japanese method of using small changes in nature as indication for what time of year it is.

One of the authors of 'Nature’s Calendar: The British Year in 72 Seasons', Lulah Ellender joined Sean to discuss...

'It took over my life': Westmeath hurler Davy Glennon on battling his gambling addiction

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

A new ESRI report shows Ireland's gambling problem is far worse than previously thought, with 130 thousand people considered problem gamblers, a figure 10 times higher than previous estimates.

But with gambling comes lies, deception and balancing a double life.

Davy Glennon, former Galway and Westmeath hurler and joined Sean to discuss...

Image: Sportsfile

‘If she’s a good actor she could play it’ - Eve Hewson criticised for playing a working class character

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:22:00 +0000

Bono's daughter, Eve Hewson plays a working class mum from the flats. There has been some criticism online over her casting in this role.

Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

Stop MSG Sphere London Campaign

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:50:00 +0000

By now, we’ve all heard of or seen the pictures of the Sphere in Las Vegas where U2 were the first act to perform in the $ 2.3 billion venue. Outfitted with surround LED screens and lights to ensure a concert experience like no other. But, what do you think of it being built on your door step? Or better yet, wedged between residential flats?

That’s the plan for the world’s next Sphere venue in Newham London. Campaigners from the community called Stop MSG Sphere London are asking the Mayor of London to reconsider the proposal of the site being used to build the mega stadium. Ceren Sonmez, who is part of this campaign group joined Jarlath Regan to discuss...

'Cultural shift' in coffee consumption in recent years

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Over the past few decades, The way we consume coffee has changed dramatically in Ireland, with the lazy method of milk and sugar being replaced in popular culture by cappuccino’s and mocha’s.

But how does coffee consumption differ internationally, and has the importation of different coffee cultures changed the way we here in Ireland consume coffee?

Jarlath Regan was joined by Stephen Daly, coffee fiend and Presenter on Today FM...

Christopher Columbus' letter announcing his 'discovery' of America to go on sale

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:45:00 +0000

A letter written by Christopher Columbus after his return to Europe after his time in the Carribean is up for auction later this month. But why is this document so significant and how does it help us to understand the true motivations of this controversial figure?

Jarlath Regan was joined by Caroline Dodds Pennock, Lecturer in International History at the University of Sheffield and author of On Savage Shores: How Indigenous Americans Discovered Europe...

How to get rid of bed bugs

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

“Don’t let the bed bugs bite” is becoming more of a manifestation rather than a nice sentiment in Paris as the city is facing a bed bug epidemic. The infestation of bed bugs has been brought to attention worldwide as people share the reality of what the epidemic of bed bugs looks like – from bites to fecal matter left on sheets.

Jaralth Regan was joined by bed bug expert from Bed Bug LTD David Cain to discuss...

'It inspires you to be healthier' - Keeping your fridge tidy

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

They say that your skin and teeth are a good indicator of your overall health but as it turns out so is your fridge.

If your fridge is chaotic and all over the place, your diet will most likely be a reflection of that.

That is the philosophy subscribed to they those who participate in fridge architecture which is the strict organisation and stocking of your smeg or whirlpool.

Jarlath Regan was joined by Karl Henry, Personal Trainer and Corporate Wellness Speaker to tell us how we can get our fridge in tip top shape...

Pen friend service for Irish prisoners overseas 'has huge benefits'

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of US prisons using social media in order to recruit people to write to their inmates.

Some have even gone as far as posting videos with the prisoners asking for people to reach out to them – similar to a dating profile.

But did you know, the Irish Council For Prisoners Overseas offers a similar service.

Leslie Alcock, Coordinator for the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas joined Sean to discuss...

'A very violent teacher' - Pupils taught by former Nazi SS officer demand apology

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Former students of St. Conleth’s College in Dublin are seeking an apology from the school as their French teacher was a former member of the SS during the Nazi occupation of France and they alledge that he assaulted them.

Irish Times journalist Ronan McGreevy, whose new book 'The Kidnapping: A hostage, a desperate manhunt and a bloody rescue that shocked Ireland’' is out in late October, has been investigating the story and he joined Seán to discuss...

‘It’s part of your childhood’ - RTÉ Aertel service to close

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Aertel, Ireland’s teletext service is coming to an end next week after nearly 40 years. What impact did it have on us and will we miss it?

Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

Ciarán Cuffe: County Councils 'don't have enough' authority

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Do you know much about your local council? Would you want to see them take more responsibility in your area?

In last week’s Irish Times, Michael McDowell wrote about the challenges facing Dublin City, and he blamed the council for a lack of activity.

But is the real issue a lack of power and authority held within the council’s remit?

Ciarán Cuffe, Green Party MEP, formerly served on Dublin City Council in the 1990s and joined Sean to discuss...

'It is worthwhile changing' - Cork cousins develop compostable PPE aprons

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Irish hospitals produce an extraordinary number of plastic medical grade aprons for incineration every week. But a start up in Cork is attempting to disrupt the norm.

Sean was joined by Dr. Mary O’Riordan, Co-Founder of HaPPE Earth...

Image: HaPPE Earth

Where do we feel love?

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:12:00 +0000

People often say that they “feel the love” but where exactly do we feel love? Well, researchers from Aalto University in Finland set out to do exactly that. The study at Aalto categorised 27 different types of love from true love to self love and the love for religion.

Sean was joined by Pärttyli Rinne, Researcher at Aalto University to discuss...

'It's like trying to catch lightning in a bottle' - The Best and Worst Social Media Campaigns

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:10:00 +0000

What is the worst or best social media campaign that you’ve ever seen? The market to compete with social media advertising is huge and businesses leave us either captivated or cringing. Some of these campaigns are very memorable and inventive whereas others, just entirely miss the mark. But what makes a social media campaign successful? And what makes it flop?

Sean was joined by Columnist for TheJournal.ie, Carl Kinsella to discuss...

Woman ‘sent home to die’ after botched weight loss surgery in Turkey

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:55:00 +0000

Tonight a new documentary on Virgin Media One will look at the serious consequences of Irish people travelling to Turkey for medical procedures. Increasingly, those who travelling are suffering from post-surgery side effects, which have to be rectified by the HSE.

Leanne O’Driscoll features as part of it joined Sean to discuss...

Scarecrow Robots: Here's how they work

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Many farmers around the Irish countryside still use scarecrows to deter unwanted pests but a crowd in the US are developing a robotic version, that is capable of differentiating between various threats.

Sean was joined by Bret Kulakovich, who runs the robotics lab in Plymouth State University in New Hampshire..

Image: Plymouth State University

U2 in Vegas: 'Would a greatest hits show not have been better?'

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Tonight, Bono and U2 kick off a 25 date residency in Las Vegas. But is it not the antithesis of rock n roll to follow in the footsteps of Celine Dion and Frank Sinatra or are residencies taking the place of touring?

Sean was joined by Danny McElhinney, Music journalist with the Irish Mail on Sunday...

The 36-Year-Old Virgin

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Comedian and entertainer Sonali Chandra decided to stay a virgin until she got married. Sonali is now 36 and hasn’t had sex yet but says that she falls in love with just one kiss. Her parents probed the idea of an arranged marriage, common in her Indian culture, 13 years ago.

But now Sonali is finding it difficult to begin a relationship with someone who embraces her prudeness and used these experiences as influence for her comedy career...

The World's Most Expensive Knickers

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:32:00 +0000

How expensive are your boxers? Well Emma Corrin, familiar actor from The Crown series, was modelling for Miu Miu in Paris wearing a $5,600 pair of briefs. The heavily sequined briefs made from silk and wool are nearly sold out in one colour way of the garment and designed to be worn on their own and to be seen. No trousers, skirts or dresses. But they are not the only heavily priced underpants on the market.

Laura Mullett, Celeb Fashion Stylist and Fashion Expert joined Sean to discuss...

Using Viking techniques to make 'jewellery and knives'

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:40:00 +0000

While once upon a time this island was full of blacksmiths, nowadays they are sadly few and far between. But one man in Co. Tipperary continues to use the methods of the Celts and the Vikings to make and repair a wide variety of tools and equipment.

Sean was joined by Jamie Smith, blacksmith at Triscele Forge…

Pet-friendly cabins on ferries: 'The smell is fairly shocking'

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:25:00 +0000

If you’re wracked with guilt leaving your dog in the kennels while you go on your holidays, then Stena Line may have a solution to your woes.

Pet-friendly cabins were announced by Stena Line last year for their Rosslare to Cherbourg route, but just how pet-friendly is it?

Tabitha Monahan from the Irish Independent took the challenge of bringing her dogs Scout and Harper on the voyage and joined Sean to discuss...

'His kids are his charity' - Should Mick Jagger leave his back catalogue to his children?

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Mick Jagger has announced he is to give his €500m Rolling Stones back catalogue to charity and not his 8 kids. Is he right to do so? Henry McKean went to find out and joined Sean to talk inheritance...

Using a full-size horse skeleton to make music

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Artist, producer and composer, Matthew Herbert, bought the skeleton of a horse and then turned its bones into musical instruments. His new album, The Horse, was recently released, and he joined Sean to discuss...

Image: X via @matthewherbert

170 year-old pear tree in the Liberties used by NCAD students 'to pick at fruit and make jam'

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

There’s a pear tree in Dublin that’s seen 170 years of culture, industrial revolution and urban development. And it is nestled in the Liberties, DNA results have shown.

Students at NCAD in the Field Project taught by Gareth Kennedy have had their studies incorporated into the biodiversity of the inner city college, and it centred around this tree in particular.

Gareth Kennedy joined Sean to discuss...

Travel Hacks with Joan Scales

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

The ‘2024 Air Travel Hacks Report’, which contains some handy money-and-stress-saving hacks for Britons for future holidays, from the best day to book flights to how far in advance you should purchase tickets for the biggest savings has been released.

It’s compiled by the travel website Expedia, who have looked at some of the data on their own website

Joan Scales Travel Writer joined Sean to discuss...

'Wrong place at the wrong time' - Brother of murdered Jill Dando explains his theory

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:20:00 +0000

24 years ago, Jill Dando was murdered on her London doorstep. It was a crime that shocked the UK, and a massive man hunt for her killer was launched. Two years later, Barry George would be convicted and give a life sentence for her murder, but he was acquitted at a retrial in 2008.

So who is responsible for her death? That’s the focus of a new documentary that’s landed on Netflix this week. Jill’s brother, Nigel Dando joined Sean to discuss

Image: Netflix

The History of British Cake

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:20:00 +0000

We all love a bit of cake. It comes out at all major events; weddings, birthdays, leaving a job – but have you ever wondered where it came from? Well one man has set out to write a history of the cakes in Britain and exploring where they came from and how they came about.

Author of ‘Cake: A Slice of British Life’ and publishing editor for the Telegraph, Andrew Baker joined Sean to discuss...

Studying to be an Influencer: 'It's captured the imagination of young people'

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

While many people roll their eyes at the word “influencer”, there is no denying that it’s an industry that’s growing rapidly.

In response to that, SETU Carlow has introduced a degree course in being an influencer – it’s a BA in Content Creation and Social Media.

Dr Irene McCormick, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies at SETU Carlow joined Sean to discuss...

‘You can have one wife, and perhaps lovers!’ - Henry McKean looks at infidelity in France

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:52:00 +0000

Many French people are still having more than one lover at a time. Husbands having a mistress is tolerated and still socially accepted in Paris. Hotels offer special 5-7pm deals for lovers. The time between finishing work and getting home is used for your affair. There is even a special man bag for it, called 'a F.U.C.K in town bag'. Henry McKean sent this report from Paris...

The Ethics of Animal Research

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:58:00 +0000

They say you shouldn’t kill animals just to wear them, but how do you feel about the killing of animals for medical research? Some 120,000 animals used for medical research at Ireland’s top universities have been killed since 2020. Rats, mice, rabbits, frogs, guinea pigs and even exotic fish have been killed while researching cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cardiovascular and Crohn’s. But can the killing of animals for human medical benefit be ethically justified?

Sean was joined by Grahan Finlay, Professor of Ethics at UCD to discuss

The Irish Tailor at the Boston Tea Party

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Did you know that an Irish tailor played a huge part in the Boston Tea Party? Thomas White from Kilkenny took part in the Boston Tea Party which happened 250 years ago. To commemorate Thomas’s contribution to the American Revolution, The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum have been visiting Rothe House & Garden in Kilkenny to honor his efforts.

Evan O’Brien the Creative Manager with the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum joined Sean to discuss...

'The leadership did a fantastic job': Writers Guild and studios reach provisional deal

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:59:00 +0000

Screenwriters have reached a tentative deal with studio bosses that could see them end a strike that has lasted nearly five months.

The Writers Guild of America said it was "exceptional - with meaningful gains and protections for writers". WGA members must still have a final say.

Mark Gibson, writer and member of the Writers Guild of America joined Sean to discuss...

'The Last Godfather': Italian Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro dies

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:11:00 +0000

Matteo Messina Denaro of the Sicilian mafia has died after a long illness, Italian media have reported.

Known as ‘The Last Godfather’, he was accused of orchestrating some of the most heinous crimes perpetrated by the Cosa Nostra.

Nick Squires is the Rome Correspondent for the Telegraph and joins me on the line now. Nick, good afternoon.

Irish Army team wins international sniper competition

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:03:00 +0000

An unusual competition took place in the Wicklow Mountains over the past few days, involving sharpshooters from all over the world. The International Sniper Competition Ireland saw competitors out-snaring each other on the battlefield. What are the essential qualities of a marksman in this particular area?

Sean was joined by Commandant Liam MacDonnell, Officer in Command and Chief instructor of the Infantry Weapons Wing in the Irish Defence Forces...

'There's pros and cons': Sainsbury launch bridal collection with £22 dresses

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000

A wedding dress for the price of a Sunday roast. That’s what’s on offer from Sainsburys, who are the first supermarket to introduce a bridal range in store.

With sizes from 8 to 24, the dresses start at just £22. Are we seeing a shift how and what people spend on their weddings?

Fionnuala Jones, broadcaster and advocate for sustainable fashion, who is also engaged joined Sean to discuss...

Image: Sainsbury's

'You feel like you're in the TV show' - new owner of 'The Brady Bunch' house

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Here’s the story of a lady named Tina, who bought the Brady Bunch house for 3.2 million dollars.

The famous family home which was seen on television sets around the world has been reworked as an art piece that sees the inside of house perfectly preserved the way we know it. Except, there won’t be any Meatloaf Mondays because nothing in the house is real!

New owner of the home Tina Trahan who is a philanthropist and prominent figure in the realm of historic homes joined Sean to discuss...

Are we washing incorrectly?

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:32:00 +0000

A TikToker by the name of Madame Sweat, who is a self-proclaimed hygiene expert, says that we aren’t washing ourselves currently.

In one of her latest videos, she says that people who have hair under their armpits need to start using benzoyl peroxide in order to get rid of the gump stuck in there.
Sean was joined by Selene Daly, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology to discuss...

The World's Heaviest Onion

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Your average onion is around the size of a tennis ball but Gareth Griffin from the island of Guernsey has now become the grower of the world’s heaviest onion, weighing over 9 kg...

Neck size influences perceptions of a man's fathering skills, study finds

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:37:00 +0000

Researchers have found that our perception of how protective or nurturing a man will be towards his children is affected by the size of his trapezius muscle.

That is according to a study from the University of Arkansas, which featured over 300 people.

Dr Mitch Brown, who led the study joined Sean to discuss...

'I do have a spare!' - Henry McKean searches for a ticket for Ireland v South Africa

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:05:00 +0000

The wait is finally here, The World’s Number 1, Ireland, play the 2019 Rugby World Cup Winners South Africa. The problem is tickets are like gold dust. Everyone wants to be at this game on Saturday in Paris. Including Henry McKean who joins us from France and has been on the hunt for a ticket.

Henry how hard is it to get a ticket and how is the atmosphere in Paris

Who was behind the Leinster House protests?

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:51:00 +0000

The headlines since yesterday have been filled with reaction to yesterday’s protest at Dail Eireann.

But who were the protesters? How was it organised? What was their main reason for the protest?

Shane Raymond, misinformation journalist and Fact Checker with The Journal joined Sean to discuss...

New pilot scheme will see coffee shops in the Netherlands source cannabis legally

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:11:00 +0000

Dutch officials have announced that the country’s cannabis legalisation experiment will begin its pilot phase before the end of the year. Initially approved by the senate in 2019, the Weed Experiment will see a select number of cultivators permitted to supply legal cannabis to coffee shops in 10 cities throughout the Netherlands.

Under current laws, coffee shops are allowed to sell small amounts of cannabis to consumers, but they must operate under strict rules, and suppliers are prohibited from selling any cannabis to the businesses, creating what has become known as the ‘backdoor policy’.

Ilse Schoenmakers, Reporter in the Netherlands joined Sean to discuss...

The fight to save Marilyn Monroe's final residence from demolition

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Would you make a trip to the home of one of the world’s most recognisable Hollywood stars? Well you might be short on time to make it Marylin Monroe’s house in Brentwood LA.

The starlet’s luxury home is at risk of being demolished which is of being concern for the flock of fans that make the pilgrimage to the movie star’s former home every year.

Columist for the Daily Mail Jan Moir joined Sean to discuss...

Northern Lights: Here's how to see the equinox from Ireland this weekend

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:34:00 +0000

Did you know that you don’t have to travel to Iceland or Alaska to see the Northern Lights? Just stick your head out of your bedroom window any day this week and you’ve a good chance of getting a glimpse of the cosmic activity.

This Saturday marks the end of Equinox, and weather permitting, increases the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis even in high light polluted cities like Dublin.

Sean was joined by astronomer and editor for Astronomy Ireland Magazine David Moore...

Singapore airport will soon go passport-free

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:22:00 +0000

There is nothing more annoying then travelling through an airport and constantly having to whip out your Boarding Pass and Passport.

Well, it is soon going to be a thing of the past in one of the world’s biggest airports, thanks to biometric data.

Eoghan Corry, Travel Journalist joined Sean to discuss...

30 Years of Christian Louboutin's Red Sole

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Did you know that the very famous red bottom Louboutin heels have been strutting down the runway for 30 years? The luxury shoes are celebrating their 30th anniversary but their unique look started when a nobody designer was influenced by his assistant’s red painted nails.

Mr Louboutin said, “this will look good on shoe” and has been painting the town red, as well as the bottom of the shoes ever since. But this trademark has also brought a lot of difficulties as copycats who have tried to earn their own piece of the 1.6 billion dollar design.

Sean was joined by Irish Times Fashion Writer, Deirdre McQuillan to discuss...

Erectile Dysfunction: 'It felt like there was something wrong with me'

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:45:00 +0000

For most men in their 20’s, having sex is an enjoyable experience that you look forward to, but not for Bob McQuiad.

From the age of 12, he knew that there was something off with his penis, that lead to him experiencing a series of issues throughout his adulthood that results in erectile dysfunction and pain when he tried to have sex...

'I take whatever luck I can get' - Henry McKean asks 'why are we so supersitious?'

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

A survey conducted by a bingo company has found that superstitions are alive and well in our secular society, but it's not the only time that his has been found.

Henry McKean went to find out if people believe in supersitions or not...

'There's a lot of different nuances involved': Fair City photographer defends her role

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:15:00 +0000

The photographer on Fair City is not usually in the one in the spotlight, but the role was suddenly thrust front and centre last week during an Oireachtas Committee hearing in which Kevin Backhurst said he “can’t believe” the salary offered for the position.

After months of scrutiny around RTE’s spending, the suggestion was that 80 grand a year for 16 photographs a week was another example of overspend.

Fine Gael Senator Michael Carrigy compared the professional photographs to mobile phone photos.

Behind the headlines is a person with a job, and her name is Beta Bajgart and she joined Sean to chat...

The Hist: The world's oldest college debating society

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

What do Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet & Mary Robinson all have in common? They were all members of The Hist in Trinity College, which has been confirmed by the Guiness World Records as the world's oldest college debating society.

Stiff competition from Cambridge for the title influenced auditors of The Hist to settle the debate once and for all, sure that’s what they’ve been practising for 253 years.

Aine Kennedy, current auditor of the The Hist joined Sean to discuss...

Cures of Ireland

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Many of you, especially those of you living in rural Ireland, will have been the beneficiary of a cure. These are carried out by healers. But this old Irish tradition is usually passed down through the generations orally. Now a researcher has put pen to paper to try and catalogue this rich culture.

Sean was joined by Cecily Gilligan, author of the new book ‘Cures of Ireland’...

Can you erase a breed of dog?

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:15:00 +0000

The UK is progressing fast with a plan to ban the American XL bully breed after a number of horrific attacks and fatal maulings.

However we now know that these dogs were descended from the pit bull terrier, which was also banned in the UK in 1991.

With cross breeding so commonplace, what’s to say that the American XL Bully won’t be found in later generations? And you’d have to wonder if it’s even possible to erase a breed?

Gillian Bird is the Head of Education and Media with the DSPCA and she joined Sean to discuss...

The Oldest Pub in Ireland

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Sometimes you find a pub so good that you just must build a town around it. Sean’s Bar in Athlone is officially the oldest pub in Ireland and was established in 900AD.

They’ve yet to be confirmed as the oldest pub in the world and barman Ryan O’Connor joined Sean in the Athlone Springs Hotel to talk about how the history and life of the pub that’s still kicking some 1,100 years later...

Keith Barry: 'I'm pretty banged up'

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Keith Barry, Barretstown Ambassador, Mentalist, Magician & Subconscious Mind specialist joined Sean LIVE at the Athlone Springs Hotel...

The Price of Happiness

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:22:00 +0000

They say you can’t put a price on happiness. Well, a recent survey has done exactly that for 137 countries around the world.

The study by S Money revisited previous research by Purdue University and has looked at the income and purchasing power of individuals in different countries to have a content life in 2023. But is your health your wealth or is your wealth your happiness?

Joining us today to discuss if we can really put a number on happiness is Dr Mark Rowe, family physician, vitality expert and author of A Prescription for Happiness. Good Afternoon, Mark.

Childism: The discrimination of children in society

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Childism is a phenomenon that was first coined in the 1970s and refers to the discrimination of children. A new book claims that both parents and society continue to be guilty of this today.

Sean was joined by Sarah Ockwell-Smith, Author of ‘Because I Said So: Why society is childist and how breaking the cycle of discrimination towards children can change the world’...

‘If you buy the first one, you don’t buy the last one’: The tradition of buying rounds

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000

‘I’d rather go down to Murphy’s bar and buy a round of drinks than pay my TV licence,’ those were the words of TD Brendan Griffin telling RTÉ bosses at Oireachtas Committee he’d rather spend his TV licence fee in the pub. But what are the rules around getting your round in and could you really spend €160 on a round?

Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

'Language is always changing' - Young people opting for less formal language

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

When was the last time you saw an email open with 'Dear' or finish with something like 'Yours Sincerely'? It seems younger people are denouncing the traditional ways of communicating, and are opting for less formal language.

Is this a sign that the English language is becoming more relaxed? Does it matter if we let go of formalities? And what are the triggers for this kind of language evolution?

Dr Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics at UCD...

Jenni Murray: Young people shouldn't be given the impression that smoking is cool

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Celebrities like Kate Moss and Phoebe Waller-Bridge smoking outside cafes in London has enraged one journalist, who thinks this is going to do no good for getting young people way from smoking.

Journalist and author Jenni Murray joined Sean to discuss...

'It's the mark of a great person': Dublin marathon medal misquotes Yeats

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:21:00 +0000

It isn’t uncommon for well-known quotes to be misattributed to famous writers. This appears to be what has happened on the medals for the upcoming Dublin marathon.

Sean was joined by Susan O’Keefe, Director of the Yeats Society Sligo...

What happened to music videos?

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:16:00 +0000

Last night, the MTV Video Music Awards took place in New Jersey, with some of the biggest stars in the world arriving to pick up their gongs. But the irony is that MTV rarely if ever screens music videos anymore. So, what happened to this staple, the thing which used to be almost as big as the music itself?

Music journalist Ian Winwood joined Sean to discuss...

Buying a Home with a Dark Past

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:45:00 +0000

They say when you are looking for a new home, sometimes you just know when you walk through the front door that this is the one for you.

On the flip side, there can be a weird energy or vibe off a place – something that just doesn’t feel right. Matt Blake bought an old property in London, not realising it came with a dark past and had been home to a notorious criminal before him.

Matt Blake, freelance writer and he joined Sean to discuss...

Rise in number of people using 'loyalty testers' on their partner

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Have you ever suspected your spouse of infidelity? Well, a new phenomenon of so-called ‘loyalty testers’ is kicking off in the UK, the US and other countries. Kirsty Blake Kox, Columnist with the Irish Independent joined Sean to discuss...

'First impressions are so important' - Henry McKean tries small talk

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Everyday we might have to do a little small talk at work or at the supermarket, that awkward moment at the photocopier or at the coffee machine, chatting to the lolly pop lady. But some of us find it extremely excruciating and suffer from sheer small talk shyness.

Sean was joined by Henry McKean to discuss...

'Increasing growing concerns' around links between glyphosate and cancer

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:45:00 +0000

Glyphosate has been found in samples taken from all but one of a group of Irish volunteers tested for the controversial weedkiller. The exercise has deepened fears that the chemical is more widespread than ever and becoming increasingly difficult to avoid.

Sean was joined by Caroline O’Doherty, Environmental Correspondent at the Irish Independent to discuss...

Playing Childhood Games as an Adult

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:35:00 +0000

Adults have so much going on in their lives that they rarelt have time to play. Author Edel Coffey has been looking at a group of women in the US who meet up regularly just to play games with one another and she joined Sean to discuss...

EU flags waved at Last Night of the Proms to highlight difficulties for musicians post Brexit

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:40:00 +0000

At the Last Night of the Proms event over the weekend, a concert associated with nationalistic renditions of Rule Britannia and the like, controversey has erupted after a sea of EU flags swept the audience. Those responsible are a group who are campaigning for Britain to rejoin the EU for the sake of touring musicians.

Sean was joined by Charlie, a volunteer with the Thank EU for the Music campaign group...

Calls for the establishment of Ireland's first pet cemetery

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:18:00 +0000

When your family pet sadly dies, what do you do with the body? There are three pet crematoriums in Ireland, but no pet cemeteries.

Cllr Audrey Buckley, Fianna Fáil Councillor in Cork joined Sean to discuss...

'Record breaking numbers' of students voting in favour of meat-free university campuses

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:08:00 +0000

The chicken fillet roll could be a thing of the past in Irish Universities if some students at the University of Galway and Trinity College get their way.

They are backing the new Plant Based University Campaign, which is calling for all college campuses to be meat free.

Sarah McCaffery, spokesperson for the group joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Time Keeping: Why are some people always late?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Reddit is divided after a user revealed that he left his wife in the airport because she wanted to stop and grab a Starbucks, while they were rushing for a flight. The man said he couldn’t handle his wife’s bad time keeping any longer.

But can we change these habits, and why are some people just so useless at keeping things on track?

Sean was joined by Dr. Peadar Maxwell, Chartered Psychologist to discuss..

Montenegro’s Lying Down Competition

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:36:00 +0000

An unusual competition is currently taking place in Montenegro, in which competitors are attempting to be crowned the country’s Laziest Citizen, through the act of lying down for a long period of time. Today marks Day 21 of the contest. Boris Kronic, one of the organisers of the event joined Sean to discuss…

Image: slobodenpecat.mk

Woman eating Guinness with a spoon may be 'a gimmick'

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

A video has gone viral of a woman who enjoys her pint of Guinness...by using a spoon.The footage was filmed by a bar man at a restaurant in Belfast recently.

It shows the unidentifed lone woman whipping a spoon out of her jacket and dunking the utensil into the foam head of the pint, before consuming it like a bowl of soup.

But how wrong was she to do this? Daragh Curren, aka The Guinness Guru joined Sean to discuss...

The world’s longest competitive female mullet

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:18:00 +0000

As you will no doubt have seen, the mullet is currently enjoying a period of resurgence, especially among young men. However, one woman in Tennessee has been growing hers since 1990. She has now been certified by Guinness as having the world’s longest mullet on a woman.

'They cannot become a baby': Israeli lab creates models of human embryos from stem cells

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Scientists in Israel have created an entity that mimics an early human embryo. But from a biomedical ethics perspective, what are the concerns? Joining me now is Graham Finlay, School of Politics and International Relations in UCD...

Can Tucker Carlson say what he wants on his new show?

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Tucker Carlson is planning to air an interview with the convicted con artist who claims he engaged in drug-fueled sex acts with Barack Obama. In a promo clip on the social media platform X, the former Fox News host teased the interview with Larry Sinclair, who alleges Obama bought and smoked cocaine with him before they had a sexual encounter in 1999.

But is there an issue with putting these unsubstantiated claims on Twitter?

Sean was joined by Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway to discuss...

'I am Irish' - Henry McKean becomes an Irish Citizen

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Today is a big day! After 33 years living in Ireland, Henry McKean has become an Irish Citizen. He joined Sean in studio to discuss..

France attempts to ban meat names for plant-based food

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:05:00 +0000

The French government has issued a new decree putting either an outright ban or heavy restrictions on meat terms such as ‘steak’ and ‘sausage’ being used on vegan products. But how will this affect the way in which consumers access the foods they are looking for and are these terms actually misleading or not?

Sean was joined by Denis O’Hora, Director of the Masters in Consumer Psychology programme at the University of Galway...

Why do we break rules?

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:55:00 +0000

You’ll have been hearing today that speed limits are going to be reduced and some of the penalty point system will be reformed as a way of tackling the growing rates of death on the road.

But why do we need to be forced into changing our behaviours around something that is so obviously dangerous? Why aren’t we likely to be safer drivers just because it’s the right thing to do?

Enda Murphy, Psychotherapist and author joined Sean to discuss...

Donegal priest to shave beard after 31 years

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Raphoe-based priest Fr Eamonn Kelly hasn't used a razor since the day before Donegal won the All-Ireland in 1992 - now, 31 years on, he's set to ditch his beard in the name of charity.

Fr. Kelly joined Sean to discuss...

'Blessed art thou among women': Working in a female dominated profession

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:42:00 +0000

Ireland has one of the highest percentages of female primary teachers in the EU, at 85.8%. This skewed statistic highlights the cultural values that deter males from applying for a career teaching young children.

But could a lack of males in the profession have an impact on our children, and why do certain careers attract one sex over the other?

Dr. Colman Noctor, Child Psychotherapist joined Sean to discuss...

Are we too enslaved to Google Maps?

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

With the widespread use of Google Maps, it seems now more than ever that almost everywhere is navigable. But are we too enslaved to the app when we’re driving and is it unusual for Google Maps to bring you not just down roads you don’t want to go but even to put your safety at risk?

Sean was joined by motoring journalist Geraldine Herbert...

Making To-Do Lists: Why do men and women differ?

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:50:00 +0000

Lists are a big part of many people’s lives, whether it be that all-important shopping list for your weekly supermarket visit or the ‘to do’ list in a diary, we’ve all been there at some point. Now, a new book entitled ‘Listful’ examines the how, why and who of list making. Stefanie Preissner was joined by Dr Jo Nolan, a Linguist at SOAS University of London and the author of the book...

Thank You For Holding: Episode 3

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:57:00 +0000

Simon Tierney joined Sean Moncrieff for the third installment of Thank You for Holding, our miniseries about the culture and practice of telephone customer service...

Syrian protests: 'The regime are coming under pressure from everywhere'

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:45:00 +0000

An unprecedented series of protests have been taking place in Syria’s southern province. But what they are protesting is less clear cut than you might imagine. Sean was joined by Ronan Tynan, Director of Bringing Assad to Justice, which airs on RTE One this Thursday at 11.20pm...

Image: X via @visegrad24

Ireland among world's least body confident countries

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:35:00 +0000

A survey has been carried out among 65 countries by Anglia Ruskin University in England. Their aim was to discover people's sense of happiness with their own bodies. Ireland came fourth from the bottom.

Professor Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology Anglia Ruskin University in England joined Sean to discuss...

'I fell madly in love with him' - Are summer romances a thing of the past?

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:55:00 +0000

As we continue this Indian summer until the weekend it got us talking about summer romances. And how hot weather can lead to steamy affairs.

Henry McKean is here with us now. Henry does warm weather and a trip away in your youth lead to love?

25 years of Google - The cool stuff they do

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0000

It's hard to remember a time when internet searches were not synonymous with Google. That very company was actually founded on this day 25 years ago. But how did it innovate and make itself stand out in what was a crowded market of search engines in the late 1990s? Elaine Burke, Host of the podcast ‘For Tech’s Sake’ joined us on the show.

Listening and watching stuff at 1.5 speed

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Over the last 5 years there has been an increase in people watching TV and listening to podcasts at 1.5 or 2 speed. But, can you still enjoy and consume the content when it’s playing so fast?

Brian Lloyde from Entertainment.ie. joined us on the show to discuss.

Paul McCartney’s missing guitar

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 15:25:00 +0000

In just 48 hours, there have been some strong leads in a campaign to find Paul McCartney’s lost guitar. The Hofner bass guitar can be heard on Love Me Do, Twist and Shout and She Loves You, but went missing from a studio in 1970. More than 50 years later, the company is helping to find the unique instrument.

Nick Wass is Development and Media Officer with Karl Hofner guitars, he’s been leading the campaign and joined us on the show.

The Search for Solitude - Choosing to live as a Hermit

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:16:00 +0000

Last week, a photo emerged of a naked “wolf-man” in the Harz mountains of central Germany. The mysterious figure has lived there for apparently half a decade. There are some people who find themselves overwhelmed by the pressures of modern living, so much so that they leave society and find peace as recluses, living in the wilderness.

Will Millard is an explorer, writer and broadcaster who has spent his life’s work interacting and learning from these people. He is the author of The Way of the Hermit, and joined Stefanie.

AI drone has beaten a human in a real-world sport

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:57:00 +0000

For the first time in history, an AI system has beaten a human in a physical, real-world sport. In 2022, an AI-operated racing drone proved faster on an obstacle course than a drone piloted by a human. This feat is now the subject of a major study and Stefanie was joined by one of its co-authors Leonard Bauersfeld a Roboticist in the University of Zurich...

Inside the world of naming storms

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:39:00 +0000

Met Éireann have released the names of storms for the new season but how does the system work? Joining Stefanie to explain was Joanna Donnelly from Met Eireann.

How to celebrate National Cinema Day

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:24:00 +0000

Tomorrow is national cinema day and joining Stefanie was Mark Anderson, Director of Omniplex Cinema Group.

Giving your employees the month of August off

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Many of you will have taken a week’s holiday over the past month but imagine working for a company where the entire month of August is contractually set aside as a rest period. Joining me now is Jo Hunter, Co-founder and CEO of 64 Million Artists, who offers this system...

'It depends on where it is' - Is graffiti art or vandalism?

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:16:00 +0000

This week in the Irish Times Michael McDowell wrote a piece with the headline: ‘Stop glamourising spray-paint vandalism by calling it art’. He had a go at the vandalism of the Molly Malone statue. He went onto to say “There is a world of difference between Banksy’s works and the moronic squiggles known as tags.” But what do the graffiti community think of his article, is graffiti art or vandalism or somewhere in between?

Henry McKean went to find out...

Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen: 'All the best things come to an end'

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been described as a complete Aisling? If you have, then it’s Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen you have to thank for that. Both co-authors of the Aisling book series joined Sean to discuss their latest co-creation, 'Aisling Ever After...'

Should we all have daily 'out-of-office' emails on?

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:20:00 +0000

Answering emails at all times of the day could make you less productive and less happy. Research carried out by the University of Sussex, recommends picking a time of day to switch off from emails, and mute notifications. The study also advises workers to put on a daily 'out of office' reply to let others know they won't get an immediate response.

Damien McCarthy, CEO and Co-Founder of the HR Buddy joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

The Evolution of the Martini

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:25:00 +0000

While Ian Fleming put the martini on the international map in the 1950s in his book Casino Royale, the newer incarnations of the cocktail are going in some very bizarre directions.

Tom Dunne was joined by Tim Dowling, columnist with the Guardian, has done a deep dive into the history and evolution of the martini and has even experimented by creating and tasting some of the contemporary versions of the famous cocktail...

'It seemed perfect' - Choosing to wear a black wedding dress

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:16:00 +0000

Wedding season continues apace for a few more weekends but is there a growing trend for alternative wedding dresses, in opposition to the traditional white?

Tom Dunne was joined by Megan Smith, a dog behaviour consultant and wife, who lives in Cork to discuss...

Has The Jack the Ripper Case Finally Been Solved?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0000

We all know in the infamous case of Jack the Ripper, but none of us know who he actually was. Well, maybe now we do. That’s all thanks to one woman, who thinks she may have cracked the case.

Sarah Bax Horton, author of 'One Armed Jack – Uncovering the Real Jack the Ripper' joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

Vaping 'needs a little bit more respect' for reducing number of smokers

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:46:00 +0000

Electric Picnic organisers want to ban disposable vapes to “protect the land the festival site is on”. But why don’t they ban cigarettes if that’s their motive? It can take up to 14 years for a cigarette butt to break down, with its toxins seeping into the earth causing a further 10-year impact. Not to mention the microplastics staying in the environment for an unknown amount of time.

That’s according to Joe Dunne from Respect Vapers, and also the founder and co-owner of Hale Vaping who joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

'Live, wriggling 8cm worm' removed from woman's brain in world first

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 09:35:00 +0000

In a medical world first, a woman in Australia was recently treated when a live worm was found in her brain.

Sean was joined by Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious diseases physician in Canberra to discuss...

What is a baby prenup?

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Babynups are gaining traction in the US, with some US Law firms even offering advice on how they should work. The document sets out what chores each parent will take up when the baby arrives, and in some cases are legally binding.

But when faced with the chaos that often comes with family life, is this really practical?

Bethan O’Riordan, Psychotherapist and owner of the Calm Parenting Community joined Sean to discuss...

'They certainly did shake the ground': Fans cause seismic activity at Taylor Swift concert

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:23:00 +0000

If you’ve ever attended a large concert in a stadium, you’ll be aware of the efforts performers go to in order to make the crowd jump, dance and scream as loud as possible, in order to build up an intense atmosphere.

Some concerts seem to go further than others, with recent reports that both Taylor Swift and Travis Scott gigs caused earthquakes, due to the jumping crowds.

Sean was joined by Chris Bean, Head of geophysics at the Dublin institute for advanced studies to discuss…

'She'd go to the ends of the earth' - Should mothers always defend their sons honour?

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:10:00 +0000

One of the strangest aspects of the controversy surrounding Spanish FA Chief Luis Rubiales was the reaction of his mother. She feels he is being treated unfairly, so much so that she has gone on hunger strike.

Can mothers ever think badly of their sons? Henry McKean went to find out...

TV on the Radio: Suka, Sisters and Survival of the Thickest

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:55:00 +0000

James Dempsey joined Sean for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio...

Irish non-binary contestant wins a major dancing title

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:36:00 +0000

Irish dancing has been one of the driving forces behind my next guest’s journey with gender identity, and coming out. Sil Clery is the first trans-non-binary contestant to win a major title at an Irish dancing competition, and joined Sean on the show.

New Images on Irish Rail Dart Services

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Barry Kenny, Spokesperson for Irish Rail to discuss Iarnród Éireann's advertising campaign on its Dart services promoting the biodiversity of the Dublin Bay area...

The release of the Osprey Chick

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:06:00 +0000

A bird thought to have become extinct as a breeding bird in Ireland back in the late 18th century has successfully bred and raised two, maybe 3 chicks in Fermanagh. The Osprey, aka the fish hawk chicks, were discovered by Giles Knight, environmental farming scheme adviser with Ulster Wildlife who joined Sean on the show this afternoon.

UK's first women only co-living space

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:58:00 +0000

With residents aged from 58 to 94, New Ground is the UK’s first cohousing community exclusively for older women. Setting it up was an 18-year battle – but with soaring numbers of people living alone, is this an idea whose time has come?

Maria Brenton, one of the founders of the Newground co-housing community joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Why we need to go back to the washing line

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:35:00 +0000

Catherine Cleary Freelance Journalist & Co-Founder of Pocket Forests joined Sean on the show to discuss why we need to go back to the washing line.

Whiskey Forgeries on the Rise

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:40:00 +0000

If you like whiskey and happen to spot your favourite at a knock down price, it might be too good to be true. Whiskey forgery is proving to be an increasing problem around the world.

Sean was joined by Michael Cowman, Whiskey Advisor and co-host of the 'Pour Decisions' Podcast to discuss...

Irish ancestors used stars 'for both navigation and weather signs'

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:22:00 +0000

It appears Ireland has a very unique connection to the night sky. Over the centuries, we used to look at the stars and use them to tell stories, tell the time and navigate our oceans.

A journalist with a particular interest in folklore, Seán Mac an tSíthigh has painstakingly gone through Irish manuscript archives in UCD and uncovered a wealth of information about our ancestors that was previously unknown.

He joined Sean to discuss...

'It's all about how you raise the dog' - What is the friendliest dog breed?

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:11:00 +0000

A survey about dog breeds done by Dogs Trust has found that labradors are regarded as the most friendly dog and rottweilers are the most scary. Is this true or just good PR?

Henry McKean went to find out...

ChatGPT 'become more useful' in latest version

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Nearly every day there's another story about AI or ChatGPT. A new iteration of ChatGPT has been just been launched and Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent joined Sean to discuss...

Meet the 'Weed Nuns' putting their faith in cannabis

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:27:00 +0000

Nestled in the valleys of California, a group of women have come together to form a new type of nun. They believe in spiritualism, service and activism, but most of all, they believe in Mother Earth and how she can heal us. Devoting their lives to their chosen plant, cannabis, they have a thriving CBD business working alongside the cycles of the moon.

Sean was joined by Sister Kate from Sisters of the Valley…

Image: Sisters of the Valley

Why do people look so much younger today?

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

If you're watching popular shows from the 80s and 90s such as Cheers or Seinfeld you may notice that a lot of the characters appear older than they would today. So why do people appear younger nowadays?

Sean was joined by Selene Daly, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology to discuss…

The Most Iconic Album Covers of All Time

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:02:00 +0000

Nirvana's Nevermind has been voted the most iconic album cover ever. 44% of music fans chose the image of a naked baby reaching for an underwater dollar bill as the most iconic album artwork.

The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd and David Bowie's Aladdin Sane also featured in the top three.

Today FM’s Claire Beck joined Sean to discuss...

What Happens When the Sun Runs Out of Fuel?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

A recent image released by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured the end stages of a distant star's life — and offers a sneak peak of what will happen to our own sun in some 5 billion years. So what might we expect when the sun dies? Sean was joined by space commentator Leo Enright to discuss...

‘So many men feel that they are small’: Celebrating men with smaller penises

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

It has become acceptable in our culture to taunt men about having a smaller size penis, whether they do or not. Why should this matter, and is slagging others about it a form of body shaming? Journalist, Oliver Keens joined Sean to discuss...

'They are rambling' - Is it time to phase out the voice note?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:59:00 +0000

Have you noticed an increase in voice notes being left on your Whatsapp, sometimes 3 minutes long? One Irish company has decided to ban them from being used between workers and clients. Feeling they are a waste of everyone's time. Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

Spanish FA president criticised for kissing player during ceremony

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:50:00 +0000

The president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, has been criticised after he kissed one of Spain’s players on the lips after the Women’s World Cup Final. Is kissing on the lips an acceptable greeting or is it completely out of bounds? Sean was joined by Sociologist and Writer, Ethel Crowley to discuss...

Why do we sound good while singing in the shower?

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Do you fancy yourself as the next Aretha Franklin or Mariah Carey when you’re belting out tunes in the shower? Is your ability to sing suddenly enhanced when you step into the tiled coliseum? Well that could be because your bathroom is the perfect acoustic setting for a grammy winning performance. Sean was joined by Jim Dunne, Managing Director, Senior Acoustic Consultant at iAcoustics to discuss...

'Women are much better parkers': Men more like to damage their car while parking

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:25:00 +0000

A new survey has found women are better at parking than men. The research, involving 2,000 adults, found men are more likely to have a knock and damage their car while parking. The poll, by insurance firm Forbes Advisor, found 21% of men admitted to having a collision while parking in the past year, compared to 14% of women. Geraldine Herbert is Motoring Editor and Columnist for the Sunday Independent and joined Sean to discuss...

'Unforgettable memories': Being an Escort at the Rose of Tralee

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Tonight a whole new set of women from across the world hit the stage for this years Rose of Tralee, hosted by Daithi O’Shea and Kathryn Thomas. But behind every Rose there is an escort who’s at the beck and call of their contestant. But what is it really like? Jamie Flannery is the 2019 Escort of the Year and joined Sean to discuss...

Finding the Perfect Allotment

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:23:00 +0000

An Irishman living in London was frustrated by the amount of space he had on his balcony to grow his own food. He attempted to join a local allotment site and was faced with a 10-year waiting list. He asked himself, "How do we make this garden party more exclusive?" Enter the urban oasis trendsetter, Conor Gallager, who's now matching green-thumbed enthusiasts with available spaces faster than you can say "Photosynthesis." His website is called Allot Me and also incorporates its very own AI-powered horticultural guru, Hazel...

Office Kitchen Etiquette Do's And Don'ts

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

From slippers to slip ups, it seems many who have been working from home have forgotten how to share an office space. Whether it’s leaving stacks of dishes in the sink while the dishwasher is empty, to finding bits of biscuits sandwiched between the crevices of your keyboard - workplace etiquette is something that needs to be addressed. Sean was joined by Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite, and HR & Employment Law Expert…

Ireland's Strongest Man

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Welcome to a world where muscles aren't just for moving weights – they're for moving cars, shifting boundaries, and flexing that Irish charm like no other. Sean was joined by Pa O’Dwyer, Ireland’s Strongest Man... Image: Facebook via Pa O'Dwyer

Bradley Cooper in prostethic nose row for Leonard Bernstein biopic

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:22:00 +0000

You may have seen the controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper in his upcoming movie, in which he plays composer Leonard Berstein. The actor has been getting a lot of backlash for wearing a prosthetic nose for the role, where he plays a Jewish man, because people feel he is feeding into a harmful stereotype. But why does this Jewish ‘big nose’ stereotype exist? Sean was joined by Sara Lipton, Professor of History and chair of the Department of History at Stony Brook University to discuss... Image: Youtube

International Chess Federation bans trans women from women’s competitions

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:57:00 +0000

The International Chess Federation, FIDE (fee-day), have published a new set of rules, which states trans women can no longer compete in women’s competitions in the sport. Anyone who has transitioned from female to male, will also have to relinquish their female titles. Sean was joinedn by Irish Chess Grandmaster and Irish Chess Champion, Alexander Baburin to discuss...

The History of the Stress Ball

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:15:00 +0000

Stress balls, those foamy, rubbery, squishy lumps of material you hold in your hand to relieve stress have a surprisingly interesting and ancient history. Dating all the way back to 206BC and used as a tool on the battlefield, the concept and purpose of stress balls has evolved along with us. Alyssa Mertes joined Sean to talk through its history. She is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products...

Living with Menorrhagia

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Menorrhagia is a gynaecological condition that means heavy or excessive menstrual bleeding. One of the main hallmarks is a period that lasts seven or more days. But even if you don’t quite reach seven days, and during that time women who suffer from it can experience all forms of sever discomfort. Margaret Young is know as Wild Soul Mags on Instagram, and she joined Sean to discuss...

'Reducing your sexual partner number' can limit risk of STIs

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:35:00 +0000

If you have slept with more than 20 people, you could be considered a big red flag. That’s according to a recent survey reported in the Mirror today, which says singletons over the age of 35 would prefer their romantic partner to have between 4 and 8 previous lovers. Health concerns is one of the reasons this age group would avoid someone with a colourful sexual past. Is asking your next Tinder match about the number of people they slept with the right thing to ask? Sean was joined by Dr Aisling Loy, Consultant in Genito-Urinary Medicine St James’s Hospital and Himerus Health to discuss…

'People just like to be part of the moment' - Crazy news stories to come out of Ireland

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:17:00 +0000

One quick scan of the news today will tell you there’s one story dominating the press, and that’s the incident with Bank of Ireland’s technical issue that allowed customers to withdraw more money than they had in their accounts from their ATMs. T his might seem mad, but mad news stories are actually something of a common recurrence in this country. One man who knows all about that is the columnist behind ‘Surrealing in the Years’, Carl Kinsella - he joined Sean to discuss some of the mad stories to make the news down the years...

How To...Tile Your Own Home

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:15:00 +0000

For this week's 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to tile your own home. Sean was joined by Anthony Darcy, Head of Professional Services at Tile Style...

Drag Queen slaying the Christian pop charts

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:25:00 +0000

Faith, fabulousness, and Flamy Grant - One drag queen ascended to the top of the Christian music charts on iTunes this summer. It was thanks to a social movement in the States called “ex-vangelical”. Flamy Grant joined Sean to discuss her rise to fame on the show... Image: Youtube via Flamy Grant

'There's extreme sadness' - Kildare woman who evacuated home in Maui

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:58:00 +0000

A Kildare woman living on the Hawiian island of Maui - where wildfires have so far claimed 99 lives and destroyed a historic town - has told how she and her young daughter had to evacuate their home with only their passports and a change of clothes. Eileen Gallegos, originally from Celbridge in Co Kildare lives in the area and witnessed as the fires destroyed her local area…

Virtual trail to tell the stories of The Troubles

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Omagh bombings, and also coincides with the launch of a virtual trail in Northern Ireland. It is a tour from the perspective of Troubles victims. Sean was joined by Kenny Donaldson, Director of South East Fermanagh Foundation…

Why are we creatures of habit?

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

A new survey, carried out by oral care brand TePe, has revealed how most of us are creatures of habit. Apparently, 37 per cent of people asked have had the same haircut for as long as they can remember, 23 per cent stick to the same TV shows they know and love, while over one firth always order the same drink at the bar. But how do we actually develop these habits? And how do we break them? Sean was joined by neuroscientist Dr Brian Pennie to discuss...

'I started getting a bit obsessed with it' - Can smartwatches take over our lives?

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Henry McKean's new smartwatch said he has a fitness age of 75. Should he start to worry? Or are they even accurate? Henry spoke to fitness experts, 75 year-olds, smartwatch addicts and discuss constant sleep updates...

Attitudes to tattoos changed 'rapidly over the last ten years'

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:46:00 +0000

An Garda Síochana has been criticised for its strict dress code after three cadets were sent home from its training college for having tattoos, amid a recruitment crisis in the force. As Commissioner Drew Harris desperately struggles to meet his recruitment targets, a situation involving a number of trainees at the garda training college in Templemore, Co. Tipperary, has sparked a new debate on the force's 'outdated' views on tattoos. But is Tattoo discrimination common? Martin Mclver is the Organiser of the Dublin Tattoo Convention and the Big London Tattoo Show and joined Sean to discuss..

Sex headaches are 'usually connected more to orgasm'

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Did you know that sex can sometimes cause a headache? Sometimes even quite intense migraines known as coital cephalalgia. For more on this, Sean was joined by clinical sexologist, Emily Power Smith to discuss...

'A lot that can be gained' from Taylor Swift lyrics whilst studying English

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:15:00 +0000

A Belgian university is shaking up the literary scene with a course that takes a page from Taylor Swift's creative repertoire. The new course will use Swift's musical journey as a launchpad to explore everything from medieval 14th-century texts to Margaret Atwood's unique take on The Tempest. But what’s the story with Irish universities? What is their take on pop meeting prose? Sean was joined by Dr Ellen Howley, assistant professor at DCU’s School of English…

'Women have hair on their face, it's not a freak accident'

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:57:00 +0000

Female facial hair is a series of contradictions – something that is considered natural in one gender but freakish in another. For a long time it wasn’t spoken about despite vast amounts of money being spent removing it. Now, celebrities like Adele are helping to change the conversation about facial hair. Sean was joined by Azmia Riaz, reporter with the Irish Independent to discuss... Image: X via @azmiariaz

World’s Largest Jigsaw Attempt

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Do you remember the last time you did a jigsaw? Was it a 500 piece one or even a 1000 piece puzzle? A crowd in Derbyshire in England has set themselves the task of building the world’s largest jigsaw, with a staggering 120,000 pieces. Tom Dunne was joined by John Trowsdale, from Just Jigsaws to discuss...

The English woman who woke up with a Welsh accent

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Zoe Coles woke up 10 weeks ago and started speaking with a Welsh accent, despite being from Lincolnshire. She has never been to Wales and has no connection to the country... Image: TikTok via @zoecoles1

Running a Brewery in Ukraine

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Running a brewery in a country that is at war with a hostile aggressor is not an easy thing to do. But one crowd in Lviv have not only managed to largely continue operations but have also managed to travel here to Ireland and are currently in Sligo preparing for the Hagstravaganza Beer Festival which is taking place tomorrow. Tom Dunne was joined by Andriy Korol from Pravda Brewery...

'Fear and anxiety' among PSNI staff amidst data breach

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Andy George, Chief Inspector in the PSNI and President of the National Black Police Federation joined Tom Dunne to discuss the recent data breach in the PSNI...

Barack Obama Plaza: 'It's phenomenal'

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:35:00 +0000

The Barack Obama Plaza has gone from strength to strength since it opened it's doors 10 years ago. Tom Dunne was joined by Comedian, Karl Spain to discuss the success of the iconic service station...

Sunbed Wars

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Videos of tourists fighting over sun beds on the Costa del Sol have been going viral over the past few days, prompting authorities to being in extra security into hotels in popular destinations. Nick Dixon, a reporter with Good Morning Britain joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

‘A litre a day!’ - How much water do people drink every day?

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:10:00 +0000

As temperatures across the country slowly creep back up towards the warmer end, Tom Dunne was joined in studio by Henry McKean who has been investigating how much water people should drink daily...

The Return of NME

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The iconic music magazine, the NME, which ceased its print edition 5 years ago, has re-launched from today in a hard copy format. But what does this mean for the music magazine industry and just how influential was the NME during its heyday? Tom Dunne was joined by Ken Sweeney, Showbiz Editor of the Irish Sun to discuss...

Why do we impulse buy?

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin joined Tom Dunne in studio to discuss why we impulse buy...

'Fundamental change' needed in Irish acting contracts to allow for residual payments

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Gerry O’Brien, Actor and President of Irish Equity joined Tom Dunne to discuss how the ongoing writers and actors strikes are affecting the Irish in the industry...

'We do need to look on food in Ireland more as an art' - Chef JP McMahon

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:10:00 +0000

JP McMahon, chef, author and restauranteur joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss the cost of running a restaurant in Ireland versus the rest of Europe...

How To...Become a Pilot

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:52:00 +0000

For this week's 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to become a pilot. Tom Dunne was joined by Lisa Cusack from Aer Lingus to discuss...

Do multivitamins work?

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:25:00 +0000

They're advertised heavily on TV, they have big colourful displays when you walk into any pharmacy, but do multivitamins actually work and why are they being sold to us so aggressively? Tom Dunne was joined by Registered Dietician Sarah Keogh to discuss...

Childfree by Choice: New group aims to meet like-minded women

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:50:00 +0000

While there can sometimes still be a stigma attached to women who choose to be childfree, a group called Sisterhood aims to unite and support likeminded women. Tom Dunne was joined by founder pf Sisterhoodm, Niamh Madden..

'She was a voice for us' - Crowds pay their respects to Sinéad O'Connor in Bray

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:31:00 +0000

Hundreds of people gathered on Bray seafront this afternoon to pay their respects to Sinéad O'Connor. Newstalk's Henry McKean was there as her funeral cortege passed through the town in which she lived for 15 years...

Why was 'The Exorcist' censored in Ireland?

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

The acclaimed director William Friedkin dies yesterday in Los Angeles. He won Oscars for The French Connection but it was his 1973 film The Exorcist for which he is perhaps best know. This of course was a movie that has a long and controversial reputation in this country, from its editing by the censor’s office in 1974 to it finally being released in an uncut format in 1998. Tom Dunne was joined by former film censor John Kelleher and Newstalk’s Simon Tierney to discuss...

Henry McKean: Is 42 the best age?

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:47:00 +0000

Sean was joined on the show by Newstalk Reporter Henry Mckean who was out and about asking the public what they think the best age is...

Guinness World Record holder for loudest burp by a woman

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Kimberly "Kimycola" Winter who has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the loudest burp carried out by a woman.

Should you use menstrual blood as a facemask?

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

There is a growing trend on Tik Tok of women doing a moon mask, wherein menstrual blood is applied to the face for its supposed health and skin moisturising benefits. But what’s the truth behind all this and can it have benefits? Selene Daly, Dermatology Nurse Specialist joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Life as a comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:55:00 +0000

Performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest comedy festival in the world, has been a rite of passage for countless Irish stand-ups over the years, with its unequaled opportunities for exposure and access to audiences. But what is it like actually going through this experience for the first time? Sean was joined by Shane Daniel Byrne, who is currently performing at the festival...

130th anniversary of Conradh na Gaeilge

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:08:00 +0000

It was this summer 130 years ago when two men came together in Dublin to try and save the Irish language. The result of this was Conradh na Gaeilge. Joining Sean on the show to mark the anniversary and to look at its origins is Cuan O’Sheridain, Curator with Conradh na Gaeilge...

Conor Pass up for sale for €10 million

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald from Dingle in county Kerry joined Sean to discuss the sale of the Conor Pass and what he thinks should happen...

So You Think You're an Adult: Threesome regrets

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Barbara Scully, Sophie White and Sean Moncrieff help tackle listener dilemmas...

Sadiq Khan encourages men to intervene on misogynistic behaviour

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:35:00 +0000

A new campaign initiated by the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, aims to encourage men to actively intervene when they are witnesses to misogynistic behaviour, rather than passive bystanders. But the campaign is splitting Londoners. Joining Sean on the show was Mark Paul, London Correspondent for the Irish Times...

Danish man returns home after visiting every country without flying

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Thor Pedersen, Globe Trotter, Once Upon a Saga joined Sean to discuss how he traveled to every country without flying.

Could Pig Heart Modification for Human Transplantation become more common?

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Although only one pig-to-human heart transplant has been undertaken somewhat successfully, there is strong evidence that this procedure could become much more mainstream. One man who is working at the vanguard of this is Philip Cardiff, Associate Professor of Engineering at UCD who joined Sean on the show.

Why do we celebrate mediocrity?

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:34:00 +0000

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean was out and about today asking the public if we celebrate mediocrity ahead of the women's soccer homecoming following their World Cup performance in Australia.

The power of the Child of Prague

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Wedding season is in full swing but the weather continues to be abominable, so are people dusting down their old Child of Prague in the hope of reprieve on the Big Day? Sean was joined by Kelly Fitzgerald Assistant Professor in the School of Irish Celtic Studies & Folklore, UCD.

ComReg - Scam calls costing customers €300m a year

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Sean on the show to discuss new research by ComReg which shows that scam calls are costing Irish customers €300m a year.

Newts and critters blocking building works

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Éanna Ní Lamha, Environmental Broadcaster, and Author joined Sean to discuss how Newts and critters are blocking building works.

How to… Buy a good sound system

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:59:00 +0000

For this week's 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to buy a good sound system. Sean was joined by Daniel Rooney of the HiFi Hut to discuss...

Life after Lynx Africa

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:30:00 +0000

A popular spray deodorant has officially been named Ireland’s “greatest fragrance of all time”. Irish men have carefully chosen Lynx Africa as their favorite scent in a new survey. In Ireland, a massive 85% of men have used Lynx Africa at some point. Callum Gilcrest, Perfumer and Perfume Specialist at Parfumarija joined Sean to discuss.

Frederick Douglas commemorated in Belfast

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:20:00 +0000

One of the leading abolitionists of the 19th century, Frederick Douglas, has been commemorated in Belfast with a new statue, the first in Europe. Sean was joined by Christine Kinealy, Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

Thank You For Holding: Episode 2

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:15:00 +0000

In this week’s episode of Thank You for Holding, our miniseries about the culture and practice of telephone customer service, we are looking at hold music… the tunes that are designed to stop you from hanging up but usually end up driving people mad. Simon Tierney has been investigating and he joined Sean on the show...

German supermarket set to charge shoppers 'true' environmental cost

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:30:00 +0000

German supermarket Penny is conducting a week-long experiment to raise the prices of certain products to reflect their true cost on people's health and the environment. The price adjustments are intended to account for the hidden environmental and health costs associated with food production and distribution. Sean was joined on the show by Amelie Michalke, an Industrial Engineer and sustainability Expert from the University of Greifswald in northern Germany…

Around the World: Ghana abolishes death penalty

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Jonathan DeBurca Butler takes listeners through the week's international stories...

How to navigate a difficult boss or a toxic workplace

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Can you have a working relationship with a tricky boss or member of staff with a strong personality? Newstalk reporter Henry McKean talked to experts & co-workers to get their views...

Can psilocybin help treat anorexia?

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Psychedelics have been tested for use in many mental health conditions, but now there’s something else that may help in the treatment of anorexia. Researchers at the University of California, in San Diego, have been trialing this method. Sean was joined by Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, who told us more... If you have been impacted by anything in this conversation, you can call Bodywhys on (01) 2107906.

TV on the Radio: Fifteen-Love, From, and Drag Me to Dinner

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

James Dempsey joined Sean for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio...

Regulating the influencers

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Almost two-thirds of 16 to 24-year-olds and almost half of 25- to 34-year-olds have bought goods online because of a recommendation from an influencer or celebrity, according to a survey by An Post. Orla Twomey CEO of the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland joined Sean to discuss regualting the influencers...

Venus is in retrograde - But what does it mean?

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

There’s a lot happening in our skies right now, and I’m not talking about how much rain is falling or the bits and pieces of UFOs in America. We’ve got supermoons, blue moons, shooting star showers, and even a sassy Venus Retrograde. David Moore, Founder and Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine joined Sean to unravel it all...

Why Gen Z thinks smoking is cool again

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Alaina Demopoulos of the Guardian joined Sean on the show to discuss why Gen Z thinks smoking is cool again...

Frozen worms brought back to life after 46,000 years

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:50:00 +0000

It may sound like the stuff of Jurassic Park, but a scientist in Germany has managed to bring back to life a 46,000-year-old worm. But how did he do it? Dr. Philipp Schiffer, Group Leader of the Worm Lab at the University of Cologne joined Sean on the show...

Revolut launches car insurance in Ireland

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:35:00 +0000

Revolut is today launching car insurance in Ireland – with customers able to get discounts by signing up for an in-car device that monitors their driving. The financial app is making the offering available to 3,000 customers as part of this initial rollout and is due to roll it out to the rest of its Irish customers in “the coming months”. Derek Reilly of Nevo.ie joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Movies and Booze

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Sean was joined for Movies and Booze by Fionnuala Jones, Jean Smullen and Esther McCarthy with thanks to Marks and Spencer...

How dirty do we get at festivals?

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Music festivals are known for being a particularly filthy event, especially if they take place over a few days and campers can’t shower. But the lack of hand-washing facilities might actually be the bigger issue that no one is talking about. Sean was joined by microbiologist, Dr. Joe Latimer to discuss…

Pigcasso the Painting Pig

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

People can often train their pets to do certain tricks to impress audiences, but it’s usually limited to rolling over or playing dead. Well, what if your pet could paint pictures worth tens of thousands? For Joanne Lefson, that’s the case with her pet pig, Pigcasso. Joanne joined Sean to discuss...

What is Phubbing?

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000

We’re all guilty of not being able to put our phones down at times, and it’s gotten even more difficult to be without it in recent years, since so many of us became accustomed to working online during the pandemic. But this dependency has led to a new problem: phubbing. Phubbing is the act of snubbing those physically with you, in favour of your phone. Kieran was joined by Paula Cocozza, journalist for the Guardian and author of the novel ‘Speak to Me’, which centres around this issue…

The Job of a Crossword Setter

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Crosswords are as popular as ever but how do they get created in the first place? Sean was joined by John Halpern, Crossword setter for the Guardian, the Times and the Telegraph...

Cockapoo's can be 'quite a tough dog to have'

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:30:00 +0000

The cockapoo has now passed out the Labrador on the list of most popular pets in the home. This is a result of the growing demand for designer dogs and the increased accessibility of these breeds. But what happens when you mix two breeds, with two different personalities? Do any behaviour issues result? Suzi Walsh, dog trainer and behaviourist joined Sean to discuss...

'I never met her but felt I knew her' - How to handle nationwide collective grief

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Ireland and the world are grieving Sinead O’Connor but most of us have never met her or even seen her play live. Why is it we grieve someone we don’t actually know and is it ok to? Henry McKean has visited Sinead O’Connor’s last address in Bray County Wicklow and spoke to people about how a nation is mourning one of our own...

'Sindy was more of a girl next door dolly'

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000

There’s been an awful lot of talk about Barbie over the last few months, but many women who grew up in Ireland will be more familiar with the 80s doll icon, Sindy. She was the doll to have during that time, and is known for being less sexualised and more suitable for a young, Irish audience. Sean was joined by Freelance Journalist, Erin McCafferty, who believes Sindy deserves more recognition...

Author Amy McCulloch: The Kerry Way started this grand adventure my life has taken

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:40:00 +0000

When author Amy McCulloch set out travelling South America with her husband and partner of 10 years, she didn’t think she’d return from her trip a single woman, ready to experience some new adventures. Her latest novel Midnight takes inspiration from some of these experiences. Amy joined Sean on the show to discuss... Image: Amy McCulloch via amymcculloch.net

Beano comic celebrates 85th anniversary

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Many of us grew up with comic books, and one that most people will recognise is Beano. Well, Beano turns 85 today, and in order to reflect the society that it now lives in, new characters have been added and old ones have been adjusted to allow the comic to be more diverse. Sean was joined by the creative director of Beano Studios, Mike Stirling to discuss...

How To...Design Your Home Interior

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to design your home interior. Sean was joined by Jennifer Sheahan, Home of the Year winner to discuss...

Should all Gardaí be armed?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:05:00 +0000

The Taoiseach has rowed back on his stance that Gardaí should be armed in the wake of violent incidents in the capital. But what do the Gardaí feel they need to protect our streets and is enough being done? Sean was joine by Brendan O’Connor, Garda Representative Association President...

The People of Los Alamos

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Moviegoers were running to the cinemas this weekend to catch Christopher Nolan’s new Oppenheimer, but many people may not have noticed some historical inaccuracies in the film. Novelist and journalist Alisa Lynn Valés and her family are from the the Los Alamos area, where Oppenheimer built the atomic bomb, and she joined Sean to talk about the people who were forced to leave the area, to allow the scientists to build there...

Thank You For Holding: Episode 1

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:15:00 +0000

The experience of being put on hold is one which most of us can relate to the exasperatingly long list of options, the tedious music and the struggle to actually speak with a human being. Newstalk’s Simon Tierney has been investigating the best and worst examples of Irish telephone customer service and today he joined Sean to present his findings in the first of a new three part series…

'Is your car an option?' - Dating while living at home

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:05:00 +0000

One of the consequences of the housing crisis is the tricky situation of bringing your date back to the gaff where your parents are living with you. But what are some of the ways of overcoming this challenge? Sean was joined by Dr. Caroline West is a Sex and relationship expert with Bumble...

British Miracle Meat

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:35:00 +0000

When the new mockumentary British Miracle Meat aired on Channel 4 last night many people struggled to know if its depiction of human flesh consumption was real or not, and this is when satire works best. Sean was joined by the director Tom Kingsley...

Disconnecting while on holidays: 'People can't switch off'

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The whole point of a holiday is to switch off, relac and not think about work - But that's easier said than done. There is always that temptation to check you email. Henry McKean joined Sean after returning from his holidays...

Cooking with AI: 'A conversation with a cookbook'

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:15:00 +0000

There was a time when recipes were handed down through an oral tradition. Could artificial intelligence help to bring this tradition back? Sean was joined by Philip Maughan, Author of “Cooking Earth: Artificiality, Alienation and Desire in the Past, Present and Future of Food”...

Nostalgic noshing

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:52:00 +0000

What's your favourite meal of yore? The dessert that dances up memories of childhood or the snack you still comfort yourself with at the end of a bad day? Well according to new research, retro food is on the rise and if you're indulging in it lately, you're not alone. Looking into the what and why of it is Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden.

Guinness World Record holder for most Barbie dolls owned

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:42:00 +0000

The marketing for Greta Gerwig’s new Barbie film is unavoidable at the moment. But how did it all begin? With the doll of course! Bettina Dorfmann holds the Guinness World Record for most Barbie dolls owned by one person, with a whopping 18,500 in her collection. Bettina joined Sean to discuss...

Annual swan count set to take place on the River Thames

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:30:00 +0000

You may have heard the old adage that the swans in London belong to the Queen. Well, now the ownership of those swans has shifted over to Charles. This week the annual swan census is taking place on the River Thames and I’m joined now by the King’s Marker of the Swans, David Barber...

Scrapbooking: 'Great ways to keep memories'

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Many of us had scrapbooks growing up dedicated to our favourite bands and our holidays, but it’s a craft that many people forget about in later life. Sean was joined by Lizzie Lees, textile artist, illustrator and creator of the craft book Collage Carnival...

'Internalised homophobia is a key issue': Domestic violence in LGBT+ relationships

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Reports of domestic violence increased during the Covid-19 pandemic as families went into lockdowns together. However, most of the conversations were around heterosexual relationships, but Men’s Aid noticed an increase in calls to their support line from men within gay relationships who were experiencing abuse. So is there enough awareness? Do people within the gay community have enough support? Derek Byrne, LGBT+ Education Officer at Men’s Aid joined Sean to discuss...

'An Irish affair' - Kerryman who designed stunt for Mission Impossible

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:40:00 +0000

In the latest Mission Impossible movie one of the key scenes involves Tom Cruise careering up a ramp on a motorbike before launching himself off it into the depths below. The man who designed this stunt is Kerry adventurer Mike O’Shea, and he joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'No chance' of a pint under €5 in Dublin City - Guinness Guru

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Diageo have today announced that they will be increasing the price of their pints by 4 cent. This comes not long after their 12 cent price hike in February, and it’s safe to say people are not impressed. For anyone not living in rural Ireland, it’s difficult to find a pint of Guinness for less than a fiver now, there are some rare places in Ireland where you can find the cheapest pints in the land. Darragh Curran, otherwise known as The Guinness Guru, joined Sean to discuss...

How To...Make A Podcast

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to make your own podcast. Sean was joined by Patrick Haughey, Managing Director of AudioBrand and Founder of the Today FM School of Radio and Podcasting to discuss...

Dáil's youngest TD brings 'something different to the table'

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:58:00 +0000

As PBP TD Brid Smith has announced she will not seek re-election at the next contest, the debate around the age profile of our public representatives has opened up. Currently the average age of TDs is roughly 51. So why are there not more younger people getting involved? Sean was joined by Dáil Éireann’s youngest member, James O’Connor, Fianna Fail TD for Cork East... Image: Twitter via James O'Connor TD @JamesOConnorTD

'Easy prey for predators' - What happens when you abandon pets in the wild?

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 09:42:00 +0000

A group of four rabbits were rescues from Stephens Green on Sunday, which were believed to be pets that someone released to the wild because they no longer wanted to care for them. How dangerous is it to release domesticated animals to wild environments and what happens when you do? I’m joined by Sean was joined by Gillian Bird, Head of Education and Media at the DSPCA...

Death Valley: The hottest place on earth

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 15:05:00 +0000

The aptly named Death Valley in California is the hottest place on Earth and temperatures over the past few days have been getting dangerously close to its record, which was set this month 120 years ago. Newstalk’s Simon Tierney travelled to Death Valley in 2015 and he joined Sean to describe what it’s like inside the dust bowl of the Mojave Desert...

The History of Irish Railways

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:22:00 +0000

The All Island Strategic Railway Review is due to come before the Cabinet later this month, and it includes plans for more high speed connections between major cities and an increase in freight connections to ports. But Ireland wasn’t always so poorly connected by rail, so why did we ever close so many of our lines to begin with? Sean was joined by Jonathan Beaumont, rail historian and writer to discuss...

The rules and regulations around Dublin's busking scene

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:20:00 +0000

From Galway to Killarney, our streets are full of buskers, but different rules can apply under local bylaws. One of Ireland's most well-known buskers, Allie Sherlock, posted a video on Sunday saying police in France asked her to stop singing while performing. So we sent Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie around Dublin city to meet with artists, tourists and locals to hear about the rules and regulations of the busking scene.

'Life doesn't end the day you're diagnosed': Living with Lewy Body Dementia

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

The drug company Eli Lilly has developed an experimental drug to treat dementia. It has found that the drug could have a dramatic effect in slowing down the disease. However, dementia is not just one thing, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but Lewy Body Dementia is the second most common. Kevin Quaid is an activist and author who is living with Lewy Body Dementia and he joined Sean to discuss…

What constitutes a true Irish pub?

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever sat in an Irish pub, looked around the walls and spotted weird ornaments, old photos, and strange objects from times gone by? These are the pieces that are unique to the Irish pub, and there’s one man who’s become something of an expert for those who want to create that traditional atmospheric feel. Ian Dowling owns Rare Irish Stuff and he joined Jarlath Regan to discuss...

‘That was the first time I was set on fire …’ – Irish stuntwoman Niamh Hogan

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:35:00 +0000

Imagine going home and being asked “how was your day?” and the answer is “great, I was set on fire!” That’s a somewhat typical day in the life of a stunt performer. Niamh Hogan is one of a relatively small group of female stunt performers and she joined Jarlath Regan on the show to discuss...

Roscommon was known as a 'UFO hotspot' in the 90s

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Just over a quarter of a century ago, Barry Browne was camping by Lough Key in Co. Roscommon, when he saw something that would stick with him for decades. Was it a UFO, and if it was, what does that mean for our understanding of unidentified aerial phenomena? Barry Browne joined Jarlath Regan to discuss…

Rewilding 'not always the right thing' for your garden

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:20:00 +0000

‘Rewilding’ is the gardening buzz word of 2023. With public spaces like the front of Trinity College growing out their lawns in favour of wild meadows, the trend for this seems to be getting bigger and bigger. However, the British TV gardening personality Alan Titchmarsh has now set off what can only be described as a horticultural grenade by declaring that rewilding can be catastrophic for biodiversity. Jarlath Regan was joined by Peter Dowdall, Horticultural consultant and gardening presenter on RTÉ Today to discuss...

New research aims to help the brain ‘unlearn’ tinnitus

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Between 10% and 15% of the Irish population is currently living with tinnitus but groundbreaking new research in Trinity College is discovering novel ways to help sufferers. Jarlath Regan was joined by Professor Sven Vanneste, from the Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience and School of Psychology to discuss...

'A lot of of people will be delighted' - Companies now offering grandternity leave

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

While we’ve been expanding paternity and parental leave in Ireland over recent years, there are still many families who struggle to manage home and work life. Grandparents are often called upon to step in when there’s a sick baby or during mid term breaks. A handful of companies are now offering grandternity leave. Caroline Reidy a HR and Employment Law expert from the HR Suite joined Jarlath Regan to discuss...

The World's Largest Gathering of Golden Retrievers

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:40:00 +0000

The golden retriever is currently celebrating its 155th anniversary as a breed. As it was first bred in Scotland, there are crowds of dog owners gathering in the Highlands this week to mark the event with 466 golden retrievers assembling yesterday to break the British record for the most animals of this breed in the one place. Orlagh Murray, the Secretary of the Golden Retriever Society of Ireland, joined Jarlath Regan from Scotland...

The 85th Anniversary of the Handover of Spike Island

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:30:00 +0000

This week marks the 85th anniversary of the handover of Spike Island, in Co. Cork, from British to Irish ownership. Spike Island, one of the infamous ‘Treaty Ports’, was a particular bugbear for a generation of Irish people. Jarlath Regan was joined by John Crotty, Former CEO of Spike Island, who is now publishing a book on the island’s history...

‘Huge amount’ of Tinder users are already in relationships

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

If you are on a dating app, you’ll know that the strike rate can be hit and miss. However, a new study shows that about two thirds of people who are on Tinder are in relationships. Are they all cheating? Are they looking for something else? And what about the people who are swiping right, hoping to find their true love when the majority of potential matches aren’t even single? Jarlath Regan was joined by Mairead Loughman, founder of Love HQ Matchmaking, and host of Tough Love podcast to discuss...

What is Mudlarking?

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:20:00 +0000

While there is a long history of mudlarking in England, particularly on the River Thames, the hobby is growing in popularity in Ireland. Sean was joined by Mudlarking enthusiast Johanna Keene...

Australian Indigenous Voice referendum acknowledges 'historical inequalities'

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:45:00 +0000

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albenese has pledged to hold the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum within 6 months. But what is this vote all about and why is it causing controversy? Sean was joined by Jonathan Drennan, an Irish journalist based in Sydney...

'They breed like rabbits!' - Managing the hare population at Dublin Airport

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

When you fly in and out of Dublin Airport you are probably unaware of the efforts that go into ensuring no animals strike the engines, but there are in fact teams of people who work in this area. Dr. Sammy Ball, a Wildlife researcher with UCC, has been working on the management of the hare population at the airfield, and he joined Sean to discuss...

Air fryers are 'the new-age deep fat fryer'

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000

2021 saw a 3,000 per-cent increase in the sales of AirFryers. At one point, much to the consternation of social media chefs, TikTok-ing their every interaction with the machine, there were even fears of a national shortage. However, are they worth the money or is it all just a bit of a fad? Aisling Larkin, TV Chef and Mindful Eating Coach joined Sean to discuss...

The pros and cons for couples sleeping in separate beds

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:45:00 +0000

More and more couples are considering sleeping in separate beds. Some say there are benefits for rest while others disagree. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking with people who do it and experts in the area.

Why Orkney is 'seriously' considering joining Norway

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:35:00 +0000

While there’s been a political movement around Scottish Independence, the UK’s next political debate might be whether or not they’d lose the Orkney Islands to Norway. The islands are 10 miles north of the Scottish coast, and have both historical and cultural links to Norway. The island council passed a motion to draft a report on the constitutional future of the islands. So where does the strong link to the Norse region come from? Leslie Burgher, architect and the Honorary Norwegian Consulate to Orkney joined Sean today on the show….

Planning permission granted for permanent Hollywood sign in Wicklow

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:35:00 +0000

The Hollywood sign in LA is currently marking its 100th anniversary, but it isn’t the only one in existence. There is a replica in the Wicklow countryside near the village from which the Californian neighbourhood may well get its name. Sean was joined by Tommy Tutty, from the Hollywood Community Forum...

Is it the end of the road for the traditional petrol station?

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Is it becoming trickier to find a petrol station in certain parts of Ireland? The figures suggest that there has been a significant change in the number of stations over the past 20 years, both upwards and downwards. Research we have carried out here on the show tells us that there are currently 30% less petrol stations in Ireland today than there were 25 years ago. Sean was joined by Kevin McPartlan, CEO of Fuels for Ireland …

How To...Build an Extension

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to build an extension. Sean was joined by Hugh Wallace, Architect and Judge on RTÉ's Home of the Year to discuss...

Teachers 'absolutely need training' to facilitate sex education classes

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Sex Education is to be made mandatory for those in 5th and 6th year in secondary schools from 2024. Currently, a consultation process is underway about what needs to be in place for this to work effectively. Sean was joined by Eoghan Cleary, SPHE teacher in Templecarrig College in Greystones

100 Years of the Censorship Act

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:55:00 +0000

This week marks 100 years since the Censorship of Films Act was passed. Up until 1970, about 50,000 films were scrutinized, 11,000 of these were edited or “cut”, and 2,500 were banned outright. Sean was joined by John Downing, columnist with the Irish Independent to discuss...

Ireland’s first-ever professional women’s footballer

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:45:00 +0000

As the Irish women’s team prepares to kick off in the country’s first ever appearance at a world cup, a curious piece of public art has emerged in Inchicore which commemorates perhaps the greatest female soccer player ever produced by Ireland. Sean was joined by Barry Landy, Sports journalist and author of 'Emerald Exiles - How the Irish made their mark on World Football'... Image: Twitter via DCC South Central Area @dccscarea

Gig etiquette: 'People are just annoying!'

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:30:00 +0000

A host of popstars, including Harry Styles most recently, have been hit by projectiles during live performance. It brings up the question of growingly worse concert etiquette from crowds. Sean was joined by Tanya Sweeney, Columnist with the Irish Independent...

Human activity has 'nudged the earth's spin'

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Humans have been moving so much groundwater around the Earth over the past twenty years, that the tilt on the Earth’s axis has moved slightly eastwards. So, what effect could this have on us all? Roger Highfield, science journalist and director of the Science Museum in the UK joined Sean to discuss...

'London has been calling!' - Trainee solicitors moving to bigger cities

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:20:00 +0000

Legal services outside major urban areas are facong uncertain future According to a survey carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes, elements of the profession are thriving in major urban areas but raises real concern about the future of smaller practices in rural areas. Maura Derivan, solicitor with Derivan Sexton & Co and President of the Law Society joined Sean to discuss...

Red-carpet pyjamas 'becoming such a big thing'

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Some celebs are now choosing to wear high-end silk pj’s out and about to fancy night clubs, fashion shows and to award shows. It's a popular trend for singers, football players and rappers. But how did the trend start? Fashion stylist Laura Mullett joined Sean to discuss...

Skeleton of whale washed up in Kerry could be resconstructed for 'public display'

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:50:00 +0000

A photo of a fin whale washed up on a south Kerry beach surfaced online at the weekend. It’s more than 60 feet long and is estimated to weigh 40 to 50 tonnes. Padraig Whooley, sightings officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group joined Sean to discuss what happens next... Image: Twitter via John O'Halloran @johbees

'All eyes now are on the Pope and his health'

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:32:00 +0000

Politics tends to infiltrate most organisations, from the local GAA club to the largest corporations in the world – and religion is no different. With growing concerns for his health, the Pope has been making some strategic moves to ensure the continuation of the path he’s set the Catholic Church on. Colm Flynn, Irish reporter and broadcaster in the Vatican joined Sean to discuss...

Roscommon GAA has ‘wrong sheep’ on county's crest

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:20:00 +0000

A county GAA board is considering updating its crest after discovering the emblem featured the wrong breed of sheep. Both Roscommon County Council and the county board had been asked by breeders to look at whether they were using the correct image of the 'Roscommon sheep' following a motion at a local authority meeting earlier this year. Sean O’Dowd, the designer of the original Roscommon County Crest joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'It's about shared cultures' - Green Party TD calls for 12th of July to be made an all-island bank holiday

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:05:00 +0000

In the spirit of mutual cultural understanding in the event of a United Ireland, a TD is calling on the Twelfth to be made a bank holiday in the Republic of Ireland. Sean was joined by Green Party TD Patrick Costello to discuss...

Claire Walsh on life as a freediver

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 14:34:00 +0000

After base jumping, freediving is considered the second most dangerous sport in the world. My next guest is from Kildare and has taken this sport to heart. And despite its inherent dangers, she says that this discipline actually creates a sense of peace. Sean was joined live from Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas by Claire Walsh who is a freediver and author of Under Water: How Holding My Breath Taught Me To Live...

Comedian Enya Martin aka 'Giz a Laugh'

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Enya Martin is a comedian from Dublin, known for her sketches and characters on her ‘Giz a Laugh’ social media platforms, doing comedy about Covid and lockdowns, and pranking her Mam Kathleen. Enya will also be featuring in the Paddy Power Comedy Festival in the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, from July 27th-30th, alongside the likes of Tommy Tiernan, Jarleth Regan and Michael Fry.

Kate Moose on her new book 'The Ghost Ship'

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:49:00 +0000

Most of us are aware of the fabled pirates of the Caribbean but what you may be less aware of is the fact that there was an Irish female pirate who passed successfully for many years as a man. This was part of the inspiration for best-selling novelist Kate Mosse’s new book The Ghost Ship which is released today. Kate Mosse, novelist and author of “The Ghost Ship”

Spending Half a Million following Irish Football

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:34:00 +0000

Football fans will be travelling to Australia and New Zealand next week as the Women’s World Cup is to get underway. And one man who will be travelling Down Under is a retired Garda, who has travelled to 93 countries and spent over half a million euro supporting the Irish football team. Jim Ryan joined Sean on the show.

So You Think You're an Adult: I caught my girlfriend on those skanky phone lines

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:17:00 +0000

Sophie White and Declan Buckley and Sean Moncrieff help tackle listener dilemmas...

11,000 people on L plates for more than 20 years

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:26:00 +0000

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean reports on why more than 11,000 people are driving on L plates for decades, with 1,700 people driving on a learner permit for at least 30 years...

Irish Rail reveals the most often hit bridges

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:06:00 +0000

Irish Rail has revealed the railway bridges that have been struck the most times. The top is a bridge in Limerick on the way to Nenagh, which has been struck 30 times. Barry Kenny of Irish Rail joined Sean on the show with the list of the most commonly struck bridges...

‘No box, instructions, or details – just a gun in a plastic bag'

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:50:00 +0000

You may remember about 7 weeks ago; we reported that guns were being advertised on Facebook to users here in Ireland. Fast forward seven weeks and the gun eventually made its way and arrived at the Newstalk offices in an A5 bubble envelope. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, told Newstalk that ads of this nature were in breach of its ad policies and took them down at the time. However, others – advertising the sale of the exact same device - have been active on the platform as recently as Monday of this week. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly, bought the “self-defense” device being advertised and while it looked as though it was a bit of a scam initially, she tells us of the surprising delivery when the firearm arrived on her desk…

How AI is being used to divert scam calls

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:39:00 +0000

“I’m sorry could you start again” and “there’s a bee on me” are some of the phrases a new technology is using to get revenge on scam callers. The new software diverts blocked numbers or potential scam calls to a character of your choosing, who then trolls the scammer by trying to keep them on the line for as long as possible. Sean was joined by Roger Anderson, Founder of Jolly Roger Telephone Company…

Teenager hospitalised after touching giant hogweed

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

A teenager in Tipperary had to be hospitalised after cutting down a highly toxic plant in his neighbour’s garden. When doing some garden work, he didn’t realise the huge plant was a giant hogweed, leaving him with severe burns and scarring. It’s not native to Ireland, but has become quite common, so how can you identify it and what should you do if you see it growing in your garden or on the farm? Dr William Earle is from Invas Bio Security and he joined Sean on the show...

Is Dublin too visibly loud?

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:35:00 +0000

While Ireland’s capital city is filled with often beautiful and historic architecture, does the increasing visual clutter of signage, advertising, road markings and on-street infrastructure take away from its aesthetic value? Joining Sean on the show was Jeanette Lowe, an Artist, and photographer based in Dublin...

Vote to put the Old Irish Goat on the new Irish passport

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:20:00 +0000

The public consultation to choose what to put in the newly designed Irish passport is open, with lots of different suggestions of what to put in – from a humpback whale to a red deer. Another one of them is the Old Irish Goat, and the Old Irish Goat Society is asking the public to vote for the goat before the survey closes next week. Sinead Keane of the Old Irish Goat Visitor Centre joined Sean on the show.

How often should a bra be washed?

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Bras are garments that may require special attention when it comes to doing the laundry. But how often should a bra be washed and what is the best method? This is what Denise O’Donoghue has been writing about today in her ‘Life Hack’ column for the Irish Examiner and joined Sean on the show...

How do other countries fund their public service media?

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:46:00 +0000

With all the controversy in RTÉ about how they’ve used their money, you’d be wondering why you even bother paying for a TV license. But what about how other countries in Europe do it? What is their state of public service media? Roddy Flynn is an Associate Professor at the School of Communications in DCU, and he joined Sean Moncrieff in studio...

Monkeys are taking over New Dheli

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:10:00 +0000

India’s capital New Delhi has been on the losing side turf war between humans and monkeys. The city now has a monkey population of over 30,000. Rahul Bedi, Reporter for the Irish Times in New Delhi spoke to Sean.

Need for Speed: 82-year-old takes to Mondello Park in a Ferrari

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:01:00 +0000

Octogenarian and daredevil Maeve Keane told Sean about how she drove a Ferrari around Mondello Park to celebrate her 83rd birthday.

Galway publican rebuilds Inisherin pub

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:45:00 +0000

A publican in Galway has managed to salvage the set of the iconic pub from The Banshees of Inisherin from a skip and he has now rebuilt it on the mainland. Film fans can now visit the set in Mee's Bar, Kilkerin, Co. Galway. Co-Owner of Mee’s Bar, Luke Mee spoke to Sean.

Barbie and the South China Sea

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:37:00 +0000

The Barbie Movie has been banned in Vietnam due to a map used in one of the movie’s scenes. The 9 dash line map in the South China Sea is a sensitive diplomatic issue in the region, but what exactly is it and why is it causing so much tension? Professor of Law at Queens University Belfast, Richard Collins spoke to Sean.

Recreating a 2000 year old pizza from Pompeii

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:04:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, an extraordinary fresco was unearthed by archeologists in Pompeii which showcases what many think might be a precursor to the modern pizza. A food history enthusiast decided to recreate the ancient dish. Rachel Roddy, food writer and author based in Rome spoke to Sean about how she recreated the ancient recipe.

Niamh Ní Dhrisceoil - Ireland's first female skipper

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:04:00 +0000

Niamh Ní Dhrisceoil is Ireland’s first female skipper, and will feature as part of an RTE show airing next Tuesday called Mealladh na Mara on RTÉ 1. Niamh spoke to Sean about working on her family’s lobster boat and living in Cape Clear.

Meta to launch new app to rival Twitter

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:56:00 +0000

Facebook’s owner, Meta, is launching a new app on Thursday set to rival Twitter. The new app is called Threads. Host of the For Tech Sake podcast, Elaine Burke joined Sean.

Lion's mane jellyfish causes a beach to close in Cork

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:40:00 +0000

A beach in east Cork is closed to the public due to a Lion's Mane jelly fish. Lecturer in Zoology in UCC, Dr. Tom Doyle, let Sean know just how dangerous these jellyfish can be and what to do if you encounter a jellyfish while swimming.

What excuses do you use to skip work?

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:26:00 +0000

Recently, an interview with a Taylor Swift fan disguised in a blanket and sunglasses went viral as the fan had called in sick to work to go to the gig. Newstalk's Josh Crosbie found out the excuses workers use when they want to skip work...

Raising a child on another planet

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:04:00 +0000

When humans begin settling on other planets how will space settlers go about raising children? Is it ethical to raise children in outer-space conditions? Sean spoke to astrophysicist and author of 'Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space', Erika Nesvold.

Skipping work to watch porn

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:22:00 +0000

There’s been a 400% increase in the amount of people seeking help for sex addiction, with one leading psychiatrist saying people are skipping work to spend the day watching pornography. Addiction Counsellor in the Sexual Health Centre, Donal Clifford spoke to Sean.

The Museum of Country Life is preparing a pandemic exhibition

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:06:00 +0000

In order to record a particularly unusual time in Irish life, the National Museum is currently collecting artefacts from the Pandemic, so that future generations will be able to see and understand that time through meaningful objects. Keeper of the Irish Folklore Collection at the Museum of Country Life in Mayo, Clodagh Doyle joined Sean.

Battle of the sun lounger

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:52:00 +0000

Videos have been going viral on social media of holiday goers running to place their towel on a sun lounger. Hotels across Europe have put measures in place to stop people from taking all the sunbeds. Travel journalist, Eoghan Corry joined Sean.

Mulligans in Manchester: The best pint of Guinness outside of Ireland.

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:39:00 +0000

He has been hailed the Guru of Guinness, and apparently his pub serve the best black stuff with people travelling from all over the world to sample his stout. What makes a great pint of Guinness? Owner of Mulligans Irish pub in Manchester, Padraig Brady joined Sean.

Are the new breastfeeding rules good enough?

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:23:00 +0000

New rules come into effect today which mean that mothers will be able to take breastfeeding breaks in the work place up to the age of two. What will the legislation mean on a practical level and does it go far enough? Journalist and author Jen Hogan spoke to Sean.

Movies and Booze

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Sean was joined for Movies and Booze by Fionnuala Jones, Lynda Coogan and Olivia Fahy with thanks to Marks and Spencer.

The popularity of food trucks

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:40:00 +0000

A recent survey from Lovin’ Dublin shows that 5 out of the top 10 best places to eat in Dublin are food trucks. But what is it about food trucks that makes them so popular? William Murray of the Currabinny Food Company And Food Truck joined Sean to discuss why food trucks are so popular...

Why Gen Z are obsessed with subtitles

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Gen Z are so obsessed with subtitles from seeing them on TikTok and Instagram reels, they now must have them switched on when watching TV and steaming. Sean was joined in studio by James Dempsey to discuss...

The world’s best bartender

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:40:00 +0000

The world’s best bartender has retired after nearly 30 years running the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. He has perfected the skill of guessing the cocktail you would like based on what you’re wearing, who you’re with, and the personality you give off. Colin Field has made cocktails for the likes of Kate Moss, Johnny Depp, and Bruce Willis, including a cocktail worth €1400 and joined Sean Moncrieff on the show...

Air taxis to reach Irish shores for Ryder Cup 2027

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:51:00 +0000

When the Ryder Cup comes to Ireland in 2027, the hope is that people arriving in Shannon Aiport will be presented with air taxis to get to Adare Manor. Russell Vickers, CEO of Future Mobility Campus in Shannon joined Sean to discuss...

'It's kind of surreal' - An Cailín Ciúin Director joins Academy

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

A number of Irish people have been invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the US. Colm Bairéad, Writer and Director of Oscar Nominated film 'An Cailín Ciúin' is one of those and he joined Sean to discuss...

'It's not a clear conclusion' - Study links HRT with dementia

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Research published today in Denmark shows a potential link between using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the menopause, and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Is there a way to combat this possible heightened risk, and how does it happen? Sean was joined by Dr. Genevieve Ferraris, menopause specialist with The Menopause Hub...

“Our dad is from Cork and nobody understands what he is saying” - Why can’t we understand each other's accents?

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 13:52:00 +0000

A misunderstanding at the Oireachtas Committee secret payments discussion has gone viral. Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath asked RTÉ’s Interim Deputy General, Adrian Lynch ‘who are you loyal too’ but was lost in translation and heard as ‘who are you lying too’. The video has gone viral thanks to Newstalk’s Rory Walsh. Henry McKean has been looking at communication breakdowns and different accents within Ireland…

Apple's fight to trademark the fruit

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Apple, the American tech company, are trying to trademark the image of the fruit – and we’re not talking about the iconic logo of the bite taken out of the apple, but the actual fruit itself. They’ve managed to do this in some countries already, however one fruit company in Switzerland is not going down without a fight. Manuela Macchi, chartered trademark attorney at law firm Keltie joined Sean to discuss...

'It's loads of fun to learn': Declan Buckley on growing up with deaf parents

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Over the weekend, sign language interpreters for Glastonbury went viral for literally performing with the music. It was also an aspect of the Government’s Consultative Security Forum where interpreters had to sign for protesters too. So how do you interpret sign language, and how does it differ from country to country? Declan Buckley is the son of deaf parents and joined Sean to talk about it…

'The American is the holy grail of tourists' - Hotelier

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:25:00 +0000

This is the time of year when you'd be forgiven for thinking there are more Americans in Ireland than in America. Of course, there are other tourists but the Americans are different. Particularly because of how much they spend. Sean was joined by Michael Vaughan, Hotelier in Lahinch at the Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Co. Clare

How To...Become a Celebrant

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:05:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to become a celebrant. Sean was joined by Ruth Scott, Broadcaster and Wedding Solemniser to discuss...

Pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca: 'An amazing experience'

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:50:00 +0000

This week the Hajj is taking place in Saudi Arabia, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which Muslims are expected to attend at least once in their lives, so long as they have the means to do so. So far, over 2 million people have descended on the most sacred site in Islam this week. But what is it actually like to be one of these pilgrims? Sean was joined by Ibrahim Noonan, Imam of Galway Mosque, who travelled to Mecca in 2012...

'A 24/7 Job' - The Life of a Bean an Tí

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:07:00 +0000

Remember the Bean An Tís in the Gaeltacht? Always wanting you to speak Irish, being there to support you and look after you? There are concerns in the papers today that Gaeltacht communities will have a challenging summer because of a shortage of Bean An Tís. But what do you do as a Bean An Tí? Áine Ní Ghuidir has been a Bean An Tí since 2013 and she joined Sean to discuss...

Are we walking incorrectly?

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Are we all walking incorrectly? With every step, are we quietly hurting our spine and our joints? Joanna Hall is a diet and fitness expert, and founder of WalkActive, and she says that everyone is walking incorrectly, and could have lasting effects if we don’t change...

'A very simple life' - Spending your summers in a mobile home

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:40:00 +0000

As the school holidays begin, many people will be jetting off abroad but others will be trotting across this island to their holiday mobile homes. Mobile homes are now more popular than ever and will set you back a pretty penny to purchase one. Frank Coughlan, columnist with the Irish Independent, is a big fan of mobilehoming and he has been writing about this...

The Reinvention of the Teen Magazine

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:22:00 +0000

Until about 10 years ago the market for teen magazines was busy, with titles such as Smash Hits, Seventeen and Kiss providing content for young people, mostly teenage girls. So, what has filled the void since all these magazines folded and are magazines appealing to Gen Z? Sean was joined by Danielle Mahoney, Founder and Editor of Missy.ie...

'I'm tired of listening to it!' - The worst conversation topics for dinner parties

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:07:00 +0000

A dinner party at home can be one of life’s greatest joys until it turns ugly. What subjects should be strictly off limits to keep the party going and to avoid offence? Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

What would a United Ireland look like?

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:40:00 +0000

What does a United Ireland look like for every day services? And should we be having more of these conversations in preparation for what may happen? Sean was joined by Emma De Souza, writer and citizen’s rights activist to discuss...

'An incredibly surreal experience': Visiting your own heart at a museum

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

A woman who undertook a successful heart transplant 16 years ago recently went to a museum in England to see her old heart as an exhibit. Sean was joined by Jennifer Sutton, heart transplant recipient to discuss...

Irish whiskey collection on the market for €110,000

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:05:00 +0000

A collection of 41 bottles of rare whiskey, dating back to 1984, is being sold for a hundred and ten thousand Euro. That’s an incredible two and a half grand per bottle. What makes this whiskey quite so valuable? Sean was joined b Glen Melia, Sourcing Manager for the Single Malt Shop... Image: Whiskey Raiders

'Poor track record in planning for the future' in Ireland

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:57:00 +0000

Last week it was reported that the MetroLink in Dublin may be delayed because of issues with state agencies. What have other countries done to get their transport projects done? Frank McDonald, author and former Environment Editor of the Irish Times joined Sean to discuss...

How to freeze-dry your pet

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Nowadays some taxidermists will refuse to work on family pets due to the expectations of the client. However, a freeze-drying service that has become popular in the US offers a much more realistic product. But, it’ll cost you. Sean was joined by Chuck Rupert, Owner of Second Life Freeze Dry in Pennsylvania...

Question Writing for Quiz Shows

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:25:00 +0000

There is one behind the scenes person on quiz shows that has a key role in the whole thing going off without a hitch. The question writer. Mark Hughes, a question writer on many popular quiz shows joined Sean to discuss his role...

Food in Peru: Why is it so good?

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:11:00 +0000

For the first time, the top restaurant in the world is from South America. Central in Peru has won the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and Lima earned more spots in the top 50 than any other city. So what is Peruvian cuisine? Why is it seeing something of a surge in popularity? Mark Moriarty, award winning chef and the presenter of Off Duty Chef on RTE joined Sean to discuss...

Domino's trials pizza delivery via jetsuit at Glastonbury

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:32:00 +0000

In a world first, Domino's Pizza will be delivering pizza to Glastonbury Festival via jetpack. Sam Wilson, Domino’s Jetsuit Deployment Director joined Sean on the show... Image: Domino's Pizza

The Irish Obsession With News

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:06:00 +0000

The Titanic submersible story has been a gripping story to follow, with so many factors playing into it. And Irish people are known for being obsessed with these kinds of stories. But why is that? Colleen Murrell, Professor of Journalism in DCU joined Sean to discuss…

Is napping good for our brain health?

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

A new study in the UK has found evidence that regular napping can reduce the amount of brain shrinkage taking place as we age. The authors of the study now hope that these findings will held to remove any stigma that still exists around people taking a little nap during the day. Sean was joined by Motty Varghese, sleep physiologist in the Sleep Therapy Clinic in Dublin...

'Its never boring' - Henry explores life in Berlin

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:55:00 +0000

Henry McKean is in Berlin for the Special Olympics World Games. He has been there since Saturday. We asked him to tell us about the German way of life and is the stereotype of German efficiency and everything running on time true? Henry joined Sean live from Berlin…

The Vicar of Glastonbury

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Glastonbury music festival starts today. If you've ever been there, you might have learned the hard way that the festival takes place in a village 9 miles away from Glastonbury town. David MacGeoch, Vicar of Glastonbury spends a lot of his time every June redirecting people...

Are celebrities making smoking cool again?

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:20:00 +0000

After years of anti-smoking messaging, Gen Z are bucking the trend and the rates of smoking are increasing for the first time in years. There has also been an increase in the amount of smoking seen in television series and amongst celebrities. Previously a social no-no among a generation of wellness enthusiasts, why has their attitude changed? Alaina Demopoulos has written a piece in The Guardian about this and joins me now.

How To...Erase Your Digital History

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:05:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to erase your digital history. Sean was joined by Daragh O’Brien, Managing Director of Castlebridge, data consultancy company to discuss...

Cork village to attempt world egg tossing record

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Egg tossing, is throwing them between two people as far as you can without them breaking. It's a feature of the Rylane Family Fun Day. Wild Willie O'Donovan from Mayo is an infamous egg tosser and will be in attendance this weekend. Colm Burke, Organiser of the event within Rylane Family Fun Day...

Titanic submersible: 'Slightly alarming' that no emergency transmission has been received

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Rescuers are facing a race against time to find a missing submersible that lost contact near the wreck of the Titanic as its oxygen supply dwindles. Sean was joined by Dickie Burston, Chairman at NATO Industrial Advisory Group & Expert in Underwater Systems to discuss…

Understanding anhedonia and how to treat it

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:31:00 +0000

We justifiably hear stories of depression in the popular media but is there a condition that exists between this and positive mental health? Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure. It has been extensively studied but remains relatively unknown in the popular imagination. Sean was joined by Tanith Carey, Author of Feeling ‘Blah’? Why Anhedonia Has Left You Joyless and How to Recapture Life’s Highs’...

The Role of the Coroner

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:12:00 +0000

Coroners across the country have been informed by the State Laboratory that the turnaround time for toxicology results has been increased to 160 days. This is because there aren’t sufficient resources to manage an increase in requests. There are also pressures on the Dublin District Mortuary because of difficulties relating to the availability of pathology services – and that’s causing delays to funerals. How does the system work? What does the coroner do? Sean was joined by funeral director David McGowan to discuss…

'It’s freedom' - Henry McKean goes to a rave in Berlin

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:40:00 +0000

While Henry McKean is in Berlin for the Special Olympics, he has fully immersed himself in the Berlin culture and went to one of Berlin's most well known raves. Henry McKean spoke to Sean on the show live from Berlin...

Harvard Morgue Manager Charged With Selling Body Parts

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:35:00 +0000

An exceptionally gruesome story emerged from Harvard University over the past week, involving the illegal sale of human body parts. Sean was joined by Michael Levenson, Reporter for the New York Times to discuss the latest on the story...

Stockholm's Deputy Mayor Does Drag in Protest of Far Right

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Like a number of other places in Europe and the United States, and even in Ireland a few months ago, Drag Queen Story Time events have been coming under increasing attacks by members of the Far Right in Sweden. In an act of solidarity with the LGBTQ community, the deputy mayor of Stockholm Jan Jönsson has now carried out his form of drag expression. He joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Understanding Animal Consciousness

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:22:00 +0000

Does your pet dog have a personality or have you just given them one? It's impossible to say definitively, but Pete Wedderburn says that science has provided significant evidence that animals are more like us than we previously thought...

The Deepest Sleep in the World

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Imagine taking a 45-minute hike up a mountain to then go inside the mountain, and travel 1,385 feet down below the surface to your hotel. A new experience called Deep Sleep has launched inside the Snowdonia Mountain in Wales, and their Operations Manager Mike Morris joined Sean to discuss... Image: Deep Sleep

What is ChatGPT DAN?

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:10:00 +0000

ChatGPT has blown up across the world with billions of searches since it launched last year. But now, a menacing alter ego within the AI chat bot has been uncovered. DAN, which stands for Do Anything Now, allows users to pass all ethical limitations of the chat bot, and has even provided advice on how to break into Aras an Uachtaráin, the Dáil and how to run a smear campaign against TDs. Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech Sake podcast joined Sean to discuss

Malta's neutrality 'a hot debate' among citizens

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:05:00 +0000

A consultative forum on Ireland's international security policy is to be held this week. Part of that discussion will look at Irelands neutrality. Ireland, Austria and Malta are the only neutral counties in Europe – what is it like being neutral in Malta, and are they considering their own neutrality? Sean was joined by Neville Borg, Fact Checker at the Times of Malta...

How to perfectly pickle

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:32:00 +0000

Pickle enthusiasts will be delighted to know that a pickle eating competition is coming to Dublin this month, as part of Stoneybatter Festival. The interesting thing about this eating contest, is that the Golden Pickle isn’t awarded to the person that consumes the most, but rather how well you can handle the increasing sour intensity. Dearbhla Reynolds, fermentation expert and author of 'The Cultured Club' joined Sean to discuss the different variations...

Irish software engineer helping people to walk again through AI

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:26:00 +0000

In the Netherlands a paralysed man has learned to walk again, thanks to AI bridging the gap between the brain and the spine. One of the system engineers for that allowed Gert-Jan Oskam to walk again was Irish man, Cathal Harte. Cathal is the lead software and system engineer at NeuroScience and joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Irish Wake Museum

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Would you go to a museum that talked about death? Waterford is opening the Irish Wake Museum today in a former hospice. It looks at how death was celebrated in communities, and how attitudes have changed in centuries past. Eamonn McEneaney, Director of the Waterford Treasurers group of museums joined Sean to discuss... Image: Twitter via @WFORD_Treasures

Why We Cant Hack The Heat In Ireland

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

As Irish people we moan about the rain and the cold constantly. But, when it gets a bit warm, we suddenly can't handle it - but there are physiological reasons for this. Sean was joined by Dean Burnett, Neuroscientist, Lecturer and Author to discuss...

EU Parliament votes in favour of regulating AI

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:25:00 +0000

The European Parliament has passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, which is aimed at regulating platforms that use AI in different settings. All but four Irish MEPs voted for it, with those four abstaining, such as Clare Daly and Mick Wallace. Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune joined Sean to discuss...

TikToker who faked own death could be sued

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:15:00 +0000

During the week a video of Belgian TikTokker David Baerten went viral. He asked his family to tell people he had passed away and organise a funeral. The 45-year-old was annoyed that his friends were paying him insufficient attention. Barrister Peter Leonard joined Sean to discuss...

How Is Lightning Made?

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:22:00 +0000

A woman in Offaly was struck by lightning while standing in her kitchen - luckily, she was wearing rubber shoes. Alan O’Reilly, from Carlow Weather joined Sean to discuss lightning and how it is formed...

Afghanistan 'could be the jewel in the crown of Asian tourism'

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:15:00 +0000

What would you think about paying for a tour to a warzone? Maybe Afghanistan or Yemen? A tour company travels across the two regions, with journalists showing the way and giving access to places where you’d normally not expect. Photojournalist Joe Sheffer, co-founder of Safarat Tours joined Sean to discuss...

Author Elizabeth Gilbert pulls new book after ‘uproar’ over Russian setting

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:10:00 +0000

The war in Ukraine has impacted many aspects of our lives – cost of living, immigration issues, fuel price. But a more surprising victim is an unpublished novel. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ – was due to release her latest novel in February 2024, but she has requested it be pulled because of fan backlash about it being set in Soviet-era Russia. Is this a form of self-censorship or self-cancelation? Finn McRedmond, columnist with the Irish Times joined Sean to discuss…

‘He was gentleman, best Dad in the world’ - Henry McKean asks people about their Fathers

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

It's Father’s Day this Sunday in case you have forgotten. But is it more than a Hallmark Holiday, does it really mean something? Henry McKean has been out and about asking people about their dads and meeting dads before the big day...

The Mystery of the Irish Crown Jewels

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:12:00 +0000

Next month marks 116 years since the Irish Crown Jewels were sensationally stolen from Dublin Castle, triggering an uproarious attempt to retrieve them. Sean was joined by William Derham, Curator at Dublin Castle to discuss...

Turbulence Is Increasing on Flights: Here's Why

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Has anyone gone stateside recently and noticed more turbulence when in the air? There might be a reason for that. A study by Reading University has shown that airplane turbulence is strengthening because of climate change. Professor Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at Reading University joined Sean to discuss...

The Beatles set to release song with John Lennon via an AI assist

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Paul McCartney has announced that he is using AI technology to extricate John Lennon’s voice from an old cassette recording for a new release. Sean was joined by journalist and broadcaster Pat Carty to discuss...

How To...Prepare for Prison

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to prepare for prison. Sean was joined by Wayne Hart, Academic and Ex-Prisoner to discuss

Why People Believe in Conspiracy Theories

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:35:00 +0000

New research from Kings College London shows that the United Kingdom has a lot more conspiracy theorists than we thought. It showed that a third of the population believe the cost-of-living crisis is a way to control the population, and a quarter believe Covid-19 is a hoax. How do these conspiracy theories spread, and why are people believing them? Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiarity in Trinity College Dublin joined Sean to discuss..

Staying Fit in Middle Age: 'Moderation is Everything'

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:35:00 +0000

How do you stay active as you get older? Imagine playing squash and partaking in Irish dancing from the age of 9, and still keeping it going 35 years later. Orla Doherty is the over 45s European Squash Champion and she joined Sean on the show... Image: Orla Doherty Blogger

The Sultan of Slowjamastan

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 09:40:00 +0000

A radio DJ from San Diego has created his own micronation called 'Slowjamastan' and has appointed himself 'Sultan' of the 11-acre territory in the Golden State.  Randy 'R Dub' Williams has visited every UN designated country - more than 190 across the world, and has resorted to creating his own nation under his rules. 

World Shin Kicking Champion 2023

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:57:00 +0000

Shin kicking is a sport that originated back in the early 1600s in England. Sean was joined by Mike Newby, Winner of the World Shin Kicking Championships 2023 which took place recently...

Bloody Sunday Bridge: 'It's Irish history' - Councillor Nial Ring

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:48:00 +0000

A bridge in Dublin is to be renamed as Bloody Sunday Bridge in commemoration of the events at Croke Park on November 21st 1920 when 14 innocent civilians were killed by RIC/Auxiliaries/Black and Tans. For the past three years, debate and public consultation has been ongoing over changing the name from the Clonliffe Bridge/Russell Street Bridge to the new official name. Cllr Nial Ring, Councillor for Dublin’s North Inner City joined Sean on the show to discuss…

'Anything goes!' - Henry hears people's stag and hen party experiences

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:45:00 +0000

When Kilkenny played Galway at the weekend in Croke Park. There was a stag party there, one of the stag party dressed as a Kilkenny player, managed to sneak onto to the pitch after the match and have his photo taken with the team. Henry McKean hit the streets to ask Dubliners about their stag and hen experiences...

'They see a bright future': 'Youth' by Kevin Curran

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Balbriggan is one of Ireland’s most diverse, multi-cultural towns, and one that has had a reputation for issues around racism. Kevin Curran grew up in the North Dublin suburb, and has returned to teach in the DEIS secondary school he once attended. Spending time with the kids in his community, he has penned a novel in their voices tackling some of the issues they face every day. The book is called ‘Youth’ and he joined Sean on the show to discuss... Image: The Lilliput Press

WidowsFire - ‘Sex is a delightful distraction from grief’

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:10:00 +0000

Today on Moncrieff, we explored something that many of you may never heard of, a phenomenon termed ‘Widow’s Fire’. Essentially, it is the intense desire for intimacy following the loss of a spouse. A normal part of the grief process, it is a taboo topic for most, but not for Nicky Wake. Nicky joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'It felt like I'd rammed into an invisible wall': Trolley-lock security system rolled out by Tesco

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:45:00 +0000

If you are out doing the Big Shop - beware of your shopping trolley. New anti-theft technology being introduced in Ireland could suddenly prevent you wheeling it out of the shop. It can give you a bit of a fright or in some cases cause injury. Laura Lynott, freelance journalist with Irish Independent joined Sean to discuss and experience she had recently....

The Reiki Hairdresser

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

CJ Macpherson, The Reiki Hairdresser joined Sean on the show today to discuss she has incorporated reiki into hairdressing...

Rubik's cube speed record broken

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

For the first time in over 4 years, the record for the time it takes to solve a rubik’s cube has been smashed, with American Max Park coming in at an extraordinary 3.13 seconds. Sean was joined by Chairperson of Speedcubing Ireland, Mary Hennessy to break down this achievement ...

CCTV Monitoring: The rules around surveillance in your town

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Mountmellick in Co. Laois has been revealed to have more CCTV cameras than any other town in Ireland. But what exactly are the rules around installing a camera in a public place and should we be concerned about these types of cameras being used? Sean was joined by Tony Delaney, Deputy Commissioner of the Data Protection Commission and Dr Kris Shrishak, Technology Fellow at the Irish Council of Civil Liberties to discuss..

The World's Biggest Dictation

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Earlier this week, 5000 people sat behind desks on the Champs Elysees in Paris to participate in a rather unique open air event: a mass literary dictation. But, what was it all about? Sean was joined Lara Marlowe, Paris-based journalist and author to discuss...

The Lasting Impact of Method Acting

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Method acting is a term often used when actors begin to prepare themselves for a new role by acting exactly like their character in real life. They often get normal jobs that reflect that of their character, or live in an area similar to the one in their new storyline. However, this approach has many negative connotations attached to it, with it being accused of being a tool that just allows actors to be terrible people, or as something which can negatively effect their mental health. Sean was joined by Brian Lloyd, movie reviewer and regular on Movies and Booze to discuss...

How to name your pet

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:45:00 +0000

A new survey in the UK has revealed the most popular pet names. But, what the most common ones are on this side of the Irish Sea and how do you go about actually choosing a name in the first place? Sean was joined by dog behaviourist and trainer Suzie Walsh...

Virgin Mary Crocodile

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:35:00 +0000

We’ve all heard of the Immaculate Conception and some of us may have our doubts, but crocodiles might be proving that this is actually possible. One female croc in a zoo in Costa Rica had never been in contact with a male when she produced a fully formed foetus, all on her own. Apparently, this isn’t an uncommon occurrence for reptiles. Sean was joined by Robert Gandola, Herpetologist and member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Crocodile Specialist Group…

Tony Connelly on his grandfather's RIC membership

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Tony Connelly is well known by many for his extensive reporting on European Affairs, from Brexit to Ukraine, but his next project is taking a more personal approach. In his new documentary ‘A Hidden History’ with RTÉ, airing on RTÉ One, Tony explores the life and career of his late grandfather, a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Tony joined Sean Moncrieff to discuss…

'We just click!' - Henry asks what makes a best friend?

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:16:00 +0000

It’s National Bestfriend Day. But what do you want in a friend and can you have more than one? Can a partner or a relative be a best friend or is that cheating? Henry McKean has been out investigating...

Why Don’t We Like the Sound of Our Own Voice?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Dr Silke Paulmann, a psychologist at the University of Essex joined Sean on the show to discuss why we don't like the sound of our own voice and the science behind it...

The origins of masturbation in animals

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:20:00 +0000

A new study has examined the evolutionary benefits of masturbation in early primates. Sean was joined by Dr. Matilda Brindle, Evolutionary biologist at University College London...

The Rise and Fall of the VCR

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Today is National VCR Day, a day when we celebrate the technology that dominated many of our lives for so long; the video tape and the video cassette recorder. At one point every high street in the country had a video shop and many homes had a VCR but they have all been replaced now. But what have we lost in the process? Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision podcast joined Sean on the show to discuss…

How To...Give Blood

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service have recently made an urgent appeal for blood donations, as supplies have fallen dangerously low in the country. Many of you listening now may be very eager to help, but you might be nervous about what to expect or unsure of how exactly to go about donating. For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to give blood. Sean was joined by Dr Ellen McSweeney, donor consultant for the IBTS to help put our minds at ease…

Is It Time To Ditch Personal Titles?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:55:00 +0000

A school in London has announced that they are dropping the use of ‘Miss’ and ‘Sir’ as ways for the pupils to address their teachers, due to the ‘deeply unequal’ nature of the terms. Are these traditional titles contributing to a misogynistic narrative? The difference between Miss, Ms and Mrs can be a confusing idea to tackle in itself, but why do we need these titles in the first place? Clodagh Finn, author and columnist for the Irish Examiner joined Sean to discuss…

Why We Need to Talk About Pregnancy Loss

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000

A recent survey by the Health Information and Quality Authority has given us a detailed review of the standard of maternity bereavement services in Ireland. Almost 900 participants took part in the survey, and the aim is to bring attention to the situation for grieving parents who are experiencing this loss. But is the conversation being given enough attention or is the stigma of pregnancy loss still present? Stefanie Preissner was joined by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician at Cork University Hospital and lead of the pregnancy loss research group in UCC…

'We dated all through college!' - Henry hears people's college memories

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000

It’s the week where tens of thousands of students sit the Leaving Cert, which is a gateway to the next stage of life. For some, that’s college and for others, it’s an apprenticeship or into the workforce. Regardless of the route they take, those years are some of the most formative - and fun - in life. Henry McKean joined Stefanie after he met people who told him about the stuff they got up to in college...

The world's longest wheelie

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Sean Moncrieff was joined live from the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork City for Movies and Booze - with thanks to our friends in Marks and Spencer by Cork man Ted Brady who is the current Guinness World Record holder for the fastest motorcycle wheelie through 1 kilometer.

Irish Rock Band - The Frames

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The Frames are playing Live at the Marquee here in Cork tonight and tomorrow night. Some tickets are still available through Ticketmaster. Glen Hansard and Colm Mac Con Iomaire joined Sean Moncrieff live from the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork City.

Athletes competing during menstruation.

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:10:00 +0000

British athlete, Emma Pallant-Browne, finished fourth in The Professional Triathletes Organisation’s European Open held in Ibiza on May 6. She posted a response on Instagram to a man who called a race photo 'unflattering' due to blood on her suit. Emma Pallant-Browne spoke to Sean.

NASA's first public meeting on UFOs

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Yesterday, NASA held its first ever public meeting on the topic of UFOs, or UAP’s as they now like to describe them. Dr. Eamonn Ansbro, an Astronomer who works with the European Space Agency, witnessed it and he joined Sean to break down what happened...

The Fixer: An update from Olga

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:51:00 +0000

Earlier this year Sean spent a week in Ukraine. The Fixer, is a Newstalk exclusive documentary following Sean in Ukraine. When foreign journalists arrive in another country they hire a local person who knows the language and the area, they are known as a 'fixer'. Olga, Sean's fixer in Ukraine, joined Sean to talk about her recent time in the south of Ukraine.

How to know if someone is listening to you

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:48:00 +0000

Listening to people is something we do every day but the majority of us are actually not very good at it. How can you tell if you have someone’s attention? Philosophy teacher in the Marino Institute of Education, Gerry Dunne, spoke to Sean.

Parenting Day: Memories of Parenting

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:28:00 +0000

It's Global Parenting Day! Being a parent can be a difficult and rewarding journey. Our reporter, Henry McKean, chatted to the public to hear about their fond memories of being a parent.

Mid-week BBQ tips with Edward Hayden

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:12:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Edward Hayden, Chef, Broadcaster and Culinary Lecturer at South East Technological University, who shared some tips for making the most of this weather and your barbecue mid-week, after a long day in work...

Becoming a saint with Gina Menzies

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Hundreds of people in the US have traveled to a monastery in, Missouri to view a nun’s body that has no signs of decay four years after her death. Some are claiming this to be an ‘incorrupt’ body, a sign that is sometimes used to make someone a saint. Gina Menzies, Theologian and Lecturer in medical ethics joined Sean to discuss the process through which people become saints.

Should the lip filler industry be regulated?

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:47:00 +0000

Medical professionals are calling on the Minister for Health to regulate the lip filler industry. Currently, anyone can set up and offer the treatment, without being a qualified medic. Patricia Molloy, Nurse and founder of the Derma Clinic in Monkstown, spoke to Sean about the dangers of dermal fillers.

Calls for eco toilets for Phoenix Park

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:24:00 +0000

Outside of the various tourist attractions in the Phoenix Park there are no public toilets in Ireland’s largest public park. Fine Gael Senator, Emer Currie, told the Seanad on Wednesday that there is a need for more toilets and suggested eco-toilets as an alternative. The eco-toilets being proposed don’t need water supply or wastewater infrastructure, as they use a composting system. Senator Currie spoke to Sean.

‘Bizarre discrepancies’ exposed in flat-rate tax allowances

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Thousands of workers across the country are missing out on flat-rate tax credits due to discrepancies amongst similar professions. In some cases, there are even differences between the amount you can claim depending on if you are a man or a woman. Sean was joined by Marian Ryan, Consumer Tax Manager with Taxback.

The Strange Things We Bring On Holidays

Tue, 30 May 2023 13:28:00 +0000

A new study has found teabags, slippers and coffee are the top three items that remind people of home, but would you bring them away on your holidays? With summer well and truly here many people are starting to travel abroad. Our reporter Josh Crosbie went out to Dublin airport to find out what Irish treats people are packing.

‘Relaxed performance’ at Bord Gáis Theatre

Mon, 29 May 2023 15:15:00 +0000

A theatre in Dublin has announced that they are scheduling a specially adapted performance of the Lion King, to cater for audience members who have autism or who may benefit from a more relaxed environment. But how will the show actually be different? Stefanie Preissner who was filling in for Sean today was joined by Stephen Faloon, General Manager of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre...

TV on the Radio: Poker Face, Platonic and The Family Stallone

Mon, 29 May 2023 14:59:00 +0000

James Dempsey joined Stefanie Preissner who was filling in for Sean today for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio...

Are you guilty of parenting your partner?

Mon, 29 May 2023 14:45:00 +0000

“Did you get that done?” Organising playdates, the start of school, shopping, creche fees – a lot of relationships fall into the parent-child dynamic trap, that is one partner assuming the managerial role in the household while the other receives constant direction. But this kind of dynamic in relationships can be destructive. Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and co-host of Podcast – ToughLove – joined us on the show to talk through how you can stop this from ruining your relationship.

Early toilets reveal dysentery in Old Testament Jerusalem

Mon, 29 May 2023 14:23:00 +0000

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered that our bowel movements haven’t changed much since the Old Testament. A study inspecting early toilets in Jerusalem has shown that the same form of diarrhoea many of us experience now has been around since before Jesus himself. Professor Piers Mitchell who runs the Ancient Parasites Laboratory in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge joined Stefanie Preissner on the show who was filling in for Seán today.

Is Gay Pride just Tokenism?

Mon, 29 May 2023 14:12:00 +0000

In the lead up to Pride Month, we are beginning to see an annual wave of support for the LGBTQ+ people around us. But much of this “support” may not be the loving expression that we think it is. Stereotypes, such as The Gay Best Friend, can be heard all year round, but are these terms doing far more harm than good? Daniel Harding, author of Gay Man Talking, joined Stefanie Preissner who was filling in for Seán today to explain his relationship with these terms and the effects they can have on gay individuals.

Mismatching Irish Street Names

Mon, 29 May 2023 13:57:00 +0000

We’re all aware that street signs in Ireland are bilingual, but are these Irish names actually correct? In many cases, streets have two versions of an Irish name, one at either end. So how are we to know which name to use? Dr. Brian Ó Raghallaigh, Principle Investigator of the logainm project in DCU, joined us on the show to tell us more about the correct use of Irish place translations.

Crecycling

Mon, 29 May 2023 13:30:00 +0000

Cremation has become more and more popular in recent years, with almost half of people in cities opting for cremation rather than burial. However, did you ever think about what happens to the materials left behind after the body is returned to ashes? Declan Finnegan, owner of Lakelands Memorial, has just donated 30 thousand euro to local charities through what’s known as “crecycling” and joined Stefanie Preissner on the show who was filling in for Sean today.

White Lies Were Told As Children

Thu, 25 May 2023 15:25:00 +0000

What myths and white lies did your parents tell you when you were growing up and did you believe them? From the floor will sink, if you spill drink on it. To your gran’s friend wasn’t her friend but her lover. Are we right to tell white lies to our kids or tell them a version of the truth to protect them? And what age were you when you realised your parents hoodwinked you all these years? Henry McKean reports...

Belgian Photographer who captures the Irish Travelling Community

Wed, 24 May 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Since 2017, Belgian photographer and documentary maker Sebastiaan Franco, has been travelling back and forth to Ireland, documenting the lives and culture of the Irish travelling community based in Finglas through photos. He joined Sean Moncrieff to tell us more about what he has learned since becoming friends with this community, and what it’s like to live with them, as someone from outside the group...

Parenting: My 14 year old son is very environmentally conscious'

Wed, 24 May 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune joins Sean Moncrieff to answer listener questions...

The gender play gap

Wed, 24 May 2023 14:40:00 +0000

A new study from the Universities of Glasgow and Cardiff examined the dialogue spoken by more than 13,000 characters in 50 video games. It found male characters in role-playing video games have 50% more dialogue than females. Joining Sean Moncrieff was the lead author of the study Dr. Stephanie Rennick - Research Associate in Philosophy, at the University of Glasgow...

The storytellers of Ireland

Wed, 24 May 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Irish storytelling has been a huge part of our heritage for years and continues to this day. But is storytelling in Ireland at risk? The Storytellers of Ireland aim to promote the practice, study, and knowledge of oral storytelling in Ireland. Sean Moncrieff was joined by Simone Scheummelfeder to talk us through their work...

How To – Administer Someone’s Estate?

Wed, 24 May 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Losing a loved one can be a very difficult experience but the days and months afterwards spent on legal aspects can certainly add extra stress. To give us an idea of how to navigate this trying time, solicitor Bernadette Parte joined Sean Moncrieff on the show...

Alexa can now offer advice and information on periods

Wed, 24 May 2023 13:35:00 +0000

From today, Alexa owners in the UK can use the device to ask for advice on information for periods. This is to help families navigate awkward conversations, but what does it tell us about the status of Alexa in the home and will her capabilities continue to become more personal? Sean Moncrieff was joined by Elaine Burke, host of the podcast For Tech Sake to tell us more...

TV on the Radio

Mon, 22 May 2023 15:47:00 +0000

James Dempsey joins Sean Moncrieff...

Human composting

Mon, 22 May 2023 15:47:00 +0000

Pablo Metz, Co-founder of Meine Erde, joins Sean Moncrieff...

Living with the name "James Bond"

Fri, 19 May 2023 13:45:00 +0000

You can't register a Facebook account with the name "James Bond", even if that's your actual name. Although there are Bond families out there, who register their sons as James. What effect does it have on upon their lives? Matthew Bauer, Director The Other Fellow joined us to discuss.

Are wasps as evil as we think, or do they serve a purpose?

Fri, 19 May 2023 13:45:00 +0000

As the warm weather approaches and we begin to get the barbecues and picnic baskets out, we dread the arrival of the pesty wasp. But are wasps really as bad as we make them out to be? Experts say that we shouldn’t fear the wasp, but actually we should encourage their presence.

Why do people kiss?

Fri, 19 May 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Archeologist have found evidence, that humankind learned the habit of kissing much earlier than we previously thought. But what are the benefits of snogging for us humans? Clarity Mills. sex educator and professional dominatrix joined us today to answer this.

'The return of the vinyl is great!' - HMV returns to Dublin

Thu, 18 May 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Back in the day, the HMV store on Henry Street was where people would go to buy the latest record or queue for tickets for the hottest gig in town. It closed in 2016, but thanks to the resurrection of vinyl sales HMV is returning to Henry Street. It is expected to open some time next month. Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

Cat and Rat Sculpture in the South Inner City

Wed, 17 May 2023 11:35:00 +0000

Something busy commuters may not know is beneath the railway bridge linking Upper Erne Street to Pearse Street and Grand Canal Dock sits a small sculpture of a rat. Also across the road is a similar sculpture of a cat! Here to explain the mystery behind these sculptures is Michael Lanigan, arts and culture reported with the Dublin Inquirer.

How to Book a Once in a Lifetime Holiday

Wed, 17 May 2023 11:35:00 +0000

We all have an idea of what our dream holiday looks like, but when we’re given the opportunity to book that once in a lifetime travel experience, what’s the best way to go about it? Travel journalist Ed Finn joined Sean to give the experts advice on organizing your trip.

Will you take a sleep divorce from your partner?

Wed, 17 May 2023 11:35:00 +0000

If sleeping with your partner is hurting your marriage, it might be time to file for a sleep divorce. Many couples are getting their Z’s in either separate beds or rooms to improve their personal sleep quality. To discuss this Sean was joined by sleep coach, Tom Coleman.

The changing language of emojis

Wed, 17 May 2023 11:35:00 +0000

According to the editor in chief of Emojipedia.org the eggplant, peach and water droplet emojis should not be sent too early in a potential relationship due to their sexual connotations. To teach us the different meanings behind our emoji’s was Keith Broni, Editor in Chief of emojipedia.org.

What are the health benefits of your daily cup of tea?

Wed, 17 May 2023 11:35:00 +0000

We’re all fond of a cup of tea in this country, with ongoing debates on how to make the perfect brew and which tea bags are best. What a lot of us may not know about are the health benefits in our cuppas, and how much tea we should actually be drinking each day to make the most of these. Sean was joined by Dr. Tim Bond from the Tea Advisory Panel who’s going to tell us more about this.

Being an underwater cameraman

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:35:00 +0000

A new series on RTE entitled ‘North Atlantic – The Dark Ocean’, chronicles some of the stranger and more impressive creatures of our marine life in this part of the world. Joining Sean was the man who captured it, underwater cameraman and filmmaker Ken O’Sullivan.

Are LEDs more dazzling or is there something else afoot?

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:35:00 +0000

There are many things that frustrate drivers on the roads, but is dazzling lights one of them? The College of Optometrists in the UK has found older drivers aren’t driving at night because they say they’re being blinded by LED headlights. Conor Faughnan is a transport consultant, and he joined Sean to discuss.

Can little ponds in our gardens help to save frogs?

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:35:00 +0000

It's been a bad spring for frogs, with a mass failure event for a lot of spawn around the country. But would it help if we all started building little ponds in our gardens? Joining Sean was Collie Ennis, science officer of the Herpetological Society of Ireland.

French priests to have a scannable card

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:35:00 +0000

The Catholic Church has been rocked by many scandals, not just in Ireland but all over the world. However the French Bishops Conference has taken a more direct approach so that parishioners can verify the status – and history – of any priest. Each clergyman at any level within the church will be required to carry a card that will give either a green, orange or red notification. To explain more Sean was joined by John Lichfield, veteran French correspondent.

Ireland’s spooky heartlands

Fri, 12 May 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Ireland’s midland counties are known for Celtic sites, green fields - and flat accents. But with more paranormal properties here than any other region of the country – Ireland’s heartlands are more haunted than hidden. Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden has been on a ghoulish roadtrip of around Offally and Carlow and she joined us from Birr.

Be Tick Aware: Preventing Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

Wed, 10 May 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Today is Tick Awareness Day, it is important for people to know exactly how these little divils get under our skin and how to go about removing the blood suckers. Sean was joined by Dr. Paul McKeown, Specialist in Public Health Medicine with the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre...

Can keeping secrets make you sick?

Wed, 10 May 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Can the information we keep to ourselves eventually become toxic to us? Sean was joined by Michael Slepian, Behavioural scientist, Associate Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia University, Author of ‘The Secret Life of Secrets’ to discuss...

How To...Take a Case Against an Employer

Wed, 10 May 2023 14:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to take a case against an employer. Sean was joined by Breda O’Malley, Head of Employment Law at Hayes Solicitors to discuss...

Lack of public toilet in Dungarvan 'was embarrassing' - Fine Gael Councillor

Wed, 10 May 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Dungarvan in Co. Waterford is set to get a public toilet. But why has it taken so long for a hugely popular seaside town to get the necessatry facilities despite it being an issue. Sean was joined by Cllr Declan Doocey, Fine Gael Councillor for Waterford County Council...

Should we have a Minister for Loneliness?

Wed, 10 May 2023 10:35:00 +0000

'The World Health Organisation says Covid is over, but in the US there’s an epidemic of isolation creating havoc with people’s health – and we should be worried too,' so says Mary McCarthy, columnist with the Irish Independent who joined Sean to discuss the loneliness facing people nowadays and why we need a Minister for Social Connection and Community...

Henry at Eurovision: 'We could be heading to Finland next year!'

Tue, 09 May 2023 17:45:00 +0000

Newstalk's Henry McKean joined Sean LIVE from Liverpool where he is at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. He met Irish entry Wild Youth, Sweden's entry Loreen, who is a former winner and Eurovision Legend, Marty Whelan...

Henry at Eurovision: 'Liverpool's amazing, the friendliest city in the world!'

Tue, 09 May 2023 17:20:00 +0000

Newstalk's Henry McKean joined Sean LIVE from Liverpool where he is at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. He met locals, superfans and contestants...

What makes a great Spice Bag?

Tue, 09 May 2023 14:55:00 +0000

There is a Facebook society with over 17,000 members dedicated to the appreciation of spice bags. Sue Grehan, a member of the Spice Bag Appreciation Society joined Sean to discuss what makes an amazing spice bag... Image: Spice Bag Connoisseurs

The National Gender Service: How the service works

Tue, 09 May 2023 14:05:00 +0000

The National Gender Service in Ireland provides specialist support to people who are seeking medical and surgical interventions to help them affirm their gender. However, they have come under fire for their lengthy wait lists and also, what has been called intrusive questioning for their initial assessment. Sean was joined by Dr Karl Naff, Consultant Endocrinologist and Clinical Lead at the National Gender Service...

Beer today, gone tomorrow?

Tue, 09 May 2023 11:15:00 +0000

Heineken made headlines earlier this year for increasing the cost of their beer to keep up with inflation. And though consumers gawped at the almost 14% price hike, volumes drunk in Europe have only fallen by 1% so far. So, is beer the one expense Irish people are unwilling to forgo on? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Henry McKean in London for King Charles' Coronation

Fri, 05 May 2023 14:35:00 +0000

With the Coronation of King Charles’ III taking place tomorrow, Newstalk’s Henry McKean headed to London to see what all the hype is about…

Songwriters 'being sued for ridiculous similarities' nowadays - RuthAnne

Fri, 05 May 2023 14:20:00 +0000

It’s being hailed as a massive win for the song-writing community, that Ed Sheeran has been found not guilty of copyright. It comes after the pop-star was accused of copying 'Let’s Get It On' by Marvin Gaye. During the trial Sheeran said he would quit music if he was found guilty, and after the trial said using chords is the same as using the colour blue - nobody owns it. Sean was joined by Grammy nominated Irish singer-songwriter RuthAnne to discuss...

Charlie Higson on reinventing Fleming's Bond 'for the modern world'

Fri, 05 May 2023 13:55:00 +0000

Ian Fleming fans will remember both the book and indeed the classic 1969 movie ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Now, just in time for the Coronation, a new Bond thriller is published, this time entitled ‘On His Majesty’s Secret Service’. Charlie Higson, author of ‘On His Majesty’s Secret Service’ joined Sean on the show...

Michael Collins' bible he carried when he died to be auctioned

Thu, 04 May 2023 15:10:00 +0000

A bible said to have been on Michael Collins person when he was assasinated will go up for auction on May 13th. Sean was joined by Ian Whyte, Chairman of Whyte's Auctioneers...

The No Mow May Challenge

Thu, 04 May 2023 14:52:00 +0000

It’s the time of year that gardeners love – trees are starting to come into full leaf, spring flowers are being replaced with summer blooms, and the grass is growing. But would you consider letting the grass grow for the month of May? No Mow May is a campaign run by the National Biodiversity Centre to encourage people to lock away the lawnmower and give wildflowers the chance to grow – all in the name of pollination. Sean was joined by Kate Chandler, Communities and Engagement Pollinator Officer with the National Biodiversity Data Centre...

Public pianos 'a bit of a drag at times'

Thu, 04 May 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Most people will have had the experience of when you’re waiting for your train and someone who really can’t play the piano, starts playing the piano. Should public pianos be banned altogether? Sean was joined by Conor Capplis, journalist with the Irish Times, who has been writing about this...

TV and film 'gives people this great cultural connection with a city' - Travel expert

Thu, 04 May 2023 14:15:00 +0000

A Dublin city councillor has called for an outright ban on the series Kin filming in Dublin claiming it’s reflecting badly on the city. But if somewhere appears in a TV or movies, does it always mean bad business for that city? Eoghan Corry, the Editor of Air & Travel Magazine joined Sean to discuss...

'Young people are playing Russian roulette' with laughing gas - Ward

Thu, 04 May 2023 13:55:00 +0000

More and more people are reporting discarded nitrous oxide cannisters around housing estates in Dublin and other parts of the country. This so-called ‘laughing gas’ is now causing serious medical problems for some users, so what needs to be done? Sean was joined by Mark Ward, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Central to discuss...

Postcards of John Hinde 'informed the world's view of what Ireland was like'

Wed, 03 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

This summer sees the launch of a new exhibition at the Little Museum of Dublin. It celebrates the iconic John Hinde postcards which presented an idealised view of Ireland. Author, Paul Howard worked in the John Hinde factory in Cabinteeley and he joined Sean in studio... Image: John Hinde Collection

The Rise of Own Brand Products

Wed, 03 May 2023 14:30:00 +0000

During the cost of living crisis there has been a surge in demand for own branded grocery items. But what is it that convinces shoppers to choose one over the other? Sean was joined by Denis O’Hora, Senior Lecturer in Consumer Psychology at the University of Galway...

How To...Take Up An Instrument

Wed, 03 May 2023 14:20:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to take up an instrument. Sean was joined by Michael Dawson, Conductor and CEO of the Irish Institute of Music and Song to discuss...

Allocation of individual blame for Great Famine a ‘complex’ issue

Tue, 02 May 2023 15:02:00 +0000

You might remember that BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan quit her job to become a slavery reparations campaigner. She’s the great, great, great, granddaughter of Lord Charles Trevelyan. Her family have already given more than £100,000 to the Caribbean island of Grenada to compensate for her ancestors’ role in the slave trade, and yesterday she was asked if they should also be giving money to Ireland because of his handling of the Irish famine. Sean was joined by Liam Kennedy, Professor of History, Queen’s University Belfast and the author of The Death Census of Black ’47 to discuss...

Rough-and-tumble play 'part of being a child'

Tue, 02 May 2023 14:42:00 +0000

Obviously, parents want their children to be safe. But have we gone too far in trying to insualte them from any form of risk? We might worry about what injuries might ensue from rough and tumble, but isn't rough and tumble an integral part of childhood? Sean was joined by Katie Glynn from Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon to discuss...

Climate Change: Carbon Dioxide Removal Technology Explained

Tue, 02 May 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Carbon dioxide removal technologies, or CDR for short, are controversial because some people believe they are delaying the inevitable. But are they a positive way to reduce global warming while fossil fuel companies can continue their current output? John Gibbons, Environmental journalist joined Sean to discuss...

'That one woke me up!' - Scrotum deodorants on the rise

Tue, 02 May 2023 13:55:00 +0000

The beauty business has been targeting men for years with manscaping taking off down below. In the States, this year, sack spray or scrotal potions have hit the shelves and will be coming to this side of the Atlantic soon. So will we be trying to slap on sack spray here in Ireland? Henry McKean has been investigating…

The Sputnik Hoax at Duncannon

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

In 1962 an elaborate hoax was devised to make it seem that a Sputnik landing had taken place at a farm in Wexford. Years later Neil White heard this story from his father and couldn’t quite believe it. Neil set about disproving the story, but in the process found it was actually true, he joined Sean to discuss...

'DVD's are invaluable' - The End of Netflix's DVD-by-Mail

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:25:00 +0000

As reported recently, Netflix has decided to ditch its mail order DVD service after 25 years. Many people were surprised to discver that thie option still existed, while others, like my next guest, are mourning its departure. So, does the all-consuming transfer to streaming lose something which we used to have in the pre-digital age? Sean was joined by Zach Schonfeld, freelance journalist and critic based in New York, and the author of an upcoming book about Nicolas Cage’s early years... Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Have we lost our neighbourliness?

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:20:00 +0000

A new survey in the UK has found that people would rather interact with their neighbours via community Whatsapp groups rather than in person. So, have we lost our sense of neighbourliness? Sean was joined by writer and broadcaster Barbara Scully to discuss...

Chocolate King Charles

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:10:00 +0000

Next Saturday all eyes will be on King Charles coronation, including some chocolate ones. Jen Lindsey-Clark is a Chocolatician and the famed creator behind works such as a chocolate Thomas the Tank engine and Chocobatch, a chocolate statue of Benedict Cumberbatch, her latest work sees King Charles reimagined through chocolate. Jen joined Sean to discuss the process... Image: PA Media

The Secret Elephant of Wartime Belfast

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

The extraordinary true story of a zookeeper and her baby elephant during wartime Belfast has now been turned into an illustrated children’s book. Ellan Rankin, Author of The Secret Elephant joined Sean on the show...

What is Freedom of Speech?

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Last month, Stanford University in the US announced that students would be required to atted a half day course on free speech. However, the definition of free speech has yet to be clarified. Dr Tim Crowley, Academic Freedom Officer at UCD joined Sean to discuss...

'Symbols matter' - King William Fortified Wine complaint upheld

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:25:00 +0000

What happens when you mix alcohol with sectarianism? Well the results are messy, and that’s why a Buckfast knockoff has been asked to rebrand its packaging. King William Fortified Wine, which has an alcohol proof of 16.90% ABV in a nod to the Battle of the Boyne – was launched in Glasgow last September. Dave Scott, Director of the Anti-Sectarianism Charity joined Sean to discuss...

'I’m single and I feel valued' - Henry McKean meets Ireland's singletons

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Church communities tend to stress the importance of families, but in turn this can make people feel excluded. In the UK, the Church of England has said they are going to make an effort to recognise the importance of singletons, after all Jesus was unattached. Henry McKean has been looking into this...

The Importance of Talking Sh**e

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Lately, we’ve seen a rise in the trend of “friendship pruning” - that is, breaking up with your friends. But should you go around constantly evaluating your friendships? And is talking shite with people a necessity and even comforting? Dr Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, and author of "In Search of Madness, joined Sean to discuss..

Diarmuid Gavin's Coronation Garden

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:45:00 +0000

The coronation of King Charles is just ten days away, and as is tradition in the UK, there are commemorative pieces and merchandise popping up. Everything from mugs, plates, coins, tankard, t-shirts, food - but also, gardens. Two months ago, Diarmuid Gavin moved to Antrim and has been working on a garden to commemorate the King’s big day, and he joined Sean to tell him all about it... Image: Instagram @diarmuidgavin

Correcting State Examinations 'quite financially attractive' - former examiner

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000

This year Leaving Cert students have no idea when they will get their results. A spokesperson told Newstalk this was due to “well-documented” issues, one of which is the recruitment of examiners. Last year the results were delayed from mid-August to early-September due to a huge shortage of teachers correcting. Brian Mooney, former State Examiner, Guidance Counsellor and Editor of Education Matters Yearbook joined Sean to discuss...

How To...Get an Alternative Pet

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to get an alternative pet. Sean was joined by Darragh Patel, Assistant Manager of Petmania in Carlow Town. to discuss...

Calls to reclassify 'coffin tablets' as a controlled drug

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:50:00 +0000

A drug called pregabalin is currently available on prescription from your doctor. However, a number of medical professionals are now calling for it to be reclassified as a ‘Schedule 2’ drug, or what some other countries refer to as a Class C drug. But why? Sean was joined by Dr. Kieran Harkin, GP in Merchant’s Quay to discuss...

Bringing Bees to Your Work

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:05:00 +0000

An organisation based in Limerick installs and manages a bee hive on the rooftop of your company. But how does it all work? Sean was joined by Patrick Casey, Founder of Bee Green to discuss.. Image: Bee Green

Make A Wish: 'They look after the whole family' - Dr Eoin MacCraith

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:05:00 +0000

At the age of 12, Eoin MacCraith was diagnosed with cancer. His father, Brian, decided to contact the Make A Wish foundation to help with his wish – he wanted to meet Tom Morello, lead guitarist for Rage Against the Machine. Eoin was flown to LA to meet Morello and, unbelievably, they ended up forming a lifelong friendship. Dr Eoin MacCraith joined Sean to discuss the importance of Make A Wish in the lives of sick children...

Dunking Biscuits: ‘I love a chocolate digestive!’

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

What are the best biscuits for dunking? Researchers dunked 17 of the most popular biscuits into a mug of hot water. Coming in first was the Jaffa Cake which withstood 116 dunks before breaking. The worst was the digestive with 6 dunks. Henry McKean has been looking into this...

Grandparenting in Modern Ireland

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:36:00 +0000

Sometimes the advice grandparents give can be helpful but a lot of the time, it can be uninvited. So, should you give advice to your adult children about your grandchildren or should you just back off? Sean was joined by Anne McCormack, Family Therapist to discuss...

Brushing Scams: The Mysterious Parcels at Your Door Explained

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000

One of our listeners got in touch with the show after they received a parcel that they hadn't ordered. It turned out to be part of what is known as a brushing scam. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Sean to discuss...

Rural Ireland losing services 'at a fast speed' - Macra na Feirme

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:50:00 +0000

Passing the family farm down to the generations was often a cause for rift and division if not handled properly, but what if there isn’t anyone to pass the farm on to anymore? Fewer than 6 per cent of farmers in Ireland are under 35, and with the closure of shops, pubs and post offices in villages all over Ireland, it seems that rural life is declining faster than ever. Elaine Houlihan is the President Elect of Macra NaFeirme, she’s one of 30 people who’ll walk overnight tonight from Athy in Co Kildare to Government Buildings to highlight the issues facing rural Ireland and to seek more support. She joined Sean to discuss…

Damp Art

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:16:00 +0000

An Irish artist is bringing visibility to an invisible issue, in her new exhibition called 'Got Damp.' Visual artist, Avril Corroon has collected one thousand litres of water from thirty properties where damp is an issue. Avrill joined Sean to discuss how she uses 'damp' as a material in her important art work… Image: Instagram @avcorroon

'People who don't have an email address are being alienated from society'

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Banking services, streaming, shopping – it seems like you need an email address to do anything these days. With most companies moving to online services for their customers, is it possible to exist without an email address? Caitriona Redmond, Cost of Living Expert with the Irish Examiner joined Sean to discuss…

The Benefits of Laughter Yoga

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:10:00 +0000

This Sunday, the Scottish Laughter Championships take place. What are the benefits of Laughter Yoga? Sean was joined by Laughter Yoga Leader and the host of the Scottish Laughter Championships, Natalie Gilray…

Motion to introduce 'breastfeeding bench' in Dublin Park rejected

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Breastfeeding benches, specially designed seats for the nursing of babies in public places, launched in Brussels in 2021. Now, a proposal has been made here to install Ireland’s first one. Sean was joined by Lyn Hagin Meade, Green Party Councillor with South Dublin County Council... Image: Elvie

'It's time for a change' - Protest calls for legalisation of cannabis

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:50:00 +0000

Hundreds of cannabis users turned out for an event in the Phoenix Park in Dublin yesterday where the drug was being openly consumed. 'The Major Smoke Up' was organised by the Dublin based Major Group for Cannabis Reform Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte attended the event and he joined Sean to discuss...

Is cheating ever ok?

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:50:00 +0000

An ultra marathon runner was caught jumping in a car for a part of a 50 mile run. But is cheating ever acceptable? Henry McKean looks at the fallout...

Over 50 per cent of ladies in GAA suffering from incontinence

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:55:00 +0000

A new study released by Trinity College claims that over 50% of elite female GAA players experience some symptoms of incontinence but are doing so in silence. Clinical health physiotherapist and TCD lecturer Elizabeth Culleton-Quinn surveyed 180 players about whether they suffer from these symptoms. She joined Sean to discuss the issue and let the players know that these are treatable conditions they can get help with...

25 Years of The Stinging Fly

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Since 1997, The Stinging Fly, an Irish literary magazine, has been a fountain of new writing and a go-to spot for publishers looking for the Next Big Thing. But how did a modest outfit from Dublin become such an important player in the book world? Sean was joined by Declan Meade, Founder and Publisher of The Stinging Fly... Image: The Stinging Fly

'A loveable rogue' - Gerry Hutch's relationship with the North Inner City

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:26:00 +0000

The not guilty verdict for Gerry Hutch in the Regency Murder Trial has made headlines both inside and outside Ireland. According to some reports he remains the subject of Garda investigations. In some parts of Dublin, he is viewed in a completely different light. Newstalk's Henry McKean reports...

How to Boil Eggs Perfectly

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:08:00 +0000

An Australian politician has caused consternation by suggesting the best way to boil an egg is to wrap it in tin foil and microwave it. Sean was joined by TV Chef and mindful eating coach, Aisling Larkin to discuss...

Daytime Dating 101

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:50:00 +0000

A new study in the UK has found that the cost of living crisis is driving singletons to shift towards cheaper daytime dating instead of expensive ones at night time involving restaurants and bars. The trend is known as ‘Daylight Dating’. But does this lose the romance of an atmospheric evening environment? Joining me now to discuss is dating coach Frances Kelleher...

The Evolution of Pop Songs

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:10:00 +0000

The platonic ideal for a pop song has always been one that lasts around three minutes. In part, this was influenced by technology. But it seems, not only are songs getting shorter but also the structure is changing. No intro, verse, chorus or bridge - but straight into the hook. Is TikTok and Spotify to blame? Music journalist Danny Wright joined Sean to discuss...

A Dummies Guide to Decluttering

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:40:00 +0000

It’s said that we have at least a quarter of a million items in our homes – from forks to toiletries to bed linen. While some of us are good at regular clear outs, others stuff their closets, cubby holes and presses to the brim! So how can you tackle that drawer that’s always full or the shed that hasn’t been stepped in for years? Anne Marie Kingston has been decluttering in Cork for 30 years and she joined Sean to discuss...

Social media 'can give a very unrealistic view of destinations'

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Over the weekend, a photograph of a woman posing in front of the infamous train tracks to Auschwitz caused a major stir on Twitter. It brings into question how Instagram has changed the way people behave in tourist and indeed sacred spaces. Sean was joined by Pip Jones, Travel Journalist and Presenter of the Travel Gold Podcast to discuss...

'Irish women just love fake tan!'

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Ireland makes up 60 pc of fake tan users worldwide. That’s according to Irish retailer Penneys, that recently revealed their figures on fake tan sales worldwide. That makes us think, what makes Ireland’s bond with fake skin glow so strong? Sean was joined by Laura Mullet, TV stylist and fashion expert for RSVP Magazine…

Nudity parity in TV and film 'tricky to navigate'

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:15:00 +0000

The new Netflix show ‘Obsession’, based on Josephine Hart’s 1991 novel Damage, features nudity parity between the male and female leads. This is another step in an increase in male nudity over the past few years on TV. But can there ever truly be an equality between male and female nudity? Sean was joined by Adelaide Waldrop, the lead Intimacy Coordinator on ‘Obsession’... Image: Netflix

Rehoming retired racehorses 'a great challenge'

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000

At Aintree, Saturday’s Grand National was delayed after protesters attempted to get access to the racecourse and tie themselves to fences along the route. Animal Rising, the group behind the protests, has called for an end to horse racing and the use of animals for profit and entertainment. Racing Commentator, Richard Hoiles Racing Correspondent joined Sean to discuss…

Becoming a top Lego artist: 'I was extremely jealous of my children's Christmas presents'

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:37:00 +0000

Jessica Farrell fell in love with Lego at the age of 4. Decades later she is now a professional Lego artist doing major commissions around the world. Today she is heading a workshop in Blessington Library and she joined Sean to discuss... Image: The Brothers Brick

Limerick woman set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a harp

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Siobhán Brady already holds the world record for the highest ever harp concert, which took place in the Himalayas in 2018. Now she plans to break that record by hiking Mount Kilimanjaro and bringing her harp with her... Image: Siobhán Brady

A Beginner's Guide to Foot Fetishes

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Foot fetishes are one of leading fetishes in the world and more people are looking to be educated on the best ways to use your feet for your own or another’s pleasure. Sean was joined by Clarity Mills, a motivational speaker, sex educator and professional dominatrix to discuss...

'It's not great!' - Biden cartoon harks back to dated stereotypes

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Now while US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland has been largely positive in Ireland, there’s been more mixed reaction across the water in the UK. A cartoon in The Times today depicts Joe Biden as a dancing leprechaun, holding a pint of Guinness. Some have claimed it harks back to the days of punch magazine. Graphic artist and illustrator, Cian Tormey joined Sean to discuss… Image: The Times

Vomit on the Big Screen

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

A trend that seems to be in a lot of movies and tv shows at the moment is projectile vomit. Sometimes it's used gratuitously to make it clear that a show's sensibility is no-holds-barred, other times it’s used to show extreme vulnerability in a character. Whatever the reason, the viewer has to sit through quite revolting scenes. Olivia Fahy, Editor of Geek Ireland to pick through the on screen vomit...

'People get on the train and treat it as their own living room'

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:27:00 +0000

Irish Rail introduced designated 'quieter carriages' late last year, however it hasn’t exactly gone smoothly. Mark Gleeson, from Rail Users Ireland joined Sean to discuss...

Juice: The search for alien life on Jupiter's icy moons

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:22:00 +0000

The European Space Agency is set launch a mission to Jupiter, a journey that will take 8 years to complete. There will also be significant Irish involvement in the project. Sean was joined by Professor Catriona Jackman, Head of the Planetary Magnetospheres Research Group at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies...

Councillor calls for Dublin Bay water to be treated 'all year round'

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:07:00 +0000

With the growing popularity of sea swimming, there are now calls for the water in Dublin Bay to be treated for e-coli not just during the summer but during the off-season too. Sean was joined by Cllr Donna Cooney, Green Party Councillor and Member of the Dollymount Dames...

'Selfie, Mr President?' - Henry McKean meets Joe Biden

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:02:00 +0000

As part of his historic visit to Ireland, US President Joe Biden today visited Irish President, Michael D Higgins in Áras Áras an Uachtaráin. Newstalk's Henry McKean was there and even got a selfie with POTUS himself...

'We've created a monster here' - The men behind a giant baked bean

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:30:00 +0000

A giant baked bean made using two tins of Heinz beans is “What the people need”, its creators have said, after going viral on social media. Tom Snell and Dylan Hartigan decided to create a mammoth version of a regular baked bean and shot a mock campaign for it Tom and Dylan joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Tupperware Parties: 'They were all the rage'

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000

The brand Tupperware has entered our general parlances as a bi-word for a plastic food container. But with the company’s fortunes heading for a cliff edge, has it had its time and will we never see the famous Tupperware parties again? Sean was joined by TV chef Catherine Leyden to discuss...

Theatre Etiquette: The Dos and Dont's of Attending Shows

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:16:00 +0000

Last Friday, a musical in Manchester had to be cut short because some audience members wouldn’t refrain from singing or shouting. Two people were asked to leave after shouting/screaming “I Will Always Love You” at the top of their lungs. The show was paused, they were asked to leave but “mini riots” and “fights” broke out prompting the show to end prematurely. So, is singing acceptable in theatres? What is the etiquette when seeing a show in a theatre? Sean was joined by Kirsty Sedgman, Doctor of Audiences at Bristol University and Author of ‘On Being Unreasonable: Breaking the Rules and Making Things’...

How To...Prepare for a Baby

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:02:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to prepare for the arrival of a baby. Sean was joined by Paul Kealy, Managing Director of Tony Kealys to discuss...

Young adults using cannabis 'a real pressing issue for us' - Kildare GP

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:55:00 +0000

A letter in today’s Irish Times, co-signed by more than 20 doctors, is raising concerns about the use of cannabis among young people. They say their previous efforts have been ignored, and they want a comprehensive public health campaign around the hazards of using cannabis. Sean was joined by Dr Brendan O'Shea, one of the signatories, a family Doctor in Kildare and an Assistant Professor for Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College…

Deathbed drawing of Arthur Griffith finally on display

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

The deathbed drawing of Arthur Griffith that has never been on public view, after being suppressed for a century. The image is by famed artist Paul Henry, who is better known for depicting the Connemara landscape, but it has never hung in a gallery – all because an element of it was “politically unpalatable.” Cormac O Hanrahan is the Director of Printwell Designs, and he is dedicated to getting this picture of Arthur Griffith on show for the public.

Bottomless crisp lunch

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

On Twitter The Lancashire Hotpots (A band) put up a photo of a Bottom Crisp Party. “The Best 90 minutes of your life. Bread Butter and sauces included for butties. £12.95.” We decided to send Henry McKean out for a bottomless crisp party.

Swiss Grannies case in the ECHR

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

In what has been called the “Swiss grannies” case, four women all aged 74, are asking the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to declare insufficient climate action by the Swiss authorities is violating their human rights. Ireland has decided to oppose this legal challenge in the ECHR and has sent a team over to appeal to the court that this ruling is beyond the court’s scope to dictate national climate policy To explain this further Sean was joined by Clodagh Daly, manager of the Centre for Environmental Justice at Community Law and Mediation (CLM).

Human Library Project in Galway

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

The Human Library is, in the true sense of the word, a library of people. Readers can borrow human beings, serving as open books and have conversations they would not normally have access to. Every human book represents a group in society that is often subjected to prejudice or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin etc. To tell us more, Sean was joined by Ruth Fagan, leader of the Human Library Project in Galway.

Google and the right to be forgotten

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

According to an article in the Independent today a convicted criminals were able to get search results for articles about them taken off Google under the ‘right to be forgotten’. It’s raised the question then, how easy is this process and how come Google seems to be able to hold this power? Is the public interest considered throughout this process? And what’s the criteria to get yourself removed from Google searches? To answer these questions and more, Sean was joined by Eoin O’Dell, Senior Lecturer in Law at Trinity College.

Butter Museum

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

At one time in our history, the Cork Butter Exchange was the largest butter market in the world. This rich history of dairy culture is captured in the Cork Butter Museum. Joining Sean was Peter Foynes who runs the museum in Cork.

James Leonard of "Two Norries" podcast and his way out of addiction

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000

James Leonard is one half of the popular Two Norries podcast. He grew up in North West Cork City. Hence, a ‘Norrie’ is someone from North Cork City. He struggled with addiction when he was younger. Once he got clean he went back to college, eventually gaining a masters degree. Now he does the podcast full time with his co-host Timmy Long. He joined Sean today on the show.

Mixed marriages in Northern Ireland

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

In North Ireland, a Catholic marrying a protestant proved to be a step too far for many, leading to intimidation and violence leveled against the couple. This tension still exists today and since 1974, the Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association (NIMMA) has offered support to couples who are experiencing difficulties, due to the neighbourhood they come from Paul McLaughlin, Development Officer with The Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association (NIMMA) joined Sean on the show.

So You Think You’re an Adult?: Going commando

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

In today's episode of "So You Think You’re an Adult" our guests Barbara Scully and Declan Buckley discussed on seasoned drivers, benefits of going commando and promising a ring to potential spouse.

The damage over-tourism can do to a site when it joins the UNESCO list

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

The views of and from Skellig Michael on a clear day are breath-taking, and naturally it’s a big tourism draw to that part of Kerry. Featuring in one of the more recent Star Wars movies has helped. Or has it? Rosalyn Dee is a travel writer with the Irish Independent, and she’s been writing today about the double edged sword of being listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, and asking if over-tourism is doing more damage than good.

How understanding animals can save our lives?

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

We’re always striving towards medical advancements and breakthroughs but who knew that much of what we practice in hospitals, could originate from the animal kingdom? Dr. Matt Morgan’s Tale of Enlightenment Began in an Emergency Room in the Midst of a Man Choking on a Hobnob Biscuit was our guest on the show.

The controversial Barbie Dolls

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

When the internet blew up earlier this week with the arrival of the Barbie trailer, the more discerning fans will have noticed that two obscure characters from the Mattell canon made an appearance. Midge and Allan...but who are these friends of Barbie and Ken and why are they so controversial? Joining Sean was Dais Johnston, Journalist with Inverse.com.

Benefits of taking breaks at work

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Stopping for tea breaks while at work does nothing to make people more efficient or prevent them from feeling tired, research suggests. Henry McKean fresh from a break, joined Sean before his next break.

Working as Undercover Police: 'What I was doing was ruthless'

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Working as an undercover police officer in the UK is treacherous. The people you interact with are always within a hair’s breadth from finding out your identity, close calls and criminal gangs looking for the undercover officer to prove they are not a cop. Neil Woods, who was an undercover police operative for 14 years with some of the UK’s most violent drug gangs which he writes about in his book ‘’Drug Wars: The Terrifying inside story of Britain’s Drug Trade’’... Image: Twitter @wudzee0

'Common sense and go with your gut' - Tips for Solo Travel

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:35:00 +0000

Kipling – the luggage brand, not the cakes – have issued a Solo Female Traveller City Index, ranking European destinations. Dublin has come in 5th, but the top three are Hamburg, Munich and Edinburgh. Often we think of travel as an opportunity to get away from the hum drum everyday routiens with your family or friends. But with women making up 84% of solo travellers, what’s it really like jetting off on your own? Catherine Carton, content creator and solo traveller joined Sean to discuss...

How To...Make a Speech

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:20:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to make a speech. Sean was joined by Gina London, Founder and CEO of Language of Leadership and Sunday Times Columnist to discuss...

'Quite shocking' - Ireland's women soccer team to retain white shorts

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:15:00 +0000

The FAI has announced that they will retain white shorts for the women’s soccer team for the upcoming World Cup. This is in spite of the fact that many teams, including England and New Zealand, all switching to dark colours, in an effort to support women who may be on their period during a match. Sean was joined by Margaret Walsh, physical therapist and women’s health coaching specialist...

Death by rooster: The extraordinary life and death of Jasper Kraus

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:35:00 +0000

A new podcast series for the Irish Examiner examines the tragic case of a man who was killed in 2022 in an unusual incident involving a rooster. But what the podcast uncovers is an extraordinary life, led by a father, a circus performer, and a horse whisperer. Sean was joined by Sorcha Crowley, Reporter for the Death by Rooster podcast... Image: Irish Examiner

The Power of Friendship

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:52:00 +0000

Most people believe friendships are important, but how important? Do they affect our health? Do we have a limit to the amount of real friends we have? And why do we need them? Sean was joined by Robin Dunbar, Professor of Evolutionary Psychology and author of 'Friends: Understanding the Power of our Most Important Relationships'...

Prison in Iran: 'They are trying to kill your soul' - Woman tortured at age 16

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:45:00 +0000

In 1982, Marina Nemat was arrested, tortured, and sentenced to death for political crimes in Iran. She was 16 years old. Today, she lives in Canada and has written two books documenting her experience. ‘Prisoner of Tehran - A Memoir’ was her first book, and ‘After Tehran - A Life Reclaimed’ is her second book. She joined Sean on the show to discuss…

The Bed Project: What you look like when you're asleep

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:25:00 +0000

A new project for the Guardian newspaper seeks to explore what takes place in different beds over the course of a single night. Bed is a place where we spend a third of our lives yet how much do we know about our unconscious night time habits. Sean was joined by Kitty Drake, Writer & Researcher with the Guardian to discuss...

'It really unnerved me': Mum removes photos of children online after influencer had images reshared

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Legislators in France are considering a law which could see some parents prevented from sharing images of their children on social media. The so-called 'Anti-Sharenting Bill' aims to protect the privacy rights of children, who cannot consent to their images being posted online. Ann Marie O’Sullivan decided to remove all photographs of her own kids from her social media accounts, and has no regrets about doing so. She joined Sean on the show to discuss…

How important are logos? Reaction to Twitter's Dogecoin symbol

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:04:00 +0000

Twitter users around the world have been asking where is the blue bird logo gone. Fans of the platform woke up to the logo of a dog replacing the familiar bird. It turns out it’s all linked to cryptocurrency and Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been looking into this.

One Dublin One Book: The Coroner's Daughter

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:45:00 +0000

Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, during criminal investigation. But unknown to many is the fact that Dublin in the 19th century was a hotbed for pioneering forensic science. The ‘One Dublin One Book’ initiative aims to encourage everyone in Dublin to read a designated book connected with the capital city during the month of April every year. This year the book chosen is ‘The Coroner’s Daughter’ and Sean was by it’s author Andrew Hughes… Image: One Dublin One Book

The inability to burp

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Burping is something most of us take for granted. But what if you’re were medically unable to burp? Where would that trapped gas go and how would a situation like this be resolved? Sean was joined by Brittany Sangastiano to discuss...

Banishing hash browns from the full English

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:35:00 +0000

The full English breakfast is comprised of eggs, rashers, beans, and sausages and more. But the perennial question still exists, does the hash brown belong on the plate of this national staple? Sean was joined by founder and chairman of the English Breakfast Society, Guise Bule de Missenden...

The History of Long Wave Radio

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000

With RTÉ Radio 1 ceasing its long wave broadcasts from April 14. To explain the history of Long Wave Radio and why its on the way out, Sean was joined by Brian Greene from Radio.ie...

Using ChatGPT in the classroom

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Chat GPT has been getting a bad reputation in education, with fears around cheating a nd how hard it would be for examiner to know if a student used it to create an essay. One teacher is using Chat GPT regularly in the classroom and says he has no issue with students using the Open AI to improve the quality of their work. Sean was joined by Patrick Hickey from Boher Buí in Cork, who is known on Instagram as 'LC History Tutor'...

Over 100,000 people currenlty hold gun licenses in Ireland

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:55:00 +0000

There are currently around 200,000 active gun licenses in Ireland. An expert group has recommended that gun owners licensing system be changed. Under new suggestions, the issuing of permits would be dependent on undertaking training, among other details. Sean was joined by Liam Nolan, Course Director of the Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme & spokesperson for the Firearms Users Representation Group (FURG)...

Dublin's new Jewish Heritage Trail

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:40:00 +0000

A new heritage walking trail has launched in Dublin which highlights some of the most significant Jewish areas and history of the city. Sean was joined by Saul Woolfson, Chair of Jewish Arts & Culture Ireland...

The Battle for Your Brain

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:30:00 +0000

It may sound like science fiction but what technologies are out there that can be used to read our brain waves? Are governments of the world aware of them and already using them? These are topics investigated in the book ‘The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology’. Sean was joined by the author and Law Professor at Duke University, Nita Farahany…

Theatre for Babies

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Some people like theatre, and others don’t. But what about babies? Do they like the arts? Anna Newell believes so, she’s a theatre director who makes work for babies and children with complex needs…

Naked Feminism: ‘Why as a woman should I have to choose between my body and my brain?’

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Would an academic be disrespected if she spoke about her work or shared her experiences naked? That was the thinking behind my next guest’s approach to her work combining economics and feminism. Dr Victoria Bateman, author ‘Naked Feminism’ and a fellow in Economics in Cambridge University joined Sean on the show to discuss.. Image: Dr Victoria Bateman

'Every book you read changes you' - The world of online reading challenges

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:35:00 +0000

People vary greatly in terms of how quickly they can consume a book. Now you can sign up to a GoodReads Challenge, wherein people are committing to reading a certain number of books within a particular time frame. One person who is attempting the challenge is author Joanna Cannon, whose new book ‘A Tidy Ending’ is out now. She has committed to reading 75 books during the course of this year…

'Everyone is so helpful' - Henry making friends at the charging point

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:25:00 +0000

If you’ve recently made the switch from petrol or diesel to and electric vehicle, you’ll know that you are doing that bit extra to combat climate change. But having an EV comes with it’s own challenges, particularly charging. Newstalk’s Henry McKean made that switch just a fortnight ago and joined Sean to discuss…

'Being loud isn't the same as being good' - Busker welcomes new bylaws in Killarney

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:55:00 +0000

In an attempt to crack down on monotony, coarse language and noise levels, authorities in Killarney are introducing new bylaws to restrict the rules concerning on-street busking. There have been a number of voices in the media this morning from the council but little from the busking community. How do they feel about the new bylaws? Sean was joined by busker Eric Gudmunsen, a Scottish man who has been performing on the streets of Killarney for years...

Irish culture 'being starved' by lack of funding for TV content - Larry Bass

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:40:00 +0000

A leaked EU Commission document suggests that the UK could be removed from the list of countries providing European Content. There are concerns this could cause problems for RTÉ and Virgin Media, whose schedules would include very popular UK content like Coronation Street, Eastenders, Love Island and others. Under the proposed changes, there would be a reduction in the number of British shows aired on Irish channels. But would it really be a bad thing if Irish broadcasters were forced to show more home-grown content? Larry Bass, CEO of ShinAwil Productions joined Sean to discuss…

'Great excitement' as Ballina prepares for Biden visit

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:25:00 +0000

As the country prepares for President Biden’s upcoming visit, one particular town is particularly busy in the hope that he will visit his ancestral home of Ballina in County Mayo. Sean was joined by Mark Duffy, Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District and Independent Councillor...

The importance of the fada

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:15:00 +0000

For years, people’s whose names contain a fada have had to contend with various forms and certificates omitting a key part of their identity. However, increasingly the state and other bodies are offering more and more protection for Irish names. Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development at Conradh na Gaeilge joined Seán to discuss the importance of a fada...

How To...Publish a Book

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:15:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to publish a book. Sean was joined by Deirdre Nolan, Publishing Director of Eriu, an imprint of Bonnier Books to discuss...

Scientists discover water in glass beads on the Moon

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

It may surprise you to discover that there could be enough water on the moon to support a mission. The challenge is in unlocking this as a liquid. Mahesh Anand, Professor of Planetary Science and Exploration at the Open University joined Sean to discuss the new discovery…

Emmadale Cattery

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The global debate of ‘which animal is better, cats or dogs?’ seems never ending. However it’s safe to say that when it comes to the protection and welfare rights, canines come up trumps. This was the primary reason why cat lover and former veterinary nurse, Emma Martin decided to set up her own cattery in an act of altruism for her female friends. Emma Martin, Owner of Emmadale Cattery and Small Pet Boarding joined Sean to catch up...

'Something completely unique' - Kanturk's prize winning chocolate black pudding

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:15:00 +0000

We often think of puddings as a uniquely Irish breakfast staple but it is in fact global and particularly prestigious in France. Now an intriguing chocolate blood pudding from Cork has won a major accolade at the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Black Pudding, which is the Oscars of the pudding world. Sean was joined by Tim McCarthy, Butcher at McCarthy Butchers of Kanturk... Image: McCarthy's of Kanturk

Rent Busting: Irish man fighting greedy landlords in the Netherlands

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:45:00 +0000

A modern day Robin Hood is among us, and his target is greedy landlords in the Netherlands. Irish expat Shane White contacts people renting over-priced accommodation, and tells them how to get their money back free of charge. He joined Sean to discuss how it all started… Image: Rent Buster

100 Years of Employee Records from Jameson Distillery

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Some people take to the bottle to forget the past, but what about the bottle that could help remember the past. Head of Archives at Irish Distillers, Carol Quinn has teamed up with genealogical website Ancestry.com to reveal records of Jameson Distillery’s employees spanning a century. Carol joined Sean on the show to discuss…

'It's a bit of fun!' - Henry asks why do people touch Molly Malone’s chest

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Tourists that come from all over the world to Dublin will regularly spotted visiting the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street. Along with hearing the story behind the song, they are also entertained by the statues ample cleavage. On Twitter over the weekend, Dr Charlotte Proudman said: “Name one statue of a man in which women rub its testicles in the name of tradition”, with a photo of man touching the Molly Malone statues breasts. Henry McKean went to find out why people have a tendency to do this...

'You never got the full set!' - Collecting cereal box toys

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Do you remember the feeling of a toy landing into your cereal bowl when you were a kid? One person who loved it so much, decided to collect the toys and dedicate a YouTube channel to toys in breakfast bowls. Nick Symes or Cereal Mad joined Sean on the show to discuss… Image: Instagram @cerealmad

The hidden cost of heat pumps

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Heat pumps are a more efficient way of heating the home but why are they increasing and not decreasing the overall electricity bill? Sean was joined by owner and director of Renewable Building Solutions, Mike Teahan to discuss why this may be the case…

'He painted them as villains' - The downside to kindness videos on social media

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:15:00 +0000

In this new digital age our privacy is exposed more and more each day. With random act of kindness videos becoming the norm nowadays, it begs the question, should we stop filming people in public? Sean was joined by Amal Award, journalist and author to discuss...

News and A Natter: Kieran Cunningham

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:45:00 +0000

Kieran Cunningham, sports writer and columnist with The Irish Star joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

Dublin's first bike library

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:45:00 +0000

A project which aims for parents to replace their school pick up and drop offs with a more environmentally friendly solution than the car is now going to be rolled out to schools across Dublin. Sean was joined by Francesco Pilla, Professor in the School of Architecture in UCD and Founder of the Bike Library... Image: Francesco Pilla - Twitter

3D Printed Cheesecake

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Just when you thought the hype around 3D printing had died a death, scientists have started dipping their toes in the world of culinary arts. After some trial and error, researchers at Columbia University's Creative Machines Lab figured out how to 3D print a creamy, gooey cheesecake. Jonathan Blutinger, food robotics engineer and PHD from Columbia University’s creative machine lab joined Sean to discuss… Image: Columbia Engineering

A Masterclass in Happiness - Finnish Style

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Ever dreamed of a crash course for a happy lifestyle in the world's happiest nation? Finland is the World's happiest country and they are giving you the chance to find your inner Finn. A four-day intensive Masterclass of Happiness is on offer to a lucky 10 people to change their outlook on life and think like the Finnish do. Heli Jimenez, International Marketing and PR manager with VisitFinland joined Sean to discuss…

The man living under water for 100 days

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:05:00 +0000

The longest period of time a human has spent living continuously underwater is 73 days but now a scientist in Florida is aiming for 100 days. This is a mission to explore what happens to the body and mind in this unusual environment. Today is Day 24. Sean was joined by retired US Naval Officer, Biomedical Engineer and aquanaut Dr Joe Dituri from his underwater bunker, which is 9 metres deep in the Florida Keys... Image: Instagram - Joe Dituri @drdeepsea

Guided tours of Derry City

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:15:00 +0000

The walled city of Derry is full history, right up to recent times, so when it comes to learning about it all, there are many directions you could take. Gleann Doherty from Derry Guided Tours provides walking tours of the city and covers many different bases and he joined Sean LIVE in the Guildhall in Derry to discuss...

The overuse of the word vibe

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:58:00 +0000

“That’s such a vibe”, “vibe check”, “that’s just not my vibe”-if you’re a parent to a gen zer you might be familiar with those phases. The word vibe is used so excessively these days that it’s almost completely lost its original meaning. Sean was joined by Gail Flanagan, Linguist tutor from the School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics at the University of Limerick…

Seventh son Danny Gallagher has healed people 'all over the world'

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Danny Gallagher is the seventh son of a seventh son and according to Celtic lore, he therefore possesses the power to heal people simply by touching them. He is the subject of a new book, Born to Heal and he joined Sean LIVE in Derry to discuss... Image: Danny Gallagher/danny-gallagher.com

‘Forget about Dolly Parton and concentrate more on people's needs’ - Henry McKean in Derry

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:41:00 +0000

A DUP MP is on a mission to find fellow Dolly Parton fans in the UK Parliament. Jim Shannon submitted a House of Commons motion to mark the 50th anniversary of Dolly's iconic track 'I Will Always Love You.’ The MP for Strangford has already secured 33 signatures. Henry McKean joined Sean LIVE in Derry to discuss…

'Serious difficulties still with the Stormont Brake' - Former SDLP Leader

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Mark Durkan has lived in Derry all his life and played a key role during negotiations of the Good Friday Agreement. He is a former leader of the SDLP and former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. As the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement approaches, Mark joined Sean live in the Guildhall in Derry

Partygate: 'Boris Johnson still thinks he can come back to be Prime Minister'

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:41:00 +0000

Boris Johnson is currently facing a grilling from MPs on the Commons Privileges Committee in a hearing established to ascertain whether or not he deliberately misled parliament over the PartyGate scandal. Sean was joined by Philip Webster, Former Political Editor of The London Times…

‘It’s a rip off!’ - Henry McKean investigates the impact of shrinkflation

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:30:00 +0000

With the continued cost-of-living crisis comes shrinkflation. Shrinkflation is when products shrink in size but will often remain at the same price. Henry McKean took to the streets to see how it is negatively impacting customers and find out why it happens...

'Queen Maeve' the Flemish Giant rabbit ‘looking for a good suitable home’

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:15:00 +0000

The DSPCA is currently searching for the owners of a giant 7kg rabbit that was found lost in Dublin. ‘Queen Maeve’ is a Flemish Giant rabbit that was discovered in Mulhuddart last week. Gillian Bird, Education Officer with the DSPCA joined Sean on the show to discuss...

How To...Buy a Computer

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to buy a computer. Sean was joined by Elaine Burke, Host of the For Tech Sake Podcast to discuss...

Councillor calls for more dog wardens to monitor restricted breeds on beaches

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:15:00 +0000

Sharon Tolan, Fine Gael Councillor in County Meath joined Sean on the show to discuss why she is calling for more dog wardens in the Meath area...

Most common CV mistakes

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Damien McCarthy, CEO of Founder of HR Buddy joined Sean on the show to discuss some of the most common mistakes people make when writing their CV and how to avoid them...

Introducing allergenic foods 'early in life could reduce the possibility of becoming allergic to peanuts'

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Is it safe to give your baby peanut products in the first few months of life? The general consensus has been no- but recent research published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology begs to differ. In fact, this advice may have increased allergies. Dr Juan Trujillo, a Consultant Paediatric Allergist in Cork University Hospital joined Sean to discuss…

'It's life changing!' - Henry McKean searches for a Lotto winner in Duleek

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:21:00 +0000

The National Lottery has confirmed last Saturday's €3.9 million jackpot-winning ticket was sold in Duleek, Co Meath, for the second time in 6 months. Henry McKean visited Duleek to find where the ticket was sold and try and locate the winner...

UK trophy hunting ban 'will end up killing far more animals than it saves'

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:27:00 +0000

The British government has voted to introduce a ban on trophy hunting after the overwhelming backing of many celebrities and controversial incidents such as the Cecil the Lion fiasco back in 2015. However, there are many on the other side of the argument who believe that this ban will actually have the opposite of the desired effect. Dr. Amy Dickman, Professor of Wildlife Conservation at Oxford University joined Sean to discuss...

Emergency phone alert system ‘could be more harm than good’ if used in wrong situation

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:15:00 +0000

In the United Kingdom, the have announced they are to introduce an emergency phone alert system. It will activate in danger to life situations such as severe weather. Sean was joined on the show by security analyst Declan Power to discuss how this will work and whether Ireland should implement one...

Running the London Marathon backwards

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Tom Harrison is currently in preparation to run the London Marathon in a couple of weeks. However unlike his other competitors, Tom plans to run the race backwards. Tom joined Sean on the show this afternoon to discuss...

News and a Natter: Sinead O'Carroll

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:55:00 +0000

Sinéad O’Carroll, Editor of TheJournal.ie joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

'You name a celebrity, they were there!' - Henry McKean on his time in LA

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:15:00 +0000

Henry McKean is just back from the Oscars, the glitz and glam. But what is it really like away from the red carpet? Henry McKean joins Sean in studio to look back on his time in LA…

'I ended up having so much fun!' - Exposing romance scams for enjoyment

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:50:00 +0000

After receiving dozens of direct messages from scammers, Becky Holmes from Warwickshire in the UK decided to play them at their own game. Her Twitter page, where she exposes romance fraudsters has over 100,000 followers and her new book on the subject - ‘Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You’ can be preordered now. Becky joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The danger of a detox diet

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow has faced a backlash after sharing her ‘wellness’ diet on podcast The Art Of Being Well. Sarah Keogh, Registered Dietician at Eatwell.ie joined Sean to discuss the dangers of a detox diet…

Those with Arts degrees are 'more able to move from one job or discipline to another'

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:55:00 +0000

“Arts degrees are vital to our AI future”, that’s according to Ed Conway- an economics and data editor with Sky News. But how can these humanities courses hold up against a world that is increasingly dependent on AI Technology? Ed Conway joined Sean to discuss...

'Plenty of good, bad and ugly pints wherever you go' - The Guinness Guru

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:35:00 +0000

This weekend is going to be a big weekend for Guinness drinkers. The Cheltenham Festival runs until Friday and it is expected that spectators will sink over 200,000 pints of Guinness there. And, of course, Friday is also St Patrick’s Day where around 13 million pints are expected to be sold worldwide. But, what is with our obsession with the Black Stuff? And what makes a good pint? Darragh Curran, The Guinness Guru, joined Sean to discuss…

How To...Start a Vegetable Garden

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:20:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to start a vegetable garden. Sean was joined by Michael Kelly, founder of GIY and author of 'The GIY Diaries' to discuss...

'I don't think I've felt as much fear in the community as I have lately' - Drag queen Veda

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:10:00 +0000

Irish drag artist Lavendar has spoken out about the abuse they received after accepting an award for CMAT at last week’s Music Choice Awards. They claim that they were met with a tidal wave of online abuse. Enda McGrattan, HIV activist, who performs as drag star Veda joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'Not much left for CDs' as vinyl's rise in popularity

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:12:00 +0000

The inflation in the cost of living is monitored by a “shopping basket” of goods – how much is a litre of milk, a box of tissues etc. Every now and then it’s updated to reflect the changes to everyday item, and one of the latest casualties to be removed is the humble CD. So how badly have CD sales plummeted? And are records replacing them? Neil Waters, the owner of Classified Records in Dundalk joined Sean to discuss...

Why do we fear clowns?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:05:00 +0000

Are you afraid of clowns? Does Pennywise the Clown from the movie IT fill you full of dread? You are not alone! A new study is looking to find out why clowns terrify us. Dr Philip John Tyson is an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of South Wales and he joined Sean to discuss…

Dyslexia: Employers encouraged to be flexible and make reasonable adjustments

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:50:00 +0000

‘People with dyslexia should not be forced to turn up to work on time’ - so claims a headline in the Daily Mail today. A security guard in the UK accused his bosses of discrimination after being fired for turning up late. He said his condition meant he was 'disorganised' and that he often misread his alarm clock in the morning. Donald Ewing is Head of policy with Dyslexia Ireland joined Sean to discuss…

Six asteroids that will 'maybe hit the earth' at the moment

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:45:00 +0000

There are a number of asteroids, varying in size, that may or may not hit Earth over the next few centuries. But how likely is it that they could hit us and when was the last time one actually hit Ireland? Sean was joined by Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government's science awareness programme...

'A good single life can be as happy!' - Why is there stigma around single people?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Why do we have this notion that single people cannot simply be as happy as those in couples? Is your existence only truly validated when you find that other person? Liadán Hynes has been writing about this for the Irish independent and she joined Sean to discuss...

Are more people searching for their dream job?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

A new survey in the UK has found more than half of employees don't think they will ever be in their dream jobs. It comes as Aldi is looking for a Chief Easter Egg Tasting officer, which some people may view as the dream job. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been out and about asking people about their best, worst and dream jobs.

Hopes for ‘more access to more public beaches’ for naturist community

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:55:00 +0000

Women will soon be allowed to swim topless in Berlin's public pools, after a ruling by the city's authorities. It comes after a woman who was thrown out of an open-air pool for sunbathing topless took legal action. A second woman said she was told to cover up while at an indoor pool in December. Authorities agreed they had been victims of discrimination and said that all visitors to Berlin's pools were now entitled to go topless. Kate Turner is a naturist and a member of the Irish Naturist Association and she joined Sean to discuss...

China has no 'military or economic reliance' on Russia

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:32:00 +0000

Xi Jinping has officially been handed a norm-busting third term as China's president, solidifying his legacy as one of the nation's most powerful leaders in generations. Kiri Paramore, Professor of Asian Studies at UCC joined Sean to discuss what the future holds for China...

'Here is a man who's really done nothing wrong' - Calls to reinstate Fr Tony Flannery

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:10:00 +0000

Father Tony Flannery is a popular redemptorist writer. Back in 2012 he was pulled from ministry by the Vatican and his religious congregation over his support for women priests, optional clerical celibacy and his questioning of the church’s LGBT+ teachings. The Association of Catholic Priests is calling on the banishment to be lifted. Fr Brendan Hoban joined Sean on the show to discuss…

News and A Natter: Saoirse Hanley

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with the Irish Independent joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

'A symbol of hopes and dreams' - Henry visits The Hollywood Sign

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:50:00 +0000

The Hollywood Sign is celebrating 100 years. The Hollywood Sign Trust maintains it for its cultural and historical importance for LA. Henry McKean met with Jeff Zarrinnam and Diana Wright from the Hollywood Sign Trust, on his visit to the historic sign... With thanks to Aer Lingus flying the Irish Stars to Hollywood.

WWE apply to legalise gambling on scripted wrestling matches

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:41:00 +0000

World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE, as they are known, are in talks with state gambling regulators in the US in an attempt to legalise betting on professional wrestling results. WWE aims to have major sports gambling companies offer bets on high-profile matches which, of course, in the world of professional wrestling are scripted and pre-determined. Off the Ball’s Will O’Callaghan joined Sean to discuss…

'Unlawful religious discrimnation' against atheist who applied to be chaplain of Defence Forces, WRC finds

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:35:00 +0000

The Workplace Relations Commission has found that John Hamill, who made an application to be a chaplain but was rejected by the Defence Forces had been discriminated against on religious grounds. John Hamill joined Sean on the show to discuss…

Preparing for a cold snap

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:10:00 +0000

With weather warnings left, right and centre is Ireland ever ready to handle the snow? Should we be looking at developing systems if extreme weather is set to become the norm? Journalist with Country Living and the Irish Farmer’s journal, Janine Kennedy grew up in Nova Scotia but now lives in Tipperary, she joined Sean on the show to discuss how to handle the snow...

Are restaurant standards slipping?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Ever found a fly in your soup? A hair in your sandwhich or a nail in your pudding? Well, then you may not be the only one. 9 cafes and restaurants were forced to close last month for not keeping up with food safety and hygiene standards. Sarah Madden reports.

Why do people love grey cars?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why it seems like almost all of the cars on the roads these days are grey? Grey is Ireland’s most popular car colour for the 7th year running. Writer and editor Craig Thomas has been looking into why this colour is so popular and he joined Sean on the show to discuss…

Brides being encouraged to make 'once in a lifetime' speech at their wedding

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:30:00 +0000

The days of speeches at weddings being the sole responsibility of men – the groom, father and best man – are over. Now, brides, mothers and maids of honour are taking the microphone on the big day. Heidi Ellert-McDermott, a wedding speech expert & Author of The Modern Couple’s Guide To Wedding Speeches joined Sean on the show to discuss…

Irish filmmaker in Ukraine motivated by stories that otherwise 'would never be told'

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:10:00 +0000

Finn Boylan is an Irish documentary filmmaker who spent 5 months in Ukraine last year making a documentary about the Irish involvement in the war. He plans to return to complete the documentary soon and joined Sean on the show to discuss... Image: Finn House Films

Hypnosis for staying committed to the gym

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Have you ever joined a gym and then never went? Have you commitment issues? Hannah Apperley, Holistic Hypnotherapist, runs commitment therapy classes that hypnotises you and helps you to be more committed to going to the gym instead of being a quitter and she joined Sean on the show...

Referendum on removing 'women in the home' reference from Constitution set for November

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:10:00 +0000

The Government has confirmed a referendum on gender equality will be held later this year. Proposals for constitutional amendments are to be published by the end of June, with the referendum due to take place in November. The recommended amendments to Articles 40 and 41 of the Constitution included the women "within the home" reference be deleted and replaced. It was also recommended that the Constitution, which has been in place since 1937, should refer explicitly to gender equality and non-discrimination. Dr Conor O’Mahony, Professor of Constitutional Law, at University College Cork joined Sean to discuss…

How To...Floor your home

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:03:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to invest. Sean was joined in studio by Fintan Farrelly, stone and wood expert from Tile Style to discuss…

Are the days of great sitcoms over?

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:10:00 +0000

We are said to be in the golden era of television. However, not everyone is happy. Rory Cashin Entertainment Editor with Joe.ie says 'we might never get another great sitcom’ and joined Sean to discuss why...

Are younger generations worse off than their parents?

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Last week Holly Cairns made her opening address as the new leader of the Social Democrats. During Leaders’ Questions she made the claim that she comes from the first generation that will be worse off than its parents. But is that actually the case? Dr Ciaran Casey, Irish economic historian at the University of Limerick joined Sean to discuss…

The man who visited Disneyland for 2,995 days in a row

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:22:00 +0000

Have you ever visited Disneyland? Did you enjoy it? Jeff Reitz visited the theme park on a whopping consecutive 2,995 days. That is over 8 years – and he didn’t miss a single day. Jeff joined Sean on the show to discuss…

‘Prices are only going to go up!’ - Henry asks if people can afford holidays abroad

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:05:00 +0000

According to a new survey the average holiday per person is €2,800 for a foreign holiday. With higher costs with airline capacity remaining tight 2 years after Covid restrictions. Henry McKean joined Sean to see if Irish people are affording a holiday with the cost of living crisis…

TD calls for clarification on how unclaimed Lotto prize money is spent

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:05:00 +0000

There are people in Ireland winning large amounts of money in the lotto. However, not everyone claims their prize. One online ticket winner in Limerick is sitting on over €5.5 million of unclaimed cash. Fine Gael TD, Bernard Durkin joined Sean to discuss where that money goes if left unclaimed, and if the Lotto are doing enough to be transparent with unclaimed winnings…

ChatGPT writes a play

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:38:00 +0000

An audience are being asked to take part in an experiment in the Civic Theatre this Thursday. They will help write a play for the actors on stage, through the use of A.I. Niall Austin, writer and technologist behind the experiment joined Sean to explain...

Coffee farmers in Kenya facing 'significant challenges' due to drought

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:15:00 +0000

With the rising temperatures and natural disasters caused by climate change, is there a threat that will see coffee and other commodities disappear? Sean was joined by Peter Gaynor, executive director of Fairtrade Ireland to discuss...

The History of The Tricolour

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:02:00 +0000

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in Waterford yesterday to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish flag. On the 7th of March 1848, Thomas Francis Meagher flew a Tricolour flag at the Wolf Tone Club in Waterford City, where it flew continuously for eight days and nights before being removed by the authorities. Lorcan Collins of 1916 Walking Tours and host of the Revolutionary Ireland Podcast joined Sean to discuss...

Movies and Booze: LIVE from Limerick Strand Hotel

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:30:00 +0000

Sean was joined for Movies and Booze by Rachael Ryan, Leslie Williams & Brian Lloyd with thanks to Marks and Spencer. Today’s drinks are listed below: Conte Prulli Rosé Prosecco €12.66 Gold Label Sauvignon Blanc €8 Facon Grabado Malbec €15

The Sarsfield Homecoming Project

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:05:00 +0000

Where is Patrick Sarsfield, the first Earl of Lucan buried? One professor believes he has identified the mystery burial site in Belgium. Dr Loïc Guyon, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of French Studies at Mary Immaculate College spoke to Sean

Limerick now featured on popular game Minecraft

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 16:40:00 +0000

Back in 2020, Mateusz Bartnik decided that the Treaty county should claim its rightful place in the wonderful world of MineCraft and set up Build the Earth Ireland. Sean spoke to Mateusz live from Limerick Strand Hotel

"All you need is a good pair of shoulders"-Celia Holman Lee on what it takes to be a model

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Celia Holman Lee, apart from being a proud Limerick woman, is a highly regarded fashion commentator, stylist, television presenter and is founder the longest running modelling agency in Ireland. She continues to keep her finger on the pulse of the fashion industry worldwide and works right across the country of Ireland, empowering aspiring models as they embark on their careers. Celia spoke to Sean live from Limerick Strand Hotel.

The Science of Extracting Flavour

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:05:00 +0000

Nature, it has been said, invites us to eat by appetite and rewards by flavor. But what exactly are flavours? Why are some so pleasing while others are not? Nowadays, there are advancements in technology that makes extracting flavours easier than ever before. Roisin Burke, Senior Lecturer in Culinary Science and Food Product Development at TU Dublin joined Sean to discuss the science of flavour and how flavours are extracted…

'I couldn't have been welcomed more' - Denise Calnan on life in Ballyfermot

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:45:00 +0000

People were shocked to hear about the attacks on Gardai that took place in Ballyfermot a couple of weeks ago. No one was more outraged than active community members from the area who work tirelessly to rid themselves of negative stereotypes and make the area a pleasant place to live, work and socialise. Denise Calnan, News Editor and The Indo Daily Podcast Host at the Irish Independent is a resident of Ballyfermot and she joined Sean on the show to discuss… Image: Google Maps

'It would be pretty sad!' - Henry McKean asks what the world would be like without cats?

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Former UK Health Minister Matt Hancock considered exterminating cats early in the Covid crisis, 3 years ago, because a female Siamese became the first known animal in the UK to catch the disease. Newstalk's Henry McKean went to find out could we live in a world without cats?

Jon Snow: 'Absurd' Brexit decision doesn't define Britain

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:35:00 +0000

Former Channel 4 News presenter, Jon Snow joined Sean on the show today to discuss his new book 'The State of Us'...

How germy is your spice rack?

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:10:00 +0000

It may be time you gave your spice rack some side eye as a new study has found that they could be the germiest part of your kitchen. When did you last clean down your spice jars even though you might have picked them up straight after handling raw meat? To find out just how germy they are and if we should be worried, Sean was joined by Anna Burns, microbiologist and nutritional scientist…

'I could see fat on my body that wasn't there' - Sheila Naughton on her battle with an eating disorder

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:20:00 +0000

Five years ago, Sheila Naughton was at her lowest ever with anorexia. Now, she is the Head of News for Tipp FM and a young woman involved in strength training. She’s been sharing her story of recovery as part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week and joined Sean to discuss… Image: Sheila Naughton

What is skijoring?

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:21:00 +0000

You’ve heard of skiing and equestrian riding but what do you call it when the two are put together? Sean was joined by Susan Oakes, part of Team Ireland skijoring.

How To...Become an Investor

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:20:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to invest. Sean was joined in studio by Paul Sommerville from Sommerville Advisory Markets to discuss…

‘I love being a ginger!’ - Gary Gannon TD heckled about his hair colour

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:18:00 +0000

Being heckled by the public is a common experience for politicians but usually it’s over public services, poor roads and raised taxes. However on Tuesday, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon was walking towards the plinth at Leinster House when a primary school child shouted “Ginger!” at him. Gary joined Sean on the show to discuss today…

One man's attempt to visit every Irish island

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:10:00 +0000

One man's obsession with visiting every one of Ireland’s islands began a decade ago and has only intensified with time. A journey which led him to discovering one of Ireland’s least-known but most picturesque islands. Sub-Editor at the Irish Examiner and Outdoor Columnist, Dan MacCarthy joined Sean to discuss his quest...

'Always in your birthday suit!' - Henry looks into your sleeping habits

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:45:00 +0000

National Public Sleeping Day is celebrated today on February 28 of every year. National Public Sleeping Day encourages people to sleep in public places like parks, beaches, cinemas or sleep during travelling on public transport like a train, bus, or even at the desk in the office. Henry McKean has been looking at your sleeping patterns...

Bringing 'Cocaine Bear' to Life

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:45:00 +0000

We all know the story, bear finds cocaine, eats said cocaine and goes on a drug fueled rampage around the forest, it's the plot to the new Hollywood movie Cocaine Bear, some of which was filmed in Wicklow. But what does it take to bring the bear to life? Barra O’Connor, Data IO coordinator at Windmill Lane and one of the bears in Cocaine Bear joined Sean to discuss... Image: Barra O'Connor

The art of film projection

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:35:00 +0000

When you go to see a film in the cinema nowadays you may not think too much about how the film’s picture and sound are arranged, but in a dwindling number of cinemas around the country this is the responsibility of the projectionist. Sean was joined by Paul Markey, Projectionist at the IFI to discuss…

The World's Most Expensive Book

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 11:05:00 +0000

The oldest, most complete version of Hebrew Bible made around the year 900 has gone up for auction. Sharon Mintz, senior consultant of Hebrew scripts and manuscripts in the book department of Sothebey’s New York joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Serial fraudster 'GPO Girl' occupied 'at least thirty-five' other personas

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:55:00 +0000

10 years ago a woman turned up on O'Connell Street in Dublin and it turned into a case that baffled the Gardaí. The extraordinary story of Samantha Azzopardi, or ‘GPO Girl’ as she became known in the Irish media, is now the subject of a new documentary series on the streaming service Paramount +. Sean was joined by Andrew Farrell, Executive Producer of ‘Con Girl’ to discuss...

One man's search for his family treasure

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:37:00 +0000

Jan Glazewski was born and raised in South Africa, but was regularly told stories about his grandfather’s estate close to Lviv. Prior to World War Two that was Polish territory, but after the war and the erection of the Iron Curtain, it reverted to being part of Ukraine. According to Jan’s father, the family silver was still buried there and eventually Jan set out to find out… Sean was joined by Jan Glazewski, retired professor of Environmental law at the University of Cape Town and author of the memoir ‘Blood and Silver’ to find out more...

Why is the Earth’s spinning inner core slowing down?

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

A recent study has discovered that the spinning rate of the Earth’s inner core has slowed down and may even have stopped altogether. But why is this happening and should we be worried? Sean was joined by Aline Melo, Geophysicist in UCD’s School of Earth Sciences to discuss…

Muhammad the most popular name for boys born in Galway City last year

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 14:55:00 +0000

The most popular baby names in 2022 were Jack and Emily.But when you look at the county by county breakdown, there’s one that stands out: Muhammad was the most popular boys name in Galway City. So just how fast is the Muslim population growing in Galway? Sean was joined by Ibrahim Noonan, Imam of Galway Mosque and the first ever Irish Imam, to discuss...

News and A Natter: Johnny Fallon

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Johnny Fallon, Strategy Director with Carr Communications joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

A musical comedy on the Irish housing crisis

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:40:00 +0000

People express their frustrations with the current housing crisis in different ways but an artist collective has been inspired to use their experiences of the crisis to stage a musical comedy, entitled Fusion Murga which is being performed tomorrow in Dublin as part of the Seen + Heard Festival. Sean was joined by one of the creators of the show Ro Cruañas...

The Pet Detective

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:40:00 +0000

He’s called Ace Ventura, Sherlock Bones and many other names but Rob Kenny has spent the last 16 years as a Pet Detective. He works between Ireland and London, but also travels the world helping people find their missing cats, dogs and even horses…

Raising your baby on a vegan diet

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Caroline O’Connor, registered paediatric dietitian, lactation consultant, mum of four and founder of Solid Start joined Sean to discuss the challenges and benefits of raising your baby on a vegan diet...

Normalising onscreen periods 'a hugely refreshing thing to see'

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:20:00 +0000

It’s been a long time coming but finally, the end of the world now features periods. In the most recent episode of The Last of Us, Ellie is given a moon cup to help with her monthly cycle. Why is this so important? Saoirse Hanley answered this question in her column for the Irish independent and she joined Sean to discuss…

The History of Tetris

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Tetris the movie is due to be released on Apple TV on the 31st of March. The highly-addictive yet simple game has a not-so-simple backstory. Dan Ackerman, Veteran tech reporter, game designer and author of The Tetris Effect joined Sean to fill us in...

As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern & The Good Friday Agreement

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

'As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern & the Good Friday Agreement' is a new podcast that tells the story of the Good Friday Agreement as told by those who negotiated it and marks the first time all those involved have reunited to reflect on the negotiations in 25 years. Head to newstalk.com/goodfridayagreement.

Outside In: The empty streets of NYC during the pandemic

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:40:00 +0000

An Irish filmmaker living in New York took to the streets during the first Covid Lockdowns and documented the whole thing. All on his iPhone! With his work being added to the New York Historical Society’s digital collection, he pieced together the footage and developed a documentary called Outside In. Sean was joined by award-winning filmmaker, Mark O’Toole... Image: Outside In Documentary outsideindoc.com

64 Years of Women in An Garda Síochána

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

64 years ago, the first ever women recruits entered An Garda Síochána. A new book traces this history and is entitled 'The Women of An Garda Síochána: a Reflection on their Journeys in Irish Policing.' Sean was joined by Chief Superintendent Margaret Nugent, Chairperson of the An Garda Síochána Women’s Network and Ciara Ahern, Deputy Press Officer with the force...

'Not burnt, horizontally, nice bit of butter!' - Henry finds out how people like their toast

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

An age old argument amongst us is which is the right way to cut toast? Are you triangle, horizontal or across? Or do you just eat it whole? Henry McKean, our toast correspondent, took on this massive task to uncover the truth...

The impact of Brexit on Irish fishermen

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:25:00 +0000

The fishing community in Castletownbere are speaking up about how unfair the Brexit deal was to Ireland. Managing Director of Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-op, John Nolan joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Effects of Conversion Therapy

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:10:00 +0000

A new report conducted by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin details the harrowing experiences of people in Ireland exposed to Conversion Therapy. The Government has moved a step closer to banning the practise after this damning report. Sean was joined by Brian Keogh, Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Midwifery…

Senator Marie Sherlock: Not enough being done to tackle dereliction in Dublin

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Boarded up windows, rusted railings, and overgrown gardens – many towns in Ireland are blighted with dereliction. So you might be surprised to see a shop window highlighting just that. Fibs Estates is a spoof estate agency that’s posted photos and information about the abandoned buildings on a shop front in Phibsboro on the boundary of Dublin city. Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock is a resident and she joined Sean to discuss why she is supporting the campaign... Image: Twitter @crossgunscampa1

The link between small penises and fast cars

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:37:00 +0000

Across the world, humans compete for status. Status can elevate us in our career, can win us a partner or can compensate for other things in our lives that maybe we aren’t very happy with. A new study has found evidence linking flashy sports cars to small penis size in men. Authors of this research, Professor Daniel Richardson, Department of Experimental Psychology at University College London as well as Chuck Thompson, journalist and author of The Status Revolution joined Sean to discuss…

How To...Home School

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to home school your children. Sean was joined in studio by Catherine Monahan, Contact Officer of Home Education Network to discuss...

The Mummy Tuck

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:16:00 +0000

Many women choose to begin an exercise regime after giving birth but more and more mothers are instead choosing to undertake abdominoplasty, the so-called ‘mummy tuck’. Sean was joined by Dr. Siun Murphy, Consultant plastic surgeon at the Blackrock Clinic to discuss...

Are women women's problem in the workplace?

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:50:00 +0000

The Workplace Bullying Institute came out with some damning research recently on inter-female relationships and behavior in the workplace. Our reporter Sarah Madden has been hearing the stories behind the stats, and she sent us this report.

Phobic? Me?

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:55:00 +0000

Sponges, mice and bubbles - harmless to some, terrifying to others. Sarah Madden has been exploring modern phobias, the tech that's squashing them and the Irish spreading them, and she sent us this report.

Is Hollywood about to get a lot less sexy?

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:06:00 +0000

The actor Penn Badgley is making headlines for requesting fewer sex scenes in the hit Netflix series, You for the sake of his marriage. So, is on screen intimacy on the way out, and how are our own actors navigating these waters? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Practical Love vs Romantic Love

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:06:00 +0000

How do you find lasting love in today's world? We’re inundated with the idea of romantic love through the movies we watch and the music we listen to but should we be taking a more practical approach to finding a life partner? English actress Emma Thompson thinks we should. Promoting her new movie, ‘What’s love got to do with it?’, she branded romantic love as a ‘myth’. Clinical Psychotherapist, Stephanie Regan joined Seán to discuss…

Man cured of HIV in Germany after bone marrow transplant

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:05:00 +0000

A person in Germany has been cured of HIV, that’s according to a study published in the Nature Medicine Journal this week. He is the 3rd person to be reported as medically cured of the disease in recent years. Seán was joined by Professor Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland to discuss…

Stand-up comedy 'has a great future' in Ukraine

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:45:00 +0000

It might seem odd in the midst of a war, people feel the need to laugh. However, it is very apparent in Ukraine. It has become a sort of coping mechanism and a way to metabolize fear with black humour. There are now regular comedy gigs taking place in Ukraine. One of the more popular places where these gigs take place is the House of Actor and during Sean's visit to Kyiv last week, he attended a comedy gig here... For more on Sean’s week in Kyiv, go to newstalk.com/moncrieffinukraine

Artefact discovered 'might be' first Roman sex toy

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:25:00 +0000

New analysis of an ancient Roman artefact has established that it is probably a sex toy or a pestle or perhaps even both. Sean was joined by Rob Collins, Senior Lecturer in Archeology at Newcastle University to discuss... Image: Vindolanda Trust

'He's given us all hope!' - Henry visits Barry Keoghan's local area

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:02:00 +0000

After winning a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in The Banshees of Inisherin, Dublin’s North Inner City is beaming with pride for their native son, Barry Keoghan. Henry McKean visited the area and spoke to old friends, teachers and the community…

First printed edition of Shakespeare’s plays celebrate 400th anniversary

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 11:40:00 +0000

The works of Shakespeare has been translated into all of the major languages in the world, is studied in schools and universities globally, and to this day is considered by many as the greatest writer of all time. His influence on literature has prevailed and this year copies of the first printed edition of William Shakespeare’s plays will go on display in Scotland to mark 400 years since it was first published. Professor Adrian Streete, Head of English Literature at Glasgow University joined Sean to discuss...

Increase in hair loss 'in women and men' in recent years

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:55:00 +0000

Being bald and losing your hair is a very traumatic thing to happen but female baldness, while common is rarely spoken about. Why do women lose their hair and start becoming bald? Sean was joined by Claire Fullam, trichologist and owner of Trua Hair to discuss...

'Perfection is overrated' - Dublin band Inhaler launch second album

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:40:00 +0000

2023 will see the band Inhaler support Arctic Monkeys on a full European tour and play alongside Harry Styles at Slane Castle. Their first album “It Won't Always Be Like This” was praised globally and their second album Cuts & Bruises, launched on February 17. Sean was joined in studio by the band to discuss their latest release, the future of their music and what their parents do for work... Image: Inhaler

‘Goodbye litter forever!’ - Training your cat to use the toilet

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:31:00 +0000

Would you share your toilet with your cat? Pete Wedderburn is a practicing small animal vet and a well-known journalist writing and broadcasting about animal welfare and behaviour and pet health. He joined Sean now to discuss potty training for your feline friends…

Irish weather balloons released 'twice a day' in Kerry

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Weather balloons have suddenly come into the news over the past few weeks as authorities in the US have shot a number down due to fears that they were being used for nefarious purposes. But does Ireland have our own weather balloons and what do they actually do? Sarah Gallagher, Head of Observations at Met Eireann joined Sean on the show to discuss…

'A growing sense of anxiety' in Kyiv ahead of anniversary of Russian invasion

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Sean Moncrieff spent the last week in Kyiv in Ukraine talking to locals ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. Today, Seán reflected on his time in Kyiv and we heard from a woman that he met who had her home destroyed. Throughout this week on Moncrieff, Seán will be playing out interviews and reports from his time in Ukraine. For more on Sean’s week in Kyiv, go to newstalk.com/moncrieffinukraine

The 90s bar in Dublin providing 'nostalgia fueled fun'

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:45:00 +0000

The 90’s were a simpler time when everyone wasn't glued to a screen and hooked on social media. The more modern tech dominates the culture, the more there is a collective longing for the iconic decade that brought us the Spice Girls, The Sega Mega Drive and the Tamagotchi. Jackie’s Bar in Dublin is your 90s dream come true and co-owner of the bar, Cian Toner joined Jarlath Regan to tell him more...

Becoming a Human Candle

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

The concept of expressing yourself through art is not a new concept. Many of us will express their feelings through the clothes they wear, others by the car they drive but self-portrait artist, Michael Aaron Ulmer takes this to a whole new level. Michael transforms himself into various objects depending on how he feels. This month he warped into a human candle and he told Jarlath Regan all about it… Image: Instagram @michaelulmer

Scheduling sex 'is just as hot' as spontaneous sex

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

If you believe the movies, the most satisfying sex is completely spontaneous and unplanned but a new study suggests that might not be the case. Introducing scheduled sex whereby couples pencil in lovemaking like a visit to the dentist or a trip to the salon, could be the way forward. Jarlath Regan was joined on the show by co-author of this study, Katarina Kovacevic-Registered psychotherapist and owner of Kat Kova Therapy…

Cinema reinforcing societal stereotypes for women

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 16:16:00 +0000

Stereotypes reinforced by cinema may be contributing to a lack of women in tech. That’s according to a new study commissioned by the University of Cambridge which looks at the lack of female representation in movies centred around AI. Tom Dunne was joined by the co-author of the “Who makes AI” study, Dr Eleanor Drage...

Sir Rod Stewart’s first studio recording to be sold at auction

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:40:00 +0000

A first studio recording by Rod Stewart is being auctioned off. Who will be the lucky fan to buy it? Tom Dunne was joined by Martin Millard, director at Cheffins Auctioneers...

Irish ice skaters 'train at home in our runners' due to lack of facilites

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:24:00 +0000

Ireland wouldn’t be top of the list for countries that get much snow and ice but despite that, we do have an ice skating team which consists of Laura & Kevin Hegarty. The teenagers represent Ireland all over the world in international competitions all over the world but because Ireland has no purpose built facility, the duo are forced to train off ice, in their runners. Laura and Kevin joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss…

Midlife is 'a perception based on false premise, that may be driven by media'

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:05:00 +0000

40 used to be the benchmark for midlife. But as we live longer, we seem to look and act younger. For example, the cast of “And Just Like That”, the reboot of Sex and the City were the same age as the Golden Girls cast. Is midlife even a thing anymore? Tom Dunne was joined by Regius Professor, Rose Anne Kenny, author of ‘’Age Proof’’ and Head of the ageing research programme at Trinity College Dublin to discuss… 

'Rust' prop-gun accident 'quite a shock' to professional armourers

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:40:00 +0000

It has been announced that the beleaguered movie Rust is to restart filming after it was suspended over a year ago when the cinematographer Halyna Hutchens was fatally shot on set. Tom Dunne was joined by professional armourer, Tommy Dunne, who was the weapons master on Game of Thrones, to discuss this and to look at the firearm protocols in place on film sets is...

Spy novelist who worked for the Home Office in the UK

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:58:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what a spy looks like? When I say the word “spy”, does your imagination conjure up a picture of a man, or a woman? Long thought to be the domain of men, spy thrillers are beginning to see more female authors tackle the genre, and represent female spy characters. Ava Glass, former counter terrorism expert and author of new novel, ‘The Chase’ joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss her latest work and what inspired it…

'A deadly dish, with a fatal impact' - Exploitation of frog populations internationally

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Frogs legs are a delicacy in many countries but what effect is this having on the species? Are we starting to wreck another part of our ecosystem? Tom Dunne was joined by Dr Sandra Altherr, biologist and co-founder of Pro-Wildlife Germany to discuss…

How To...Trace your Genealogy

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:05:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to trace your genealogy. Tom Dunne was joined in studio by Padraig Hogan, Senior Genealogist with Erin Research to discuss...

Air quality 'probably already priced in' to house prices in Dublin

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Dublin City air quality has never been the best. Though we know it was bad, today we find just how bad it is with the results of the City Council’s Smart Dublin programme. Thanks to this programme, we now have a clear map that shows the levels of air quality across the city in a very clear way. Tom Dunne was joined by Michael Pigeon, Green Party councillor for Dublin City to discuss…

Cork town saves 250-year-old tree from the chop

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:15:00 +0000

Each year we lose more and more of our ancient wildlife and now an ancient beech tree in Kinsale that was planned to be cut down, has halted. Tom Dunne was joined by Marc O Riain, local Green Party representative of Bandon and Kinsale to discuss...

The finer world of chocolate

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:11:00 +0000

Wine is often seen as the finer things in life and held to a high standard with endless respect. Is it time to give chocolate the same treatment? Shobitha Ramadasanm, a chocolate sommelier has taken a leap, leaving her career as a lawyer to follow her chocolate passion and she joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss...

TedFest 'is about recreating the Craggy Island dream'

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:42:00 +0000

The Annual TedFest, which celebrates all things Father Ted, takes place from March 2nd this year. Apart from the usual events such as the Lovely Girls Competition and the Priests Vs Nuns soccer match, this year will see the festival hosting its first funeral, celebrating the life of one of the festival’s most enthusiastic contributors, Belfast musician Norman Coates. Tom Dunne was joined by Peter Philips, Founder of TedFest to discuss...

'He didn't know I existed!' - Henry asks who was your first crush?

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

It's Valentine's Day, but who was your first Valentine's crush and is it still standard procedure to give a card to the one you dote on? Newstalk's Henry McKean went to the love capital of the world, Cork City to find out...

Mattress Mick The Musical on the hunt for star to play the lead role

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 14:55:00 +0000

'Mattress Mick the Musical' is coming to Dublin this Spring, and they are on the hunt for the next biggest star! That’s right, the unsuspecting sensation is having a musical about his life coming to the stage. Tom Dunne was joined by writer and director Josephine McCaffrey and the main man himself, Mattress Mick… Image: Twitter @mattressmick

'Say nothing!' - Asking mothers if they'll have more children

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:45:00 +0000

The question of family expansion is one everybody has an opinion on. Although we’ve moved on from the “when are you having a baby” question, many mothers are still bombarded with the less taboo question of, “when are you having another?” Concern around your first born being an only child becomes a bizarre, misplaced preoccupation for the people around us — pushy relatives, insistent friends, and random weirdos alike. Author, podcaster and mum of one, Caroline Foran joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss…

What objects are flying over the US and Canada?

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:22:00 +0000

The US military has shot down another flying unmanned object over Lake Huron in Michigan on Sunday, a fourth such incident this month. Eamon Ansbro, an astronomer who works with the European Space Agency joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss...

Love & Money: The finance of romance

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Tomorrow is indeed Valentine’s Day so we can expect all the usual column inches devoted to love and dating but there is one area of all this which tends to make people awkward, money. Finance expert Paul Merriman is co-host of the Two Pauls in a Pod, a financial advice podcast, and he has been exploring the relationship between money and romance…

News and A Natter: Jen Hogan

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:52:00 +0000

Jen Hogan, journalist with The Irish Times joined Tom Dunne on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

Man reuniting people with their old photos 'honoured to be able to preserve them'

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

It's not uncommon for us to lose old photos or home videos in our lives but do you ever wonder if you’d get them back? Sean was joined by David Gutenmacher, from Museum of Lost Memories on Instagram, whose goal is to return lost photos and items to their owners...

Barber sets up sensory room for children with additional needs

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Anyone who has ever brought their child to the hairdressers will understand just how challenging it can be. Maggie Radecka is a hairdresser that realised something needed to change in how we approach children’s barbering and decided to set up a specialist sensory room in her shop. Maggie runs Fun & Cut in Inchicore and she joined Sean on the show today...

The Rules of Book Club

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Usually when it comes to book clubs, we often stray off the rules for what it is intended for, talking about books. It becomes more about wine and chats than the book. Should there be set rules to get everyone on the same page? Journalist and author Liadán Hynes is a member of three book clubs and joined Sean to discuss…

The history of the Lia Fáil stone

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:01:00 +0000

There has been much debate as to whether the Lia Fáil on the Hill of Tara is the real one at all. After it being vandalised with the word “fake” spray painted on it, we question the legitimacy of the stone. Sean was joined by Anthony Murphy, author and founder of Mythical Ireland to discuss...

Why do we not have enough dentists in Ireland?

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:05:00 +0000

The history of dentistry in Ireland closely aligns with the fledgling Free State 100 years ago. But how do the decisions of the past regarding dental care affect the current issues facing the sector today? Sean was joined by Fintan Hourihan, Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association...

Duncan Stewart: ‘Our young people are facing into a crisis situation’

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

RTÉ has announced that its ground-breaking programme 'Eco Eye' is coming to an end after over 2 decades. Sean was joined by broadcaster and architect Duncan Stewart, who hosted the show for a long time, to discuss how the media’s handling of the climate crisis has been transformed over the past 20 years... Image: Twitter @DuncanStewart4

'A Dáil of somewhere in the region of the mid 250s' possible in the future

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:15:00 +0000

As our population continues to rise, so does our demand for government representation. It is estimated that Ireland could have 250 TDs by 2050 with the next Dáil being the largest ever because of a significant spike in population over the last five years. Sean was joined by Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University…

'We still have one!' - Henry looks at the death of the landline

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 14:59:00 +0000

Do you still have a landline in your house and if so is it because you have it for the internet? According to figures we have seen fixed lines continue to drop. Do you miss the old landline and do you even know how to use them? Henry McKean has been investigating for us, and he even brought one into studio…

'Ireland should not be overlooked' for compensation for famine atrocities

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:49:00 +0000

There has been a growing rise in countries requesting compensation from times of colonization like the compensation of £100,000 by the Trevelyan family and the acknowledgement of their role in the slave trade. With a tweet sent by Katherine Mezzacappa questioning if there will be “any word” on famine reparations, we ask should the same recognition be put on the atrocities that took place during the famine? Sean was joined by Katherine Mezzacappa, historical novelist, originally from Carrickfergus and publishing under the name of Katie Hutton…

Valentine's Day Axe Throwing

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:48:00 +0000

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, Matt Levell, owner of the Irish Axe Throwing Club joined Sean to discuss an alternative type of date this February 14th...

Are We Dating the Same Guy?

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Usually when you're looking for love, you use dating apps or go outside and mingle. You don't really use a system of rate and review to find the best match for you. Well, a Facebook group, ‘Are We Dating the Same Guy?’, has taken this concept and expanded it into something larger. Sean was joined by Olivia Petter, journalist and author of Millennial Love to discuss…

How To...Have a Home Birth

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:05:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to have a home birth. Sean was joined in studio by Ali Murphy, a self employed Community Midwife to discuss...

'God transcends gender' - Fr Paddy Byrne

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:50:00 +0000

What gender is God? Jesus Christ was born a man, but does the same apply to the other two parts of the holy trinity. Shouldn't a God transcend such human restricted definitions. In the Church of England, they're actively considering making references to God the Father gender neutral. Could such an idea spread to other Christian denominations? Fr Paddy Byrne, parish priest of Abbeyleix, Ballinakill and Raheen in Co Laois joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'Huge increase' in the number of satellites orbiting the world

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:15:00 +0000

Increasingly, if you look up at the night sky, what you're seeing isn't a star but a something manmade. Since 2019, the amount of satellites orbiting our world has increased four fold, and in the coming years up to 400,000 of them could be in orbit. Antonio Martin Carrillo, Assistant Professor in the School of Physics at UCD joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Henry visits Maynooth University's new Short Story Dispenser

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:10:00 +0000

At Maynooth University Library a new machine can been seen in reception called a 'Short Story Dispenser'. It spits out poetry, short stories and graphics on receipt paper. They last one, three or five mins. Some fun, some serious. The machine was developed in France by Short Editions and is slowly going global at hotels, airports and libraries. Henry McKean spoke with a short story writer and visited Maynooth University and met the students trying out the machine with the librarians...

Cashless payments 'just the way the world is going'

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:05:00 +0000

Have you noticed lately that some businesses are only offering one method of payment – either cash only or cardless. What are the laws around this? If you have legal tender in your hand, does a business have to accept it? Conor Pope, consumer affairs correspondent with the Irish Times joined Sean to discuss..

Bret Easton Ellis: 'Music is the wallpaper and soundtrack to your life'

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:49:00 +0000

Bret Easton Ellis has written 9 books but his newest novel The Shards is his first in 13 years. Best known to many as the author of American Psycho, he joined Sean on the show to discuss his latest release...

Syrian woman donating earnings of breast milk soap to charities

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:27:00 +0000

One might be surprised about the benefits that breast milk soap can have for someone’s skin and health. Sean was joined by Reham Ghafarji, a Syrian entrepreneur who is donating 15% of her profits of soap to homeless charities in Ireland..

Work spouses are 'good as long as it doesn't go over boundaries'

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Nearly three quarters of people have a ‘work wife’ or ‘work husband’, with the vast majority claiming that it helps with their mental health in their jobs, a new survey commissioned by doughnut firm Krispy Kreme reveals. According to the survey, 73% of people have a work spouse, with one in three admitting that they are more likely to confide in them than their actual partner. Sean was joined by Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director Futurewise to discuss...

Protocols around determination of death in Ireland 'are very good'

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:07:00 +0000

In the space of just 4 weeks, two people who were pronounced dead in the United States were subsequently found to be still alive. It begs the question as to how on earth such a mistake could be made and how exactly a diagnosis of death is made. Sean was joined by David Fanagan, Director of Fanagan’s Funeral Home in Dublin to discuss…

Sightless Cinema Theatre Group

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:36:00 +0000

We often think of theatre as a primarily visual medium. But a theatre group in Navan is disrupting these expectations with their group called Sightless Cinema. Sean was joined by Gillian Stafford, Performer with Sightless Cinema in Navan...

The History of Kilkenny

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 14:30:00 +0000

We all know that Ireland is steeped in history but today we’re focusing specifically on Kilkenny history and the hidden lore. Sean was joined by Paul Cuddihy, teacher of history and geography at Kilkenny College.

Cartoon saloon with Nora Twomey

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Nora Twomey went on to establish the highly successful animations studios Cartoon Saloon with Paul Young and Tom Moore. The Kilkenny-based studios are behind films like My Dragon’s Father, Wolfwalkers and The Secret of Kells and have become world revered. Nearly every one of its features, including Nora Twomey’s The Breadwinner, has received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Board Games with an Environmental Awareness

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Board games have moved on from the days of Risk and Monopoly and now a host of environmentally themed games are entering the market. But can they make the climate crisis a more tangible reality? Cathy Maguire, Member of Board Games Ireland, has been playing some of these games and she joined Sean to discuss…

Flying a jumbo jet 'was an absolute delight'

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:21:00 +0000

Boeing have just added the finishing touches to the last ever 747 as production comes to an end after 54 years. But what was it actually like to fly one? Sean was joined by pilot Nick Eades, who has completed more flying hours on a Jumbo Jet than any other pilot in history…

'I've got an ice cream maker in my cupboard' - Henry looks at our hoarding habits

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:57:00 +0000

“Save time, money and effort when buying a breadmaker by writing ‘breadmaker’ on a cardboard box, leaving it on your worktop and buying a white sliced loaf from the shop instead. William Stroker, Derry City.” That’s taken from the letters page of 'Viz' - the comic book. Does William have a point? We buy so many electronic goods, never use them and end up hoarding them over the years. Henry McKean went to the dump to find out how wasteful are we?

People would feel full benefits of European Health Union in daily lives - MEP

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:50:00 +0000

While many things are standardised across the EU, often issues relating to health care are not. MEP for Ireland South Billy Kelleher is calling for a European Health Union. He has also just left Ukraine after visiting devastation and rebuilding efforts in Kyiv and other areas and joined Sean to discuss…

Relic of St Brigid in Portuguese church

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:50:00 +0000

On Monday we spoke with David Mongey in Kildare about his ambition to repatriate at least part of the remains of St Brigid back to Ireland from Portugal. They currently reside in a reliquary in the Church of St John the Baptist Church in Lumiar. Mario Miguel Rosa, a parishioner from Lumiar joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'Enough is Enoch' - Fundraiser set up to raise money for trans youth

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Enough is Enoch, is the name of a new campaign from independent councilor Alan Edge to raise money for trans youth and make something positive out of Enoch Burke the situation. Councillor Alan Edge joined Sean on the show to discuss...

How To...Get out of Debt

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:15:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to get out of debt. Sean was joined in studio by Eoin McGee, financial advisor and author of 'How to Make your Money Work' and 'How to be Good with Money'...

How much caffeine is in your coffee?

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:06:00 +0000

It has been discovered that the coffee with the most amount of caffeine in it is Costa’s medium sized cappuccino which contains 325mg of caffeine, the same as 4 cans of Red Bull. Do you know how much caffeine you’re drinking and why is there such disparity in coffee shops? Sean was joined in studio by James McCormack, CEO of the Dublin Barista School to discuss...

Preventing Doggy Depression

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:25:00 +0000

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Professor Emeritus, Tufts University President, Center for Canine Behavior Studies joined Sean to discuss the importance of dog sports to prevent doggy depression...

The art of water divining

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:05:00 +0000

The ancient art of water divining in Ireland has been handed down from the pre-Christian Druids, who used yew-rods to issue their predictions. Water divining, however, survives quietly in contemporary Irish society and is used by many builders who need to locate the best spot on the land to drill for water, although most diviners are found by word of mouth rather than via a website or directory. Sean was joined by Gerry Cremins, Chairman of the Irish Society of Diviners to discuss...

How to help a choking child

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:55:00 +0000

In recent days we have learned of two incidents where a child choking on their food tragically resulted in death. How do you deal with a baby or young child who is choking and what are the main concerns a parent has? Siobhan Butler, former paediatric nurse, who now runs First Aid for Everyone, joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'A play space for adults' - Inside Ireland's kink scene

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:45:00 +0000

The kink community in Ireland is alive and kicking, with the scene having doubled here over the past few years. That’s according to Professional Dominatrix, Clarity Mills. Despite all this, she says most people don’t tap into this side of their sexuality because our tiny nation is a ‘kink shame factory’. Professional Dominatrix, Clarity Mills joined Sean on the show today...

Britain’s Smallest House

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Just how small can a house get? Well, the answer is very small indeed, as attested by a tiny abode in a small town in Wales. Sean was joined on the show by Jan Tyley, the owner of the Guinness Book of Records certified ‘Britain’s Smallest House’....

'It's snobbery!' - Henry finds out if accents matter in modern Ireland

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:10:00 +0000

According to new research in the UK most people prefer to be represented by a barrister with a posh voice than someone with a strong regional accent. 80% said they would prefer received pronunciation or the Queen's English and only 20% said they would be happy with a West Midlands English accent. But how does that translate to Ireland? Do we still have a hang up with with accents? And would we prefer a posh accent to represent us in court? Henry McKean took the streets to ask...

Divorce ceremonies

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0000

If we have engagement parties, should we celebrate divorce as well? Can you ever mark the dissolution of a marriage in a positive way? Moncrieff's guest says yes. Reverend Brenda O’Grady is an interfaith minister, wedding solemniser and family celebrant in Laois and she leads divorce ceremonies.

Is it wrong to eat fruit?

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0000

Is it time to stop eating fruit? We’ve heard of being a vegetarian, even a vegan but what about a fruitarian? People who believe in only eating fruit. Sean was joined by Colas Demeillers, an ethical fruitarian.  

Man hoping to repatriate St. Brigid’s remains

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0000

The remains of St. Brigid currently reside in a reliquary in a church near Lisbon. But is it time to bring her home? Joining Sean today was David Mongey, Chairman of INTO Kildare and member of the Brigid 1500 group.

Abandoned pet pigs

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0000

We have heard of the rise of dogs and cats being adopted during the peak of Covid. Pigs were also an animal that rose in popularity around this time but today we ask why so many of them are being abandoned after such a large boom? Sean was joined by Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue.

News and a Natter: Aoife Barry

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0000

Aoife Barry, assistant news editor at The Journal joined Sean today on the show to look as some of the stories from weekend.

Health warnings on wine 'an attack on Italian heritage and culture'

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0000

With the new introduction of health warnings to be included on wine labels in Ireland, it has caused outrage for the Italian foreign minister, calling it ‘an attack on the Mediterranean diet.’ For more on this Kieran was joined by Naomi O’ Leary, Europe Correspondent with The Irish Times…

The Husband Calling Competition

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Annually at the Iowa State Fair, there is a Husband Calling Competition. It’s part of a suite of heritage competitions at America’s largest state fair. Sean was joined by the marketing director, Mindy Williamson.

Meath woman featuring in Banshees of Inisherin and An Cáilín Ciúin

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Ireland has two big movies up for Oscars – The Banshees of Inisherin and An Cáilín Ciúin. Apart from the Oscar connection and both being Irish, another connection is they both feature the same actor in their movies. That being movie extra Mary Jo Needham. Mary Jo joined Sean on the show today…

'There isn't much hope left' for the Naomh Éanna ship

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:56:00 +0000

Go to any port or harbour in Ireland and you’ll find some boats and ships in various states of disrepair. However, there is one particular ship right in the heart of the Dublin Docklands that took a sudden turn for the worse in the past week, to the point where she’s almost capsized. The Naomh Eanna has a long history in Ireland, and there’s been a campaign to save her - so why has she deteriorated so badly? Nathan Wheeler, an artist with a special interest in dereliction joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Last of Us: Will fungi eventually kill us all?

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

If you’ve been watching The Last of Us on Sky Atlantic or even heard about it you’ll know it is based on the premise that the heating up of the world’s temperature causes a fungi attack on the human race, leading to zombies and the end of the world as we know it. Could this actually happen? Sean was joined by Kevin Kavanagh, Professor of Microbiology at Maynooth University to discuss…

A menu full of aphrodisiacs

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:22:00 +0000

As we approach Valentine’s Day, attention turns once again for many couples as to where to take your date for dinner, on perhaps the busiest night of the year for Ireland’s restaurants. A chef in Cork is curating a special aphrodisiac menu to get diners in the mood for love. Sean was joined by Rebeccaa Harrington, Head Chef at the Bookshelf at the Elysian in Cork...

Kylie Jenner's lion head dress 'romanticising' big-game hunting

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:10:00 +0000

At Paris fashion week Kylie Jenner of the Kardashian tribe, wore a large lion head sewn into her dress made by Italian designer Schiaparelli. We asked how would a lion’s head work on the streets of Dublin. Could this be the next fashion trend? Newstalk's Henry McKean joined Sean to discuss...

Rare green comet will be visible over Irish skies next week

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:50:00 +0000

A very rare comet, green in colour, is currently making its way around earth and is now visible to the naked eye. David Moore from Astronomy Ireland joined Sean to discuss...

Real Life Squid Game

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:40:00 +0000

Netflix's real-life version of Squid Game started filming this week and it turned into utter chaos as at least one contestant was stretchered off and filming had ti be stalled repeatedly due to health issues with the contestant Julia Atherley, news reporter with The Sun has been speaking to contestants and joined Sean on the show to discuss..

Negativity Bias: 'Our brains are wired for survival'

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 16:05:00 +0000

The Doomsday Clock has set its time at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest to midnight the clock has been since it was established in 1947. It is there to show the existential threat of nuclear warfare that surrounds us. The name of this, the Doomsday Clock brings such negative and fatalistic connotations that it’s hard to have a positive outlook on the world. For some, this seeps into their everyday life and what is called the ‘negativity bias’ takes over. To discuss this Sean was joined by Dr. Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and author of ‘Love In Love Out’...

Making the perfect fava bean bread

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:25:00 +0000

White sliced pan is of course a big seller in Irish and British supermarkets but is it possible to make a healthier alternative, without sacrificing taste? Well, a team of scientists in Reading University are working on a new idea to replicate white slice pan but that is made out of an ingredient with a tricky image - fava beans, once notoriously favoured by Hannibal Lector. Sean was joined by Donal O’Sullivan, Professor of Crop Science at the University of Reading...

How To...Start a Business

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:15:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to start a business. Sean was joined in studio by Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Fingal Local Enterprise Office

Are questionnaires before first dates helpful?

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Filling out forms is a necessary evil for lots of things – applying for a loan, getting a quote for insurance, or some job applications. But what about form-filling to find love? It is becoming more and more common for potential matches on dating apps to be sent a Google form or survey with a list of questions to be filled out before a date can be arranged. Is there any value in this kind of practicality before you even meet a potential partner? Lisa McFarland, relationships coach joined Sean on the show to discuss... Instagram: Lisa McFarland @relationship.coaching.ni

Children's clock business asked to rebrand by Rolex

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:45:00 +0000

What happens when your company’s name happens to share a tangential link with a corporate colossus? This is precisely the situation a small children’s clock manufacturer in Cornwall currently finds itself in. Sean was joined by Sarah Davies, co-owner of Oyster & Pop to discuss... Image: Oyster & Pop

'She's doing great!' - An unexpected home birth

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:20:00 +0000

It sounds like a TV show - you’re about to give birth, there’s no time to go to the hospital and the only option is to call the emergency services for help and have the baby at home. That’s exactly what happened to Emma Tyrrell, newsreader on 98fm, who with the help of Dublin Fire Brigade, safely delivered her bundle of joy Laoise at home on Sunday morning…

The 8 Stages of Domestic Homicide

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:58:00 +0000

This week on Newstalk, we’re shining a spotlight on domestic abuse, in partnership with Allianz and Women’s Aid. As we’ve seen in Ireland and similarly around the world, there is a worrying increase in domestic abuse homicides. Dr. Jane Monckton Smith is a professor of Public Protection who specialises in domestic abuse homicide and has identified 8 steps that shows men who kill their partners follow a pattern in their relationship…

Visiting all the pubs in Dublin City in one day

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:58:00 +0000

With around 240 pubs in Dublin city centre, would it be possible to visit each one in a day? John Geraghty, the founder of Publin, the Dublin pub guide, has set himself the challenge and he joined Sean on the show to tell him all about it…

Record 14 Irish nominations for 2023 Oscars

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

The Oscar nominations were announced this afternoon. In all, Ireland received 14 nominations - with nine going to the Banshees of Inisherin. Esther McCarthy joined Sean on the show this afternoon to discuss her predictions and the reaction to the nominations...

'I wanted to be accepted' - Henry looks at how children are groomed into crime

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:05:00 +0000

The Government has announced that it will pass the legislation to introduce the specific offence of grooming children into crime. Various agencies and communities have been aware of this for some time. Newstalk's Henry McKean has been visiting communities where grooming for crime occurs...

'It's really very sad' - Rare eagle killed by banned pest poison

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:35:00 +0000

With the reintroduction of the rare white-tailed eagle back into Ireland there are also bound to be threats that these birds face. With a poison already claiming one of these rare birds, we ask why? Sean was joined by Niall Hatch, Head of Communications and Development with Birdwatch Ireland to discuss...

Regulating street art in Ireland

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:25:00 +0000

Over the past number of years the culture of street art has grown in prominence, with more and more murals popping up around the country, particularly in Waterford for example. On occasion, murals can disappear overnight. This is because they were erected without permission from the local authority. So, what are the rules regarding who can and can’t do street art and how do they decide what warrants public display? Ray Yeates, City Arts Officer with Dublin City Council joined Sean on the show to discuss…

Tracking down beneficiaries and next-of-kin

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:40:00 +0000

What happens if the beneficiary of a deceased person’s will cannot be located? Who is hired to track them down? Padraic Grennan, managing director of Irish probate genealogy firm Erin Research, deals with on a daily basis and he joined Sean to discuss his work...

'An Cailín Ciúin' filmmakers 'nervous' ahead of Oscar nominations

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

An 'Cailín Ciúin' is an Irish Language film which is based on the short story ‘Foster’ by Claire Keegan. The film which has been nominated for a number of BAFTAs is hotly tipped to get receive an Oscar nomination when they're announced tomorrow. The films producer Cleóna Ní Chrualaoi and the director Colm Bairéad joined Sean on the show to discuss... Image: Irish Film Institute

News and a Natter: Graham Finlay

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Graham Finlay joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Man tells harrowing story of 'no nuts' in nutty chocolate bar

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:38:00 +0000

Imagine sitting down to enjoy your favourite bar of chocolate only to discover all was not as it seems. This happened to Matt O Baoill’s girlfriend and he joined Sean to tell the harrowing story…

The Tea Expert

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:35:00 +0000

You may be planning to bring a loved one for afternoon tea in a few weeks for Valentine’s Day but what constitutes the perfect afternoon tea and what is the etiquette involved? Sean was joined by Eileen Donaghey, Tea Champion, Afternoon Tea Expert and author of ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Afternoon Tea at Home’…

Pole Dancing your Grief Away

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:32:00 +0000

When we lose someone we often go through multiple stages of grief. We seek counselling, therapy or activities that help brighten our day just a little more. For this person, however, pole dancing helped her come to terms with her grief. Sean was joined by Siân Docksey, a pole dancing comedian and writer from Belgium who has been on BBC 3 and shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award…

Humpty Dumpty Origins: 'He was a canon used in the siege of Colchester'

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:32:00 +0000

It turns out Humpty Dumpty was not an egg. He was, in fact, a cannon. But how did a weapon of warfare become something so different? Aoife Bannon, features editor with The Irish Sun went digging into the origins of nursery rhymes, and what she found was quite surprising…

Disarming officers ‘would make them softer targets’ - Former PSNI Officer

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:37:00 +0000

A new report has opened the debate about whether or not PSNI officers should continue to be armed. Police men and women in Northern Ireland are the only force in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland where every officer carries a gun as standard. Sean was joined by Jim Gamble, Former Senior Police Officer who has worked in the RUC, PSNI and in England to discuss…

'It's insane, make your own at home!' - Henry seeks out Dublin's priciest coffee

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:35:00 +0000

With the cost of living and inflation on the rise, the price of everything is being affected. Nowadays in Dublin City, many coffees are selling for over €5! Newstalk’s Henry McKean even found a hot chocolate priced at €8. Henry joined Sean in studio to discuss what he found whilst looking for Dublin’s priciest cup of Joe…

Why women feel the cold more than men

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Women often tend to feel the cold more than men, but we never ask why that could be? Leona Donaghy, a PHD researcher of Ulster University and self-employed healthy building consultant at Wholehearted Environment joined Sean to discuss the science behind this…

The decline of the Irish B&B

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:16:00 +0000

20 years ago there were 4000 B&Bs in Ireland. Now there are just 800 left. What has caused this decline and how has it affected rural Ireland? John G O’Dwyer, Author of ‘50 Best Irish Walks’ and chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland, has been writing about this issue for the Irish Examiner and he joined Sean to discuss...

'If you go around changing too much, you lose authenticity' - The Spire turns 20

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:30:00 +0000

20 years ago this week, Dublin finally became home to the world's tallest piece of free-standing public art - The Spire. It generated countless nicknames in the early days but has it grown on people during the interim two decades and has it become a mascot for Dublin? Brianna Parkins, Columnist with the Irish Times, has been writing about this and she joined Sean on the show to discuss…

How Mercury Retrograde affects you

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:15:00 +0000

Today marks the end of what’s commonly known in the world of astrology as 'Mercury Retrograde'. You may hear a lot of things being blamed on the planet of communication’s retrograde period, from technology mishaps to misunderstandings with friends and loved ones. But what is Mercury Retrograde, why do people make such a big deal of it and what will change in our lives as we emerge out of this phase? Sean was joined by Psychological Astrologer, Margaret Gray to discuss...

'We're cohabiting!' - The 4th Stage of Parenting

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:07:00 +0000

Many adult children are still living at home with their parents. For some it’s the comfort of ease of it all but for most, they are at home for economic reasons. The housing market means they cannot afford to fly the nest and instead can still be at home with their parents until their late 20s, or later, stunting their growth and restricting their independence. Journalist and author, Suzanne Harrington, joined Sean on the show to discuss…

Token's Mozzarella Bite Challenge

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:36:00 +0000

If you’re a cheese lover, this next item might be for you. Token bar in Smithfield is no stranger to food challenges, but their current competition is not for the fainthearted. One kilogram of mozzarella bites as fast as you can. Nick DiMaio from Token bar joined Sean on the show to discuss...

What is Solo Polyamory?

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:32:00 +0000

You may well have heard of polyamory, it is fast becoming the buzzword of 2023. Dr Zhana Vrangalova, is a Professor of Sexuality at New York University and a sex and relationship scientist who teaches an ethical non-monogamy course called Open Smarter. Dr Zhana also specialises in ‘Solo Poly’, or solo polyamory. What is it and how does it work? He joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Ireland's Oldest Tree

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Sometimes history is hidden right beneath our feet, and this was the case for Tom Joe Murphy, a Waterford farmer who discovered the 3,500-year-old tree on his farmland. Tom Joe joined Sean on the show to discuss his discovery...

How To...Go back to college as a mature student

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to go back to college as a mature student. Sean was joined in studio by Orla Stafford, Mature Students Officer at DCU...

All On The Board: 'We like making the invisible visible'

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:35:00 +0000

Words are the way to people’s hearts, especially when you’re down or going about the endless bustle of work and school. And for tens of thousands of people, those words were found in the Underground Tube Stations notice boards written by Jeremy Chopra and Ian Redpath, two Transport for London (TfL) customer service team members, who have brightened the day for many. All on the Board, made it their mission to bring smiles to the faces of London commuters through writing creative messages, quotes and poems on the underground's service information boards. They have complied these messages in to their second book “All On The Board - Your Daily Companion: Inspiring words to take you from morning to night” and both Ian and Jeremy joined Sean on the show to discuss… Image: Twitter @allontheboard

Malin Head to Mizen Head on one EV charge

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:06:00 +0000

Two Irish men have done the impossible, the unthinkable - they’ve driven from one end of Ireland to the next, in an electric vehicle, without stopping to charge. Paddy Comyn, Head of Communications at AA was behind the wheel and he joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Korean War Memorial is 'full of thousands of errors'

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

After many years of preparation, the new Korean War Memorial in Washington DC was unveiled last summer. But now researchers have discovered countless mistakes in its inscriptions. Sean was joined by Hal Barker, Founder of the Korean War Project, who has been sourcing and cataloguing the names of veterans for decades...

The Perfect Roast Potato

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:45:00 +0000

This year marks the 5 year anniversary of the famous Edge School Roast Potato. But how exactly do you create it and what has its impact been? Sean was joined by Adrian Martin, Vice Principal of the Edge Hotel School in England...

Henry asks 'Where have all Ireland's nightclubs gone?'

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Four in five Irish nightclubs have shut since the year 2000. At the turn of the millennium, 522 nightclubs were in Ireland and now only 85 remain. Why is this? Newstalk's Henry McKean went to look back to nightclubs you remember that no longer exist...

Minecraft's 'End Poem' made free by author

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:16:00 +0000

A number of years ago, Tipperary author Julian Gough was asked to write a poem that would feature at the end of the popular video game Minecraft. The so-called ‘End Poem’ has become a beloved part of the experience. However, controversey over the intellectual ownership of this poem culminated recently when it’s author decided to gift the poem to the public domain. Julian joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Women being targeted by egg donor adverts in the UK

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Altruistic egg donation has been available in the UK for years. Hannah Tomes is the Spectators’ Newsletter Editor says she’s been targeted by ads on social media, asking her to donate her eggs. Hannah joined Sean on the show to discuss…

The art of ghostwriting a book

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

The revelation that Prince Harry’s hotly anticipated tell all book was in fact ghost-written has caused quite the stir on social media in the last few days. But how many of these so called “self penned” publications have actually been written by the subject? Author, Shane Dunphy joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'Definitely hand wash any good glass,' expert warns

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:10:00 +0000

The question everybody asks these days is, do you put your wine glasses in the dishwasher? This causes much debate and Sean was joined Tara O’Connor, event planner and tablescapist from The Designed Table to put this to bed once and for all...

News and a Natter: Elaine Burke

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:50:00 +0000

Elaine Burke, host of For Tech’s Sake podcast joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

The LOL Verifier

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:55:00 +0000

You may type LOL and make people you think you laughed out loud but if you didn’t, a new device will hold you accountable. The LOL Verifier is a device that sits between your keyboard and your computer and only lets you type "lol" if you've truly laughed out loud. Bringing authenticity to the least authentic place: the internet. Brian Moore, the inventor of the LOL verifier joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Prince Harry's lookalike is 'trying to keep a low profile' after book release

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Since the publication of ‘Spare’, some of the revelations in the book have caused a Prince Harry lookalike to rethink his own personal security. Sean was joined by Rhys Whittock to discuss...

'I was told never go under a ladder!' - Friday the 13th superstitions with Henry

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Today is Friday the 13th but what does it really mean? Henry McKean has been speaking to paranormal experts and trying out their ghost capture equipment and did a walking under a ladder test…

100 Years of Ireland's First Stamps

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 11:20:00 +0000

100 years ago, the Irish Free State began issuing its first stamps, the earliest tangible expression of our independence. Beginning in December 1922 and continuing throughout 1923, a set of 12 stamps slowly came into circulation. Sean was joined by Padraig O’Shea, Owner of Raven Stamps in Cork to discuss…

The dangers of cooking with gas

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:05:00 +0000

A new report from non-profit energy efficiency group, CLASP and European Public Health Alliance suggests that cooking on gas in a typical kitchen without mechanical ventilation causes indoor air pollution of rise and exceed World Health Organisation air quality guidelines Michael Scholand, Senior Advisor at CLASP joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'Something for everybody' in Dublin's new augmented reality trail

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:45:00 +0000

The streets of Dublin have been brought to life through a new augmented reality app. The 'Dublin Discovery Trails' application allows history enthusiasts and visitors to the city to go back in time and see the Guinness barges sailing down the Liffey as well as witness the Customs House fire of 1921.  Sean was joined by Marie Kavanagh, Docklands Area Manager with Dublin City Council to discuss…

Franciscans withdraw from Athlone due to 'falling numbers'

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Last October the Franciscans announced that, after 800 years of presence in Athlone, they would be departing the town. Now a major volunteer and community effort has allowed the Franciscans a few more months reprieve as the members find new places to live before the site takes up a new use. Sean was joined by Fr Gabriel Kinahan, Guardian of the Franciscan community in Athlone…

10 years since the horsemeat scandal

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

This year marks 10 years since the horse meat scandal hit the headlines and caused out outrage across the island. It completely changed the way we look at food labelling, particularly where meat and poultry is concerned. Sean was joined in studio now by the man who was at the heart of uncovering the truth, Former Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority, Alan Reilly…

Rare, smelly 'Corpse Flower' blooms in Australia

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:30:00 +0000

A rare horticultural event has taken place in Australia, as the exceptionally smelly Corpse Flower has bloomed, something it does only once every few years. Sean was joined Matt Coulter, Horticultural Curator at the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide...

The impact of grief on our emotions

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Science offers clarity in ways us humans can understand. Some study emotions, place them under a microscope and dissect them bit by bit. However, when grief takes hold it causes us to re-evaluate or relationship with what we see in scientific papers. Sean was joined by Dr Dean Burnett, a behavioural neuroscientist who has had his views changed on how emotions should work...

The Rise of AI Generated Music

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

With the steadying growth of AI, it has started to creep its way into the arts, robbing and stealing human content to imitate as its own. With whispers of AI music being at the top of charts in due time, is technology going too far? Sean was joined by Dr Martin Clancy, IRC Researcher at Center for Digital Humanities, Trinity College...

Jenny the Donkey from The Banshees of Inisherin

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:16:00 +0000

The Banshees of Inisherin scooped up multiple awards at last night’s Golden Globe ceremony but one character that stole many scenes and was a big personality in the movie was Jenny, the miniature donkey. Rita Moloney, coordinator and chief handler of Jenny from Fircroft Animal Actors joined Sean on the show…

How To...Retire

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to retire. Sean was joined in studio by Val Diggan, Specialist in Life and Pensions with Fitzgerald Flynn, an insurance broker in Dublin to discuss...

The Human Poo Vault

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:07:00 +0000

There are few circumstances where receiving a package of human faeces is a welcome delivery, but for scientists in a Swiss laboratory, they were delighted. The Microbiota Vault Project is collecting stool samples in the hopes of building a global collection of gut bacteria so that the different species are not completely lost. But why is this necessary? Prof Adrian Egli is the Director of the Institute of Medical Microbiology and a member of the vault launch team and he joined Sean on the show to discuss… Image: Microbiota Vault

Poland calls for wartime reparations from Germany

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:46:00 +0000

The Polish government has reiterated its request for Germany to pay over 1 trillion Euro in reparations that it believes it is owed due to historic aggression during World War Two. Sean was joined on the show by Poland’s Ambassador to Ireland, Anna Sochańska to discuss...

Noma, one of the world's best restaurants, to close

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:35:00 +0000

The Copenhagen restaurant Noma, one of the world’s top restaurants, with three Michelin stars, will close at the end of 2024 to reinvent itself as a full time food laboratory. The restaurant redefined what fine dining was and influenced chefs all over the world, including here in Ireland. Chef JP McMahon was fully inspired by Noma when opening his Michelin-starred restaurant Aniar and I’m delighted to say he joined Sean on the show to discuss

Campaign to change the Bald Emoji

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:35:00 +0000

Newstalk's Simon Tierney joined Sean in studio to tell him why he finds the bald emoji ageist and degrading... Image: HotEmoji

'She's a lasher!' - Henry McKean looks into Cork slang

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:35:00 +0000

Hiberno-English is the dialect of English that most Irish people speak. But, in Cork, do locals speak a different language altogether? Henry McKean went to the real capital to see if he could understand anyone?

Ireland's pygmy shrew at risk from other species

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:20:00 +0000

Ireland's smallest mammal, the pygmy shrew, is under catastrophic threat from an invasive and non-native shrew. But why has this happened? Sean was joined by Dr Allan McDevitt of the Atlantic Technological University to discuss...

Is dimpleplasty the latest trend?

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:10:00 +0000

What do Orlando Bloom, Cameron Diaz and Cheryl Cole have in common? They all have dimples, a physical trait that more and more people want to have for its apparent attractiveness. And many are now undergoing dimpleplasty in order to achieve it. Dr Aamer Khan, the Clinical director of The Harley Street Skin Clinic in London joined Sean to discuss...

The Dublin venue that 'charges for time'

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:45:00 +0000

There is a venue in the heart of Dublin’s city centre that is a pub but offers no alcohol and doesn’t charge you for what’s inside, but instead charges you for your time. The Clockwork Door is a “time house” and allows you to use the space as you would like and you just pay by the hour to be there To explain this concept and how it works, Sean was joined by by Ciarán Hogan, founder of the Clockwork Door... Image: The Clockwork Door

Virgin rocket 'endangering lives of people for financial gain'

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:35:00 +0000

Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit is due to rocket-launch satellites over Irish water later tonight. The military and commercial satellites will be the first launched from UK territory. However, a space launch hazard area will be in place off the coast of Cork and Kerry between 10 o'clock tonight and 1 am tomorrow, in case anything goes wrong with the rocket. Patrick Murphy, CEO of Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation joined Sean on the show to discuss how this might affect the vessels currently stationed in the area...

Holmfield Hum: Villagers plagued by mysterious sound

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Sean was joined on the show by Yvonne Conner, who lives in a village in Yorkshire that has been plagued by a mysterious sound for the past 3 years, the so-called Holmfield Hum...

'No definite evidence that there are clear benefits to homework'

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:05:00 +0000

With the first full week of school ahead, lots of parents will be dreading the return to the homework battle every evening. However, Jennifer Horgan is a teacher who believes there should be absolutely no homework in primary school, and for more reasons than family harmony at dinner time. Jennifer joined Sean on the show to discuss...

News and A Natter: Tom Clonan

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Senator Tom Clonan joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

Staying in an Ice Hotel

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:58:00 +0000

Just before Christmas every year ice hotels around the world begin building their annual, and of course very seasonal, accommodations which usually open this week. But what is it actually like to stay in one? Sean was joined by travel journalist Devorah Lev-Tov to discuss...

Predicting Irish weather using folklore

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight. A Green Christmas makes a fat Churchyard. If it be clear, a happy year. These are some of the common sayings in Irish folklore about the weather, but were they really trying to, or able to, predict the weather? Dr Marion McGarry is a Lecturer in ATU in Galway and author of 'Irish Customs and Rituals: How our ancestors celebrated life and the seasons' and she joined Sean on the show to discuss...

How to cook pasta according to science

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:32:00 +0000

A Nobel prize winning scientist shocked the world earlier this week when he suggested an unusual and cost-saving method for cooking pasta. Now, a team of researchers in the UK have tried and tested it while also discovering their own even better way of doing it. Sean was joined by Dr. David Fairhurst, Physicist at Nottingham Trent University...

The Phone Box Man

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

A survey has found that 60 percent of people aged 18 to 29 have never used a phone box. What was once a lifeline for families and communities has been made obsolete by mobile technology. However, there is still a strong nostalgia for the old phone boxes, and none more so than for Paul Murphy, aka The Phonebox Man who has been restoring them over the last decade. He joined Sean on the show today to discuss...

EU speed limiters will 'tell the driver when you're exceeding the speed'

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:10:00 +0000

2022 saw a 13% rise in road fatalities. This was the highest number for 5 years. But what is causing this and is the EU’s protocol on speed limiters a possible solution? Sean was joined by Conor Faughnan, transport commentator to discuss..

Why does American chocolate taste so bad?

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:47:00 +0000

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to taste American chocolate you’ll know it’s an odd experience. The chocolate is not as creamy, it’s dry and crumbly and has an wierd underlying taste of vomit. Why is this and how do American’s make their chocolate compared to Ireland? To discuss, Sean was joined by Daniel Linehan, chocolatier from Bon Chocolatier in Athlone...

Priest urges families of missing people 'never to give up'

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:22:00 +0000

For almost 20 years, Fr Aquinas Duffy has worked with missing persons cases and set up missing.ie in 2000. Last month on National Missing Persons Day it was shown that there are 897 missing persons cases on the island of Ireland still outstanding. Fr. Aquinas continues to urge people with any information, no matter how irrelevant you might think, to come forward. He joined Sean on the show today to discuss...

Investigations into UFOs

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:10:00 +0000

When we hear the word “UFO”, many will think about science fiction, little grey men and The X Files. But for Dr Eamonn Ansbro, his research paints a very different picture. He’s an astronomer who works with the European Space Agency, but he’s also been documenting and researching these unexplained objects in our skies for more than 30 years. Eamonn joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Traditional Irish banjo makers

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:25:00 +0000

It’s easy to forget that most musical instruments start out as a block of wood. Slowly, and over time, they are manipulated into beautiful objects that make music. And this is very true in the case of the traditional Irish banjo, which are still handcrafted in Co. Galway today, and indeed for the past 40 years. But what is involved in the process? Tom Dunne was joined by Fintan Cussen of Clareen Banjos to discuss...

The Period Coach

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Lisa de Jong is a women’s health coach or what people call a period coach and educator. Before this role and after years of suffering, Lisa felt no one was taking the pain caused by her menstrual cycle seriously. She travelled abroad for treatment and was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis. Lisa now helps women in Ireland, and all over the world, to manage the symptoms of chronic pain and trauma linked to their period, and she joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss…

Misconceptions about Twins

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:25:00 +0000

How do twins differ? How are they exactly the same? There are many misconceptions about twins and how similar and different they can be. Could a pair of identical twins score the exact same on a test without even knowing it? Tom Dunne was joined by Professor Nancy Segal Director of the Twin Studies Center at Cal State Fullerton...

One woman's pilgrimage from Cork to Jerusalem

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:58:00 +0000

Anja Bakker started her pilgrimage last April, from Cork to Jerusalem on foot. Now, 9 months later, she is currently in Serbia and she joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss... Image: The Flaunting Harper

How To...Sell Your House

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:55:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to sell your house. Tom Dunne was joined in studio by Barry McDonald, Estate Agent and Spokesperson for the REA group to discuss...

The Hugging Robot

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:15:00 +0000

Perhaps one of the big questions facing the creators of artificial intelligence is how to replicate human touch. Now, a robot has been created that is able to give hugs. It’s called the HuggieBot 2.0 and one of its creators, Alexis Block of the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems joined Tom Dunne on the show...

Midlands Prison to open a new palliative care centre

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

A new palliative care centre is to be built on Midlands Prison campus. This is a decision made as the elderly population in the prison continues to rise Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss..

'Eat it, or drink it!' - How to recycle your Christmas Tree

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:45:00 +0000

With the Christmas period coming to an end, many people around the country will be starting to take their Christmas tree down. But when is the right date to do so, and what do you do with it afterwards? Henry McKean has been looking into this and he joined Tom Dunne to discuss...

Mars to be visible 'to everybody in the country' tonight

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:25:00 +0000

A rare celestial event will take place later tonight. But what is it and how can people look out for it? Dave Moore from Astronomy Ireland joined Tom Dunne on the show to explain...

'Art meets activism' - Modelling Ireland's derelict buildings

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:10:00 +0000

It is often said that bad times make great art - Dublin based artist, Nathan Wheeler certainly believes that to be true and has been using his creative skills to expose the sheer scale of the housing crisis. The hobbyist turned activist is highlighting the issue by creating detailed models of the derelict buildings in every town and village in the country and he joined Tom Dunne on the show to discuss... Image: Twitter @craftynathan

Irish man hoping to become Countdown champion

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:10:00 +0000

An Irish man is in position to become the 2nd ever Irish person to win the long running channel 4 quiz show Countdown. Octochamp Edward Byrne has won today’s semi final and is now in the final which is on our TV screens tomorrow, Friday 23rd December. Edward joined Sean on the show today to chat... Image: Channel 4

'The only end to it is to have victory by Ukraine' - Ukrainian MP

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Many people will be making their way home for Christmas over the next 48 hours or so, whether that be a short car journey or a flight around the world. But for families in Ukraine, having the family home for Christmas this year takes on a whole new meaning, and for Lesia Vasylenko, she picked up some very special passengers from the train yesterday. Lesia is a human rights lawyer as well as an MP, and her children returned to Kyiv for the first time since she evacuated them on March 1…

Music Therapy

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:20:00 +0000

When you’re seriously ill and in need of rehabilitation, one form of therapy you might not think of is music therapy. Music has been proven to be a motivator towards meeting your health goals and can bring both physical support and emotional support along your health journey. Alison Sweeney, music therapist in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street joined Sean to discuss…

‘Where Are You Going?’ Christmas Special

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:10:00 +0000

Henry McKean met people randomly at Heuston Station in Dublin and asked where are you going?

'What's not to love?' - Prawn Cocktail makes a comeback

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:55:00 +0000

The BBC Food website is a go-to for many households, especially in preparation for Christmas dinner. And it turns out the prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce seems to be back in vogue as the website releases their most popular recipes for the big day. Is it the ultimate kitsch dish? And why would a staple of the 70s and 80s be making a comeback? Edward Hayden, TV chef and culinary lecturer from South East Technological University joined Sean to discuss…

Will the Gävle Goat survive this Christmas?

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:40:00 +0000

In the town of Gavle in Sweden, every year the city builds a giant straw goat. But dark forces have led the goat to be burned down on a total of 38 times out of the past 54 years. Will it survive this year? Sean was joined by Anna-Karin Niemann, Spokesperson for the Gavle Christmas Goat...

How To...Donate an Organ

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to donate an organ. Sean was joined in studio by Dr. Catherine Motherway, Clinical Lead on Organ Donation with University Hospital Limerick and Organ Donation Transplant Ireland to discuss...

Prisoner sues Irish Prison Service over solitary confinement

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Brendan Cummins, who is one of Ireland’s most violent prisoners is suing the State after being placed in solitary confinement for the last 3 and a half years. His lawyers are arguing that being locked up for 23 hours a day is making him more aggressive due to the solitary placement in what is known as the National Violence Reduction Unit. To explain this case, Sean was joined by Conor Gallagher, The Irish Times, Crime Correspondent… Image: Photo of Midlands Prison via Google Maps

‘They told me I look like a prostitute’ - Iranian woman arrested by morality police

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:15:00 +0000

There have been reports that the morality police in Iran is to be disbanded. The Attorney General said it at a press conference, but it turns out he doesn’t have the power to do so. Since then, Iranian officials have only affirmed the regime’s commitment to modesty rules, even announcing new enforcement methods and punishments. The morality police was established in 2005 with the task of arresting people who violate the Islamic dress code, usually concerning women wearing hijabs covering their hair. Colm Flynn is an Irish reporter based in Europe. He met with an Iranian woman who had been arrested and charged by the morality police. She wished to remain anonymous, but she agreed to tell Colm her story…

The return of the Christmas Nativity play

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:06:00 +0000

This Christmas sees the return of the Nativity play to schools all around the country. Newstalk reporter Henry McKean visited Holy Child National School, Larkhill, Whitehall to see their Nativity play...

The Sleepwalking Artist

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:50:00 +0000

Welsh-Australian Artist, Lee Hadwin had no training, and no inclination in his waking life to be an artist, however, he draws and sketches portraits, figures and landscapes in his sleep. Lee is the only person known to be alive that can only produce art whilst asleep and not whilst in a conscious state awake, and he joined Sean on the show to discuss... Image: leehadwin.com

Why do we love Christmas music?

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:25:00 +0000

What is it about Christmas music that we enjoy so much? It’s the same songs we hear year on year, so what is their enduring power? Peter Vuust, Professor in Neuroscience at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University and Director of the Center for Music in the Brain joined Sean to discuss…

The Unofficial Science of Home Alone

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:15:00 +0000

Swinging paintcans, electrified sinks, a drop from a zipwire are all hazards that the baddies ‘’The Wet Bandits’’ are subjected to in the movie Home Alone. When comedians James Acaster and Guz Khan decided to make a TV show recreating the scenes from the Christmas classic they knew they needed to call one person, Engineer, Dr Zoe Laughlin. Zoe joined Sean on the show to discuss the science behind some of the scenes in Home Alone…

Stammering Pride

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:45:00 +0000

The myths and preconceptions that surround stammering can often affect how people who stammer view themselves. Society’s obsession with fluency has reinforced a stigma that is difficult to shake off. Happily, the shame that is often associated with stammering is now being replaced by what’s called stammering pride. Sean was joined by Nora Trench Bowles, Vice Chair of The Irish Stammering Association…

Hezbollah and Amal have 'obstructed' investigations in Lebanon previously

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:30:00 +0000

The remains of Private Seán Rooney, who was killed in an ambush while serving on a United Nations (UN) mission in Lebanon on Wednesday night, have returned home to Ireland this morning. Three separate investigations are being conducted into the incident by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Lebanese authorities led by a military prosecutor, and the Irish Defence Forces. Sean was joined by Foreign Reporter based in Beirut, Hannah McCarthy…

TV on the Radio: The Traitors, National Treasure and Tommy Tiernan's Epic West

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:50:00 +0000

James Dempsey joined Sean for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio...

What is Santa Claus' Carbon Footprint?

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:28:00 +0000

With only 9 more sleeps until Christmas, Santa and his reindeers are readying themselves for their annual world wide trip. Scientists have now worked out how Santa and his team have been able to make their epic journey whilst also protecting the environment. Matt Grey, founder of event:decision, who was involved in carrying out this research joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'Dogs are welcome, humans are tolerated' at new Dundrum pub

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:05:00 +0000

At last there is a pub in Dublin that caters quite heavily to your pooch. PYE Dundrum has newly opened and encourages your doggy companion to join you for a doggy beer. Ronan Flood, co-owner of PYE Dundrum joined Sean on the show... Image: PYE Dundrum

News and A Natter: Jen Hogan

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 14:50:00 +0000

Jen Hogan journalist with The Irish Times joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week...

'I fell into my job!' - Life as a street performer

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:50:00 +0000

Kim McCafferty has travelled all over the world as a street theatre artist, perhaps most notably with her work for Clowns Without Borders, an extraordinary group of people who bring laughter to the most marginalised communities in the most challenging circumstances. Closer to home, she is also the founder of Cavan Arts Festival. Kim joined Tom Dunne on the show today…

Why sad songs make us happy

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:35:00 +0000

Have you ever turned to artists like Cold Play or Adele to find some comfort in times of despair? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone as various studies including research carried out in Durham University have found that melancholy music actually helps to lift our spirits. Tom Dunne was joined by Tuomas Eerola, Professor in Music Cognition in Durham University to discuss...

Henry attempts to break a Guinness World Record

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Underwear. A vital component in how we dress. One leg goes in, then the other, and we hoist them up to our hips. But for one person, they have taken this process one step further. Trinity Graduate, Rachael Schmitt has broken the Guinness World Record for most underpants pulled up in thirty seconds. Rachel joined Tom Dunne in studio, alongside Henry McKean who is attempting to break her record...

The Luckiest Star Signs for 2023

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:10:00 +0000

It’s no secret the past couple of years have been tough for everyone. It seems like it’s been one thing after the next for most. But is there anyone out there who is having a good time? Celebrity psychic Inbaal joined Tom Dunne to tell us which star signs are coming out on top in 2023…

The rate of progression of artificial intelligence

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:45:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence has been developing at a staggering rate for the past couple of decades bringing both excitement and fear. ChatGPT is a new AI bot that has the ability to write a movie script in the style of Scorsese or craft a poem with the flair of W.B Yeats. Tom Dunne was joined by professor of AI at UCC, Barry O’Sullivan…

'You save at least 40 per cent!'- Henry goes duty free shopping onboard a ferry

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:38:00 +0000

One silver lining to Brexit this Christmas on the ferry to Wales and back is the duty free. For €16 or £12 foot passenger return you can save about 40% on drink, cigarettes and perfume. Henry McKean jumped onboard the Stena Line Estrid to bring this report…

'I don't need to see their abuse' - Fine Gael TD has blocked over 6000 accounts

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 15:37:00 +0000

The world of politics can be a murky business at the best of times. When entering public life, you can expect that a lot of criticism will come your way over the course of your career but personal jabs from anonymous accounts on social media is a relatively new aspect to political life. Neil Richmond, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown has found his own way dealing with the negativity and he joined Tom Dunne to discuss…

Podcast helps free two men from prison in US after 25 years

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:50:00 +0000

In 1996 two teenagers in the state of Georgia were convicted of murder. After new evidence emerged thanks to a true crime podcast the two men have been released from prison after over 25 years. Stefanie Preissner was joined by Lee, one of the men who has been exonerated and Jacinda Davis, co-hosts of 'Proof' podcast... Image: Georgia Innocence Project

'There has to be more consequences for the human responsible for the dog'

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:30:00 +0000

A farmer has appealed to a dog owner to put their animals down after 50 sheep were killed on his Offaly farm by two dogs. Suzi Walsh, dog behavioural therapist joined Stefanie Preissner on the show to discuss...

Harry Hill: 'I am a bit anti-monarchy at the moment'

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:21:00 +0000

It has been a long time since comedian Harry Hill performed live on stage, night after night. However, he is back and is currently on his first tour in almost a decade with 'Pedigree Fun!', ‘an all-singing, all-dancing one-man spectacular,' Harry Hill joined Stefanie Preissner to discuss...

How To...Get a Mortgage

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:20:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to get a mortgage. Stefanie Preissner was joined in studio by Karl Deeter, Director of Yes.ie...

New approach to mental health for Gardaí

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:10:00 +0000

Under a new scheme starting in Limerick next year, psychiatric nurses will attend certain situations with Gardaí in a bid to better aid the Gardai and help the individual who is suffering with their mental health in a very serious way Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche based in Galway has been working on this new programme and joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Henry's search for the best Christmas carvery

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:42:00 +0000

Some of us love Christmas dinners, so much we have multiple ones, even before the big day. We asked Henry McKean to find us the best Christmas Carvery. Henry has been taking advice from you - the listener and word of mouth. Henry joined Sean to discuss what is on offer out there, prices, value for money and quality…

Surge in misinformation about RSV online

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:25:00 +0000

We saw misinformation and conspiracy theories fill our social media during the pandemic and it has reared its ugly head once again. This time relating to the childhood illnesses RSV and Strep A. Aoife Gallagher, researcher with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue has been investigating for theJournal.ie how far it has gone so far and she joined Sean to discuss…

Ruane: Free condoms for 18 to 25 year olds is 'a must'

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:50:00 +0000

Emmanuel Macron has announced that the French government will be making condoms free for all people between the ages of 18 and 25. As our own government moved to provide free contraception to women earlier this year, is it now time to follow France’s example and provide condoms for gratis too? Senator Lynn Ruane joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The frog sounds album aiming for Christmas No 1

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 11:35:00 +0000

You’ve heard of the Frog Chorus and Paul McCartney, but a charity in Australia has released a full album of frog song – and it’s already reached number three in the charts, and may become a Christmas number one! Anthony Albrecht, co-founder of The Bowerbird Collective, a charity that makes art for nature joined Sean on the show...

Dating with a Disability

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:50:00 +0000

Jennifer McShane has had her fair share of knock backs over 10 years of online dating, but dating with a disability brings it’s own issues and mainly it’s the date's reactions to her that has surprised her. Being open about her cerebral palsy can lead to no-shows, ghosting or rejection all go hand-in-hand even before a first date. Jennifer wrote about her experiences in the Irish independent and she joined Sean on the show to discuss... Image: Twitter @Jenny_McShane

The History of Coups

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:30:00 +0000

After an attempted coup in Germany last week, Graham Finlay, from the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin has been looking at some historic coups and where they stemmed from...

Franciscan chalice returns to Leitrim after 400 years

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:15:00 +0000

A chalice secretly used by Franciscan monks during the Cromwellian invasion has been returned to a parish in Leitrim almost 400 years after it was crafted. Sean was joined by the man who tracked it down, historian and priest Monsignor Liam Kelly... Image: Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati

News and A Natter: Eithne Shortall

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Eithne Shortall, author and columnist with the Business Post joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

Moncrieff on Moncrieff

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 15:20:00 +0000

Singer, Moncrieff joined Sean LIVE in The Sugar Club to chat about his life, career and how he got his name...

Barack Obama's speechwriter

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:08:00 +0000

Cody Keegan played a huge, but perhaps invisible, role in the Obama administration. As the president’s chief speechwriter, it was his job to ensure that the so-called Leader of the Free World could articulate just the right sentiment during moments of crisis. Sean was joined by Cody Keegan, author of ‘Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America’...

The Home Energy Saving Kit

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:30:00 +0000

With our energy bills on the rise it can sometimes be quite confusing trying to work out how much it actually costs to use different appliances in our homes. The Home Energy Saving Kit, made by Codema and available to rent for free now from libraries across the country, may well be a good starting point. Sean was joined by Suzanne Fitzpatrick, Communications Manager with CODEMA, Dublin’s Energy Agency... Image: Codema

Ditching nappies for the 'Elimination Communication' method

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:26:00 +0000

While most parents continue to use nappies, most of which end up in landfill, some are trying out the increasingly popular ‘Elimination Communication’ method. But what is it and how does it work? Barborba Svecova, from Elimination Communication Ireland joined Sean on the show...

The Vagina Museum

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:15:00 +0000

The Vagina Museum in London seeks to demystify the female anatomy and break down barriers to communication about how the body works. Sean was joined by Florence Schechter, Founder of the Vagina Museum to discuss...

'I do feel it doesn't cater for the single and childless people'

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000

As a childless woman, I’m fed up of people treating Christmas as a kids’ holiday - so says UK based journalist Hannah Davies in her opinion piece at Metro. Is Christmas really a Children oriented holiday, and are people with no children under extra pressure during the holiday season? Andrea Smith, freelance journalist, who is also a childless person joined Sean to discuss...

The art of letter writing

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:10:00 +0000

Today is Letter Writing Day, which means we should all down our handheld devices, pick up a pen and paper and write a letter to a friend or loved one and reignite the art that is letter writing. Liz Maguire is creator and curator of FleetmarketLoveLetters.com and she joined Sean to discuss...

Viva Magenta - Colour of the Year 2023

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:45:00 +0000

In the last few days Pantone announced its Colour of the Year for 2023 which is Viva Magenta, stating their choice '..is brave and fearless' and 'promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.' Pantone's 'Colour of the Year' has become increasingly influential in the world of design since it was first introduced in 2000. Sean was joined by Helen Steele, fashion designer and artist to discuss..

The Voluntary Human Extinction Movement

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:25:00 +0000

The planet earth now contains 8 billion people but one group believe that humans need to die out for the good of the planet and other species. The Voluntary Human Extinction Movement do not want mass murder or suicides but for all “to live long and die out”. Essentially, do not procreate. The founder Les Knight joined Sean on the show to discuss... Image: Voluntary Human Extinction Movement

How To...Get Irish Citizenship

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:20:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to become an Irish citizen. Sean was joined in studio by Gerry McGrath, an immigration solicitor with McGrath McGrane to discuss...

Reviving the Manx language

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:10:00 +0000

It was a little over a decade ago when UNESCO declared the Gaelic language, Manx extinct. Then students on the Isle of Man studying at the school took strong exception. Manx language is now talk of the town and will be their future Sean was joined by Ruth Keggin Gell, Manx Language Development Officer at Culture Vannin in the Isle of Man...

The man who invented the synthesizer

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 11:40:00 +0000

The sound of the synthesizer is so entrenched in the music of the second half of the 20th century that it is hard to imagine the history of pop music without it. But where did it come from? A new book explores the life and times of its inventor. Sean was joined by Albert Glinsky, Author of ‘Switched On: Bob Moog and the Synthesizer Revolution’... Image: Getty Images

Dún Laoghaire baths set to reopen

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:10:00 +0000

After many years of dereliction the once famous Dun Laoghaire Baths are due to reopen next week. But where are the actual baths? Sean was joined by Eileen O’Duffy, Author of ‘From Dirt and Dips to Dryrobes: Bathing in Dun Laoghaire Through the Ages’...

Study finds 'correlation between depression and not sending Christmas cards'

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:07:00 +0000

A new study suggests there is a link between depression and sending Christmas cards. Sean was joined by Professor Stephen Gallagher, Director of the Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Lab at UL to discuss...

Mpox: 'This virus got into a community and spread rapidly'

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:40:00 +0000

The mpox vaccine is currently being rolled out across Ireland. Newstalk reporter, Henry McKean met those who have got the vaccine, and also Adam Shanley, MPower Programme Manager at HIV Ireland, who have been crucial in pushing the vaccine rollout...

'Our goal is preservation' - Trading human bones

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:20:00 +0000

Jon Pichaya Ferry discovered his love of bones at age 13, while growing up in Thailand. His father gave him a mouse skeleton which, “instead of it being creepy, dark and weird”, it kickstarted his passion, and in time he went from animal bones to selling human bones. Founder and Owner of JonsBones, Jon Pichaya Ferry joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Woman uses cannabis 'daily' to relieve pain from endometriosis

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Aimee Brown, is the first person in Ireland to receive a ministerial license for cannabis prescription to treat pain associated with her endometriosis condition. Aimee joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Direct Provision residents 'feel let down' by different systems for refugees

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:55:00 +0000

The Government’s temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees allows those affected to work and claim benefits while other refugees languish in the purgatory of Direct Provision, without the right to work. Some are worried that this is leading to a two tier system. Sean was joined by Fellipe Lopes, Communications and Engagement Coordinator at the Immigrant Council of Ireland...

Victims 'have a right to have a voice in the parole process'

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:10:00 +0000

The Parole Board has launched a new campaign asking victims of serious crimes to register with them. But, how does the new statutory parole board work and what would families be registering for? And ultimately, what involvement would they have in ultimately deciding if a prisoner is released? Sean was joined by Ciarín deBuis, the Chief Executive of the Parole Board...

Are Christmas Cracker Jokes Funny?

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:10:00 +0000

A poll in the UK of 2,000 adults, found that the best of the shortlisted jokes was: “What type of peas ruin Christmas Dinner? MPs. Are Christmas cracker jokes supposed to be funny? Comedian and Poet, John Moynes joined Sean to discuss what makes the perfect Christmas cracker joke?

'I Am Jesus Christ' the video game

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:55:00 +0000

In a world where gaming has become prolific, a new game is soon to be available to gamers. ‘I Am Jesus Christ’, a controversial video game that literally lets you play as the Messiah, from his birth to his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, recently became playable on Steam. To discuss, review and offer some insight into the strange experience it must be to play as 'God', Sean was joined by Graham Day, Editor in Chief at Game Eir an Irish Video Game Website... Image: Steam

News and A Natter: Elaine O'Loughlin

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:45:00 +0000

Elaine O'Loughlin, Deputy Political Editor with the Irish Examiner joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

Restoring vintage typewriters

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:40:00 +0000

Leo Molloy from VintageTypwriters.ie is on a mission to bring the vintage typewriter back into popularity and spends his days restoring, repairing and rehoming old typewriters. Leo joined Sean in studio to discuss...

Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:55:00 +0000

What do you do if you think you’ve spotted The Loch Ness Monster? That’s what Gary Campbell asked himself 26 years ago after spotting a mysterious object in the lakes of Inverness. Unable to register the sighting anywhere, he and his wife set up a register which investigates any reports of the mythical creature. Gary joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The search for the 2002 Sulo purple wheelie bin

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:45:00 +0000

Alexander Smoljanovic is one of about 12 people in Germany who collect a very particular set of items. Wheely bins. Alexander has 100 full size wheely bins in his collection and over 300 miniature but he has his sight set on the rare 2002 Sulo 240 litre in purple which has evaded him so far. He joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'Huge problem with commercial breeding' in Ireland

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:58:00 +0000

Micheal Martin has said there’s a major review of the laws around controlling dogs underway. It comes after a child suffered horrific injuries in an attack earlier this week. But is there any legislation that can really prevent this kind of incident? Would banning certain breeds work? Suzi Walsh, dog trainer and behaviourist joined Sean on the show to discuss...

‘Women aren’t being encouraged to take over farms’

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Women rarely inherit land and are low down on the rung of decision-making levels but contribute hugely to agribusiness and in sustaining rural life. How do we overturn this and stop perpetuating the ‘unacceptable cultural barriers’ as the minister for Charlie McConalogue put it? Hannah Quinn Mulligan, founder of Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group and beef and dairy farmer joined Sean on the show to discuss…

'Je suis une baguette!' - What makes the French baguette so special?

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:20:00 +0000

Baguettes have been making headlines this week. More than six billion baguettes are baked every year in France and UNESCO gas now inscribed the tradition in its “intangible cultural heritage” list. Furthermore, Limerick man Eddie O'Keeffe, gatecrashed French TV coverage of the World Cup at the weekend shouting ‘Je suis une baguette!’ So what makes French baguette so special and how is it different from what we know as Irish Chicken roll bread? Eoin Cluskey, the owner of Bread 41 bakery in Dublin, joined Sean in studio to discuss...

'Kiss a few fellas!' - Christmas Party Do's and Don'ts

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Christmas Parties are back after a 3 year absence because of the pandemic. But have we forgotten about the way to behave, letting our hair down, kissing the assistant, falling down the stairs? What are the dos and don’ts? Henry McKean joined Sean to talk him through it...

The History of the Shorter Working Week

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:40:00 +0000

Employees and companies have reported overwhelmingly positive results after the trial of a 4 day working week across 12 Irish companies. It wasn't that long ago that similar trials were being done to reduce the working week from 6 to 5 days. Can the historical context of this idea help us to understand the current debate. Sean was joined by Graham Finlay, School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin to discuss...

Why Irish people never say what they mean

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Why do Irish people use the English language to not say what they really mean? Are we too polite and afraid of offending or are we afraid of having those awkward conversations? Maybe it’s all about a fear of committing and following through on our words. Gail Flanagan, linguist tutor from the School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics at the University of Limerick joined Sean on the show to discuss..

HIV: 'I was a child of shame, I grew up in the stigma'

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

In the new genre-bending documentary ‘How To Tell A Secret’, directors Anna Rodgers and Shaun Dunne joined forces to find creative ways to tell the stories of people in Ireland who are HIV-positive, while shining a light on the transformative power of telling your story. Sean was joined in studio by Anna and also by Enda McGrattan or Veda as you may know him, who contributes his story in the documentary… Image: twitter.com/asecretfilm

How To...Plan Your Garden

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:04:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to plan your garden from scratch. Sean was joined in studio by Paul Smith, gardener and author of 'Gardening Together'...

The Ice Cream Van Wars

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:15:00 +0000

Ice cream vans are synonymous with treats, however for communities in some of the poorest parts of Glasgow in the 1970s, these vans were a lifeline. Carrying not just ice cream, these vans were effectively the general store on wheels because the council had built high-density living without the necessary amenities like shops. However, the routes through these estates became highly lucrative, and were quickly taken over by criminals and the ensuing wars between opposing factions led to one of the most controversial investigations and convictions in modern Scottish history. Robert Neill is the director of BBC’s The Ice Cream Wars and he joined Sean on the show to discuss…

Traveller Community Mapping Coolock

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:55:00 +0000

A community project has begun to update maps of traveller campsites in Coolock, which have previously gone undocumented. Not only are the campsites being added to maps, but the stories behind the people who live there are being archived too. Sean was joined by Michael Collins, a third generation traveller from Coolock who has been instrumental in getting the project going… Image: Pavee Point

Livestock farmers must 'diversify now'

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Technology plays a huge part in many aspect of our lives but when it come to the green and climate agenda, can technology play a bigger role than we think? George Monbiot, columnist with the Guardian joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Christmas Tree Rental Scheme

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:55:00 +0000

Is there anything sadder than the sight of shriveled up, abandoned Christmas trees lying on the side of Irish roads in early January? One man in Cork is offering a Christmas tree rental service with the tree surviving well beyond the festive period. Colm Crowley, Owner of Cork Pot Grown Christmas Trees joined Sean on the show to explain...

The world's greatest art forger

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:25:00 +0000

Writer and Investigative Journalist, Giampiero Ambrosi joined Sean on the show to discuss the life and crimes of Tony Tetro...

What is a Citizens' Assembly?

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

The latest Citizens’ Assembly is strongly recommending a referendum to protect biodiversity. This is, of course, the latest in a busy line of citizens’ assemblies undertaken over the past 10 years or so. But how do they work and who decides what topics are debated on? Sean was joined by Professor Jane Suiter from the School of Communications at DCU, who was instrumental in bringing the concept to Ireland…

British man deported from Denmark ahead of his wedding

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

Will Hill had been living in Denmark for the past few years. However, on Friday he was deported from the country for failing to secure the correct paperwork as a British, and therefore non-EU, citizen. Will joined Sean on the show to discuss...

News and A Natter: Edel Coffey

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:50:00 +0000

Author, Edel Coffey joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

The Terminal Man

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 15:35:00 +0000

A man who lived for 18 years in Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris recently passed away. My next guest travelled to Paris in 2004 and spent three weeks with him, subsequently writing his autobiography ‘The Terminal Man’. Andrew Donkin is also the author of Illegal, a graphic novel co-written with Ireland’s Eoin Colfer and he joined Sean on the show today...

A Bolt From D'Blue

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 15:35:00 +0000

Actor and Playwright David Gilna was making headway in Hollywood and hours after being offered a part in a movie, he was hit by a bolt of lightning sending 300,000 volts of electricity through his body. Thankfully David lives to tell the tale and has written the show “A Bolt From D’Blue” which is premiering in the Seán O’Casey Theatre on December 1st. He joined Sean on the show to tell him all about it...

The Splash Free Urinal

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

2022 will go down in history as the first time we have tackled our piss-poor urinal designs. The current model is basically a flat wall. Not ideal when you’re trying to avoid backsplash after a few scoops. But researchers at Waterloo University in Canada believe they have the answer to splash-free peeing experience. Kaveeshan Akan Thurairajah, Mechanical Engineering Research Student at Waterloo University joined Sean to explain… Image: Waterloo University

Cybercrime is the third largest economy in the world

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:50:00 +0000

Gardai were involved in an international policing operation today aimed at taking down a website that allows frausters to impersonate banks or other trusted organistaions. Police forces around the world are starting to work together to target these kinds of cyber crime activities, but are they even getting the tip of the iceberg? Sean was joined by Pat Larkin, CEO of Ward Solutions and Ekco to discuss…

Attempts to rename a Swiss mountain with a racist name

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:40:00 +0000

Sasha Huber has been on a 15 year campaign to get a mountain in the Swiss Alps renamed due to its current association with a notorious 19th century racist. Sean was joined by Sasha Huber, Campaigner and artist to discuss...

The Diamond Industry

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Russia has faced many sanctions over the past year, from oil to gold, from caviar to vodka - but diamonds are still being traded. Apparently diamond trade has fallen significantly with Russia, but it escapes the sanctions list. Sean was joined by Richard Campbell, Diamond and Gemstone Specialist at Design Yard to discuss…

Brain activity in a coma state

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

When Richard Hammond lost control of a £2 million supercar, he ended up in a coma. In a recent video Richard talked about this experience and how his wife screaming at him ultimately brought him out of his coma. It got us wondering what is the brain doing when in this state of unconsciousness and how aware is it of what is going on. Sean was joined by Professor Shane O’Mara, Professor of Experimental Brain Research in Trinity College Dublin...

Craughwell: 'Defence Forces are at the lowest level it has ever been at'

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:52:00 +0000

A new motion to be brought to the floor of the Seanad later today calls for a constitutional guarantee of Irish neutrality. However, not everyone is in favour of the motion. Sean was joined by Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator and Tom Clonan, Independent Senator to discuss...

New measures for size

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:18:00 +0000

Choosing the name of a new-born can be a challenging process for any parent. It’s a big decision. You are branding your child with a bunch of letters for the rest of their life. But have you ever wondered what a physicist must go through, when trying to come up with a new word that will be accepted and approved around the world? Sean was joined by Dr Richard Brown, Head of Metrology at the U.K.’s National Physical Laboratory, who was recently challenged with bringing 4 new words to the metric system…

How To...Paint Your House

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to paint your house. Sean was joined in studio by Kate Gaynor, Owner of The Paint Hub Carlow to discuss...

Ireland's favourite porn categories

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:10:00 +0000

Pornhub have released Ireland’s biggest secret - the favourite porn each county loves to watch. Not only that, but they have interesting data about how long we spend watching videos, and reveal that one night of the year we don’t watch porn! Sean was joined by Dr Caroline West, Sex Educator and Host of the Glow West Podcast to discuss...

The surprising and sinister potential of the internet meme

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

Mee-m M-em Me-me-ma. We might pronounce it differently, but everyone's sending them all the same. Newstalk reporter, Sarah Madden looks into the growing power of memes and their sinister potential in this report.

Attempting to live forever

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Biohacker, Leon Kurita would like to live forever and is currently going through the various levels of biohacking in order to achieve this. Leon Kurita, joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Henry asks the people of Cork 'Where are you going?'

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:45:00 +0000

Newstalk Reporter, Henry McKean asked the people of Cork, the simple question 'Where are you going?'...

'It's like mixing a cake!' - Directing Panto for 25 Years

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Catherine Mahon Buckley, founder of CADA Performing Arts and the director of The Everyman Palace Theatre's Pantomime in Cork for 25 years joined Sean on the show... Image: CADA Performing Arts

'Responsibility on men to stamp out' groping

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:59:00 +0000

We like to think that society has become less tolerant of inappropriate behaviour. However, Colman Noctor says that almost every woman he asked during his lecturing, has been inappropriately touched. Is it time to bring in legislation to make groping a criminal offence? Colman Noctor, child psychotherapist joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Water Cremation

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

Elizabeth Oakes, Founder of Pure Reflections joined Sean on the show to discuss the practice of water cremations...

Junior Eurovision 2022

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

You’ve heard about the Eurovision, but did you know there is a kids’ version called the Junior Eurovision? This year it is being held in Armenia on December 11th. Sean was joined by super Eurovision fan, Richard Taylor who is also the writer of Eurovision Ireland, the official Irish Eurovision Blog...

News and A Natter: Larry Donnelly

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:45:00 +0000

Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at Ollscoil na Gaillimhe joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

The benefits of hugging

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:05:00 +0000

Sean was joined on the show by therapist, Jenny Keane to discuss the benefits of hugging, the comfort it brings and why some people might be using a large teddy bear in place of another human when they're alone...

The Mexican cities protected by aliens

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:35:00 +0000

For many people living in two particular cities in Mexico, the reason they have escaped tropical storms over the past number of decades is because they are being protected by a cabal of aliens who live in an underwater base called Amupac. Nathaniel Janowitz, Reporter for Vice World News, has recently spent time in Mexico investigating this phenomenon and he joined Sean on the show...

The world's largest collection of airline sick bags

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Have you ever heard of a person who collects sick bags? Unused sick bags. “Baggists” is the term adopted by this niche community. The people who snatch those little paper bags you find on planes. Sean was joined by Barf Bag Collector, Steven Silberberg…

'My Dad Wrote a Porno' comes to an end

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:05:00 +0000

After 8 years and a staggering 430 million downloads, the British podcast series My Dad Wrote a Porno is coming to an end, with the first of its final three episodes set to be released on Monday week. Sean was joined by the co-host Jamie Morton... Image: My Dad Wrote a Porno

'I am to die for Ireland': Civil War Executions in Kilmainham Gaol

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

On this day 100 years ago the Free State Army executed 4 young men, the first people to be executed by the state during the Civil War. A new exhibition entitled 'I am to die for Ireland: Civil War Executions in Kilmainham Gaol’ is now open at the Gaol Brian Crowley, the curator joined Sean on the show...

Who stole the World Cup in 1966?

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Back in 1966, just a very short time before the England World Cup took off, the World Cup trophy was nicked from an exhibition space in Central London. How it was eventually retrieved beggars belief. Sean was joined by Richard Milway, Director of Who Stole the World Cup, a new documentary on All4...

Dublin TD calls for cannabis to be 'regulated and legalised'

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

A bill is being brought to the floor of the Dáil next week that will seek to amend the current Misuse of Drugs legislation, in order to allow a limited and personal use of cannabis. Sean was joined by the author of the bill, Gino Kenny, Dublin Mid-West TD for People Before Profit...

Disappointing Affirmations

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:40:00 +0000

The internet has become a great place for affirmations. However, with almost two hundred thousand followers, Dave Tarnowski is big in the affirmations community, but for his disappointing affirmations. Dave joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Wexford nurse who joined the circus

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:10:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about throwing in the towel and starting a totally different career? One Wexford resident, Ciara Louise Gray, ditched her nurse’s scrubs for the opportunity to become a circus performer, and she joined Sean on the show to tell him all about it...

Medieval roundhouse built at UCD

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:45:00 +0000

During the 8th century, there were thatched wooden and wattle round houses dotted around the country where people lived, cooked and slept. Now, a team in UCD has reconstructed one from scratch on the grounds of Belfield. Dr. Brendan O’Neill, Lecturer in the School of Archeology at UCD joined Sean on the show... Image: UCD

The Christmas TV Ads of 2022

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

For some people, the mark of Christmas Time is hearing that Coca Cola jingle, “Holidays are Coming” and seeing the lit-up, red trucks bursting through the snow across our screens. For others, it’s the reveal of the latest John Lewis ad. Or maybe for you, it’s seeing what Aldi’s Kevin the Carrot is up to! Irish Times Writer, Patrick Freyne joined Sean to discuss the best and worst Christmas ads for 2022... Image: Boots

How To...Submit an FOI

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:17:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to submit a Freedom of Information request. Sean was joined in studio by Fred Logue, solicitor specialising in Information Law...

Are America’s politicians getting dumber?

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:11:00 +0000

Are America’s politicians getting dumb and dumber? This is a question Andy Borowitz addresses in his new book Profiles in Ignorance. Starting with Ronald Reagan’s first campaign for governor in 1966 and culminating with the election of Donald J. Trump, Borowitz shows how, during the age of twenty-four-hour news and social media, the US has elected politicians to positions of great power whose lack of the most basic information is terrifying. The New York Times-bestselling author joined Sean on the show...

Global population reaches eight billion people

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:58:00 +0000

The planet’s eight billionth person was born today, as humanity’s population continues to soar. Graham FInlay from the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin joined Sean to discuss...

Love Around the World

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:51:00 +0000

When Davor and Andela Rostuhar got married, they decided to ditch the traditional honeymoon and instead spend a year travelling the world in order to explore the nature of romantic relationships in different parts of the globe. They have now turned this into a documentary film called ‘Love Around the World’ which premieres tomorrow at the Cork International Film Festival. Davor and Andela Rostuhar joined Sean in studio to discuss... Image: davorrostuhar.com

The History of the Irish Singles Chart

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

This year the Irish Singles Chart turns 60, having broadcast for the first time in 1962. But what was the first Irish Number 1 and how has the chart system evolved over 6 decades? Sean was joined by music journalist Eamon Sweeney to discuss...

'It's an hour where you can forget you're in jail' - Henry met Mountjoy's frisbee team

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:55:00 +0000

Frisbee is a game that many of us would only play on the beach on holiday but it is an actual sport. Some of Ireland’s best frisbee players have helped set up a frisbee club in Mountjoy Prison. Henry McKean went behind bars to find out more.

Surrogacy Law: 'Our families will be equal'

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:55:00 +0000

International commercial surrogacy will be permitted and regulated under new legislation due to be given cabinet approval imminently. After many years of campaigning on this issue it will come as a relief to families affected. Sean was joined by Cathy Wheatley, Spokesperson for Irish Families Through Surrogacy…

Galway man wins Steve Martin's Banjo prize

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:35:00 +0000

The Steve Martin Banjo Prize is a prize given to the best banjo players in the world, funded by Steve Martin. This year the fifty thousand dollar prize went to Irish man Enda Scahill who joined Sean on the show today... Image: endascahill.com

Is drinking alcohol allowed at the Qatar World Cup?

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:28:00 +0000

There is a lot of concern among fans heading to Doha about just how expensive it will be to drink in the desert micro nation. Not only this, but will booze be that accessible at all? Sean was joined by Ashley Brown from the Football Supporters Association to discuss...

News and A Natter: Kevin Doyle

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at Independent News and Media joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

The world's smallest TV

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:45:00 +0000

Nowadays it’s all about how big your TV is but one group in Ohio have spent the past while building the world’s smallest TV. In fact, it’s so small that it could fit on a postage stamp. Sean was joined by Ken Burns, Founder of Tiny Circuits...

Victoria Mary Clarke on her relationship with angels

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Irish singer-songwriter, Shane MacGowan has recently launched his new book of art and lyrics, ‘The Eternal Buzz and The Crock of Gold.' Ever present in the public eye, he is supported whole-heartedly by his wife, Victoria Mary Clarke. An artist, a designer, and a writer, Victoria joined Sean to share how her relationship with angels has guided her through the ups and the downs of life...

The most expensive crab in the world

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Luca De Marzio, Owner of Rosa Madre Restaurant in Temple Bar, brought a live King Crab into Sean in studio. It is very rare to have a fresh king crab in Ireland because most of this meat comes from frozen. The crab will cost a diner €1,000 in his restaurant but it will feed a full family...

Parental alienation: 'Children can be weaponised' in relationship breakdowns

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

The family courts are held “in camera” meaning they can be reported on but are held behind closed doors to the public. So unless you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a separation and custody battle over your children, the daily workings are somewhat unknown. However there’s considerable debate emerging about the use of – or even reality of – parental alienation as part of those battles. Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The science of love

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

As Science Week begins next week, Sean was joined by health psychologist and neuroscientist, Sabina Brennan to look at the science of love, and what exactly takes place in the body and mind when you fall in love...

'I was given cars or tractors!' - Are gendered toys a thing of the past?

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Model Emily Ratajkowski bought her one year old son a baby doll to avoid gender stereotypes. She said she wanted to avoid conditioning her son playing with certain toys. Henry McKean visited toy shops including the Lego Store and met shop keepers, young people and parents, to ask are gender stereotypes in toys a thing of the past or is it natural for boys to rush towards tractors and girls dolls?

The Queen of the Air Fryer

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:45:00 +0000

Demand for air fryers has increased exponentially thanks to people trying to find cheaper ways to cook in the current climate but also because of my next guest who cooks everything in her air fryer. Gina Daly, together with her husband Karol have created recipes that have garnered a devoted online following. They have just released their 3rd third cookbook, 'The Daly Dish: Bold Food Made.' Gina joined Sean on the show to chat about some of her techniques and recipes and why we all love an air fryer…

Should child benefit be means tested in Ireland?

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Parents across the country recently received double child benefit, a one off from the government to help with the cost of living crisis. However, it has reopened the discussion as to whether universal child benefit is wasteful or not and whether we should have a means tested system instead. Sean was joined by Dr. Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy and Employment Affairs at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to discuss...

How To...Get a Boob Job

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to get breast augmentation surgery. Sean was joined in studio by Dr Ahmed Salman, Aesthetic surgeon from the Auralia Clinic...

Claims Lord Lucan's 'facial match' found in Australia

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:05:00 +0000

The official line is that after the notorious Lord Lucan was accused of murdering his children’s nanny in 1974, he disappeared without a trace and hasn’t been seen since. Or has he? Some presume he is dead, while others think he may be still alive and evading justice. Now, a special AI facial recognition software is on the case. Sean was joined by Hassan Ugail, Professor of Visual Computing at the University of Bradford...

Inside the Crime: The Charles Self Murder

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

The No. 1 podcast series hosted by Newstalk’s Court Correspondent, Frank Greaney returns for a second series. ‘Inside the Crime’ investigates the unsolved murder of RTÉ set designer, Charles Self. The new series of Inside The Crime tells the story of Charles Self, a young gay man who was murdered in Dublin 40 years ago. Subscribe now at newstalk.com/insidethecrime or wherever you get your podcasts.

Wimbledon to ease all-white underwear rules for female players

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:58:00 +0000

Doctor and Sports Psychologist, Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh joined Sean on the show to discuss Wimbledon changing their dress-code for female player's underwear...

'Whatever is going on in a woman's womb is her business!'

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:55:00 +0000

During the Princess of Wales’ public appearance at a rugby match on Saturday there was intense speculation about whether she is pregnant or not in the media. But why is this type of pregnancy speculation considered acceptable and to what extent does it affect women more broadly? Sean was joined by Chrissie Russell, Freelance journalist with the Irish Independent to discuss...

Art for your dog

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:32:00 +0000

In a first for Ireland, you can now bring your dog to an art exhibition made for your dog. Exhibition for Dogs By Ruan van Vliet opens this Thursday and is tailored to your dog from how the art is displayed to the activities they can do Ruan joined Sean live from the studio with paintbrush in hand...

'Pigs head, pigs cheek!' - Irish shoppers chase cheaper cuts of meat

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

Irish shoppers are turning to cheaper cuts of meat and own-brand labels to beat the cost-of-living crisis. And across the water British chain Waitrose reported that sales of fish heads were up an “incredible” 34% on last year, while spam sales rose by 36%. Henry McKean has been looking at it here in Ireland...

What is Mastodon?

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:10:00 +0000

Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent, to discuss Mastodon, a site that could see Twitter users joining it in the wake of Elon Musk's takeover...

The History of COP

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:50:00 +0000

The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as or COP27, is underway in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. One man who has attended almost every year is Frank McDonald, former environment editor of The Irish Times, he was a the very first one in 1995. Frank joined Sean on the show to chart the history of COP...

Scattering ashes by drone

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:35:00 +0000

When a loved one chooses to be cremated, the first question that often arises is where to scatter the remains. A new service in the UK expands these options by scattering them by drone. Sean was joined by Chris Mace, Founder of Aerial Ashes...

Why do men grab their crotches?

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:20:00 +0000

Inside and outside, some men can't help but touch their crotch. Why is this? A new NUI Galway study says touching your penis, releases oxytocin to the brain which can help regulate mood and help with any anxiety Sean was joined by Dr. Siobhan O’Higgins, co leader at Active Consent, sexologist and educator from the School of Psychology at NUI Galway...

News and A Natter: Órla Ryan

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 14:55:00 +0000

Órla Ryan, News Correspondent with theJournal.ie and creator of the new podcast Redacted Lives joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

Dirtbirds: 'Our audiences are just fabulous'

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:15:00 +0000

With their videos racking up tens of thousands of views, a live tour on the go and now a brand new podcast to boot, Dirtbirds are on the up and up. The Dirtbirds themselves, Sinead Culbert and Sue Collins joined Sean LIVE in The Galmont Hotel for Movies and Booze...

Wallis Bird

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:55:00 +0000

Wallis Bird is touring with her 7th studio album called 'Hands'. While she’s in Galway for her Roisin Dubh gig, she’s made time to join Seán Live in the Galmont Hotel for Movies and Booze...

Abbeyfeale locals bare all for charity calendar

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:10:00 +0000

Like a lot of small towns in Ireland, Abbeyfeale in Limerick has been feeling a bit neglected in recent years. In order to boost the town's profile, local photographer, John Morris proposed a calendar featuring the town and some of it's inhabitants. Unlike a normal day in Abbeyfeale, every one in the calendar is naked. John Morris joined Sean on the show to discuss the inspiration behind the calendar and some of the shots...

‘I do think people deserve to be cancelled’ - Are Gen Z 'less tolerant' of others' views

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:20:00 +0000

According to a UK Channel 4 survey studying the rise of “young illiberal progressives”, found that those aged 13 to 24 could be considered “less liberal” than earlier generations as they were “less tolerant” of others’ views. Henry McKean has been investigating for us here in Ireland and getting the views of Gen Z...

Making wine in Ireland

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:10:00 +0000

Here in Ireland we’re best known from producing excellent beers and spirits, but Irish made wine might sound as an unlikely idea. David Llevellyn, a farmer from Lusk is trying to challenge this idea, by offering Irish costumers a home grown, Irish produced wine. David Llevellyn, Lusk based farmer and wine producer, joined Sean on the show…

Comedian Ian Lynam 'feels free of the shame attached to' breast reduction surgery

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to reduce the size and weight of your breasts. Often the reason for reduction is back pain in women. But it’s not only women who may require this surgery. Some men experience gynecomastia, which is defined by the MAYO Clinic as an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. Ian Lynam is a Dublin-based comedian and writer, joined Sean to tell him about his experience with breast reduction surgery...

Owning the world's most dangerous plant

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:15:00 +0000

Despite the risk of a painful sting which can last for week or months on end, an Oxford man has grown one of the world’s most dangerous plants in his house. Daniel Emlyn-Jones has cultivated the gympie-gympie, a member of the nettle family which is notorious for its venom that causes an extremely painful and long-lasting sting. Daniel joined Sean on the show today to discuss...

The role of deacons in Ireland

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:35:00 +0000

With a quarter of priests set to retire in the next 15 years, could the diaconate become even more important? What roles do they currently do? John Taffe has been a permanent deacon in Ireland since 2013, and joined Sean on the show to discuss

How To...Run in an Election

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to run in an election in Ireland. Sean was joined in studio by Noel Rock, Former Fine Gael TD and Director of Public Affairs for Red Flag to discuss...

Gráínne Seoige on 'taking the shame and stigma' out of menopause

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

"So many women in Ireland are suffering with menopause” - says broadcaster Grainne Seoige. In her new documentary for TG4 she explores the topic that affects so many women in our country with a main focus on stigma still surrounding this issue. Grainne’s documentary is called, Meanapás: Meon Nua, and she joined Seán on the show to discuss...

Friendship counselling: 'The reality is friendships end'

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:50:00 +0000

As humans we have the ability to make and sustain friendships and it is considered something that indicates a healthy personality. The ability to care for others and give emotional support to those who are special to us, outside our marriage and family, is something innate in most of us from childhood. But would you agree to go to friendship counselling if a friendship was failing? Sean was joined by Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and lecturer at TU Dublin to discuss...

The History of the Irish Coffee

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

As the Laughter Lounge here in Dublin evolves into a theatre space and a comedy club, a new play entitled ‘The First Irish Coffee’ kicks things off from November 14th. The story behind the show pits Limerick against Dublin in the battle to discover just who actually invented the Irish Coffee. Sean was joined by the writer of the play, Lee Coffee.

'Big problem' with bird flu among seabirds in Ireland

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:25:00 +0000

Ireland needs a task force to tackle the current bird flu epidemic says Niall Hatch of Bird Watch Ireland. He is very concerned about the State response in comparison to other European countries. The Avian Flu is devastating the Irish seabird population. Niall Hatch, Head of Communications and Development at Birdwatch Ireland joined Sean on the show...

Dads nowadays 'are far more involved than what they were'

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:50:00 +0000

Writing in the Irish Independent, Chrissie Russell says the phrase 'daddy daycare' really annoys me.' Do we take the role of fatherhood seriously enough and do dads these days do the same heavy lifting as mums? Henry McKean met stay at home dads and people from all generations...

How to use up leftover Halloween pumpkin

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

William Murray from the Currabinny Food Company joined Sean on the show to discuss different recipes in which you can use your leftover pumpkin...

Champagne designed for space

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

A lot of things have been to space on the various missions over the past 60 years but this may well be a first. A specially designed bottle of champagne, designed to withstand the spectral forces beyond planet earth. Sean was joined by Octave de Gaulle, Director of the Space Design agency...

Image based sexual abuse 'growing everyday'

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:24:00 +0000

With the prevalence of smart phones and an ever-growing variety of apps and websites, sharing of intimate images is experienced by more and more people.It used to be called “revenge porn” but it’s so much more than that now, with images of men and women being shared widely without permission, leaving the victim feeling powerless. Mia Landsem, who had such an experience is now helping other women to track and trace an image of them that’s been shared online, and she joined Sean on the show...

'There's still an awful lot anti-gay sentiment' in Northern Ireland

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Data on the number of people identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual in Northern Ireland appears to suggest that the community is much smaller than the UK percentage average. But are these figures telling the real story or is there a latent homophobia up North that discourages people from being comfortably open about their sexuality? John Laverty, Night Editor with the Belfast Telegraph joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'I don't think there's anything off limits!" - Henry explores the boundaries of a relationship

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 13:50:00 +0000

Loose Women TV Presenter and Birds of a Feather actress Linda Robson, says she never takes her clothes off in front of her husband because of her Catholic heritage. Henry McKean asked relationship experts and people of all backgrounds about getting undressed in front of their partner and what is ok and off limits, farting, nose picking?

'People still have a phobia of going into the ground' - Increasing popularity for cremation

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:40:00 +0000

Cork County Councillors were discussing a pilot project to introduce a Columbarium wall in Bantry. This is a wall with individual spaces for storing urns following cremation. These spaces are often rented in other European countries, but how do they operate here? David McGowan, funeral director in Sligo and Ballina joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'I do have skin cancer' - Junior Minister Mary Butler

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:25:00 +0000

Mary Butler is a TD and Junior Health Minister, and so spends her time deep in healthcare provision. Around three years ago, Minister Butler noticed a mole on the bridge of her nose and urged her doctor to refer her for a specialist to look at it. She has just returned to work in Leinster House after a skin cancer diagnosis, and she joined Sean in studio...

How To...Buy the best kitchen appliances

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at how to know what are the best appliances to buy for your kitchen. Sean was joined in studio by Darragh Garvey, White Goods purchaser for Harvey Norman...

Stepping-stone ceremonies being celebrated as Communion alternative

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 15:10:00 +0000

Clara Malone used to work for a multinational company before she did and about turn and decided to retrain as a celebrant. Now, she conducts marriages, naming ceremonies and even alternatives to First Communions and Confirmations. Clara joined Sean on the show to discuss her line of work...

Partial solar eclipse visible over Ireland

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

A partial solar eclipse took place on Tuesday morning. Around a quarter of the moon covered the sun. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie had his telescope out and finds out about the power of the moon.

World record for the fastest mile travelling in reverse

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

A new world record has been set for driving the fastest mile in reverse. The record has now been officially certified by the Guinness Book of Records. Sean was joined by Scott Burner, reverse driver and YouTuber...

Fresh calls for assisted dying legislation in Ireland

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:20:00 +0000

A protest took place outside Leinster House today to mark World Right to Die Day. Dr Brendan O’Shea, Assitant Professor for General Practice in Trinity College Dublin and a spokesperson for the Irish Doctors Supporting Medical Assistance in Dying. Brendan joined Sean on the show from the protest...

Jewish community in Ireland is 'slowly growing'

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

A new Jewish Cultural Centre is set to open imminently in Rathmines here in Dublin and will even feature a classic New York style Jewish deli. All this is in response to the changing face of the community in Ireland. Sean was joined now by Rabbi Zalman Lent, Rabbi of the Orthodox Dublin Jewish Community...

The truth behind the fashion brand Shein

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:45:00 +0000

In the space of just a few years the Chinese fast fashion giant Shein has become an online behemoth. A new documentary exposes not only how it targets consumers but also the work practices of the company. Sean was joined by Iman Amrani, the director of Untold: Inside the Shein Machine...

HSE programme helping pregnant women quit smoking

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

Pregnant women will be handed free vapes by a south London council to stop them spending money on cigarettes and help them to eventually become smoke free Is this something we should see happen in Ireland? To discuss this further I’m joined by Kate Cassidy, Health Promotion Officer for the HSE...

News and A Natter: Fin Dwyer

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Fin Dwyer, historian and host of the Irish History Podcast joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

Octopus deserve 'not to be farmed and not to be eaten'

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:45:00 +0000

Elisa Allen, PETA’s Vice President of Programmes joined Sean on the show to discuss octopus consumption and the 'octopus'...

Hollywood film brought 'a buzz' to Achill

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:45:00 +0000

The Banshees of Inisherin is released today in cinemas across the country but it was this time last year that the filmmakers wrapped up the project on Achill Island. But what impact did the making of the film have on the island and what are the tourism prospects? Sean was joined by Chris McCarthy, Manager of Achill Tourism to discuss...

The first solar powered, carbon neutral boat to sail the Shannon

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

Artist Denis Connolly and his wife Anne Cleary became the first couple to navigate Ireland’s waterway network all the way from Limerick to Enniskillen on their fibre glass solar powered, zero carbon, electric boat. This summer they successfully undertook the Eco Showboat expedition and Denis joined Sean to tell him all about it...

Travelling to every country in the world

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:20:00 +0000

Dominic Maher left Templemore, Co. Tipperary in 1985 to live in America and has spent much of the last 10 year travelling the globe and has done it. Dominic has travelled to Ireland to baptise his 16 month old twins and joined Sean in studio to discuss his life travelling the world...

'I've sworn at least five times today!' - How common is swearing in everyday language?

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:10:00 +0000

Krishnan Guru Murphy was caught off camera swearing at MP Steve Baker on Channel 4 yesterday as the Conservative Party meltdown continues across the water. But, how common is swearing in everyday language? Henry McKean visited Coolock in Dublin to see what people think?

'Everything is on the line' - Climate activists praised for radicalism

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:58:00 +0000

The responses to the Just Stop Oil group throwing a can of soup over Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting have begun to shift, with an increasing amount of people viewing this form of protest as acceptable. Sean was joined by environmental journalist, John Gibbons to discuss...

Former Black Panther Leader Elmer Dixon

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 09:35:00 +0000

To mark Black History Month, Trinity College will host a public lecture with Elmer Dixon, former Black Panther and co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panthers. Elmer joined Sean in studio for a chat about his life...

'People are flat out there' - Breast cancer survivor post double-mastectomy

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:40:00 +0000

Last week saw the largest flatties meet up in the world held in Colorado, USA. Breast cancer survivors who have chosen not to undergo reconstructive surgery refer to themselves affectionately as “flatties”. 100 flatties gathered from the US, Canada & Mexico to find community, understanding and healing on the largest flat top mountain in the world, Grand Mesa. The organiser of this event, Lissa Sears joined Sean on the show to discuss..

How to...Leave the Catholic Church

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at leaving the Catholic Church in Ireland. Sean was joined in studio by Michael Nugent, Chairperson of Atheist Ireland to discuss...

Can orgasms help your pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy?

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Aoife Harvey, specialist in women’s pelvic health physiotherapy from Women’s Health Dublin joined Sean on the show to discuss a new study that suggests orgasms help women's pelvic floor post partum...

'We need to have a cleaning out of the stables' - Lord Mountbatten accused of sexual abuse

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 15:10:00 +0000

Today a legal case is being brought against a number of Northern Ireland institutions alleging that Lord Louis Mountbatten abused a named boy at Kincora Boys’ Home in Belfast. Sean was joined on the show by Andrew Lownie, author of 'The Mountbattens: The Lives and Loves of Dickie and Edwina Mountbatten'...

Golden Canary Diamond to be auctioned in New York

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

The Golden Canary Diamond, weighing a colossal 303.10 carats, is one of the largest polished diamonds in the world and the largest flawless diamond ever graded. The historic diamond is set to highlight Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York. Gerry Appleby from Appleby Jewellers, joined Sean on the show to discuss the diamond...

'Absolutely wonderful' - Henry takes the coach to London

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:15:00 +0000

For many of us before air travel became affordable, the only way to get to London was via bus and ferry. As we all feel the pinch and with air travel going up, what is it like to take the coach to London these days? We sent Henry McKean on a road trip and he joined Sean in studio to discuss...

Cairns: 'Needs to be a full scale investigation' into mother and baby homes

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 15:15:00 +0000

The government’s redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes will not include special compensation for victims of illegal vaccine trials that were carried out in these institutions. Sean was joined by Holly Cairns, Social Democrat TD for West Cork to discuss...

Mario Rosenstock

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

From Miriam O’Callaghan to Michael Flatley and Ronan Keating, Mario Rosenstock has made a name for himself, mimicking the quirky traits of some of Ireland’s most recognisable figures. His popular podcast, 'The Mario Rosenstock Podcast' that launched in March 2021 has now joined Go Loud network and he joined Sean on the show this afternoon...

'There's massive horror stories' - Cosmetic procedures abroad

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:05:00 +0000

Michelle Furey Lawlor, owner and director of Je Juve Clinic joined Sean on the show to discuss Brazilian bum lifts, the rise in popularity of cosmetic procedures abroad and the risks involved...

News and a Natter: Elaine Burke

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:50:00 +0000

Elaine Burke, Editor at Silicon Republic joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

'Oh my fishmonger!' - The Corkman who befriended Queen Elizabeth II

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Sean was joined live in The River Lee Hotel in Cork by Pat O'Connell, the famous fishmonger of the English Market in Cork City. Pat was the subject of what has become an iconic photograph during the late Queen’s visit to Cork back in 2011. The two remained in contact over the past few years writing letters to one another...

Sonia O'Sullivan: 'I'm definitely not as competitive as I used to be'

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:05:00 +0000

Sean was joined live in The River Lee Hotel in Cork by former Irish Olympian, Sonia O'Sullivan. She joined Sean to discuss her career, keeping up running and solidifying her legendary status in Cobh...

'Some people can pull it off!' - Is being bald considered sexy?

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:25:00 +0000

Vin Diesel has been voted the Hottest Bald Man for 2022. Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean hit the streets to find out if people find bald men attractive?

A History of Phobias

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:07:00 +0000

Kate Summerscale, author of The Book of Phobias and Manias: A History of Obsession, joined Sean on the show...

Irish man who saved his phone from a Venice canal

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:55:00 +0000

Have you ever dropped your phone in a place you really had to think twice about retrieving it from? Darren Stevens, Football coach and DJ joined Sean on the show to tell the story of dropping his phone in a Venetian canal, and jumping in to save it...

Ernest Shackleton's second cousin wants the Endurance 'left alone'

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Since Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was finally discovered earlier this year, after resting at the bottom of the ocean off Antarctica for over a hundred years, the prospect that it could be raised is a controversial one. Sean was joined by on the show by Jonathan Shackleton, second cousin of Ernest Shackleton and Shackleton family historian...

The USA Mullet Championships

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 10:15:00 +0000

The search is on for America’s next top Mullet. With 600 hopefuls entering from every corner of the United States, a celebrity judging panel has whittled the extensive list down to just 25 contestants and the winner is expected to be revealed live on American TV next week. The founder of The USA Mullet Championships, Kevin Begola joined Sean on the show...

'I was a functioning alcoholic' - Dubliner traded party lifestyle for saving street dogs

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:45:00 +0000

Niall Harbison was used to the jet set lifestyle that came with owning social media companies such as Simply Zesty and Lovin’ Dublin but grew weary of the superficiality of cruise ships and Michelin star restaurants. In 2018 he traded it all in for a quieter life in Thailand and along the way found his life’s purpose in saving thousands of street dogs through sterilization...

How To...Foster a Child

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:15:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at fostering children in Ireland and how it works in Ireland. Sean was joined in studio by Catherine Bond, CEO of Irish Foster Care Association...

'You have a stamp in seconds!' - An Post launches world's first digital stamp

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:05:00 +0000

In a world first, An Post has announced they’re now offering a digital stamp. No more licking the glue or leaving an unsent card on the hall table because you keep forgetting to buy a stamp in the shop. To explain more about how this will work, Anna McHugh, Head of Communications with An Post joined Sean on the show...

Rathkeale communities 'integrate with eachother' when Travelling community return for Christmas

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:45:00 +0000

According to the Limerick Leader, Travellers will start returning to Rathkeale soon for the festive period and community groups want them to stay long after Christmas. Newstalk Reporter, Henry McKean joined Sean on the show from Rathkeale...

Irish Amputee Football team 'could badly do with a sponsor'

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:20:00 +0000

On Sunday the 2022 Amputee World Cup came to a close in Turkey. It was 17th edition of the competition that takes place every 4 years. It welcomes people with an amputation, congenital deficiency, or other limb affecting disorder to compete at the highest level of Amputee Football. Garry Hoey, is a veteran of the sport and this year at aged 44, he took part in his 3rd World Cup. He joined Sean on the show...

Should breastfeeding lessons be taught in schools?

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:06:00 +0000

Breastfeeding rates are low in Ireland when compared to other European countries. There have been many suggestions for raising this, but the Green Party is suggesting we teach it in school. Senator Pauline O’Reilly joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Could eating your dinner at 5pm help you lose weight?

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:30:00 +0000

If you’re trying to lose weight, you should be eating your dinner at 5pm. That’s according to a new Harvard study, which looked at how eating late can affect your weight. Henry McKean was looking into this and joined Sean to tell him about what he found out..

The cultural impact of rural department stores

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:15:00 +0000

From Todd’s in Limerick to Cash's in Cork, department stores, once a staple in the Irish shopping landscape, gradually declined, making way for high street alternatives. But what was the cultural impact of those glamorous department stores of the past? Sean was joined by Eddie Shanahan, consultant for the fashion, retail and craft sectors to discuss...

Suffering from Night Terrors

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:10:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Alice Vernon, the Author of ‘Night Terrors: Troubled Sleep and the Stories We Tell About It’. She experiences parasomnia, in particular night terrors. But these experiences are much more widespread than we think...

What is the European Political Community?

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:22:00 +0000

Some countries, including the UK of course, are determinedly outside of the EU while others, such as Ukraine, are desperate to get in. A new project aims to bring all of these disparate countries together under the banner of the newly established European Political Community. The EPC has its first meeting of 44 nations tomorrow in Prague. Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with EuroNews joined Sean to tell him what its all about...

Dublin woman sets freediving world record

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:35:00 +0000

Dublin woman Nina McGowan is on route to breaking her own record tomorrow at the World Outdoor Freediving Championships in Turkey after successfully reaching a depth of 43 metres in 2 minutes 10 seconds at a pre-event competition earlier this week. Nina says she’s doing it for woman over 50 to attack the narrative that you’re “over the hill” once you reach a certain age. Nina joined Sean on the show live from Turkey...

How to...Get A Dog

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at adopting or getting a dog. Sean was joined in studio by Ciara Murran, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust...

Grandmother gives birth to triplets after 5 rounds of IVF

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000

There was a beautiful image today of Grandmother Angela Rielo holding triplet babies on the front of the Irish Independent. Angela’s grandson came home from school one day in 2018 saying that he would love a sibling. There began her journey to extend their family unit and undergo IVF treatment. Angela joined Sean on the show to discuss her journey...

'Any sort of prayer is very powerful' - Animal blessing in Portmarnock

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Today is the feast day of St Francis of Assisi and Henry McKean attended an animal blessing at St Anne’s Church Portmarnock.

Dublin City Council vote to lower local property tax

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:55:00 +0000

Dublin City Council have opted to lower Local Property Tax even though there is a €50 million hole in their budget. Michael Pidgeon, Green Party Group Leader on the DCC says this shows a lack of political integrity from public servants who are afraid to say no to their constituents. Sean was joined by Michael Pidgeon on the show to discuss this further...

A history of Ireland's licensing laws

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:15:00 +0000

The Minister of Justice has pledged to overhaul Ireland’s licensing laws but what will any new legislation replace? The answer is the Public Dance Halls Act of 1935 and the Habitual Drunkards Act of 1879. For more about the social history of these laws is Dr. Johanna Duffy, Historian and Librarian at Mayo Public Libraries joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Pocket Gods are selling one album for 1 million pounds

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Mark Christopher Lee, frontman of 'The Pocket Gods' joined Sean on the show to discuss only selling one copy of their new album...

'It was really hard looking back on it' - Catherine Ardagh's IVF journey

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:35:00 +0000

In last week’s budget, funding for IVF treatment was promised for the first time, after years of campaigning by interested parties. But should it be legislated on to ensure its continuation into the future? Sean was joined on the show by Senator Catherine Ardagh, Seanad spokesperson on Social Protection and Fianna Fáíl Senator...

The benefits of structured yelling

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:05:00 +0000

Do we associate certain emotions with a particular gender? This has certainly been the case in historical culture and literature. A new book entitled ‘Hysterical: Exploding the Myth of Gendered Emotions’ explores this and also the idea and benefits of ‘structured yelling’. Sean was joined on the show by Pragya Agarwal, Behavioural scientist and author of ‘Hysterical: Exploding the Myth of Gendered Emotions’...

News and A Natter: Declan Power

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:51:00 +0000

Security analyst, Declan Power joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend...

The Barefoot Guy

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:05:00 +0000

George Woodville, has spent the past year living barefoot. After he decided to ditch shoes altogether, he has been spreading the good news of the so-called Grounding Movement. George Woodville, AKA the Barefoot Guy joined Sean on the show today...

'They have a superiority complex through history' in the UK - Oliver Callan

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 13:50:00 +0000

Oliver Callan's new podcast for BBC Sounds, ‘In Bits: Killing Leprechauns’, is an attempt to examine how much the British actually know about Irish history and contemporary life. Oliver Callan joined Sean on the show this afternoon...

'Still a great need for priests' in Ireland

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Fr Willie Purcell, National diocesan and vocations director for the Bishop's Conference joined Sean to discuss the number of priests training in Ireland...

20 Years of Henry McKean on Newstalk

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:05:00 +0000

On the 29th September 2002, it was Henry McKean's first day of Newstalk. Today on the show Sean Moncrieff surprised Henry with a celebration of his 20 years with the station...

A 'rethink of design' needed for nursing homes

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Professor Desmond O’Neill, Consultant Geriatrician at Tallaght University Hospital joined Sean on the show to discuss the future of planning and design in nursing homes...

Kim Bartley on her new film 'Pure Grit'

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:40:00 +0000

Pure Grit will make its Irish cinematic debut on September 30th. It sees Irish film maker Kim Bartley explore how the wild natural landscapes of rural Wyoming shapes those who call it home — particularly the women determinedly making their mark in the traditionally masculine environment of Indian relay racing. Bartley spent three years on the Wind River Reservation, focusing her attention on bareback riding champion Sharmaine, who fights prejudice and homophobia on route to racing glory. Kim joined Sean in studio to discuss her upcoming film...

The history of Dublin Metropolitan Cattle Market

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 15:15:00 +0000

It is hard to imagine it now but until the 1970 there was a major cattle market in what we would today describe as Dublin 7. The history of this mart is the subject of an event taking place tonight as part of Dublin Festival of History. Kieran was joined by Dr. Mary Muldowney, Historian in Residence with Dublin City Council...

First man killed by kangaroo in Australia in 86 years

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 14:32:00 +0000

The kangaroo is perhaps the most ubiquitous symbol of Australia but the animal’s reputation took a hit last week when a three year old male killed a man in Western Australia. Why did this happen and what does it tell us about the animal? Sean was joined on the show by Graeme Coulson, Behavioural ecologist and Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne...

Irish cheese has an 'interesting background story and connection'

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Fingal Ferguson from Gubbeen Cheese, joined Sean on the show to discuss his family's cheese making business and Ireland being third highest producer of cheese internationally, per capita...

Ask A Stupid Question Day

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 13:50:00 +0000

Brian Mooney, Guidance Counsellor and Irish Times Education Columnist joined Sean on the show this afternoon to discuss is there really such thing as a stupid question?

Why is there a Chinese police outpost on Capel Street?

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Conor Gallagher, crime correspondent with The Irish Times joined Sean on the show to discuss the new Chinese police outpost on Dublin's Capel Street and why it is in Ireland...

Australian republic was not possible 'while her majesty was on the throne'

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:10:00 +0000

As Australia gets a new head of state, in the form of King Charles III, are more and more people Down Under campaigning for an overhaul of the system? Sean was joined by Peter Fitzsimons, Chairperson of the Australia Republic Movement, to discuss...

Nasa probe set to smash into an asteroid

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:10:00 +0000

A specially designed probe will tonight collide with a meteor over the Indian Ocean in order to test NASA’s capability to defend the planet against objects that could potentially have a devastating impact on Earth. Sean was joined on the show by Professor Alan Fitzsimmons, Astronomer and member of the Nasa Dart investigation team at Queen’s University Belfast, to discuss...

News And A Natter: James O'Hagan

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:35:00 +0000

James O'Hagan, from LGBT Ireland and host of ‘Invisible Threads’ on GoLoud, joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines over the weekend including; the cost of living protests in Dublin, Italian elections and Rihanna performing at the next Superbowl halftime show...

World Record for Parallel Parking

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 14:40:00 +0000

The tightest parallel park in history was achieved recently in an electric car. Precision driver, Paul Swift made history when he parked into the tiniest space ever recorded. Swift had only 3 seconds to park in the space which was created by two Mini Coopers, parked parallel to the curb. Paul joined Sean on the show to discuss it...

Reliving 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 14:20:00 +0000

We’ve all watched 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and watched with amazement at the mischief he gets up to throughout the day and think, there’s no way that could actually happen. Or is there? Leigh Giangreco, spent her day being Ferris Bueller and had a day off, following his every step. Could 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' really be done? Leigh joined Sean to let him know about her attempt...

Being able to orgasm on demand

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Karolin Tsarski, conscious sex coach joined Sean on the show today...

Doctor Armpit

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:15:00 +0000

The last thing you want to experience on your daily commute or at a family gathering is a whiff of odour coming from your body. Most people heave at the very thought of bodily perspiration but Bio Engineer otherwise known as 'Dr. Armpit' has dedicated his life to the causes and cures for BO.  Dr Christopher Callewaert, aka 'Dr. Armpit', joined Sean on the show today..

Being a lawyer for nature

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:13:00 +0000

Faith in Nature, which sells soap and haircare products as well as household cleaners and shampoo for dogs has become the first company in the world to give Nature a formal vote on corporate decisions that could affect it. The Edinburgh-based company have appointed Senior Lecturer in Law in Essex Law School, Brontie Ansell as their new Guardian of Nature. Brontie joined Sean on the show today...

The first baby in the Dáíl chamber

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:55:00 +0000

The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl declared that "history" had been made in the Dáil yesterday, when Violet-Anne Wynne brought her new child into the chamber. The Independent TD received standing ovation as she stood holding her 7 month old at the back of the chamber. Violet Anne joined Sean on the show today...

"Nightlife in Dublin is being absolutely squashed" Rock for Culture demonstration

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:15:00 +0000

A demonstration has taken place in Dublin this afternoon calling for more cultural spaces. Musicians, DJs and drag performers took part in the protest outside An Bord Pleanála organised by Rock for Culture. The campaign started over a planning decision that could affect Fibbers pub on O'Connell Street, the bar has been home to alternative nights for decades. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie was there to meet with those in attendance.

Rituals to Avoid a Hangover

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:45:00 +0000

When it comes to hangovers, we’ve all heard of the supposed cures from drinking raw eggs, to taking a dip in the ocean and of course, the legendary ‘hair of the dog’ remedy. What about the preventative measures you can take before to avoid those dreaded alcohol induced headaches? Nicolle Merrilyne, Psychic Medium from Seattle has come up with some unconventional rituals to avoid the dreaded hangover, and she joined Sean on the show to discuss them...

How To...Plan A Wedding

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:10:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at planning your big day. Sean was joined in studio by Sharon Griffin, Owner and Creative Director at Frog Prince Weddings...

The importance of how you sleep

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:10:00 +0000

Professor Neil Walsh, from Liverpool John Moores University joined Sean on the show today to discuss the importance of how you sleep...

Capel Street pedestrianisation has 'affected a lot of businesses massively'

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

There were celebrations last May when Capel Street, in Dublin City was pedestrianised but now many businesses on the street are speaking out about the negative impact it is having on their trading. Sean was joined on the show by Doc Huysmans of Dublin City Comics on Capel Street to discuss...

A New Approach to Depression

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

There tends to be a clear distinction between physical and mental health in the way they are both handled and treated but should this distinction be dropped so that they are both simply considered ‘health’? Sean was joined by Edward Bullmore, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and author of 'The Inflamed Mind: A Radical New Approach to Depression'...

'I find it almost predatory' - Maia Dunphy contacted by psychics to connect her with her late mother

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:25:00 +0000

People going through a vulnerable time in their life are often the targets of falsified clairvoyants who claim they can take the pain away. Broadcaster and Writer, Maia Dunphy was recently contacted by 5 separate psychics asking her if she wanted them to make contact with her mother who recently passed away. Maia joined Sean on the show to discuss...

Emilie Pine: 'Good Sex' and 'All Hardest of Woman' at Dublin Theatre Festival

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:10:00 +0000

Emilie Pine, Author and Professor of Modern Drama at UCD joined Sean on the show this afternoon to discuss her two shows at the Dublin Theatre Festival...

The Mole Man of Hackney

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:25:00 +0000

In the early noughties, the so-called 'Mole Man of Hackney' was evicted from his house in East London after it was discovered that he had dug an extensive network of tunnels under his home. Eventually, artist Sue Webster bought the house and has managed to preserve some of the Mole Man’s legacy. Sue joined Sean on the show this afternoon...

The New York street named after an Irishman

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:15:00 +0000

A street in Manhattan has been named after an Irishman, after an official ceremony in New York featuring Mayor Eric Adams and a dedication speech by former mayor and presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg. 'Jimmy Neary Way' is named after one of Sligo and New York’s most famous restaurateurs. Una Neary, daughter of Jimmy Neary joined Sean on the show...

The Importance of Sexual Wellness

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Jenny Keane is a professionally trained, trauma certified, holistic sex educator and Tantra yoga teacher. Her online classes and workshop see thousands of people join in to learn techniques and understanding in the best ways to embrace your sexuality and pleasure. Jenny joined Sean on the show to discuss her work...

Recycling Heat from Data Centres

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:35:00 +0000

A new project in Tallaght will see waste heat from the Amazon data centre being funneled into a number of buildings in the area, as part of a new district heating programme. Sean was joined by Donna Gartland, CEO of CODEMA, Dublin’s Energy Agency, who has been working on this scheme for a number of years...

Sharing your phone number with a radio station

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Áine Bennett, of TikTok fame or 'TravelWithAine', shares her number with a Dublin radio station FM104. For the last 7 years she has received texts, song requests and competition entries incorrectly sent to her instead of the radio station. Áine joined Sean on the show to tell him about some of the messages that have been sent to her...

News And A Natter: Susan Daly

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:40:00 +0000

Susan Daly, Managing Editor at Journal Media, joined Sean on the show today to recap some of the stories making the headlines this past week.

Living and Working in a Lighthouse

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Sean was joined in Hook House Lighthouse by Jimmy Cullen, former lighthouse keeper and Lorraine Waters, Hook Lighthouse General Manager to discuss the different aspects of living and working in a lighthouse...

Pierce Turner's new album brought him 'into a new place'

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Pierce Turner is a well known singer songwriter who splits his time between Wexford and New York. His new album is entitled 'Terrible Good' and he joined Sean today live in Hook Head lighthouse...

The Tug of War World Championships

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:55:00 +0000

It’s a staple at every school sports day, but tug of war is a very real sport and the World Championships take place this week in The Netherlands. Ireland has three teams competing, and Sean was joined by Noel Higgins, who is on the sport committee for Tug of War Ireland...

Wheelie Bin Wars in Sydney

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:15:00 +0000

In Sydney, the city’s residents are wrangling with cockatoos who routinely open their wheelie bins causing a mess. A new study has discovered what they describe as an ‘interspecies innovation arms race’ between bird and human. Sean was joined on the show by Dr. Barbara Klump, Behavioural Ecologist at the Max Planck Institute in Germany to discuss...

UK restaurant adds carbon emissions to it's menu

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:05:00 +0000

A vegetarian restaurant is the first in Britain to add carbon emissions to its menu. 'The Canteen' in Bristol hopes to reduce its carbon footprint by buying local ingredients and reducing food waste. Anna Blightman, marketing manager at The Canteen joined Sean on the show to discuss...

'All the Broken Places' - The sequel to 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

John Boyne shot to fame with his book 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' in 2006. It told the story of two boys who lived either side of a fence in Auschwitz – one a prisoner, the other, Bruno, the son of a guard at the camp. Today he publishes a sequel, 'All the Broken Places', which follows Bruno’s older sister as she reflects on her life knowing what her father had been involved in. John joined Sean on the show to discuss his new book, success and his future work...

The Problem with the term 'Revenge Porn'

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:15:00 +0000

The term “revenge porn” is used to describe the non-consensual sharing or the threat to share intimate images without permission. The image is normally depicted a person who is naked. Dr. Caroline West, Outreach co-ordinator at Active Consent says we should be using the term 'Image-based sexual abuse' instead of revenge porn and she joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Break-Up Coach

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:05:00 +0000

Sara Davison, Break-Up coach and Founder of the International Divorce Coach Centre of Excellence joined Sean on the show today...

'They're not giving us an alternative' - Limerick man selling 'Irish mud' in face of ban on sale of turf

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:05:00 +0000

A businessman is advertising his turf logs as “mud” in a “tongue-in-cheek” protest at the proposed ban on the sale of peat and other fossil fuels. Eric McNulty, who owns and runs McNulty Fuels, which is a petrol and fueling station in the town of Hospital, Co Limerick, is advertising “bags of decorative hardened Irish mud for sale” and says it is “for ornamental use only – not to be burned in a fire”. Eric joined Sean on the show to discuss the move...

How to...Have a baby through Surrogacy

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:05:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot focuses on how to have a baby through surrogacy. Sean was joined by Annette Hickey, surrogacy solicitor...

The History of Death

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 09:57:00 +0000

Andrew Doig, Author of 'This Mortal Coil: The History of Death' joined Sean on the show to discuss the history of mortality...

Rare copy of 'The Catcher in the Rye' for sale at £225k at

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 09:47:00 +0000

The author JD Salinger was famously reluctant to sign any copies of his most famous novel, 'The Catcher in the Rye.' Now one of the world’s only known signed copy of the book is going on sale for just under a quarter of a million pounds sterling. To discuss this, Sean was joined by Adam Douglas, Specialist in rare books at Peter Harrington Books in London...

'The day when the man on the corner is gone will be a sad day' - Dip in sales of newspapers in Ireland

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:25:00 +0000

Colm Kavanagh from Kavanagh’s Newsagents in Arklow joined Sean on the show to discuss why some shops might be stopping selling magazines and newspapers...

The Boeing 727 Crash Experiment

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:10:00 +0000

10 years ago, a group of pilots and aeronautical scientists deliberately crashed a Boeing 727 into a desert in Mexico, in an attempt to better understand which part of an airplane you are most likely to survive. Sean was joined by Leland “Chip” Shanle, author and pilot with American Airways, who was part of the piloting team on that extraordinary day a decade ago...

'Now, it's cool to speak Irish' - Being a Gaeilgoir in Ireland

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 13:40:00 +0000

For years, discussions around the Irish language have been met with an attitude of resentment and distain. The discourse about our native tongue is often reduced down to a conversation about the curriculum. The cultural significance of Irish can be lost in what ends up being a roaring match about the Leaving Cert. Sean was joined by Breanndán Begley, Irish Musician and Native Irish Speaker to discuss...

What does the future hold for Prince Andrew?

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 10:30:00 +0000

Many were surprised to see Prince Andrew emerge from Balmoral to greet well wishers on Saturday afternoon, in light of the allegations against him. But what happens to the Duke of York now that his mother has passed on and his older brother is now king? Sean was joined on the show by Nigel Cawthorne, Author of Prince Andrew: Maxwell, Epstein and the Palace to discuss...

'Most people aren't aware of' hygiene poverty

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Sorcha Killian, co-founder of The Hygiene Bank joined Sean on the show to mark the launch of National Hygiene Week...

News And A Natter: Elaine O'Loughlin

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:47:00 +0000

Elaine Loughlin, Deputy Political Editor with the Irish Examiner joined Sean on the show to chat through political think-ins, philanthropy and what happens to the Queen's money?

What exactly is your cat saying?

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:25:00 +0000

f you’ve always wondered what your cat is trying to say, this new app might be able to help with that. Founders of MeowTalk, a new ‘cat translator’ app, say they have found a formula that can identify a cat’s meows and translate them into human languages. Javier Sanchez, Co-Founder of MeowTalk and he joined Sean on the show...

Is it time to ban drive-throughs?

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Sometimes pulling into a drive through and grabbing a burger and chips is a handy way of eating on the go. However, one Cork Councillor wants to put them in the past forever. Dan Boyle, Green party councillor in Cork City joined Sean on the show to tell him why...

'I was standing above my own body - Man who had out of body experience

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Scott Drummond was 28-years-old when a botched operation on his thumb led to him being “pronounced dead for 20 minutes”. Now in his late sixties, Drummond remembers vividly the out of body experience he had while chaos unfolded around him. Scott joined Sean on the show to tell his story...

Phones, passports, keys and more at EP Lost & Found

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:10:00 +0000

Festival goers who went to Electric Picnic are just starting to come back to reality now but some are still searching for what they left behind. If you are looking for a lost phone, wallet or passport, there is a chance it's still in Stradbally. The Society St Vincent de Paul is operating the lost and found this weekend and our reporter Josh Crosbie has been down there rummaging through the items.

The Russian Conundrum

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once the richest man in Russia, had his life turned upside down when he made the bold move to speak out against the corruption of the Russian regime – Exposing the truth about Putin’s misconduct resulted in him being stripped of his entire wealth and jailed for over ten years. Now freed, Khodorkovsky has written about his experience of standing up to the notorious dictator with some help from best selling Sunday Times Author, Martin Sixsmith in, The Russia Conundrum. Martin joined Sean on the show...

Smelling Parkinson's Disease

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Your sense of smell can be a powerful thing, but imagine if you could smell a developing disease? Joy Milne, noticed her husband’s scent changed when he was 33. It turned out, she was smelling his Parkinson’s more than a decade before his diagnosis. She has been working with researchers ever since, and now they’ve developed a skin test that would identify the disease before symptoms begin. Joy joined Sean on the show today...

Sausage Roll Cake

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 13:55:00 +0000

New Zealand MP, Chris Hipkins recently celebrated his birthday with one of the more unusual gifts - a sausage roll cake. But what is a sausage roll cake and how does one go about putting it together? Ireland Am Chef and Culinary Lecturer at South East Technological University, Edward Hayden joined Sean to answer these questions...

What will happen when Queen Elizabeth II passes?

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 13:25:00 +0000

Jennie Bond, former BBC Royal Correspondent joined Sean on the show to discuss the plans in place should her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II pass away...

Helen Fields - The Last Girl To Die

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 10:10:00 +0000

Bestselling crime novelist Helen Field’s new book The Last Girl to Die, which is published this week, focuses on a family who relocate to a completely new place. This has echoes with her own life, having upped sticks 5 years ago to live in the States. Helen joined Sean on the show to discuss moving home and her new novel...

What could JFK have done for America had he survived?

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

John F Kennedy died at just 46 years of age. It was a tumultuous time in America with the civil rights movement and tensions with Russia. What could this young Irish Catholic president have achieved if he hadn’t been assassinated so young? Neal Thompson, Author of The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty is here in Ireland for this year’s Kennedy Summer School and joined Sean on the show...

Overeaters Anonymous

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:25:00 +0000

For those who are addicted to food, it is all you think about every minute of everyday, you obsess over the food you’ve eaten and feel guilty, you binge on food and then starve yourself because of it. Food addiction is a real problem and for many and Overeaters Anonymous follows the same addiction steps as Alcoholics Anonymous because they believe food addiction is the very same as any other. Sarah, a member from Overeaters Anonymous joined Sean on the show discuss this more…

Diversity in Children's Cartoons

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:10:00 +0000

Peppa Pig has introduced its first lesbian couple, with Penny Polar Bear telling Peppa she has two mummies. Meanwhile, an autistic train is joining the cast of Thomas the Tank Engine. Andrew Kavanagh, Founder and CEO of Kavaleer Productions joined Sean on the show to discuss increasing diversity in children's cartoons

Noonan's Christmas Lights for Charity

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:55:00 +0000

It may only be September but one man in Co. Limerick is dusting off the Christmas lights and decorations as we speak. Tony Noonan is gearing up for the return of his widely loved Christmas Lights for Charity and has started preparations for this year’s display. Tony joined Sean on the show today...

How to...Do Your Taxes

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:55:00 +0000

For this weeks 'How To' slot we’re looking at claiming tax relief. Sean was joined in studio by Marian Ryan, Business Development Director with Taxback.com...

The Competitive World of Quizzing in Ireland

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

IT project manager during the day and an avid quizzer by night, Dan O’Malley is one of Ireland most successful quizzers. Ireland is a big quizzing nation yet we have no home-grown quiz shows on our screens. Dan O’Malley, Professional Quizzer and Competitions Officer with the Irish Quiz Organisation joined Sean on the show...

Jane Fallon: 'Just Got Real'

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Jane Fallon worked for years in theatre and TV and then at 45 she changed career and never looked back. Now having completed her 12th novel and many best sellers under her belt, Jane has clearly found her passion. Jane’s newest novel is called ‘Just Got Real’ and she joined Sean on the show to discuss...

The Irish Chef of TikTok

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:50:00 +0000

Chef Daniel Lambert went from being a chef in a restaurant before the pandemic, to a TikTok chef during the pandemic. This changed everything for him. Now, thanks to his deep-fried TikTok concoctions and potato recipes, Daniel has gone from CookTok to cookbook and has published his first selection of recipes in ‘Lush: Recipes for the food you really want to eat’ Daniel joined Sean on the show today...

Animal Rebellion block access to milk in supermarkets

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:05:00 +0000

A group of vegan activists last week targeted supermarkets in four UK cities in an attempt to block customers' access to cow's milk in the dairy aisles. Demonstrators from the activist group Animal Rebellion sat in protest as shoppers attempted to buy a pint of milk, holding up ‘Plant-Based Future’ signs. One of those protesters was Robert Gordan and he joined Sean on the show...

Threesome Friendships

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:35:00 +0000

Friendships can be tricky at times. They need care and attention from all sides and when that doesn't happen, it can be quite hurtful. This is especially true if your friendship group is made up of three. There’s a risk involved that one will be left out Ann-Marie O’Sullivan, freelance journalist joined Sean on the show to discuss....

Moving into 10 Downing Street

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Chris Wilkins, Former director of strategy and chief speechwriter to the former prime minister, Theresa May, joined Sean on the show.

How to Pee

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 10:32:00 +0000

Did you know there was a right way and a wrong way to pee? Aoife Harvey, a specialist in women’s pelvic health physiotherapy from Women’s Health Dublin joined Sean on the show to explain how get going with good toilet habits early on can help protect you from bladder problems, pelvic floor issues and UTIs.

Tasting the Toe of Satan

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 15:28:00 +0000

Some people are gluttons for punishment, and this applied to our guest on the show today. Roy Williams danced with the devil in a food challenge this week, involving the Toe of Satan to raise funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. He joined Sean on the show to suck on the world’s hottest lollipop live on air.

"Looking at the Sun" with Caroline Morahan

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 15:28:00 +0000

Caroline Morahan splits her time between LA and Ireland, spending two large periods home in Ireland with family and the rest of the year in LA with her husband and kids. This summer, a family trip home happened to coincide with a new acting opportunity and Caroline joined Sean in the studio to talk about her role in the new stage production ‘Looking at the Sun’ which had its world premiere last week.

Will you wear a jewelry made out from semen?

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 15:28:00 +0000

Artisan jewelry and gifts can often be very personal in nature, but Amanda Booth takes this to a whole new level in her clay art. Amanda is the designer of Jizzy Jewelry, which is a featured line of products in her Trinkets by Amanda Booth collection and she joined Sean on the show from Ontario, Canada.

Whale Sounds

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 15:28:00 +0000

While we’ve known for a long time that whales sing and dolphins communicate in clicks, we don’t really know much about what they’re saying to each other. A team of researchers from the Scottish Association for Marine Science dropped 10 microphones close to the sea floor off the western coast of Scotland, and recorded a full year of sounds to learn more about the sea life activities. Nienke van Geel is an expert in marine mammal ecology and acoustics, and he joined Sean to discuss the research.

Are plants more aware then we realize?

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:34:00 +0000

Plant blindness. That’s what scientists call the way we, non-scientific humans, often fail to notice the staggering diversity and complexity of plant life around us. Professor Paco Calvo runs a laboratory in Spain studying plant behavior and he joined Sean to discuss how he feels we need to start acknowledging how plant life is not only intelligent but aware.

The youngest person to fly around the world

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:27:00 +0000

Belgian-British teenager Mack Rutherford, joined Sean to discuss his delighted at becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world.

Charity Shopping Online

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:02:00 +0000

With the cost of living deepening, Sean was joined by Rónán Ó Dálaigh, Founder of Thriftify, to discuss how many charity shops are now moving online.

Paying your children to read

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:38:00 +0000

It's a challenge for many parents to get their kids to enjoy reading books. Sean was joined by Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent, to discuss paying children to read.

The Transplant Games

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:34:00 +0000

Last week the World Transplant Games were held in England with all the athletes who were participating being organ donor recipients or dialysis patients. One of those was James Nolan, Athlete & Butcher from Kilcullen who was competing for Team Ireland and he joined Sean to discuss the event.

Is infideility Contagious?

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:30:00 +0000

While most people enter romantic relationships with every intention of being loyal, a study has revealed that infidelity may be contagious. Sean was joined by Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss why this might be.

How To...Emigrate

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:29:00 +0000

Today we started our new ‘How To’ segment. Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Sarah Owens, Policy Officer with Crosscare Migrant Project, joined Sean to discuss how to emigrate.

"I know the comfort this will bring to the families of victims."

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:25:00 +0000

In a very significant change to sentencing structures, judges will be allowed to set out the length of time a convicted murderer will spend behind bars. While it has always been a mandatory life sentence, in reality the perpetrators spend between 18 and 20 years in jail before they get parole. As a member of Sentencing And Victim Equality, Kathleen Chada has been campaigning for a change to the laws since her two songs, Eoghan and Ruairi were murdered by their father, Sanjeev, in 2013. She joined Sean to discuss he reaction to the changes.

Sip Till Send Scheme

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

When it comes to elective Caesarean sections, fasting before surgery, while necessary, can see heavily pregnant women waiting without food or even liquids ,sometimes for several hours. Sean was joined by Midwife and author, Tracy Donegan, to discuss the new "sip till send" scheme, which try's to address the issue of expectant mothers waiting for long periods of time without food.

Microdrones and Ukraine

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:38:00 +0000

The black hornet is a six inch ‘’microdrone’’ that can enter buildings undetected. Last Wednesday Boris Johnson’s office announced that the 850 microdrones were part of a new £54 million package going to Ukraine. They will be jointly supplied with Norway, which co-produced the drone. Sean was joined by David Hambling, defence journalist and author, to discuss how these drones will work to support the war effort.

Toliet roll goes tubeless!

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:38:00 +0000

Toilet paper brand Cushelle has become the first company to remove the cardboard inner tube from its packaging in an attempt to reduce waste. Mary Fitzgerald, former presenter of How Do You Do, joined Sean to discuss what inpact this could have on children's art projects.

Would you want an open coffin?

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:38:00 +0000

Open coffins are often used as part of Irish funerals. Independent columnist,Justine O’Mahony, joined Sean to discuss the conversation she had with her other half about having one at her own funeral.

The Bidens: Inside the First Family’s Fifty-Year Rise to Power

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 10:35:00 +0000

The unusual case involving the personal diary of President Biden’s daughter has gained momentum as two defendants have now pleaded guilty to its theft. Joining me now to untangle all of this, and indeed the broader Biden family drama, is Ben Schreckinger, Journalist and author of The Bidens: Inside the First Family’s Fifty-Year Rise to Power...

Meath Food Bank

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:51:00 +0000

Amid the cost of living crisis, food banks and charities are finding it increasingly difficult to make the same amount of money stretch to cover costs. Ashling Lowe is the chairperson for the Meath Food Bank, she joined Sean to discuss the abuse she experienced when there has not be enough food to meet the high demand.

Joyce and the Caribbean

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:25:00 +0000

James Joyce is one of Irelands most beloved writer, however he has also influenced works of literature in other parts of the world. Ellen Howley is an assistant professor at DCU’s School of English and works primarily on Irish and Caribbean poetry, she joined Sean to discuss his influence in the Caribbean.

Cycling naked through Cork

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:07:00 +0000

On Saturday between 3 and 5pm 80 cyclists donned nothing but bodypaint to take part in the world naked bike ride in Cork. Spokesperson for the world naked bike ride Cork, Stephen Bolton, joined Sean to explain how it was to raise awareness for cyclists on our roads.

False Widow Spiders

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:50:00 +0000

False widow spiders have been spreading quite rapidly across Ireland, and now a team of scientists have compared the power of its venom with that of other Northern European spiders. Dr Michel Dugon, from the Venom Systems Lab in NUI Galway is the senior author of the study, joined Sean to explain how the venom is 230 time more poisonous than our domestic eight-legged friends.

News and Natter: Eithne Shortall

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:31:00 +0000

Eithne Shortall novelist, joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

A Jellyfish Garden in Cork

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

A new aquarium has been installed at the bottom of Blarney Castle in Co. Cork in an effort to show jellyfish in a more positive light. Tom Doyle, Marine Biologist in UCC joined Sean to discuss the new project.

Air Guitar World Championships

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Excitement is building in Oulu in Finland as The Air Guitar World Championships are set to start tonight. Competitors will be judged on stage presence, accuracy and airness. On the show today, Seán spoke to Justin Howards AKA Nordic Thunder who won the competition in 2012 and is judging tonight's competition.

The Wax Whisperer

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Consultant Audiologist Mr Neel Raithatha is known online as the "Wax Whisperer" as he uploads videos online of wax removal from patients' ears. He joined Sean today to discuss his work and some of the things he's found in people's ears!

Turkey Teeth

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:30:00 +0000

Over the past number of years there has been a significant increase in the numbers of Irish people travelling to Turkey and Poland as so-called ‘medical tourists’ in order to get dental work done. Dr Vanessa Creaven, dentist and co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care in Galway joined Sean to explain how their has been a rise in people reporting an issue after having these procedures.

Radio transmitter backpacks for moths

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 14:20:00 +0000

Until now it has been generally accepted that migrating insects move with the wind. Myles Menz, an entomologist at James Cook University and the Max Plank Institute, joined Sean to explain how new research carried out using tiny radio transmitter backpacks for moths, shows a different story.

The books at one project

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 14:10:00 +0000

The local library in the Liberties in Dublin closed over 20 years ago, leaving a vacumm for book lovers in the area. Sean was joined by Joanne Hunter, General Manager of Books at One project, to explain how this was yesterday rectified, after a cross country project called Books at One moved into a vacant butchers unit on Meath Street.

Codeine Addiction

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 13:55:00 +0000

Drug addiction is something we hear a lot about in this country but we often forget that over the counter medications can also be addictive. Sean was joined by a gentleman who was in the Irish Sun this week, to share his story with codeine addiction and highlight why he thinks these tablets should be prescription-only.

The Ballina regeneration project

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:55:00 +0000

One Irish town is working to tackle the housing crisis and the positive thing is the architects behind this idea have found a way to build houses and help with climate change. In Ballina, Co Mayo, a group called Accelerating Change Together, or Act who are made up of architects, urbanists and policy specialists, has submitted an ambitious plan that could provide inspiration for unloved buildings in towns across the country. Act’s co-founder Kevin Loftus joined Sean to discuss the details.

Summer Reads: Popular Fiction

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:53:00 +0000

Each week we’re going to bring you some suggestions for your summer reading, taking a different category each time. This week Bob Johnstone of The Gutter Bookshop, joined Sean with some recommendation for popular fiction reads. He suggested It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, The Wedding Party by Cathy Kelly, Beautiful World, Where Are You? By Sally Rooney, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, The 6.20 man by David Baldacci, The Accomplice by Steve Cavanagh, Book Lovers by Emily Henry, The Night Interns by Austin Duffy,Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Should the Trinity Berkeley Library be renamed?

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:53:00 +0000

A years long debate on the ethical implications of the naming of a library in Trinity College has come to a head this week with the university’s Student’s Union demanding the denaming of Berkeley Library. Gaby Fulham, President of Trinity College’s Students Union, joined Sean to explain why the philosopher’s links with the transatlantic slave trade have called the name into question.

How To...Get A Vasectomy

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:30:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Dr. Emmet Kerin, Founding Partner of Gentle Procedures Ireland, joined Sean to explain how to get a vasectomy.

30 Day Local Food Challenge

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:09:00 +0000

Lisa Fingleton is an artist and a farmer from county Laois and her passion for local food production and sustainability. She joined Sean to explain how she was inspired her to start the, which inspires people to eat only Irish produce for one month.

The burning of great Irish houses

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:06:00 +0000

During the years of the War of Independence and the Civil War, over 250 great Irish country houses were burned down by the IRA and others. Hstorian Robert O’Byrne, joined Sean to explain how the stories of these houses are explored in his new book ‘Left Without a Handkerchief’.

Living with gout

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Gout has always been considered an old man’s disease, affecting men of a certain vintage who are enjoying the finer things in life a little too much. Daniel Lavelle joined Sean to explain how at 35 was stricken with what started as a throbbing toe and soon discovered he has gout.

Tommy the tortoise goes missing

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Lou O’Brien in Co. Wexford, has had the same pet by her side for over half a century. She joined Sean to explain how Timmy the tortoise is missing and the search is on to bring him home.

Pronouncing immigrant names correctly

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:14:00 +0000

In the last week we have seen Irish athletes complete in the European Championships and break records. However their names caused difficulty for many Irish broadcasters. Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer and current affairs columnist with the Irish Daily Star, joined Sean to discuss that while we demand respect from other countries regarding our names and heritage, we often find it difficult to pronounce names from other heritages.

Clear Our Paths Campaign

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:05:00 +0000

People with disabilities are often at the mercy of other people’s consciousness of the physical world and the way we all move through it. An abled bodied person doesn’t have to worry too much about a van on the footpath, on street dining, sandwich boards or even an untrimmed tree branch blocking their route, they can simply go around it. Those same obstacles are not as easy to navigate for the vision impaired. Tabitha Kenlon is an advocate for NCBI’s campaign to #ClearOurPath and she joined Sean on the show...

Predicting tantrums on car journeys

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:14:00 +0000

Travelling on long car journeys with small children can be a real challenge for parents, but what if there was a way you could potentially nip the problem in the bud and avoid it completely? Dr. James Hind, Statistician and Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University joined Sean to discuss a new formula, that has been created by a British statistician which predicts the probability of a tantrum.

What would an ecstasy shop look like?

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:14:00 +0000

As the debate about the regulation of drugs continues, a group in the Netherlands has organised a mock-up of what a shop selling ecstasy might look like in reality. Mack Busz, Director of the Mainline foundation, joined Sean to discuss what an ecstasy shop might look like.

Michael Collins

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:12:00 +0000

Newstalk reporter Aoife Kearns headed to Cork to the mark the anniversary of the death of Michael Collins.

The art of the one liner

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:11:00 +0000

A stand up comedian named Masai Graham has won the annual Funniest Joke of the Edinburgh Fringe award, as carried out by the TV station Dave. Comedian and poet John Moynes, joined Sean to discuss the shortlist and what make's a good one liner.

News and Natter: Graham Finlay

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:11:00 +0000

Graham Finlay joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Getting a book deal via TikTok

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:07:00 +0000

Many of you will be familiar with the phenomenon of Tiktok but have you heard about BookTok? If you haven’t, allow me to enlighten you. It’s the book-obsessed corner of TikTok that focuses specifically on books and literature. Alex Aster is an author of teen fiction and after being rejected by numerous publishers and dropped by her agent, she took to TikBook to promote her latest offering. Fast forward a few months and she has signed a six-figure deal to publish one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the year. Tom Dunne was joined on the show by award-winning author, Alex Aster.

‘I Just Killed My Dad’ - the Netflix true-crime series

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:51:00 +0000

A new true crime series on Netflix is currently taking Irish viewers by storm. Called ‘I Just Killed My Dad’, the programme explores the events surrounding Anthony Templet’s killing of his father in 2019. Tom Dunne was joined on the show by the director, Skye Borgman.

Cycling 4,500 miles to create a GPS image

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:22:00 +0000

Drastic times call for drastic measures. A couple from Italy took that saying literally when they undertook a European voyage via bicycle all in the name of sustainable living. As a response to the climate emergency, Arianna Casiraghi and Daniel Rayneau-Kirkhope came up with the novel idea of cycling through seven countries and clocking up 4,500 miles with the sole aim of creating an image of a bicycle on a gps map. Tom Dunne was joined on the show by Arianna Casiraghi and Daniel Rayneau-Kirkhope.

New documentary ‘My Old School’

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:22:00 +0000

A new documentary film, which opens at the Irish Film Institute today, tells the extraordinary true life story of a barely believable deception that took place in a Scottish school in the early 1990s. Tom Dunne was joined on the show to discuss the film, which is entitled ‘My Old School’, by director Jono McLeod.

The uptake of Dog's being involved in weddings

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:05:00 +0000

The Irish wedding venue resource SaveMyDay.ie has seen a 50% increase in the number of wedding venues around the country that now welcome dogs on the big day. This represents a sizeable shift considering the fact that traditionally speaking most hotels in Ireland didn’t accommodate pets. Shell Holden, Co-Founder of SaveMyDay.ie, joined Tom to discuss why there has been an increase in dog's becoming involved in weddings.

How hard is it to diversify farms?

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:05:00 +0000

Minister of State for Biodiversity and Green Party senator, Pippa Hackett has said that ‘some livestock farmers could consider and possibly be incentivised for breeding more horses in an attempt to bring Ireland’s agriculture emissions. Tom was joined by Eamon Sheehan, dairy farmer and horse breeder from Kilkenny, to discuss how hard it is to diversify farms.

Drug testing at Electric Picnic

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:05:00 +0000

As part of the Safer Nightlight' programme and drug harm reduction campaign. The Health Service Executive has announced there will be drug testing at Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co Laois, next month. Tom was joined by Neasa Hourigan,Green Party TD for Dublin Central and spokesperson on Drug Policy, to discuss how it will work.

The Afterlife Of Popstar's

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:02:00 +0000

Popstars often have a shelf life. They have a hit, they become famous and perhaps rich. Then there is a sometimes inevitable decline. Tom was joined by Nick Duerden whose new book 'Exit Stage Left: The Curious Afterlife of Popstars', explores what happens to popstar's after their fame has ended.

Buying the perfect pair of socks

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:16:00 +0000

Choosing a pair of socks may seem like the simplest thing in the world but often we find ourselves wearing ones that are either uncomfortable, slip down or make our feet smelly. Tom was joined by Lucianne Tonti, Fashion editor and author, to discuss how to pick the perfect pair of socks.

The issue with the fostering system in Ireland

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:16:00 +0000

Ireland is unique in being able to provide foster family-based care for such a high proportion of children in care. However numbers are on the decrease due to a lack of supports and services and this putting considerable strain on the fostering system. Tom was joined by Patrick Costello, Green Party TD for Dublin South Central and a former child protection social worker, who spoke about how Ireland needs far more foster carers.

Equine Therapy

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:11:00 +0000

Equine therapy is used by many autistic and neurodiverse people here in Ireland to enhance physical or emotional healing. Rupert Isaacson, founder of the Horse Boy Programme, joined Tom to discuss how he was introduced to it and how it has helped his own son.

How To...Sail and Rail

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:03:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Michael Pidgeon,Dublin city Green Party Councillor, joined Tom to discuss how to do sail and rail travel.

Sneezing Sea Sponges

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 14:11:00 +0000

The pleasure of a good old sneeze is enjoyed by birds, reptiles and indeed us humans too. Tom was joined by Niklas Kornder, Marine Biologist at University of Amsterdam, to discuss how despite lacking nerves, muscles or even brains, sea sponges get their sneeze on with the best of us.

The Secret Life of Secrets

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 14:08:00 +0000

Michael Slepian is the author of The Secret Life of Secrets, he has spent years studying the psychology of secrets, what motivates us to keep them and what makes us inclined to divulge them. He joined Tom to discuss his findings.

Protesting outside the Russian embassy

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 14:04:00 +0000

As we approach the 6 month mark of the War in Ukraine, some Irish anti-war protesters have held vigil for almost the entirety of the conflict on Orwell Road, outside the Russian Embassy. John Farrelly is one of the protesters and he joined Tom to discuss the turn out for today's protest.

Is the new Garda Uniform fashionable?

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 14:04:00 +0000

For the third time in 100 years, the uniform of An Garda Siochana has received a revamp and from today, you will be able to see it on the streets. Image consultant from The Style Bob, Aoife Dunican, joined Sean to discuss if the Garda uniform is fashionable.

What do dog breed's say about their owners?

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 14:04:00 +0000

From a Poodle to a Great Dane, dogs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and display an array of temperaments. Studies suggest that the type of dog breed you choose tells a lot about your personality, Samantha Rawson is a dog trainer and behaviorist from the Canine College and she joined Tom to discuss what your dog breed says about your personality.

The difference between PC and woke

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 13:48:00 +0000

The Edinburgh Fringe is currently taking place with comedians from all over the world coming together in the Scottish capital. One veteran stand up, Simon Fanshawe, is set to perform a new show, running from August 19th to 23rd. Simon has been writing in the Sunday Times about how political correctness has morphed into a type of wokeness which isn’t helping anyone. He joined Tom to discuss the difference between PC and woke.

News and Natter: Ken Sweeney

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 13:46:00 +0000

Ken Sweeney, Showbiz Editor with the Irish Sun joined Tom on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

The Lonilessness of motherhood

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:46:00 +0000

Becoming a new mother can bring up a lot of conflicting emotions. On one hand you’re filled with gratitude, joy and of course love for your newborn baby but motherhood can also bring with it feelings of guilt, despair and an emotion not many feel comfortable talking about-loneliness. Author of a new book, “Hide and Seek”, Andrea Mara, joined Stefanie to discuss why she has decided to talk about it.

Performing to an audience of one

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:46:00 +0000

It must be every comic’s worst nightmare to perform to an audience of one. But not so for comedian Robin Grainger who following his show to a solo gig goer Mike, feels invincible ever since. Robin’s show “Robin Time” is showing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and he joined Stefanie to tell her about it. Robin you’re very welcome to the show

Summer Reads: Classics

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 14:46:00 +0000

Each week we’re going to bring you some suggestions for your summer reading, taking a different category each time. This week Bob Johnstone of The Gutter Bookshop, joined Stefanie to recommend some classic reads. He recommended The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim,Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, My Antonia by Willa Cather, The Colussus of Maroussi by Henry Miller,Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh, The Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and Chances by Jackie Collins.

Uri Gellar

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 14:09:00 +0000

Politicians and military analysts across the Western World have spent the past 6 months trying to come up with a successful way of preventing Putin from progressing his ambitions. Mystifier Uri Gellar, joined Stefanie to explain how he feel's mind control could be the perfect way to put a stop to Putins plans.

How To...Choose A Therapist

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Susi Lodola,Cognitive Behaviorist Therapist, joined Stefanie to discuss how to choose the right therapist for you.

Face Yoga

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Many people do yoga to improve their body tone but Lydia Sasse, a face yoga therapist and Wellness Coach, joined Stefanie to explain yoga can also improve your facial muscles and lead to a more youthful appearance.

Are we too focused on competitiveness in sport?

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:53:00 +0000

A question that often baffles parents is why some kids engage in competitive sports while others drop out in their early teenage years. Child psychotherapist, Dr. Colman Noctor, joined Stefanie to discuss if we too quick to label certain children as “unsporty” and if there is an over-competitive nature of sport in this country.

Is there a rise in younger people seeing psychic mediums?

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:52:00 +0000

The rise in people going to clairvoyants and psychic mediums increases in times of crisis. But research is showing that more and more Gen Z-ers are turning to tarot cards and astrology to deal with the ambiguity in their lives. Fiona Faery, Psychic medium, joined Stefanie to discuss if this rise is because of uncertainty or are people just more aware of these services.

The issue of naming vehicles after women

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 14:48:00 +0000

Educational researcher Dr. Eemer Eivers, joined Stefanie to explain how she was concerned to discover recently that a bike sharing service, operating in Ireland, was using female names for its vehicles. She explained how she was moved to act on the matter and has now been successful in persuading the company to change its system.

News and Natter: Elaine Burke

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 13:47:00 +0000

Elaine Burke, Editor at SiliconRepublic.com, joined Stefanie on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Galway's lovely Anne Hooker restoration

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 13:47:00 +0000

Seven year old hooker boat from Galway, named Loveen took a land and sea trip to Netherlands this week, taking on board a group of local sea scouts. The boat has been completely restored and now is showcasing an Irish westcoast’s maritime heritage at Navaka International Warer Camp in Netherlands. Colette Furey, Galway Hooker Sailing Club crew member is now in Netherlands and she joined Stefanie to discuss the restoration.  

Reigniting Celtic spirituality

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 13:47:00 +0000

For over 30 years, Dolores Whelan has led the way in understanding and appreciating Celtic spirituality and the waning traditions of indigenous Ireland. She joined Stefanie to explain why she feel's people in Ireland could benefit from reigniting their Celtic spirituality.

Actor and Comedian Pat Shortt

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 15:28:00 +0000

Pat Shortt has been entertaining audiences since the 1980s - from D’Unbelieveables with Jon Kenny and his own solo tours to acting roles in both theatres and on the big and small screens. This next tour is a little different again, it’s called Well and also features his daughter Faye. Pat Shortt, Actor and comedian joined Sean Moncrieff live from the Osprey hotel in Naas.

Arthur Gourounlian

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:47:00 +0000

My next guest has become a household name across the country thanks to his recent role as judge on Dancing with the Stars on RTE but for many they will already know him from his dance routines on his Instagram and tik tok Arthur Gourounlian a professional dancer, choreographer and tv personality, married to Brian Dowling and are expecting their first baby together in mere weeks and I’m glad to say he has stepped away from building and painting of the new nursery to join us here today in the Osprey Hotel in Nass

The stigma of monkeypox

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 15:21:00 +0000

An increase in the number of people being diagnosed with monkey pox in Ireland combined with a lack of awareness campaigns and vaccine rollout is causing significant anxiety for the gay and bisexual community, who are disproportionately impacted by the virus. Director of HIV Ireland, Stephen O'Hare, joined Sean to discuss the stigma.

The Alex Jones Case

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 15:21:00 +0000

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has testified that the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was "100% real" and that it was wrong to call it a hoax. Sean was joined by Terry Sheridan,News Director of WSHU public radio,to give an update on the case.

"It's a 24 hour job, it never ends!"

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:14:00 +0000

The lack of services and supports for people with autism and their families has been highlighted many times but what’s not often discussed is the shame and isolation that often goes hand and hand with a diagnosis. Dervla Burke O’Connor, former Crytal Swing singer and mother of 2,joined Sean to describe the rejection and isolation families can feel and what can be done to better support them.

Buying a village in France

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:11:00 +0000

Getting your foot on the property ladder is a pip dream for a lot of people here in Ireland and indeed the UK. Paul Mappley and his partner Yip Ward couldn’t afford a home in England, they joined Sean to describe how they fled to France and bought an entire village.

Is Tom Cruise in Kerry?

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:11:00 +0000

Tom Cruise’s plane landed in Kerry Airport yesterday, sparking rumours that one of Hollywood’s biggest stars is in the Kingdom. Jerry O’Sullivan, is the presenter of Kerry Today on Radio Kerry, joined Sean to discuss if the there having been any spotting's of the star.

The most hated man on the internet

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 10:06:00 +0000

The Most Hated Man on the Internet, Hunter Moore, is the subject of a new Netflix there -part docu-series. Jess Kelly joined Sean to discuss the new series.

The lego on sale for 3K!

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Lego is a popular children's toy but it turns out it could be worth a fortune. A tiny Boba Fett Lego figurine from 2003 is going on auction and is set to make £2000. Andrew Stowe, Auction House manager and auctioneer at East Bristol Auctions, joined Sean to discuss how a child's toy can increase so much in value.

Summer Reads: Biography and Essays

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 13:58:00 +0000

Each week we’re going to bring you some suggestions for your summer reading, taking a different category each time. This week Bob Johnstone, of The Gutter Bookshop, joined Sean with his recommendations for biography and essay. He recommended Rogues:True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks by Patrick Radden Keefe,I Don't Want to Talk About Home by Suad Aldarra,All Down Darkness Wide : A Memoir by Seán Hewitt,Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner,And Away... by Bob Mortimer,The Last Days of Roger Federer And Other Endings by Geoff Dyer,Free : Coming of Age at the End of History by Lea Ypi,Fun Home : A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel,All About Me! : My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks,The Troubles with Us : One Belfast Girl on Boys and Bombs and Finding Her Way by Alix O'Neill.

Concealed Pregnancies

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 13:56:00 +0000

Recently, a woman was sentenced to prison for three months over the manslaughter of her newborn baby. She had concealed her pregnancy. Dr. Sylvia Murphy Tighe, Midwifery lecturer at University of Limerick joined Sean to explain how a custodial sentence will only be a deterrent for women seeking help.

How To.....Change Career

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 13:56:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Julie O’Connor, pro with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, joined Sean with all you need to know about changing career.

Irelands History of Surfing

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:56:00 +0000

Despite the fact that Ireland holds claim as being one of the top surfing locations in the world, 50 years ago surfing on this Island was non-existent. Ireland boosts over 2000 miles of coastline but we didn’t start catching waves over here until a trailblazing group of surfers including Wicklow man, Kevin Cavey formed a club in the 1960s. He joined Sean to discuss his love of surfing.

Archie Battersbee’s Life Support Case

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:52:00 +0000

The parents of a 12 year old boy have made a last ditch plea to the UK’s Supreme Court to keep their son on life support. Archie Battersbee’s doctors say he is brain dead, but his parents want to give him more time to heal. Joshua Rozenberg, legal commentator, joined Sean and Enda Brady London-based journalist, to discuss the case.

Where did the coldsore come from?

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:52:00 +0000

A new study has used ancient archeological evidence to trace the origins of the cold sore. Dr. Meriam Guellil, from Tartu University’s Institute of Genomics, joined Sean to discuss effect the evolution of kissing have on the virus.

When presidential spouses step out of line

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:52:00 +0000

The controversy continues over Sabina Higgins’ letter on the Russian-Ukrainian war. Dr. Laura Cahillane , Senior Lecturer in law at the University of Limerick joined Sean to discuss if this signals the President is looking to evolve his role and be more politically active.

Buzz Aldrin's Space Suit

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:52:00 +0000

The space jacket worn by Buzz Aldrin during the first successful landing on the Moon has been sold at auction in New York for 2.8 million dollars. Dan Kendall, Curator at the National Space Centre in Leicester in the UK joined Tom to discuss what goes into making a space suit and how they have evolved over time.

Sex in your 80's!

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:06:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Stella O’Malley, Psychotherapist, Ted Talk Speaker and Author, to discuss the stigma around having sex in a later stage of life.

Summer Reads: Science and Nature

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:04:00 +0000

Each week we’re going to bring you some suggestions for your summer reading, taking a different category each time. This week Bob Johnstone of The Gutter Bookshop, joined Sean with his recommendations for science and nature reads. He recommend The Dawn of Everything : A New History of Humanity by David Graeber & David Wengrow, Wilding by Isabella Tree, The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli, Unwell Women : A Journey Through Medicine And Myth in a Man-Made World by Elinor Cleghorn,The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells,Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake, Sapiens : A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari,Silent Spring by Rachel Carson,Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty and A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.

How To...Screen for Bowl Cancer

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:04:00 +0000

For many, screening for cancer is daunting and the fear of the unknown means many don’t come forward. But screening is so important and as we’ll see, it’s nothing to be feared. Dr Alan Smith, Specialist in Public Health Medicine at the National Screening Service, joined Sean with all you need to know on how to screen for bowl cancer.

Preventing hair loss during chemotherapy

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:35:00 +0000

One of the toughest aspects of chemotherapy is the hair loss that it can result in. Aaron Hannon, Co-Founder and CEO of Luminate Medical, based in Galway has secured millions in funding for a novel device that has been designed to prevent hair loss during this treatment.

Zoe Holohan

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:34:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Zoe Holohan, to discuss the process of writing her book “As the Smoke Clears: The inspirational true story of surviving Greece’s deadly wildfires, overcoming devastating loss, and discovering a path to hope and renewal.”

Irelands first satellite

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:29:00 +0000

Over 150 years ago, the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was laid between Valentia Island in Ireland and Newfoundland, Canada, thereby reducing the time to communicate between the Old and New Worlds from weeks to minutes. Leonard Hobbs, Chairperson of Valentia Transatlantic Cable Foundation joined Sean to discuss how they reached a milestone moment with their bid for UNESCO status.

News and Natter: Johnny Fallon

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:29:00 +0000

Johnny Fallon, Strategy Director at Carr Communications, joined Sean to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Breaking 200 world records

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:51:00 +0000

For some people, breaking one world record is impressive, but breaking over 200 world records might seem quite impossible. But Idaho man David Rush has made it possible, and actively holds 130 world records. Just this week, he broke the record for the furthest distance to throw and catch a hot dog in a bun. And better still, he’s breaking all of these records to promote STEM education. David joined Stefanie Preissner on the show this afternoon.

UK's oldest medieval shipwreck

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:37:00 +0000

The oldest medieval shipwreck in British waters, dating to the 13th century and made out of Irish oak, has now been given the highest level of protection by the UK government. However, it is perhaps the cargo that this ship was carrying that is the most interesting part of the story. Stefanie Preissner was joined on the show by Paul Jeffrey, Historic England’s National Listing Manager.

200th anniversary of the world’s first piece of animal legislation

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:26:00 +0000

When it comes to having an opinion on the ‘best’ Irishman to ever exist, my next guest’s choice will likely surprise you. In fact, you may never even have heard of the man. Author Peter Phillips says the legacy of Richard Martin, who curated the world’s first piece of animal legislation in the world back in 1822 exceeds anyone else’s legacy. Peter has even written a biography on Richard, also known as ‘Humanity Dick.’ And today, he launched a commemoration event in Galway for Richard in honour of the 200th anniversary since ‘Martin’s Bill’ passed. Peter Phillips joined Stefanie Preissner live from Wales.

Does food taste better with your mouth open?

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:09:00 +0000

A professor of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University is ruffling the feathers of those who are sticklers for table manners by claiming that the best way to eat food is actually with your mouth open, not closed. So, have we been doing it wrong all along or is this just a completely revolting idea? Stefanie Preissner was joined on the show by Tom Doorly, Food & Wine critic with the Irish Daily Mail and Irish Mail on Sunday

Why is Putin's war so popular with the Russians?

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 15:15:00 +0000

Several polls now indicate that Putin has the overwhelming support of the Russian people for his campaign in Ukraine. Data also reveals that his personal popularity has grown since the war began. Noah Buckley, Assistant professor of political science at Trinity College, joined Sean to discuss why Putins war is so popular with the people of Russia.

Coffin Clubs

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:14:00 +0000

Kate Tym used to work as a wedding celebrant before moving into the area of funerals instead. She joined Sean to explain how she now co-runs a group called the UK Coffin Club, empowering members to create their own coffins.

Giving up green spaces for parking!

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:10:00 +0000

In Cork, the Fermoy Municipal District is allowing green spaces in council estates to be removed to make room for more parking spaces for residents. Fermoy Councillor Kay Dawson, joined Sean to discuss how the shortage of spaces is being blamed on the fact adult children can’t afford to move out due to the price of housing.

Croke Park Stadium

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:06:00 +0000

It’s an unusual thing to happen in July, but this Sunday, Croke Park will host its second All Ireland final in a week. More than 80 thousand people, mostly from Kerry and Galway, will make their way into the stands to watch either team lift the Sam Maguire Cup. Peter McKenna stadium director for Croke Park, joined Sean to discuss what preparation goes into making sure the stadium is ready for such a big event.

Summer Reads: Crime Fiction and Thrillers

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:03:00 +0000

Each week we’re going to bring you some suggestions for your summer reading, taking a different category each time. This week Bob Johnstone of The Gutter Bookshop, joined Sean with his recommendations for crime and thriller reads. He recommended Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka,The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley,Geiger by Gustaf Skordeman,Hawk Mountain by Conner Habib,An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P.D.James and Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor.

"I could feel him sinking down so I reached out and grabbed him."

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:03:00 +0000

Timmy O’Driscoll was on Owenahincha beach enjoying the heatwave with his two young children and his partner Jenna, when he noticed a young boy getting into difficulty in the water. He joined Sean to share his incredible story of diving into the water fully clothed to save the child.

Can music stop seagulls stealing your food?

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:23:00 +0000

With so many seagulls living in the capital they have made it hard to enjoy food outdoors in the summer. Newstalk reporter Simon Tierney has been researching ways to keep them away from and joined Sean to discuss how certain music could the answer to stopping seagulls stealing your snacks.

How To....Buy An Engagement Ring

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 14:23:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Gerry Appleby From Appleby jewellers, off Grafton Street, joined Sean with all you need to know how to buy an engagement ring.

"Technology is the biggest enabler for people with site loss."

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:23:00 +0000

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland is now using pioneering technology to allow its service users to access information, newspapers, books and more. Kyran O’Mahoney, Chief Technology Officer with the NCBI, joined Sean to discuss how technology can assist those with sight loss.

The ancient order of Hibernians

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:05:00 +0000

They are America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organisation, set up for Catholic immigrants in 1836 in New York and Pennsylvania. Today, they have over 46,000 members with groups across the world. Last week they held a vote at their convention proposing allowing women to join the order, but members voted against it. President of The Ancient Order of Hibernians Danny J 0’Connell joined Sean to discuss why.

Are bee's sentimental beings?

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:05:00 +0000

We all know bees are good for crops and biodiversity, but proof is emerging that they are also clever, sentient and unique beings who yield basic emotions and intelligence. Lars Chittka has been studying bees for 30 years, he joined Sean to discuss how he has documented his discoveries in his new book “The Mind of a Bee”.

Are we moving towards a cashless society?

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 14:17:00 +0000

AIB has announced it’s moving 70 banks cashless, which is about a third of its network. Bob Quinn, Principal of The Money Advisors based in Naas town, joined Sean to discuss the pros and cons of a cashless society.

The rewilding of Bison

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:35:00 +0000

Europe's largest mammal is the bison. But it has been extinct in mainland Britain for thousands of years. Today, bison bred in Fota in Cork have been released into the wild in Kent. Sean McKeown, Director of Fota Wildlife Park, joined Sean to discuss the rewilding process.

"Its absolutely horrific and unacceptable."

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:17:00 +0000

A new study which reviews the experiences of women in Ireland who have had an abortion suggests that those who looked for treatment for a fatal fetal anomaly are falling through the cracks and are being ill-served. Alison Lynch, Co-chair of LMC Bereavement Support, an organisation which offers help for women in this area, joined Sean to discuss the ways in which women are being let down.

News and Natter: Edel Coffey

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:17:00 +0000

Author Edel Coffey joined Sean to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Lahinch vs Lehinch

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:04:00 +0000

A seaside town in Co. Clare will soon get the chance to change the spelling of the town back to the name the residents say is officially the correct one.The town of Lahinch, or Lehinch as the signs say, has been a source of annoyance to many residents living in the area and Michael Vaughan, owner of the Vaughan Lodge Hotel joined Sean to explain how they been fighting for the name change for 6 years now.

Sandwiches of History

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:17:00 +0000

When my next guest was given a book about historic sandwiches, it began a whole new online career for him. Barry Enderwick runs the ‘Sandwiches of History’ handle across various social media platforms, where he recreates some of the most bizarre, sometimes delicious, and often disgusting sandwiches from the past.

Cocktails for the heatwave

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:08:00 +0000

Many people will either host or attend barbeques and gatherings to enjoy a bit of the warm weather this weekend. So what if you’re dessie driver? Or just fancy something light? With more and more non-alcoholic “spirits” available now, there are plenty of options. Paul Lambert of Shaker and Vine in Swords joined Sean Moncrieff on the show with some suggestions: Raspberry Cooler: Mr L's Cosmo, fresh mint, raspberries, topped with sprite. Mr L’s cosmo is 15% abv so that makes this a light refreshing cocktail Limoncello Spritz: Limoncello, prosecco, soda, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup same, it's a lower abv than spirits so makes this light and easy drinking Pink Gin Spritz: Kells Pink Gin, lemon juice, strawberry syrup, prosecco, and sprite are higher in alcohol but who doesn't like prosecco and strawberries.....and add pink gin......

What's in our seas?

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 13:56:00 +0000

Dr. Kevin Flannery, Marine Biologist from Dingle Ocean World Aquarium joined Sean Moncrieff on the show ahead of the heatwave this weekend to find out what is lurking underneath you as you swim.

World Champion Toe Wrestler

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 13:30:00 +0000

Excitement is building for next month’s World Toe Wrestling Championships, which will be taking place in Derbyshire in northern England, with the best competitors fighting it out to see who has the strongest and most aggressive feet. Alan ‘Nasty’ Nash has been world champion on 17 occasions and will this year be fighting for one last time before he retires from the sport.

The Hangover Pill

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:05:00 +0000

A new company has created Myrkl to help rid you of your hangover and allow for a guilt free night. Tim Dowling, writer for the Guardian and host of the podcast Insult My Intelligence, gave his body to science and tested this drug to see does it actually work, he joined Sean to describe his experience.

What if Sinn Féin were in government?

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:08:00 +0000

Mary Lou will be the next Taoiseach. That’s if the latest poll results were replicated in the voting booths at the next general election. Danny McConnell is Political Editor with the Irish Examiner and he joined Sean to discuss what would change if Sinn Féin were elected into government.

Is Debs culture out of control?

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:08:00 +0000

The Debs is a Irish right of passage but with the gatherings getting bigger each year, Justine O’Mahony, Columnist with the Wexford People, joined Sean to discuss if Debs culture has got out of control.

Banagher's outdoor swimming pool

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:05:00 +0000

Dublin City Council is applying to build a lido pool in the docklands, it would be an outdoor swimming and training facility. But there are a handful of other outdoor pools in Ireland, Kieran Keenaghan is an engineer in Banagher, Co Offaly, and he joined Sean to discuss the pool in on the banks of the Shannon.

Local News

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:05:00 +0000

The just released report of the Future of Media Commission shows that Irish people’s level of trust is higher in their local newspaper than the national titles. Bob Hughes, Executive Director of Local Ireland, a representative body for local newspapers in Ireland, joined Sean to discuss if our national affection for regional news is enough to ensure the survival of the local newspaper industry in Ireland.

How do heatwaves affect our bodies?

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:56:00 +0000

This weekend temperatures of are set to ride to 30 degrees here in Ireland. Mainland Europe is also experiencing some of the hottest temperatures on record. Sean was joined by Paul Downs, Meteorologist at Met Eireann, and Professor Anthony Staines, Professor of Health Systems at the Nursing and Human Sciences in DCU, to discuss the hot weather and what damage heat can do to the body.

How To...Get Planning Permission

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:56:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and do all the research so you don’t have to. This week, by Joe Corr, MD for planning from CWPA in Swords and former Irish Planning Institute President, joined Sean with all you need to know on how to get planning permission.

Living in a tree for 60 days!

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:27:00 +0000

Marcus Carambola, an activist with Extinction Rebellion in Haringey in North London, joined Sean to explain how he has been living and sleeping in a tree for the past 60 days, in an act of civil resistance against his local council’s attempts to fell the tree.

Honeybees in Cork University Hospital!

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 09:26:00 +0000

Cork University Hospital has become home to tens of thousands of honeybees as part of a project to help ease the anxiety of children who have suffered life-threatening reactions to bee and wasp stings. Dr Anda Dumitrescu, Paediatric Clinical lecturer in University College Cork and head beekeeper at Cork University Hospital, joined Sean to discuss the project.

The Life Of A Movie Extra

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 17:26:00 +0000

The new Russel Crowe film, The Pope’s Exorcist, is filming in Ireland and hundreds of extras are required. Derek Quinn is Managing Director of MovieExtras.ie and he joined Sean to discuss the life of a movie extra and what make its such an exciting job for those who do it.

The History of Measurements

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 14:23:00 +0000

James Vincent, author of the new book ‘Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement’, joined Sean to discuss how measurement came to allow the chaos of the world to become organised.

Voice deepening surgery

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 14:23:00 +0000

According to a laryngologist in Turkey, more and more members of the trans community are choosing to undergo surgery in order to match their voices to their gender. Dr. Kursat Yelken, a professor of ENT based in Istanbul and a founding member of the International Association of TransVoice Surgeons, joined Sean to discuss the procedure and how to make sure it is performed safely.

Preparing for a nuclear bomb

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 13:23:00 +0000

New York has issued a public service announcement advising how people can protect themselves in the event of a nuclear attack. Beatrice Fihn, Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons joined Sean to discuss the potential for nuclear war and what when we talk about nuclear war what we actually mean.

Stuff That Changed The World: The Lawnmower

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:30:00 +0000

Simon Tierney joined Sean to chart the history of the lawnmower.

Stick Fighting

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:29:00 +0000

Bernard Leddy joined Tom to discuss bataireacht ,Irelands own traditional form of martial and why is he on a mission to revive it.

News and Natter: Kevin Doyle

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:29:00 +0000

Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at Mediahuis Ireland, joined Tom to take a look at some of the big news stories of the week.

Conversion Therapy

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:23:00 +0000

Research is currently underway looking at conversion therapy that will inform the ban on the practice here in Ireland. Dr. Brian Keogh, Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin, joined Tom to discuss how the research will be conducted.

Comedian Shane Daniel Byrne

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 13:40:00 +0000

Comedian Shane Daniel Byrne joined Sean Moncrieff live from the Sugar Club with thanks to Marks and Spencer ahead of the Paddy Power Comedy Festival which returns to Dublin this July. Shane Daniel Byrne will be performing at The Paddy Power Comedy Festival which takes place in the Iveagh Gardens from July 21st-24th.

Rebuilding Sandyhook Elementary School

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:20:00 +0000

America has been devasted by mass shooters as recently as Monday at the 4th of July celebrations in Chicago and in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas in May. Jay Brotman is an architect who was Partner-in-Charge of the rebuild of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut, he joined Sean to discuss how you rebuild the essences of a school after a tragedy. Good afternoon Jay

Is yoga racist?

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:09:00 +0000

Yoga practice in this part of the world tends to be overwhelmingly female and overwhelmingly white. Stacie Graham, Author of ‘Yoga as Resistance’, joined Sean to discuss if yoga needs to be more inclusive.

Charlie Bird

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 13:15:00 +0000

For many of us, Charlie Bird has narrated some of the seminal moments in Irish life, from liasing with the IRA for RTE, to being one of the first reporters on the scene of the Stardust fire, to covering the election of our first female president. He joined Sean, alongside his wife Claire to discuss his fundraising efforts for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta, after his diagnosis of MND last year.

Mensa Ireland

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 11:12:00 +0000

Mensa has admitted its youngest member, a two year old girl from Kentucky. The news has shone a spotlight on the organisation, and Anthony Phelan is Chairman of Mensa Ireland, joined Sean to explain a little bit more about what it means to be a member.

The book seller of Kabul

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:12:00 +0000

Shah Muhammad Rais, Owner of the Shah M Book Company in Kabul, joined Sean to discuss his bookshop which houses over 20,000 books about Afghanistan, the largest such collection in the world.

How To...Buy a bicycle

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:12:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Billy Keating, Manager at Richies Bike Store, joined Sean with all you need to know about how to buy a bicycle.

'Just Stop Oil'

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:12:00 +0000

The campaign group Just Stop Oil has carried out a series of events over the past week, targeting famous paintings, in order to raise awareness. Alex De Koning, Spokesperson for the climate activist group Just Stop Oil, joined Sean to explain why.

Could a Boris replacement be good for Ireland?

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 14:12:00 +0000

Boris Johnson is in the middle of yet another difficult session in the House of Commons today, as more of his cabinet resign from the Tory Party. Enda Brady, London journalist and commentator, joined Sean to discuss if a Boris replacement could be a good thing for Ireland.

Interrail turns 50

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 14:12:00 +0000

It’s the 50th anniversary of the Interrail Pass, something that legions of Irish people have enjoyed for 5 decades. Nicky Gardner is the Co-author of ‘Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide’, whose 17th edition has just been published, she joined Sean to discuss what it is about interrailing that has made it so poplar for the past 50 years.

Graham Norton

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:08:00 +0000

The ‘GN’ wine and spirits brand launched in Ireland in 2014, after Invivo founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron learnt chat show Graham Norton enjoyed drinking New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and invited him to collaborate with them. Graham joined Sean to discuss his latest blend of wine and the ever growing popularity of the collection.

The 22 inch breakfast roll challenge!

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:08:00 +0000

A famous YouTuber known for taking on ginormous eating challenges, has become the first person to devour a 22-inch breakfast roll at Pip's Cafe in Crumlin. Cafe owner, Paul McDonald, joined Sean to discuss his delight at Randy Santel becoming the first person to win the challenge.

Venice brings in a daytripper levy!

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:08:00 +0000

Venice's tourism commissioner has announced that from January of next year, day trippers visiting the city will be required to pay a fee or be refused entry. Jill Kirby, personal finance journalist, broadcaster and author, who has spent a lot of time visiting and living in Venice, joined Sean to discuss if this levy will be enough to address issues with overcrowding in the city.

Pee-cycling

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:18:00 +0000

Abe Noe-Hays from the Rich Earth Institute joined Sean to explain how as the world experiences a fertiliser shortage, it could be time to start using urine instead.

Stuff That Changed The World: The Television

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:16:00 +0000

Simon Tierney joined Sean to chart the history of the television.

Prader-Willi Syndrome

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:12:00 +0000

For a lot of people they think about lunch or dinner just before they are about to eat. But for those who suffer with Prader-Willi syndrome, food is an all consuming aspect in their lives that has to be carefully administered. Ann O’Neill is mother to Oisin who suffers with Prader-Willi syndrome and she joined Sean give a glimpse of what life is like living with this syndrome.

News and Natter: Graham Finlay

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 13:10:00 +0000

Graham Finlay joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

The pigeon who hitched a ride to Alabama!

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 13:10:00 +0000

A racing pigeon called Bob that was travelling from Guernsey to Tyneside in the North East of England took a wrong turn and ended up thousands of miles away in Alabama. After an anxious wait, his owner has now been notified and plans are underway for the bird’s repatriation to the UK. Racing pigeon owner Alan Todd joined Sean to discuss his joy at his bird being found.

60 years of the Rolling Stones

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:07:00 +0000

There aren’t many acts who can say they’re on the road for 60 year, but The Rolling Stones have done just that. Their first gig was in the Marquee Club in London on 12th July 1962. Starting tomorrow night on BBC 2, a new four-part series features the reflections of the four band members as they look back on their careers on stage and in the headlines. Sam Anthony is the series producer of “My Life as a Rolling Stone” and he joined us on the show this afternoon. The first episode of “My Life as a Rolling Stone” – on Mick Jagger – is on BBC Two, 9.30pm tomorrow night, with a double bill of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood on Saturday 9th July, and Charlie Watts’ film on 23rd July.

Ireland's only absinthe

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:16:00 +0000

When you think to relax after a week of work you might think of a nice bottle of wine or a cold beer but, what about a nice cold, refreshing glass of absinthe? The green fairy is being made in Ireland and this time it’s not green. Robert Barrett is co founder of Rebel City Distillery with his wife Bagya Barrett and is the producer of Ireland’s only commercial absinthe

Spaghetti western set for sale in Spain

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:05:00 +0000

The spaghetti western, a subgenre of movies in the 1960s which were often made by Italian directors and filmed in Spain, are among the most popular movies of the 20th century. The set of one of its most famous examples, Once Upon a Time in the West, has been preserved for the past 4 decades and is now up for sale

Bono lookalike

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:56:00 +0000

He has lived a life in the shadow of one of the world’s most famous people – Bono. Pavel Sfera is a lookalike and the lead singer in a U2 Tribute Band, and I have to say, he’s one of the best doubles I’ve ever encountered.

The Happy Tummy Bread

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:21:00 +0000

Cork born bread specialist and founder of the Happy Tummy Company, Karen O’Donoghue, joined Sean to explain how she has developed a special type of bread that helps to rid you of all your digestive woes.

So You Think You're an Adult: I'm afraid I will give my boyfriend the ick!

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:07:00 +0000

Barbara Scully, Declan Buckley and Sean help tackle listener dilemmas.

Naming Heatwaves

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:20:00 +0000

Over the past few years we have become accustomed to the relatively new endeavour to name and categorise storms, from Ophelia to Barra. Kathy Baughman McLeod, Director of the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, joined Sean to discuss a new pilot project in Seville, one of Europe’s hottest cities, which aims to classify heatwaves in a similar manner.

‘Start Low and Go Slow.’

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:17:00 +0000

The summer festival season is in full swing and while everyone wants to have a fun and safe time, the HSE are asking you to be careful when taking drugs and to ‘Start Low and Go Slow.’ Prof Eamon Keenan, HSE’s National Clinical Lead-Addiction Services, joined Sean to discuss the HSE’s new drug harm reduction campaign has launched.

Reopening the case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:17:00 +0000

Gardaí have announced a full cold case review into Sophie Toscan du Plantier's 1996 murder. In 1996, French producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier was found dead near her holiday home in West Cork. Sean was joined by her son Pierre-Louise Baudey-Vignaud to discuss his hope that this new review will bring closure for the family.

Hamster Health

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:52:00 +0000

Akin to dogs and cats, hamsters are beloved pets to families throughout Ireland and around the world. However unlike their canine and feline friends, very little was known about the general health and lifespan of these furry creatures-until now. Associate professor in companion animal epidemiology at the RVC, Dan O’Neill, joined Sean to discuss the largest ever study on the well being of hamsters carried out by The Royal Veterinary College.

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:36:00 +0000

The biggest ever exhibition exploring the crimes of William Burke and William Hare will be explored in a new exhibition in Edinburgh. 'Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life' curator Tayce Phillipson, joined Sean to discuss the exhibition and Edinburgh's background as a global centre for the study of medical research.

Death by firing squad

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:36:00 +0000

The US has a long history of using different methods of execution for those on death row. The changing of methods stems from the main aim of trying to find the most humane method. Professor Frank Baumgartner, Political Scientist from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, joined Sean to discuss the supreme courts decision to approve death by firing squad in Georgia and, how South Carolina are preparing to use this method more frequently

How to...unblock a toilet

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:03:00 +0000

Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Barry Benson, managing director of DynoRod Dublin, joined Sean to explain how to unblock a toilet.

"It was totally isolating and debilitating."

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Hyperemesis is a condition some women suffer from during pregnancy. There is a drug on the market called Cariban that can alleviate the worst of the symptoms, but it’s expensive and not available on medical card or Drug Payment Scheme. Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, joined Sean and Janine Breslin, who experienced hyperemesis on her pregnancy to explain why it is so important for women to have better access to it.

Passing Identities

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 16:40:00 +0000

The term “passing” was first used in 19th-century America to refer to light-skinned slaves who fled to freedom by claiming a white identity, but the phenomenon both pre- and postdates its naming. Lipika Pelham, joined Sean to explain how she looks at this history in her new book “Passing: An Alternative History of Identity.”

Was Jill Dados death mistaken identity?

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:07:00 +0000

Documents submitted to a court in Paris have suggested Jill Dando may have been murdered in a case of mistaken identity, by a Russian hitman hired to kill another BBC journalist. Sean was joined by Matthew Young Reporter with the Daily Mirror, to discuss the background to her death and this new theory.

Dublin's New Lord Mayor

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:39:00 +0000

Last night, Dublin got its new Lord Mayor. Caroline Conroy, joined Sean to discuss her delight at the election result and her political career.

Life as a court artist

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:16:00 +0000

Mike O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s most widely published court artists. He joined Sean to explain how his job was one that requires speed in some cases, an understanding of body language, and looking into the accused eyes.

"Making abortion unsafe-no one wants that."

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:11:00 +0000

Alexander Sanger is the grandson of Margaret Sanger, the woman who founded Planned Parenthood. He has dedicated his life to continuing his grandmother’s dedication to reproductive rights. He joined Sean to discuss the undoing of Roe V Wade, and if this just the beginning of something more.

The army and the airport!

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:11:00 +0000

The Government has agreed to a request from Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan for the army to be on standby to help with security at Dublin Airport. Senator Gerard Craughwell joined Sean to discuss what that would mean and if that was the best use of resources.

Olive Foley on Life After Anthony

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:22:00 +0000

Olive Foley was this weekend crowned the winner of the most stylish lady competition at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. She joined Deirdre to discuss her delight at the win and how life has been after the passing of her late husband, rugby star Anthony Foley.

Is Gen Z obsessed with wellness?

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:22:00 +0000

Ione Gamble, an author of Poor Little Sick Girls: A Love Letter to Unacceptable Women and Guardian columnist, joined Deirdre to discuss why she feels Gen Z is obsessed with the cult of wellness.

Walk In Blood Clinics

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:22:00 +0000

Due to a lack of blood supply, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has decided to offer a walk-in service this week in an attempt to boost supply. Paul McKinney, Operations Director of the IBTS, joined Deirdre to discuss why supplies seem to be so low at the moment.

Stuff That Changed The World: The Shoelace

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:22:00 +0000

Simon Tierney joined Sean to chart the history of the shoelace.

News and Natter: Jen Hogan

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:22:00 +0000

Jen Hogan journalist with The Irish Times joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

National wildlife hospital

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:22:00 +0000

Helping wild animals in distress is not always a good thing to do, so says Juanita Browne, a wildlife book author and science communicator in her recent piece in the Irish Examiner. According to her, wildlife rehabilitation is a job for experts. Therefore, we need a National Hospital dedicated to Wildlife. Juanita Browne - wildlife book author and science communicator joined us on the show this afternoon.

What does it take to become a gin-tern?

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:16:00 +0000

Job Fairy alert! A dream job is up for grabs, as King’s Hill Distillery in Scotland offers every gin lover an opportunity to take part in their gin internship this summer. What does it take to become a gin-tern? Hannah Fletcher, Brand Manager at King’s Hill Distillery joined us on the show.

Ai-Da robot in Glastonbury

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:05:00 +0000

We all know the main acts performing at the 50th anniversary Glastonbury Festival but one act you may ot have heard of is Ai-da. Ai-Da is among the unique festival offering. She is an ultra-realistic humanoid robot that has painted portraits of the headline acts. She is the artist in residence in the festival’s Shangri La field, where she will be giving live demonstrations of her painting skills. Aidan Meller is the creator and project director of Ai-Da Robot and joined us on the Moncrieff show.

Thousands of witches could be pardoned in Scotland

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:34:00 +0000

Thousands of people were convicted of practicing witchcraft in Scotland in a hunt that spanned nearly two centuries — and the majority of those sentenced to death and executed were women. Many were also tortured. Now, a bill proposed in the Scottish parliament is trying to set the record straight, said Natalie Don, a Scottish lawmaker who introduced the proposal. Zoe Venditozzi is from witches of Scotland and joined us on the Moncrieff show this afternoon.

The Chicken Pox Vaccine

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 15:35:00 +0000

The chickenpox vaccine could be added to Ireland’s childhood immunisation programme. An assessment is underway on whether the vaccine should be included in the programme by request of the Department of Health. Chief Scientist is Dr Conor Teljeur joined Sean to discuss the request and what the outcome of including the vaccines could be.

What's involved in being an Elvis impersonator?

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:05:00 +0000

The highly anticipate Baz Baz Luhrmann biopic detailing the life and career of Elvis hits cinema screens this weekend. Ciaran Houlihan joined Sean to discuss his life as an Elvis tribute act in Ireland.

The Chicken Fancier Competition

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:03:00 +0000

You might have heard of dog shows and pony shows but what about chickens? Marian Kiely from the Irish Society of Poultry Fanciers joined Sean to explain how the society have been holding shows for years now where birds compete against each other.

Wildlife Streaming

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 16:27:00 +0000

Walk in to any sports bar around the world and you’ll find punters roaring and shouting at a screen, lamenting a missed penalty by Salah or celebrating a Olympic Gold for Kelly Harrington. A bowling alley in the Netherlands has decided to provide its revellers with a shared experience that’s a little more tranquil and a little less chaotic. Wildlife artist Robert E. Fuller joined Sean to explain how the big screen at Bowlingcentrum Merwehal in Dordrecht, Netherlands, shows live feeds of the barn owls in Yorkshire.

"They were a private couple who kept themselves to themselves."

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:37:00 +0000

A community in Tipperary has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after the deaths of Hilary and Nicholas Smith. The small village of Cloneen has been reeling since the bodies were discovered, and it now looks like they could have been dead for 18 months. Criticisms have been levelled at the locality for not keeping an eye on them, Sean was joined by Fine Gael Cllr Mark Fitzgerald owns The Thatch Pub in the village, to discuss if that criticism is unfair.

How To....Buy A Sex Toy

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:01:00 +0000

It’s time for How To, and this week’s edition is adult in its content so if there are little ears in the vicinity, maybe distract them or turn this podcast down slightly. This week, Sean was joined by Richie Cullen co-owner of PlayBlue.ie to discuss how to buy a sex toy.

The Coffin Confessor

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 14:13:00 +0000

Known as the Coffin Confessor, Sean was joined by Bill Edgar, who carries out the dying’s last wishes, which for many involves gatecrashing funerals to pass on messages the dead couldn’t get off their chest when they were alive.

Can AI come alive?

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:33:00 +0000

Last week a Google engineer made the startling claim it's company's AI appeared to have developed consciousness. Prof of AI at UCC, Barry O’Sullivan, joined Sean to discuss if it is really possible for artificial intelligence to come alive.

The Reality Of Producing Love Island

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 16:36:00 +0000

Love Island is one of the most popular tv shows with millions of viewers six nights a week. Things are not always as they seem though, Orlaith Condon journalist and host of Love Island podcast My Pod On Paper, she joined Sean to explain what we get as viewers is totally different to how things played out in reality, and it’s not really a catch up on the previous 24 hours.

The Voting Diaspora

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 14:48:00 +0000

When it’s suggested that we allow those living abroad to have a say in politics at home, it generally triggers a negative reaction. Ted Smyth, former Irish diplomat living in New York and president of the advisory board of Glucksman Ireland House, New York University joined Sean to discuss what it might look like if we had a system of representing the Irish diaspora around the world in our everyday politics.

The Flesh Of Christ?

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:28:00 +0000

Reports have emerged on social media of what is described as a 'Eucharist miracle' occurring in an east Mayo parish. Tom Kelly Editor of the Connacht Tribune, joined Sean to relay the story of how a parish priest has alleged after dropping communion bread and placing it into water, he witnessed it changed into a fleshy substance that some have taken as a sign from Jesus.

Why do France have an eating at your desk ban?

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:05:00 +0000

In France it’s written into law that you must eat out for lunch and eating at your desk is banned. Martin Bruegel Historian and Director of Research at the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment in France joined Sean to explain why eating at desks is banned and and when it first appeared in French law.

Bottle Fed Babies Developing A Rubber Fetish

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:04:00 +0000

Antonella Gambotto-Burke aims to transform our understanding of birth, and its profound connection with a wide range of personal and social issues. She joined Sean to discuss her book “Apple: Sex, Drugs, Motherhood and the Recovery of the Feminine."

News and Natter: Larry Donnelly

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:30:00 +0000

Larry Donnelly Law Lecturer at NUI Galway joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Fleet - Air B an B for cars!

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 23:00:00 +0000

Tourists are who are struggling to hire cars have turned their attention to an Airbnb-style app that lets them rent a car from private citizens at a greatly reduced rate. Kevin Nolan Chief Commercial Officer at Fleet, joined Sean to discuss the app and the surge it has seen in popularity.

Living with a bird in your hair

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:14:00 +0000

Hannah Bourne-Taylor, author of Fledgling loved nature, but she became physically intertwined with it when a rescued wild finch nested in her hair for 84 days. Hannah was feeling isolated and without purpose after moving from London to Ghana, the finch gave her purpose, and she became very bonded to the bird. Hannah tells of their love story in her nature memoir ‘Fledgling’ which she sees as the finch’s legacy.

Britain's dullest man

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Sean spoke to Kevin Beresford Britain’s dullest man. He’s the president of the Car Park Association of England, he was named anorak of the year in 2018, and he joined us today in the middle of his latest calendar photoshoot – Benches of Birmingham.

People don't want to be billionaires

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:25:00 +0000

Dr. Paul Bain, the lead researcher and a reader at the department of psychology at the University of Bath joined Sean Moncrieff to discuss why people don't want to be billionaires.

Making Money on Twitch

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:48:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Gary Saurin who works full time streaming videogames on the live streaming service Twitch. He told Sean that since quitting his factory job 9 years ago, he now has a partnership with Facebook gaming, over 200,000 Facebook followers and makes €10,000 per month.

"It's called Spanish flu but there is nothing Spanish about it!"

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:54:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Sam McConkey, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine at the RCSI, to discuss how we name new viruses.

Stepmother- Friend or Foe?

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000

When Carmel Harrington became a stepmother seventeen years ago, she realised children's entertainments such as fairy tales portray stepparents in the Cinderella-esque evil stepmother role. She joined Sean to discuss how her new book ‘A Mother’s heart’ attempts to change that narrative.

The Oireachtas Wine Taste Test!

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 13:51:00 +0000

The Houses of the Oireachtas is planning to spend up to €300,000 on its own brand of wine over the next four years. A tender was advertised this week, seeking suppliers to provide wines that will be sold in the Dáil bar. Gavan Reilly from On the Record, dropped Sean over a bottle of Oireachtas red and white that is currently available in Leinster House, and gave it a taste test with regular wine reviewer Mick O’Connell.

Keeping our skies dark

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:45:00 +0000

Environmental groups around the country are taking a stand against chronic light pollution they say is ruining our night skies. Mayo Dark Sky Park Development Officer, Georgia McMillan joined Sean to explain how we can reduce light pollution and promote responsible lighting in villages and towns.

"My staff got a lot of abuse!"

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:32:00 +0000

With the cost of living at an all time high, Darragh O’Connor, Owner of O'Connor's Texaco in Shannon, joined Sean to explain how the increase in the price of fuel could lead to smaller garages going out of business.

The end of Microsoft Internet Explorer!

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:30:00 +0000

Microsoft has announced it will kill off internet browser Internet Explorer, nearly 27 years after it first appeared on our desktop computers in 1995. Sean was joined by Elaine Burke editor of Silicon Republic, to explain what Internet explorer looked like when it launched and what Microsoft plan to launch in its place.

How To...Plan A Funeral

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Each week we take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Joe McNamara of Corrigan and Sons joined Sean with all you need to know about planning a funeral.

Cycling to Glastonbury

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:18:00 +0000

Nick Kelly, singer songwriter from the band the Fat Lady Sings, joined Sean to discuss his plans to cycle all the way to Glastonbury, playing gigs at venues along the way until he reaches the festival.

Running up and down Croagh Patrick 15 times!

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:05:00 +0000

Sean was joined by Ricki Wynne, a roofer from Drumshanbo, who recently ran up and down Croagh Patrick 15 times in 24 hours breaking the world record.

The personal trainer who ate McDonalds for two weeks!

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:30:00 +0000

Oisin Mulligan is a personal trainer who took on a two-week challenge to eat an item from the McDonald’s menu every day to show you can eat some of the foods you like and still lose weight. He joined Sean to explain why he wanted to challenge people's believes and rules on weight loss.

"We always seem to make them pick - are you African or Irish?"

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:04:00 +0000

An article in todays Irish Independent outlines the challenges being a parent to black children in Ireland. Sean was joined by Toluwani Akaehomen ,CEO of HerGenuity Africa and Kilkenny, to discuss her own experience of raising her four children.

TV on the Radio: Ms. Marvel, Backstage with Katherine Ryan and We Own This City

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:20:00 +0000

James Dempsey joined Sean for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio.

The science of blacking out!

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:03:00 +0000

Neuroscientist Sabina Brennan joined Sean to discuss why the brain holds onto certain memories and choses to black out others.

News and Natter: Sophie White

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:35:00 +0000

Writer and podcaster Sophie White joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Garth Brooks

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:06:00 +0000

Country singer Garth Brooks has expressed his delight at ticket demand for his five nights at Croke Park next September. Irish fans have spent over €30 million on Brooks’ concert tickets, it will be the first time he has played in Ireland since 1997. Garth joined Sean to discuss his excitement at the upcoming tour and the latest announcement that it is set to be filmed.

Living off the grid in Ireland

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Sean spoke to Margaret Gallagher who lives off the grid, and has done so for 80 years.

Renovating a Downton Abbey style home

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Sean spoke to Hopwood Depree who is Renovating a Downton Abbey style home

Jurassic World in real life

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Today on the show Sean spoke to Steve Brusatte, who worked on the new movie Jurassic World Dominion

Shit Pints of Guinness

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Sean spoke to Ian Ryan the founder of the famous Shit Pint of Guinness twitter and Instagram page

Are seagulls getting braver?

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:26:00 +0000

Recent pictures of seagulls in Scotland sitting on and beside models of eagle owls whose sole purpose is to scare seagulls away indicate the birds no longer fear the models. Steve Newton the Senior Seabird Conservation Expert with BirdWatch Ireland joined Sean to discuss if seagulls are becoming braver and less fearful of humans.

E books in libraries

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:36:00 +0000

Irish libraries are facing a crisis due to the extortionate cost of eBooks. President of The Library Association of Ireland Cathal McCauley, told Sean Irish libraries are encountering an uphill battle to remain feasible due to “scandalous” price increases, restrictive licensing terms, and a lack of availability where eBooks are concerned.

The 9 euro German train!

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:35:00 +0000

A new €9 monthly train ticket is threatening to cause chaos in Germany, after it proved so popular that there aren’t enough trains or staff to meet the high demand. Thomas Sparrow, German Correspondent joined Sean to explain the unfolding situation.

The Dundalk War Memorial

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:59:00 +0000

The centrepiece of a new World War One memorial in Dundalk has been covered with a blue tarp after it received a copyright complaint. The artwork, depicting soldiers leaving for the battlefield, bears a remarkable resemblance to work by sculptor Sabin Howard for the National War Memorial due to be erected in Washington DC in 2024.Dundalk councillor for Sinn Féin Tomás Sharkey joined Sean to discuss how this happened and if the memorial can be saved.

"Other musicians think I'm a disgrace!"

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:41:00 +0000

Lisa Canny has been described as a “disgrace” by her fellow Irish Harpists but told Sean she revels in being the maverick of the Irish traditional music scene. Blending Irish trad with contemporary beatboxing might not be to everyone’s taste but she believes that adding modern twists will expand the story of folk and breath new life into the art form.

How To...Get a solar panel

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:39:00 +0000

Each week we take a topic and deep dive into it, doing all the research so you don’t have to. This week Brian McIntyre Programme Manager at High Performance Building Technologies at SEAI, joined Sean with all you need to know about how to get a solar panel.

"People need the opportunity to leave the illegal drug market."

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:24:00 +0000

A new study on substance abuse among young people in Ireland has identified an increasing prevalence in the use of cocaine in 15 to 24-year-olds. Senator Lynn Ruane joined Sean to discuss if legalizing the drug market would reduce some of the issues associated with illegal substances.

Why do we lie?

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:28:00 +0000

Lying is universally viewed as a sinister trait and people with a propensity to lie are often condemned. Despite this, on an average day, you will be lied to between 10 to 200 times. Enda Murphy, Psychotherapist and Director of SeeMe.ie joined Sean to discuss why we lie.

Is it the end of nudity in theaters?

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:28:00 +0000

Nude scenes in theatre might become a thing of the past due to a growing trend whereby audience members are taking photographs of actors while they are unclad. Boston born actress, Maria Tecce starred in 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' in The Gate Theatre in 2010 where she appeared nude in a number of scenes. She joined Sean to explain why she would think twice about doing it today.

The record breaking bungee jumper!

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 23:00:00 +0000

Francois-Marie Dibon has broken the world record for the most bungee jumps in 24 hours. He joined Sean to share his delight at breaking the record and explain how many bungee jumps it took to push the previous record holder off the top stop.

The food tasting robot!

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 23:00:00 +0000

Scientists at Cambridge have created a new robot with the ability to decide whether a dish requires seasoning or not. Fumiya Lida, Professor of Robotics at Cambridge University joined Sean to discuss if we might see more food tasting robots in the future.

Do you pee in the shower?

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 11:03:00 +0000

Tik Tok star Dr Alicia Jeffrey Thomas said in a video women should not urinate in the shower. She says some doctors say to stop it because your bladder associates the sound of running water with going to the toilet and it can cause a lot of problems. Reporter Henry McKean went out and about to investigate how many people pee in the shower.

How the world views Russia

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 15:14:00 +0000

With war waging on in Ukraine, the democratic merits of Russia have of course been called into question. However, more countries than expected actually might not think Russia is a net negative. Jonas Parello-Plesner, Director of Alliance of Democracies joined Sean to discuss how the world views Russia.

The definition of defamation

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 15:01:00 +0000

Andrea Martin, Consultant Solicitor at Media Lawyer.ie joined Sean Moncrieff to discuss all things defamation.

So You Think You're An Adult: Missing my friends hen - am I a bad person?

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 14:38:00 +0000

Sarah Jane Tobin, Declan Buckley and Sean Moncrieff help tackle listener dilemmas.

The return of the Gaeltacht

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 13:50:00 +0000

Siobhán Bairéad college director in Connemara joined Seán to discuss the return of the Gaeltacht.

Victoria Shepherd on her new book 'A History of Delusions'

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:04:00 +0000

Why would someone wake up and claim they’re Napoleon? Why did a king believe he was made of glass? These questions and more are answered by Victoria Shepherd, BBC4 radio journalist, and author in her new book “A History of Delusions” where she tackles all sorts of flights of fancy.

Irish TikToker on move to Bangkok

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0000

With cost of living at an all time high Irish Tiktokker Travis Leon, decided to move out of Ireland to Bangkok in search of a cheaper lifestyle. He joined Sean to explain how much he is saving by living away from Ireland.

"Every second of every day I had to have a bet on!"

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000

According to the Gambling Awareness Trust, the number of people who have sought treatment for problem gambling as well as alcohol and drug addictions has increased 20-fold in just four years.The GAT has launched a nationwide counselling service that can be accessed not only by problem gamblers but by their friends and family as well. Tom Boggin from Tallaght who has recovered from harmful gambling joined Sean to discuss how he first started gambling in childhood.

What is an elite sleeper?

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 10:03:00 +0000

Elite sleepers, or "short sleepers" are biologically predisposed to need less sleep. They also sleep more efficiently, which allows them to wake up after four or five hours feeling as refreshed as many of us are after seven or eight hours. Sean was joined Motty Varghese Sleep Physiologist and Behavioral Sleep Therapist at Sleep Therapy Clinic in Dublin to explain what causes the condition.

"Call Me Mommy!"

Tue, 31 May 2022 22:05:00 +0000

The past year has seen a meteoric rise in the popularity of OnlyFans, a content subscription service known for its not safe for work content. While it’s widely considered a way for young women to slyly earn money on the side, there are many on the platform who treat sex work as their full-time job. Sinead Connell, a creator in the top 1% of OF workers in Ireland, is one of those people. Connell hopes to destigmatise sex work and highlight the complexities of sex work in Ireland, as shown in the documentary “Call Me Mommy” by Tara O’Callaghan, which has been selected for the internationally acclaimed Krakow Film Festival. She joined Sean to discuss the documentary and her life in the sex industry.

Future Life Progression Therapy

Tue, 31 May 2022 15:31:00 +0000

Anne Jirsch Professional psychic and author of Future Vision: Your Working Life joined Sean to discuss future life progression.

Around The World: The case of the Australia catfish

Tue, 31 May 2022 15:07:00 +0000

Jonathan deBurca Butler takes listeners through the week's international stories.

TV on the Radio: Stranger Things, Big Boys and Obi Wan Kenobi

Sun, 29 May 2022 23:00:00 +0000

James Dempsey joined Sean for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio.

Crisp Sandwich Addiction!

Sun, 29 May 2022 23:00:00 +0000

A Coventry woman who lived on cheese and onion crisp sandwiches for 23 YEARS has finally eaten a proper meal after being hypnotised. Zoe Sadler, 25, has munched on Walkers crisps in buttered white bread since she was a toddler. Sean was joined by David Kilmurry, the CBH psychologist who helped Zoe on this afternoon's show.

News and Natter: Jen Hogan

Sun, 29 May 2022 23:00:00 +0000

Jen Hogan journalist with The Irish Times joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week.

Broken Heart Syndrome

Sun, 29 May 2022 23:00:00 +0000

They say you can die of a broken heart and as it turns out you really can. Professor Carl Vaughan Consultant Cardiologist at the Mercy University Hospital in Cork joined Sean to discuss the medical reasons you can die of a broken heart.

The truth behind ancient faeces!

Wed, 25 May 2022 23:00:00 +0000

A recent discovery of 5000-year-old poop at Stonehenge has revealed a lot about the diets and rituals of our neolithic ancestors. Doctor Piers D. Mitchell, one of Britain's leading biological anthropologists and the head of the Cambridge Ancient Parasites Laboratory joined Sean explain this faecal breakthrough.

Phoneless for 10 days

Wed, 25 May 2022 23:00:00 +0000

People are getting their first smartphones younger and younger, and many have become critical of the “iPhone generations” glued to their screens. A lot of people in response to this reliance have gone on a digital detox and never looked back, but are smartphones really all that bad, or is it okay to depend on them? Kirsty Blake Knox joined Sean to explain how she thought she would feel cleansed after her own digital detox, but found that was not the case.

Is shop lifting driving up the cost of living?

Wed, 25 May 2022 23:00:00 +0000

A recent survey in the UK found a sharp rise in shop lifting since the cost of living started to increase. They also found many shoplifters are first-timers. Henry McKean investigated if the same is true here.

Creating the Conversations with Freinds sex scenes

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Ita O'Brien is an Intimacy Coordinator and Movement Director for film, television, and theatre. Since 2014, Ita O'Brien has been developing best practice when working with intimacy, scenes with sexual content, and nudity in film, TV, and theatre - the 'Intimacy on Set' guidelines. Ita pioneered the role of Intimacy Coordinator, which is gaining adoption in leading production houses, including HBO, Netflix, and the BBC. Ita coordinated the scenes in Conversations with Friends and told Sean all about it

Parenting: Youngest climbing out of the cot

Wed, 25 May 2022 14:56:00 +0000

This week on Parenting with Joanna Fortune they discussed a number of issues, including that of a two year old figured out how to climb out of his cot

Julia Bradbury on talking Cancer with children

Wed, 25 May 2022 14:15:00 +0000

Julia Bradbury was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 and she received the news while filming for This Morning in the This Morning forest. She spoke to Sean about her diagnosis, telling her children about her cancer and more.

Republican Member wants armed guards at US schools

Wed, 25 May 2022 13:20:00 +0000

Following the death of least 19 children and two teachers after a teenager opened fire at a primary school in Texas, in the worst school shooting in the US in nearly a decade, Sean was joined by Greg Swenson, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK.

How To... Make a Will

Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

This week on How To.. Moncrieff is joined by John Costello Solicitor with Orpen Franks specialising in wills and administration of estates and Past President of the Law Society

Albert Einstein's image rights

Tue, 24 May 2022 22:44:40 +0000

When Albert Einstein was an employee of Princeton University he was very well paid, but this was nothing compared to the millions he makes posthumously every year. The profits generated from his name and image have been the subject of legal antagonism for decades. Simon Parkin, an author and journalist has been investigating this topic and joined Sean to discuss what his findings. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Tell Me Why: The Capability Approach

Tue, 24 May 2022 16:03:25 +0000

Dr Graham Finlay, from the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin, joins Sean to answer what is 'The Capability Approach.' Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

"It's about childhood memories" Kinsale funfair in row with Council

Tue, 24 May 2022 15:52:18 +0000

Kinsale funfair

Waking up with a Northern Irish accent!

Tue, 24 May 2022 15:45:10 +0000

Australian woman Angie Yen woke up from surgery with a Northern Ireland accent. Angie Yen joined Sean to share her experience, she told him even one year on her accent has still has not "completely reverted back" to her normal Australian accent. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Around The World: Homeless people banned from living outside

Tue, 24 May 2022 15:11:16 +0000

Jonathan deBurca Butler takes listeners through the week's international stories. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Melissa Navia

Tue, 24 May 2022 14:59:35 +0000

This summer a new Star Trek spin-off series is due to hit our screens. For actor Melissa Navia "Star Trek: Strange New World" was a huge career break however it also coincided with a personal tragedy. She joined Sean to discuss the series and the sad passing of her partner Brian Bannon. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

TV on the Radio: Life and Beth, Brainstorm and The Flight Attendant

Tue, 24 May 2022 11:10:02 +0000

James Dempsey joined Sean for the weekly TV review slot, TV on the Radio. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Taliban Underground Schools

Mon, 23 May 2022 23:03:59 +0000

When the Taliban first took control of Afghanistan last August, they promised a more egalitarian society for women than their previous stint as leaders. However, recent changes in Afghan law show an alarming trend; female news anchors are now forced to wear a complete face cover, female college students have been forced out of classes for wearing the wrong colour hijabs, and teenage girls who thought they could return to school last March are still forced to stay at home by Taliban officials. Some Afghan women have pushed back against this rights reversal, including the emergence of makeshift schools for teenage girls. Secunder Kermani, BBC Correspondent in Afghanistan joined Sean to discuss his recent trip to one of these secret schools. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Stuff that Changed The World: The Bouncy Castle

Mon, 23 May 2022 22:52:59 +0000

Simon Tierney joined Sean to chart the history of the bouncy castle. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Are supersonic airplanes coming back?

Mon, 23 May 2022 15:31:05 +0000

It’s now 19 years since the Concorde graced our skies but now Boom, a manufacturer based in Colorado, are attempting to bring the supersonic planes back. Dave Unwin, Pilot, aviation journalist and author of the bestselling anthology ‘Sky Stories’ joined Sean to look back at the Concorde and discuss if we could see them return to the skies. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

The Art Of Thatching

Mon, 23 May 2022 15:17:53 +0000

Owners of Ireland’s thatched cottages fear they could face extinction unless the State intervenes to help them secure affordable insurance cover. It’s sparked concerns that we could see the end of one of the worlds longest lasting traditions. Kyran O’Grady is from Wicklow Thatching Services and he joined Sean to discuss the art of thatching and the importance in preserving the tradition. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

News and Natter: Diarmaid Ferriter

Mon, 23 May 2022 15:05:50 +0000

Professor of modern and Irish history at UCD Diarmaid Ferriter joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Movies and Booze: #NonAlcoholicBeers

Fri, 20 May 2022 16:09:50 +0000

In this week's Movies and Booze, Stephanie Priesner was joined by Dean mcGuinness, Esther McCarthy and Fionnuala Jones. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Peeing while sitting down

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:21:31 +0000

Chris Blachut Blogger on The Unconventional Route joined Stephanie Priesner to discuss the growing number of men who are deciding to pee while sitting down. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Vintage Carnival

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:12:46 +0000

Trevor Cullen owner of the Vintage Carousel Company joined Stephanie Priesner ahead of their appearance at the Kaleidoscope festival in Blessington in Co. Wicklow this June. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Vogue apologises for legal letter

Fri, 20 May 2022 14:59:41 +0000

Stephanie Priesner was joined by Mark Graham Landlord of the Star Inn at Vogue Pub in Cornwall where he received a framed apology letter from the publishers of Vogue magazine after they requested the centuries-old establishment change its name. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Poetry in real time

Fri, 20 May 2022 14:47:03 +0000

Stephen Maguire the man behind the website 'thedublinwriter.com' joined Stephanie Priesner to discuss Dublin's 25th literature festival which takes place over 11 days. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

So You Think You're An Adult: My wife wont go back to work

Fri, 20 May 2022 09:08:00 +0000

Barbara Scully, Declan Buckley and Sean Moncrieff help tackle listener dilemmas. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

The History of Hollywood

Thu, 19 May 2022 16:31:54 +0000

In 1911 a group of filmmakers moved to Hollywood on the whim of a coin flip when they couldn’t decide whether to relocate from New Jersey to California or Florida. Now, the Hollywood film industry contributed $504 billion to US GDP pre-pandemic and actors are more recognisable than most world leaders. Carla Valderrama, Hollywood historian and author of “This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories” joins Sean to discuss some of the fascinating stories from old Hollywood. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

"It's about little moments, big impact." Children's Hospice Week: LauraLynn

Thu, 19 May 2022 15:12:24 +0000

It’s Children’s Hospice Week. LauraLynn is Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice providing hospice and palliative care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Ireland. Henry McKean spent the day with Laura Lynn, meeting families, doctors, nurses and carers.

The ‘Every Single Streeter’ Movement

Thu, 19 May 2022 11:40:50 +0000

A new phenomenon called ‘Every Single Streeting’ has an increasing amount of followers who strive to walk or visit every street in their city, without exception. Michael Shanks, a school teacher, has finally completed all 6000 streets in Glasgow and he joined Sean to share his story. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Parenting: How do I teach 'sharing is caring'?

Thu, 19 May 2022 10:51:43 +0000

Joanna Fortune, psychotherapist specialising in Child & Adult Psychotherapy, answers your questions. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

Mark Moriarty on the world's most exotic foods

Wed, 18 May 2022 16:37:34 +0000

Earlier this week, we were talking about how you’re less likely to see beef on the menu in your local restaurant because of the ever-increasing prices. Although there might be concerns about beef, Ross Golden Bannon made the point that the really top end quality foods are actually recession proof. Host of Off Duty Chef on RTE One 8.30pm tonight, Mark Moriarty has travelled the world cooking in some of the best kitchens and tasting some of the most unusual foods. He joined Sean to discuss some of the most exotic he has ever come across. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

How To...Freeze Your Eggs

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:47:04 +0000

Today we started our new ‘How To’ segment. Each week will take a topic and deep dive into it, and do all the research so you don’t have to. This week, we kicked off with ‘How To Freeze your Eggs’ .Dr. John Waterstone is founder of Waterstone Clinic and expert in women’s health and fertility, he joined Sean to explain. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

"I know what she looks like, I will vote for her!"

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:27:08 +0000

The Green Party has launched a Bill to regulate the display of electoral posters during elections and referendums. The Regulation of Display of Electoral and Polling Posters and Other Advertisements Bill 2022 aims to cut waste and "even the playing field" for small party candidates. It was proposed by Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly, who joined Sean to explain the reasoning behind the bill. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

The Ukrainian Postal Service

Tue, 17 May 2022 18:40:23 +0000

Urkposhta, the National Postal Service of Ukraine, has released a special edition stamp that commemorates the defence against Russia of a Ukrainian island in the Black Sea. The stamp has been celebrated for its iconic design featuring a soldier flipping the bird to the invaders. Julia Pavlenko,Director of the Department of International Operations at Urkposhta, the National Postal Service of Ukraine joined Sean on this afternoon's show. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

"Derry Girls put Derry on the map."

Tue, 17 May 2022 18:35:10 +0000

Derry Girls the 90's based hit Channel 4 comedy is coming to an end after 3 series tomorrow night. But what is the legacy of Derry Girls on Derry City? Henry McKean met real Derry Girls, actors and Derry Tourism. Filming brought in 8 million to the local economy with murals and merch selling like hotcakes.

Dwaf Sperm Whale Lands In Ireland

Tue, 17 May 2022 16:34:47 +0000

Whale and dolphin stranding's are not uncommon in Ireland, but the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has identified a new species never before seen on our shores. Stephanie Levesque Stranding Officer joined Sean to describe the stranding scheme that they run, to ensure if anyone comes across a live or dead animal, they report it so a database can be maintained where they can log the species, the location, its health condition. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Around The World: Miss Rwanda

Tue, 17 May 2022 15:56:46 +0000

Jonathan deBurca Butler takes listeners through the week's international stories... Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

"They came out screaming the place down!"

Tue, 17 May 2022 15:30:31 +0000

A Co Antrim couple who welcomed beautiful conjoined twins into their lives in March have said they are a “miracle”. Hannah and Dan Bateson, from Toomebridge welcomed the twin girls at London’s University College Hospital. Annabelle and Isabelle are joined from the chest to the pelvis and share a liver, bladder and bowel, one shared fused leg and one leg each as well as separate hearts. Hannah joined Sean to share her experience and hopes for her twin girls future. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Is it the end of beef on menus?

Mon, 16 May 2022 23:32:11 +0000

Celebrity chef Dylan McGrath said his restaurants are having to serve more pork and fish dishes because it is ‘almost impossible to keep beef on the menu’ due to rising costs. Ross Golden Bannon Member Irish Food Writers Guild joined Sean to discuss if this could be a trend we see across the whole restaurant industry. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

TV on the Radio: Conversations with friends, How I met your father and The Liffey

Mon, 16 May 2022 23:11:05 +0000

Stuff that Changed the World: The sleeping bag

Mon, 16 May 2022 15:50:27 +0000

Simon Tierney joined Sean to chart the history of the sleeping bag. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

The Bookshop that found gold

Mon, 16 May 2022 15:35:04 +0000

In what could be a story from Treasure Island, an archivist in a Galway book store made a startling discovery when she found two Mexican gold coins hidden away in a priest’s book. Tomás Kenny, Manager of Kenny’s Bookshop told Sean the coins are heavy, and have an image on the front of a woman with wings, inscribed with the dates 1821-1947, 50 pesos. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

News and Natter: June Shannon

Mon, 16 May 2022 15:17:26 +0000

Journalist and TV personality June Shannon joined Sean on the show today to recap the stories making the headlines this past week. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

So You Think You're An Adult: "I'm worried about my friend's weight!"

Mon, 16 May 2022 11:09:22 +0000

Barbara Scully, Declan Buckley and Tom Dunne help tackle listener dilemmas... Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Movies and Booze: #Irishlanguagefilms

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:09:51 +0000

In this week's Movies and Booze, Sean was joined by Leslie Williams, Esther McCarthy and Fionnuala Jones. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

'Booth' Family Book by Karen Joy Fowler

Fri, 13 May 2022 15:25:48 +0000

Karen Joy Fowler joined Sean Moncrieff on the show to discuss her latest novel 'Booth' about the modern epic of the family behind Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Santa Clause is running for election

Fri, 13 May 2022 14:57:01 +0000

Santa Clause is running for election in Alaska. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Irish men have small penis

Fri, 13 May 2022 14:47:56 +0000

Dr. Caroline West a lecturer, writer, media commentator, sexpert, and podcast host joined Sean Moncrieff to discuss if Irish men have a small penis. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

The end of the iPod

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:25:09 +0000

Apple has discontinued the iPod more than 20 years after it was launched. The iPod was released in 2001, and was the first MP3 player capable of storing 1,000 songs. Jess Kelly Technology Correspondent takes a look back at the impact the device had on music consumption. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Domestic abuse leave

Thu, 12 May 2022 15:26:15 +0000

Bank of Ireland has today introduced a Domestic Abuse Leave Policy providing a range of supports to colleagues who may be experiencing domestic abuse. It’s part of a wider discussion that is taking place at government level about introducing it across the board. Sarah Benson is CEO of Women’s Aid joined Tom and told him she welcomed this move from bank of Ireland. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Politics and the Eurovision

Thu, 12 May 2022 11:35:38 +0000

As Ukraine enters this week’s Eurovision as the firm favourites, once again the question arises as to how political the contest actually is, from the UK’s pro-Europe song in 1965 to Georgia’s anti-Putin song in 2009. Chris West, Author of ‘Eurovision: A History of Modern Europe through the World’s Greatest Song Contest’ joined Stefanie to discuss just how big of a part politics really play in the competition. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Dublin film locations of Conversations With Friends

Thu, 12 May 2022 11:16:29 +0000

Conversations With Friends

The different levels of blood donations in Ireland in 2021

Wed, 11 May 2022 17:35:21 +0000

Blood donations

Is TV too violent?

Wed, 11 May 2022 16:21:44 +0000

Lecturer in Creative industries and Visual culture at TU Dublin Connell Vaughan joined Stefanie to discuss if TV has become too violent and why media platforms are making an increasing amount of graphic content. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Inventing your own dating app!

Wed, 11 May 2022 15:55:29 +0000

Paul Numan from Waterford, was growing sick of traditional dating apps. He decided to take matters into his own hands and create his own dating app, where he met his now girlfriend. Katch puts a live video element into online dating, allowing people to show their personality off, rather than endless chat. He joined Stefanie Preissner to explain why inventing your own dating app could be most efficient way of finding love. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

The Irish amputee hoping for a miracle

Wed, 11 May 2022 15:18:54 +0000

After many years of infections and knee replacements my next guest suffered a leg amputation which has had a very debilitating effect on her life. But now a pioneering surgery option in Australia is offering new hope. Caroline McGrane from Ballyfermot joined Stephanie on the show to discuss the fundraising mission she hopes will allow her to travel to Australia. https://www.gofundme.com/f/-Carolines-Dream Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Tell Me Why: What is Microaggression?

Wed, 11 May 2022 11:16:35 +0000

Dr Graham Finlay, from the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin, joins Sean to answer what is microaggression? Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.