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Moncrieff

Newstalk

The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew.

CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment

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  • 231 episodes
  • Avg 11 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S1 · E2268
    August 18 · 15 min

    Would you keep an older parent’s age a secret?

    When Katie Glass, Feature Writer with the London Times, was born, her mother was 24, but her father was 62. When he was in his 80s, she was still in her teens. For many years, her reaction to this age gap was to keep quiet, an attitude she has since changed, particularly after her father’s death. She has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

  • S1 · E2267
    August 18 · 6 min

    What were Roger Casement’s zoological exploits?

    There are many reasons why Roger Casement is a significant figure in Irish history, but one lesser talked about aspect of his life are his zoological exploits. While travelling in Africa and South America, he sent preserved and live specimens back to Ireland… Aidan O’Hanlon, Curator of Entomology at the National Museum of Ireland, joins Seán to discuss.

  • S1 · E2266
    August 18 · 9 min

    What is the ‘doorway effect’?

    Why do we sometimes forget what we’re supposed to be doing when we enter a room? To explain the ‘doorway effect’, Seán is joined by Sabina Brennan, Psychologist and Neuroscientist.

  • S1 · E2265
    August 18 · 12 min

    Should we celebrate ‘inchstones’? - Bairbre Holmes Reports

    You know what a milestone is, but what about an ‘inchstone’? People are now celebrating the smaller achievements in life, but is there a point in doing so? Or are we patting ourselves on the back before actually doing something worth the cheer? Newstalk’s Bairbre Holmes has been looking into celebrating those small things in life, and sent in this report.

  • S1 · E2264
    August 18 · 12 min

    How do you legally change your name?

    A few days ago, the Irish Times reported that there is a steadily increasing number of people changing their names via deed poll. So, what does this process look like? Joining Seán to discuss is Giuseppe Santoro, Notary Public based in Dublin.

  • S1 · E2263
    August 17 · 7 min

    Why are we superstitious around black cats?

    It is National Black Cat Appreciation Day! Why are some cultures superstitious around black cats, and what is the history behind it? Joining Seán to discuss is Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the UCD School of Celtic Studies and Folklore.

  • S1 · E2262
    August 17 · 17 min

    What is life as a bean an tí like?

    There’s no rest for a bean an tí in the Gaeltacht, but what does it mean to open your home to generations of young people learning and living through the Irish language. Joining Seán to speak about her experience is bean an tí Máire Uí Choilm.

  • S1 · E2261
    August 17 · 10 min

    World’s fastest train breaks its own acceleration record - is this the future?

    An experimental bullet train in China broke its own world record for acceleration, going from zero to 800km an hour in about five seconds, potentially paving the way for ultra-high-speed transportation. The maglev train accelerated to 800km an hour from rest in just 5.3 seconds on a 1km test-track at the Donghu Laboratory in the Hubei province. Maglev trains use magnetic force to lift the entire train slightly above the tracks, removing associated friction, while a magnetic wave generated by coils around the tracks drives the vehicle forward. So, is this the future for rail transportation, and will we ever see it in Ireland? Joining Seán to discuss is Associate Professor in the UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr Paul Cuffe.

  • S1 · E2260
    August 17 · 20 min

    Four Questions: The summer camp dilemma

    We’re looking back on the weekend and looking forward to the week ahead through the lens of these four questions: What delighted you over the weekend? What annoyed you over the weekend? What did you learn over the weekend? What are you looking forward to this week? Joining Seán to discuss is Maia Dunphy and Donal O'Donoghue!

  • S1 · E2259
    August 17 · 13 min

    Do Irish people keep each other at arm’s length?

    Compared to other countries, are Irish people lagging behind when it comes to showing affection? Do we tend to keep each other at arm’s length? Ceire Sadlier, Contributor with the Irish Times, has been writing about this and joins Seán to discuss.

  • S1 · E2258
    August 14 · 5 min

    Should rom-coms always have happy endings?

    Rom-coms have always made us believe in the possibility of love and, usually, a happy ending. But, what happens when filmmakers start breaking the rules with the couple not ending up together? Joining John Fardy to speak about this is Cartoonist Luke Healy.

  • S1 · E2257
    August 14 · 10 min

    4 in 10 men believe they could compete at the 2028 Olympics

    A new survey of 2,000 adults in the UK has found that 38% of men thought that they could qualify for the Olympic Games if they received professional coaching and a strict training regime… Is this a ridiculous fantasy, or could you also compete if you put your mind to it? Enda Murphy, Psychotherapist and author joins John Fardy to discuss.

  • S1 · E2256
    August 14 · 13 min

    Is the ‘invisible string’ theory real?

    Is love really about fate and soulmates, or do we create our own “invisible string” through the choices we make? Dating and relationship expert Francis Kelleher joins John Fardy to discuss.

  • S1 · E2255
    August 14 · 13 min

    Comedian John Colleary on performing at Electric Picnic

    For the first time ever, the Comedy Area at Electric Picnic will take place each day over the festival weekend. One of the many acts who will be performing in the tent is the esteemed Comedian and actor, John Colleary. He joins guest host John Fardy to discuss!

  • S1 · E2254
    August 13 · 9 min

    The international day of the 'ciotóg'!

    Today is the international day of the 'ciotóg', or left-handed people, known for their creativity, problem-solving skills and unique brain connections. But could our handedness be something we learn rather than something we’re born with? A new study suggests hand dominance may develop through practice, challenging what we thought we knew about why some of us become lefties and other righties. Joining John Fardy to discuss is Dr. Natalie Uomini, Scientific Consultant and Editor.

  • S1 · E2253
    August 13 · 5 min

    Community supermarket opening in Kildare to support families

    A new community food market is opening in Kildare this month, helping individuals and families make their weekly shop go further. Supported by FoodCloud the project offers affordable groceries while giving people in need a choice and dignity. Joining John Fardy to discuss this is Matt Ryals, Feed Kildare Founder.

  • S1 · E2252
    August 13 · 6 min

    The impact drought has on bees

    As the summer comes to an end, I suspect most of us have been more than delighted with the hot weather, but can bees say the same thing? Beekeepers across the country say their hives are struggling because of the drought. Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss further is Aoife Nic Giolla, Beekeeper who runs Galtee Honey Farm and Founding Member of The Native Irish Honeybee Society.

  • S1 · E2251
    August 13 · 11 min

    Have you checked your body’s ‘biological’ age? - Bairbre Holmes Reports

    Have you ever gotten up from a chair with a groan and wondered why you feel ten years older than you should? Well, some people are opting to discover their body’s biological age, using epigenetic tests. These tests analyse an individual’s DNA to see if they are physically older or younger than their actual age. A range of them are available on the Irish market, so Newstalk Reporter Bairbre Holmes went to find out what they are, and how they work…

  • S1 · E2250
    August 13 · 14 min

    How do you deal with job burnout?

    Are you feeling burned out at work? You probably aren't alone. A study from 2025 found that job burnout is at 66% - which is an all-time high. So how do we prevent job burnout? Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is Alison Hodson, Country Director with CIPD.

  • S1 · E2249
    August 13 · 7 min

    When should toddlers start learning to swim?

    Learning to swim is more than just a fun activity for children, it's a potentially lifesaving skill. From building water safety and confidence to supporting physical and social development, the benefits can start early. Joining John Fardy to discuss this is Jane Walker, Co-Founder at Happy Cubs.

Showing 201–220 of 231 episodes