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Society & Culture

Then v Now with Moncrieff

Newstalk

Then v Now with Moncrieff is a Newstalk Original podcast exploring one thing that's changed dramatically in modern life - from dating and communication to work, parenting and resilience.

Through lively conversation, personal stories and spirited debate, Sean Moncrieff and his guests examine how things used to be, how they are now, what we've gained, what we've lost, and what we'd bring back.

Funny, thought-provoking and often nostalgic, each episode returns to one simple question: are we actually better off?

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  • 6 episodes
  • Avg 26 min
  • English

Episodes 6

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  • S1 · E6
    July 28 · 27 min

    Episode Six: Do We Know More Now Than Previous Generations Did?

    We have more information available to us than any generation in history. Almost any answer is just seconds away. But have we become more knowledgeable… or simply better at finding information?Learning used to mean libraries, encyclopaedias and hours spent searching. Now, we have Google, social media and increasingly, artificial intelligence. But when information is everywhere… do we actually remember any of it? Have we become smarter? Or have we simply become better at accessing knowledge? To discuss this, Sean is joined by activist Ailbhe Smyth, and founder of Goss.ie, Ali Ryan.

  • S1 · E5
    July 21 · 25 min

    Episode Five: Are We Raising Kids Differently To Our Parents?

    There was a time when kids disappeared after breakfast, knocked on neighbours' doors, entertained themselves and came home when it got dark. Today, childhood often looks very different. Parents track their children on phones, organise playdates weeks in advance, monitor screen time, research every parenting decision and juggle endless activities. Are parents and children becoming more like friends than previous generations ever were? Or have we made today’s parenting more anxious than it needs to be? Sean is joined by broadcaster Fiona Looney and comedian Fred Cooke to discuss.

  • S1 · E4
    July 14 · 21 min

    Episode Four: What Happened To The Job For Life?

    There was a time when getting a job often meant staying there for life. One employer, one career. Today, changing jobs is the norm, career pivots are common, and freelancing, side hustles and self-employment are all part of the mix. But has trading security for flexibility made working life better? Sean is joined by entrepreneur Norah Casey and broadcaster Paul Ryder to explore whether the idea of the 'job for life' has become extinct.

  • S1 · E3
    July 7 · 28 min

    Episode Three: Have We Forgotten How To Make Friends?

    Once upon a time, friendships almost happened by accident. You met people through school, work, or as a childhood friend. Today, we're more connected than ever. We can stay in touch with friends living on the other side of the world in seconds. But making new friends as adults often feels surprisingly difficult. Have we forgotten how to make friends, and has it become easier or harder as time's gone on? Presenter Muireann O'Connell and comedian Pat Shortt join Sean Moncrieff on Then V Now to discuss.

  • S1 · E2
    June 30 · 27 min

    Episode Two: Are We Better Or Worse At Communication Now?

    Are we better at communicating than we used to be back in the day? We can send a message across the world in seconds, stay in constant contact, and never be more than a phone call away. But are all those ways of connecting actually bringing us closer together? From texting versus calling, to the art of letter writing, Sean is joined by author Barbara Scully and comedian Shane Daniel Byrne to explore whether modern life has made us better communicators or whether we were actually better at it in the past.

  • S1 · E1
    June 23 · 26 min

    Episode One: Dating

    Was finding a partner easier in the past? People met through friends, work, or local clubs. Today, dating apps put thousands of potential matches at our fingertips. But has more choice made it easier to find love? Sean is joined by broadcaster Mary Kennedy and radio presenter Emily McEvoy to compare dating across two different generations.

Showing 1–6 of 6 episodes