Shows / Moncrieff

Moncrieff
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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Episodes
MoncrieffThe annoyance of losing things - Henry McKean Reports
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…
MoncrieffWhy are Venezuela’s gold reserves in London?
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…
MoncrieffIreland set to hold EU Presidency - what should we expect?
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…
MoncrieffWould banning advertising on junk food actually work?
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…
MoncrieffMeghan Markle sells a million jam jars - how can you make it at home?
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…
MoncrieffWhy don’t writers retire?
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…
MoncrieffDoes Ireland need to embrace bolder architecture?
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…
MoncrieffTesla loses EV war to BYD - what now?
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…
MoncrieffUS-based Irish therapist on growing anxiety in Trump’s America
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…
MoncrieffParenting with Joanna Fortune
Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries...
MoncrieffWhere did the ‘Wilhelm Scream’ come from?
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…
MoncrieffXi Jinping and the lost Irish novel
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…
MoncrieffThe significance of the 1926 census
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…
MoncrieffWhat is Canicross?
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…
MoncrieffYoung people accused of not being “work-ready” - why?
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…
MoncrieffHow important is outdoor schooling?
These dark winter days make getting outside difficult, but with three quarters of children spending less time outside than prison inmates, one school in…
MoncrieffHow we got the stereotypical view of witches
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…
MoncrieffTV on the radio: The Night Manager, New Season of Traitors and Run Away
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…
MoncrieffWhy boredom is good for us especially now
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…
MoncrieffHow to buy a New house in 2026? Will buyers fortunes improve?
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…
MoncrieffFirst day back blues, how hard is the transition back to work? Henry McKean Reports.
.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…
MoncrieffMonths in planning, over in two and a half hours: How the U.S snatched Maduro
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?…
MoncrieffThe New Book on Walt Disney's Mary Poppins and how it came to be one of the Most Successful Movies of All Time
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…
MoncrieffRoad bowling: One of Ireland's oldest sports in 2026
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…
MoncrieffThe significance of Font
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…
MoncrieffFirst Fortnight Festival: The January festival breaking down the taboo of mental health through art.
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…
MoncrieffThe Big Fat Newstalk Quiz of the Year 2025!
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…
MoncrieffThe best games to entertain with around Christmas
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…
MoncrieffDid Coca Cola win the soft drink war?
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…
MoncrieffHow do you look after your Christmas tree?
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…
MoncrieffWhat are your options for an alcohol-free Christmas?
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…
MoncrieffThe life of a church bell ringer!
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…
MoncrieffKennys Bookshop on being family-owned for 85 years
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…
MoncrieffThe global influence of Daniel O’Connell
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…
MoncrieffDirector John Kelly talks ‘Retirement Plan’
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…
MoncrieffWhy are non-fiction sales slumping?
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…
MoncrieffControversy over Canadian PM not using Canadian English
Canadian linguists are upset over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abandonment of their country’s spelling rules in official documentation. A group of disgruntled…
MoncrieffWhat does Christmas look like when you’re homeless? - Henry McKean Reports
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…
MoncrieffCan you manifest friendships?
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…
MoncrieffWhat is it like to own Christmas reindeer?
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…
MoncrieffWhat is the secret to living a long life?
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…
MoncrieffIs there shame attached to a short marriage?
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…
MoncrieffHow much do you spend on Christmas? - Josh Crosbie Reports
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…
MoncrieffTeaching Irish language classes in London!
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…
MoncrieffDesigning a book for children with dyslexia
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…
MoncrieffHow do you protect your intellectual property in fashion?
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…
MoncrieffHow fearful are people of US visa entry requirements?
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…
MoncrieffShould the state pay for Ozempic?
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…
MoncrieffFirst ever cataract surgery performed on hippo in Dublin Zoo
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…
MoncrieffThe life and legacy of town planner Herbert Simms
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…
MoncrieffCartels are using cows to smuggle cocaine?
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…
MoncrieffChristougenniatikophobia: The fear of Christmas
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…
MoncrieffIs TikTok spreading medical myths?
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…
MoncrieffShould children ever work on farms?
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…
MoncrieffIreland’s first female envoy
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…
MoncrieffRuth Medjber on Christmas with no kids
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…
MoncrieffFrom pop and poverty to politics and power - Live Aid 40 years on
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…
MoncrieffSpeaking with Germany’s first Irish-born Mayor
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…
MoncrieffFrom Odessa to Kerry - Yuliia Riabova’s story
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…
MoncrieffHow can we prevent youth crime recruitment?
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…