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
MoncrieffHow did ‘House Swapping’ become so popular?
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…
MoncrieffWhat are the most disgusting habits? - Henry McKean Asks
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…
MoncrieffWhen will we see driverless cars in Europe?
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…
MoncrieffHow do you move 3,000 artefacts from the ‘Dead Zoo’?
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…
MoncrieffWhat does the tricolour stand for in today’s Ireland?
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…
MoncrieffThe history of psychological warfare
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…
MoncrieffWhat makes the perfect hotel breakfast buffet?
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?…
MoncrieffCan you teach your cat Irish?
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…
MoncrieffThe role food plays in Ulysses
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…
MoncrieffHow does ultrasonic coffee work?
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…
MoncrieffWhy do election winners get lifted up?
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…
MoncrieffKilkenny photographer is documenting the demise of the Amazon
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…
MoncrieffProject to remember victims of Nazi medical experiments
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…
MoncrieffWorld Albinism Awareness Day - What is Albinism?
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…
MoncrieffThe best way to navigate customer service
SoftBank has developed AI voice-conversion technology to reduce call centre operators' psychological stress by altering the voices of angry customers to sound…
MoncrieffHave you been caught out? - Henry McKean asks
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…
MoncrieffThe history of mummies in Dublin
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…
MoncrieffIs the Irish accent really that charming abroad?
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…
MoncrieffAction figures that celebrate Irish culture!
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…
MoncrieffWould you meet a dead relative in Virtual Reality?
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…
MoncrieffHow long should a gig be?
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…
MoncrieffRise in churches across America where it’s legal to take drugs
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…
MoncrieffPop up pool problems cause controversy
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…
MoncrieffHas Ireland’s weather changed for good?
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…
MoncrieffIs the housing crisis to blame for pubs closing down?
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…
MoncrieffWhy are more women vegan than men?
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…
MoncrieffItems that have stood the test of time - Henry McKean asks
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…
MoncrieffWhat are the plans for the Olympics Opening Ceremony?
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…
MoncrieffBan on certain dog breeds - not the answer?
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…
MoncrieffShould we have more wind farms in Ireland?
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…
MoncrieffThe best mispronounced words from kids!
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…
MoncrieffHow is a Counting Centre run?
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…
MoncrieffNorthern Irish man beats drumming world record!
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…
MoncrieffDeLorean Revival Festival taking place in Belfast!
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…
MoncrieffAldi celebrates 25 years in Ireland
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…
MoncrieffCosmonaut becomes first human to spend 1000 days in space!
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…
MoncrieffIs going to the cinema too expensive now?
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…
MoncrieffBad Tourists
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…
MoncrieffState acquires two new surveillance aircraft - what for?
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…
MoncrieffOver €3.3 million worth of prize bonds are unclaimed!
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…
MoncrieffWho are the most iconic soap characters?
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…
MoncrieffHow can you smoke your food at home?
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…
MoncrieffWhat’s the utility room really for?
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…
MoncrieffWhat is ‘Food Security’?
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…
MoncrieffIs the Leaving Cert getting harder?
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…
MoncrieffLouisiana judges could order ‘surgical castration’ for sex offenders
Louisiana judges could order surgical castration for people convicted of sex crimes against young children under legislation approved Monday, and if Republican…
MoncrieffVoting is good for your health?
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…
MoncrieffThe pros and cons of deleting your ex from photos
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…
Moncrieff‘The Screamers’ House is up for sale!
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…
MoncrieffIreland’s longest living heart transplant recipient
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…
MoncrieffThe history of the Moka coffee pot
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…
MoncrieffYou're fired!
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…
MoncrieffDoormats made to spark political debates for canvassers
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…
MoncrieffNew vaccine trial to prevent melanoma cancer
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…
MoncrieffThe Luas turns 20 years old!
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…
MoncrieffHow realistic is going from the couch to 5km?
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…
MoncrieffJohn Lennon’s Guitar sells for $2.9 million!
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…
MoncrieffWhat is the cheapest capital in Europe?
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…
MoncrieffWorld’s youngest professional artist verified by Guinness World Records
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…
MoncrieffWexford buskers protest new street performance rules
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…