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 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…
MoncrieffNewstalk’s 25 of 25: Best Actor
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…
MoncrieffShould the Gardaí have tasers?
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…
MoncrieffComing home for Christmas as an adult - Henry McKean Reports
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…
MoncrieffWhy are politicians so bad with social media?
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…
MoncrieffWhy shapewear for men is growing in popularity
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…
MoncrieffKeeping track of films inside of films
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…
MoncrieffShould you barbeque your turkey?
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…
MoncrieffIreland has the highest percentage of ‘bears’ in the world
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…
MoncrieffPaula Meehan on her poetry and life
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…
MoncrieffThe history of Christmas shop windows
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…
MoncrieffValentia Island locals hoping to establish UNESCO World Heritage site
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…
MoncrieffDo we eat too fast?
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…
MoncrieffIs nuclear power the way to go?
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…
MoncrieffThe politics of gift giving - Henry McKean Asks
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…
MoncrieffThe story behind the construction of the Empire State Building
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…
MoncrieffGovernment considering spiked drink testing protocols in hospitals
With drink-spiking incidents expected to rise over the Christmas party season, the Government is considering new hospital testing protocols. Justice Minister…