Moncrieff
The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew. It features conversation that counts, covering news, sport, analysis, and entertainment. The podcast is produced by Ireland's national independent talk station Newstalk.
Episodes
T-Rex skeleton to go on display in New York before private auction
Have you ever wondered what a dinosaur costs? Apparently, up to $30 million dollars, specifically for a T-Rex skeleton. The specimen goes on display in New York before going to auction...Maria McNamara, Professor of Paleontology at UCC, joins Seán to discuss.
Dublin Zoo in the heatwave - Henry McKean Reports
As the good weather continues, how are the wild animals in the zoo coping in the heat? Henry McKean visited Dublin Zoo and met the Macaques from Indonesia, an old world monkey and the Dhole, a red type wolf from Asia.He sent in this report!
What is travelling like as a solo parent?
While solo travelling is becoming more popular, people can still find difficulty booking activities and accommodations that seem to be built around couples. This includes families, where the automatic assumption is that there will be two parents.So, what is it like to travel as a solo parent?Linda O’Sullivan joins Seán to share her experiences.
Four Questions: Main Character Syndrome
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!
Why is antisemitism and anti-zionism conflated with each other?
The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI) is collaborating with a group called Movement Against Anti Zionism (MAAZ) for a training course this coming Thursday called ‘Anti-Zionism as the New Anti-Semitism'. Seán’s guest is concerned that this is not representative of many Irish Jews, who are proudly anti-zionist themselves - she is against the conflation of antisemitism and anti-zionism.
How do you daydrink without falling asleep?
With the current heatwave, there’s one thing you’re probably going to do in your free time: daydrinking. But, when you’re out and about with friends, how do you do it without eventually falling asleep at the table?Sarah Keogh, Registered Dietitian with Eatwell.ie joins Seán to discuss!
Should chess be recognised as a sport in Ireland?
Should chess be recognised as a sport? Why is it not recognised as a sport here in Ireland like it is in other countries?Joining Seán to discuss is Desmond Beatty, Chairperson of the Irish Chess Union.
Should Irish men embrace the budgie smuggler?
As the heatwave continues, Irish people will be flocking to beaches, rivers and lakes this weekend. Irish men have traditionally steered clear of the speedo, but is it time to go European and embrace it?Joining Seán to discuss is Stylist Judy Gilroy.
Erdoğan gifts revolvers to NATO leaders - why?
It’s usually customary for a visiting world leader to give a present. President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan continued this custom at the recent NATO summit, where he gave leaders a revolver, with six bullets…Joining Seán to discuss is James Crisp, Europe Editor for The Daily Telegraph.Image: Reuters
Why are companies making their own ‘office fragrances’?
Big companies across the world are now developing their own distinctive fragrances for their offices, but there is a mystery around why they are actually pumping out these aromas.Joining Seán to discuss is Columnist on Corporate Life at The Financial Times, Pilita Clark…
What does a national sandcastle competition involve?
The National Sandcastle and Sand Sculpture Competition returns to Bettystown Beach this Saturday.Joining Seán to discuss is Shauna Murphy, last year's senior sculptor winner at the National Sandcastle and Sand Sculpture Competition.
Cathal McNaughton on his return to photojournalism
Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish photojournalist Cathal McNaughton joins Seán to discuss his new work and return to photojournalism, the Ireland Project, as well as more broadly about his life as a photojournalist.
What makes for a good summer? - Henry McKean Reports
What makes a good summer? Is it the weather, or the things you do? And, do we have rose-tinted glasses on when looking back?Henry McKean has been asking the public, and sends in this report.
Should we all get a prenup?
When Taylor Swift wrote the lyrics “It's a love story, baby, just say yes,” she probably didn’t have legal documents on her mind.But, ahead of her wedding last weekend, a team of lawyers have surely been working hard to draw up what is expected to be one of the most extensive celebrity prenuptial agreements of all time.With divorce rates on the rise in Ireland, it begs the question: should we have
How does a TV set fit into the interior design of your home?
Audience-measurement company Nielsen estimates the number of “no-TV” households now stands at 424,000, or nearly 21% of the total, the confidential RTÉ briefing to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said. With so many homes now not having a TV set, what do they point the furniture at? And if you do have a TV, how do you fit it into your home design?Joining Seán to discuss is Róisín Murphy, A
The man who had to abandon his family holiday because of the heat!
Conor took his family to Brittany recently for a two week family holiday. What they hoped would be a beautiful getaway for his kids turned into a living nightmare when temperatures hit 40 degrees. Everything shut down and he started to fear for his children’s safety, so he made the decision to abandon the trip and return home.Conor Dowling, Green Party Councillor in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, joins S
Why is ranch dressing becoming so popular?
You may have seen stories about World Cup fans visiting the United States and going wild for ranch, something big stateside.So, what exactly is ranch, and why is it so popular in America?Joining Seán to discuss is Russel Alford of the Gastro Gays.
Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Cult Stories
Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes…This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases involving cults and different beliefs.
IOC allows Russia to compete in the LA Olympics 2028 - why?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that they will lift the ban on Russia, and allow their athletes to compete at the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028…So, why was this choice made?Sean Ingle, the Guardian's Chief Sports Reporter, joins Seán to discuss.
Then V Now with Moncrieff: 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 go
What is it like aboard the world’s largest cruise ship?
Legend of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, launched this month, costing $2.3 billion to build.Seán’s guest recently went on its maiden voyage. It has 20 decks and is 364 metres in length. The ship also has 28 restaurants, 17 bars and lounges, 17 pools and whirlpools (including the first suspended pool at sea), 6 water slides and 20 decks on which to house it all…Cathy Adams, News Featu
Should videos at concerts be allowed?
Go to a gig, and you’ll see a lot of the crowd holding up their phones. Is this such a bad thing? Or should people be allowed to film the concert they’re attending if they want to?Jane Cowan, Columnist with the Examiner, is defending the right to film, and joins Seán to discuss.
What is ‘widow’s fire’?
After the death of a partner, it can be very difficult to consider dating again, but for others, they have the opposite experience. ‘Widow’s fire’ is a phenomenon experienced by a man or woman where they feel intense sexual desire after the loss of a partner.Karen Sutton, Widow Coach based in the UK, joins Seán to discuss.
The decline in interest for the J1 - Henry McKean Reports
There has been a noticeable decline in interest in the J1, the US student visa where you can work and travel across America. Once a right of passage, many Irish students have shied away from it. As the cost of living in the States is high, US immigration can ask to look through your social media feed, so some are waiting for a new White House administration.Henry McKean sent this report from the s
What makes a good Sunday roast?
It’s hard to beat a Sunday roast, and it has seemed to have a bit of a resurgence recently.So, what makes a great roast?Aisling Larkin, Food Writer and TV Chef, joins Seán to discuss.
Irish dancing competition bans transgender dancers - why?
You would not think that Irish dancing would be controversial, but the North American Irish Dance Championships & Conference is taking place in Florida - with the authorities there not wanting any transgender dancers to take part…Joining Seán to discuss is Gabrielle Siegel, former competitive Irish dancer who wrote an open letter on this subject.
Chicago Politician wants to rename street with Trump Tower after Obama
Wabash Avenue in Chicago is home to Trump Tower, but a new proposal suggests that it should be renamed ‘Barack Hussein Obama Way’...Brendan Reilly, Alderman of the 42nd Ward in Chicago, is behind this proposal, and joins Seán to discuss.
Are parents more addicted to their devices than their kids?
Research last month by the European Commission found that Irish parents were the least likely in the EU to consider the idea that their children spend too much time on screens. Could it be because the parents themselves are using them more?Journalist Niamh O’Reilly joins Seán to discuss…
Four Questions: Learning to drive as an adult
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!
Should we make parking spaces bigger?
In Ireland, we have been suffering from an obesity crisis, not with people, but with cars. Cars have grown 2.4cm wider in the past 5 years, making roads more dangerous, and parking a nightmare!So, why is this happening, and what should be done to improve things for drivers? For example, should we make parking spaces bigger?Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor at the Irish Independent, joins Seán to
Is it okay to ask guests to remove their shoes?
Do you ever go to someone’s house, and are told to take off your shoes? Or, are you the person making that ask? Is it too much to ask?Jennifer Horgan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner, joins Seán to discuss.
Why do Spain’s football team not sing their national anthem?
During the World Cup, and many other sporting occasions, it is customary to play the national anthem of the country playing - and it seems that some countries have their own strange tradition around their anthem…Joining Seán to discuss is Daniel Hussey, Freelance Sports Journalist.
Why does everyone who takes on Trump do badly?
There seems to be a perception that anyone who goes against Donald Trump will suffer his wrath. Is it easier to butter him up, or simply ignore him?Joining Seán to discuss is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist at the Journal.ie.
Taylor Swift - where is the line between brand and person?
As you’ve probably heard, Swifties around the world are ablaze with speculation that Taylor Swift will be having her wedding in Madison Square Garden in New York. So, with a seemingly big show on the way, what is the line between Taylor the brand and Taylor the person?Joining Seán to discuss is Lorraine Carter, Brand Expert with Persona Design.
Then V Now with Moncrieff: 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 explo
Finding love through the ‘Dull Men’s Club’
Of all the places you might find love, when would the ‘Dull Men’s Club’ cross your mind?For Lili Malatratt, it’s where she met her husband! She joins Seán to share her story, and explain what the group is.
Jo Spain on her new book ‘Never to be Found’
There is a phenomenon in Japan called ‘jōhatsu’, where people voluntarily disappear from their lives, with companies even making this a service.Jo Spain has adapted this idea for her 14th novel ‘Never to be Found’ and joins Seán to discuss.
Should we say someone died instead of “passed away”?
When the actor Penelope Keith died, Bafta quickly issued a tribute to her, using the word ‘passing’, but is that the right term to use? Should we simply say ‘death’?Joining Seán to discuss is Rachel Gotto, Grief Coach based in Galway and author of ‘Flying on the Inside: A Memoir of Trauma and Recovery’.
The Irish man in charge of the grass for the World Cup in Boston
Seán’s guest is an Irish man who has one responsibility: grass. So, how exactly do you prepare a pitch for the World Cup?Greg Whately, Dundalk native and Pitch Manager at Boston Stadium for the FIFA World Cup joins to discuss.
Woman who turned to OnlyFans to pay debts - her experience
Lucy Blanc had moved to New York for her dream job, but that soon became a nightmare because of a cruel boss. She returned to the UK, and ended up on OnlyFans to pay her debts - which she says saved her life.The Journalist and writer joined Seán to share her story.
Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Caught by the crowd
Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes…This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases where the internet worked together to solve mysteries…
Gulliver’s Travels - 300 years on
It has been 300 years since the publication of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, a story that is still remembered and revered to this day.Joining Seán to discuss the book’s impact is Dr. Jason McGelligot, Director of Marsh's Library in Dublin.
Why is Pope Leo worried about the Society of Saint Pius X?
Today, four new Roman Catholic Bishops are going to be ordained in Switzerland, but Pope Leo XIV does not want them to go ahead. This is because the ordinations are being made by the Society of Saint Pius X, who have been against many of the reforms the Vatican have made…Joining Seán to discuss is Patsy McGarry, former Religious Affairs Correspondent for the Irish Times.
Men: Is the polo shirt back?
During Callum Turner and Dua Lipa’s wedding celebrations, he wore a polo shirt. Andy Burnham has also been wearing one, and while Seán is sitting in the studio, he’s also wearing one!So, is the polo shirt back?Caroline Downey, Stylist and Fashion Broadcaster, joins to discuss.
Looking back on the long goodbyes of Irish leaders
There’s much speculation that at some point before the next election, Micheál Martin will be replaced as Leader of Fianna Fáil, further lending to the tradition of ‘long goodbyes’ for Ireland’s political leaders.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and host of the ‘Let Me Explain’ podcast Seán Defoe joins Seán to discuss and look back on some examples.
Australian breaks world record for loudest shout ever
An Australian man has achieved the record for loudest shout ever recorded.The man reached a yell of 122.4 decibels, breaking the record previously held by a Northern Ireland schoolteacher set in 1994.Now, Joseph McGrail-Bateup, Town Crier for Canberra, joins Seán to discuss his achievement.
Pamela Lee on life as a Professional Offshore Sailor
Seán’s guest is a Greystones native preparing for the famous transatlantic race, the Route du Rhum, which takes place every four years. She will be the first Irish person to compete in it as a Skipper.Pamela Lee, Professional Offshore Sailor, joins to discuss.
Lily Allen & gigs not meeting expectations
Singer-songwriter Lily Allen has responded to criticism on Twitter surrounding her new tour, which sees her perform her album ‘West End Girl’ in full. The problem people have is with the lack of a supporting act, and the show being about an hour in length.So, what should you expect when paying out the nose for a gig? And have you been to any disappointing shows?Joining Seán to discuss is Journalis
How important are hugs?
Did you know today is ‘Hug Holiday’? Every year, ‘Hug Holiday’ encourages people to share a hug with those who may need it most. So, just how important are hugs?Joining Seán to discuss is Cuddle Practitioner, MJ Lace…
How swimming with contact lenses can be extremely dangerous
It’s something you may not think of, but swimming with your contact lenses in can be very dangerous. Freelance Journalist Mel Fallowfield found this out, when she almost lost her vision because of it…She joins Seán to discuss.
Where did the garden gnome come from?
The recent Chelsea Flower Show has seen a since-unexpected comeback: the garden gnome. They were previously banned at the show, so why the resurgence, and where did they come from anyway?Joining Seán to discuss is Diarmuid Gavin, Garden Designer.
Four Questions: Poorly dressed for concrete mixing
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 Doireann O’Connor and Donal O'Donoghue!
America turns 250: do you care? - Henry McKean Asks
This Saturday will be the 4th of July, also known as America’s Independence Day - its 250th one at that! But, with the current state of affairs stateside, should we be celebrating the day, or do you not care?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.
What is needed for the perfect beer garden?
This week, we have had the ultimate beer garden weather. Picture it now: You finish a long week in the office, the sun is shining and you get THE text… “Pints?”. So, what is needed for the perfect beer garden experience?Joining Seán to discuss is the Guinness Guru, Darragh Curran...
New book covers airplane sick bag collection
Unless you’ve had to use one, you probably don’t think about the airplane sick bag, but some people actually collect them!Elizabeth McCafferty, Journalist, Filmmaker and author of ‘Sicko’, which covers one person’s collection of them, joins to discuss.
What are the benefits of sleeping naked?
No matter how many windows you leave open, it can be quite difficult to sleep in the heat. So, do we need a change of clothes, or maybe no clothes at all?Joining Seán to discuss is Health Scientist & Sleep Coach, Tom Coleman.
China overtakes US in the supercomputer race
China has taken the top spot for the world’s most powerful supercomputer. They have overtaken the US for the first time since 2017 in a race for tech supremacy.To discuss this, Seán is joined by host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast, Elaine Burke…
Michael and Maura Horgan on 50 years of marriage and business
Michael and Maura Horgan run Horgan's Delicatessen Supplies in Mitchelstown, and they are celebrating not only 50 years of running the business, but also 50 years of marriage!They join Seán to discuss.
The Irish Chili Festival comes to Cork!
Neil Numb, Founder & Organizer, Irish Chili Festival in Cork, Berlin Chili Festival & European Hot Sauce Awards joins Seán to discuss the upcoming Irish Chili Festival, and subject two audience members to a chili eating competition!
Cape Clear Lavender Festival returns! What to expect
This year marks the third annual Cape Clear Lavender Festival.Starting with just 500 plants to now 5,000, this project has blossomed over the past few years.Project Founder Joe Driscoll joins Seán to discuss the event and more.
Should Cork be the ‘true’ capital? - Henry McKean Asks
How do you know if someone is from Cork? They’ll tell you! The city is fondly named as the ‘true capital’, but should that become a reality?Henry McKean has been out asking Corkonians for their unbiased opinions, and joins Seán to discuss.
Comedian Chris Kent on his upcoming tour!
The Moncrieff Show is coming to you from the Montenotte Hotel in Cork as part of Newstalk’s Summer Tour, with thanks to ESB!Seán is joined by Cork Comedian Christ Kent to talk about his path from Electrician to Stand Up, and his upcoming tour.
Then V Now with Moncrieff: 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 on Then V Now with Moncrieff to compare dating across two different generations.
Do you like sharing your food?
Would you let someone try your desert, taste your cocktail, or maybe even double dip? Seán’s guest loves to share her food, but we all know people who absolutely hate it! So, how should we be sharing our food? Should we have some rules of engagement?TV Chef Erica Drumm joins to discuss.
How “hot girls” gave hope to a brain cancer patient
Seán’s guest was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 22, but she says that some “hot girls” gave her hope.Annabel Craddock joins to discuss…
Moncrieff’s Murder Club: When hobbies become fatal
Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes…This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases where hobbies became fatal…
Should road traffic incidents be called ‘accidents’?
When a road traffic incident takes place on our roads, the traditional articulation of this has been to describe it as an ‘accident’, but should we re-examine the language we use in this area?Joining Seán to discuss is Sadbh O’Neill, Contributor to the Irish Times…
How do you dress for work in the heat?
You have to go to work, even when the weather is lovely! But, when you’re in the office, what do you wear that’s suitable for work, and won’t roast you alive?Stylist Judy Gilroy joins Seán to discuss.
Are beards actually unhygienic?
People assume that those with facial hair are more likely to harbour bacteria on their faces than the clean-shaven, but the truth is more tangled…So is having a beard unhygienic?Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester.
How do you confront an alcoholic?
If you have an alcoholic (or any kind of addict) in your life, is there anything you can do to help them? And, even if not, can you do something to stop the problem from getting worse?Joining Seán to discuss is Austin Prior, Addiction Counsellor.
Do you have nostalgia for school packed lunch?
Do you have any fond memories of your old school packed lunches? What are the differences between the ones you had, and the ones your kids are having now?Joining Seán to discuss is Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire, Chef, Culinary Historian and Chair of the Masters in Gastronomy and Food Studies at TU Dublin.
What are the implications of Andy Burnham’s Catholicism?
The likely coronation of Andy Burnham as the next British Prime Minister sets up an intriguing possibility: he would be the first Catholic PM. But, what are the implications of this, and can he actually even claim to be the first at all?Joining Seán to discuss is Mark Paul, London Correspondent for the Irish Times.Image: Reuters
Are luxury items a good investment?
You could collect art and regard it as an investment, but are there other luxury items worth investing in? Like watches or handbags? How do you know what will retain or grow in value?Joining Seán to discuss is Nicholas Charalambous, Managing Director at Alpha Wealth.
How the World Cup brings families together
There are few things on TV today that the whole family can gather and watch. If Ireland qualified for the World Cup, it certainly would have brought families together...Dr Colman Noctor, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Senior Mental Health Lecturer at SETU Waterford and host of the ‘Asking for a Parent’ podcast, has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.
Is there still a stigma around dining alone?
A photograph of the Hollywood actor Jake Gyllenhaal has gone viral, prompting a wider conversation about the stigma and merits of dining alone in restaurants. Joining Seán to discuss is a woman who loves dining alone, Journalist Alice Bradley…
Should carpeted bathrooms make a comeback?
A new book by the New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman claims that Donald Trump insisted on carpeting the en suite of his bedroom in the White House. Now, while many listeners no doubt had a carpeted bathroom growing up here in Ireland back in the day, they have long gone out of fashion, but why?Joining Seán to discuss is Jennifer Sheehan, former ‘Home of the Year’ winner and Columnist for the
Is there a wild salmon crisis in Ireland?
Earlier this month, a pollution event on the River Glyde in Louth caused the deaths of thousands of fish, including many wild salmon, leading to calls for greater effort to be made to protect this species…Joining Seán to discuss is Ella McSweeney, Journalist and Co-Presenter of ‘Ear to the Ground’.
Four Questions: ‘Everything’ Showers
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 Doireann O’Connor and Donal O'Donoghue!
Why don’t people have one-night stands anymore? - Henry McKean Reports
Is the one night stand dead? According to research, it's in slow decline for a number of reasons. From being more safety-conscious to being disappointed and dissatisfied the next morning. Other reasons given is the rise in online dating, and some Gen Z don't know how to flirt!Henry McKean sent in this report.
Best movie lines
“Houston, We Have A Problem”, "Luke, I am your father", “Mirror, Mirror On The Wall” - believe it or not all of those quotes are wrong! Movie editor at entertainment.ie Brian Lloyd, joined Sean to talk about some of the most memorable, and frequently wrong quotes!
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