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
Underwire bras are making a comeback
Sinead Sanderson, Owner of Peaches and Cream joined Seán on the show to discuss the comeback of underwire bras and how they are essential for people who need support.
Conor O’Clery on attending an execution in the US
Seán was joined on the show by Conor O’Clery, former Washington correspondent of The Irish Times who witnessed an execution, 33 years ago back in 1993, and says he can still see it in his mind.
The Future Library
Seán was joined on the show by Bernadette Fallon, Freelance journalist to discuss ‘The Future Library’, a 100-year public art project in Oslo, Norway, conceived in 2014 by Scottish artist Katie Paterson where 1,000 Norwegian spruce trees were planted in 2014 in the Nordmarka forest. These trees will grow for a century and eventually be harvested in 2114 to make the paper for a special 100-volume a
Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Murders inspired by movies
Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes…This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases involving murders inspired by movies.
A bumpy debut for Katie Zacharia, Trump's new White House Press Secretary
Shawn McCreesh, White House Correspondent for the New York Times joined Sean on the show to discuss Katie Zacharia, Trump’s new White House press secretary’s bumpy debut on the podium.
How bad can bedbugs be?
A bedbug infestation forced Qantas to ground their plane in Rome after they were found on board. So, how damaging can a bedbug be if they can ground a plane?Dr Michel Dugon, Zoologist at University of Galway, joins Seán to discuss.
How does ‘Speedcubing’ work?
Michelle Yeoh has reportedly spent two years learning the Rubik’s Cube to prepare for a new movie ‘It’s My Time’, where she plays a real-life former maths teacher who became a champion in retirement.Kevin Timmons, member of Speedcubing Ireland, joins Seán to discuss this, and the world of competitive cubing.
New book explores the impact of assisted dying
A new book explores the impact assisted dying has on both those living with pain looking to decide when their lives end, and the people around them who either support or do not understand the decision being made…Joining Seán to discuss is Paul Brand, UK Editor of ITV News and author of ‘Fight to the Death: The Human Stories Shaping America's MAID Debate’.
Church seeks new bell ringers - do you have what it takes?
The Church of St. Augustine and St. John, known locally as John's Lane Church, had something of a rebirth last weekend. After a gap of two decades, the church bells rang out again because of the work of some volunteers. They’re looking for more bell ringers, but how does it all work?Michael Ryan, Ringing Master at John’s Lane in the Liberties joins Seán to discuss!
Why do we get the ‘ick’?
So you’re going out with someone, and it’s all going fine, but then they do something… It could be something small, something they’re wearing, how they eat their food, but it gives you the ‘ick’ and puts off any romantic feelings you had for them.Why do we get the ‘ick’? Is it our fault for getting it, or is it just instinct making the right decisions?Emily Power Smith, Clinical Sexologist and Sex
Inside the £1 an hour official football shirt factories
The average price of an official football shirt these days is around £75, but a BBC Sports investigation has found that workers making these shirts are being paid a basic wage of less than £1 an hour in factories where conditions have been described as "grim"...Do we need to be more aware of where our products come from, and boycott if necessary?Joining Seán to discuss is Barry Andrews, Fianna Fái
The weird world of literary scams
Most of us like to think we are superior to the person who falls for the ‘you’ve won the Spanish lottery’ scam, or any scam for that matter but as Tanya Sweeney recently found out, a desire for affirmation and a bit of flattery can pull the wool over the eyes of even the most ‘scam-proof’.Joining Seán is Tanya Sweeney, Irish Independent Features writer and columnist, to tell us about the tim
1Author Bethany Joy Dawson on choosing homeschooling for her kids
Author Bethany Joy Dawson didn't intend to remove her children from mainstream education to homeschool them but felt she was left no choice due to the education system making the children fit rather than moulding to her children's needs.She joins Séan to discuss…
What advice would you give to your teen self? - Henry McKean Asks
If you could re-live your teenage years again, what would you do differently? Do you have any regrets from that time? How awkward was it? Would you have asked the boy or girl out if you were more confident? Were they the best years of your life or the worst?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.
Four Questions: Are you in a book club?
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 Liadán Hynes and Patrick Freyne!
Why do Irish people not want to live in apartments?
In Ireland, we’re still very much married to the idea of buying a home with a garden to raise a family in, yet in Europe, people are doing all of that in apartments. So why do Irish people seem to turn their nose up at it?Joining Seán to discuss is Orla Hegarty, Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, UCD.
Celebrating National Mouldy Cheese Day!
Today is National Mouldy Cheese Day, where we celebrate cheeses that taste great, but maybe not smell as good…Joining Seán to celebrate the day and chat about cheese is Kevin Sheridan, Managing Director at Sheridan's Cheesemongers Ltd.
First ever photograph turns 200 years old
200 years ago, a French inventor took the first ever photograph. What’s the story behind this, and how has photography changed since?Trish Lambe, Artistic Director of Photo Museum Ireland joins Seán to discuss.
Why you should leave dogs out of your bed!
People love their pets, enough to find it natural to have their dog to sleep on the bed with them. Not only does this lead to stinky sheets, it might not lead to the best night’s sleep… for the dog!Steph Rousseau, dog trainer and canine behaviour consultant based in Dublin joins Seán to discuss.
What happened to the high heeled shoe?
When you go out these days, you’ll see people dressed up, but what you won’t see nearly as much anymore is the high heeled shoe. The era of stilettos seems to be over, so what happened?Lise Hand, Journalist and columnist with the Journal joins Seán to discuss.
Irish experts warn about Australian ‘health guru’ hosting talks in Ireland
More than a dozen scientists, doctors and academics recently signed a letter warning about an Australian woman called Barbara O’Neill. She describes herself as a healer, and will be speaking next week at a series of events in Ireland hosted by a group that promotes ‘Bible-based health principals’. She is banned from giving health advice in Australia.David Robert Grimes, Disinformation Expert, sign
How cutting overseas aid impacts a Cambodian classroom
Under the Trump administration, the US has cut massive amounts of overseas aid, and they’re not the only country doing that. How does that impact the countries dependent on that aid?Colm Byrne, Teacher from Portmarnock has lived in Cambodia for the past 40 years and is CEO International Operations of SeeBeyondBorders Ireland. He joins to discuss the current situation in Cambodia.
Have you lied on your CV? - Henry McKean Reports
More than three quarters of jobseekers lie on their CV, from falsifying qualifications to securing employment, to exaggerating their achievements. To discuss further we are joined by Henry McKean.
How suicide bereavement services work
This Saturday is World Mental Health Day. As part of that, Pieta with Lyon’s Tea have partnered to host a tea and talk day, encouraging others to come together over a cup of tea.Pieta is all about preventing suicide and self harm, but that is not the only service they provide. When someone dies by suicide, what’s left behind is a devastated family…Seán is joined by Laura Hallinan to discuss her fa
Has butter made a comeback?
There was a time when butter was viewed as deadly, and not in a cool way! Spread some on your toast, and it’ll go straight to your heart! But seemingly, even in this health-obsessed world, butter has made a huge comeback!Mary Sharpe, Producer of Irish Gourmet Butter, joins Seán to discuss.
The portrayal of periods in media - and why it’s important
On television, the biggest representation for periods you might see would be in advertisements, where a nondescript blue liquid takes the place of menstrual blood.Sharon Horgan’s new HBO Max series, ‘Youth’, bucks this trend, by having her character experience an unexpected period.Aoife Barry, Arts, Culture Writer and Columnist for the Sunday Times has written about this important representation,
Should Cork Prison become a protected structure?
Cork Prison has existed since the early 1800s. It first started as a military barracks before becoming the site of executions after 1916. The building is old and has been abandoned for the past decade. Cork City Councillors have voted to begin the process to add a Cork prison to the Register of Protected Structures in an attempt to prevent it from being demolished.One of those voting is John Maher
Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Haunted Houses
Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes…This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases involving ‘haunted’ houses!
Why was smoking so popular?
After yesterday’s Budget 2027 announcements, cigarettes are now over €20 a pack, the highest cost in Europe. With cigarettes being pushed out of the zeitgeist more and more, some generations are looking back on smoking with a hint of nostalgia.Why was it so ubiquitous?John Dolan, Journalist with the Examiner and Echo joins Seán to discuss.
Would you use a government-sponsored dating app?
Singapore recently launched a matchmaking service for government workers aged 21 to 35, an initiative that comes as the country wrestles with a record-low fertility rate. ‘FirstDate’, which uses a Nobel-winning algorithm to match participants, has drawn a mixed response.Could a similar service work in Ireland?Joining Seán to discuss is Matchmaker Sharon Kenny.
Why are horses so important to Darndale?
In the north Dublin suburb of Darndale, there is a local park known for the amount of horses in it. Horse ownership has been a notable feature of life in parts of Dublin, but in many cases, the owners don’t have the resources available to properly care for the animals.Noel O’Reilly is a Darndale resident, and joins Seán to discuss.
Matthew McIllhenny on ‘The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary’
One key figure in the peace protest in Northern Ireland who doesn’t get spoken about as much is David Ervine, who played a big role in the loyalist ceasefire, and had a fondness for words.Matthew McElhinney is Director and co-writer of 'The Man Who Swallowed a Dictionary', which is focused on Ervine. It runs at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin from October 13th to the 24th, and he joins Seán to d
Four Questions: You wouldn’t say that to a man!
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 Liadán Hynes!
What’s the best way to start an email?
There’s no doubt that you’ve received many emails that say “hope you are well” or other platitudes such as “hope you’re enjoying the weather!” and “hope you had a great weekend!”, even though the writer of this email probably doesn’t care in reality. So, why has this become a thing in email greetings, and how should we handle our correspondence?Joe Humphries has written about this in The Irish Tim
Aerial house photos were all the rage - where have they gone?
There was a time when someone would hire a helicopter, take pictures of houses in rural areas, and then sell that photo to those homes who would proudly display them. Why is this no longer a thing?Róisín Murphy, Architect and Interior Designer joins Seán to discuss.
Meryl Streep to voice lion in new Narnia movie - why are people mad?
Four months before Greta Gerwig's upcoming ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ is scheduled for cinema release, the Director has confirmed that Meryl Streep will voice Aslan the lion, taking over from Liam Neeson, much to the absolute dismay and anger of purists and many conservatives.So, why is this seen as controversial?Entertainment journalist Olivia Fahy joins to discuss!
What do work days look like around the world?
How long is your working day? Or more specifically, how much work do you do for your employer? In Ireland, long lunch breaks have become a distant memory, but in other parts of the world, that is the norm.So, what do work days look like around the world, and how do they compare?Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Careers Portal and a future of work expert joins Seán to discuss.
Do we all turn into our parents?
During the course of life, you grow to adore your parents, eventually realise they're fallible, and turn into them whether you want to or not. Just like how Brooklyn Beckham swore off his family for their focus on business, only to launch his own business himself.Colm O’Regan has been writing about all of this, and joins Seán to discuss.
Do men read romance novels?
Romantic novels are hugely popular, and have always done quite well. Of course, their main audience is women, but are men included in this audience too? And what would a man get from these ‘romantasy’ novels?Tomas Kenny from Kenny's Bookshop in Galway joins Seán to discuss.
Van Gogh painting not seen in decades to be auctioned at $180 million
For decades, María Elena Arrieta de Blaquier, an Argentinian heiress, owned a vast collection of rare and expensive art. She has since died, and the art is going up for sale.Van Gogh’s ‘Châtaigniers en Fleurs’ (Chestnut Tree in flower) is valued at $180m and has not been seen in public for decades. It is to be auctioned along with 11 other works.André Zlattinger, Deputy Chairman, UK & Head of
The history of the early Budgets
Budget 2027 is to be revealed next week; there’s a massive team behind it, but that wasn’t always the case. In the early days, the early budgets were put together by people with not as much economic experience. So, what is the history behind the early ones?Aidan Kane, Lecturer in Economics at University of Galway joins Seán to discuss.
The problem with wealth gaps in friendships
How do you navigate it when your friends have more money than you? When you want a trip to Cork, but they want a trip to New York? These differences become increasingly obvious with hen parties, when the cost of multiple nights abroad can highlight this issue.Emma Howard, Economist at TUD, joins Seán to discuss.
Should we just let our hair go grey? - Henry McKean Asks
Hollywood Actress Olivia Coleman was spotted on a red carpet sporting a new natural grey hairdo. Is it time we all embraced the grey?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.
Are Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConnaughey brothers?
‘Brothers’, a new series starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConnaughey, is based on the popular internet theory that the two actors share the same father. So, what is this theory based on, and what was the life of Woody’s father, Charles Harrelson?TV Critic Brian Lloyd joins to discuss.Image: Apple TV
How was the U2 commemorative coin made?
Last Friday, the Central Bank of Ireland officially unveiled a new €2 commemorative coin celebrating U2 and marking 50 years since the band was formed. This will soon be followed by a coin commemorating the late author Maeve Binchy as part of the Central Bank's commemorative coins programme.Designer Shaughn McGrath joins Seán to discuss how this U2 coin was made.
How does base jumping work?
A 27-year-old base jumper died on Sunday when he leapt off a 700-foot cliff and his wingsuit failed, according to authorities. This isn’t a standalone incident over the years, there have been many fatal accidents from base jumping. In 2017, a Cork man died while base-jumping after his parachute opened the wrong way at the Cliffs of Moher.So, how does base jumping work and what are the dangers for
Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Modern Day Cults
Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes…This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases involving modern day cults!
Could the UK rejoin the EU?
Following his first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham has said that the UK could go “all the way” back into the EU. What would this look like, and when could we see this happen?John O'Brennan, Professor of European Politics at the Department of Sociology at Maynooth University joins Seán to discuss.
Are car lights getting brighter?
Vehicle lights are bigger and brighter these days. LED lights are a big trend in the car scene and offer a longer range for drivers, but many motorists complain that their intense white light can be almost blinding when you are driving at night. Motoring editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent Geraldine Herbert joined Sean on the show to discuss.
Is there a lack of nature in Irish schools?
When it comes to promoting the environment & nature in schools, An Taisce’s Green Schools initiative reaches 85 % of schools, and Ireland has the highest share of Green Flags of any participating country. So, why then are so many school grounds lifeless, uninspiring and grim: tarmac and not much else? Dr Patrick Kirwan, a pioneering science teacher from Ardscoil na Mara in Waterford
Today is Michaelmas!
Michaelmas is a Christian festival observed in many Western Christian liturgical calendars on 29 September, and on 8 November in the Eastern Christian traditions. Michaelmas is celebrated on September 29th to honour the Archangel Michael and mark the shift from the harvest season into the darker, colder months of autumn and winter. Sean was joined on the show by Marion McGarry,&n
What is a snag list?
What is a snag list and what is it like for smaller projects like new build homes? How do snag lists work and can they delay the completion of your home? Kevin Hollingsworth, Chartered building surveyor from the Society of Chartered Surveyors joined Sean on the show to discuss.
Are your kids constantly asking for a pet?
Kids asking for a dog is a tale as old as time. So, what do you do when your kids are constantly asking for a pet? Irish Independent columnist Kirsty Blake Knox joined Sean on the show to discuss.
The Cornell 7
Prosecutors in New York are reopening an investigation into allegations that seven Cornell University fraternity brothers drugged and gang-raped a former student. The lawsuit alleges that the Cornell fraternity members were offered “essay” mitigation for their actions. Harriet Alexander from the Daily Mail US joined Sean on the show to discuss.
Should you live by the Mexican Fisherman Parable?
There is a story known as the parable of the Mexican fisherman, which is all about living for today and recognising what’s really important in life. But, will living this way pay the electricity bill?Michael Houghton, Host of The Irish FIRE Podcast has tried it out himself, and joins Seán to discuss.
Why do we love blood in our food?
Here in Ireland, blood in foods has been an important part of life for centuries. It has sustained warriors in epic battles, kept off hunger, offered protection from bad luck and provided sustenance during winter.Joining Seán to discuss the importance of bloody Irish foods is Food Writer and author of ‘Blood, Guts and Black Pudding’, Kate Ryan...
Italian Deputy PM’s comments on long skirts prompts backlash
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, has prompted furious backlash after saying that women will make better mothers if they wear longer skirts. He said that while it might be “nice to marry a glamorous girl”, such a woman may have “gone through a string of boyfriends, dumped them, walked out, and has a tendency to cheat”...Nick Squires, Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph in Rome joins
Four Questions: Chimpanzees have accents?
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!
Trump launches his own TV channel to combat news outlets
As you may have seen, the White House attempted to ban multiple media outlets for their alleged unfair coverage of President Trump. While all of this was happening, the White House launched ‘Trump TV’ - a 24 hour streaming channel seemingly owned by the Trump organisation.Scott Lucas, Professor of US Politics at the Clinton Institute in UCD joins Seán to discuss.
Glamourous bathrooms
For years, restaurant toilets tended to be a boring afterthought, but recently, they have emerged as arguably the most unexpectedly glamourous room in the building. From prosecco bars to antique mirrors, restaurant toilets are now a spectacle which attracts influencers and digital camera users. Interior Stylist & Design Colour Consultant at Retwiggd Sarah Twigg Doyle joined Sean to discuss.
Calls to restore the old Galway G
A petition has been made to stop Galway City Council from changing their logo. €28,000 has been spent already on the new logo’s creation, and it has been unveiled less than a week after councillors were told that the plans were ‘paused’. Fergus McGinn, Owner of McGinn’s Hop House in joined Sean on the show to discuss.
Rolls Royce connection to the spirit world
Did you know Rolls-Royce has a connection to the spirit world? Well at least their names do... so what are cars actually named after and why? Paddy Comyn, Head of automotive content and communications with Done Deal Cars joined Sean on the show to discuss.
Why do people love queuing?
Queues for food have become a regular occurrence, whether that be 20 hours waiting to get free chicken at Popeyes or the constant line outside Bambinos for a slice of pizza, why do we do it?Jason O'Callaghan, Owner of the D4 Clinic and Psychologist who specialises in Clinical Hypnotherapy joined Sean on the show to discuss
Can kids enjoy music without screen time?
The Walkman gave an entire generation of children their first taste of independence. Music has continued to be a rite of passage of independence for kids, only now it is heavily linked to screen time. So, how have we gotten to this point?Joining Seán to discuss is freelance journalist and parenting columnist with the Journal.ie, Niamh O’Reilly...
Food changing the way we see the world - Henry McKean Reports
Today is One Day Many Voices #ODMV26, funded by Coimisiún na Meán and produced by Learning Waves, to celebrate cultural diversity and inclusivity across Irish radio.With this in mind, Henry McKean has been chatting to the food and hospitality sector and how their influence has changed our taste buds and the way we see the world. A two way street, swapping stories and experiences and coming out str
Artefacts from final days of 1916 Rising to go on display in Kilmainham Gaol
The museum at Kilmainham Gaol has recently added artefacts from the final days of the 1916 Rising, and not just from the well-known names.Joining Seán to discuss is Brian Crowley, Collections Curator at Kilmainham Gaol.
The history behind the ‘Club’ drinks
I'm sure we have all heard of Club Soda and Club Orange, but did you know it originated from Kildare Street in Dublin?Joining Seán to discuss is history content creator, Jane Casey...
How young women in Ireland manage safety on a night out
The experience of a night out for men and women couldn't be more different. Men only need to know where they’re going and (sometimes) what to wear. Women need to be vigilant, considering their route home, checking their drinks and staying close to their friends. It’s so ingrained that if something bad does happen, it’s sometimes considered the woman’s fault for not being situationally aware...Shan
Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Poisoned by Accident
Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes…This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases where deaths were caused by accidental poisonings.
Is Tom Cruise uncancellable?
Tom Cruise is currently making the interview rounds for his upcoming movie ‘Digger’, but many people online are saying the interviews feel filtered. There’s no mention of his Scientology links, ex-wives saying he’s crazy or weird method-acting techniques. So, does Tom Cruise have the Hollywood free pass?Joining Seán to discuss is Entertainment Journalist Olivia Fahy.
Savannah Nguyen on homelessness experience with her son - Shine a Light campaign
There’s a bit of a cliché about homelessness that involves rough sleeping, or that it involves an addiction, but that’s not the case at all. It’s usually due to a set of circumstances out of that person’s control. This was the experience of Savannah Nguyen and her son, and she joins Seán to discuss.The Shine a Light sleep out takes place on Friday October 9th to shine a light on child homelessness
The taxi driver who became a footgolf champion!
John Cleary is a taxi driver by profession, but is also Senior Plus Footgolf National Champion 2025 and 2026.He joins Seán to discuss how exactly the sport works!
Autumnal Equinox takes place tonight - what to expect
The September or autumnal equinox takes place tonight and marks the astronomical beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.Joining Seán to discuss this is Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, David Moore…
Is karaoke still a thing?
Remember when karaoke was all the rage? It used to be in every pub and club around the country, but has now seemingly moved to more private premises…So, is the art of karaoke still alive in its own way?Davina Devine, Drag Queen, Performer and karaoke host at The George joins Seán to discuss!
Relationship Coach Alex Croxford on coming to terms with her cheating
Alex Croxford had a seemingly perfect life until she was unfaithful to her husband in their first year of marriage. Now, she’s a Relationship Coach, helping women like her understand there’s a betrayal of the self that happens long before any cheating...She joins Seán to discuss.
The death of the dining room
Jen Sheehan, Former Home of the Year Winner joined Sean Moncrieff on the show to discuss the death of the dining room.
TV on the Radio: Tall Tales & Murder, Moonlighting, Sorry,Baby
Dee Reddy, Podcaster and Cultural Commentator joined Seán for the weekly TV review slot covering what’s out today, and looking back at some of the greatest shows, TV on the Radio…
The man who got buried in an avalanche
Sean Moncrieff was joined by Jacob Wester, the man who got buried in an avalanche in Norway...
Henry McKean reports on the State’s investment scheme
As you know a state investment scheme is coming that we're yet to learn all the details. What we do know because this is the case with all investments is that there will be an element of risk. But is this the sort of thing Irish people go in for? There seems to be far less of a culture of investing here than there is in other countries.Newstalk's The Money Is Under The Bed correspondent Henry McKe
Adults playing with toys
A study of last year’s toy market suggests that adults now account for 28 per cent of toy sales globally. And that’s not because they’re buying them for kids. What might appear strange to some, this mid-life interest in toys is not unusual today, according to Hazel McCarthy from Toy Corner in Moycullen in Galway…
