Moncrieff

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that this country loves a bandwagon. A more recent example of this was Taylor Swift’s three sellout tours at the Aviva – everyone was suddenly a superfan!  Édaein O’Connell was writing about Ireland’s rich history of bandwagons in the Independent recently, and joins guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss.

The King of England broke tradition recently, by fist-bumping people in favour of a handshake. What are some of the ways we greet people? And are some better than others? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been greeting the public to get their thoughts.

Instagram is notorious for censoring female toplessness, while accepting male toplessness, but how does this affect artists who use the platform to showcase their work? Joining Seán to discuss is a Newry-based artist fighting the censorship, Cliodhna Doherty.

Are you someone who can bring the craic to just about every occasion?   Well, if so, there is a new job opening that could be for you!  The AC Hotel in Glasgow has advertised the position of a Banter Merchant. Jennifer Williamson is the Deputy Manager of the Hotel, and joins Seán to discuss.

While fans of 'Mad Men' will be well aware of the allure of a fancy home bar, is it possible to actually make one yourself at home? And what should be included? Joining Seán to discuss is Jennifer Sheahan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and former ‘Home of the Year’ winner.

You’ve heard of forensics, but have you heard of forensic ecology? Patricia Wiltshire has worked on more than 300 cases, solving murders across the UK and Ireland using her extensive knowledge of botany and palynology (the study of plant pollen and spores) to help her do so.  Patricia Seán to discuss her astounding career as a forensic ecologist.

A new research enterprise will take place this September to try and discover whether or not great white sharks are present in Irish waters.  Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr Nick Payne, Assistant Professor in Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Sciences.

As Rory Gallagher’s iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar goes up for auction, calls are growing for it to remain in Ireland.  Joining Seán to discuss is Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Councillor Dan Boyle. Image: Bonhams

A new cabin in the woods in Co. Meath aims to offer a completely analogue experience to guests, from the use of cassette players to ditching your smartphone.  Joining Seán to discuss is Rosanna Irwin, Founder of Samsú. Image: Samsú

Have we become afraid to talk to strangers? When you’re out for a walk and pass someone – do you say hello? Or if you’re at the supermarket, would you strike up a conversation with the person on the tills?  For many, the thought of doing this sends shivers down their spine, but journalist Niamh O’Reilly thinks it’s good for the soul! She joins Seán to discuss.

What are the most common things to go missing? Do you find yourself panicking looking for your keys in the morning? Well, Henry McKean has been asking the public about their misplaced things, and shares them with the show.

In two weeks’ time, Olympic fever will take over the world when the games take place in Paris. And for a small Island, Ireland has punched well above its weight and along the way has some interesting stories to tell too.  Clodagh Finn is a journalist with the Irish Examiner and has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner, she joins Seán to share.

Vending machines have become commonplace across many shops and services, but how would you feel if your usual confectionary was swapped with ammunition? That’s what’s happening in the US, with new technology allowing shoppers to pick up bullets instead of their usual bag of crisps.  Seán is joined by Grant Magers, CEO of American Rounds, the company behind this new idea, to discuss.

The closing of a charity which deals specifically with oiled wildlife has left a vacuum in Ireland for when the next oil spill occurs.  Joining Seán to discuss is Pauline Beades, Veterinary nurse and founder of the Oiled Wildlife Response Network.

While many listeners will be packing the old factor 50 into their suitcases from last summer, will it actually work as well? Or does it expire?  Joining Seán to discuss suncream do’s and don’ts is Professor Caitriona Ryan, from the Institute of Dermatologists.

A major planning objection has been submitted with regard to Dublin Airport’s proposal for a designated viewing area for plane spotters. But how exactly do planning objections work?  Joining Seán to discuss is Joe Corr, Managing Director for planning with CWPA in Swords & former Irish Planning Institute President.

Young people today are often praised for being very sexually confident and open minded.   But does this mean they are having better sex? Or was sex better back in the 70’s, when it was seen as more rebellious? Mary Kenny pondered this in the Irish Independent, and joined Seán to discuss.

Forty years ago, Bob Dylan took to the stage at Slane for an unforgettable gig that saw him joined by Van Morrison and Bono. But what is perhaps unknown or forgotten by many is the riots that took place in Slane the night before, on July 7th 1984.  Carol Lee, a photographer at the scene of the Slane riots joins Seán to discuss. Image: RTÉ

Parents across the country are dealing with having the kids home full time as school is out, so how do you survive?  Jen Hogan, Columnist with the Irish Times, has been writing about her top tips in today’s newspaper, and joins Seán to discuss.

A farmer in Donegal has discovered an enormous slab of butter buried in his land, which could be hundreds or even thousands of years old.  Joining Seán to discuss is Micheál Boyle, the farmer who discovered it.

The trailer for Gladiator 2, starring Paul Mescal, is out today, which poses the question – do sequels ever live up to the original?  Joining Seán to discuss the best and worst film sequels is Movie Reviewer & Editor of Geek Ireland, Olivia Fahy. Image: Paramount

Seán’s guest is a Donaghmede native whose songwriting career spans more than 20 years, releasing 10 albums (soon to be 11!) and performing with names like Bob Dylan and the late Sinead O’Connor along the way.  Damien Dempsey joins the show to discuss his latest musical ventures.  If you want to see Damien live, he will be playing at the Iveagh Gardens, Friday 19th & Saturday 20th Jul...

Are you one of those people who’ve been getting extremely annoyed by the new bottle caps that have been rolled out over the last few weeks?  If so, you’re in the majority, with social media a flood with hacks about how to bypass them.  But why are they here?  Christopher O’Sullivan is a Fianna Fail TD for Cork South-West and has been looking into this. He joins Seán to discuss. Imag...

While millions of bottles and cans have so far been processed through the Re-Turn Deposit Scheme here on the mainland, our island communities appear largely to have been forgotten about.  Joining Seán to discuss is Chloe Ní Mháille, Public Relations Officer for Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann, the Irish Islands Federation.

Nicki Minaj made the news recently for her apparently disastrous concert at Malahide Castle. She was so late, that her set only lasted 40 minutes before she had to end - leaving many fans disappointed.  So, are you like Nicki? Do you find yourself late to things often? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.