Moncrieff

Perhaps the most famous example of observed evolution in a species is that of the Peppered Moth, which largely turned black in some English cities during the Industrial Revolution so as to use soot-covered trees as camouflage, and then turned back to their natural grey colour upon the advent of cleaner fuels. This demonstrates natural selection, but it also shows the impact of human activity on th...

Irish people are famous for the so-called ‘pulmonic ingressive’ or ‘inhaled yeah’... but, what is it exactly, and where does it come from? Joining Seán to discuss is Davy Holden, who runs a popular Irish history social media account, who has been investigating…

It’s exactly 10 years to the day that a terrorist attack killed most of the editorial staff at France’s satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The shooting is being marked in a typically-controversial style with a special 10th anniversary edition of the publication. But, how do the French public view Charlie Hebdo now? And in what way did this incident change France? Simon Kuper is a Journalist and Aut...

While Ireland has traditionally had a poor reputation for its hospital food, things are changing, especially at one particular maternity hospital. Joining Seán to discuss is Deborah Cullen, Catering Manager for the Rotunda Hospital...

Fairy erotica is big business these days, but it seems the people of Wales are not too happy about it. They claim that fairy porn is a misrepresentation of the country!  Newstalk’s Ciara Treacy joins Seán to tell more. Image: Bloomsbury

Were you a dab hand at hula hooping in your youth, and do you reckon you’d still be king or queen of the playground if you were to revisit it in adulthood?  Well, it turns out that the type of figure you have will play a key role in how well the plastic tube will circle around your body.   Researchers at New York University concluded that a narrow waist and large hips are optimal fo...

A recent survey concluded that Ireland is the most phished country in the world. At this time of the year, people are particularly vulnerable to online scams. So-called ‘pig butchering’ is now on the rise in Ireland, but what is it and how can you safeguard against it? Joining Seán to discuss is Adrian Wreckler, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Independent…

The Green Party are motioning a commitment from Dublin City Council to do a case study of Copenhagen's work on localised Re-Use Centres, otherwise known as ‘Swap Centres’. These centres bring people from the community together to swap clothes, furniture, books and whatever else you’re having to cultivate community and foster a culture of upcycling. To tell more, Seán is joined by Janet Horner, Gre...

The current weather might have you looking back on some of your fondest memories when the snow would grace you with its presence. So, what are some of your favourite snow day memories? Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Simon Tierney joins Sean Moncrieff to discuss some hard life lessons learnt from taking his tree down too early...

Young people are opting against a career in farming, with a new CSO survey revealing that less than 5% of farmers in Ireland are under the age of 35. Why is it that young people from agricultural backgrounds don’t see a future working the land? Or is there something else going on? Joining Seán to discuss this is Macra President, Elaine Houlihan.

A group of volunteers in Limerick claim a simple chat could mean the difference between life and death. Volunteers from across the county patrol the River Shannon hoping to help people who are struggling with their mental health. Seán is joined by Lee Reeves, member and Ambassador of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, to discuss…

With the financial restrictions today, it can be hard for families to have a stay at home mum. However, those who can, sometimes regret it. Jen Hogan, Journalist and Columnist with the Irish Times and host of Conversations with Parents Podcast joins Seán to discuss.

It’s been 25 years since the millennium turned over - back when the Liffey digital clock broke down, and when people were terrified about Y2K. Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their memories, and joins Seán to discuss.

There wasn't a dry eye at Dublin Airport, as families reunite for Christmas from all over the world! Henry McKean sends in this report…

While the Ancient Romans waged battle across their empire, how exactly did they treat pain on the battlefield and what sort of medical equipment did they use? My next guest collects such equipment and even does reenactments. Joining me now is Martin McAree, Chairperson of Legion Ireland, The Roman Military Society of Ireland…

Christmas is a major time for celebrity memoirs: the number one book in the country this Christmas is the autobiography of one of Ireland’s most famous rugby stars. However, the Society of Authors is calling on celebrities to do more to ensure that their ghostwriters are properly credited… Joining Seán to discuss is Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, who writes under the pseudonym of Sam Blake, and is the Ch...

You may have found it funny to hear about a shortage of Guinness in British pubs in the last while. Well, two brothers have discovered it’s no laughing matter, and have taken action by ensuring they have a supply of the black stuff. Colm Lynch from Hop Pole in Wandesworth joins Seán to discuss.

When was the best time to have Christmas? Are they better now than ever - or were things simpler and better back in the day? Henry McKean has been asking the public for their festive favourites, and joins Seán to discuss.

The nativity, also known as the Christmas pageant, claims to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, new research suggests that the so-called ‘silent night’ may not have been that silent… Seán is joined by Chris Greenough, Professor of Social Sciences at Edgehill University, to discuss.

A new book explores how to preserve our brains when we die, so that our successors can revive us at a later date! Joining Seán to discuss is Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, Neuroscientist and author of ‘The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death’...

Over half a million Christmas trees will be cut down for homes across Ireland this festive period, but which is actually better for the environment… real or fake? Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Michelle McKeown, Lecturer in Environmental Geography at UCC.

While spiced beef has traditionally been associated with Cork, it has grown wings over the past few years and appears to be becoming more and more popular across the country. Michael Moynihan, Columnist for the Irish Examiner has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

The popular video game Roblox is apparently being used by illegal casinos to draw young children into online gambling. The new investigation found that children under the age of 12 are betting on slot machines and blackjack… For more on this, Seán is joined by Dr Deirdre Leahy, Lecturer in Cybercrime at UCC and Lecturer in Cyber Skills programme in MTU.

Kate Bush has called on Ministers to protect artists from AI using their copyrighted works amid growing concerns from high-profile creatives and ongoing political uncertainty over how to handle the issue… Ed Newton-Rex, founder of Fairly Trained, a non-profit that protects artists’ rights from AI, joins Seán to discuss.