Moncrieff

These dark winter days make getting outside difficult, but with three quarters of children spending less time outside than prison inmates, one school in Wicklow is determined to do things differently... The Outdoor Primary School offers an unusual learning experience for students who primarily learn in the woods. Louise Nelson, Principal of Wicklow’s Outdoor Primary School, joins Seán to discuss.

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 cauldron, and they fly on a broomstick. But where did that depiction come from? Laura Kounine is an Associate Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Sussex and joined Sean to discuss.

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, Traitors UK is back for the 4th season this time to its original structure of non celebrity partcipants. And mystery writer Harlen Coben has a new series on Netflix called Run Away

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, but something we urgently need to relearn.   He argues that our constant urge to scroll and stay stimulated is eroding our ability to think, feel and create freely. Ian makes the case for boredom as a temporary relief from...

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 should you go about trying to purchase a new build? Joining Sean to analyze the current trends in the housing market. offer tips to buyers, and discuss whether we can expect the housing crisis to improve or worsen in 2026 was  Suzanne Tyrre...

.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 today is their first day back to work. Do you look forward to it or do you dread it? Does it make you contemplate a change in your life? Is the transition back to work difficult? Is this the first day of new resolutions kicking in or failing? He...

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? Joining Sean to discuss the ins and outs of it and the implications it has for Venezuela and for the world was  Dan Sabbagh, defence and security editor for the Guardian...

 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 of all time. Joining me now is Todd Pierce, Author of ‘Making Mary Poppins’...

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 Seamus O’Tuama, Bowling Correspondent for the Irish Examiner.

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 misguided policies under the previous Biden administration. But why ? Does the Type of font you use matter ? Joining John Fardy in for Sean to discuss was Owner of Signal Type Foundry  Max Philips

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 annual mental health arts and culture festival, will host events right across the country seeking to use creative work to challenge the stigma around mental health. Maria Fleming is the CEO of First Fortnight festival, and she joined John Fardy...

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 2025. Joining Simon to chance their arm at the crown is Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Writer and Journalist, Comedian Jim Elliott and Jen Hogan, Irish Times Columnist and Host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast.

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 involved... Olivia Fahy, Entertainment journalist, has been rounding up some of her favourites and joins Seán to discuss. Image: Nintendo

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 the world? Joining Seán to discuss is Eoin Burke-Kennedy, Economics Correspondent of The Irish Times…

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 Tree Growers, and joins Seán to discuss.

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 the mood from sweet to sour. From scare options to exorbitant prices, Irish Examiner Columnist and Food Writer Caitriona Redmond has seen it all since she went alcohol-free three years ago. The journalist has compiled her experience and offer...

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 ringing bells is just pulling a bit of rope, but there is an art to bell ringing, and it takes a good bit of training to get competent at it. Raymond Cregan is the Ringing Master at Christ Church Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss.

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 survived the past couple of decades… One that has is the iconic Kennys Bookshop in Galway which celebrated its 85th birthday last month. So amid all the changes, especially in how we read, how have they survived?   Tomas Kenny join...

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 was his influence so popular? And what has Budweiser beer got to do with it? Lecturer of Nineteenth Century Irish History at UCC, Dr Jay Roszman, joins Seán to discuss.

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 7 minutes of a man named Ray, voiced by Domhnall Gleeson, listing off all the things he hopes to do upon reaching retirement. Its Director, John Kelly, joins Seán to discuss!

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 Zeus' Apollo Imprint…

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 trimmings, music, small gifts, and most importantly, a warm and safe place where people are welcomed by name. For many of MQI’s clients, this is their only Christmas meal and the only sense of “home” they will have. Henry McKean went along, and...

Canadian linguists are upset over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abandonment of their country’s spelling rules in official documentation. A group of disgruntled linguists have now written an open letter to the PM, requesting he cease and desist. Joining Seán to discuss is one of the signatories, John Chew, Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian English Dictionary… Image: Reuters

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 social life by manifesting better friendships. Meehika joins Seán to discuss.

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 time... Philippa Auret from NI Reindeers joins Seán to discuss!