Moncrieff

Ireland, Norway and Spain have all announced plans to recognise a state of Palestine. But, what is recognizing a state? And how does it work?  Scott Lucas is a Professor at the Clinton Institute in University College Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss the process.

Two new roller coasters have just opened in Ireland, promising to thrill and amaze—but do they deliver the excitement that coaster enthusiasts crave? We turned to the experts to find out if these rides are worth the hype. Joining Seán to discuss is Richard Bannister, who is on the Executive Committee of the European Coaster Club.  Image: Emerald Park

A furore has developed stateside after OpenAI launched a new iteration of ChatGPT which uses voice technology that seems to resemble that of Scarlett Johansson, in an odd throwback to the 2013 movie ‘Her’.  Joining Seán to unpack this legal quagmire is Ciara O’Brien, Tech correspondent for the Irish Times… Image: Open AI

As part of the airport’s expansion plans, two original aircraft hangars from the 1940s and the iconic North Terminal, which was used for many VIPs and Heads of State, will have to be levelled.   Frank McDonald, former Environment Editor of The Irish Times says this shouldn’t happen as these are important elements of our architectural heritage. He joins Seán to discuss.

Today marks World Goth Day, and you might be surprised to hear that the Goth community has witnessed a resurgence over the past few years… Joining Seán to discuss Wesley Whitworth, Founder of Goth Ireland.

After a successful trial last summer, Wicklow Wolf is now going full steam ahead with its appropriately named ‘Sliced Can’ beer, which uses Brennan’s Bread in its ingredients, but how does it all work?  Joining Seán to discuss is Quincey Fennelly, Co-founder of Wicklow Wolf.

It seems that Ogham has made a comeback with it recently showing up in a Coventry Garden, and also on Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug in Sweden.  But what exactly is Ogham, and why is it being used again?   Joining Seán to explain is Professor David Stifter, Professor for Old and Middle Irish in Maynooth and currently working on the Digitisation of Ogham project ‘Ogham in 3D’. &...

It’s 20 years since we all waited with bated breath to see if Rachel Greene got off the plane, in the final episode of ‘Friends’.   It has gone on to be one of the most successful TV shows of all time, but is ‘Friends' really as good as it’s made out to be?  Olivia Fahy is Editor of Geek Ireland and self-declared ‘Friends’ encyclopaedia and joins Seán to discuss.

The Cannes Film Festival recently took place, and to be more sustainable, they banned red meat. However, celebrities still arrived in their private jets. Is Canne's effort to be sustainable impactful or complete greenwashing? Dr Darren Clarke is an assistant professor in Climate and Environmental Sustainability in DCU and joins Seán to discuss.

During a recent trip away from the family home, Seán’s guest realised just how different the roles are that are played by mums and dads. But why is one practical, and the other fun? Joining Séan to discuss is Julie Jay, comedian and Irish Examiner columnist...

More than half of Irish households have a pet. Cats, gerbils and exotic birds make up part of the pet population, but dogs are by far the most "pupular" family furry. Once confined to the back garden - owners are now taking them out and about more and more, but is this a good thing for us and our pets? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Sexual harassment and discrimination on night outs is, unfortunately, a widespread experience that needs to be stopped. Safe Gigs Ireland wants to end this and is working to create safe spaces for everyone. Dola Twomey is the lead out of ‘Safe Gigs Ireland’ and a therapist at Sexual Violence Centre, Cork and joins Seán to discuss.

While war still rages in Gaza, there is a conflict in the north, with Hasbullah and Israel launching rockets at each other - and Irish troops are stuck in the middle of it. Tom Clonan, Senator and former Army Officer who served in the region, joins Seán to talk about the history of the conflict and why we’re there today.

Potatoes: the Irish family staple. And with them, there’s so much you can do, especially when it comes to making chips! You can have chunky chips, skinny chips, crinkle cut chips or even make some wedges. However, French fries have come out on top as being the fan favourites, with 62% of Brits saying they prefer French fries over the chunky chip!  Joining Seán to explain why is Gary O’Hanlon,...

It’s that time of year again, when local groups across Ireland are busy getting their towns in pristine condition ahead of the Tidy Towns Competition.  But, what do the judges look for when they roll into town?  Mary Howard is the chair of the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee and joins Seán to discuss.

The dating app Bumble recently went viral for all the wrong reasons because of their newest billboard reading, “You know full well a vow of celibacy is not the answer". People online were outraged, as usual. However, it has sparked the conversation surrounding celibacy and its growing trend. Mangala Holland is a female pleasure and sexual confidence expert, and joins Seán to discuss.

Although blended families are now more common, it still has all its challenges. It can take time for each family member to adjust to the new dynamic and can be difficult to strike the right balance when taking on the role as a step-parent.  Joining Seán to discuss the best way to achieve a successful blended family isKaren Kiernan, CEO of One Family.

There are computers. And then there are supercomputers. Most normal computers are handy for everyday tasks, however, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to create complex simulations or conduct necessary research. That’s where the powerful supercomputer comes in.   Joining Seán to discuss is Professor Stefano Sanvito, Professor of Condensed Matter Theory and Physics Director of CRANN Institute...

The population of Dublin is roughly the same as the amount of people in Glasnevin Cemetery - which may lead you to think of the stories left dead and buried. Well, it prompted Warren Farrell to write 'So once was I'. He joins Seán to share what he's learned.

It’s one of the most exciting moments of many young lives, and a new photobook aims to capture the realities of local teenage discos from a teenage girl's perspective.   Photographer Eimear Lynch travelled the country in service of her new book ‘Girls’ Night’, snapping images of the many rituals associated with a night on the community hall tiles. She joins Seán to discuss. Image: Eimear...

Bridgerton has recently returned for a third season! As they delve into different characters this season with new romances, it can make you wonder how historically accurate the show really is… Joining Seán to talk about the Netflix phenomenon is Dr. Mary Muldowney Historian in Residence for Dublin North West. Image: Netflix UK & Ireland

For many, the mile high club is a bucket list achievement. The club refers to a group of people who have managed to have a romantic rendezvous while in the clouds. If you’ve always wanted to become a member of this exclusive club, but weren't sure how to go about it, look no further than the Love Cloud in Las Vegas.   Captain Tony, President and Chief Pilot of Love Cloud, joins Seán to d...

Sometimes things can feel like they’re too much and can become completely overwhelming. Emma Gannon had this feeling and was eventually forced to take a career break after being diagnosed with chronic burnout. Emma Gannon, author of ‘A Year of Nothing’ joins Seán to discuss.

Rejection and failure can be a bitter pill to swallow but as they say “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. Failure is part of a healthy life journey and it’s important for us not to shield our children from it, says Richard Hogan.  Dr. Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Author and Columnist with The Irish Examiner joins Seán to discuss.

20 years ago the documentary ‘Super Size Me’ was released. In it, Morgan Spurlock took part in a social experiment which saw him attempting to eat food from the McDonald's menu for an entire month.  The documentary was supposed to be a turning point in our relationship with fast food, but two decades on, has much changed?  Isabelle Fegan is a registered Dietician and joins Seán to discus...