Moncrieff

A rare oarfish has been spotted on a County Clare beach. The deep-sea eel-like creature was found by a group of Brazilian friends, and in mythology is thought to signal the end of the world. So, could we be in trouble? Phil Smith, Science Communicator and Broadcaster (@philofscience on Instagram), joins Tom Dunne to discuss.

A new survey has found that 47 is apparently the age where people feel their happiest. So, are you happy? And can you pinpoint when you were the happiest? Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The door from an iconic scene in the Richard Curtis film is up for auction. Why exactly has it been put up for sale now, and who would be in the market for a movie door? Joining Seán to discuss is Dan Muscatelli-Hampson from Omega Auctions. Image: Universal Studios

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have found a copy of the oldest-known English poem. So, how did they find it, and what is the story behind it? Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Mark Faulkner, from the TCD School of English.

There’s always a call for more blood donations, because supply seems to be decreasing while demand continues to go up. So, should we pay people to donate their blood? Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Suzanne Crowe, President of the Medical Council and a Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care in Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin.

With rising energy costs making it a struggle for businesses, a pub in Cavan has decided to harness the power of the river which runs alongside it in order to slash their bills. Now, a pilot project is gathering pace and if successful it could be used by other pubs around the country that sit next to rivers… Joining Seán to discuss is Fergus Murphy, owner of Murph’s Gastro Pub in Butlers Bridge, C...

Rising veterinary costs are leading to an inflated Surrender Waiting List, with increasing numbers of pet owners struggling to meet the costs associated with maintaining a pet… Joining Seán to discuss is Conor Dowling, Chief Inspector of the NSPCA.

Photographer Meryl Meisler captured New York’s wild disco era at Studio 54 and the gritty streets of Bushwick, but kept her photos hidden for decades. Now finally revealed, her work offers a rare, insider glimpse of a city and culture in transformation. She’s currently in Dublin celebrating queer friendly culture, and joins Seán to discuss. Image: Britannica

Mayfly season is almost upon us, but why do they do the very unusual ‘mayfly dance’? Now, researchers think they have found the answer. Joining Seán to discuss is Sam Fabian, an Entomologist with Imperial College London…

While the world and his mother seem to be jumping on the Ozempic bandwagon, is there a danger of getting an ‘Ozempic personality’, a sort of nullifying effect on your behaviour? Joining Seán to discuss is Katie Glass, Feature Writer with the London Times…

The discovery of a massive hole in the ozone layer in the 1980s sparked one of the most successful global environmental responses in history. Once-celebrated chemicals known as CFCs were found to be the cause, leading to swift international action… So, when can we see an intact ozone layer again? Joining Seán to discuss is John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist.

Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes… This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases where the person involved may not have been the one to commit the crime…

With your big wedding day on the way, the stress of organising the event, and the nerves around getting married in general will certainly take a toll. So, is this why ‘wedding therapy’ is becoming a bigger thing? Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and co-host of the Tough Love Podcast joins Seán to discuss.

No matter where you go in the world, you’re never too far from an Irish pub. Seán’s guest has recently released an app for Irish people abroad to find the best pubs in their area, and more importantly, connect with other Irish people in their area. David Murphy, Founder of Irish Yappers, joins to discuss.

With the 2 hour marathon finally getting broken for the first time last weekend, is this form of long distance running actually good for the body, or is it all becoming a bit cultish? Joining Seán to discuss is Christian Vince, Journalist with the Daily Telegraph, who has been writing about it…

AI isn’t just helping us write emails or plan holidays, it’s now being used as a financial therapist… More people are turning to chatbots to unpack their money habits, anxieties and spending behaviours, but can AI really help you understand your financial mindset? Journalist Saoirse Hanley put it to the test, and joins Seán to discuss.

King Charles is visiting Washington D.C., with many British commentators speculating on if the royal can repair the relationship between the US and the UK - including over an afternoon tea. So, what does the perfect afternoon tea look like? Joining Seán to discuss is Noel Cunnigham, Ambassador for Harveys Point Hotel in Donegal.

Today is National Superhero Day, and joining Seán to mark it is someone who has been big into comics since she was 4 years of age, Entertainment Journalist Olivia Fahy!

For over 300 years, public libraries have been at the very heart of communities across the country. However, libraries have been struggling recently, with Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews suggesting that they are being “ripped off” by big publishers. Barry joins Seán to discuss the danger our public libraries are facing, and what can be done about it.

Tanya Sweeney, Columnist for the Irish Independent, joins Seán to discuss her fond childhood memories of Smash Hits magazine, and how it gave a girl from the West Dublin suburbs access to the world of pop…

This is a new slot on the show where we look back on the weekend and look 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 Doireann O’Connor and Kalle Ryan!

The legendary bare knuckle boxer Dan Donnelly will be celebrated at a special event in the National Stadium on May 9th. Joining Seán to look back on his extraordinary life is Historian Donal Fallon…

‘Petro-masculinity’ describes a pumped-up gendered form of climate crisis rejection, which is increasingly alarming those who are trying to deal with the ongoing problems of our planet. But, how does it manifest itself? Joining Seán to discuss is Andrew Boyd, a humorist, activist and author in New York, who has been writing about this on his substack ‘The Tragic Optimist’...

The Government’s decision to allow modular housing units in people’s back gardens might seem like a good idea on the face of it, but will it lead to a bigger mess than we are already in? Joining Seán to discuss is Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing at TU Dublin…

A new study has found that jazz music has been progressively more simplified since the 1960’s. How do you define complexity in music, and how true is this? Joining Seán to discuss is Cormac McCarthy, who is a Pianist, Composer and Arranger.