Moncrieff

A gorilla in Berlin Zoo has broken the world record for being the oldest gorilla in the world! Fatou is the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, and has celebrated her 69th birthday… Joining Seán to discuss is Philline Hachmeister, Head of Communication in Berlin Zoo. Image: Berlin Zoo

Ireland’s cities are full of architecture from all eras, including the famous Georgian house along Dublin city center. But, have you ever noticed that there are just some streets you hate walking down, whether they’re too long, too open, or just wrong? Why do some of these streets work and some don't? Joining Seán to discuss is Designer and Founder of Boyne Creative, Eleanor Ruth.

On the 18th and 19th of April, the National Museum of Ireland will host a limited time exhibition at Collins Barracks to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa rescue mission. The mission involved the rescue of six Irish Fenians from a British penal colony in western Australia in April 1876 by a US whaling ship. After their rescue, the Fenians, who had been transported to Australia on th...

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join Seán to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes. This week, Cassie joins to discuss things that escalated in weird and unexpected ways!

Can procrastination be a good thing? Historian and author of ‘Self-Help from the Middle Ages’ Peter Jones believe that procrastination can be used to our advantage. He joins Seán to discuss.

Despite Pope Leo being a relatively outspoken successor to Pope Francis, we are yet to see women be in any position of power within the Catholic Church. So, will we ever see this in the future? Joining Seán to discuss is Father Tony Flannery, a Redemptorist priest who was forbidden to practice by his superiors in Rome in 2012 for speaking up on many issues, including this one…

Seán’s guest wrote a book over 10 years ago that he never suspected could become as relevant now as it has. Sorj Chalandon spent 25 years covering wars across Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria as a journalist. He then turned to novels, with his book ‘The Fourth Wall’ utilising his memories and emotions of reporting on these wars, and turning them into a story. The book, set betwe...

If you’ve taken a train journey in Ireland recently, you may have noticed something missing, the refreshment trolley. Once a familiar part of longer trips, it’s disappeared from most routes since the pandemic, leaving passengers without even a cup of tea on board… So, is it time to bring it back? Joining Sean to discuss is Jenny McEntegart, Freelance Journalist.

It’s Wish Week here on Newstalk, and we are highlighting the incredible work Make-A-Wish does in helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses… Seán is joined by Isabelle McCarthy, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and her dad Brendan to discuss the wish she had been granted… Let’s make 2026 the biggest Wish Week yet! Every cent matters. Donate online at makeawi...

Apparently, socks are becoming more important when it comes to finishing off an outfit, but why is this, and why are they going beyond keeping your feet warm? Joining Seán to discuss is Laura Jordan, Image & Brand Consultant and owner of Style Savvy.

Today marks 120 years since the birth of Samuel Beckett. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1969, but he still remains to be more of a remote figure compared to the pantheon of Irish writers. Joining Seán to discuss his life and career is writer Dr. Fearghal Whelan.

Forget the candlelight, the cocktails and the carefully chosen corner table, new research suggests the real spark on a first date has little to do with where you are, and everything to do with what you say. A study from the University of Georgia has found that meaningful conversation not mood lighting or stylish surroundings is what truly drives attraction. So, could the secret to a great first da...

Seán’s guest is concert pianist Fiachra Garvey, who despite growing up on a working farm, decided to swap the vet lifestyle to pursue music… He joins to discuss!

A well-known and loved Irish phrase recently caused some confusion between an immigrant doctor and his patient. Dr Mohamed Elbadri had asked his patient whether he would be willing to quit smoking, to which the patient replied, “I will, yeah.” Three months later, during a check up, Elbadri was shocked to learn his patient had not quit, and had no intention of doing so! So, how often do our Irishis...

Seán’s guest is so passionate about plants and nature, he turned his spare bedroom into a greenhouse! Jonny Balchandani, otherwise known as the ‘Bearded Plantaholic’ has spent the last two decades nurturing thousands of plants in his home. Jonny joins to discuss!

What are the rules in your house when it comes to watching TV? No phones, no talking, no shoes on the sofa? A new survey suggests many of us have strict do’s and don’ts, and they’re causing more arguments than you might think… So, what are the nation’s biggest TV-watching sins? Joining Seán to discuss is John Fardy, Presenter of ‘Screentime’ on Newstalk.

There is an almost immediate intrigue and peak in curiosity when it comes to a leaked celebrity text. But, why are we so intrigued by it? Is it just human nature? Or do we just crave to know who celebrities really are behind the scenes? Joining Seán to discuss this is Head of Careers at the Communications Clinic, Sarah Geraghty.

Today is Erase Self Negativity Day, an opportunity to look within yourself for personal development and mental wellness. But, how exactly does it work, and is it effective? Joining Seán to discuss is Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist & Lecturer in TU Dublin.

A study suggests a form of Munchausen syndrome by proxy may be driving some owners to invent symptoms or deliberately harm their animals… A study of around 90 veterinary surgeries in the Netherlands found that 83 per cent of veterinarians and technicians were familiar with the phenomenon. Joining Seán to discuss this is Registered Veterinary Nurse and Founder of Salty Dogs Kerry, Kathryn Scroope.

So called ‘no ring no bring’ rules at weddings have become the centre of some debate. The controversial term refers to the practice of only allowing plus ones who are married or engaged. The practice is designed to keep guest numbers low and keep relative strangers out, but is marital status a fair way of judging commitment? Columnist Brianna Parkins joins Seán to discuss.

A new porch added to a medieval French cathedral has received backlash, being denounced as a ‘wart’ and a ‘concrete UFO.’ So, have we lost the art of visual interest in modern architecture, and does this impact us? Joining Seán to discuss is Rob Curley, Director of Maremoto Architects.

An entire Irish village has just gone up for sale, not just a few cottages but a fully restored estate in County Kildare, complete with a pub, a former schoolhouse, a restaurant, all for a cool €20 million. The village of Lyons, set along the Grand Canal, dates back to the 18th century and was brought back to life in the 1990s by Ryanair co-founder Tony Ryan. Today, it operates as a luxury hospita...

Ice baths and wild swimming are all the rage today, but is Freediving the next water based activity for Irish fin folk to flock too? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

In honour of the Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere on the 1st of May, Meryl Streep joined Anna Wintour on the front cover of Vogue magazine to promote the movie.  Meryl Streep's character Miranda Priestly in the original Devil Wears Prada was often rumored to be based on Anna Wintour herself…  Joining Seán to discuss is Fashion Stylist Cathy O’Connor.    Image: Vogue 

For years, we’ve been told to fear certain foods, cut out the carbs, avoid fat at all costs, and definitely don’t touch sugar. But, how much of this is actually based on solid science, and how much is clever marketing dressed up as wellness?  Today, we’re taking a closer look at the foods that have been unfairly demonized by the diet industry, from eggs and potatoes to full-fat dairy…  S...