Moncrieff

New research suggests that individual personality traits and emotional state can play a significant role in how many nightmares a person has, and how profoundly they are affected by them. But what are nightmares? Why do we have them, and do they serve any real purpose?  Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Deirdre Barrett, Dream Researcher at Harvard Medical School, and author of ‘Committee of Sleep...

Have modern songwriters become lazy? ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus says that modern artists think a song is complete too early. He believes once a songwriter comes up with a good chorus or a good hook, they render it complete without giving the rest of the song time.  Joining Seán to discuss this statement is singer-songwriter RuthAnne.

If you got a job at a large multinational company, it was seen as a perk to work in other countries - but since the pandemic and working from home, is this really seen as a bonus anymore? Joining Seán to discuss their own experience is Financial Times journalist Pilita Clarke.

The reintroduction of wild species has been discussed in Ireland, and Dr Jonny Hanson has put together a report on how this could happen. This week, the first wildcats were born outside captivity in Scotland – could this be a reality for Ireland? Dr Hanson, Environmental Social Scientist at Queen’s University Belfast, joins Seán to discuss.

There’s no denying that automation is becoming part of our everyday lives, but do we want robots to be indistinguishable from humans?   Engineers in Tokyo have for the first time manufactured skin from human cells, and attached it to a robot’s face. It’s a long way from being convincing, but it’s a big step in robotics.  Adrian Weckler is the Technology Editor with the Irish Indepen...

RTÉ has revealed a new plan for its future, which includes job cuts, and outsourcing some of its shows like Fair City and The Late Late Show to independent studios. How will this work? Philip Kampff from Vision Independent Productions joins Seán to discuss.

The annual Nettle Eating Championship took place last weekend in Dorset. Organised by Dorset Nectar Cider, the winner this year ate 116 feet of nettles, in 30 minutes! So, why do people gather to eat nettles?  Ryan Strong is from Dorset Nectar Cider, and joins Seán to explain the competition.

Cathal Crowe of Fianna Fáil was on the Pat Kenny Show calling for the return of Brian Ború’s crown from the Vatican to Ireland, but does it actually exist? Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Seán Duffy, Professor of Medieval Irish and Insular History at Trinity College Dublin.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a struggle for some, but imagine only getting a diagnosis later in life?  That is what happened to Aisling Leonard-Curtin, who says her diagnosis now helps her with her work.  She joins Seán to discuss.

Ever wondered what it's like to grow up without siblings in a country full of nosy neighbours? Joining Seán to shed light on the joys and quirks of being an only child in Ireland is Vicki Notaro, journalist and author of the bestselling debut ‘Reality Check’.

Every day, people commit heinous food crimes, whether that be putting pineapple on pizza, or combining things that shouldn’t be combined. Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking people about their biggest food crimes, and joins Seán to share his findings.

Lillian O’Donoghue has turned her home into a shrine for Coca-Cola - opening its doors every year to share her love for the brand. Lillian joins Seán to discuss how this all began, and how big her collection is.

If you didn’t know, the middle of this century will mark the end of the astrological age of Picsces and the beginning of Aquarius. To help with that transition, a generation of children will help us with the adjustment. Joining Seán to explain and discuss is Claire Stone, Psychic Reader and Founder of the Angel Mystery School.

From ancient torture techniques to modern-day play, tickling as a kink is on the rise. New research from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany reveals that some enthusiasts can orgasm from touch alone.  Joining Seán to tickle his curiosity is Clarity Mills, a motivational speaker and professional dominatrix.

For a number of years now, there has been an ongoing conversation about the cost of fruit and vegetables at supermarkets.   How can they be able to sell them so cheap? And how is that money divided up among the farmers who supply them?  Joining Seán to discuss is Kenneth Keavey, CEO of Green Earth Organics.

If you were to pick the best Irish song, what would it be?   The Irish Independent invited 50 people from across the music industry in Ireland to nominate their top 50 songs in order of preference. From there, they applied a ranking system to come up with the top tracks.   Joining Seán to review the order is John Meagher, the paper’s music journalist who compiled the list.&nbsp...

As we step into the warmest days of the year, our feet are certainly feeling the heat! Today, I'm joined by Niall Donohoe, a podiatrist from CureSpa Clinic in Goatstown, to discuss how to deal with those sweaty, smelly feet and keep them fresh…

Kim Jong Un has gifted two pet dogs to Russian President Vladimir Putin. But, this isn’t the first time that dictators have cosied up to pets. There is a long history of pet ownership among autocrats throughout the 20th century and beyond. Newstalk’s Simon Tierney has been investigating, and he joins Seán to discuss. Image: Reuters

Catchphrase, Mastermind, The Chase… game shows have been popular on radio and TV for generations, but a recent poll has put Gladiators at the top.   Some would debate if that’s even a game show, but there’s no denying that we love watching a bit of jeopardy with real people, whether for money or a trophy.    So, what makes a great game show?  Mark Hughes, a question w...

With less and less people using their mobiles to actually make a telephone call, have we lost the art of the phone call altogether?  Justine O’Mahoney, Columnist with the Wexford People, has been writing about her nostalgia for a time when the landline was the beating heart of the family home. She joins Seán to discuss.

The TV show Bridgerton might be set in the 1800s, but it’s influencing today’s lingerie.   Sales of the balcony or balconette bras have soared, which would give women a more busty, fuller shape.   To complement the look, sales of high-leg knickers are also increasing.   Laura Mullet is a fashion expert and joins Seán to discuss. Image: Netflix

A member of staff at Howth’s King Sitric, who had a stand at the Taste of Dublin Festival last weekend, was treated to a bit of a surprise when an oyster he shuck while preparing a dish produced a pearl!  An Irish oyster like this producing a pearl is extremely rare, with odds of about 1 in 5 million! Dec McManus is from Howth’s King Sitric, and joins Seán to discuss.

While much attention focuses on Newgrange over the summer solstice this week, a unique event will happen tomorrow night when a moon standstill will occur over a Bronze Age altar in Kerry.  Joining Seán to discuss is Stephen O’Sullivan, Chairperson of Bonane Community Council.

In July 1927, Kevin O’Higgins, the Minister for Justice, was assassinated on his way to mass in Booterstown. Now, a new book explores this complex story.  Joining Seán to discuss is Arthur Matthews, Author of ‘Walled in By Hate: Kevin O’Higgins, His Friends and Enemies’.

A new survey of people who use dating websites has found that the majority are willing to settle for someone who’s just a bit better than average. Is this the case? Are we all willing to settle when it comes to love? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking people about that, and what people find annoying about their partners. He joins Seán to discuss.