Newstalk

Moncrieff

Society EN ↓ 4524 episodes

The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment Listen to Newstalk at  http://newstalk.com/listenlive  | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk

Author

Newstalk

Category

Society

Podcast website

pscrb.fm

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Why does a new tractor cost so much? 07.05.2025

How much does a tractor cost, and what are the considerations to take into account before you invest? Joining Seán to discuss is Darragh McCullough, Farmer, Columnist with the Irish Independent and recent purchaser of a new tractor.

Is democracy in the Middle East dead? 07.05.2025

In our lifetime, the Middle East has seemingly always been a region that has been characterised by conflict, strife and instability. So, is the prospect of democracy in the region dead? Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and author of ‘The Great Betrayal: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in the Middle East’ joins Seán t...

Are gyms too focused on masculinity? 07.05.2025

After witnessing the evolution of gym culture in Ireland over many decades, Seán’s guest argues that there is a lot more to be done in terms of making these spaces better for women, and that too often, they remain bastions of masculinity. Joining to discuss is Sports Writer Clíona Foley, who has been writing about these things in the Irish Examiner…

Why more and more hotels are going child-free 07.05.2025

More and more hotels, both domestically and internationally, are going child free. But, how do these hotels work, and why are they popular? Joining Seán to discuss is someone who has stayed in a few: Joan Scales, Travel Journalist…

Spain to have a shorter work week - will it work? 07.05.2025

Who wouldn’t like to work less hours to live a more ‘relaxed’ life? Well, the Spanish government has made the decision to reduce the 40 hour work week to 37.5, meaning that over twelve million workers now have an extra two and a half hours to themselves every week... So, how is this really going to work and are the Spanish delighted? Graham Keeley is a Madrid-based Journalist and joins Seán to dis...

Is male contraception becoming viable? 07.05.2025

Male contraception is the wave of the future that has stayed in the future, always about 10 years away no matter what decade you’re living in. But, could that be about to change? Logan Nickels is Chief Research Officer with the Male Contraceptive Initiative. He joins Seán to discuss.

Why wine with ice cream is a new trend - and better than you’d think! 06.05.2025

Apparently, the new trend for food is pairing ice cream with wine… It certainly sounds odd, but is meant to be better than you would think! John Wilson, Wine Critic for the Irish Times, joins Seán to discuss. Image: Princess Pinky Girl

Would you ever do a home swap for your holiday? 06.05.2025

Have you booked your summer holidays yet? Well, have you ever considered swapping your home for somewhere in a far flung destination? Patsy Winters has done home exchanges nearly fifty times, and she joins Seán to talk more about why it’s been the perfect way to travel the world for her…

How much of a risk is kissing with allergies? 06.05.2025

Is kissing safe if you’ve got coeliac disease or a nut allergy?  New breakthrough research has been looking at couples to test out how food stays in the saliva, and whether it is safe to smooch after snacking on crackers if your other half is gluten intolerant… Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr Iseult Sheehan, Clinical Director of Allergy Ireland.

The story behind the Dublin Songwriting Circle 06.05.2025

Dublin has no shortage of open mic nights, but once a month, the Black Sheep Pub on Capel street hosts an altogether more interactive experience. The Dublin Songwriting Circle allows people to share works in progress and discuss alterations they might make with the audience. Luke Clerkin is the Co-Founder of the Dublin Songwriting Circle, and joins Seán to discuss.

Court access to counselling notes - what should be done? 06.05.2025

The 2025 Programme for Government contains a commitment to amend the law regarding the provision of a sexual abuse complainant’s counselling notes, but what should be done? Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Susan Leahy, Associate Professor at the School of Law at the University of Limerick…

Can ‘AI friends’ replace the real thing? 06.05.2025

The Founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg has said that in the future he can see how AI could help us address loneliness. Although, he did stop short of saying AI could replace our real-life friends. But, does he have a point? How many friends do you have online versus real friendships in real life? And could AI and digital innovations fulfil our social needs? Joining Seán to discuss...

Would you buy a shipwreck from Facebook Marketplace? 02.05.2025

If you’re looking for a second-hand car, or a set of used golf clubs, Facebook Marketplace might be a good place to look. But, would you consider buying a shipwreck if it popped up on your Facebook? Diver and Youtuber Dom Dobinson has done just that, and joins John Fardy to discuss. Image: Dom Robinson

Why the BBC are using an AI version of Agatha Christie 02.05.2025

Agatha Christie is one of the most known and celebrated authors in modern history, being a pioneer of the crime fiction genre. Today, BBC Maestro are offering online courses delivered by an AI version of the writer. Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss this is Dr Mark Alridge, Agatha Christie Historian and speaker at Southampton Solent University. Image: Britannica

Soviet spacecraft set to crash into Earth soon 02.05.2025

A Soviet-era spacecraft, that has been in orbit for over 50 years, is set to crash land into Earth at some stage over the next week or so. But, why is this going to happen, and what was the mysterious craft’s original mission? Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland…

Guinness World Records celebrate 70th anniversary of first book 02.05.2025

This year, Guinness World Records is marking the 70th anniversary of the publication of their first book. But, did you know that the origins of this extraordinary story began in Castlebridge in Co. Wexford? Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is John Ryan from the Castlebridge Inspire Group…

Man tracks down origin of iconic ‘Shining’ photograph 01.05.2025

Many horror buffs have puzzled for years over the mysterious photograph that appears at the end of the iconic 1980 Stanley Kubrick classic ‘The Shining’. Well recently, an academic in England has sleuthed an answer! Joining Seán to discuss is Alasdair Spark, retired American Studies Lecturer at the University of Winchester…

The white Afrikaners lining up to accept Trump’s offer of asylum 01.05.2025

Trump's offer of refugee status to white South Africans has, inevitably, proven hugely controversial, in a country with a dark history of apartheid. But, are South Africans taking him up on the offer? Joining Seán to discuss is Rachel Savage, the Guardian's southern Africa correspondent… Image: Reuters

How many penises are on this medieval tapestry? 01.05.2025

There are many important debates among historians. Where did the agricultural revolution start exactly? Would Germany have won World War 2 if they hadn’t invaded Russia? And now, how many penises are there on the Bayeux Tapestry? To answer this burning question, Seán is joined by Dr. Christopher Monk.

Are poems only for the posh? 01.05.2025

It's Irish National Poetry Day! Are poems for the masses, or are they just for the posh? Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie sent this in.

Should we have more cross-generational friends? 01.05.2025

Most people’s closest and dearest friends are around the same age as themselves. With us usually making our friends through school or college, it is not surprising that cross- generational friendships are somewhat unusual. But, does having friends of varying ages fulfil needs your peers can't? Joining Seán for more on this is Journalist Sinead Kehoe.

What is it like to use a driverless taxi? 01.05.2025

As driverless taxis begin to take off in the States, what is it actually like to go for a trip in one? Ciara O’Brien, Technology Correspondent for the Irish Times, has done it, and joins Seán to discuss. Image: Waymo

Monty Python and the Holy Grail turns 50! 30.04.2025

The first movie from iconic British comedy group Monty Python, ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, turns 50 this year! Joining Seán to look back on the film is Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy.

Are men worse at remembering birthdays? 30.04.2025

In a recent episode of Joe & Stacey on BBC 1, it emerged that Joe Swash couldn’t remember most of the family’s birthdays. But, why is that, and does it have anything to do with gender?  Ciara Greene is Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, UCD and author of ‘Memory Lane: The Perfectly Imperfect Ways We Remember’. She joins Seán to discuss.

Is it ever okay to wear shorts in the office? 30.04.2025

With the good weather continuing, is it ever ok to wear shorts to the office, and are blazers too old fashioned nowadays? Joining Seán to discuss this is Fashion Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullett… Image: H&M

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