Moncrieff

There are many amazing inventions from the Irish - ranging from submarines to the hypodermic needle. But, which invention is the greatest? Newstalk’s Simon Tierney will be hosting a full show this St Patrick’s Day to go through the top voted inventions - and joins Seán to discuss some of the highlights from this island.

Just a few days ago, the state of South Carolina carried out an execution by firing squad for the first time in many years, as the US struggles to find a solution to a shortage of traditional drugs used in lethal injection. Seán is joined by Jeffrey Collins, Journalist for the Associated Press, who was inside the death chamber to witness the execution… Image: Associated Press

While the midday meal used to be the largest meal of the day in Ireland, that culinary convention has been largely resigned to history due to busier, on the go lives. But, how do you create a healthy lunch that isn’t so light you end up snacking for the afternoon? Joining Seán to discuss is Dietician Sophie Pratt…

Do Italians have a better life than us, and what does La Dolce Vita mean? Do they just appreciate life more? Henry McKean is in the Italian Alps at the Special Olympics World Winter Games and joins Seán to discuss.

Recent statistics show that more and more Irish people are choosing automatic over manual transmission cars. But which is better and does learning how to drive a car change depending on the transmission? Joining Seán to discuss is Dave Humphries, Motoring Journalist with CompleteCar.ie …

Epic, the Irish Immigration Museum, is currently seeking stories and heirlooms from the public for their upcoming exhibition to mark a hundred years of the Irish passport. But, what were the first passports actually like? Joining Seán to discuss is Catherine Healy, Historian in Residence at Epic, the Irish Immigration Museum…

With 95% of cosmetic packaging being thrown away and cosmetics taking centuries to break down, the beauty industry has had to step up to the plate with being more environmentally responsible - and refillables are becoming the eco-friendly solution. From skincare to luxury palettes, there are lots of ways to give your beauty routine a sustainable makeover. To tell more, Seán is joined by Laura Birm...

Why does it feel like we have less money for groceries, even when the official price stats say otherwise? It’s a question many of us are asking as we watch our grocery bills climb. While essentials like butter and bread continue to rise in price, it's the smaller luxuries: chocolate, coffee, and olive oil that really seem to sting. To discuss, Seán is joined by Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnis...

Are you always bickering over whether it’s too hot or too cold in your home? And does your other half want the heating boosted up while you would rather a cool breeze circulate? Aoife Foley, Professor in Energy Systems and Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure at the University of Manchester joins Seán to discuss.

It is difficult to put into words the impact that losing a parent has on a child, no matter what age you are. Twenty five year old Martha Lovett Cullen lost her beloved mum to breast cancer seven months ago, and she is now campaigning for more awareness of dense breast tissue reporting so that other women can be better informed about their health... Martha joins Seán to discuss. If you have any qu...

What is a ‘Saturn Return’ – something to live by or complete nonsense? In astrology, there are two major times of transition in your life, and these are marked by ‘Saturn’s Return’, with this month full of planets in retrograde... Joining Seán to explain what any of this means is Astrologer, Rachelle Hicks.

Journalist Liam Collins was a proud bald man for over 30 years when he decided to try a hairpiece, but after his daughter failed to recognise him on the street, he decided it wasn’t for him… Liam joins Seán to discuss the experience. Image: Argyle Hair Solutions

Since Covid and the introduction of working from home, people have been finding it increasingly difficult to switch off from work. So much so that a circular has been sent around to staff in the civil service reminding them to ensure they stop taking part in unnecessary meetings… In 2021 the Government legislated for the ‘right to disconnect’, but the fact that we are now so contactable makes this...

Imagine never having to go to Ikea ever again! Well, Seán’s guest has made this a reality by thrifting every piece of furniture she owns - bar the mattress and the sofa. Marianne Heaphy, otherwise known as the ‘Revamp Tramp’, also owns a business upscaling old furniture, and joins to discuss…

When you go travelling with friends, would you opt to sleep in the same bed with them? Well apparently, adult sleepovers are quite popular. Travel Writer Nicola Brady is all for adult sleepovers, and is so comfortable with it she’d even sleep in the nip! She joins Seán to discuss.

The new designated Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, holds dual Canadian and Irish citizenship, with his grandfather hailing from County Mayo. As he takes up his new role, he has said he is in the process of renouncing his Irish citizenship, but how does this process work, and is it common? Joining Seán to discuss is Immigration Lawyer Cathal Malone…

A new book explores the early days of radio one hundred years ago, and how it had a deep effect on people’s everyday lives. Joining Seán to discuss is Beaty Rubens, Author of ‘Listen In: How Radio Changed the Home’...

Has self-publishing opened up the market for terrible writers to publish their own stories? Author Bill Bryson has hit out that “Too many people are publishing their own books” saying that people are writing books without the standards needed to write a decent novel. For more on this, Seán is joined by Publisher and Self-Published Author Rachel Drury…

Does the noise of squawking crows annoy you so much that you want to murder the… murder? Seán’s guest, Dr Michelle McKeown has been doing a deep dive into why crows are so noisy, especially around this time of the year. She joins to discuss.

This morning, King Charles presented his favourite playlist on a special programme on Apple Music called ‘The King’s Music Room’. But, what does his playlist tell us about the professed musical tastes of world leaders more generally? Journalist Pat Carty has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss. Image: Apple Music

How much should you pay your babysitter, and have they become unaffordable for parents when you include the meal out? Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

What is a white dwarf, and why are space scientists so excited by the latest discovery? It’s been dubbed a possible ‘planet killer’, but how could a dying star cause havoc in the solar system? To explain, Seán is joined by Frances McCarthy from MTU’s Blackrock Castle Observatory...

In the first week of his second term, Donald Trump made good on his promise to launch an immigration enforcement blitz, with nearly 1,000 people arrested by various federal agencies. The Irish Examiner’s Land of the Free podcast looks at the plight of the undocumented Irish under this new regime… Sean Murray is a News Reporter with the Irish Examiner and Host of the podcast. He joins Seán to discu...

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given for a long and happy marriage? Former Royal now-turned Wellness Guru, Meghan Markle has been doling out life tips in her latest series ‘With Love, Meghan’, and as part of the publicity campaign she revealed why her marriage to Prince Harry works – saying the pair have never stopped dating. So, should you always date your other half in a bid to keep the...

Farmers have changed the way they farm hens, ducks and all types of poultry due to the detection of bird flu in Ireland. All birds now have to be housed indoors, and this has created particular changes for free-range farms. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting with farmers and consumers to find out more on avian influenza...