Moncrieff

As Trump last night picked right wing firebrand Senator JD Vance as his running mate, it was quickly noted that Vance was the first person on a presidential ticket to have a beard since 1892. So, why do so few politicians wear beards, and is there a stigma attached?  Joining Seán to discuss is Keith Flett, Founder & Organiser of the Bearded Liberation Front.

The world’s most expensive wedding took place in India this weekend. The celebrations have been going on for 6 months, yes you heard it right, 6 months.   But what is the appeal of having a wedding like this, and what kind of planning goes into it?  Sara Kennedy is Wedding Expert from the Irish Wedding Blog, and joins Seán to discuss. Image: @carriebjohnson

As the DART marks its 40th anniversary, have you ever wondered who is behind the iconic train announcements, from ‘Please Mind the Gap’ to ‘Seats are Not for Feet’. Joining Seán to discuss is Michael Comyn, Broadcaster and the voice of the DART.

For most of us, staying in a hotel room is something to look forward to as part of a holiday or wider excursion. Well, unfortunately, there’s a large chance that your hotel room, despite how it might appear to the naked eye, isn't that clean. And even if it's an expensive room, that doesn't necessarily mean it's any less dirty.  Joining Seán to discuss is someone with insight on the topic, Ho...

An Estonian man has managed to complete the first ever walk across the famous Strait of Messina that connects Sicily to the Italian mainland. And how did he do it? By using a 3.5 kilometre rope! Joining Stefanie Preissner to discuss is Jaan Roose, slackline walker and Hollywood stuntman. Image: Red Bull

Clowns have had a reputation for being quite frightening, for both kids and adults. Is this still the case today? What kind of reputation do clowns have now? Are things more or less the same? Stefanie Preissner is joined by Jolly Jingles, a clown based in the UK, to discuss.

As a woman, it’s likely that you’ve been exposed to some level of misogyny during your adult years, be it assumptions about your sexuality or unwanted comments and attention on your physical appearance. Columnist for the Irish Examiner, Jennifer Horgan, is unpacking this misogyny in her latest article, titled: ‘I hate to say this, but I hope my daughters will have small breasts.’  Jennifer jo...

Venice has earned two million euro from a pilot programme which charges day-trippers an entrance fee in a bid to cut down on overtourism. Despite its financial success, there has been much controversy around the scheme since it was introduced in April, with locals protesting that it is not enough to deter locals from the city. Joining guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss is The Guardian’s Rome...

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that this country loves a bandwagon. A more recent example of this was Taylor Swift’s three sellout tours at the Aviva – everyone was suddenly a superfan!  Édaein O’Connell was writing about Ireland’s rich history of bandwagons in the Independent recently, and joins guest host Stefanie Preissner to discuss.

The King of England broke tradition recently, by fist-bumping people in favour of a handshake. What are some of the ways we greet people? And are some better than others? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been greeting the public to get their thoughts.

Instagram is notorious for censoring female toplessness, while accepting male toplessness, but how does this affect artists who use the platform to showcase their work? Joining Seán to discuss is a Newry-based artist fighting the censorship, Cliodhna Doherty.

Are you someone who can bring the craic to just about every occasion?   Well, if so, there is a new job opening that could be for you!  The AC Hotel in Glasgow has advertised the position of a Banter Merchant. Jennifer Williamson is the Deputy Manager of the Hotel, and joins Seán to discuss.

While fans of 'Mad Men' will be well aware of the allure of a fancy home bar, is it possible to actually make one yourself at home? And what should be included? Joining Seán to discuss is Jennifer Sheahan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and former ‘Home of the Year’ winner.

You’ve heard of forensics, but have you heard of forensic ecology? Patricia Wiltshire has worked on more than 300 cases, solving murders across the UK and Ireland using her extensive knowledge of botany and palynology (the study of plant pollen and spores) to help her do so.  Patricia Seán to discuss her astounding career as a forensic ecologist.

A new research enterprise will take place this September to try and discover whether or not great white sharks are present in Irish waters.  Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr Nick Payne, Assistant Professor in Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Sciences.

As Rory Gallagher’s iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar goes up for auction, calls are growing for it to remain in Ireland.  Joining Seán to discuss is Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Councillor Dan Boyle. Image: Bonhams

A new cabin in the woods in Co. Meath aims to offer a completely analogue experience to guests, from the use of cassette players to ditching your smartphone.  Joining Seán to discuss is Rosanna Irwin, Founder of Samsú. Image: Samsú

Have we become afraid to talk to strangers? When you’re out for a walk and pass someone – do you say hello? Or if you’re at the supermarket, would you strike up a conversation with the person on the tills?  For many, the thought of doing this sends shivers down their spine, but journalist Niamh O’Reilly thinks it’s good for the soul! She joins Seán to discuss.

What are the most common things to go missing? Do you find yourself panicking looking for your keys in the morning? Well, Henry McKean has been asking the public about their misplaced things, and shares them with the show.

In two weeks’ time, Olympic fever will take over the world when the games take place in Paris. And for a small Island, Ireland has punched well above its weight and along the way has some interesting stories to tell too.  Clodagh Finn is a journalist with the Irish Examiner and has been writing about this in the Irish Examiner, she joins Seán to share.

Vending machines have become commonplace across many shops and services, but how would you feel if your usual confectionary was swapped with ammunition? That’s what’s happening in the US, with new technology allowing shoppers to pick up bullets instead of their usual bag of crisps.  Seán is joined by Grant Magers, CEO of American Rounds, the company behind this new idea, to discuss.

The closing of a charity which deals specifically with oiled wildlife has left a vacuum in Ireland for when the next oil spill occurs.  Joining Seán to discuss is Pauline Beades, Veterinary nurse and founder of the Oiled Wildlife Response Network.

While many listeners will be packing the old factor 50 into their suitcases from last summer, will it actually work as well? Or does it expire?  Joining Seán to discuss suncream do’s and don’ts is Professor Caitriona Ryan, from the Institute of Dermatologists.

A major planning objection has been submitted with regard to Dublin Airport’s proposal for a designated viewing area for plane spotters. But how exactly do planning objections work?  Joining Seán to discuss is Joe Corr, Managing Director for planning with CWPA in Swords & former Irish Planning Institute President.

Young people today are often praised for being very sexually confident and open minded.   But does this mean they are having better sex? Or was sex better back in the 70’s, when it was seen as more rebellious? Mary Kenny pondered this in the Irish Independent, and joined Seán to discuss.