Moncrieff

It has been announced that a new ten pin bowling alley is to open in south Dublin before the end of the year. But, what is the current bowling scene in Ireland like? And just how competitive does it get?  Joining Seán to discuss is Christopher Sloan, Professional Bowler and Chairperson of the Irish Tenpin Bowling Association.

If you’re sitting in a room with someone you love right now, wondering if they feel the same, there are some tests you can do in order to find that out.  Chrissie Russell has been looking at this in today's Irish Independent and joins me on the line now, Afternoon Chrissie.

Bob Dylan has announced shows in the UK, and some of the press are making a stink of the fact that he does not allow phones at the performances, an attempt to curb poor audience behaviour and engagement. If filming is considered rude, what is good concert/gig etiquette? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking concert-goers, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

The topic of childfree weddings is often debated. If you’re unsure of where you stand on the issue, there’s now a solution that may be a compromise between both points of view. Wedding Nannies are now available to come and mind your children on location for your special day, and joining Seán to discuss is The Wedding Nanny, Aisling Roche. 

After having a presence in West Cork for decades, the Buddhist community finally has a proper Tibetan temple perched on the cliffs near Castletownbere. Joining Seán to discuss is Malcolm MacClancy, Centre Director of Dzogchen Beara… Image: Dzogchen Beara

The rifle that was used in the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last weekend was an AR-15, a weapon that many Americans have taken pride in. Joining Seán to discuss the history and culture of this firearm is Zusha Elinson, National Reporter for the Wall Street Journal and co-author of ‘American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15'.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joined Seán to discuss ‘Malvertising’ - online viruses and malware, disguised as regular ads! They go through how hackers use them, and how you can avoid them.

The National Museum of Ireland is appealing for more information after two axe heads, which are believed to be more than 4,000 years old, were sent in a Flahavan’s flapjack box by an anonymous letter writer.  Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland, Matthew Seaver, joins Seán to discuss the significance of a find like this.

If you’re planning on flying today, you might not like what you’re about to hear. The 17th of July has an unusual history of failed flights that met a tragic end. Two are even within a year of each other.  Joining Seán to tell more is Irish Independent Journalist and host of The Home Show on Newstalk, Sinead Ryan.

With NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions, the demand for astronauts to carry out longer and longer spacewalks creates a challenge for the use of bathroom facilities. Now, designers have invented a special space suit that can recycle urine as drinking water.  To discuss, Seán is joined by Sofia Etlin, a researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-designer of the suit. Image: Claire Walter

A new exhibition in Waterford showcases some of Ireland’s Olympians, but not as you might imagine. These are the artists and writers who participated in the cultural Olympiad, which were medal events in the early part of the modern Olympics. Joining Seán to discuss is Luke Currall, Curator at Waterford Gallery of Art.

Video killed the radio star, but are car manufacturers next? Top car brands are reportedly looking at phasing out radios in new car models to save space and cut costs.  Joining Seán to discuss is Motoring Journalist for CompleteCar.ie , Dave Humphreys.

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.