Moncrieff Highlights

The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff Highlights on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.   You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'

Are men bad conversationalists?

Ever gone on a date where the guy just keeps talking about his gym routine, and you're left wondering if he even knows how to ask a question? Well, you're not alone! Today, we’re unpacking why some men struggle with conversation, from being socially pushed to stay quiet about feelings to the pressure of being 'manly' and emotional all at once.Brendan Kelly, Psychiatrist, joins Seán to discuss.

11-22
11:19

Scientists create the world’s thinnest pasta!

Until now, the world’s thinnest pasta has been made in a village in Sardinia, the so-called ‘Threads of God’ pasta. But now, a crowd of scientists in London has created one that is 200 times thinner than a human hair!Joining Seán to discuss is Adam Clancy, a lecturer in Materials Chemistry at University College London...Image: Beatrice Britton / Adam Clancy

11-22
09:03

Getting a pilot’s licence before your driving licence

Few people have a licence of any description in their early teens, and even fewer have their whole career mapped out before reaching the age of 18. 16 year old Muireann Bagley, however, has clocked up 21 flying hours, and will be sitting her Private Pilot Licence exam as soon as she turns 17 next February…Muireann joins Seán to discuss her flying experience.

11-22
10:51

What makes this Christmas song so popular?

It’s that time of year again! Whether in a bustling shopping centre, a cosy office party, or you’re listening to your favourite festive playlist, one song reigns supreme: Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You.’But, did you know this holiday juggernaut started as a humble release in 1994? Thirty years on, it’s the defining sound of Christmas, topping charts worldwide and capturing hearts with its timeless mix of gospel, R&B, and pop magic.So, what makes the song so popular?Joining Seán to discuss this is Jeffrey Ingold, Music Journalist.

11-22
09:49

The Spanish Armada’s relationship with Ireland

The Spanish Armada, while often remembered as a clash between England and Spain, had its impact stretched far beyond the English Channel, leaving a lasting mark on Ireland’s shores.Michael B. Barry’s new book ‘1588, The Spanish Armada and the 24 Ships Lost on Ireland’s Shores’ explores the surprising connections between Spain and Ireland. He joins Seán to discuss.Image: Andalus Press

11-21
04:45

How bad is the smog in New Delhi?

Restrictions on the movement of vehicles and people have been tightened in Delhi as a toxic smog envelopes the Indian capital. A respiratory Doctor in India has said that being exposed to the smog is the equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day…Rahul Bedia is a Freelance Senior Journalist in New Delhi, and joins Seán to discuss.

11-21
07:35

The strange story behind ‘Housewife of the Year’

A new documentary film, opening in Irish cinemas tomorrow, explores the bizarre story of a curious national television contest called ‘Housewife of the Year’.Joining Seán to discuss is its Director, Ciarán Cassidy.

11-21
07:57

How long should you sit on the toilet? - Henry McKean Asks

Apparently, there is a recommended amount of time you should be spending on a toilet. Are there issues with sitting on the loo for too long? And what’s the recommendation?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating and asking about people’s toilet timings, and joins Seán to discuss.

11-21
21:31

How people stand out when canvassing

How do you make yourself stand out from the crowd when canvassing for an election? With so many candidates on the ballot paper, you have to create a perception of uniqueness, which means thinking outside the box and getting creative. From Ben Gilroy’s infamous hurley video to Danny Healy Rae’s crayons, there are endless ways to win over voters.Joining Seán to go through some of the most innovative examples is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

11-21
12:27

Recreating Richard III’s voice

While the remains of Richard III were discovered back in 2012 under a car park in Leicester, a new part of the project has tried to recreate his voice, with surprising results.Joining Seán to discuss is Phillipa Langley, Historian and author who discovered the remains of Richard III...Image: Britannica

11-20
09:49

Navigating divorce after 50

Divorce after 50 is on the rise, and it can drastically change your retirement plans. With fewer working years left, declining pensions and assets like your home and retirement accounts at stake. Navigating a ‘grey divorce’ requires careful planning.Joining Seán to discuss this is Family Law Solicitor, Keith Walsh.

11-20
11:57

Why we need more female tradespeople

‘There is a screaming need for lots more female tradespeople’ - that’s according to Freelance Journalist Áilín Quinlan, who recently made the point that more and more women living alone may feel more comfortable dealing with female tradespeople visiting their homes.Áilín joins Seán to discuss.

11-20
08:01

How often do earthquakes happen in Ireland?

A small earthquake was recorded in Cork yesterday. This was a very rare occurrence, with most taking place in Wexford and Donegal.Joining Seán to discuss this is James Granell, Seismic Data Analyst for the Irish National Seismic Network…

11-20
11:02

What is ‘demisexuality’?

In last night’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, N-Dubz star and former XFactor Judge, Tulisa Contostavlos opened up about being demisexual, shedding light on a term many may not know. Demisexuality describes those who only experience romantic or sexual attraction after forming a deep emotional connection with someone.To tell more about what it is to be demisexual, Seán is joined by Sex and Relationship Expert, Caroline West.Image: ITV

11-20
10:14

Can ‘manifesting’ be harmful?

Cambridge Dictionary has named ‘manifest’ its word of the year for 2024. But can the concept of willing your desires into reality be harmful? Joining Seán to discuss is Sander van der Linden, Professor of Social Psychology at Cambridge University and author of ‘Foolproof: Why We Fall for Misinformation’...

11-20
12:21

The dating app made for vegans

‘Veggly’ is a dating app made specifically for vegans, but is it necessary? Can vegans and meat eaters not get along?Joining Seán to discuss is Becky Jenkins, Vegan and Animal Rebellion Ireland Activist.

11-19
08:27

Who should be able to vote for Ireland’s President?

When Sinn Féin published their manifesto today, one part pledged to hold a referendum on extending voting rights for the President of Ireland to citizens in Northern Ireland and beyond.Joining Seán to discuss this is Emma de Souza, writer and Northern Ireland Spokesperson for VotingRights.ie...

11-19
07:25

Should parents coach their child’s sports team?

While many parents enjoy yelling tactics and strategy from the sidelines, very few decide to don the whistle and clipboard and take the reins for themselves.But coaching your child’s team can actually be a rewarding process both for your child and for yourself, that’s the view of Ian Mallon, Communications Consultant with Staydia Sports and Sports Business Columnist with Irish Examiner.Ian joins Seán to discuss.

11-19
09:16

Having regrets after cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic procedures, once the exclusive indulgence of the rich and famous, have now become mainstream, with treatments like lip fillers and Botox as common as a trip to the hairdresser. But, what happens when the promise of perfection leaves you caught in a cycle of wanting more, or when the results fall short of your expectations?Podcaster and social media influencer, Niamh O’Connor, joins Seán to share her journey through the highs and lows of cosmetic enhancements.

11-19
08:49

Kids are losing their sense of direction

As so many kids now possess a smartphone, and therefore have access to Google Maps, have they lost their sense of direction, and why is that a problem?Joining Seán to discuss is Jerry Brotton, Author of ‘Four Points of the Compass: The Unexpected History of Direction’...

11-19
14:26

Padraig Sweeney

Does anyone know of a guideline for this that could be shared in group... An etiquette guide?

05-15 Reply

Padraig Sweeney

Why bugs... Do we not say insects in Ireland?

01-24 Reply

TThompson

Guy sounds like Cal Thomas.

06-28 Reply

Padraig Sweeney

What's with this "sneakers" malarkey....? "runners" they're called

03-31 Reply

lmc

Uj;n k. (. Mmmmn n. M m. /jjnnm. Uunun n. Mmmmn i n>/loo

02-09 Reply

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