Highlights From Moncrieff

Tonight, Ireland will compete in the Eurovision semi-final, with Emmy Kristiansen performing ‘Laika Party’.But, have you ever wondered what it takes to win Eurovision?Joe Bennet, Musicologist, Writer, and Researcher analysed hundreds of Eurovision finalists, and joins Seán to talk to us about what songs work best for Eurovision…

While you might think the pot of neon green slime you got for your godchild is the greatest gift ever, spare a thought for the parents who will inevitably have to clean it up after it’s been tossed aside. So, what are the worst presents you can get a child? Journalist Niamh O’Reilly has been writing about this in the Irish Independent, and joins Seán to discuss.

As a Jewish and Irish woman, Seán’s guest feels that the non-Zionist perspective from her community has not been properly represented in the public discourse. Ria Czerniak-LeBov, an artist based in Dublin, joins to discuss.

While Ireland’s soldiers who died on the fields of Flanders were long unacknowledged, this has shifted over the past while. For 11 years, Seán’s guest has been on a mission to change our national approach to the sacrifice of these men. She recently undertook a project to visit the final resting places of 678 souls from Co. Sligo who died during the conflict in France and Belgium, travelling 2,000 kilometres between 42 cemeteries.Simone Hickey, Historian and author of ‘Bringing Them Home’, joins to discuss.

We know by now that It’s important for all of us to do what we can to curb the negative effects of climate change.Of course, some people can do more than others. Your emissions can vary wildly depending on where you live in the world, your socio-economic status and apparently, your gender…John Gibbons is the Founder of the climatechange.ie website. He joins Seán to discuss.

The TV phenomenon that is the Traitors has now announced its celebrity version line up, coming in the autumn.Joining Seán to examine it all is Orlaith Condon, Co-Host of Pod Save Us, the reality TV recap podcast…Image: BBC

A Kashmir Sapphire sold at an auction in Adams in Dublin for €550,000. That is the most expensive price ever seen in Ireland for such a ring.Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, Head of the Jewellery and Watch Department at Adam’s, who had the sapphire and diamond ring tested, joins Seán to discuss.Image: Adams

Are you up like a lark and jumping out of bed first thing to start the day?Well, you may just have been influenced or targeted on social media by some of the ludicrously extreme morning routines that people seem to be sharing – navigating super productive 5-9’s before their 9-5...Health Psychologist Aideen Stack joins Seán to weigh in…

A new book explores the history of the far right in Ireland, from the Italian community in Dublin in the 1920’s, to the Dublin Riots more recently.Joining Seán to discuss is Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc, Author of ‘Burn Them Out! A History of Fascism and the Far Right in Ireland’...Image: Bloomsbury Publishing

Have you ever wondered how fair the coin toss actually is?Research has shown that perception of how fair the outcome is depends entirely on who led the toss.For more on this, Seán is joined by Michael Salter-Townshend, Assistant Professor of Statistics at UCD.

The lack of public toilet facilities in Dublin city has been an ongoing issue for many years. However, the Green Party are pushing for more and more public buildings to open their doors for those people who need a bathroom break. But, how does the system work?Joining Seán to discuss is Feljin Jose, a Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party...

Last week Tánaiste Simon Harris said that a ban on social media for under 16s is under serious consideration.But, around a year ago, the primary schools in the town of St Albans, just north of London, took the collective decision to address the problem and pleaded with parents to delay giving their children smartphones until they turned 14.This kick started a movement in the town to restrict phone access to children.Joining Seán for more on this is Head of Schools at Cunningham Hill Schools, Matthew Tavender.

Beauty trends come and go over the years and what may have been considered the height of beauty in the past can often seem ridiculous in the fullness of time.With that in mind we should probably ask ourselves, why on Earth are some men shaving their eyelashes?Meredith Jones is the Director of the Pan-University Institute for Communities and Society and has been speaking about this. She joins Seán to discuss.

A new book about fairy forts saw the authors traipsing up and down the country to find these mysterious places. But, what are they for and why shouldn’t they be disturbed? Joining Seán to discuss is Jo Kerrigan, a Specialist in Ancient Crafts and Folklore and Co-Author of ‘Irish Fairy Forts: Portals to the Past’...Image: O’Brien Press

Just like Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon, as we get older, we often discount our ability or our suitability to do certain things on account of our age.But, does saying “I’m too old for this or that” actually accelerate the ageing process?Professor Rose Anne Kenny is the Chair of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss.

The Orient Express railway carriages that now host a restaurant in Galway have just undergone a major restoration. But, how exactly do you retain their iconic art deco authenticity while running a modern kitchen?Joining Seán to discuss is Ronan O’Halloran, General Manager of Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate…

How do you really know if you want kids?This is a question that many people ask themselves, particularly women when they are told that they’ve got a ticking biological clock, and that time is ‘running out’...Ruthie Ackerman, author of ‘The Mother Code’ faced this dilemma and was overcome with indecision.She joins Seán to discuss.

Changes to agriculture practices and climate change have put our native bee population under threat.The great yellow bumble bee, which was once seen quite widely buzzing around the countryside, is now confined to a few small areas in Co.Mayo.Joining Seán to discuss is someone who has been monitoring the population of this bee closely, Ecologist Karina Dingerkus…

Did you know that art galleries can be good for you?A recent study revealed that just by looking at art can relieve you from anxiety and support your well-being.Seán is joined by Dr Claire Howlin, Researcher and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss.

Yesterday, Manchester United lost 2-0 to West Ham. For one fan, Man Utd losing really matters.Frank Ilett from @theunitedstrand on Instagram has been growing his hair since October of last year, and is refusing to cut it until Man Utd win 5 games in a row…Frank joins Seán to discuss.Image: @theunitedstrand YouTube