Highlights From Moncrieff

The first application for EU market access for a lab grown meat has been made, and it’s foie gras, the controversial paté that divides consumers. But, why exactly is foie gras so controversial? Joining Seán to unpack this is Tom Doorley, Food Writer and Columnist with the Sunday Times.

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune joins Seán Moncrieff to answer your parenting questions…

The terms psychopath and psycho are often thrown around.  We imagine a psychopath to be like the serial killers that we see in movies.  However, psychopaths are more common than you might think, especially in the workplace or corporate settings.. Seán is joined by Melrona Kirrane, Associate Professor of Organisational Psychology at DCU Business School to discuss.Image: Universal Pictures

Ponds are the new wildflower meadow, they are all the rage for boosting biodiversity. One farmer in Co. Roscommon has become so enamoured with them that he has now built 17 of them on his land! Tommy Earley joins Seán to discuss his love of the pond.

Less than two weeks ago, the world’s oldest person died. The Spanish woman Maria Branyas Morera lived until the extraordinary age of 117. She put her longevity down to “order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends”, among other things. But, some scientists argue that taking longevity advice from centenarians is actually a fool’s errand. Joining Seán to discuss this is Richard Faragher, Professor of Biogerontology at the University of Brighton.

You’ve probably heard of Kamala Harris’ Brat Summer and Simon’s Harris’ ability to jump on TikTok trends.But, how important is social media in upcoming elections, and is it better to be seen as funny and meme worthy over being a serious politician in order to attract young voters?To discuss, Seán is joined by author Joanne Sweeney from the Digital Training Institute.

Empty nest syndrome is a term thrown around when people suddenly find themselves in an empty home because their children have moved out.  However, some parents may find they have a newfound freedom and peace, whilst others struggle with loneliness and silence. To discuss, Seán is joined by Fiona Looney, Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail.

Hundreds of revellers descended on a pub in England for the annual Gravy Wrestling Championships yesterday. But, how does this unusual sport work?Joining Seán to discuss is John Lowe, Manager of the Rose n Bowl pub in Lancashire.Image: World Gravy Wrestling

The number of students learning how to touch type is decreasing with the rise in other devices such as smartphones and tablets.  However, colleges and businesses are finding that Gen Z is struggling to keep up with their workload because they lack this skill. To discuss, Seán is joined by Francis Walsh, Centre Manager of Pitman Training Dublin Pearse St.

Dublin City Council has announced the roll out of continuous footpaths around the capital. But, what exactly are these, and how do they work? Joining Seán to discuss is Ciarán Cuffe, Green Party member and former MEP.Image: Dublin City Council

Oasis have announced a reunion tour - after having been split apart for so long. This is chalked up to sibling rivalry, but is that really a thing, and how common is it?Seán is joined by Fiona Brennan, Acclaimed Clinical Hypnotherapist to discuss.

Popstar Dua Lipa has said that she wants to make her own flavour of ice cream: olive oil and seasalt! Is that as gross as it might sound? Or could it be quite nice?Seán is joined by Willie Devereux, Owner of Scúp Gelato in Wexford, to discuss.

There are a number of active campaigns around Ireland that are lobbying against wind farms due to their supposed aesthetic deficiencies. But, do we need to change our mindset in order to view wind turbines as beautiful instead? Joining Seán to discuss Sadhbh O’Neill, Independent Climate and Environmental Researcher, who has been writing about this in today’s Irish Times…

Sicily is famous for many things, its beautiful scenery, its rich food culture and  beautiful vineyards. It’s also known for being the home of the mafia. However, the local government there has decided to put a ban on the sale of mob souvenirs. Nick Squires is Rome Correspondent for The Telegraph, and has been writing about this. He joins Seán to discuss.Image: Paramount Pictures

Another summer is drawing to a close, and the sun has barely made an appearance. The cooler weather, it seems, is here to stay in Ireland, but, with most of southern Europe burning up, is this such a bad thing? Seán’s guest says that we need to celebrate the Irish climate. Patsy McGarry, Journalist with the Irish Times joins to discuss.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of when the widget, that little plastic ball in cans of Guinness, won the Queen's Award for Technological Achievement. In doing so, the widget beat out the Internet for best invention that year, but the story of the ball goes all the way back to the 1960s. Joining Seán to discuss is Dean McGuinness, owner of Premier International Beers.

As the housing crisis continues, some listeners might consider the idea of investing in a modular home. But, what exactly is this, and will it save you money? Joining Seán to discuss is Jennifer Sheahan, Former Home of the Year Winner and Columnist for the Irish Examiner.Image: McGuigan Architects

What would you add or change to a school curriculum? A group of science bodies say "essential experiences" will reduce inequalities in subjects like science, technology, engineering and mathematics.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking what life learning things would you have loved to have been taught in school, and joins Seán Moncrieff to discuss.

We know the tradition of not wearing white to a wedding, but in the Irish Times today Emer McLysaght writes that black is also best avoided, because apparently it shows you disapprove of the union. So, what are some of the worst wedding guest faux pas you can commit?Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss is Jessica O’Sullivan, One Fab Day Wedding Magazine Editor.

A postcard that was sent over 120 years ago was finally delivered a few days ago, but not to its intended recipient. This was an extraordinary and unlikely story that unfolded in south Wales recently, and John Fardy is joined by Henry Darby, Marketing and Communications Officer for Swansea Building Society to discuss.Image: Swansea Building Society