Highlights From Moncrieff

Who doesn’t love a good plot twist? That jaw-dropping moment when a movie pulls the rug out from under you. But, here’s the thing, while a great twist can elevate a film to legendary status, too much twisting can leave a plot tangled and the audience confused.Joining John Fardy to discuss the art of the twist is Olivia Fahy, Movie Reviewer and Editor of Geek Ireland.Image: Disney

There is a new trend that's stirring up quite the controversy: raw milk. It's gaining popularity across the globe, with even superstar striker Erling Haaland a keen consumer of unpasteurised milk. However, not everyone is raising a glass in celebration. While some claim it's packed with more vitamins and minerals than its pasteurised counterpart, health experts are sounding the alarm.Joining guest host John Fardy to discuss this is Dairy Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, Aidan Brennan.

While it is well known that many incidents of sexual harassment go unreported, a new platform aims to make it easier for women to log their experiences. Joining me guest host John Fardy to discuss is Emily O’Gorman, Founder of Reportd.

Elon Musk, the owner of X [formerly Twitter] has announced that he is bucking the trend and switching the gun emoji on his platform from a water pistol to a real firearm, in a bid to counter so-called ‘wokeism’. Joining guest host John Fardy to look at this and the broader evolution of the emoji landscape is Elaine Burke, Host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast.

McDonald's is set to open 200 new outlets in Ireland and the UK over next four years, and the American chain Wendy's has announced that it’s opening their first restaurant on this side of the Atlantic next year.So, is Ireland fast food obsessed? And what is our favourite chain?Russell Alford is Co-Restaurant Critic at The Sunday Times Ireland and author of the deep frying cookbook ‘HOT FAT’ and joins John Fardy to discuss.

Have you ever wondered what kind of work goes behind handling and training a mountain rescue dog? It’s an incredibly important role our canine friends can play.To discuss, guest host John Fardy is joined by Audrey McNicholas, Dog Handler with SARDA (Search and Rescue Dog Association).Image: SARDA Ireland

With the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on, many Americans are visiting Ireland for the first time - some with roots in the country, others without. So, what do they think of our island?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking tourists, American or otherwise, and joins guest host John Fardy to share what he’s heard.

In an age where we’re more conscious than ever about mental health and well-being, trigger warnings have become a common practice in schools, media, and online spaces. Some say they’re essential for protecting individuals from content that could cause emotional distress, while others argue that they’re overly cautious and might even stifle open dialogue. So, what’s the real deal with trigger warnings?  To discuss, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and Author.

Let’s be honest, ‘punching above your weight’ is something that can lead to a lot of teasing, a few raised eyebrows, and some good-natured ribbing, but sometimes it can be hurtful and demeaning to the person who is the constant butt of the joke.So, how do you deal with this relentless slagging and feel more confident in your relationship?Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss this is Mark Fennel, Author and Life Coach. Mark, welcome to the show.

Ever wondered what makes that old vase in your attic worth a fortune, or just a few euros? Well, it's not only about age, there's an art to valuing antique items. From rarity and condition to provenance and historical significance, there are several key factors that determine the true value of a piece. To tell more, Mairead is joined by George Williams, Co-Owner of George Williams Antiques.

As cats are natural predators, it can be hard for some owners to stop them from torturing and killing birds when they are released into the garden. But, are there some tips to avoid this happening? Vet Pete Wedderburn has been writing about this in the Wexford People and joins Mairead Ronan to discuss.

We Irish are known for our way with words, but is there a danger that some of our most unique phrases might die out if we don’t preserve them? Mairead Ronan’s guest is particularly worried about the following expression: “jig-acting”. Journalist Alison Healy has been writing about this in the Irish Times and joins to discuss.

A bar on Parnell St in Dublin was recently issued with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority after the discovery of a cockroach infestation. Live, moving cockroaches were observed under actual food preparation areas. Shudder the thought! So, just how big an issue is this invasive species in Ireland and what can be done about it? Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Brendan Higgins from Central Pest Control.

The waterspout that sank a luxury yacht followed storms that have swept through Italy in recent days, but for most people this may have been the first time they’ve heard of them.Cathal Nolan is an Award Winning Climate Scientist at UCC and the founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, and joins guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss.

Can you imagine staying in a pirate ship, a vintage 50s diner, or even a cosy Hobbit hole?There’s a new trend that's taking the travel world by storm: themed Airbnbs. Travel enthusiasts are flocking to these creatively designed spaces for an escape that's as much about the experience as it is about the location.  To tell more, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Melanie May, solo travel blogger and “Talk Travel” Presenter on Dublin City FM.Image: Airbnb

While the residents of many other European cities benefit from the provision of public lidos, Dublin still lags behind. However, a campaign group aims to change this with an ongoing push for a new amenity in George’s Dock here in the capital. Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Patrick Earls, Founder of the Dublin City Lido Campaign.Image: Dublin City Lido

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work on a farm? Well you now can, thanks to an idea from Sinead Coffey from Hidden Hills Waterville, which is now allowing people their chance to get stuck in. Sinead joins guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss.

Have you ever noticed how wearing your favourite outfit or a pop of colour can instantly lift your spirits? Well, there's actually some science behind that feeling: it's called 'dopamine dressing.' This trendy concept explores the connection between the clothes we wear and the way they make us feel, tapping into the idea that certain colours and styles can actually boost our mood. To tell more, guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Taryn de Vere, Artist and Designer and Laura Mullet, Celebrity Stylist.

New figures show that 2023 witnessed an all time high in sales of Champagne in Ireland, with consumers shelling out almost 19 million euro on the high end bubbles. So why are we all going bananas for the Champers? And, are we beginning to turn up our noses at its pretenders, Cava and Prosecco? Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is resident Movies & Booze wine expert, Leslie Williams.

The Phoenix Cinema, a century-old building in Dingle, is on the market for a steep price, and an advocacy group is trying to purchase the cinema in order to bring it back.Aoife ­Granville, the spokesperson for the campaign, joined Mairead Ronan to discuss.Image: www.phoenixcinema.ie