Highlights from Moncrieff

While touring a Ford factory in Michigan on Tuesday, Donald Trump was heckled by an autoworker. He responded with profanity and a hand gesture. So, how common is it for politicians to use profanity and has this evolved over time?Joining Seán to discuss is Joseph Philips, a Politics Lecturer at Cardiff University…Image: Reuters

Do you carry a handkerchief?With the winter colds and flus in full flow, some people are opting to ditch the manky tissue in favour of a luxury handkerchief...Louis Copeland would be a handkerchief man arguing that a pocket square is key to completing any look…He joins Seán to discuss.

Outrage continues to fulminate in Germany over the Christmas broadcast of the so-called ‘Slime Jesus'...So, what is getting people so exercised?Joining Seán to discuss is Deborah Cole, Berlin Correspondent for the Guardian…Image: ARD

After noticing a friend wearing only a wedding ring, with no engagement band, Journalist Jennifer Horgan reflected on engagement rings and questioned whether the tradition symbolises love, equality, or ownership.She joins Seán to discuss.

A new study suggests that people who are grieving a pet can experience prolonged grief disorder, but the International Classification of Diseases, a widely used diagnostic manual, limits the diagnosis to bereavement after the death of a human. Joining Seán to discuss this is Psychologist and Neuroscientist Sabina Brennan…

Is terrestrial telly doomed?Eyebrows have been raised in the UK after new data revealed that more people are watching Youtube than the BBC – as views of the online site overtook those watching traditional TV.So, what does this mean? TV Critic and Broadcaster in the UK, Scott Bryan, joins Seán to discuss.

We tend to think male libido is all about hormones raging early, then a slow, inevitable decline, but a major new study turns that idea on its head. It found that men's sexual desire actually peaks in their forties. If testosterone is already falling by then, what's really fuelling desire: biology, confidence, relationships, or something else entirely?Joining Seán to discuss is Clinical Sexologist and Psychosexual Therapist, Emily Power Smith.

While we have a derelict site tax, but for some reason, a lot of them are left unpaid, and there are towns around the country dotted with vacant or derelict properties. Is there a way to bring them back into use to help with the housing crisis?Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

What is going on holiday with young kids really like, and why can it feel like absolute hell? Anne Sheeran has a two year old and a four year old, and she has pledged to do things differently...She joins Seán to discuss.

With the furore over Venezuela continuing, spare a thought for Corkman Daniel Florence O'Leary, who played a critical role in the country's liberation from the Spanish.Joining Seán to discuss is John Dolan, a writer for the Echo, who has been investigating…

How often do you change your socks? According to an expert, it is vital to do it every day in order to avoid ‘Cheesy Foot', ‘Onion Foot', ‘Goat Foot' and other unpleasantries.Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester…

Your home's BER rating could be costing homeowners more than they realise - and many still don't know what it actually means.With energy bills soaring, questions are being raised about whether people are getting the right advice at all.Professor in Energy Economics at UCD, Lisa Ryan, joins Seán to discuss.

The new film ‘Giant', which was reviewed last week on Movies and Booze, focuses on the relationship between boxing world champ Prince Nazeem and his Irish coach Brendan Ingle, but how does the film's portrayal of Ingle tally with the real life figure? Joining Seán to discuss is his grand nephew Sean Ingle, Chief Sports Writer for the Guardian…

Seán's guest's new play, ‘In Vitro', opens at Bewley's Cafe Theatre on February 2nd here in Dublin. Inspired by her and her wife's experience of trying to have a family, the play explores the emerging class divide created by Ireland's rules around IVF and the gay community.Joining to discuss is Aoife O'Connor…

Why is the EU getting involved in solving the housing crisis?And just what do European cities have in common when it comes to high rents and unaffordable property prices?Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing at the Technological University Dublin, has been looking at things, and joins Seán to discuss.

While Jessie Buckley began her career in reality television back in 2008, is it common for contestants to make the transition to the big time like her?Joining Seán to discuss is Orlaith Condon, Host of ‘Pod Save Us'.

Why is everyone going to therapy?It seems that more and more millennials are seeking professional help to manage their relationships, with a rise noted in the amount of couples going to couples counselling before they even tie the knot.So, just why is counselling important for ensuring success in a long term committed relationship?Specialist in Couples Counselling with Accord, Mary Johnston, joins Seán to discuss.

The Trump administration released new dietary guidelines this month that call for Americans to eat whole foods and limit highly processed products.The US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr has issued the guidelines which “evangelise real food,” such as protein and “end the war on healthy fats.”Guidelines include images of an inverted pyramid that places meats and vegetables at the widest point on top, reversing the classic depiction of the American food pyramid.Freelance Journalist with The Times UK Harry Wallop tried out the diet for five days, and joins Seán to give his take.Image: Reuters

A new book ,‘The Outsiders Who Built Irish Entertainment: Maurice and Louis Elliman' tells the story of the father and son duo who created an entertainment empire in Ireland…Author Wendy Elliman joins Seán to discuss.

Children's mental health clinics are fuller than ever, with rising cases of anxiety, attention problems and social withdrawal. One Paediatrician believes excessive screen use is a major driver, and that many of these problems are reversible. Dr Sanjiv Nichani is a Consultant Paediatrician at Leicester Children's Hospital and author of ‘Movement is Medicine'. He joins Seán to discuss.

Are we nearing the death of diplomacy?In the first two weeks of this year, we have already seen major events unfold on the world stage, with Trump's seizure of Venezuela and his sights on Greenland becoming more and more concerning for EU leaders.Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine persists and we are no closer to achieving a negotiation between Zelenskyy and Putin than we were three years ago.But, what role does diplomacy still play in such troubling times, and does it still hold any value?Former Irish ambassador to the EU, UK, and Italy and Executive Commentator, Bobby McDonagh, joins Seán to discuss…Image: Reuters

Transhumanism, the active desire to outlive your own mortality, is now seen as a disorder in some quarters.Joining Seán to discuss this is Jan Gerber, Founder of Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich…

While Europe waits on Donald Trump's plans for Greenland - it has certainly prompted Icelandic singer Björk to weigh in with her own opinion. What is she saying, and should pop stars comment on politics?Newstalk's Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Seán to discuss.

A Publican who owns three bars in Cork has launched an exhibition about his relationship with alcohol, addiction and recovery.Publican Michael Droney joins Seán to discuss.

A Corkman who cycled the length of Africa will be embarking on yet another gruelling challenge: travelling from Cork to Mount Everest by bike!Daragh Cronin is thought to be the youngest and fastest Irish person to navigate the entire length of Africa by bike.The 23-year-old is hoping to raise €30,000 during the seven-month, 12,500km expedition for the children's wards at Cork University Hospital.He joins Seán to discuss!

More than fifty eight thousand people have opted out of being an organ donor since new legislation came into effect last year, according to new figures that have been released. But what does the number of people opting out mean for those desperately waiting on the transplant list? And just how important is it to communicate your wishes with your family?Colin White, National Advocacy Manager for the Irish Kidney Association joins Seán to discuss.Image: American Heart Foundation

There is increased international attention on the violent protests in Iran today after President Trump pledges to weigh in and consider very strong military action in Tehran. But why are these protests happening and what does the uprising signify for Iranians?Dr Mahya Ostavar, Lecturer at University of Galway and Women's Rights Activist from Iran joins Seán to discuss.Image: Reuters

A new Guinness World Record has been set for the largest collection of socks. At 1,531 pairs, former CBS Philadelphia News Anchor Jim Donovan is king of the sock drawer.He joins Seán to discuss!

Forget about who should be the next James Bond, there are bigger questions at stake... like who should do the next Bond theme song?With Noel Gallagher saying that Oasis would be interested, Seán is joined by Journalist Pat Carty to talk through some of the Bond songs we may have long forgotten…

We hear so much about how the Gen Z youth of today are spending their Friday nights drinking matcha, doing yoga and meditating. Well, student and Lifestyle Columnist with the Irish Examiner Jane Cowan has decided to bring back debauchery.In a very anti-January sentiment, she wants people in their twenties like herself to embrace the chaos of the decade and go out more…She joins Seán to discuss.

Cork city is the 38th most congested city in the world. Seán's guest believes that a cable car network might offer a simple solution to a complex problem…Joining to discuss is Kathriona Devereux, Presenter of ‘10 Things to Know About' on RTÉ television and a columnist with the Echo…

Lego has “reinvented” the brick and is set to release its new line of ‘smart' toys.The new Lego Smart Play System includes smart bricks with responsive lights, a color-recognition scanner to sense its surroundings, can play almost any sound, and can detect the way it is twisted, turned and tapped during play.Lego says this tech will react to how kids play, and then “play back” to help kids bring their stories to life.But, are we depriving our children of the simple joys of Lego, and what role will smart technology have in toys in the future?Joining Seán to give her views is Toy Expert and Founder of Jiminy Eco Toys, Sharon Keilthy…

We're no strangers to saying no to a perfectly good cuppa when we're actually dying for one, but could our shared struggle in saying what we mean be getting in the way of us getting what we want?Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics at University College Dublin, joins Seán to discuss the unique quirks that make up the Irish language…

Influencer James Kavanagh lost his yellow coat a few years ago and he still misses it. Why does losing an item of clothing or a ring sometimes hold such sentimental value? Why do so many of us struggle to be able to move on?Henry McKean has been out asking the public what they have lost, and joins Seán to discuss.

As the fallout over the Maduro situation continues, Venezuela continues its pursuit of its vast gold reserves from the vaults of the Bank of England, where they have been held since the 1980s. Ireland too keeps much of its gold reserves on Threadneedle Street in London…Joining Seán to untangle this is Richard Partington, the Guardian's Senior Economics Correspondent…

With Ireland assuming the rotating Presidency of the EU Council from July, what are some things we can expect will be on its agenda? Joining Seán to discuss why the EU Presidency will be pivotal for our domestic and foreign policy is Andrew Forde…

This week, the UK has introduced a total ban on all junk food advertising on TV and online. This means that companies will be prohibited from advertising unhealthy foods before 9pm and at all times on the internet.In the list of banned foods are those with a high sugar, salt, and fat content, which even include porridge, cereal, and yoghurts.Joining Seán to discuss the impact of this is Lana Repar, Lecturer in Food Business at UCC, to give us her take on how marketing strategies will have to adapt…

It has been revealed that Meghan Markle's jams are proving popular with over one million jars snapped up by shoppers...But, just why is jam so sought after, whether it has a royal connection or not, and just how easy it is to make at home?Chef Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School joins Seán to discuss.Raspberry JamMakes 3 x 450g (1lb) potsRaspberry jam is the easiest and quickest of all jams to make, and one of the most delicious. Loganberries, Boysenberries or Tayberries may also be used in this recipe.900g (2lbs) fresh raspberries790g (1lb 12oz) granulated sugarWash, dry and sterilise the jars in the oven 100°C/Gas Mark 1/4, for 15 minutes. Heat the sugar in a moderate oven for 5-10 minutes.Put the raspberries into a wide stainless steel saucepan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the juice begins to run, then add the hot sugar and stir over a gentle heat until fully dissolved. Increase the heat and boil steadily for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.Test for a set by putting about a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate, leaving it for a few minutes in a cool place. It should wrinkle when pressed with a finger. * Remove from the heat immediately. Skim and pour into sterilised jam jars. Cover immediately.Hide the jam in a cool place or else put on a shelf in your kitchen so you can feel great every time you look at it! Anyway, it will be so delicious it won't last long!*How to Fix It!If the jam overcooks it will be too thick. Just add a little boiling water to loosen.Raspberry and Cassis Preserve Make Raspberry jam as above, add 4 tablespoons of cassis to the jam just before potting.Loganberry, Tayberry, and Boysenberry jams are made in exactly the same way

Why don't writers retire? Novelist Julian Barnes is bucking the trend having announced his retirement coinciding with his 80th birthday, saying that his next book will be his last, but just why is it so rare for creatives to stop working and instead...''keep going until the grim reaper cuts you down in your study”.Columnist for the Irish Independent Mary Kenny continues to write and joins Seán to discuss.

Is Ireland too timid when it comes to our architectural ambition? Sinead O'Sullivan, a Business economist, has been writing about this in the Irish Times and joins Seán to discuss…

The Chinese electric vehicle company BYD has now overtaken Tesla for the first time to become the world's biggest selling EV brand.Joining Seán to discuss this, and the future of the electric vehicle market is John Hayes, Lecturer in Electronic Engineering at UCC…

A US-based Irish therapist says Trump's America is causing a rise in depression and anxiety among his clients.Eamonn McKay is a Therapist based in California, and is moving back to Ireland over concerns his US citizenship will be revoked…He joins Seán to discuss.Image: Reuters