Highlights from Moncrieff

Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don't always hear answered.From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you'll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what's happening and what it means for you. And it all kicks off on February 3rd.Follow The Claire Byrne Show on the GoLoud app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A hundred years ago, 33 Irish men were released from prison in Scotland. Among them was a TD. But what is the story behind their incarceration? Joining Sean to explain the story was Pat McGarty, Senior lecturer in public policy at MTU.

Another film version of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights staring Margot Robbi and Jacob Elordi is to be released. But what is the real meaning and reading of the book ? Is it a love story as the movie versions seem to portray or is there more themes other than romance in the iconic novel ?Sean was joined by Emily Hourican Journalist and author, to discuss

While individuals may have decided to cancel their Amazon subscriptions or delete their Instagram accounts over security concerns, some European governments are taking bigger steps to move away from US tech.Brian Honan is Chief executive of BH Consulting, an independent advisory firm on cybersecurity and privacy based in Dublin, and he has been analysing the importance of digital sovereignty amid the current geopolitical turmoil and he joined Sean to discuss.

Could ferry boats solve Dublin congestion? Two Fine Gael representatives seem to think it will. Dublin is the third most congested city, the sixth slowest city in the world for traffic. The M50 has repeatedly been called Ireland's largest carpark, and we saw that in action during the floods from storm Chandra. Sean was joined by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councillor John Kennedy to hear why he thinks ferries could make a difference to Dublins transport system.

Sean was joined by James Keaty today on the program. James has been living in his car because he has been finding it so difficult to get rental accommodation that allows pets. He and Sean discussed the issues he has been facing amid the housing crisis. And how he is coping with living in his car with his partner and three dogs.

This weekend marks St. Brigid day, the day for our female patron saint. In 2023 St. Brigids day was officially recognised as a public holiday. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is hosting Rebels and Revolutionaries: Women's History Tour to honour this. Sean was joined by Dr. Catherine Healy, the historian in residence at the epic museum

Joanna Fortune joins Sean to discuss listeners' parenting queries..

Do you know how much money you put into your pension every month and where it is invested?A new survey shows that 7 in 10 Irish adults don't understand basic financial vocabularly and we struggle to understand our money.Kel Galavan is a Qualified Financial Advisor and author joined Sean to offer advice

While Electric Cars are great for the environment, they have certainly changed the sounds of our city streets making them quieter but is this a good thing?Dr Flaithri Neff from the Technological University of Shannon has been doing research into how cars that are too quiet cause issues for pedestrians and cyclists; as well as those who are visually impaired. He joined Sean to explain.

After she lost her match at the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday, world number 3 Coco Gauff went off the court and smashed her racket violently into the concrete 7 times. Little did she know that a camera had recorded the incident. It then went viral. This isn't unusual behaviour for pro athletes. So how do sportspeople manage their anger, or is it better to ‘let it out'? Joining Sean to discuss was chartered sports psychologist Anne Marie Kennedy...

Under new British government plans, stoves and firewood are to carry health warning labelling in the UK. But should we introduce a similar scheme in Ireland, or will we end up killing off a part of our cultural heritage...the humble fire? Joining Sean was Orlagh Gaynor, Operations Officer for Irish Doctors for the Environment.

With the global state of play, many Irish tourists are choosing not to travel to the US in these tense times. So is a travel boycott really a smart move? Technology Editor at the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler, believes not... he joined Sean to explain

Jonathan DeBurca Butler joins Seán Moncrieff to take listeners through the week's international stories. This week...Afghanistan - release female athlete after thirteen days in jailSouth Africa - Mandela's goods cleared for sale by Supreme CourtFiji - 6 charged in relation to country's biggest drug seizureGermany - German nurse jailed for murders could be linked to 100 more deathsEstonia - European Fencing Championship moved from Estonia

With the country in the midst of a bout of absolutely AWFUL weather, many of us are looking out at day after day of rain and wondering when will it ever stop, and how can I escape this...Travel Writer Joan Scales joined Sean to offer some advice to people if they are looking to book a trip away.

At 29 most young people are looking forward to building a life and settling down, but for Niamh Ni Hoireabhaird this takes a bit of adjustment. She is newly married, but is living with Friedreich's ataxia which is a rare and progressive neuromuscular condition which is beginning to deteriorate.Niamh was hoping that a new drug which could potentially help her condition and improve her life would be made available, but because this isn't deemed cost-effective those hopes were dashed last month. In a statement, The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics confirmed that a HSE reimbursement decision has not been made as it is currently in the drug approval process. Niamh Joined Sean to discuss her condition and how access to the drug may help her.

The boom in second-hand fashion is often celebrated as a sustainability success story — but according to sustainability strategist Pat Kane, that's only part of the picture. She argues that rising costs, value, and access are the real forces driving resale's rapid growth. Pat Kane, founder of reuzi, joined Sean to discuss

Martin Rowson has been skewering politicians in the Guardian for more than four decades, bringing ink, paint and biting satire to some of the biggest political moments of our time. But with the world in turmoil, does satire still matter?Martin Joined Sean to discuss

The Beckham family is no stranger to public fascination, but one recurring observation keeps popping up in headlines and social media: the striking similarity between the women the Beckham brothers date and their mother, Victoria Beckham. While some dismiss it as coincidence or media exaggeration, others see it as a window into how early attachment, familiarity, and ideals of beauty shape romantic choice. To unpack what psychology really says about attraction, imprinting, and the influence of parental figures—without the gossip. Sean was joined by Professor of Psychiatry Brendan Kelly who can separate myth from science.

A new app uses AI to identify the footprints of dinosaurs. But how does it work? Sean to discuss was Steve Brusatte, Palaeontologist from the University of Edinburgh and scientific consultant on last year's box office hit Jurassic World Rebirth...

After New York's Mayor Zohran Mamdani floated the idea of introducing a baby box scheme to his city, the Scottish government sent him one of theirs. But, should we have one in Ireland?Joining Seán to discuss is Helena Tubridy, former Midwife and Fertility Coach.

U.S. based Journalist Jenny Singer examines the common belief that adulthood requires a tight-knit, always-present friend group. Influenced by TV, social media, and cultural expectations, this idea persists even though most adult friendships are maintained one-on-one rather than in cohesive groups.The piece explores why the desire for a friend group feels so strong, why such groups are rare, and how mistaking a fantasy for a norm can contribute to loneliness.So, does the “perfect” friend group exist?Jenny joins Seán to discuss.

With building supplies getting more and more expensive, Seán's guest decided to build a barn instead of a brick and mortar traditional structure. So, did it pay off? Interior Designer Robert Gylnn joins to discuss…

Given her profession, it might surprise you that Jessie Buckley did not grow up with a TV until she was a teenager. But, is this the way to grow up, or are some people missing out on memories of television as a child?Joining Séan to discuss is Henry McKean, who has been out asking the public.

With Lufthansa launching their exclusive new first class option recently, the battle for supremacy rages on among the world's top airlines when it comes to the premier offering. But, is shelling out for First Class actually worth it?Joining Seán to discuss is John Arlidge, a leading aviation journalist based in London, who has been touring some of the best options…Image: Lufthansa

Mayo man Eamonn Keaveney has walked over five thousand kilometres barefoot, from Istanbul to Ireland.Now, nearly a year later, he is on the final stretch of the solo journey as he raises money for charity.Eamonn joins Seán to discuss.

Earlier this week, Camilla Parker Bowles declared that audiobooks “count too” when it comes to reading. Over the past few years, sales of audiobooks have skyrocketed, but is there still a snobbery about it not being ‘real reading'?Joining Seán to discuss is Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin, AKA Sam Blake, the author of the new bestselling novel ‘Your Every Move'...

What would you do if you heard your child cursing? Would you reprimand them, question the very education you gave them or perhaps even laugh?While there isn't a consensus on what to do if you catch your child swearing, Journalist Allegra Chapman thinks parents don't need to cede to panic and instead reframe how young people see profanity. She joins Seán to discuss.

The swan census has been taking place across Ireland recently, to try and ascertain how many wild whoopers we have in this country.Joining Seán to discuss is Helen Boland, from Birdwatch Ireland…

As the son of an Irish mother and a Palestinian father, Sami Abu Wardeh has experienced the effects of colonialism, war and displacement many times in his life and how it has shaped his family's past.Turning away from a career in medicine in favour of comedy, he is now exploring what resistance really means in the face of adversity, in his show ‘Palestine: Peace de Resistance' which will be shown at the Project Arts Theatre in Dublin on the 26th and 27th of January...He joins Seán to discuss.

The Oscar nominations have just been released, with lots of expectations surrounding Killarney's Jessie Buckley.Joining Seán to discuss is film maker John Kelly, whose animated short film ‘Retirement Plan' was nominated, and film reviewer Esther McCarthy…

When an elderly relative dies, some people may have regrets on not spending enough time with them or not asking enough questions - but what questions should you ask your older relatives?Newstalk's Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

After a long day at work, cooking may be the last thing on our minds. With the added benefit of a home-cooked meal and none of the effort, takeaways have fast become a way for us to save time, but few realized just how effective they were in cheering us up.A study carried out by scientists from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that it is the most effective method to cheer up or console us after an intense day at work.But beyond takeaways, why do we feel the need to ‘treat ourselves' when things don't quite go the way we planned and most of all, when they do?Chartered Clinical Psychologist Dr Clare Kambamettu joins Seán to discuss.

It's not unusual for parents to get in the middle of their children's love lives or try to set them up with a person they think would be an impressive catch, but it may be strange for some to consider setting up a stall in the local park to try to marry off their child. Well, parents in China are actually doing just that.Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan went to check out a marriage market in Shanghai, and sent in this report.

Over the past number of years, landlords seem to have become a lot more welcoming to dogs, perhaps due to the pandemic when pet ownership rose significantly. Seán's guest feels that the entire situation has gotten out of hand, and that dogs should now be banned from pubs altogether.Joining to discuss is Enda Brady, host of ‘Roundtable' on TRT World, who has been writing about his thoughts in the Irish Examiner…

Is it okay to go ‘off menu' at a restaurant or are you just creating a headache for the kitchen?Joining Seán to discuss is Chef, Restauranteur and owner of Aniar in Galway, JP McMahon…

More and more work emails seem to be signed off with an ‘X'. But is it okay to put a kiss in correspondence with someone you may have never met and with whom you are in a formal, work relationship?Joining Seán to discuss is Career Psychologist Sinead Brady…

The Child Law Project's latest report shows the strain that services are under to provide accommodation for children in state care, and also explores the main reasons why children end up in care in the first place.Joining Seán to discuss is Carol Coulter, Executive Director of the Child Law Project…

Seán's guest uses a special submersible, based in West Cork, to help unlock the secrets of Ireland's 2,000 shipwrecks.Joining to discuss is John Kearney, from Fastnet Maritime Heritage…

Micky Hazard's nephew Jay passed away in 2019 when he took his own life, and the loss has spurred Micky on to help others. He and his sister have set up benches across the UK and Ireland that show phone numbers and QR codes where those in distress can seek out help.He joins Seán to share his story.

Hadja Lahbib, the Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner for the EU, has called on citizens to prepare at least 72 hours' worth of essential supplies in case of a crisis, whether it be weather related or otherwise.Joining Seán to discuss this is Frank Deegan, Founder of the Irish Survival and Prepper Group…

The iconic 1980s video game console Commodore 64 is being re-launched. But how well does it hold up in this decade?Tech Journalist Emmet Ryan joins Seán to discuss.