

Moncrieff
Newstalk
The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
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Feb 25, 2025 • 12min
First human with a Neuralink speaks on his experience
Telekinesis has been a staple of mythology, fantasy and science fiction probably for as long as human beings have been telling such stories, but it’s always been something that was clearly confined to the world of fiction.That is until 2024, when Noland Arbaugh became the first person in human history who could move things in the external world merely by thinking about it…Noland is the world’s first recipient of Neuralink, and joins Seán to discuss.Image: Neuralink

Feb 25, 2025 • 7min
How to charge your phone properly
Ever worry that you’re not charging your phone properly? Is it really not a good idea to charge to 100%?Joining Seán to debunk the myths and to offer his tips is Colin Baker, AKA Gadget Guy Colin, CEO of Back from the Future IT Support…

Feb 25, 2025 • 21min
Dealing with menopause at 34
It took Seán’s guest a long time to figure out why she was struggling with pain. Eventually, she discovered that she had entered menopause early, at the age of just 34…Now, she wants to share her journey. Joining the show to discuss is Tralee hair salon owner, Emma Quirke…

Feb 24, 2025 • 7min
What does it mean to be a Blasket Island caretaker?
A newlywed couple has landed the much-coveted position of caretaker to the Great Blasket Island. But, how will they cope without electricity and what exactly will be their duties?Joining Seán to discuss is artist James Hayes…Image: greatblasketisland.net

Feb 24, 2025 • 12min
The struggles of parenting with ADHD
Being a parent can be overwhelming, chaotic and challenging, but if you’ve got ADHD - then the chances are that staying on top of things can feel even harder...Karen Beckett is a mother of four young children who was diagnosed with ADHD after becoming a parent. As a Chartered Psychologist, she is doing research into how parents like herself, juggle (and struggle) with the daily jobs that come with managing a busy household…She joins Seán to discuss.

Feb 24, 2025 • 11min
Does Europe need its own nuclear deterrent?
It’s clear for all to see that a major rupture now exists between the USA and Europe in relation to mutual security.So, with the US backing away from its role as defence guarantor of Europe, and Vladimir Putin expressing his willingness to use Nuclear weapons where necessary, do we need a European nuclear deterrent?John O'Brennan is Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at NUI Maynooth, and joins Seán to discuss.

Feb 24, 2025 • 29min
Is there a ‘female tax’? - Henry McKean Asks
Writing in today’s Irish Times, Sarah Moss wants to know why she has to pay over €50 for a simple haircut, when her friend could do it in 5 minutes for free, but has emigrated to Australia...So, how much do you pay for your hair and beauty needs? Is there simply a ‘female tax’ that men don’t have to pay? Is it unfair, or just a part of life?Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their thoughts, and joins Seán to discuss.

Feb 21, 2025 • 8min
The history behind shredding
The Department of Public Expenditure is currently welcoming tenders from service providers for a four year shredding contract. The seven million euro project will entail the destruction of everything from paper documents to USB flash drives. As we now live in the world of GDPR, shredding is experiencing a boom, but where did it all begin?Newstalk’s Simon Tierney, who has been investigating, joins Seán to discuss.

Feb 21, 2025 • 11min
Are donkeys portrayed accurately in film?
From ‘Aesop’s Fables’ to ‘Shrek’ and the ‘Banshees of Inisherin’, donkeys have often been represented in popular media, but has their representation always been fair and accurate, or has it been constricted by tired clichés?A new film course in the UK is aiming to change this. Joining Seán to discuss is Fiona Handyside, Associate Professor of Film Studies at the University of Exeter…Image: 20th Century Studios

Feb 21, 2025 • 12min
The importance of a good speech
The idea of winning an award like an Oscar for acting is seen by some as a futile attempt to turn art into sport.Some people have argued that comparing disparate performances is inherently unfair, and that a better metric would be to see a group of actors each take on the same part.But the one performance that all of the competing actors must be prepared for is the victory speech. So could good speech win you the award?Jesse Hassenberg is a Writer & Film Critic. He joins me now…Image: Reuters


