

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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Dec 9, 2025 • 13min
Would you get your Christmas tree professionally styled?
There are now a number of organisations across Ireland providing professional Christmas tree styling services. But, how does it work?Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Arlene McIntyre, Creative Director of Ventura Design in Dublin…

Dec 9, 2025 • 9min
Things originally made for disabled people that we all use today
Bobbie Hickey is fully blind, and she has been writing about the simple things that make the world more accessible, and actually improve things for all of us whether you’ve got additional needs or not, like dipped curbs on pavements...Yesterday, she had surgery to begin the process of receiving an artificial eye…She joins Seán from hospital to discuss.

Dec 9, 2025 • 11min
When should you introduce smartphones to your kids - if ever?
Have young people’s addiction to their phone gone too far? As Australia prepares to remove access to social media for anyone under the age of 16, several countries are reckoning with dangers of unsupervised internet access. Thus, the ‘Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland’ association was born. Starter phones, location tracking devices and even landlines, anything goes to stall the arrival of the smartphone into their lives.Dave Corkery, Marketer, Podcaster and member of Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland has yet to introduce his children to smartphones and welcomes this new movement. He joins Seán to discuss.

Dec 9, 2025 • 7min
What role do dance halls play today?
Irish dance halls have been a cornerstone of social life, bringing communities together and sometimes sparking generational debate.The 1935 Public Dance Hall Act formalised these spaces, placing them under state and Church oversight.In Donegal, Edwina Guckian’s ‘The Devil’s in the Dancehall’ brings this history to life, blending theatre with traditional dance and inviting audiences to take part in an immersive experience. She joins Seán to discuss.

Dec 9, 2025 • 14min
Is Trumpism here to stay?
The Director of the Heritage Foundation, the group responsible for much of Trump’s agenda, says in the Telegraph today “There’s sure as hell not going to be a return to old Republicanism…”So, is Trumpism here to stay? Or will the GOP revert to old-fashioned Republicanism once Trump leaves office in 2029?Joining Seán to discuss is Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin.Image: Reuters

Dec 9, 2025 • 9min
The strange relationship between religion and AI
Over the past year or two there has been an enormous increase in religious AI chatbots, some even taking on the role of an Almighty. But, what are the ethical implications of this type of technology?Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr. Lyndon Drake, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, who studies theological ethics and artificial intelligence…

Dec 8, 2025 • 7min
The history and evolution of the spice bag!
Where did the staple of modern Irish cuisine, the spice bag, come from? And, where is it going? Dr. John Mulcahy, from Technological University Dublin, School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss!

Dec 8, 2025 • 5min
The scientific formula to make the happiest Christmas playlist
We generally think of Christmas as a happy time of merriment with family and friends, but of course, it can also be quite stressful.There is shopping to do, dinners to organise and so many visits and events to fit in that sometimes it can all be a little overwhelming…But fear not! Fionnuala Jones’ guest has used a scientific formula to create the world’s happiest playlist that will keep you smiling throughout.Claire Renfrew, Chartered Psychologist specialising in Music Psychology, joins to discuss.

Dec 8, 2025 • 14min
Leon Diop on his mixed-race childhood in Ireland
Author and Founder of the advocacy group Black and Irish, Leon Diop, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss his new memoir ‘Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging’, telling the story of his mixed-race childhood in Ireland.

Dec 8, 2025 • 4min
What are ‘micro-compatibilities’ in dating?
Modern dating is chaotic and so too is the latest trend, micro-compatibilities. Apparently, we should be taking note of our partner’s shops, or what time they arrive at the airport, because the little things could end up causing big problems down the line…Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones is a leading dating coach, Frances Kelleher, to break down what’s really going on here...


