

Moncrieff
Newstalk
The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew. Listen and subscribe to Moncrieff on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Episodes
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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

Feb 21, 2025 • 11min
Mark McCabe on ‘Manic 2000’ turning 25!
It’s hard to believe it now, but Mark McCabe’s ‘Maniac’ turns 25 this year.So, let’s wind back the clock!Joining Seán to look back is Mark himself, DJ on 98FM and iRadio…

Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
The psychology behind lying
We have been hearing a lot about ‘untruths’, but is an ‘untruth’ just the same as a lie?Do we have a hard time admitting to lying, and how does our perception of it change depending on the situation?Chartered Behavioural Psychologist with Changeable.ie, Padraig Walsh, joins Seán to discuss.