

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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Dec 4, 2024 • 9min
The many, many ‘Christmas Carol’ movies
With Christmas creeping up on us all, one of the most told tales around this time of year is Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas carol’. Since its publication in 1843, the story of Scrooge and the three ghosts of Christmas has been made into numerous films throughout the years, with all having a different approach to telling the iconic story.Joining Seán to talk through the different renditions of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on screen is Mick Jordan, Writer and Filmmaker.Image: Disney

Dec 4, 2024 • 8min
How should you respond to rudeness?
From supermarket rows to cinematic queue showdowns, how should we respond to everyday rudeness? A witty comeback, or a dose of unexpected kindness?Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor and Weekend Magazine Columnist at the Irish Examiner has found that her attitude to a lack of manners has evolved over time. She joins Seán to discuss.

Dec 4, 2024 • 8min
Why was the deepest hole in the world made?
The race for green energy solutions has forced many countries to consider the potential of geothermal heat. This approach will require the digging of some of the deepest holes on Earth in order to harness that heat.Currently, the deepest mermaid hole on the planet is the Kola Superdeep Borehole at a whopping 12.2km deep, but it has its origin in the cold war era, long before people were seriously considering this sort of power.So, why was it dug?Mark Piesing is a Journalist & Author who has written about the hole. He joins Seán to discuss.

Dec 4, 2024 • 9min
The PlayStation turns 30 - looking back at its impact
The Sony PlayStation turns 30 years old today. This video game console sold over 100 million units in its lifetime, being described as a ‘Concorde’ moment in the games industry. With the console loading games via a CD and not cartridges, the perception of games being just for children left, as new generations became hooked. But, aside from its groundbreaking technology, the PlayStation had a significant impact on popular culture, and the role that video games play in our everyday lives…Peter Lynch, Lecturer in Computer Games in TUD joins Seán to discuss.Image: Sony

Dec 4, 2024 • 15min
Living with a sexless relationship
Can a partnership, relationship or marriage thrive without those steamy bedroom antics?Well, to tell us about all of the reasons why a couple might move sex down the priority list of a marriage or relationship, and why there might be other reasons pertaining to life outside of the bedroom is Eithne Bacuzzi, Relationship Counsellor and Psychosexual Therapist…

Dec 3, 2024 • 8min
Buying second hand clothing as a Christmas gift
Thinking about being a tad more sustainable with your gift giving this Christmas? Buying pre-loved clothing could be a thoughtful and unique way to surprise someone special, but how do you know where to start and what you should be looking for?Joining Seán for all her top tips on pre-loved clothing is Laura Mullet, Fashion Expert and Journalist.

Dec 3, 2024 • 8min
Why companies are using AI for customer service
Artificial Intelligence is quickly transforming how businesses handle customer service, making it more efficient and personalized. But, as AI improves, how are companies balancing it with human support?Joining Seán to discuss this is Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent, Jess Kelly.

Dec 3, 2024 • 11min
Does food have a nationality?
A football coach has found herself in a legal row with a sport governing body over expenses.She claims that spaghetti and chopped tomatoes are “culturally” African ingredients. Is she right? Do foods have a strict nationality?Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomair, Chair of the Masters in Gastronomy and Food Studies at TU Dublin and Co-Editor of ‘Irish Food History: A Companion’.

Dec 3, 2024 • 12min
Do you have facial blindness?
Could you recognize a loved one in a crowd, or would their face be just another blur? Face blindness, or prosopagnosia, affects at least 2% of people and isn’t just forgetfulness - scientists say it’s a standalone medical condition. From struggling to identify friends to mistaking strangers for family, this genetic or injury-related disorder has profound impacts on social interactions and everyday life.To tell more, Seán is joined by Sarah Bate, Professor of Psychology at Bournemouth University.

Dec 3, 2024 • 12min
What are your legal rights in the workplace?
Are you shivering at work, but your boss won’t turn on the heating? Did you accidentally break equipment, only for it to be deducted from your wages? Are you unsure about what your legal rights are in the workplace?Joining Seán to discuss is Anne Lyne, Partner, Hayes Employment Law Solicitors.