Moncrieff

All episodes.

2,012 episodes · showing the newest 200

Record broken for world’s longest commercial flight - would you take it?

Nov 13, 2026 5 min

A Qantas aircraft has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest commercial airliner flight by distance. The Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR departed Melbourne Australia, for Toulouse, France, at 5.27pm local time on July 27th, and has just recently been verified by Guinness World Records. The flight covered a distance of 12,503 nautical miles, with a flight time of 24 hours and 24 minutes as part of Qantas Airways’ ‘Project Sunrise’. Joining Tom Dunne to discuss this is Kevin Byrne, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Irish Air Corps & Airport Safety and Security Auditor.

Where did the Friday the 13th superstition come from?

Nov 13, 2026 8 min

Today is the last Friday, the 13th of 2026, a year which featured three. That's the maximum number of times the date can occur in any year in the Gregorian calendar, and the only time it will happen in this decade… But, where did this strange fear originate? And what are some of the common superstitions that can accompany it? Joining guest host Tom Dunne to discuss is Dr Jenny Butler from the UCC Study of Religions Department.

How long does opened wine last?

Nov 13, 2026 9 min

How many times have you tipped a half-finished bottle of wine down the sink, convinced it had gone off? You're not alone: it's one of the most common wine myths out there, and it means we're often throwing away perfectly good wine, and money along with it. So, how long does opened wine actually last? Michelle Lawlor from the Nude Wine Company (delivering nationwide!) joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

The history of female jazz in Ireland

Nov 13, 2026 14 min

There were female jazz bands in Ireland during the 1920s, and jazz music and dances were quite popular in the free state. In a dance band competition at the Plaza Ballroom in Dublin in 1929, two of the six band finalists were led by women. People often think of jazz in this country as something condemned by the church, and while that did happen , it wasn't really until the 1930s when jazz was already well established here. Dr Elaine Sisson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Culture at IADT joins guest host Tom Dunne to discuss.

Deliveroo reveals top orders of 2026 - what do they tell us?

Nov 12, 2026 7 min

Deliveroo has revealed its top delivered orders of 2026. It might be even more random than we all think: the top are the cheeseburger from Bunsen, ‘Xi’an Famous Biang Biang Noodles’ from Xi’an Streetfood and the ‘Lean Green’ from Juice Jar coming in at number 1. Joining Seán to break it all down is Registered Associate Nutritionist, Aileen Cox Blundell.

What has happened to the mighty Range Rover?

Nov 12, 2026 6 min

SUVs have become what some might consider a ‘yummy mummy' staple, but before the style and status, jeeps had a different purpose. So, how did the Range Rover lose its mud? Joining Seán to discuss is Editor of CompleteCar.ie, Shane O'Donoghue...

Books previously banned in Ireland to go on public display

Nov 12, 2026 6 min

The censorship of publications came around in 1929, this is when books were banned in Ireland. This went on for years, and during those years, over 12,000 books were banned… These books will now be going on view, and joining Seán to speak about this is Lecturer in the Department of History at Mary Immaculate College, Dr. Brian Hughes.

How a fin whale was heard by a device at home

Nov 12, 2026 7 min

In 2023, a small device caught the sound of a fin whale singing near county Waterford. This was the first time the sound of one had been detected by a low cost seismometer by citizen scientists. Joining Seán to discuss this is Martin Möllhoff.

Why can’t we agree on the perfect temperature? - Henry McKean Reports

Nov 12, 2026 13 min

What is the ideal temperature for the thermostat in your home and work and why does it lead to arguments? Are you worried about the high cost or the energy efficiency, or will you just crank it up? Henry Mckean went out to ask the public, and sent in this report.

Is it always a mistake to change a jingle?

Nov 12, 2026 12 min

The jingle for Maybelline has been modernised, but what has it been changed to, and is it ever a good idea to change an iconic jingle? Denis O'Hora from School of Psychology at the University of Galway joins Seán to discuss.

What is the celebration behind ‘Martinmas’?

Nov 11, 2026 7 min

Martinmas, also known as St. Martin’s Day, annually falls on November 11th. In Ireland, the day was most notable for the blood sacrifice rituals and practices that coincided with it… Joining Seán to speak more about this day is Kelly Fitzgerald from the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore in UCD.

How do you get into skiing this winter?

Nov 11, 2026 12 min

As ski resorts begin to open across the Alps this month, some people may want to book a holiday, but might be intimidated by cost, the challenge of taking up a new sport and the overwhelming amount of choice. Aileen Eglington from the Ski Club of Ireland has been skiing for decades and is travelling to the Austrian Alps tomorrow for the start of the season. She joins Seán to discuss everything you should know if you’re looking to start skiing!

International Singles Day: How has dating changed?

Nov 11, 2026 11 min

Happy International Singles Day! Has it become more difficult to find love in the modern world, and what can you do about it? Feargal Harrington from INTRO Matchmaking joins Seán to discuss.

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Wrongful Convictions

Nov 11, 2026 17 min

Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by Podcaster Cassie Delaney to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes… This week, Cassie joins to discuss cases where there is a wrongful conviction!

PETA wants Oxford Dictionary to redefine ‘chicken’ - why?

Nov 11, 2026 10 min

The world chicken obviously is used for the bird, but it can also be used to describe someone as cowardly. Its usage has been around for so long that many dictionaries include it in the definition, which PETA wants changed… Jennifer White, Media Director at PETA joins Seán to discuss.

Angler shares story on catching world record size carp!

Nov 10, 2026 7 min

Ash Hegarty, an angler from Blackburn, has caught a world record breaking carp: the common carp weighed 52kg! He caught it on a fishing trip with his brother after the pair had travelled to a lake in Hungary, and he joins Seán to discuss.

The art of small talk - what makes it entertaining?

Nov 10, 2026 11 min

We all know the importance of a good first impression, but what about the art of small talk? Whether it's on the side of football pitches, functions, funerals or weddings - what makes small talk so entertaining? Joining Seán to discuss is Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Esther McCarthy…

How do you rebuild broken trust in a relationship?

Nov 10, 2026 12 min

Once a partner in a relationship has been betrayed, is it ever possible to rebuild trust? In something like an affair, healing and recovering from that can be a painful process… Emily Power Smith, Clinical Sexologist and Psychosexual Therapist joins Seán to discuss.

Why is there so much excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI?

Nov 10, 2026 5 min

‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ is the next installment in Rockstar Games’ crime-committing video game blockbuster series. It is expected to be the highest budget video game in history, and is similarly expected to break sales records worldwide, but why is there so much hype, and why will it be a guaranteed success? Joining Seán to discuss is Tech Journalist Emmet Ryan.

Are greenways the best way to explore Ireland’s countryside?

Nov 10, 2026 20 min

In most countries in mainland Europe, there is what’s known as a ‘right to roam’ where anybody can walk through private farmland. There is no such thing in Ireland, and many farmers resist the idea, citing threats to their livestock. There are greenways, but Seán’s guest thinks they are not the solution to discover the country. Joining Seán to discuss is Tim Hannigan, author of new book ‘The Pathless Land: Finding a Way Across Ireland’.

How do you properly declutter your home?

Nov 9, 2026 7 min

Could clutter around your house be telling you something? Seán’s guest thinks so! Interior Design Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Jennifer Sheahan, joins to discuss how we can properly declutter our homes…

Looking back on 100 years of Irish radio

Nov 9, 2026 12 min

The first RTÉ radio broadcast took place on January 1st 1926, but what kind of impact has Irish radio had on our country since then? What kind of influence has it had on everyday life? Joining Seán to discuss is Rosemary Day, author of ‘On the Air: 100 Years of Irish Radio’, Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Media and Communication Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.

Why you need a hygrometer to keep your plants thriving

Nov 9, 2026 6 min

Do you find that your plants die quicker during the winter? Apparently, one way to avoid that is through the use of a hygrometer, but how does it work exactly? Joining Seán to discuss is Grow it Yourself's Head of Education, Mary Bishop.

Four Questions: I’m not getting wiser with age!

Nov 9, 2026 11 min

We’re looking back on the weekend and looking forward to the week ahead through the lens of these four questions: What delighted you over the weekend? What annoyed you over the weekend? What did you learn over the weekend? What are you looking forward to this week? Joining Seán to discuss is Brenda Dennehy and Patrick Freyne!

The history of the red card in football

Nov 6, 2026 4 min

This week, the world record was broken for the most ever red cards in a single game of football: a whopping 53 red cards were shown in a Brazilian youth game. According to the referee's notes, a brawl broke out in the second half and the military police were called due to extensive damage to the stadium… What is the history of the red card in the sport? Joining Seán to discuss is Sports Presenter Daniel Hussey.

The mystery of Eileen Gray's ashes

Nov 6, 2026 7 min

One of Ireland's most famous Architects and Furniture Designers was Eileen Gray, whose 50th anniversary of her death is this year. Her ashes were interred in the famous Pere Lachaise in Paris, but were recently discovered to be missing from their niche. There is now a mystery as to what happened to them… Seán’s guest recently travelled to Paris to visit the niche and bring a relic from her homeplace in Wexford to put in it as a memento in place of her ashes. Frank McNally from The Irish Times joins to discuss.

Why is Spam so popular in America?

Nov 6, 2026 12 min

Ted Cruz, the US Republican Senator, yesterday claimed that one of the reasons Americans voted against the Republicans in the Midterm elections is because of the cost of living crisis. He says that record numbers of people are resorting to eating Spam. He says, "Here are some stats that are a lot more real and personal. Spam, Hormel’s processed meat substitute, broke record sales, selling 113 million cans last year. That is nearly as much spam as was sold during the entirety of World War II. 29% of Americans have used buy now, pay later for groceries this year. That’s double the share just two years ago.” So, what is Spam exactly and what is its history? Joining Seán to discuss is Regina Sexton, Food Historian at UCC.

How can we make it easier to learn Irish?

Nov 6, 2026 12 min

As years go on, the Irish language seems to drift further and further away. The language itself is hard to learn, but what if there was a way to fix that? Hector Ó hEochagáin has made a trilogy of books that help you use Irish in everyday life. He joins Seán to discuss his newest book, ‘Irish Words for Every Occasion’.

Irish nun’s 109-year-old wedding dress finds new home in Wicklow

Nov 5, 2026 6 min

A 109-year-old wedding dress belonging to an Irish nun has found a new home on display in an antique pram shop in Wicklow. The dress belonged to Sister Theodora (Mary Carroll) who was from Wexford, but went to England at the age of 12 to become a nun. The dress and accompanying shawl were made for her by other nuns after she was officially professed a nun and became a bride of Christ. The dress was constructed during the War. It was crocheted using hair pins and a silk thread. Mags McCarthy, owner of Mags, Rags Arts and Crafts, a vintage, antique and alterations shop joins Seán to discuss.

Sound installation for dogs part of Beta Festival - how does it work?

Nov 5, 2026 5 min

Beta is an arts and technology festival that will run in various venues, and launches in Dublin tomorrow. The Project Art Centre will be hosting a sound installation - and it’s for dogs! Gabriela Waclawska, Sound Artist and Composer joins Seán to discuss how it works.

The English woman travelling across Ireland to apologise for Cromwell

Nov 5, 2026 8 min

As you might know, there’s some talk in the UK about issuing an apology for its part in the transatlantic slave trade and the historical harms it brought. But, should there be other things that need an apology? For example, Shirley Bowers, Leader of Arise Ministries, is from the same town as Oliver Cromwell, and has been travelling around Ireland to apologise for his actions. She joins Seán to discuss.

Tracksuit and hoodie culture in Ireland - Henry McKean Reports

Nov 5, 2026 20 min

The Oireachtas Committee on RTÉ funding, reform and transformation got bogged down on who paid for a tracksuit top, with the €20m funding shortfall hardly discussed. But, is Ireland gripped by tracksuit culture, and is it here to stay? To discuss further, Seán is joined by Henry McKean.

Is marriage becoming more about money again?

Nov 5, 2026 9 min

Rachel O'Dwyer, Writer and Lecturer in Visual Cultures at NCAD is arguing that there is now a return to older 18th century considerations when it comes to marriage. Just like Caroline Lucas in 'Pride and Prejudice', people in the Ireland of today must consider their financial future and security over matters of the heart when they marry... Is this true? Has marriage become more about the money? She joins Seán to discuss.

Are electric ferries the future for sea travel?

Nov 4, 2026 7 min

If you’re going to travel by ferry, it is more environmentally friendly than flying, but still produces emissions. The future for sea travel could be electric, as there are already options coming into the market… Ben Tracy, Correspondent for Climate Central joins Seán to discuss.

Why are the sex scenes in ‘Wicker’ so popular with women?

Nov 4, 2026 10 min

The movie ‘Wicker’ stars Olivia Coleman, who has a partner made for her out of wicker. The sex scenes in this movie have gotten quite a bit of attention, but particularly among women. So, why is there so much buzz? Joining Seán to discuss is Kirsty Blake Knox, Features Journalist and columnist with The Irish Independent.

How we can understand Irish sports through objects

Nov 4, 2026 8 min

Books about sport usually revolve around the stories of people, and the hero’s journey an athlete takes to reach success, but what if you ignored that, and focused on the stories through the lens of objects? Joining Seán to discuss is Siobhan Doyle, Historian and author of ‘Irish Sport in 100 Objects’.

Moncrieff’s Murder Club: Unbelievable Solves

Nov 4, 2026 15 min

Every Wednesday, Seán will be joined by someone to hear unusual stories on heinous crimes… This week, Cassie Delaney joins to discuss cases solved in unbelievable ways!

Should Government Ministers have qualifications within their portfolio?

Nov 4, 2026 14 min

There was a bit of controversy a few weeks ago when Oliver Callan criticised Simon Harris for being a college dropout. With Harris having three jobs, is there a point to be made here? Should Government Ministers have qualifications within their portfolio? Joining Seán to discuss is Pat Rabbitte, former Labour Leader and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Collins English Dictionary Word of the Year: What is ‘Mogging’?

Nov 3, 2026 5 min

“Mogging” was crowned Collins English Dictionary word of the year. This term, which is thought to come from “Amog” which is short for ‘alpha male of the group’. The word first appeared in 2016 in the bodybuilding culture, and since then, the word has evolved way past its initial use. Joining Seán to discuss more is Head of Language Content at Collins Dictionaries, Helen Newstead.

The decline of the Irish boarding school

Nov 3, 2026 14 min

It used to be the norm (among families who could afford it) for kids to be sent off to boarding school for their education. There used to be 125 boarding schools in the 1960s, where as we now have only 25. Glenstal Abbey boarding school in Limerick is the next one to close, announcing they will close in 2028… What is behind this decline? Colm Maloney, President of Cistercian College Roscrea joins Seán to discuss.

Voyager 1 reaches major milestone this month - why it’s important

Nov 3, 2026 9 min

48 years ago, the Voyager 1 probe was launched into space, and is still travelling. Later this month, it will reach a distance of one light day away from Earth, which equals roughly 26 billion kilometers. Of all the craft launched into space, it is the furthest away one, and carries information about humanity and our planet in case any other life comes across it. Peter Gallagher, Director of Dunsink Observatory at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies and former employee of NASA joins Seán to discuss this accomplishment. Image: NASA

Relationship Advice: Desire Discrepancy

Nov 3, 2026 16 min

In many relationships there can be a phenomenon known as ‘desire discrepancy’. This is commonly referring to sexual desires, but can show up in other parts of a relationship as well… Emily Power Smith, Clinical Sexologist and Psychosexual Therapist joins Seán to discuss this, and how to navigate it.

Who was Dr Kathleen Lynn?

Nov 3, 2026 15 min

Last week, the Government rejected a proposal to name the new Children's Hospital after Dr Kathleen Lynn, the most senior-ranking woman in the 1916 Rising and Chief Medical Officer of the Irish Citizen Army. What was behind this proposal, and what is Dr Kathleen Lynn’s story? Joining Seán to discuss is Mary McAuliffe, Historian, Lecturer and Director of Gender Studies at UCD.