Moncrieff Highlights

Sean talked to Faye Keegan, a writer, about the fascinating history of red lipstick. Over the centuries, the meaning of wearing it has evolved dramatically—from a symbol of power to being tried as a witch. Faye explores these bizarre origins and the shifting symbolism of this bold cosmetic.

The stories of the fairy forts and trees date back centuries; it is said that if you tamper with the fairies, bad luck will follow you around, but why do they hold such importance today? Sean talks to Eddie Lenihan, storyteller, seanchaí and author of ‘Meeting The Other Crowd’ about these long-held superstitions.

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean asks locals in Malmo how to say all sorts of bad words in Swedish.

The Iconic Costumes of the Irish Silver Screen exhibition has recently opened at the Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons. The exhibition features costumes from the likes of ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘Breakfast on Pluto’. Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh is a costume designer and co-founder of the Irish Costume Archive Project (ICAP), joined Sean to talk about the clothes behind the character.

Amazon has announced the launch of its new online Irish store, which will open next year. Amazon.ie will include over 100 million products and will feature Irish businesses. Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Sean to explore what this means for the Irish market.

How important is our sense of smell in our day-to-day lives? Very important it turns out. More and more brands are following in the footsteps of Abercrombie & Fitch , LUSH and Subway, who use their strong scents to draw customers in. Sean is joined by Dr. Alan Hiersch, Neurological director of Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago to explain the powerful link between scents and brands.

Election season is upon us, as you will have seen by the posters that are being erected across the country at the moment. But what makes a good election poster? Derek Mooney is a Former Fianna Fail Strategist and former campaign manager, and joins Sean to discuss.

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean travels to Malmö and speaks with Sean about the reactions surrounding Israel's controversial participation in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

It may be surprising to some that the namesake and symbol of wireless technology Bluetooth was inspired by a real viking. But how did the Nordic warrior become the name of a huge technological development? And did he have a blue tooth? Professor Poul Holm of Environmental History at Trinity College Dublin joined Seán to share the life of Blue Tooth the Viking.

Netflix’s Baby Reindeer follows the true story of comedian Richard Gadd’s dysfunctional relationship with his stalker. But what are the characteristics of a stalker? Seán is joined by Forensic Psychologist Dr. Patrick Randall to learn more about stalking dynamics and what to look out for.

Jeremy Clarkson's venture into farming has come with some heartbreaking lessons and choices, including sending his beloved Pepper the cow to the abattoir. But do farmers mourn the death of their animals like pets? Seán was joined by farmer and journalist Hannah Mulligan to learn more about life and death on the farm.

Looking back on old photographs can bring on powerful emotions when remembering how much our lives have changed. But is it helpful to reminisce on times gone by? Seán is joined by Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr. Claire Hayes to learn more about how old photographs can be a comfort or a weapon to our mental health.

Wedding season is quickly approaching, but what are the tips and tricks to survive the next few months of festivities? Seán speaks to journalist Édaein O’Connell to learn what’s expected of guests and wedding parties.

Cuckoo birds are arriving back in Ireland after their 18,000km round trip migration. But where exactly do they go and what way do they come back? Seán is joined by Conservation Ranger and lead on the Cuckoo Tracking Project, Sam Bailey to learn more.

Daniel Rooney was singing in a hotel in Glasglow when he was told Take That’s Gary Barlow had a gig for him that would “change his life”. With 30 minutes to prepare, the singer opened for the British boy band performing for a crowd of 14,000 people. Daniel joins Seán to share the whirlwind story. Image credit: @danielrooney_music / Instagram

The CSO is considering broadening the range of questions for sexuality and gender in the 2027 census. CEO of BeLonGTo Youth Services Moninne Griffith says the life experience of the LGBTQ+ community should be recorded and joins Seán to discuss.

Jonathan DeBurca Butler takes listeners through the week's international stories...

While visiting Malmö to report on the Eurovision, Newstalk's Henry McKean stopped off at the Disgusting Food Museum to tuck into some stomach churning dishes. From eating dead ants to tasting the smelly durian fruit, Henry joins Seán to discuss the cuisine.

Padel has gained huge popularity recently, celebrities like Roger Federer, David Beckham and Robbie Keane have played Padel and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down as there are loads of indoor and outdoor centres popping up across the nation, but what exactly is Padel? Barry Coffey is the President of the Irish Padel Association and joins Seán to discuss.

The Pledge is a promise that kids make during the Holy Communion process in 5th or 6th class. Confirmation season is here and 90% of the primary schools in the country remain under Catholic patronage. This is in spite of the fact that a new study revealed that more than half of teachers in Catholic schools “do not believe in a personal God”. Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Seán to give his report on its origins, how prevalent it is today and how it exactly works.