Highlights From Moncrieff

Forget the candlelight, the cocktails and the carefully chosen corner table, new research suggests the real spark on a first date has little to do with where you are, and everything to do with what you say. A study from the University of Georgia has found that meaningful conversation not mood lighting or stylish surroundings is what truly drives attraction. So, could the secret to a great first date be as simple as asking the right questions?Joining Seán to discuss is Matchmaker Mairead Loughman.

Seán’s guest is concert pianist Fiachra Garvey, who despite growing up on a working farm, decided to swap the vet lifestyle to pursue music…He joins to discuss!

A well-known and loved Irish phrase recently caused some confusion between an immigrant doctor and his patient.Dr Mohamed Elbadri had asked his patient whether he would be willing to quit smoking, to which the patient replied, “I will, yeah.”Three months later, during a check up, Elbadri was shocked to learn his patient had not quit, and had no intention of doing so!So, how often do our Irishisms get lost in translation?Joining Seán to discuss is Denise Deegan, writer, screenwriter and author of ‘The Little Book of Irishisms’ under the pen name Aimee Alexander.

Seán’s guest is so passionate about plants and nature, he turned his spare bedroom into a greenhouse!Jonny Balchandani, otherwise known as the ‘Bearded Plantaholic’ has spent the last two decades nurturing thousands of plants in his home.Jonny joins to discuss!

What are the rules in your house when it comes to watching TV? No phones, no talking, no shoes on the sofa?A new survey suggests many of us have strict do’s and don’ts, and they’re causing more arguments than you might think…So, what are the nation’s biggest TV-watching sins? Joining Seán to discuss is John Fardy, Presenter of ‘Screentime’ on Newstalk.

There is an almost immediate intrigue and peak in curiosity when it comes to a leaked celebrity text.But, why are we so intrigued by it? Is it just human nature? Or do we just crave to know who celebrities really are behind the scenes?Joining Seán to discuss this is Head of Careers at the Communications Clinic, Sarah Geraghty.

Today is Erase Self Negativity Day, an opportunity to look within yourself for personal development and mental wellness. But, how exactly does it work, and is it effective?Joining Seán to discuss is Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist & Lecturer in TU Dublin.

A study suggests a form of Munchausen syndrome by proxy may be driving some owners to invent symptoms or deliberately harm their animals…A study of around 90 veterinary surgeries in the Netherlands found that 83 per cent of veterinarians and technicians were familiar with the phenomenon.Joining Seán to discuss this is Registered Veterinary Nurse and Founder of Salty Dogs Kerry, Kathryn Scroope.

So called ‘no ring no bring’ rules at weddings have become the centre of some debate. The controversial term refers to the practice of only allowing plus ones who are married or engaged. The practice is designed to keep guest numbers low and keep relative strangers out, but is marital status a fair way of judging commitment? Columnist Brianna Parkins joins Seán to discuss.

A new porch added to a medieval French cathedral has received backlash, being denounced as a ‘wart’ and a ‘concrete UFO.’So, have we lost the art of visual interest in modern architecture, and does this impact us?Joining Seán to discuss is Rob Curley, Director of Maremoto Architects.

An entire Irish village has just gone up for sale, not just a few cottages but a fully restored estate in County Kildare, complete with a pub, a former schoolhouse, a restaurant, all for a cool €20 million.The village of Lyons, set along the Grand Canal, dates back to the 18th century and was brought back to life in the 1990s by Ryanair co-founder Tony Ryan. Today, it operates as a luxury hospitality destination, but now it’s looking for a new owner to shape its next chapter.Joining Seán to discuss this is Eoghan Corry, Historian and local resident.

Ice baths and wild swimming are all the rage today, but is Freediving the next water based activity for Irish fin folk to flock too?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

In honour of the Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere on the 1st of May, Meryl Streep joined Anna Wintour on the front cover of Vogue magazine to promote the movie. Meryl Streep's character Miranda Priestly in the original Devil Wears Prada was often rumored to be based on Anna Wintour herself… Joining Seán to discuss is Fashion Stylist Cathy O’Connor.   Image: Vogue 

For years, we’ve been told to fear certain foods, cut out the carbs, avoid fat at all costs, and definitely don’t touch sugar. But, how much of this is actually based on solid science, and how much is clever marketing dressed up as wellness? Today, we’re taking a closer look at the foods that have been unfairly demonized by the diet industry, from eggs and potatoes to full-fat dairy… Seán is joined by Dietician Sarah Keogh to discuss! 

The use of the term ‘narcissist’ has exploded in recent years. So, are we getting better at recognising Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Or are we just labeling anyone we don’t like as a narcissist? Dr Edel Marron, the founder of KOTA, a leadership and personal development consultancy focused on emotional intelligence, joins Seán to discuss. 

Every Wednesday, Podcaster Cassie Delaney will join Seán to share some unusual stories on heinous crimes. This week, Cassie joins to discuss crimes committed by people you wouldn’t expect! 

With the current national fuels protest ongoing, how does it compare to protests in the past, and what could it achieve? Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and host of ‘Let Me Explain’ Seán Defoe joins Seán to look back on notable protests in Irish history, and what came from them. 

There’s a growing movement that’s redefining modern motherhood called ‘Mommunes’: these are intentional communities where mums come together to share childcare, support, and the ups and downs of parenting. In some cases, they’re even living together under one roof…Joining Seán to discuss is Bernie Sinclaire, who lives in a ‘Mommune’ in New York.

While we all remember the feeling of being stuck at home during the Covid pandemic, people with the anxiety disorder agoraphobia are usually afraid of stepping out of the front door…Karina Mongan is one person who suffers with agoraphobia, and joins Seán to discuss.

If you find yourself building a collection of clothes you’re not interested in wearing anymore, is selling them online the best option?Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Columnist with the Irish Independent earned €1,000 in a year by selling her unwanted clothes on Vinted, and joins Seán to discuss.