Highlights From Moncrieff

 A new book explores the extraordinary story of Walt Disney, PL Travers and the two Ukrainian brothers who made Mary Poppins one of the most successful  movies of all time. Joining me now is Todd Pierce, Author of ‘Making Mary Poppins’...

While road bowling is a well known sport in Co. Cork, what is the state of the sport today and what can we expect for 2026? Joining John Fardy in for Sean was Seamus O’Tuama, Bowling Correspondent for the Irish Examiner.

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered American diplomats to drop the Calibri font and return to Times New Roman, calling the switch a product of misguided policies under the previous Biden administration. But why ? Does the Type of font you use matter ? Joining John Fardy in for Sean to discuss was Owner of Signal Type Foundry  Max Philips

You wouldn't imagine there are too many festivals happening this month, given the post-Christmas blues and the weather. But this month First Fortnight, the annual mental health arts and culture festival, will host events right across the country seeking to use creative work to challenge the stigma around mental health. Maria Fleming is the CEO of First Fortnight festival, and she joined John Fardy in for Sean to discuss the purpose of the festival.

Happy Christmas!The Big Fat Newstalk Quiz of the Year is back - with Newstalk’s Simon Tierney taking you through some of the great, good and wackiest parts of 2025.Joining Simon to chance their arm at the crown is Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Writer and Journalist, Comedian Jim Elliott and Jen Hogan, Irish Times Columnist and Host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast.

Whether you’re entertaining extended family or just need something to break up the day, Christmas is a great time to try out a few games and get everyone involved...Olivia Fahy, Entertainment journalist, has been rounding up some of her favourites and joins Seán to discuss.Image: Nintendo

After 100 years of the Coca Cola versus Pepsi soft drink war, has the battle been won, with Pepsi now 3rd on the list of the biggest selling fizzy drinks in the world?Joining Seán to discuss is Eoin Burke-Kennedy, Economics Correspondent of The Irish Times…

Is your Christmas tree looking sad with needles on the ground and limp branches just two days before Christmas?Joe Flynn is Chairman of the Irish Christmas Tree Growers, and joins Seán to discuss.

There’s something in the water this Christmas... and while it might not be alcohol for some, the price of sober options during the holidays is enough to turn the mood from sweet to sour. From scare options to exorbitant prices, Irish Examiner Columnist and Food Writer Caitriona Redmond has seen it all since she went alcohol-free three years ago.The journalist has compiled her experience and offers alternatives to your traditional champagne. She joins Seán to discuss.

Over the next few days, the brilliant and joyous sound of church bells will be heard as we all celebrate Christmas and the coming new year.You may think that ringing bells is just pulling a bit of rope, but there is an art to bell ringing, and it takes a good bit of training to get competent at it.Raymond Cregan is the Ringing Master at Christ Church Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss.

As we frantically get our last bits of Christmas shopping done, how much of that will be done in a family-owned business? Unfortunately, not many of them have survived the past couple of decades…One that has is the iconic Kennys Bookshop in Galway which celebrated its 85th birthday last month.So amid all the changes, especially in how we read, how have they survived?  Tomas Kenny joins Seán to discuss.Image: @kennysbookshop on Instagram

For many Irish people Daniel O’Connell is one of the great nationalist leaders who changed the course of history for Ireland...But on a world stage, just why was his influence so popular?And what has Budweiser beer got to do with it?Lecturer of Nineteenth Century Irish History at UCC, Dr Jay Roszman, joins Seán to discuss.

An animated short film called ‘Retirement Plan’ has made the shortlist for a nomination in next year's Oscars.The film has been receiving rave reviews, and is 7 minutes of a man named Ray, voiced by Domhnall Gleeson, listing off all the things he hopes to do upon reaching retirement.Its Director, John Kelly, joins Seán to discuss!

Non-fiction book sales are currently going through a major slump. But, why is this? Joining Seán is Holly Harley, Non-Fiction Editorial Director at Head of Zeus' Apollo Imprint…

Every year Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI) hosts a Christmas celebration for people who are sleeping rough or using its services. Turkey and ham with all the trimmings, music, small gifts, and most importantly, a warm and safe place where people are welcomed by name. For many of MQI’s clients, this is their only Christmas meal and the only sense of “home” they will have.Henry McKean went along, and joins Seán to discuss.

Canadian linguists are upset over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s abandonment of their country’s spelling rules in official documentation. A group of disgruntled linguists have now written an open letter to the PM, requesting he cease and desist.Joining Seán to discuss is one of the signatories, John Chew, Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian English Dictionary…Image: Reuters

We’ve all seen the trend of ‘manifesting’ online, but typically manifesting is reserved for love or money. Meehika Barua, however, decided to improve her social life by manifesting better friendships.Meehika joins Seán to discuss.

With just days to go before Christmas, reindeers have never been so in demand. There is a herd of reindeer in County Down who are bracing for their busiest time...Philippa Auret from NI Reindeers joins Seán to discuss!

Ireland’s oldest person celebrated her 109th birthday earlier this week, she credits her longevity to ‘hard work, no smoking and no drinking’.Joining Seán to discuss the secrets to living a long life is Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Head of Ageing Research at Trinity College Dublin.

Breakups are hard, but when you are newly married and your relationship breaks down shortly after your wedding, there can be shame attached...Eve Simmons found herself navigating a split just six months after marrying her long-term partner.She joins Seán to discuss.