Highlights From Moncrieff

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.

It’s predicted that many families in Ireland will spend around €1,600 on Christmas.The shops are going to be packed this weekend as people scramble for presents.How much do you spend on the big Christmas shop, and what are the essentials you can't go without?Newstalk’s Josh Crosbie has been finding out, and sends in this report...

Is there something about being away from home that makes you yearn for all things familiar to remind you of it?Emily Bourke is living in London and has started teaching Irish classes and organising Irish speaking events to make sure that she doesn’t lose her Gaeilge...Emily joins Seán to discuss!

It is that time of year where a book might appear in a Christmas stocking, but what books are suitable for children with dyslexia?Children’s author Jen Wallace partnered with Little Island Books to make her story ‘Dinosaur Pie’ dyslexia-friendly, and joins Seán to discuss the process.

Concerns have been raised for young up-and-coming fashion designers in this country who may find themselves ill-equipped to deal with the threats to their intellectual property, which can see major retailers copying their designs and reproducing them to the masses…So, what can be done?Lecturer Dr Paul Davis from Dublin City University joins Seán to discuss.

Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, a Doctor and Columnist for the Irish Independent, believes that if the state is paying for cholesterol medication, it ought to be paying for Ozempic too.Máire joins Seán to discuss society’s view on obesity, and why it needs to change.

As the Trump administration piles caveats onto visa entry requirements to the US, are more and more people fearful about their social media history and speaking out about the American government?Joining Seán to discuss is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway…Image: Reuters

Just one week ago, Dublin Zoo saw the first ever cataract surgery on a hippo. Frank O’Sullivan, one of the vets who performed the surgery joins Seán to discuss this world first, and the importance of conservation medicine.

Who was the man responsible for designing and planning Dublin’s flats?Lorcan Sirr, a Senior Lecturer in Housing at TUD, joins Seán to discuss the life and legacy of Herbert Simms, one of Dublin's most notable town planners and architects.

Drug smugglers are now using cows as a means to transport cocaine and bring drugs into Europe from Latin America. This method is being favoured by cartels knowing that International law enforcement agencies will be reluctant to search cattle ships…Max Stephens, International Crime Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph has been investigating this, and joins Seán to discuss.

For some people, the Christmas holiday can be a time of anxiety and hardship and even fear, especially if you are harbouring difficult emotions associated with the festive period. But do you suffer from Christougenniatikophobia?Joining Seán to discuss is Christopher Paul Jones, a Therapist and Phobia Specialist from Harley St in London…

Do children ever belong on farms?Alma Jordan, the Founder of Agrikids, joins Seán now to talk about farm safety, and how children can take part in farmwork without undue risk…

Ever since the Middle Ages, gout has been associated with the glutinous consumption of rich foods and too much red wine. But, is TikTok perpetuating medical myths like this?Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Muiris Houston, Columnist with the Irish Times, who has been writing about this…