Highlights From Moncrieff

Speaking yesterday, the UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen made clear the global organisation’s desire for a pluralist democratic Syria.But considering the unpopularity of the UN on the ground in the country ,and the factionalised nature of the political landscape there, is that a realistic aim?Dr Rahaf Aldoughli is Lecturer in Middle East and North African studies at Lancaster University, and joins Seán to discuss.

Dublin City Council has this week rolled out light boxes across all libraries in the capital. But, what are they, and why would you use one?Joining Seán to discuss is Ciara Dardis, Divisional Librarian with Dublin City Libraries in charge of events and partnerships…

Have you thought about taping your mouth shut to get a better night’s sleep?A new viral craze has seen people put tape to stop themselves breathing through their mouth overnight...Professor Annie Curtis, Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at RCSI, joins Seán to discuss.

This month’s LA wildfires may yet prove to be the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history... It is already the country’s most costly wildfire on record.You’ve seen the pictures of devastated neighbourhoods reduced to ashes, with the Pacific Palisades no different to many other neighbourhoods in the LA area. Except for the fact that one house seemed to have survived the onrushing flames more or less unscathed…Michael Kovac is the Founder and Design Partner at Kovac Architecture Studio and the owner of that house. He joins Seán to discuss.Image: Reuters

A council in Greater Sydney has banned thong and g-string bikinis at its public swimming pools, causing outrage among pool users.Despite the outrage, sales of thongs are up at Marks & Spencer…So, why is there policing on what women can wear?Seán is joined by Édaein O'Connell, Freelance Journalist, to discuss.

In the past, Ireland as a country has assumed a certain level of immunity from espionage.It perhaps comes from our neutrality, our geographical location or our alliances, but in recent times, not only is Ireland not without espionage, it is in fact a major target in the 21st century…So, how prepared are we to deal with this threat?Dr Edward Burke is Assistant Professor in the History of War since 1945 at University College Dublin. He joins Seán to discuss.

Does it really pay to be loyal, or are we giving away too much information?The Consumer Columnist for the Irish Examiner, Caitriona Redmond took a long hard look at supermarket loyalty cards, and whether they are really worth having.She joins Seán to discuss.

What's the difference between a stoat, a weasel, a mink and a pine marten? A citizen science survey of Ireland is currently trying to map the Irish stoat.Joining Seán to discuss is Vicky Knight, Species Conservation Officer with Vincent Wildlife Trust…

In the last couple of weeks Italy brought in a new law making surrogacy a “universal crime”.This has been seen as part of a larger international reaction against the practice of surrogacy.So, with the Assisted Human Reproduction Act set to be enacted later this year, how will all of this affect Irish couples looking to avail of the practice?Annette Hickey is a Family Law Solicitor and one of Ireland's foremost Solicitors in Surrogacy Law. She joins Seán to discuss.

In 2019, it was discovered that the Bigmouth Buffalo fish was the world’s longest-lived freshwater fish, surviving to an age of at least 127 years old.But, this wasn’t the most incredible thing that the researchers discovered. The fish actually appears to be aging backwards!Dr. Alec Lackmann is Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and joins Seán to discuss.Image: National Geographic

The idea of ‘eldest daughter syndrome’ is the latest trend on TikTok, but what is it, and do first born daughters really carry a burden of responsibility?Joining Seán to discuss is eldest daughter and Freelance Journalist Adele Miner, who has been investigating this for the Irish Examiner…

What happened during the Bank Strikes in Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s? And how did people get access to cash when the banks went on strike?To discuss, Seán is joined by Rachel O’Dwyer is a Lecturer in Digital Cultures in the National College of Art and Design, Dublin and author of ‘Tokens: The Future of Money in the Age of the Platform’.

The development expenses of blockbuster games have been climbing ever higher over the years towards big Hollywood-style spending.But, a new game has outstriped those film budgets quite substantially: ‘Star Citizen’ might just be the most expensive piece of entertainment ever made…Peter Lynch is a Lecturer in Computer Games in TUD, and joins Seán to discuss.Image: Cloud Imperium Games

Life rarely works out the way you planned it. When you were younger - did you actually achieve the profession you said you wanted? And, is that such a bad thing?Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced that one of the state’s rare white-tailed eagles has been shot dead in Co. Westmeath. But, why is this so significant?Joining Seán to discuss is Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland…

Even though “Them bones them bones need calcium!”, why is it that drinking whole milk has become so contentious?In many films and TV shows, milk is often portrayed as the villain’s drink...Newstalk’s Own, Sarah McKenna Barry, joins Seán to discuss.

GAA is such a central part of Irish life that, even if you are not athletically inclined at all, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid its sports.Well, two of them at least. Whereas Hurling and Football are ubiquitous, we almost forget that Handball exists.Why? And what happened to this once popular Irish pastime?Ailill Martin is a Documentary Filmmaker and Director of ‘Hit The Wall’, he joins Seán to discuss.

Is it healthy to reflect on past mistakes? Should we be wallowing in them? Or is it best to rarely think about things - and move on with our lives?Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their biggest regrets, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Why do we yawn? Is it our body’s way to tell us we’re tired, or is it an attempt to keep us awake? Also, why is it infectious?Phil Smyth, Physicist, Engineer and Science Communicator joins Seán to discuss.

As a continent, Europe is the least engaged with cryptocurrencies. Are we lagging behind, and if so, could a so-called ‘Digital Euro’ be the solution?Joining Seán to discuss is Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP and member of the EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee…