Highlights From Moncrieff

Outrage continues to fulminate in Germany over the Christmas broadcast of the so-called ‘Slime Jesus’...So, what is getting people so exercised?Joining Seán to discuss is Deborah Cole, Berlin Correspondent for the Guardian…Image: ARD

Do you carry a handkerchief?With the winter colds and flus in full flow, some people are opting to ditch the manky tissue in favour of a luxury handkerchief...Louis Copeland would be a handkerchief man arguing that a pocket square is key to completing any look…He joins Seán to discuss.

While touring a Ford factory in Michigan on Tuesday, Donald Trump was heckled by an autoworker. He responded with profanity and a hand gesture. So, how common is it for politicians to use profanity and has this evolved over time?Joining Seán to discuss is Joseph Philips, a Politics Lecturer at Cardiff University…Image: Reuters

After noticing a friend wearing only a wedding ring, with no engagement band, Journalist Jennifer Horgan reflected on engagement rings and questioned whether the tradition symbolises love, equality, or ownership.She joins Seán to discuss.

Is terrestrial telly doomed?Eyebrows have been raised in the UK after new data revealed that more people are watching Youtube than the BBC – as views of the online site overtook those watching traditional TV.So, what does this mean? TV Critic and Broadcaster in the UK, Scott Bryan, joins Seán to discuss.

A new study suggests that people who are grieving a pet can experience prolonged grief disorder, but the International Classification of Diseases, a widely used diagnostic manual, limits the diagnosis to bereavement after the death of a human. Joining Seán to discuss this is Psychologist and Neuroscientist Sabina Brennan…

While we have a derelict site tax, but for some reason, a lot of them are left unpaid, and there are towns around the country dotted with vacant or derelict properties. Is there a way to bring them back into use to help with the housing crisis?Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Seán to discuss.

We tend to think male libido is all about hormones raging early, then a slow, inevitable decline, but a major new study turns that idea on its head. It found that men’s sexual desire actually peaks in their forties. If testosterone is already falling by then, what’s really fuelling desire: biology, confidence, relationships, or something else entirely?Joining Seán to discuss is Clinical Sexologist and Psychosexual Therapist, Emily Power Smith.

What is going on holiday with young kids really like, and why can it feel like absolute hell? Anne Sheeran has a two year old and a four year old, and she has pledged to do things differently...She joins Seán to discuss.

With the furore over Venezuela continuing, spare a thought for Corkman Daniel Florence O’Leary, who played a critical role in the country’s liberation from the Spanish.Joining Seán to discuss is John Dolan, a writer for the Echo, who has been investigating…

How often do you change your socks? According to an expert, it is vital to do it every day in order to avoid ‘Cheesy Foot’, ‘Onion Foot’, ‘Goat Foot’ and other unpleasantries.Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester…

Your home’s BER rating could be costing homeowners more than they realise - and many still don’t know what it actually means.With energy bills soaring, questions are being raised about whether people are getting the right advice at all.Professor in Energy Economics at UCD, Lisa Ryan, joins Seán to discuss.

The new film ‘Giant’, which was reviewed last week on Movies and Booze, focuses on the relationship between boxing world champ Prince Nazeem and his Irish coach Brendan Ingle, but how does the film’s portrayal of Ingle tally with the real life figure? Joining Seán to discuss is his grand nephew Sean Ingle, Chief Sports Writer for the Guardian…

Seán’s guest’s new play, ‘In Vitro’, opens at Bewley’s Cafe Theatre on February 2nd here in Dublin. Inspired by her and her wife’s experience of trying to have a family, the play explores the emerging class divide created by Ireland’s rules around IVF and the gay community.Joining to discuss is Aoife O’Connor…

Why is the EU getting involved in solving the housing crisis?And just what do European cities have in common when it comes to high rents and unaffordable property prices?Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing at the Technological University Dublin, has been looking at things, and joins Seán to discuss.

While Jessie Buckley began her career in reality television back in 2008, is it common for contestants to make the transition to the big time like her?Joining Seán to discuss is Orlaith Condon, Host of ‘Pod Save Us’.

Why is everyone going to therapy?It seems that more and more millennials are seeking professional help to manage their relationships, with a rise noted in the amount of couples going to couples counselling before they even tie the knot.So, just why is counselling important for ensuring success in a long term committed relationship?Specialist in Couples Counselling with Accord, Mary Johnston, joins Seán to discuss.

A new book ,‘The Outsiders Who Built Irish Entertainment: Maurice and Louis Elliman’ tells the story of the father and son duo who created an entertainment empire in Ireland…Author Wendy Elliman joins Seán to discuss.

The Trump administration released new dietary guidelines this month that call for Americans to eat whole foods and limit highly processed products.The US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr has issued the guidelines which “evangelise real food,” such as protein and “end the war on healthy fats.”Guidelines include images of an inverted pyramid that places meats and vegetables at the widest point on top, reversing the classic depiction of the American food pyramid.Freelance Journalist with The Times UK Harry Wallop tried out the diet for five days, and joins Seán to give his take.Image: Reuters

Are we nearing the death of diplomacy?In the first two weeks of this year, we have already seen major events unfold on the world stage, with Trump’s seizure of Venezuela and his sights on Greenland becoming more and more concerning for EU leaders.Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine persists and we are no closer to achieving a negotiation between Zelenskyy and Putin than we were three years ago.But, what role does diplomacy still play in such troubling times, and does it still hold any value?Former Irish ambassador to the EU, UK, and Italy and Executive Commentator, Bobby McDonagh, joins Seán to discuss…Image: Reuters