Moncrieff

From Netflix documentaries to special diets, there has been more and more talk of so-called ‘Blue Zones’, areas of the world where there is a high concentration of centenarians. But, is it all bogus? And how can we trust the ages of the super old?Joining Seán to discuss is Saul Newman, from the Centre for Longitudinal Studies at University College London, who has just won an Ig Nobel Award for his research in this area…

It's relatively easy to grow carrots in Ireland, but if you wanted to buy them in a shop - you're going to see produce from different countries, and even continents! So, why is this?Seán is joined by Siobhan Walsh, Tillage Editor at the Irish Farmer’s Journal, to discuss.

Emerald Fennell, the director of hits such as Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, has announced that her new adaptation of Wuthering Heights will feature Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the title roles, sparking controversy over her decision.Joining Seán to discuss this is author Sam Blake…

Many of the country’s thatched cottage owners are experiencing challenges with regard to insurance, due to the high premiums and lack of companies willing to provide cover.Joining Seán to discuss this is Ciarán MacDonnell, a thatched cottage owner and Founder of the Thatched Insurance Action Group…

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery conducts a yearly survey of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. Among the statistics within that report is a ranking of the most popular cosmetic interventions globally, and breast augmentation is consistently at the top. However, it’s not just larger breasts women want, breast reductions are becoming increasingly popular.Joining Seán to discuss this procedure is Éilís Fitzgerald - Consultant Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at the Beacon Hospital.

Last month, the Italian Tourism Minister had to resign over an affair he had with an influencer. Now, the Italian police are investigating whether or not this influencer used spy glasses to secretly film in parliament.Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent, Jess Kelly, has her own spy glasses to show off, and joins Seán to explain more.

From late September, Earth will have a second moon.  This second moon is known as a “mini moon” and is extremely rare.  Joining Seán to explain more is David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine.

Last week at the Ploughing, production company Kite Entertainment were casting for the Irish version of The Traitors. They were looking for good liars. So, are the Irish good at lying? And what happens in a lie detector test?Newstalk’s Henry McKean got to try one, and joins Seán to discuss.

The Gordon Bennett Cup is the longest hot air balloon race in the world. It recently took place, and there was only one female team in the competition. One of those was Deborah Scholes, who joins Seán to discuss.

Sally Rooney’s much anticipated new novel ‘Intermezzo’ is set in the world of competitive chess. But, how does it compare to the real scene?Joining Seán to discuss is Mark Watkins, Treasurer of Cork Chess Club, who has been analysing the book for the Irish Examiner.Image: Faber & Faber