

Moncrieff
Newstalk
The daily dose of madness and intrigue from Sean Moncrieff and his rebel radio crew.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
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Feb 9, 2026 • 19min
TV on the Radio: These Sacred Vows, Glitter & Gold and Memory of a Killer
James Dempsey joins Moncrieff with his picks for what to stream. On the list this week:RTE comedy Drama series These Sacred Vows, Netflix documentary on the intense traning involved in Ice Dancing Glitter & Gold and Memory of a Killer a 2026 American Crime Drama follwoing a hitman struggling with early-onset Alzheimer's

Feb 9, 2026 • 11min
Report finds 43 per cent higher rate of recorded sexual violence compared to any other EU countries. What explains this shocking number ?
Ireland has a 43 per cent higher rate of recorded sexual violence. These are incidents reported to the gardaí and officially entered into the criminal justice system this more than other EU countries.Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive Officer Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, joined Sean to explain.The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre: Offers a 24-hour helpline at 1800 77 8888 for free, confidential support.

Feb 9, 2026 • 13min
How much should you spend on a wedding present ?
Wedding costs are at all-time high in Ireland, and that's not just for the happy couple. Surveys show it has never been more expensive to host a wedding or to accept an invitation to one. While 96% of guests tend to give money as gifts, how much should you give, and should it depend on what you get out of the wedding? If you attend a wedding in Adare Manor with an open bar, should you be expected to give more? Sara Kennedy, author of the The Aisle blog and wedding expert joined Sean.

Feb 9, 2026 • 10min
How dangerous is Household mould to your health, and is there anything you can do to prevent it?
Mould in the home is more than just an eyesore, it can be a serious health risk, especially for young children, older adults, and people with breathing problems. In damp or poorly ventilated houses, mould can grow quickly and quietly, often before you even notice it. In this brief, we’ll look at simple, practical steps you can take to reduce moisture in your home and prevent mould from taking hold.Joining Sean was Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester

Feb 9, 2026 • 10min
AI tech is being piloted in Cork to detect traffic violations
New artificial intelligence technology is currently being trialled on buses by the National Transport Authority. Similar cameras are used in US cities to enforce parking violations including the obstruction of bus lanes, bus stops and bike lanes by road users. The technology comes froms San Francisco company, Hayden AI, the system can record offences and violations while the bus is moving.So could this technology help ease congestion and could it catch you next time you commit a offence ?Joining Sean to explain was Peter Horgan, Labour councillor for Cork City

Feb 9, 2026 • 11min
Are we making our pets fat and not realising? Henry McKean reports
Are we making our pets fat and not realising ? The Irish Blue Cross, the veterinary charity, is warning there is a hidden obesity crisis that may be shortening your pet's lifespan. Only 46% weigh their pets or not at all and 80% feed them treats or human food daily. Henry McKean reports.

Feb 6, 2026 • 7min
Should novelists embrace Reality TV to market their work ?
When the thriller writer Harriet Tyce appeared on The Traitors, her book sales skyrocketed by over 500%...So, could novelists be marketed in this way going forward and have they been missing a trick up to now? Sean was Eithne Shortall, Novelist and author of 5 books, including ‘The Lodgers’.

Feb 6, 2026 • 13min
How do Michelin star inspections work?
On Monday coming, the latest Michelin stars will be distributed to restaurants in the UK and Ireland. But how do the inspections work? Sean was joined by Joanne Cronin, food writer with the Irish Times, who has been investigating it.

Feb 6, 2026 • 6min
Doping body on the lookout for 'penis injections' at Winter Olympics: Why Athletes often do bizarre things to get an advantage.
Athletes are always chasing an edge — a fraction of a second, an extra inch, one more rep. And sometimes… that search gets weird. From bizarre diets and lucky rituals to science experiments that sound more like dares, athletes have tried just about everything to boost performance. Some swear by it, some regret it, and some probably shouldn’t admit it out loud. Daniel Hussey, Sports Journalist joined Sean to discussAthletes are always chasing an edge — a fraction of a second, an extra inch, one more rep. And sometimes… that search gets weird. From bizarre diets and lucky rituals to science experiments that sound more like dares, athletes have tried just about everything to boost performance. Some swear by it, some regret it, and some probably shouldn’t admit it out loud. Daniel Hussey, Sports Journalist joined Sean to discuss

Feb 6, 2026 • 17min
The mythology of John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette tragic romance
With a new series examining the tragic romance between John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette premiering on Disney Plus next week, Sean was joined by journalist Liadán Hynes who has been looking into the enduring mythology surrounding the couple.


