Moncrieff

Irish dance halls have been a cornerstone of social life, bringing communities together and sometimes sparking generational debate.The 1935 Public Dance Hall Act formalised these spaces, placing them under state and Church oversight.In Donegal, Edwina Guckian’s ‘The Devil’s in the Dancehall’ brings this history to life, blending theatre with traditional dance and inviting audiences to take part in an immersive experience. She joins Seán to discuss.

Over the past year or two there has been an enormous increase in religious AI chatbots, some even taking on the role of an Almighty. But, what are the ethical implications of this type of technology?Joining Seán to discuss this is Dr. Lyndon Drake, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, who studies theological ethics and artificial intelligence…

The Director of the Heritage Foundation, the group responsible for much of Trump’s agenda, says in the Telegraph today “There’s sure as hell not going to be a return to old Republicanism…”So, is Trumpism here to stay? Or will the GOP revert to old-fashioned Republicanism once Trump leaves office in 2029?Joining Seán to discuss is Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin.Image: Reuters

Where did the staple of modern Irish cuisine, the spice bag, come from? And, where is it going? Dr. John Mulcahy, from Technological University Dublin, School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss!

We generally think of Christmas as a happy time of merriment with family and friends, but of course, it can also be quite stressful.There is shopping to do, dinners to organise and so many visits and events to fit in that sometimes it can all be a little overwhelming…But fear not! Fionnuala Jones’ guest has used a scientific formula to create the world’s happiest playlist that will keep you smiling throughout.Claire Renfrew, Chartered Psychologist specialising in Music Psychology, joins to discuss.

Author and Founder of the advocacy group Black and Irish, Leon Diop, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss his new memoir ‘Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging’, telling the story of his mixed-race childhood in Ireland.

Modern dating is chaotic and so too is the latest trend, micro-compatibilities. Apparently, we should be taking note of our partner’s shops, or what time they arrive at the airport, because the little things could end up causing big problems down the line…Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones is a leading dating coach, Frances Kelleher, to break down what’s really going on here...

Today’s word of the year for 2025 is ‘ragebait’, content designed to spark outrage and keep us clicking. But, with anger now driving so much of our online life, is letting our anger out healthy, or are we feeding a cycle that leaves us more stressed and divided?Joining guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss is Dr Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and author.

We may all think of Oscar Wilde as a talented writer and gay icon, but what’s less known is his lifelong interest in converting to Catholicism.Mary Kenny, Journalist and Columnist for the Irish Independent, joins guest host Fionnuala Jones to discuss this more obscure aspect of Wilde’s life…

The Christmas season is upon us, and between busy shops and packed pubs, people will spend more time waiting in line now than at any other time of the year.Some of us are better at keeping our place and patience than others though...Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on how to survive Queues-mas this year.