Highlights From Moncrieff

This might surprise you, but Michael Jackson’s chimp, Bubbles, is still alive! In the years since the popstar’s passing, what has his pet been up to?Joining Seán to discuss is Patti Ragan, Founder of ‘The Center for Great Apes’. 

A seemingly minor neighbourhood dispute has led to an unexpected tourist attraction in Sheffield!Joining Seán to share the details is Ashley Pemberton, News Editor at SWNS Press Agency in Leeds.

The critically-acclaimed chef drama ‘The Bear’ returns for a third season on Disney+. But, how realistic is their depiction of a restaurant kitchen?Joining Seán to discuss is chef JP McMahon.Image: Disney UK

Taylor Swift has rented out the 3 Arena for the next 4 nights – not to perform, but to sell her merchandise! Fans have been queuing up since dawn this morning, just to get their hands on a 45 quid t-shirt, such is the power of Swiftenomics. Dr. Emma Howard is an Economist and Lecturer at TU Dublin and has been studying this, and joins Seán to discuss.

Here’s an intriguing, yet potentially misleading headline: "Scientists discover a surprising benefit of having smaller breasts" when it comes to the production of lactose in breastmilk.Joining Seán to examine this claim, and explain what it really means is Dr Afif El-Khuffash, a paediatrician, lactation consultant, and co-host of the ‘Baby Tribe Podcast’.

Ever wonder why Rafael Nadal bounces the ball a million times before serving? Or why Beyoncé has pre-show routines that rival ancient ceremonies? Michael Norton, Behavioural Scientist and Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School joins Seán to reveal how these quirky rituals can transform our everyday actions into magical moments.

Summertime also means barbecuing time! But if you don’t have one already, or want to upgrade, what BBQ should you get?Chef Jack O’Keeffe joins Seán Moncrieff to recommend the best options if you want to barbecue this summer!

We might find it difficult to say no to things - especially if we’re saying it in person. And when we do, a recent survey in the UK states that many of us regret saying no.So, what’s the issue, why do we find it hard to say no? And should we say it more?Newstalk’s Henry McKean, has been out in Stillorgan asking people if they’re more of a yes or no person, and joins Seán to share what he heard.

New research suggests that individual personality traits and emotional state can play a significant role in how many nightmares a person has, and how profoundly they are affected by them. But what are nightmares? Why do we have them, and do they serve any real purpose? Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Deirdre Barrett, Dream Researcher at Harvard Medical School, and author of ‘Committee of Sleep’ and ‘Pandemic Dreams’.

Have modern songwriters become lazy? ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus says that modern artists think a song is complete too early. He believes once a songwriter comes up with a good chorus or a good hook, they render it complete without giving the rest of the song time. Joining Seán to discuss this statement is singer-songwriter RuthAnne.

If you got a job at a large multinational company, it was seen as a perk to work in other countries - but since the pandemic and working from home, is this really seen as a bonus anymore?Joining Seán to discuss their own experience is Financial Times journalist Pilita Clarke.

The reintroduction of wild species has been discussed in Ireland, and Dr Jonny Hanson has put together a report on how this could happen. This week, the first wildcats were born outside captivity in Scotland – could this be a reality for Ireland?Dr Hanson, Environmental Social Scientist at Queen’s University Belfast, joins Seán to discuss.

There’s no denying that automation is becoming part of our everyday lives, but do we want robots to be indistinguishable from humans?  Engineers in Tokyo have for the first time manufactured skin from human cells, and attached it to a robot’s face. It’s a long way from being convincing, but it’s a big step in robotics. Adrian Weckler is the Technology Editor with the Irish Independent; he’s been taking a look at this creepy face, and joins Seán to discuss.Image: Takeuchi et al.

RTÉ has revealed a new plan for its future, which includes job cuts, and outsourcing some of its shows like Fair City and The Late Late Show to independent studios.How will this work? Philip Kampff from Vision Independent Productions joins Seán to discuss.

The annual Nettle Eating Championship took place last weekend in Dorset. Organised by Dorset Nectar Cider, the winner this year ate 116 feet of nettles, in 30 minutes! So, why do people gather to eat nettles? Ryan Strong is from Dorset Nectar Cider, and joins Seán to explain the competition.

Cathal Crowe of Fianna Fáil was on the Pat Kenny Show calling for the return of Brian Ború’s crown from the Vatican to Ireland, but does it actually exist?Joining Seán to discuss is Dr Seán Duffy, Professor of Medieval Irish and Insular History at Trinity College Dublin.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a struggle for some, but imagine only getting a diagnosis later in life? That is what happened to Aisling Leonard-Curtin, who says her diagnosis now helps her with her work. She joins Seán to discuss.

Ever wondered what it's like to grow up without siblings in a country full of nosy neighbours?Joining Seán to shed light on the joys and quirks of being an only child in Ireland is Vicki Notaro, journalist and author of the bestselling debut ‘Reality Check’.

Every day, people commit heinous food crimes, whether that be putting pineapple on pizza, or combining things that shouldn’t be combined.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking people about their biggest food crimes, and joins Seán to share his findings.

Lillian O’Donoghue has turned her home into a shrine for Coca-Cola - opening its doors every year to share her love for the brand.Lillian joins Seán to discuss how this all began, and how big her collection is.