Highlights From Moncrieff

Imagine a car with a wind turbine or a vehicle designed with a built-in meeting room – sounds like science fiction, right? Yet, these are just a few of the innovative and sometimes wild patents filed by major car companies over the years.  To delve into these fascinating inventions and explore the history and future of automotive innovation, Seán is joined by Dave Humphreys, Motoring Journalist from CompleteCar.ie.

An investigation carried out by Noteworthy, the investigative department of The Journal, has uncovered evidence of illegal cockfighting taking place up and down the country. But what needs to be done to prevent and stop this activity? Joining to discuss is Labour senator Annie Hoey.

It sounds like a scene straight out of a movie or an episode of Friends: the quintessential high school reunion, a post-education milestone that every American seems to face. But what's the real deal with these reunions? Are they purely an American invention? Interestingly, it appears that schools in Ireland have caught on to the reunion trend as well. Frank Coughlan, a columnist for the Irish Independent, recently attended one. He joins Seán to discuss how it went.

Apple Music has released its list of the 100 greatest albums of all time.  The top 10 features Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and The Beatles - with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill taking the number 1 spot. Today FM’s Claire Beck and Newstalk’s Tom Dunne join Seán to tell everyone how wrong Apple Music are.

The TV presenter Angela Scanlon admitted that she lied to the BBC in a job interview- saying that she had plenty of studio experience in Ireland, when that was not truly the case.But, don’t we all lie a bit when trying to get a job?Newstalk’s Henry McKean went to find some answers.

It has been a week of controversy in the world of art with King Charles III’s new official portrait, stirring some conversation with many claiming it looks ‘hellish’. Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart’s portrait has also sparked debates as she has demanded her portrait be removed from the National Gallery of Australia.  Joining Seán to discuss what makes a good portrait is Kathleen James-Chakraborty, Professor of Art History University College Dublin. Image: Jonathan Yeo

Ireland, Norway and Spain have all announced plans to recognise a state of Palestine. But, what is recognizing a state? And how does it work? Scott Lucas is a Professor at the Clinton Institute in University College Dublin, and joins Seán to discuss the process.

Two new roller coasters have just opened in Ireland, promising to thrill and amaze—but do they deliver the excitement that coaster enthusiasts crave? We turned to the experts to find out if these rides are worth the hype. Joining Seán to discuss is Richard Bannister, who is on the Executive Committee of the European Coaster Club. Image: Emerald Park

A furore has developed stateside after OpenAI launched a new iteration of ChatGPT which uses voice technology that seems to resemble that of Scarlett Johansson, in an odd throwback to the 2013 movie ‘Her’. Joining Seán to unpack this legal quagmire is Ciara O’Brien, Tech correspondent for the Irish Times…Image: Open AI

As part of the airport’s expansion plans, two original aircraft hangars from the 1940s and the iconic North Terminal, which was used for many VIPs and Heads of State, will have to be levelled.  Frank McDonald, former Environment Editor of The Irish Times says this shouldn’t happen as these are important elements of our architectural heritage. He joins Seán to discuss.

Today marks World Goth Day, and you might be surprised to hear that the Goth community has witnessed a resurgence over the past few years…Joining Seán to discuss Wesley Whitworth, Founder of Goth Ireland.

After a successful trial last summer, Wicklow Wolf is now going full steam ahead with its appropriately named ‘Sliced Can’ beer, which uses Brennan’s Bread in its ingredients, but how does it all work? Joining Seán to discuss is Quincey Fennelly, Co-founder of Wicklow Wolf.

It seems that Ogham has made a comeback with it recently showing up in a Coventry Garden, and also on Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug in Sweden. But what exactly is Ogham, and why is it being used again?  Joining Seán to explain is Professor David Stifter, Professor for Old and Middle Irish in Maynooth and currently working on the Digitisation of Ogham project ‘Ogham in 3D’.  Image: Florian Thiery

It’s 20 years since we all waited with bated breath to see if Rachel Greene got off the plane, in the final episode of ‘Friends’.  It has gone on to be one of the most successful TV shows of all time, but is ‘Friends' really as good as it’s made out to be? Olivia Fahy is Editor of Geek Ireland and self-declared ‘Friends’ encyclopaedia and joins Seán to discuss.

The Cannes Film Festival recently took place, and to be more sustainable, they banned red meat. However, celebrities still arrived in their private jets. Is Canne's effort to be sustainable impactful or complete greenwashing? Dr Darren Clarke is an assistant professor in Climate and Environmental Sustainability in DCU and joins Seán to discuss.

During a recent trip away from the family home, Seán’s guest realised just how different the roles are that are played by mums and dads. But why is one practical, and the other fun? Joining Séan to discuss is Julie Jay, comedian and Irish Examiner columnist...

More than half of Irish households have a pet.Cats, gerbils and exotic birds make up part of the pet population, but dogs are by far the most "pupular" family furry.Once confined to the back garden - owners are now taking them out and about more and more, but is this a good thing for us and our pets?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Sexual harassment and discrimination on night outs is, unfortunately, a widespread experience that needs to be stopped. Safe Gigs Ireland wants to end this and is working to create safe spaces for everyone. Dola Twomey is the lead out of ‘Safe Gigs Ireland’ and a therapist at Sexual Violence Centre, Cork and joins Seán to discuss.

While war still rages in Gaza, there is a conflict in the north, with Hasbullah and Israel launching rockets at each other - and Irish troops are stuck in the middle of it.Tom Clonan, Senator and former Army Officer who served in the region, joins Seán to talk about the history of the conflict and why we’re there today.

Potatoes: the Irish family staple. And with them, there’s so much you can do, especially when it comes to making chips! You can have chunky chips, skinny chips, crinkle cut chips or even make some wedges. However, French fries have come out on top as being the fan favourites, with 62% of Brits saying they prefer French fries over the chunky chip! Joining Seán to explain why is Gary O’Hanlon, Executive Chef of The K Club.