Highlights From Moncrieff

A new investigation into the financial activities of Opus Dei shines a light on an organisation which has traditionally operated in the shadows…Joining Seán to discuss is Gareth Gore, Investigative Journalist and author of ‘Opus: dark money, a secretive cult, and its mission to remake our world’.Image: Scribe UK

A story written by Bram Stoker in the 1890s will feature at this weekend’s Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival. But, how exactly did it come to light?Joining Seán to discuss is writer and Bram Stoker enthusiast, Brian Cleary…

Controversy is brewing as Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, a notorious figure in Irish crime, is considering running as an independent candidate in Dublin Central's general election. Hutch, who was acquitted of murder last year, could be challenging political heavyweights like Mary Lou McDonald and Paschal Donohoe for a seat. But, with a criminal past, is he eligible to run for public office? Are there rules about who can stand for election in Ireland?To discuss, Seán is joined by Dr Jennifer Kavanagh, Lecturer in Constitutional Law at South East Technological University.

Last week, the latest set of autism assistance dogs graduated from their training school.These dogs can prove essential in so many aspects of the autistic person’s life, particularly in children.One of those organisations tasked with training these dogs is Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. David McCarthy is Head of Fundraising and Communications and joins Seán to discuss.Image: Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland

When Bill Gates set his coders to work on Microsoft Excel, his ambition was to woo the world’s accountants.40 years on, and it’s now being used for everything from planning weddings, to children’s parties.Seán is joined by Stephen O‘Leary, Founder at Olytico to discuss why it’s so widely used.

A headset, which zaps the brains of people suffering from depression, was able to improve symptoms in over 64% of the patients involved in the trial.This therapy is known as transcranial direct current stimulation, and differs from the more commonly known electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.To tell more about this, Seán is joined by Sarah Kittel-Schneider, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at UCC and Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry…

A recent survey by Capital Credit Union reveals that one in ten Irish adults have no savings, while 65% have less than €5,000 set aside for emergencies. Worryingly, over three in ten people in their 30s have less than €500 put away.But, how much should we really be saving at different stages of life? In your 20s, 30s, or even planning for retirement: what's the right target? And, if you're thinking of starting a family, how much extra should you be saving?Joining Seán to discuss this is John Lowe from MoneyDoctors.ie.

You might love looking at pictures of your favourite artists performing on stage, but did you ever wonder what it’s like to be the person behind the camera?Seán’s guest has toured with the likes of Hozier, and had her pictures of Glastonbury used across the globe. Photographer Ruth Medjber joins to discuss.Image: Ruthless Imagery

Boxty is an Irish potato favourite, but a campaign is gathering speed to secure Protected Geographical Indication status for its home in the northwest of the country. Joining Seán to discuss is Marian Harkin, Independent TD for Sligo Leitrim and one of the leaders of the campaign.Image: Ian Knauer

While communal television viewing was part and parcel of several generations of Irish children, the same cannot be said of today, where streaming, the diminishment of live TV and the rise of smartphones has made this collective experience rarer and rarer. But, what has been lost?Joining Seán to discuss is Colman Noctor, Child Psychologist and Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

Tomorrow marks International Stuttering Awareness Day. It is believed that about 50,000 people in Ireland currently have a stutter, but is there a right way and a wrong way to help someone who is struggling to get their words out?Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Jonathan Linklater, Speech Therapist and Development Manager for the Irish Stammering Association.

The people of Seaview near Kilmore in Wexford have been watching the coast encroach on their homes over the past five years.They’ve been allocated over €650,000 to help stop this erosion, but unfortunately this is not a long-term solution, as it will move the problem up the coast.Joining Seán to discuss is Lisa McDonald, Fiana Fáil Cllr for Rosslare.

Despite the experiences of a global pandemic, many people continue to insist on coming into the office when they’re sick. So, is this a valiant and impressive show of strength, or are they putting everyone else at risk?Joining Seán to discuss is Pilita Clarke, Columnist with the Financial Times.

Britney Spears has announced that she's married again... to herself. The singer posted a video on social media wearing a white dress and veil, while carrying a bouquet. She's captioned it by telling fans it's the "most brilliant thing" she's ever done.So (maybe not as much as Britney), do you like your own company? Do you go to the cinema on your own or even go on holiday on your own?Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Seán to discuss.

After a six-year hiatus, the Victoria Secret Fashion show returned this week.It has faced massive controversy in the past for glamourising weight loss and perpetuating unrealistic standards of beauty… But, has it changed?Joining Seán to discuss is Laura Mullet, Journalist and Celebrity Fashion Stylist.

According to a new survey, aggressive car beeping has become more common, as well as offensive hand gestures and giving out, but why is this? And what are our worst driving habits?Eugene Drennan, Spokesperson for the Irish Road Haulage Association, joins Seán to discuss.

Over in the UK, an emu that was abandoned by her parents has been raised by a chicken, named Nugget. But, how does that work?Joining Seán to discuss is Polly Bramham, Living Collections Manager, Birdworld.

Earlier this week, the TD Mick Barry produced a bottle of tap water in the Dáil chamber in order to support an argument he was making. But, what exactly are the rules around prop use in our parliament?Joining Seán to discuss is Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor of the Irish Examiner…Image: Oireachtas TV

Many pet owners get concerned at this time of the year about what is the best way to shield their dogs from exploding fireworks. One expert believes that playing reggae music to your pets may well be the solution.Joining Seán to discuss is Dog Behaviourist and Trainer, Suzie Walsh.

The world of competitive conkers erupted in controversy after questions were raised about the integrity of a conker belonging to the winner of the annual championship.Joining Seán to discuss is Neil Horton, Landlord of the Southwick Shuckburgh Arms in Northamptonshire and Committee Member of the World Conker Committee…