Moncrieff

Despite Pope Leo being a relatively outspoken successor to Pope Francis, we are yet to see women be in any position of power within the Catholic Church. So, will we ever see this in the future?

Joining Seán to discuss is Father Tony Flannery, a Redemptorist priest who was forbidden to practice by his superiors in Rome in 2012 for speaking up on many issues, including this one…

Seán’s guest wrote a book over 10 years ago that he never suspected could become as relevant now as it has.

Sorj Chalandon spent 25 years covering wars across Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria as a journalist. He then turned to novels, with his book ‘The Fourth Wall’ utilising his memories and emotions of reporting on these wars, and turning them into a story.

The book, set between Paris and Beirut in 1982 at the second Israeli invasion of Lebanon, follows the lives of Georges and his friend Samuel, a Greek Jewish Theatre Director and the staging of Jean Anouilh’s ‘Antigone’.

Sorj joins to discuss…

If you’ve taken a train journey in Ireland recently, you may have noticed something missing, the refreshment trolley. Once a familiar part of longer trips, it’s disappeared from most routes since the pandemic, leaving passengers without even a cup of tea on board…

So, is it time to bring it back?

Joining Sean to discuss is Jenny McEntegart, Freelance Journalist.

It’s Wish Week here on Newstalk, and we are highlighting the incredible work Make-A-Wish does in helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses…

Seán is joined by Isabelle McCarthy, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and her dad Brendan to discuss the wish she had been granted…

Let’s make 2026 the biggest Wish Week yet! Every cent matters. Donate online at makeawish.ie/donate.

Apparently, socks are becoming more important when it comes to finishing off an outfit, but why is this, and why are they going beyond keeping your feet warm?

Joining Seán to discuss is Laura Jordan, Image & Brand Consultant and owner of Style Savvy.

Today marks 120 years since the birth of Samuel Beckett. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1969, but he still remains to be more of a remote figure compared to the pantheon of Irish writers.

Joining Seán to discuss his life and career is writer Dr. Fearghal Whelan.

Forget the candlelight, the cocktails and the carefully chosen corner table, new research suggests the real spark on a first date has little to do with where you are, and everything to do with what you say. A study from the University of Georgia has found that meaningful conversation not mood lighting or stylish surroundings is what truly drives attraction. So, could the secret to a great first date be as simple as asking the right questions?

Joining Seán to discuss is Matchmaker Mairead Loughman.

Seán’s guest is concert pianist Fiachra Garvey, who despite growing up on a working farm, decided to swap the vet lifestyle to pursue music…

He joins to discuss!

A well-known and loved Irish phrase recently caused some confusion between an immigrant doctor and his patient.

Dr Mohamed Elbadri had asked his patient whether he would be willing to quit smoking, to which the patient replied, “I will, yeah.”

Three months later, during a check up, Elbadri was shocked to learn his patient had not quit, and had no intention of doing so!

So, how often do our Irishisms get lost in translation?

Joining Seán to discuss is Denise Deegan, writer, screenwriter and author of ‘The Little Book of Irishisms’ under the pen name Aimee Alexander.

Seán’s guest is so passionate about plants and nature, he turned his spare bedroom into a greenhouse!

Jonny Balchandani, otherwise known as the ‘Bearded Plantaholic’ has spent the last two decades nurturing thousands of plants in his home.

Jonny joins to discuss!