• How the Ancient Romans treated soldiers
    Dec 23 2024

    While the Ancient Romans waged battle across their empire, how exactly did they treat pain on the battlefield and what sort of medical equipment did they use? My next guest collects such equipment and even does reenactments. Joining me now is Martin McAree, Chairperson of Legion Ireland, The Roman Military Society of Ireland…

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    11 mins
  • Should celebrity memoirs recognise ghost writers?
    Dec 23 2024

    Christmas is a major time for celebrity memoirs: the number one book in the country this Christmas is the autobiography of one of Ireland’s most famous rugby stars. However, the Society of Authors is calling on celebrities to do more to ensure that their ghostwriters are properly credited…

    Joining Seán to discuss is Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, who writes under the pseudonym of Sam Blake, and is the Chairperson of the Society of Authors…

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    9 mins
  • How two brothers beat the Guinness shortage
    Dec 23 2024

    You may have found it funny to hear about a shortage of Guinness in British pubs in the last while. Well, two brothers have discovered it’s no laughing matter, and have taken action by ensuring they have a supply of the black stuff.

    Colm Lynch from Hop Pole in Wandesworth joins Seán to discuss.

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    9 mins
  • What was the best decade for Christmas? - Henry McKean Asks
    Dec 23 2024

    When was the best time to have Christmas? Are they better now than ever - or were things simpler and better back in the day?

    Henry McKean has been asking the public for their festive favourites, and joins Seán to discuss.

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    22 mins
  • Was the Silent Night really that silent?
    Dec 20 2024

    The nativity, also known as the Christmas pageant, claims to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

    However, new research suggests that the so-called ‘silent night’ may not have been that silent…

    Seán is joined by Chris Greenough, Professor of Social Sciences at Edgehill University, to discuss.

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    9 mins
  • Can death be abolished?
    Dec 20 2024

    A new book explores how to preserve our brains when we die, so that our successors can revive us at a later date!

    Joining Seán to discuss is Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, Neuroscientist and author of ‘The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death’...

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    10 mins
  • Should you get a real or fake Christmas tree?
    Dec 20 2024

    Over half a million Christmas trees will be cut down for homes across Ireland this festive period, but which is actually better for the environment… real or fake?

    Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Michelle McKeown, Lecturer in Environmental Geography at UCC.

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    10 mins
  • Why spiced beef is a Cork tradition
    Dec 19 2024

    While spiced beef has traditionally been associated with Cork, it has grown wings over the past few years and appears to be becoming more and more popular across the country.

    Michael Moynihan, Columnist for the Irish Examiner has been writing about this, and joins Seán to discuss.

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    7 mins