The Hard Shoulder

Never has a presidential race been so dramatic and full of twists and turns then the one in the US. Comedian Jim Elliot is on the ground stateside in Tennessee putting a finger on the pulse that is American politics. He joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss how former President Donald Trump possibly embarrassed himself on a livestream with Elon Musk on X / Twitter… Image: Margo Martin

As back to school looms on the horizon, it raises the question, should we shorten the school holidays? Italians certainly think they should, a petition to cut their 14 week long summer is circulating, but are they right? Or should we let our kids have down time? Kieran is joined by comedian Steve Cummings and Jen Hogan, Journalist and Irish Times Columnist to discuss this...

One-way flights from Dublin to London could cost up to €500 this coming Christmas, unless Dublin Airport’s passenger cap is lifted. So says Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who spoke to Shane Coleman on Newstalk Breakfast this morning. Padraig O Céidigh, Former Senator, Founder of Aer Lingus Regional & Former Chair of Shannon Airport Group joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss further.

Some people may be used to getting ID’d at the club door for looking too young, but what about getting ID’d for looking too OLD? It begs the question, does clubbing come with an age limit? Aideen Finnegan, Podcast Producer for The Irish Times and Freelance Journalist, Florence Okojie joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss.

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family. He joins Kieran to discuss how, following Biden’s dropout and Kamala Harris taking his place, she is surging in the polls compared to Donald Trump? Will he be able to catch up?

The interest and obsession in former Love Island stars’, Molly Mae Haugh and Tommy Fury’s split is the perfect example of how invested people get in celebrity relationships. But, why are we so intrigued? Kieran is joined by Alexandra Ryan, founder and CEO of Goss.ie , to discuss.

The country's first e-scooter rental scheme was launched today in Wexford town in conjunction with Bolt, but what impact will this have on the town, and should we consider expanding the roll out across the country? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Joe O’Shea, Columnist for the Irish Mirror and Colin Baker of Back from the Future IT Support.

Playboy magazine is coming back, and while some people may feel its return is misogynistic in 2024. But, is this just a distraction? Is the real concern what our kids are watching in general? Dr. Caroline West, sex educator and sexual violence prevention educator joins Kieran to discuss.

Plans are underway for Cork's first Olympic swimming pool, but right now, it’s sitting in a warehouse. Joining Kieran to discuss is Giuseppe Whelan, Chairman of Dolphin Swimming Club.

Transition Year was first introduced in secondary schools 50 years ago, but how has the program changed since then? And what are the pros and cons of the so-called ‘doss’ year? To discuss, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchins College Limerick and Aontú’s Education Spokesperson, and Newstalk's own Alex Rowley.

We all love our pets, and if you own a dog, you probably give them a kiss on the forehead, or maybe even on the mouth. But how unhygienic is this really? And what implications could it have for health? Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology in University of Leicester.

The removal of branding from cigarette boxes successfully reduced smoking among young people, but should a similar approach be taken with unhealthy food? To discuss, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Gráinne Mullins from Grá Chocolates...

If a friend or family member opens up to you about their mental health struggles, what is the best way to support them? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Geoffrey McCarthy, Psychotherapist and CEO of the Beacon of Light Counselling Centre in Clondalkin and Emer O’Neill, Broadcaster with RTÉ.

Many of the fantastic Irish Olympic athletes are no doubt having a deserved rest after a stellar competition. But, for some medal winners, such as Daniel Wiffen, many brands and businesses will be lining up to work with an Olympic champion. What is life for these individuals business-wise? And how much change does it have on their professional life? Joining Kieran to discuss is Trevor Twamley, CEO...

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss why you should sometimes delete your old emails and files - not just for the environment - but your pocket too!

Social Democrats’ TD Gary Gannon has raised concerns whether Dublin City has become too dangerous in the wake of a series of incidents following the Olympic homecoming earlier this week. Joining Kieran to discuss how dangerous Dublin City really is is Will Monaghan, owner of One Society Café. Will Monaghan is the owner of One Society on Gardiner Street. Will, as someone working in the City Centre,...

The age-old debate of tattoos: should people think more before they ink? Or are we being too judgmental when it comes to body modification? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Irish Independent Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk Sinead Ryan and her son, Andrew, who just got a new tattoo.

Between navigating social cues and dating apps, trying to find a partner is a difficult endeavour. That mission isn’t easier if you are trying to get back out there after a divorce. So how do you get back on the horse? Frances Kelleher, Life Coach and Dating Expert, joins Kieran to discuss.

Research released earlier this summer showed that seat belt wearing rates have decreased among drivers and on top of that, drivers have been buying devices called ‘beep stoppers’ aimed at disabling car systems that beep when seat belts are not worn while driving. Is driving behaviour and attitudes at an all time low? Geraldine Herbert is a motoring editor and columnist with the Sunday independent...

It’s been five years since the proposed White Water Rafting centre hit the public eye. Is the idea still a dud? Or should we consider it in light of our recent conversations around investing in sports infrastructure? To discuss, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Donna Cooney, Green Party Cllr and Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin and Dermot Lacey, Labour Party councillor on Dublin City Council. Image: Dublin...

Pharmacists should be able to prescribe for a range of common conditions.    So found a new report published today by the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy.    Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly joined Kieran on this....

Once upon a time the dinner table was the focal point of a family home where we all gathered to talk about the day and share our food together. But these days, the TV pulls our attention instead or we eat on the go. Should we revisit the dinner table and make a point of sitting together, sharing experiences and connecting? Joining Kieran is Tara O’Connor, Event planner and Table-scapist from the D...

Electric Picnic is upon us as the gates of Stradbally Hall open up to 75,000 people from Thursday. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie got a sneak preview of what people can expect. Hear from the organisers, stage creators and those performing.

Kieran is joined by Broadcaster and Presenter Sarina Bellissimo. She’s been glued to the TV since the Paris Olympics began, and shares the best moments she’s found as a viewer from home.

Ahead of this year’s inevitable general election, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe, has been taking a look at what the major parties actually stand for. This week, he joins Kieran Cuddihy to profile Fianna Fáil, finding out what makes them different to the other party with Fianna in its name.