The Hard Shoulder

Over the last few weeks, several Irish citizens have been detained in Israel after the flotilla they were on was intercepted on their way to deliver aid in Gaza. One of those was Irish author and activist Naoise Dolan who was aboard one of the Thousands Madleens vessels. She joins Ciara Doherty to discuss her experience on the Flotilla, her detainment by Israel and the current peace deal in place.

With many homes having their Halloween decorations up and festivities ready to get underway, we’re going to look at the connection between Halloween and Ireland. To discuss, Ciara Doherty is joined by Brinsley McNamara of Weird Ireland.

Speaking today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU will look to relax state-aid rules to increase the supply of affordable housing. In her speech, she highlighted the number of EU countries experiencing housing crises, and said they will begin working on the first ever European Affordable Housing Plan. But, how would a plan like this be implemented across such diff...

Henry's Front Bench is back! Henry McKean meets the Presidential election candidates on a park bench and tries to get to know them behind the politics. Today, Henry meets independent candidate Catherine Connolly, and sends in this report…

There has been a lot of talk over the proposed speed reduction in urban areas from 50km/hr down to 30km/hr. What was originally going to be a directive from the government implemented nationwide, now looks to be left to each county and city council to decide upon. To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Fine Gael Cllr for Galway City Council, Shane Forde, and Labour Cllr for Cork City Council,...

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about. This week, Simon joins Jonathan to discuss how you can quit smoking!

Henry's Front Bench is back! Henry McKean meets the Presidential election candidates on a park bench and tries to get to know them behind the politics. Today, Henry meets Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys, and sends in this report…

Israel says one of four bodies handed over by Hamas overnight "does not match any of the hostages". Hamas was required to return all 48 remaining hostages as part of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. For more on this and the opening of the Rafah crossing, Jonathan is joined by Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent with Independent.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Jonathan to discuss how OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, will be relaxing restrictions on its AI chatbot, allowing adult users to engage in more graphic or erotic feautres…

From sleeping with your pets in the bed, to having your shoes on the coffee table and generally leaving your phone on any surface in between: what causes the most household germs? Joining Jonathan to discuss is Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester.

A public consultation on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services has been launched by the Mental Health Commission. The move is an effort to implement "robust, evidence-based standards" for service users within the system. John Joe McGinley, parent and Founder of autismdad.ie joins Jonathan to discuss his experience with two sons who have been in the CAMHS system.

You may have seen a recent trend circulating online, of people sending their parents AI generated images which make it look like there is an unknown person in their house, to get their reaction. While this is a seemingly harmless joke, it’s one of many instances of AI generated deepfakes circulating online. So, how can you tell an AI deepfake from a real image? Joining Jonatahn to discuss is Profe...

The Dáil today voted a motion of confidence for Simon Harris. The motion was put forward by the Government after Aontú said yesterday they would be bringing a motion of no confidence against the Tánaiste over his failure to deliver promises for scoliosis care during his time as Minister for Health. Joining Jonathan with the latest is Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Louise Burne.

Bucket lists - are they something we still use to measure our success and to monitor the goals we unattainable things we are still reaching for, or have we scrapped them for a more day to day mindset? Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo and Stephaine Regan, Clinical Psychologist.

This morning, the Oireachtas Transport Committee met to discuss the provision of buses in rural areas. Representatives from Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority appeared before the committee to discuss the biggest challenges facing public transport on these rural routes. Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Sinn Féin TD for Kerry Pa Daly and the National Transport Authority’s Director...

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, Fionn joined Jonathan Healy to give his recommendations for Halloween festivals in Ireland!

Irish Olympic Swimmer Shane Ryan has announced he will take part in the controversial Enhances Games which next year will permit competitors to use performance enhancing drugs, like steroids, to gain advantage. Since his announcement, the Irish sporting world has criticised the decision including Swim Ireland who said they’re “disappointed” by the three-time Olympian’s decision. Joining Jonathan H...

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín joins Jonathan Healy to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The ceasefire in Gaza is under strain today, as Israeli Defence Force members have shot multiple civilians dead in Northern Gaza. Shows of intra-Palestinian violence also reign as Hamas have carried out public executions of suspected collaborators. So, will the ceasefire hold? Paul Kearns, Freelance Journalist in Tel Aviv joins Jonathan Healy to discuss.

Protein is not just a macronutrient, but now a buzz word in diet and health culture. You will have seen many foods focusing on being ‘high protein’ or ‘protein enhanced’. Is it simply the latest diet trend, or should you be stocking up on your protein powder? Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Shelly Gray, Today FM Presenter and Registered Dietitian.

Defective concrete blocks have resulted in many homeowners being forced out of their homes as it crumbles around them. The issue has persisted for a number of years, with many still fighting for appropriate support. Jonathan is joined by a homeowner impacted by defective concrete blocks, Marti McElhinney, and TD for the 100% Redress Party, Charles Ward to discuss.

Limerick City and County Councils are set to list all pet-friendly businesses and establishments. Which begs the question, should more spaces be dog-friendly, and is there a point in which we should draw the line on this? Freelance Journalist Andrea Smith joins Jonathan Healy to discuss.

Many of the big energy providers have hiked their prices in recent months. With many people already squeezed by the cost of living, some have suggested that a price cap should be implemented to stop what they see as price gouging… but would a price cap be a feasible or effective solution? Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Economist and former Political Analyst David Higgins and Sinn Féin MEP, L...

Fianna Fáil Cllr Audrey Buckley has said that hospital staff and Gardaí need to take greater action in incidents of suspected spiking, following an incident involving a family member of the local politician. But, what are the protocols currently in place if a person presents to an emergency department? Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Dr Chris Luke, Consultant in Emergency Medicine...

This year's Dublin City Marathon is only a week away, and joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Mary Nolan Hickey, the only woman to run every Dublin City Marathon since it started in 1980…