The Hard Shoulder

Will the two leaders make a deal to bring the war in Ukraine to an end? Or will the conversation be overshadowed by the urge to discuss the "huge untapped potential" for Russia-U.S. economic ties. For the latest on the meeting between president Trump and Putin. Kieran was joined by European Correspondent for Euro News, Shona Murray. And Ukraine Correspondent for Ouest-France, Radio France Internat...

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery. What can be done to resolve the issue of scoliosis treatment in this country? Joining Kieran to discuss is David Cullinane, Sinn Féin's Health Spokesperso...

A study around the attitudes towards concussions among amateur rugby players was made public today. The study found that an alarming amount of players said they would continue to play rugby despite being aware of their concussion and that they would intentionally avoid seeking medical attention after a suspected concussion. Just last week, two Japanese boxers died from brain injuries after receivi...

Would you let Instagram access your camera roll and all the data that comes with it to give you story suggestions and other features? Or is that too much of a privacy concern? For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this and more.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery. Joining Kieran to discuss this is Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley, who waited for three years for surgery for his scoliosis which he finally received in...

Due to budget constraints, the Government failed to pay members of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) last year due to greater-than-expected recruitment. Recruitment to the Reserves has increased in the number of years, with demand set to increase. What is the role of the reserves, and how important is it to invest in them? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Declan Power, Security Analyst and Declan Ga...

U2's statement online condemning the war in Gaza has been roundly criticized, with some claiming its performative and fake. But, other artists who say similar things have been widely praised – so what is the formula behind releasing the right statement? Joining Kieran to discuss is John O’Brennan, a Professor of European Politics in Maynooth University.

It’s in our clothing; it’s in our cooking utensils and it’s in our food packaging: microplastics. How worried should we be about its effect on our health? Dr Brendan O Shea, Kildare based GP joins Kieran to discuss.

‘It’s been like 10 minutes.’ That was tennis star Emma Raducanu asking the umpire for a crying child to be ejected at the Cincinnati Open match against Aryna Sabalenka. But, should babies even be at sporting events where players need concentration? Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

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 Kieran to give his travel tips for Cancún in Mexico!

Taylor Swift has announced that she will be releasing a 12th album! While we don’t have a release date, we do have an album name which is ‘The Life of a Showgirl’. The album name was revealed this morning on a clip which was teasing her upcoming appearance on the American podcast, New Heights, which is hosted by her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother. There's no doubt that Taylor Swif...

The Irish Pharmacy Union had warned against buying medicine online, claiming that it runs the risk of being harmful or fake. This comes as weight-loss drugs being bought online becomes more popular. Joining Kieran to discuss is Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist, health advocate, and owner of Milltown TotalHealth pharmacy who hosts ‘A WonderCare Podcast’.

A new DART station, located between Shankill in South Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow began operating on Sunday, the first new station in 15 years. Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran went to Woodbrook Station, to get commuters' reactions, and ask how much they rely on public transport. She joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.

The Ireland India Council has postponed India Day celebrations after recent attacks on their community, citing fears for their safety. Michael Sheehan, Independent Councillor in New Ross, Wexford, thinks the Government should step in to host these celebrations, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Rocky Horror Show has arrived in the Bord Gais, bringing some stars with it! Kieran is joined by actor and singer Jason Donovan, who plays Dr Frank N Furter and actor and broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli, who plays the Narrator to discuss the show.

It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re well into the adult stage of your life - it becomes increasingly important. Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips for those aged 30-45!

Back in June, the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee recommended schools use as many generic pieces as possible in their uniforms. According to the CCPC, 75% of schools have at least one uniform item that must be purchased from a specific retailer, which many parents feel is unnecessary and costly. Principal at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Bríd Ní Annracháin, joins Kieran to discuss.

In today’s digital world, most people don’t even think to carry cash with them, because why bother if everywhere accepts contactless payments? But actually, research shows that there are still times where cash comes in handy. A study in the UK, found that 41% of people have been caught out by not having cash. They said that they’ve needed cash when tipping at restaurants, paying for car parking or...

A Cork City Councillor has proposed that 15 and 16 year olds be allowed to drive ‘microcars’. Quadricycles, as they’re officially known, are small battery-powered cars which are very popular on the continent. So, should it happen? Joining Kieran to discuss is Damian Boylan, a Fine Gael Councillor in Cork City.

Members of the Indian community in Ireland have today met with Tánaiste Simon Harris after a series of violent attacks. They are calling on the Government to act to stop these attacks and have told of a growing fear in the Indian community. So, how did the meeting go? Joining Kieran to discuss is member of the Indian community in Ireland, Senthil Ramasamy, who attended the meeting earlier today.

None other than Alan Fletcher, AKA. Dr Karl Kennedy, is in Ireland – he's headlining a bunch of shows across the UK and Ireland over the next while. He joins Kieran to discuss!

Research has shown that smartwatches aren’t the best at telling our emotions apart. Researchers at the Dutch University of Leiden have found that wearable devices have trouble differentiating between feelings like tiredness or excitement, and are especially bad at reporting stress. Joining Kieran to tell more is Ciara O’Brien, Tech Journalist at the Irish Times.

As we approach the end of the summer, many kids and parents across the country will be thinking about heading back to school, but how can you best support your children when they make the move from primary to secondary school? Joining Kieran for this week’s Kids Health Check with her advice is Aoife Lee, from Aoife Lee Parent Support.

In April, Met Éireann Broadcaster Joanna Donnelly abruptly stated that she was done broadcasting – shocking the country. She’s remained silent up to now as to the reason for leaving, until today. She joins Kieran in the studio to discuss.

How has dating culture changed over the years? Are we looking for not just the perfect person, but the perfect life and lifestyle before we settle down? Is that setting us up for failure? Joining Kieran to discuss is Jane Cowan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Amanada Brunker, Playwright and Shelly Gray, Dietician and Presenter with Today FM.