The Hard Shoulder

Recent research finds that almost nine in ten 18–34 year olds know someone still living at home because they can’t afford to buy. For those who managed to move out young, many return home to save money. Such was the case for Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist, who joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Patricia Byrne, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, to discuss why anxiety causes the most difficulties in children under 12 years old, and how parents have a massive impact in how a child experiences such anxieties.

Trump’s ‘tariff letters’ have arrived to governments worldwide ahead of the US President's blanket increase of tariffs globally. So, what did these letters include, and what should we expect on the tariff deadline on the 9th of July? Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent joins us now for an update.

Fine Gael is the first party to get its official presidential election process underway by opening nominations today, with former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness expected to be a strong candidate for that nomination, and MEP Sean Kelly also potentially in the running. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has refused to rule herself out of the running today. Joining Kieran to discuss th...

Matcha is all the rage as a coffee alternative that offers a gentler caffeine boost and antioxidants. The finely ground green tea powder has inspired two dedicated matcha distributors in Dublin: the Matcha Bar in Powerscourt Townhouse and OMMA on Clarendon Street. Matcha aficionado Grainne Daily, the Digital Content Creator behind @heyitsgra on Instagram, joins Kieran to discuss the boost in popul...

New guidelines to allow for smaller apartments with fewer features are to be introduced in an attempt to tackle the housing crisis. While smaller apartments are accepted by people in cities like New York or London, will it have any impact here? Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent Columnist.

How much time do you spend with your pets? A proposed Australian law would mandate that dog owners must spend a minimum of three hours per day with their dog. Should we do the same here? Dog trainer and behavior expert Samantha Rawson joins Kieran to weigh in.

Irish people are bracing themselves for more health insurance hikes in the coming weeks and months. Irish Life Health has its fourth hike of the year on the way, while Laya and VHI are also altering their plans, resulting in more expense for the customer. Dermot Goode is a Health Insurance Expert, and joins Kieran to discuss and give advice.

Esther McCarthy and Joe O’Shea join The Hard Shoulder to round up the week’s highs and lows. From Dua Lipa “splitting the G” in Dublin to French air traffic control strikes and Keir Starmer’s embattled chief of staff. Listen here

Will Sliney, Irish artist and illustrator for Marvel, joins The Hard Shoulder to talk about what it’s really like to draw for Spider-Man, how comics are made, and how the industry is changing. Will is perhaps best known for Spider-Man 2099, one of the best comics from the eponymous superhero. Listen here

Comedian Jim Elliot, Sunday Independent columnist Gina London, and political commentator Larry Donnelly join The Hard Shoulder to talk about how Independence Day has evolved — and what it means for Irish people. Have the Irish last that grá for the States? Listen here.

Chef Rory O’Connell joins Jonathan Healy with ideas for seasonal dishes and explains why the Folly Festival has become a staple of Ireland’s summer food and music calendar. Listen here

On Thursday night, Kyiv was subject to an intense drone barrage as Russia launched 550 drones and 11 missiles at Ukraine, the most ever launched. It came after Donald Trump expressed disappointment towards Vladimir Putin following a phone call yesterday over his unwillingness to end the war in Ukraine.   For the latest on this is James Waterhouse, BBC Ukraine correspondent , and Don...

 For many, though not all, long term relationships can mean a dwindling in the expression of physical affection.   The distractions of daily life can often result in less hand holding, intimacy and even less quality time spent with a partner.   So, what can be done to keep the spark in a long term relationship?   Joining Jonathan on The Hard Shoulder was Alanna K...

Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon and tailor Louis Copeland join The Hard Shoulder to discuss the permanent pedestrianisation of Parliament Street — and whether it’s a help or hindrance to local business. Listen here.

8 men who pleaded guilty to their involvement in the largest drug seizure in the history of the state have been jailed for a combined 129 years.   6 men were caught aboard the MV Matthew while two others tried to offload drugs onboard a second ship in the Irish Sea in September 2023  Frank Greaney NewsTalk’s Court correspondent joined Jonathan Healy for all the latest.

The calls for significantly increased taxes on the ultra-wealthy are only getting louder. Is it possible to be an ethical billionaire?   Jonathan Healy is joined by Oxfam Ireland CEO Jim Clarken and Dan O’Brien, the Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs. to discuss. Listen here.

John Fardy, presenter of Screentime, and entertainment journalist Sarina Bellissimo join The Hard Shoulder with their top picks for weekend viewing — including the best new films, series, and streaming releases. From Jurassic World: Rebirth to The Traitors on RTÉ, there's plenty to watch on screens both big and small. Listen here

16 flights to and from Dublin Airport have been cancelled for today and Friday as a French air traffic controller strike comes into effect. For the latest on this air travel disruption, Eoghan Corry, Travel Journalist joined Anton on The Hard Shoulder. Listen here.

 A Bill which seeks to end Discrimination against cancer survivors when accessing financial products is currently making its way through the Oireachtas.   Fianna Fail TD for Dublin South-Central Catherine Ardagh’s introduced the bill and joined Anton to discuss. Listen here.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has been saying this week that US tariffs of 10% on exports from Ireland will be the "new normal".  What does this actually mean for Irish business and for the Irish economy?  The CEO of IBEC, Danny McCoy joins Anton to discuss.

A new study from The University of Texas at Austin suggests that emoji usage can impact perceived responsiveness, closeness and relationship satisfaction.   Keith Broni, Editor-in-Chief of Emojipedia, and dating coach Sharon Kenny join Anton to explore how emojis are shaping online romance, from flirting to ghosting — and whether they help or hurt your love life. Listen here.

Michael Plant, Liverpool FC reporter with Liverpool.com , joins The Hard Shoulder to reflect on the sudden and tragic passing of Liverpool winger, Diogo Jota. Listen here

Ilan Pappé, Israeli historian and long-time critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, joins Anton from exile to explain why he was expelled, and why he's continuing to speak out against his government’s policies. Listen here

Ireland, credited with natural “storytelling charm,” ranked third funniest in a survey of 6,000 people across 30 countries. The Czech Republic ranked first and Portugal ranked second.  Comedian and actress Faye Shortt spoke with Anton to see if this list is really accurate.