The Hard Shoulder

If dark and disturbing TV shows can negatively impact our mood, then why are we so attracted to them? Psychotherapist Maxine Walsh and Brian Lloyd, Movies Editor at Entertainment.ie join Kieran to discuss. Image: FX

This week guest host Joe Molloy is joined by writers and broadcasters Keith Walsh and Stefanie Preissner to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Joe Biden maintains he will stay in the presidential race despite ever increasing calls to end his campaign. Biden at a NATO press conference last night made some two significant blunders: calling Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ‘President Putin’ and calling Camilla Harris ‘Vice President Trump’... Joining guest host Joe Molloy to discuss is Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America Correspondent.

Wimbledon wraps up this weekend, and everyone has been focused on the big players Murray, Alcarez, Sinner... But what about the unsung heroes of the competition? Joining the show to tell us what it's like to work behind the scenes is Hebe Lawson, Today FM Producer and former Wimbledon Ball Girl.

Cathal Crotty was discharged from the Defence forces yesterday at one minute to midnight. He was given a three-year suspended sentence for beating Natasha O'Brien unconscious in an unprovoked attack in Limerick city on the 29th of May, 2022. Joining guest host Joe Molloy to give her reaction is Natasha O’Brien.

A viral tweet of a child cycling with the caption ‘No kid remembers their best day in front of the TV’ has received backlash on X with user’s responding with their favourite TV memories... Joining Joe Molloy to share their fond memories of watching television is Chef and Food Lecturer, Edward Hayden and Newstalk’s own, Caoimhe Harney.  Image: Nickelodeon

Today is July the 12th, with tens of thousands partaking in the celebrations up north. The festivities have the potential to flare up tensions between the two communities in the north, but so far, today’s celebrations have been peaceful. Joining guest host Joe Molloy to explain the meaning of the twelfth, its history and its contemporary significance is Rev Mervyn Gibson, Grand Secretary of the Or...

Brianna Parkins wrote in the Irish Times today that all 25 year olds should do a year in either hospitality or retail... Is this something we should introduce here? Will it make young people better equipped to deal with the world? Joining guest host Joe Molloy to discuss is JP McMahon, chef, author and restaurateur and Barry Duff from the Lock & Brew Café.

The National Apprenticeship Office is running a ‘One More Job initiative’ that provides supports for small businesses to employ apprentices... Joining Emmet Oliver to tell more is Stakeholder and Engagement Manager with the National Apprenticeship Office, Damian Walshe.

For a news update from the United States, Emmet Oliver is joined by Jeff Kuhner. 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. They discuss Democrat support for Biden, his speech at the NATO summit and more.

Does AI make us lazy? Well, guest host Emmet Oliver’s next guest was in front of The Oireachtas Committee on Education to discuss just this! Joining the show to discuss is Seán O’Sullivan, this year’s BT Young Scientist Winner. 

65% of Dubliners have witnessed anti-social behaviour in the city centre, while  over 90% feel the problem has worsened in the past 10 years. That’s according to a new Fianna Fáil survey published this morning. So is Dublin really safe? To discuss, Emmet Oliver is joined by Tony Gallagher, ex Garda inspector, Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for the North Inner City and Declan Keenan, You...

News broke last night that at long last the coveted role of Irish Football Manager has been filled! Heimir Hagrimmson has taken the job – but who is he? Off the Ball’s Mick McCarthy covered it on the show yesterday, but to learn more, Emmet Oliver is joined by Sports Editor for RUV Iceland, Einar Orn Jonsson.

World leaders have gathered in Washington DC this week for a summit marking 75 years since the formation of NATO. So, how did that summit go? Erin Baumann, Professor of International Relations and Politics at Boston College discusses with Emmet Oliver. And, joining to discuss if the military alliance has been a force for good are People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, and former Irish Army...

There has been much discussion about President Joe Biden since his first election debate performance, with many questioning if he is fit to run for a second term in office. His age is a big point of discussion, and Newstalk’s Simon Tierney was writing about this in the Irish Independent saying how this shows how ageism is one of the last tolerated prejudices in society. To discuss, guest host Emme...

Irish people have longed for land since time immemorial - but with a housing crisis and an aging population, many of us will have to rent into middle age. Newstalk's Sarah Madden talks to Ireland's lifelong renters, and those hoping to escape the fate.

International renowned actor Alec Baldwin is in court today. He is accused of involuntary manslaughter after videographer, Halyna Hutchins was killed when a firearm discharged on the set of a film she and Baldwin were filming. Joining Mandy Johnston to give the latest on the trial is U.S. Based Reporter with the Times UK, Harriet Alexander.  Image: Court TV

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands. Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined guest host Mandy Johnston to compare and bite into different rice cake offerings!

Tomorrow the Dáil adjoins for annual recess. With the past year being full of dramatic debate and deliberation. Joining Mandy Johnston to look back on the winners and losers of the Dáil in the first half of year some of the most notable moments is Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant and Irish Times Columnist and Political Editor of The Irish Times, Pat Leahy.

After a long eight-month wait, Heimir Hallgrimsson has been appointed as the Republic of Ireland football team’s manager. So, who is he? Off the Ball’s Mick McCarthy joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

News came today of a third elephant at Dublin Zoo testing positive for a deadly virus that has killed two young members of the small herd. Zinda, who was seven years old, died from the disease at Dublin Zoo yesterday, while Avani died from the same disease last Monday, the 1st July. Their mother, Asha, now has the virus. Gerry Creighton, Global Elephant Care Consultant, joins Mandy Johnston to dis...

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined guest host Mandy Johnston for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses the new lineup of products from tech giant Samsung, including new earbuds and the next generation of foldable phones. Image: Samsung

Businesses will, from today, have access to a range of government supports through the new National Enterprise Hub, launched by Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke. He joins Mandy to discuss.

Tomorrow, new legislation is being brought before the Seanad, making it a legal requirement for porn sites to ensure those under 18’s cannot access pornographic material. Failure to do so on their part will result in financial penalties under the proposed measures. Rónán Mullen, Independent NUI Senator, is proposing the legislation and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Do you have a nickname? If so, is there a funny story behind it? Or is it something people just… get? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public for their nicknames, and joins the show to report.