The Hard Shoulder

We have all been aware of inflation the last few years but one of the side effects of this is… Shrinkflation!  Well Ritz crackers are the next beloved snack to be a victim of shrinkflation… The number of crackers has reduced 30% however the price stays the same!  Kieran is joined by Consumer Affairs Correspondent and Pricewatch Editor with The Irish Times, Conor Pope and Co-Presenter of...

In the lead up to the Local and European elections, we're going to be out and about with candidates as they are on the campaign trail. This week, Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie spoke with some candidates who are running in an election for the first time.

A Louth Councillor, Pio Smyth is calling for a dog DNA database to be created so we can crack down on dog fouling!  Joining Kieran to discuss is John Fulham, Public Engagement Manager at the Irish Wheelchair Association, Dave O'Reilly Greystones Tidy Towns Chairman and Dónal Ryan from the City Vet in Limerick to discuss the issue.

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 Trump’s claim that the Department of Justice were ready to shoot him during his 2022 raid, and why Democrats and Republicans alike are furious with the ICC for their arrest warrant o...

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a homeowner, it’s hard to avoid the words ‘interest rate’. But how do you know if you’re getting the best possible rate? To talk about this, and the importance of shopping around we have teamed up with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Sinead Ryan, Journalist and presenter of the Home Show here in Newstalk joins Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s guest has not seen her two sons in two years…  Mandy Kelly’s sons Zayn and Kareem, who are now 5 and 3, were taken by her estranged husband to his home in Egypt back in April 2022.  Mandy’s case has been backed by the Taoiseach, and she today met with Children’s Ombudsman Niall Muldoon.  She joins the show to share her story.

Newstalk's own Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. This series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options.  This week, Simon brought a selection of barbeque sauces!

There have been many reactions to Ireland’s decision to recognise Palestine as a state. One person who has been calling for this for a long time is actor and musician Steve Wall. He joins Kieran to give his reaction… Image: Kathrin Baumbach

A leak from the UK has led to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing a new general election for the 4th of July. Joining Kieran to discuss what this means is London-based Journalist, Enda Brady...

Everyday the issue of immigration is being discussed on the airwaves and on our screens. We see the quotes ‘Ireland is Full’ and ‘Close our borders’ on a continual basis, with many now using this as their platform for upcoming elections. What impact is this having on migrants who call Ireland home for the last 5, 10 or 20 years? Kieran’s guest Linda was born in Uganda, but has lived in Ireland for...

Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses the new 4 foot tall robot you can buy for 16 grand. Is that remotely worth it? She also gives tips on Trello and recommends the NYT Daily podcast. Image: Unitree Robotics

The Europa League Final kicks off at 8pm tonight in the Aviva Stadium with Atalanta and Leverkusen going head-to-head.   But who will raise the Europa League trophy?  Newstalk reporter Sheila Naughton is speaking from the event…

There have been calls by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore to get rid of best before dates on food as it leads to food waste.  Is this a fair idea? And what do best before date actually mean? Shelly Grey, Presenter Today FM and Dietician joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris announced that Palestine will be recognised as a state by Ireland. Joining Kieran to debate whether or not this is the right choice is, Political Commentator, Adam Boulton and People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett... Adam also comments on the announcement of a general election in the UK of the 4th of July.

Now it is just over 2 and a half weeks until Ireland goes to the polls in the Local and European elections.    Last week the show had on many of the candidates in the Ireland South Constituency – this week we have turned our attention to the Dublin Constituency.  We heard from Brendan Ogle, Ciaran Cuffe and Sinead Gibney on Monday, and today it is the turn of Barry Andrews, Fia...

Earlier today Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced Ireland will be recognising Palestine as a state...  So what is the reaction to this news across the pond?   Joining Kieran is Former Chief of Staff for Donald Trump and Chair of Actum Global Consultants, Mick Mulvaney.

Outside the O'Reilly Hall is an encampment protest of about 100 tents organised by the students of UCD, showing solidarity to Gaza.  Former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, a member of Ireland's Jewish community, wanted to engage with the students but found it difficult. Newstalk's Henry McKean went along to see how Alan got on. There are strong views in this report, some might disagree wit...

Hair loss can be a problem for both men and women, and is very emotionally taxing when it happens...  Joining Kieran to discuss how we can deal with hair loss is Trichologist and owner of Trua and Remi, Claire Fullam.

UK research found that only thirty per cent of families commit to a traditional pocket money routine... So what is the best routine anyway? Should we be giving our kids money every week, or should they work for the few bob they want? Kieran is joined by Adrian Barry from OffTheBall and Aoife Lee, parenting coach from ParentSupport.ie to discuss.

Newstalk’s own Pat Kenny joins Kieran on The Bookshelf to discuss his favourite book, ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’ by Tom Wolf.

You may have heard that a 73-year-old man with a suspected heart condition  died and 30 were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit turbulence. But, what exactly is turbulence? And should you be scared of it?   Joining Kieran to discuss is Cabin Crew for an International Airline & Host of the ‘Bad Air Hostess’ Podcast, Paula Gahan.

Ireland needs another quarter of a million homes, but can the government bridge the gap? The Minister For Housing Darragh O’Brien is with Kieran to discuss the new Housing Commission report and what needs to be done to reach housing targets...

Happy International Tea Day!  International Tea Day means giving recognition to tea and the people who work in the tea business. Kieran is joined by Jenna Logan, Clement and Pekoe’s Resident Tea Sommelier to introduce us to new tea most of us have never heard of before from places all around the world...

Yesterday on the show we spoke to Sophie Cole, a teacher in Cork who spoke to us about how she was attacked in her classroom...   To follow on from that discussion, Kieran is joined by Collette Butler, Principal of Cara Junior School, a mild to moderate ASD school.

With local and European elections around the corner, we’re keeping voter turnout on the mind. Young people will no doubt be weighing up their options at the moment, but there is a preconception that young people aren’t engaged enough to vote in June.  Leon Diop, writer, founder of Black and Irish Organisation and Social Inclusion Activist and Calvin O’Brien, Co-host of ‘Talking Bollox’ join K...