The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk. Join us every weekday afternoon from 4-7pm for a round-up of the day’s events, interviews with the people at the centre of the stories – and a bit of craic along the way. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 10, 2025 • 27min
Winners and Sinners
This week, guest host Jonathan Healy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Oct 10, 2025 • 11min
Jack Conan on what we can expect from Leinster rugby
Irish international rugby player Jack Conan joins guest host Jonathan Healy to talk all things Leinster rugby ahead of their upcoming matches!
Oct 10, 2025 • 11min
What mental health services are available in schools? - Josh Crosbie Reports
It's World Mental Health day today, and one thing to look at are the mental health supports available in schools.Newstalk's Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.
Oct 10, 2025 • 5min
MTV is ending the music - what impact did it have?
MTV is withdrawing its music channel broadcasting outside of America, marking an end to its founding idea of broadcasting music 24/7…So, what made MTV such a cultural force?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to look back is Producer of the ‘Culture Pigs’ podcast, Dee Reddy.
Oct 10, 2025 • 12min
Brendan Farrell on seeking investigation for his father's death
Brendan Farrell’s father Liam died in suspicious circumstances in County Leitrim in 2020. This week, Brendan has met with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan in his pursuit of an investigation into the death.Brendan joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.
Oct 10, 2025 • 8min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined guest host Jonathan Healy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.
Oct 10, 2025 • 9min
Should Ireland explore nuclear power?
As energy prices continue to rise and questions are raised over energy supply, it’s being wondered if Ireland should explore nuclear power…To discuss this, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Co-Founder of 18 for 0, Denis Duff, and Barrister and Environmental Campaigner, Neil McCann.
Oct 10, 2025 • 7min
Celebrating World Egg Day!
Today is World Egg Day, and to celebrate, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Food Writer and Founder of Flavour.ie, Kate Ryan, to talk about why eggs are such a staple in the Irish diet!
Oct 10, 2025 • 8min
Will the ceasefire in Gaza hold?
The Israeli military confirmed today that a ceasefire began in Gaza at noon local time, as the “first phase” of a peace deal agreed by Israel and Hamas comes into effect.The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas, and a withdrawal of Israel’s troops from Gaza to an agreed line, after more than two years of war.But, will it hold?Sean Bell is a former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast. He joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.Image: Reuters
Oct 10, 2025 • 14min
Is free public transport viable in Ireland?
Since 2022, two hundred million free bus journeys have been made by those under the age of 22 in Scotland since they made bus travel free there for them.And, following the budget this week, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien stated that he can't rule out public transport fee increases in the future.So, should we explore free public transport measures?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councilor for Ballymun Finglas and Sadbh O’Neill, part of Feminist Communities for Climate Justice.
