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. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 20, 2025 • 12min
Why do we hate group chats - and what are the unspoken rules?
The WhatsApp group chat, like them or hate them, most of us are in one or five.. So what are the unspoken rules? Is it okay to ever just leave them without an explanation?Joining guest host Seán Defoe to discuss is Comedian Jim Elliot, James Kavanagh, Broadcaster and Podcaster and Freelance Journalist, Niamh O’Reilly.
Jun 19, 2025 • 14min
Movies and TV: 28 Years Later, Elio, The Mountainhead
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster joined guest host Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Jun 19, 2025 • 11min
Thousands of Airbnb’s without planning permission to become illegal tomorrow
From tomorrow, thousands of Air BnB’s without planning permission will be illegal, which means they will no longer be able to operate under the new Rent Pressure Zone rules.Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss this is Vice Chair of the Irish Self-Catering Federation, Noella Casey and later Conor Sheehan, Labour Housing Spokesperson.
Jun 19, 2025 • 13min
An dummy’s guide to the Lions Tour
The Lions Tour begins tomorrow, and this summer’s squad includes a record 15 Irish players. They face Argentina first before heading to Australia for the main tour.Former Lion and Irish international Gordon D’Arcy joins Anton Savage to give a Dummy’s Guide to the Lions Tour. What is it, why does it take place, and more importantly, should you watch it?
Jun 19, 2025 • 16min
The Thursday Interview: Ciara Doherty
Ciara Doherty, Broadcaster and Presenter of Newstalk's newest podcast, ‘The Newstalk Daily’, which launches June 23rd, joins guest host Anton Savage for this week’s Thursday Interview!
Jun 19, 2025 • 14min
Is there a way out of escalation for Israel and Iran?
Fighting between Israel and Iran enters a seventh day.A hospital in southern Israel was hit in an Iranian missile strike, while the IDF bombed a nuclear reactor southwest of Tehran.Is there a way out of this, or through this?John Simpson is the BBC’s World Affairs Editor, and joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.Image: Reuters
Jun 19, 2025 • 7min
What is Juneteenth?
Today, the 19th of June, is a federal holiday in the United States.Otherwise known as Juneteenth, the national holiday was established to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.To talk further on this, guest host Anton Savage is joined by Author, Playwright and Columnist Bonnie Greer.
Jun 19, 2025 • 9min
Sky looking to clamp down on dodgy box users
Sky Ireland have warned users of TV 'dodgy boxes' that they may face consequences, as together with the Data Protection Commission, Sky look to clamp down on users of the illegal streaming service.Up to this point, it was generally the providers who were targeted.There are said to be up to 400,000 users who illegally stream TV shows, sports and movies in Ireland.Rob Hartnett is Founder and CEO of Sport for Business, and joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.
Jun 19, 2025 • 12min
Children’s Health Ireland in front of Oireachtas Health Committee
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) was in front of The Oireachtas Health Committee earlier today, and was answering questions over governance and culture issues.Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent was there, and joins Anton Savage to give the latest.
Jun 19, 2025 • 14min
Remembering Lord Henry Mountcharles
Lord Henry Mountcharles, the man who brought rock music to Slane Castle, has died at the age of 74.Known for hosting legendary concerts in the heart of Meath, he leaves behind a legacy that shaped live music in Ireland.To help remember the man and his contributions to Irish music, guest host Anton Savage is joined by Dave Fanning, RTÉ Broadcaster and Billy McGuinness from Aslan.Image: RTÉ
