The Hard Shoulder

The Asthma Society of Ireland is calling on the Government to make asthma medication and treatment more accessible and affordable. This call comes as the organisation released its pre-budget submission earlier this week. As part of the submission, they presented concerning data which stated that 24% of their respondents had gone without asthma medication at least once in the past three months because they couldn’t afford it…Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Professor Ross Morgan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Member of the Medical Advisory Group Asthma Society of Ireland to discuss this.

Guest Simon Tierney, a master of tips for life’s conundrums, shares insights into the art of making new friends. He highlights the challenges adults face in sustaining relationships amid busy lives. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on friendships and the difference between organic and manufactured connections. Tierney also discusses the 'acceptance prophecy,' encouraging listeners to meet new people and foster diverse perspectives. Finally, he explores gender dynamics in adult friendships, emphasizing their importance during tough times.

With an estimated one in five people in Ireland experiencing digestive problems on a regular basis, finding solutions to such problems is clearly wanted.But, with there being all kinds of products, wellness trends and diets out there: what are they do’s and don’ts for gut wellness?Lorraine Cooney is a Gut Health Dietician and joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Achill Island in Mayo has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful islands in the world! The travel magazine, Big 7, published a list of the top 50 islands... and not only did Achill make the top 10, but it nabbed spot #8!To hear about this not-so-hidden gem, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Manager of Achill Tourism, Chis McCarthy and owner of Lynott’s Pub in Achill, Mick Lynch.

New figures released show that only 1/3 of people accused of sexual offences in the last ten years were prosecuted. Often, the reason given for a case not being brought forward is a lack of evidence.Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Jessica Woodlock, Newstalk Reporter, Hazel Behan, Sexual Assault Survivor & Activist and Noeline Blackwell, Lawyer & Victims Rights Activist to discuss.If you have been affected by anything in this podcast, you can contact the Rape Crisis Network’s 24 Hour helpline at 1800 778888.

Today is International Friendship Day!Henry McKean has been out asking people about friendships, and how to get out of toxic friendships. He joins guest host Mandy Johnston to share what he’s heard.

A woman who was falsely imprisoned and brutally tortured over the course of 3 hours has stated that she feels “numb” after 5 five men were sentenced today by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.Frank Greaney is Newstalk Court Correspondent, and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

If you have social media, it’s likely that you may have shared pictures and videos of your loved ones.But, with the race to develop more advanced artificial intelligence ever increasing, should we hold concerns over how social media companies are now processing our personal data?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Eoin O’Dell, Associate Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin.

There is no doubt that sending and receiving voice notes is now one of the mainstream ways we communicate with one another.But, how do you feel about them? Do you like and use them, or are they more of a hindrance than an effective method of communication?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Journalist and Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor with the Irish Examiner.Image: Meta

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined guest host Mandy Johnston to give his travel tips for Ballybunion in Kerry!