The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder with Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk. Join Kieran 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
Jul 29, 2025 • 5min
United Kingdom to officially recognise Palestine as a state
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said today that the UK will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September, unless Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire and a commitment to a long-term peace process that delivers a two state solution.London Journalist and Commentator Enda Brady joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.
Jul 29, 2025 • 15min
Would you live in a modular home?
How would you feel about living in your parents’ back garden? With rents still rising, the Government is now looking at making modular homes exempt from planning permission to tackle the housing crisis, but would they work? Is this yet another ineffective short-term measure?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Conservationist and Architect Róisín Murphy.
Jul 29, 2025 • 15min
The Bookshelf with Donal Fallon
Donal Fallon, Presenter of Three Castles Burning history podcast joins guest host Mandy Johnston to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Jul 29, 2025 • 22min
Catherine Connolly discusses her Presidential run
As the race for the Presidency heats up, only two candidates have been nominated so far.They are Mairead McGuiness, nominated by Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, who has been nominated by the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and 100% Redress, with other independent support.Catherine joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss her candidacy.
Jul 29, 2025 • 12min
What does the future look like for the Gardaí?
Outgoing Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has faced scrutiny over resignations and recruitment lows, and has been heavily criticised by the Garda Representative Association over his seven-year term. With Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly announced as his successor, what are the main challenges he will face?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent, Paul Williams.
Jul 29, 2025 • 7min
Does a HHC drug ban go far enough?
Today, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has classified Hexa-hydro-cannabinol, or HHC, as an illegal substance.This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal.Does this ban go far enough? To discuss, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist.
Jul 29, 2025 • 17min
Can modular homes alleviate the housing crisis?
Detached modular homes built in a back garden will be exempt from planning permission under new government proposals and today, these exemptions are available for public consultation.Will it help to solve the housing crisis?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Minister of State for Planning and the person who is leading on exempted developments, John Cummins, Fine Gael TD for Waterford.
Jul 28, 2025 • 12min
What it’s like to run for President
While the Presidential Election may not yet be in full swing, the pool of candidates is beginning to fill out.Mairead McGuinness has been nominated by Fine Gael, Catherine Connolly has also announced her intentions, and so has Conor McGregor, obviously.But, what is it really like to run?Joan Freeman is a former Independent Senator and Founder of Pieta House, as well as a former Presidential candidate. She joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.
Jul 28, 2025 • 11min
Should schools have mandatory Gaeltacht courses?
Should summer Gaeltacht courses be mandatory for school kids? Minister Helen McEntee has been asked to consider this by Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education Ryan O’Meara, who said he is concerned whether we are addressing improving and increasing the presence of the Irish language.Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education, Ryan O’Meara, and by Cúla4 Presenter, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin.
Jul 28, 2025 • 9min
Kids Health Check: Sleep Routines
For this week’s Kids Health Check, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Sleep Expert Lucy Wolfe to discuss how to keep your children in a good sleep routine, especially in the summer!
