The Hard Shoulder

One of the biggest names in music is now at the centre of one of the most explosive trials as opening statements are set to begin in the federal sex trafficking case against Sean 'Diddy' Combs.Harriet Alexander, the US Based Journalist, joins Kieran with more details…

Should RTÉ set up a dedicated TV channel for sport?Fianna Fail TD for Kerry Michael Cahill believes the station could be commercially viable, and he also believes that this would end the practice of having to pay for streaming platforms to see some of the big GAA games.He joins Kieran to discuss, as does former Commercial Director for RTÉ, Willie O’Reilly.

The US and China seem to have agreed on a tariff deal, while Volodomyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin may meet on Thursday in Istanbul over a potential ceasefire.This begs the question: are Trump’s tactics working? Has this been a good few days for the US President?Democratic Strategist James Carville joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

Just five minutes. That’s all it takes for junk food ads to tip the scales for young children. That’s according to research in the UK, which suggests that even watching a couple minutes of junk food advertising will lead to significantly more calories eaten in a day.If that is the case, should we crack down harder on junk food marketing in Ireland?Orla Walsh, Dietitian at Orla Walsh Nutrition and Mimi Tatlow Golden, Professor of Interdisciplinary studies in Childhood and Youth at the Open University join Kieran to discuss.

Much is said about the decrease in Irish tourism numbers, but what about the companies trying to bring them back up? Spud provides bespoke experiences to tourists all across the world, with a big focus on Americans.Kieran is joined in Boston by its Founder, Robert Walsh, to discuss.Image: Spud

Ireland: Gateway to Europe, in its 13th year, comprises an annual trade mission of 50 business leaders and Irish media to key cities across North America – this year, the group made their first visit to Toronto, Canada, as well as in Boston.To wrap up the Hard Shoulder’s broadcast stateside, Kieran is joined by two founders of the group: Adie McGennis, Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment and Matt Mohan Group Executive Chairman at The FKM Group to discuss how this year’s event has gone.

Ireland is to get its first winter sports arena in Dublin, and joining Kieran to discuss how he’s going to get this project over the line is Dermot Rigley, CEO of Prime Arena Holdings.

In a quiet revolution reshaping Irish sport, Leader Kicking is emerging as an unexpected launchpad for Irish GAA and rugby players chasing dreams in American football.Two of the brains behind the operation join Kieran to speak about the business and why so many Irish people are trying to break onto the gridiron.Owen Cahil, Director of US Operations and Business Developments at Leader Kicking and Darragh Leader, Head of Football Operations in Ireland at Leader Kicking join to discuss.Image: Leader Kicking

Kieran has escaped the makeshift studio to check out one of Boston’s neighbourhoods with a strong Irish connection: Dorchester.Ed Forry, Dorchester Reporter, joins to tell more.

Joining Kieran in Boston to discuss the business landscape in Ireland, ever changing with the proposed tariffs, is Entrepreneur Sean Gallagher!