The Hard Shoulder

Newstalk
undefined
Mar 14, 2025 • 13min

Maniac 2000 turns 25!

This year, ‘Maniac 2000’ by Mark McCabe turns 25!Joining Kieran to look back on the track’s impact is Today FM’s Shelley Grey, 98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan and Go Loud’s Ed Smith.
undefined
Mar 14, 2025 • 12min

The rise of reselling fast fashion and white labelling

The availability of fast fashion and increased use of social media has led to a rise in online boutiques. Consumers are raising concerns over the quality of goods and the misleading information promoted by some influencers.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been examining the practice of white labelling.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 11min

Experts issue warning over HHC drug

Hexahydro Cannabinol, or HHC, is a new drug which experts have been raising the flag over its dangers to young people, as it’s often sold in vapes or jellies.Why hasn’t this been tackled sooner, and do we need to discuss how we approach drug use in the country?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 8min

What does a Russia and Ukraine ceasefire look like?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would be open to agreeing to the 30-day ceasefire agreement tabled by the US, but only under his own terms.What are these terms, and will Putin honour the ceasefire if this is agreed?Volodymyr Solohub, Freelance Journalist in Ukraine and Dr Shane O’Rourke, Senior Lecturer in Modern Russian History in the University of York join guest host Anton Savage to discuss.Image: Reuters
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 6min

Marks & Spencer’s announce ‘1 ingredient’ cornflakes

Marks & Spencer's have announced their new ‘1 ingredient’ Cornflakes, and that ingredient is… corn!Do we always just expect to see additives, salt and e numbers in a lot of our food these days?Sarah Keogh, is Registered Dietician at Eatwell.ie, and joins Anton Savage to discuss.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 13min

Trump threatens 200% tariff on EU alcohol - what’s next?

What happens when trade talks turn into threats? President Trump has warned of a 200% tariff on EU alcohol imports, escalating tensions over a dispute with the bloc…What does this mean for businesses, consumers, and the global economy - and what has history taught us about the negative impacts of tariffs?Joining guest host Anton Savage to unpack this is Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, and Emma Howard, Economist at TU Dublin.Image: Reuters
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 9min

Why everyone should learn first aid

There is a great importance to first aid training, and it’s crucial for everyone to be prepared in an emergency. From schools to everyday life, knowing what to do can make all the difference…Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Niamh Gaffney, Registered PHECC EMT and Founder of Emergency First Aid Training.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 8min

How has AI changed grading in schools?

AI has become ever-present in our lives, but even more so in the realms of academia. How has it affected universities in terms of their grading and their assessments?Dr Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics in UCD, joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 10min

Does ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ need a trigger warning?

The Phantom of the Opera on London’s West End has been given 15 trigger warnings.Viewers have been warned to expect loud sounds, gun shots, flashing lights, haze, fire, pyrotechnics and depictions of violence and death.Has it all gone too far?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Columnist with The Irish Daily Mail and The Sunday Times, Brenda Power.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 13min

Should we have an at-home Deposit Return Scheme?

There have been calls for a binned option and a digital DRS Scheme. This would see you scan a QR Code on your bin and the item being recycled and will return the deposit to a virtual bank balance.Is this a worthwhile idea to revisit, or is it too much hassle for recyclers?David Hall CEO of iCare Housing and CEO of Lifeline Services and Sinead Ryan Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent and the Presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk join guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app