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
Feb 27, 2025 • 9min
What makes a great Bond?
The James Bond franchise has been sold to Amazon, but we are still no closer to knowing who that next Bond actor will be.Someone who might have a clue is the Casting Director of the last 13 Bond films, Debbie McWilliams. She joins Kieran to discuss what goes into picking the next superspy.Image: MGM
Feb 27, 2025 • 14min
Long dental waiting lists for special care patients - why?
Thousands of children and special care patients are being forced to wait months, even years for dental treatment under general anesthetic. Many patients are being forced to wait in pain and discomfort with no option to pay for treatment.Why is this happening?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Dr Gillian Smith, Dentist at the Fitzwilliam Clinic in Bray and Ned Carroll, whose 31-year-old daughter Maryann, who has autism and one of those patients struggling to access treatment…
Feb 27, 2025 • 13min
Should Communion celebrations only be on the weekend?
Should Communion preparation and celebrations happen outside of school hours and over the weekend? Kieran is joined by two people who believe it should…Fr Iggy O’ Donvan and David Quinn, Head of the Iona institute join to discuss.
Feb 27, 2025 • 14min
How to do Stuff: Getting rid of hiccups
Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to give advice on getting rid of hiccups!
Feb 26, 2025 • 13min
How is a new Pope picked?
With Pope Francis’ condition, we may end up with a new Pope soon, but how do they pick a Pope, and what does the Pope really do day-to-day?Joining Kieran to discuss is Theologian, Gina Menzies…Image: FilmNation Entertainment
Feb 26, 2025 • 7min
Search for Malaysia Airlines MH370 begins again
The search for Malaysia Airlines flight 370, or MH370 to most, has reopened after it went missing over 10 years ago…Malaysia Transport Minister says firm Ocean Infinity has resumed hunt for the plane, which is one of aviation’s biggest mysteries.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Jeff Wise, Aviation Journalist and host of the ‘Finding MH370’ podcast.
Feb 26, 2025 • 12min
Tech Takeover: Avoiding TikTok Shop Scams
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss a new wave of scams on TikTok, with scammers using artificial intelligence to create fake and convincing shop pages…
Feb 26, 2025 • 6min
Have we lost gig etiquette?
Have we lost etiquette at gigs? Dave Hanratty, Podcast Producer at the Independent and Host of the ‘No Encore’ Podcast, was at one last night with appalling behaviour...He joins Kieran to discuss.
Feb 26, 2025 • 14min
Could Trump’s presidency end up collapsing soon?
Kieran’s guest is hopeful that the Trump administration has a sell by date, and it’s actually sooner than you think…Democratic Strategist, James Carville, joins to discuss.Image: Reuters
Feb 26, 2025 • 8min
What can be done to prevent food waste?
A new survey released ahead of National Stop Food Waste Day on March 1st has found that over a third of Irish Consumers regularly throw food away costing some Irish households up to 374 euro per year!To discuss and give her tips on preventing food waste at home, Kieran is joined by Dietician, Sara Keogh.
