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
Aug 19, 2025 • 13min
Why you should care about National Heritage Week
As you might know, this Sunday was the start of the National Heritage Week. This year’s edition, focused on the landscapes and cultural activities of heritage, will be made up of over two thousand events.Joining Kieran to tell more is Anne O’Donoghue, the CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust.
Aug 19, 2025 • 14min
The Bookshelf with Derek Landy
Screenwriter and bestselling author of the ‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ series Derek Landy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Aug 19, 2025 • 5min
Are tanning accelerators safe?
You may have seen online a rise in people using tanning accelerators, essentially, they are lotions, sprays and supplements that claim to enhance the skin’s ability to tan.But, how do they work, and are they safe?Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.
Aug 19, 2025 • 5min
Assessments for children with potential unnecessary hip surgeries delayed
The Hip Dysplasia Advocacy Group is calling on the Government to take accountability and for transparency over the delay in assessing children who may have had unnecessary hip surgeries.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Amy, the Patient Advocacy Group’s Co-Chair.
Aug 19, 2025 • 12min
What is the current state of the Presidential race?
While the big news of the day has been that both Seán Kelly and Heather Humphries are both putting themselves forward for the Fine Gael Presidential nomination. Fianna Fáil are making sure they’re not outdone. Their MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher, has said he has written to the party’s Cathaoirleach to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss their involvement in the race.Billy Kelleher joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.
Aug 19, 2025 • 12min
What are the common misconceptions about OCD?
OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is often portrayed as a need for complete order and organization, but what is it really like to live with the condition?Kieran is joined by David Monaghan, who has lived with OCD since he was a child, to discuss the common misconceptions of the disorder…
Aug 19, 2025 • 13min
What security guarantees will Ukraine have?
As the world watched Trump and Zelenskyy’s meeting yesterday, the topic of security guarantees for Ukraine emerged. But, what exactly was said, and what role will our Defence Forces have after the war?Joining Kieran to discuss is Shona Murray, European Correspondent for Euro News and Tom Clonan, Independent Senator and Security Analyst.Image: Reuters
Aug 19, 2025 • 9min
Financial planning advice for 45-60 year olds
It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re getting into the later stages of your life - it becomes more and more important.Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top financial planning tips for those aged 45-60!
Aug 19, 2025 • 11min
Why are we so good at complaining?
What sets Irish people apart from other people when it comes to complaining? Are we a nation of secret complainers, or has that changed?Joining Kieran to discuss is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Journalist for the Irish Examiner and Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin.
Aug 19, 2025 • 10min
How do you parent twins?
Research shows that twins experience dependency and rivalry more so than non-twin siblings. This is especially seen in the adolescence years. So, how can parents ensure to help each twin develop their own unique personality?Joining Kieran to discuss strategies for parents of twins is twin expert, Dr Joan Friedman.
