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 21, 2025 • 12min
Surgeon speaks out on current situation in Gaza hospital
A UK surgeon volunteering with Medical Aid for Palestinians’ Emergency Medical Team at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza has reported alarming levels of malnutrition, particularly among children, and evidence of targeted shootings of civilians at Israel’s militarised distribution points…Nick Maynard is that surgeon, and joins Kieran to discuss.
Jul 21, 2025 • 15min
Should high rise apartments be a part of Dublin’s landscape?
There is a tower that has reared its head around Trinity College and College Green – a new tower of build-to-rent apartments, but is there room for towers of that in Dublin?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Frank McDonald, former Environment Editor for the Irish Times, welcome to the programme and Executive Director of Progress Ireland, Sean Keyes.
Jul 19, 2025 • 9min
"The celebrations will be unlike anything seen previously" Cork supporters confident ahead of Sunday
Excitement is building in Munster as Cork and Tipperary prepare to battle it out in Croke Park on Sunday.It is the first time the two counties have met in an All-Ireland decider and by all accounts tickets have never been in such demand.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been in the Rebel County soaking up the atmosphere.
Jul 18, 2025 • 27min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Jul 18, 2025 • 16min
You Are What You Eat: Kimchi
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to the Korean delicacy kimchi, and how you can enjoy it to the fullest!
Jul 18, 2025 • 9min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…
Jul 18, 2025 • 12min
Do we need to decriminalise drugs?
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said that he believes drugs should remain criminalised - saying that countries who have decriminalised or legalised certain substances face more issues than before.Is he right?Joining Kieran to discuss is Garrett McGovern, Addiction Specialist and Medical Director, Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum and Patricia Casey, Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mater Hospital and Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin.
Jul 18, 2025 • 9min
Cork Vs Tipperary - who will win?
It all kicks off this Sunday as Cork face Tipperary in the All Ireland Hurling Final.Who will clinch it in the end?To give their 2 cents Kieran is joined by Jimmy Barry Murphy, Cork GAA legend and Nicky English, Former Tipperary Captain.
Jul 18, 2025 • 9min
Why is Disneyland so successful?
The original Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California turned 70 this week. With beloved characters roaming the grounds, fireworks, parades, and over 50 attractions, Disneyland is the definitive theme park. How did it corner the market with its business model?Stuart McHugh from Disneyland Paris Tips for Irish joins Kieran to discuss.
Jul 18, 2025 • 14min
Should splitting the bill be banned?
More and more restaurants have been imposing a ‘one table, one bill’ rule, especially in tourist hotspots such as Mallorca and Malaga, but consumers aren't happy.With the rise of Revolut and their ‘split the bill’ option, they couldn't have made it easier, so what's everyone complaining about?Is getting the waiter to split the bill really in their job description?Joining Kieran to discuss is Alexandra Ryan from Goss.ie, Comedian Jim Elliot and Mary McCarthy, Irish Independent Columnist.
