

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. 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

Sep 4, 2025 • 9min
Latest updates on the freedom flotilla’s new journey
Irish Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on a flotilla in the Mediterranean headed to Gaza to provide aid, and hopefully break through the blockade.He joins Kieran to give an update on how the journey is going.Image: Reuters

Sep 4, 2025 • 12min
The stress of getting your kids to school - Josh Crosbie Reports
The most stressful time of the day for parents is 7:16am - according to a new survey. The panic of getting kids out the door and on the way to school is the main reason for this.So, why are we in such a rush?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran to discuss.

Sep 4, 2025 • 13min
Would you make your dog go vegan?
While dogs have long been considered meat-eaters, new research and firsthand experiences suggest they may actually thrive on plant-based diets.Would you put your dog on a vegan diet?Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Gerry Boland, Founder of and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Sandra Higgins, Director of Go Vegan World and listeners.

Sep 4, 2025 • 14min
How to do Stuff: Looking Powerful
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 discuss how you can look powerful!

Sep 3, 2025 • 9min
Steps return for a musical! - Henry McKean Reports
We are now going back to the 1990’s, when the most successful mixed-sex pop group of all time got together. Steps have sold over 25 million records and are in Dublin today promoting their new musical 'Here and Now' at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from the 23rd of September. Henry McKean met Steps and sent in this 90’s nostalgia report!You can hear more from Steps on the Rewind - Celebrating 1997 on the October Bank Holiday Monday with Henry McKean. It would be a tragedy to miss it.

Sep 3, 2025 • 15min
How do we reflect on the European migrant crisis?
10 years ago this week, the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi was pictured washed up on a Greek beach…The picture taken at the peak of the European migrant crisis received headlines around the world.How have things been 10 years on, and how should we reflect on it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and John Lannon, CEO of Doras.

Sep 3, 2025 • 21min
What’s the fastest method of getting to Dublin Airport?
With all the talk surrounding a metro line to Dublin Airport, what is actually the fastest way to get there today? We’ve decided to put it to the test!Newstalk’s Ellen Butler is taking the bus, Alex Rowley is taking the car, Meghan O’Halloran is in a taxi and Dylan Hand is riding a bike! Who will win?

Sep 3, 2025 • 13min
Government launches National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People
The Government has announced the publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, but what exactly are the commitments being made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton.

Sep 3, 2025 • 6min
England bans energy drinks for under-16s - should we do the same?
Under-16s in England will be banned from buying energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster Energy – thus fulfilling one of Labour’s election promises.Shops, cafes, restaurants and websites will be prohibited from selling energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16.Is it time to consider doing the same here?Donal O’Shea is a Consultant Endocrinologist and the HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Sep 3, 2025 • 9min
What are the options if parking is restricted near Croke Park?
A suggestion has been made to remove the option to pay for parking using the Payzone app on residential streets near Croke Park. If this does happen - what does that mean for travelling fans?Former GAA President, Liam O’Neill, and Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County, Richard O’Donoghue, join Kieran to discuss.