The Hard Shoulder

In this discussion, Simon Tierney, a regular contributor known for offering practical tips, shares insightful ways to compassionately break bad news. He explores why delivering such messages is emotionally charged and highlights the importance of tone, timing, and setting. Simon recounts amusing childhood stories to illustrate the 'mum effect' and contrasts it with modern thoughts on honesty. He also emphasizes empathy, providing helpful tactics for softening the blow. Tune in for crucial insights on navigating tough conversations!

There is ongoing outrage in Paris, as online retailer Shein has opened its first ever permanent store today, with protests taking place in the city against it.To explain all of this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Sustainability Advocate, Pat Kane.Image: Reuters

There’s lots of discussion around left-wing and right-wing politics, but what about those voters in the middle, who don’t identify with either view? To chat about the growing popularity of left and right discourse in Irish society, Ciara Doherty is joined by Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics at TU Dublin, and Dr Graham Finlay, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations UCD.Image: Reuters

The Irish brand  SOSU Cosmetics has withdrawn one of its products from sale as a precautionary measure after it was found to contain elevated levels of arsenic.Do influencers truly know what ingredients are in their products and how should we educate ourselves as consumers when buying skincare or makeup products?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss  is Dr. Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at Dr. Haugh Dermatology & Aesthetics.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss why the Chinese government wants influencers in their country to hold degrees in the topics they are talking about, like health or finance.

The Department of Agriculture has announced a compulsory housing order from next Monday for poultry and captive birds, following recent bird flu outbreaks.How will this affect things like the Christmas turkey?News Editor of The Irish Farmers Journal, Amy Forde, joins Ciara Doherty.

Today, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was welcomed back into the Dáil after recovering from throat cancer.He took the opportunity to call for cancer services to be properly resourced and supported in his first speech back.Richard joins Ciara Doherty in the studio to discuss.

Broadcaster and Author, Iain Dale, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the latest book he’s edited: ‘The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership’.

Learner drivers who have had a car permit for four years will have to take a driving test before renewing their permit, closing an 11-year loophole.Geraldine Herbert is Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent. She joins Ciara Doherty to explain more.

Preparations for COP30 are underway, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin being one of the world leaders who will be attending.Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock is over there, and joins Ciara to discuss what we can expect. Also joining to discuss is John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor in the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units at the Department of Geography at Maynooth University.Image: COP30