The Hard Shoulder

In the current era of Trump and his influence internationally, what are Irish-American relations like today?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Massachusetts State Senator and State Representative, Linda Dorcena Forry.

From That Small Island is a four-part documentary series which looks at the story of Irish people, and one of the main focuses, the Irish diaspora: over 80 million of them. Joining Kieran to discuss the series and the current diaspora is Briona Ní Dhiarmada, Writer, Academic and Filmmaker, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Musician and Eamonn Hore Director of Services for Wexford County Council.

There are many ways that you can examine the current presidency of Donald Trump - whether that be around international relations, tariffs, and the conflicts around Ukraine and Palestine.Joining Kieran to talk all things Trump is Tanya Gordienko, Ukrainian Analyst, Bill Forry, Boston Journalist and Greg Ballard, former Mayor of Minneapolis.Image: Reuters

The Hard Shoulder is live today from New Ross for the annual Kennedy Summer School festival, which runs for the next three days celebrating Irish and American history, politics and culture.Joining Kieran to give an overview of the Kennedy Summer School are the Directors: Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at UCG and Columnist with theJournal.ie and Eileen Dunne, former RTÉ Journalist.

Health Minister Jennifer Caroll MacNeill has said that she “absolutely” plans on introducing legislation for nicotine pouches under other nicotine legislation.But, how harmful really are nicotine pouches, and what legislation isn't required?Dr Garrett McGovern  is a GP specializing in addiction and Medical Director of Priority Medical Clinic Dundrum. He joins Kieran to discuss.

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 (and when) you should properly retire!

Today and over the next few days, emotions will be running high across the country as thousands of children begin school for the very first time.Brand new uniforms are being put on, crayons and toys will be taken out, and the first day of eight years of primary education will get underway.Newstalk Jessica Woodlock visited one school on its first day back today, and joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to Trump’s comments on putting more tariffs on countries that follow EU internet regulations - which includes Ireland and the American tech companies it hosts.Image: Reuters

Kieran is joined by Steve Van Ysseldyk, the Canadian man who managed to locate his wife's missing wedding ring in a landfill.How did it end up missing in the first place, and how did he find it - they discuss!

Some patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda have had their pre-cancerous cells miscategorised, and they’re now being told whether their status is more or less dangerous than previously thought. All while the Health Minister has criticised construction company BAM over the long-delayed National Children’s Hospital.Joining Kieran to discuss it all is Co-Founder and Director of the Irish Patients Association, Stephen McMahon, and Health Correspondent for the Irish Examiner, Niamh Griffin.