The Hard Shoulder

Newstalk
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Aug 28, 2025 • 16min

How has Trump handled Ukraine?

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
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Aug 28, 2025 • 9min

What is the Kennedy Summer School?

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.
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Aug 28, 2025 • 5min

How harmful are nicotine pouches?

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.
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Aug 28, 2025 • 14min

How to do Stuff: Retiring

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!
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Aug 27, 2025 • 13min

Covid babies are having their first days in school - Jessica Woodlock Reports

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.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 10min

Tech Takeover: Trump wants tariffs on countries that follow EU data rules

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
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Aug 27, 2025 • 6min

Man finds wife’s wedding ring in landfill - how?

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!
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Aug 27, 2025 • 10min

Drogheda hospital patients have had pre-cancerous cells miscategorised

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.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 8min

Taylor Swift is engaged! Should we care?

Yesterday, it’s safe to say that the internet was broken when Taylor Swift announced that she was engaged to Travis Kelce.But, why do we even care about two strangers tying the knot?Joining Kieran to discuss is Cassie Delaney, Podcaster and Saoirse Hanley, Irish Independent Journalist.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 11min

Should the public intervene if they see shoplifting?

A UK Crime Commissioner has urged the public to do more to stop shoplifters rather than relying on the police. Should we be encouraging people here to also intervene?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence and Tony Gallagher, Risk, Security & Event Manager with Ashtree Risk Group and former Garda inspector.

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