The Hard Shoulder

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.

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.

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.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his travel tips for Sydney in Australia!

It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re getting into the later stages of your life, it becomes more and more important. Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top financial planning tips for those aged 60+. 

International pop icon Taylor Swift has announced her engagement to American footballer Travis Kelce. Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan joins Kieran in studio to discuss.