

The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder with Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk. Join Kieran 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

Aug 13, 2025 • 14min
When is it inappropriate to bring your child somewhere? - Henry McKean Asks
‘It’s been like 10 minutes.’ That was tennis star Emma Raducanu asking the umpire for a crying child to be ejected at the Cincinnati Open match against Aryna Sabalenka. But, should babies even be at sporting events where players need concentration?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

Aug 13, 2025 • 13min
The Ultimate Guide: Cancún
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 Cancún in Mexico!

Aug 12, 2025 • 13min
What makes Taylor Swift one of the world’s most successful superstars?
Taylor Swift has announced that she will be releasing a 12th album! While we don’t have a release date, we do have an album name which is ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.The album name was revealed this morning on a clip which was teasing her upcoming appearance on the American podcast, New Heights, which is hosted by her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother.There's no doubt that Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most successful superstars, but how does she do it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Presenter of Taking Stock on Newstalk, Susan HayesCulleton, Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan and Taylor Swift superfan Emily Bresnahan.

Aug 12, 2025 • 7min
Irish Pharmacy Union warns of fake weight-loss drugs online
The Irish Pharmacy Union had warned against buying medicine online, claiming that it runs the risk of being harmful or fake. This comes as weight-loss drugs being bought online becomes more popular.Joining Kieran to discuss is Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist, health advocate, and owner of Milltown TotalHealth pharmacy who hosts ‘A WonderCare Podcast’.

Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
How much do you rely on public transport? - Meghan O’Halloran Reports
A new DART station, located between Shankill in South Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow began operating on Sunday, the first new station in 15 years.Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran went to Woodbrook Station, to get commuters' reactions, and ask how much they rely on public transport.She joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.

Aug 12, 2025 • 8min
Should the Government support India Day celebrations to go ahead?
The Ireland India Council has postponed India Day celebrations after recent attacks on their community, citing fears for their safety.Michael Sheehan, Independent Councillor in New Ross, Wexford, thinks the Government should step in to host these celebrations, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Aug 12, 2025 • 16min
Jason Donovan and Jennifer Zamparelli talk The Rocky Horror Show!
The Rocky Horror Show has arrived in the Bord Gais, bringing some stars with it!Kieran is joined by actor and singer Jason Donovan, who plays Dr Frank N Furter and actor and broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli, who plays the Narrator to discuss the show.

Aug 12, 2025 • 9min
Financial planning advice for your thirties and forties
It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re well into the adult stage of your life - it becomes increasingly important.Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips for those aged 30-45!

Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
How generic should school uniforms be?
Back in June, the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee recommended schools use as many generic pieces as possible in their uniforms. According to the CCPC, 75% of schools have at least one uniform item that must be purchased from a specific retailer, which many parents feel is unnecessary and costly.Principal at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Bríd Ní Annracháin, joins Kieran to discuss.

Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
Should we still carry cash?
In today’s digital world, most people don’t even think to carry cash with them, because why bother if everywhere accepts contactless payments?But actually, research shows that there are still times where cash comes in handy.A study in the UK, found that 41% of people have been caught out by not having cash.They said that they’ve needed cash when tipping at restaurants, paying for car parking or simply grabbing a trolley in a supermarket.Joining Kieran to debate is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Aoife Rooney, Assistant Editor of Weekend Magazine with the Irish Independent.