Has the advent calendar lost its way? How big of a business are they around the Christmas season?Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Kieran to share what he’s seen and heard.

Ruth Roberts, from Cogs Brain Shop joins Kieran to discuss this year's Christmas Gift Guide, and hopefully give you some ideas for if you are stuck for inspiration in the coming weeks!

The new secretary-general of Nato has warned Donald Trump not to push Ukraine to sign a peace deal that would see the leaders of Russia and Iran “high-fiving”.Mark Rutte also warned such an agreement would create a “...dire security threat not only to Europe but also to the US”.So what should America be doing when it comes to Russia and Ukraine?Jeffrey Sachs is an Economist and Public Policy Analyst, who is a Professor at Columbia University, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

Fianna Fáil are set to lead the next government, but who will they go into a coalition with, and will we see a fully formed government?New Fianna Fail Deputy for Wicklow-Wexford, Malcom Byrne, new Independent Deputy for Dublin Bay North, Barry Heneghan and former Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West & Former Government Minister, Pat Carey join Kieran to discuss.

The prospect of another Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil government is becoming a quick reality as the combined numbers are nearing that magic number of 88 for a majority.However, another party might be needed to get them over the line, who could that be, and what demands would they have?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Tánaiste Joan Burton and Fionnan Sheehan, Ireland Editor at the Irish Independent.

All this month the Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2024’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.One of the highlights of the summer and the year must be when Team Ireland sent over 134 athletes to the Paris Olympics, which garnered the country’s best medal haul ever, with four gold and three bronze.Joining Kieran to look back are two of those athletes, Phil Healy and Sophie Becker.

Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie joins Kieran in this week’s Kids Health Check to discuss how to handle your child’s tantrums.

With counts winding down for General Election 2024, which parties had the most success, and who took the biggest hits?Kieran is joined by Alison O’Connor, Columnist with Sunday Times and Broadcaster, Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent, Irish Examiner and Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central to discuss.

In the run up to Christmas, you may find yourself mindlessly subscribing to reward systems that stores have to offer, but which ones are worth the email spam?Sinead Ryan, Irish Independent Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show joins Kieran to discuss.

Joe Biden is coming under fire stateside for pardoning his son Hunter, who is facing sentencing for two criminal cases.Joining Seán to discuss this is  Niall Stanage, White House Columnist with the Hill.