The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk. Join us 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. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 5, 2025 • 10min
Should we abolish inheritance tax?
Does Ireland's current inheritance tax system discriminate?Joining Kieran to discuss is Karl Deeter, Financial Advisor and Analyst, and Thomas Hubert, Editor with The Currency.
Sep 5, 2025 • 6min
Is the public trusting charity more now than ever?
Today is International Day of Charity, and to coincide with the event a report has been published that looks at the public’s attitude towards charities. To discuss the report, Kieran is joined by Advocacy & Campaigns Manager at The Wheel, Guillaume Jacquinot, and Co-Founder of Hygiene Hub, Sorcha Killian.
Sep 5, 2025 • 15min
The Irish language in The Traitors - should we see it more?
Cúpla focail have featured heavily in The Traitors, but should it feature more prominently in pop culture to keep it relevant?Joining Kieran to discuss is Julian De Spainn, Ard-Rúnaí (General Secretary) at Conradh na Gaeilge and Louise Cantillon, Today FM Presenter.
Sep 4, 2025 • 22min
Movies and TV: Thursday Murder Club, The Traitors Ireland, The Paper
John Fardy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster, Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan, from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Sep 4, 2025 • 14min
How Mary Robinson changed the role of President
As party campaigns kick off, The Hard Shoulder’s series learning more about the history of the presidential office continues.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to look back on the ‘new wave’ of Irish Presidents, including how Mary Robinson changed Ireland’s place in the world stage as President.
Sep 4, 2025 • 21min
The Thursday Interview: Don Baker
Don Baker, blues musician, television personality and actor joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!
Sep 4, 2025 • 14min
Secretary and caretaker strikes - what are the next steps?
As the secretary and caretaker strikes continue today, what are the next steps, and how close are we to seeing a resolution?Joining Kieran to discuss is Secretary of Catherine McAuley NS, Debbie Burke, the General Secretary of the ASTI, Kieran Christie, and Principal of Gorey Community School, Michael Finn.
Sep 4, 2025 • 12min
How to make the most of of your pension
Pensions : when should you set them up, and how much should you be saving?Joining Kieran to discuss and give his best advice is Financial Adviser, Padraic Kissane.
Sep 4, 2025 • 9min
Latest updates on the freedom flotilla’s new journey
Irish Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on a flotilla in the Mediterranean headed to Gaza to provide aid, and hopefully break through the blockade.He joins Kieran to give an update on how the journey is going.Image: Reuters
Sep 4, 2025 • 12min
The stress of getting your kids to school - Josh Crosbie Reports
The most stressful time of the day for parents is 7:16am - according to a new survey. The panic of getting kids out the door and on the way to school is the main reason for this.So, why are we in such a rush?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran to discuss.
