The Hard Shoulder

While dogs have long been considered meat-eaters, new research and firsthand experiences suggest they may actually thrive on plant-based diets.Would you put your dog on a vegan diet?Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Gerry Boland, Founder of and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Sandra Higgins, Director of Go Vegan World and listeners.

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 you can look powerful!

We are now going back to the 1990’s, when the most successful mixed-sex pop group of all time got together. Steps have sold over 25 million records and are in Dublin today promoting their new musical 'Here and Now' at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from the 23rd of September. Henry McKean met Steps and sent in this 90’s nostalgia report!You can hear more from Steps on the Rewind - Celebrating 1997 on the October Bank Holiday Monday with Henry McKean. It would be a tragedy to miss it.

10 years ago this week, the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi was pictured washed up on a Greek beach…The picture taken at the peak of the European migrant crisis received headlines around the world.How have things been 10 years on, and how should we reflect on it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and John Lannon, CEO of Doras.

With all the talk surrounding a metro line to Dublin Airport, what is actually the fastest way to get there today? We’ve decided to put it to the test!Newstalk’s Ellen Butler is taking the bus, Alex Rowley is taking the car, Meghan O’Halloran is in a taxi and Dylan Hand is riding a bike! Who will win?

The Government has announced the publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, but what exactly are the commitments being made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton.

Under-16s in England will be banned from buying energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster Energy – thus fulfilling one of Labour’s election promises.Shops, cafes, restaurants and websites will be prohibited from selling energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16.Is it time to consider doing the same here?Donal O’Shea is a Consultant Endocrinologist and the HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joins Kieran to discuss.

A suggestion has been made to remove the option to pay for parking using the Payzone app on residential streets near Croke Park. If this does happen - what does that mean for travelling fans?Former GAA President, Liam O’Neill, and Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County, Richard O’Donoghue, join Kieran to discuss.

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 the city of Marrakesh in Morocco!

According to a national survey by CyberSafeKids, there has been a huge uptick in the usage of AI chatbots by children in the country - without any safeguards.Should children be using AI at all?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tech Editor for The Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler.