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
Aug 27, 2025 • 8min
Taylor Swift is engaged! Should we care?
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.
Aug 27, 2025 • 11min
Should the public intervene if they see shoplifting?
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.
Aug 26, 2025 • 12min
The Ultimate Guide: Sydney
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!
Aug 26, 2025 • 11min
Financial planning advice for 60+ year olds
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+.
Aug 26, 2025 • 5min
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce their engagement!
International pop icon Taylor Swift has announced her engagement to American footballer Travis Kelce. Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan joins Kieran in studio to discuss.
Aug 26, 2025 • 14min
How can the Government best prepare the healthcare system?
As the Dáil is set to return in the coming weeks, former Health Editor with the Irish Times Paul Cullen and Chair of the IMOs Consultant Committee Matthew Sadlier join Kieran to discuss how the Government can best prepare the healthcare system for the coming months.
Aug 26, 2025 • 6min
How drugs get into Ireland
There has sharp rise in cocaine use in Ireland in recent months. The latest Health Research Board figures from 2024 show one-in-three cases of drug treatments were for cocaine. But how is the drug getting into the country? Investigations Editor with the Sunday World and host of the podcast Crime World Nicola Tallant joins Kieran to discuss.
Aug 26, 2025 • 13min
The Bookshelf with Aoife Moore
Author, journalist and host of A Few Scoops Aoife Moore joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Aug 26, 2025 • 16min
Former CNN Correspondent Jim Acosta on his Irish roots, US/Irish relations, and more
Legendary broadcast journalist Jim Acosta will be speaking at the Kennedy Summer School in New Ross in County Wexford. The Hard Shoulder will also be broadcasting from the same location this Thursday. Jim joins Kieran to discuss his thoughts on US President Donald Trump, US/Ireland relations, his Irish roots and more.
Aug 26, 2025 • 8min
Is the term ‘Mansplaining’ unfair to men?
Are men mistreating women when they mansplain, or is it just the way they talk? One celebrity thinks men are being misunderstood, so comedians Jim Elliot and Katherine Lynch join Kieran to discuss.
