The Hard Shoulder

Research shows that twins experience dependency and rivalry more so than non-twin siblings. This is especially seen in the adolescence years. So, how can parents ensure to help each twin develop their own unique personality?Joining Kieran to discuss strategies for parents of twins is twin expert, Dr Joan Friedman.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to meet with US President Donald Trump today following Trump’s meeting with Putin on Friday. Though the terms are unclear, Trump has maintained that “significant progress” has been made towards a Russia/Ukraine ceasefire.Joining Kieran to discuss is Michael Baskin, CEO of Ukrainian Crisis Centre Ireland, Scott Lucas, Professor & Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin and later Nadia Dobrianska, Ukrainian Historian in Ireland and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal.

If you were at either of the Oasis Croke Park gigs over the weekend you may have noticed the large amount of people with their phones in the air. Bob Dylan recently banned phones at his concerts and Sabrina Carpenter has said that she considered banning them.So, should we ban filming concerts on your phone to allow people to ‘live in the moment’?Joining Kieran to discuss is Journalist and Host of the ‘No Encore’ music podcast, Dave Hanratty.

Louise Lennox, a chef and founder of Fussy Eating Kids, specializes in helping picky eaters. She shares insights on tackling the summer appetite slump in kids, offering tips for establishing healthy routines as school resumes. Louise emphasizes the importance of consistent meal times and encourages parents to help children explore new foods through autonomy and sensory engagement. She also discusses strategies to manage mealtime challenges, especially for active kids transitioning from play to food.

A recent document from the Department of Finance raises concerns about the €400 tax exemption for solar panel owners selling excess energy, set to expire soon. The discussion delves into how government policies might hinder the adoption of green technologies like electric vehicles and solar panels. Furthermore, the podcast highlights the complex relationship between carbon tax revenues and funding for renewable initiatives, questioning future public support for sustainability if financial incentives dwindle.

Former President Mary McAleese has criticized Pope Leo’s first 100 days in the papacy, saying it's been “too conservative”. She has questioned whether he is as committed to Pope Francis’ reforms – but, is 100 days too early to judge?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Quinn, Columnist with the Sunday Independent and Irish Catholic and Gina Menzies, a Theologian.

Navigating tenant rights can be tricky, especially with recent legislative changes. The discussion highlights essential rights such as privacy and property standards. Many renters remain unaware of their protections, making organizations like Threshold vital for support. Legal experts shed light on common challenges, including tenancy termination and dispute resolution. Listeners learn how to advocate for their rights and understand the evolving landscape of renting in Ireland.

The ASTI has warned that if the planned reforms to the Leaving Certificate go ahead, they may go on strike with their over 20 thousand members. This issue stems from questions about facility quality and fears about generative AI.Joining Kieran to outline the issues, and explain their reasoning is the President of the ASTI and practical teacher Padraig Curley.

A video of a 19-year-old Australian male athlete breaking down in tears has gone viral on social media. The Australian, Archie Wilson, is playing college football in the U.S. state of Nebraska. After a match last week, he was asked by a reporter what it’s like to be away from his family and that’s when he broke down, missing his family.While most of the reaction was supportive and people felt for the young man living away from home, he also received negative comments questioning his masculinity.To discuss the stigma around men being vulnerable and crying, Kieran is joined by former Munster and Irish Rugby International and Mental Health Advocate, Alan Quinlan, Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Tara Logan Buckley, and Newstalk Reporter, Dylan Hand.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…