

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 7, 2025 • 16min
Crises and controversies in Irish presidential history
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 some of the biggest controversies and crises in Irish presidential history.

Aug 7, 2025 • 19min
Colorado Dentist found guilty after poisoning wife’s protein shakes
A former Dentist has been found guilty of murdering his wife by poisoning her morning protein shakes.This case comes from the state of Colorado, where a Denver resident, named James Craig, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Angela Craig, two years after her mysterious death.But, not only was Craig convicted of murder, but also of several other counts, including solicitation to commit murder, which came about when he tried to enlist a fellow inmate to kill the lead detective investigating his wife’s death. And to make matters worse, at one point Craig asked one of his six daughters to create a fake video of her mom asking for the ingredients which ultimately led to her death in hopes of being found not guilty!To delve deeper into the details of this bizarre case, Kieran is by American Journalist and Host of the ‘Hidden True Crime’ Podcast and YouTube Channel, Lauren Matthias.

Aug 7, 2025 • 13min
Is a two state solution between Israel and Palestine impossible?
Paul Johnston is nearing the end of his tenure in his role as British Ambassador to Ireland, but has been making his feelings clear on many important issues.He joins Kieran to discuss topics, including Israel and Palestine.Image: Reuters

Aug 7, 2025 • 14min
How to best care for someone with dementia
When someone you love has dementia, the diagnosis can feel all-consuming.But, Kieran’s guest has a new book that serves as an emotional and practical guide to those caring for someone they love with dementia.Dr. Sabina Brennan is a Neuroscientist and author of ‘Still Me: A neuroscientist's guide to caring for someone with dementia’. She joins to discuss.

Aug 7, 2025 • 11min
CCTV cameras installed to deter illegal dumping - Josh Crosbie Reports
New CCTV cameras have been installed in the Mountjoy area of Dublin to crack down on illegal dumping. Why is this something that is needed?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Aug 7, 2025 • 7min
CCPC find no evidence of supermarket price gouging
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have found no evidence of supermarkets price gouging.So, are we supposed to accept current food prices?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ged Nash, Labour TD for Louth and Spokesperson on Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform.

Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
Hot School Meals Scheme rollout delayed
It has emerged that schools availing of the Hot School Meals scheme for the first time this year will see a delay in its rollout…This is apparently due to a change in the procurement process.Joining Kieran to explain more is Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Darren O’Rourke.

Aug 7, 2025 • 13min
How to do Stuff: Keeping seagulls away from your food!
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.Are you sick of seagulls snatching your food when you’re out and about? Simon joins Kieran to discuss how to keep these seabirds away from your picnics!

Aug 6, 2025 • 13min
Could AI cars replace public transport in 20 years?
Businessman Dermot Desmond has said that he believes AI cars, or robotaxis, will completely replace private and public transport in the next 15 to 20 years. Is that realistic?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Emmet Ryan, Technology Journalist and Alan Smeaton, Emeritus Professor of Computing at Dublin City University.

Aug 6, 2025 • 8min
Tips on keeping your spending low in the supermarket
In the current cost of living situation, food inflation is a struggle for many families.Well, Caz Mooney, Irish Budgeting Influencer has cracked the code, and joins Kieran with some of her tips and tricks for spending less in the supermarket, and how she can feed her family of five on €125 a week!


