More podcasts from Newstalk

Search for episodes from Highlights from The Hard Shoulder with a specific topic:

Latest episodes from Highlights from The Hard Shoulder

Winners and Sinners

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 28:24


This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Why we don't like food we haven't eaten - Josh Crosbie Reports

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 8:47


A new survey has shown that adults have on average 8 things that they refuse to eat, with 5 of them being things they haven't even tried? Why are there things we just refuse to eat?Newstalk's Josh Crosbie reports!

You Are What You Eat: Peas

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 16:42


Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss peas - and how you should eat them!

peas tv chef aisling larkin
Sport with Eoin Sheahan

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 7:20


Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.

Will Israel do a full military takeover of Gaza?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 17:06


This week we learned that Benjamin Netanyahu's government is planning to fully occupy the Gaza strip. With thousands of Palestinians killed over the last 22 months, Kieran is joined by Ria Czerniak Lebov, granddaughter of a Holocaust escapee and Lecturer in NCAD, who has been speaking out against Zionism and the Israeli Government.

Cork and Galway Camogie Final - who will win?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 8:05


This Sunday is the All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final in Croke Park, where Cork and Galway will battle it out for the title.For a preview of this weekend's final, Kieran is joined by two former GAA players from both counties, Valerie Mulcahy from Cork and Susan Earner from Galway.

Ryan Tubridy pays back €150,000 to RTÉ

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 6:17


Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy has paid back the €150,000 he received from a RTÉ barter account for two events that did not take place.Joining Kieran to give the latest is Muiris O'Cearbhaill, Journalist with The Journal.

Is television as funny as it was anymore?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 15:34


A discussion throughout the show this week is of the quality of television these days.Whether that be you're not getting a good laugh out of it, or it just isn't as interesting anymore, something seems to be off…Like, is television as funny as it used to be?To discuss this more, Kieran is joined by a panel of experts, including Comedian Steve Cummins, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Alexandra Ryan from Goss.ie.

Movies and TV: Freakier Friday, Wednesday, Platonic

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 17:57


Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast, Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster 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…

Crises and controversies in Irish presidential history

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 15:58


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.

Colorado Dentist found guilty after poisoning wife's protein shakes

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 19:13


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.

Is a two state solution between Israel and Palestine impossible?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 13:10


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

How to best care for someone with dementia

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 13:41


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.

CCTV cameras installed to deter illegal dumping - Josh Crosbie Reports

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 11:00


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.

Hot School Meals Scheme rollout delayed

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 12:09


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.

CCPC find no evidence of supermarket price gouging

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 6:35


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.

How to do Stuff: Keeping seagulls away from your food!

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 13:01


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!

Could AI cars replace public transport in 20 years?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 13:19


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.

Tips on keeping your spending low in the supermarket

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 8:22


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!

Tech Takeover: Spotting and avoiding scams

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 11:35


Long gone are the days of Nigerian Princes looking to give you a chunk of their vast wealth: online and text-based scams have gotten a lot more sophisticated, and trickier to spot.For this week's Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this, and give her top tips to avoid getting tricked!

Report shows primary school children using and dealing drugs

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 28:58


A report by the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task force has revealed that students in primary schools are reportedly taking and dealing drugs.The average age of the drug dealers and “runners” was found to be as young as 12 years old.Kieran is joined by Janet Robinson Research and Training Officer for Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist. Later, Kieran is also joined by Ann Graves, Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson on National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, Mike Walsh, Team Leader in Community Service Misuse Team, a multi-disciplinary team responding to under 18′s with substance misuse issues.

Will Trump's tariffs actually come to pass?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 6:36


Trump has yet again thrown the cat amongst the pigeon with talk of 150% or 250% tariffs on pharma, but he has yet to dot I's and cross T's on many of the trade deals he has made with various countries.Will we ever see them come to pass with midterms not very far away? And Trump's tenure will eventually end, will it all amount to nothing?Larry Donnelly is Law Lecturer at University of Galway and Columnist with TheJournal.ie. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Will NASA build a nuclear reactor on the Moon?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 7:18


NASA is aiming to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon. This comes as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, ordered the space agency to get a lunar power plant up and running by 2030 to power long-term human missions.Duffy, who is the acting administrator of NASA, made it clear to its competitors that whichever country arrives first could establish a “keep-out zone”.To make sense of all this, Kieran is joined by Space Commentator, Leo Enright.

Resident group raise concern over drone delivery services

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 7:27


A group of residents in the Dublin 15 area have come together to highlight concerns around the impact of fast-food drone delivery services flying overhead.The newly established Drone Action D15 group says that while drone technology can have a positive effect for society, no consent has been sought from the community for this type of delivery service…Michael Dooley is a Blanchardstown resident and member of the action group, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Ultimate Guide: Islay

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 10:51


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 guest host Mandy Johnston to give his travel tips for the Scottish island famous for its whisky - Islay!

Why did Terry Prone donate all of her documents?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 12:05


Terry Prone, Chairperson of the Communication Clinic has just donated a treasure trove of personal papers, and documents to the National Library of Ireland.She joins Kieran to discuss why she did this, and what impact it may have on future generations.

How to avoid a bad back

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 8:48


Chiropractor and Clinical Director at Chiropractix, Dr. Paul Bradley, joins Kieran to share his tips on how to avoid a bad back!

Trump threatens 250% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 5:24


US President Donald Trump has said that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250%, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Economist and Co-Host of 'The Other Hand' podcast, Jim Power.

The Bookshelf with Pete Wedderburn

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 12:35


Pete Wedderburn AKA Pete the Vet joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

vet bookshelf pete wedderburn
Are school phone pouches beneficial?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 19:46


New figures revealed that a total of 380 out of the 722 post primary schools have applied for funding under the government's phone pouch scheme.The initiative sparked criticism at the time and Opposition parties labelled it “wasteful” and “unnecessary”.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Conor Murphy, English Teacher in Skibbereen, Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies and later Eoghan Kenny, Labour Spokesperson for Education and Youth.Image: Yondr

Israel considering full military occupation of Gaza

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 11:01


Reports today suggest that the Israeli Government may decide to fully occupy Gaza. This would put an end to the 2005 decision to remove any Israeli troops from the area.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Bel Trew, the Chief International Correspondent at The Independent and Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.Image: Reuters

Financial planning tips for your teens and twenties

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 9:57


At any age you can start saving for your future, but what is the best way to save when you are still in college, or your first full time job?Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips!

Ryanair to ditch printed boarding passes

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 5:58


Starting in November, Ryanair passengers will no longer be allowed to use printed boarding passes. Instead, they will need to present a digital boarding pass in their mobile app. The airline claims that this move will improve customer experience by getting rid of airport check-in fees, and that it will help the environment by reducing paper waste.But, how will this impact those who might now own a smartphone, or those who do own a smartphone but struggle with navigating phone apps?A recent study found that 62% of adults over the age of 65 in Ireland do not have basic digital skills. So how are they meant to navigate the new boarding protocol imposed by Ryanair?To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Alan Grogan, Donor Engagement & CSR Coordinator with Friends of the Elderly.

Winners and Sinners

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 23:39


This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Comedian Jim Elliott to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Dublin V Meath - who will lift the Brendan Martin Cup?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 8:39


The Men's GAA Finals are all settled, and now this weekend, we can look forward to the Ladies Football Final!Dublin and Meath will meet in Croke Park on Sunday in a bid to lift the Brendan Martin Cup.Josh Crosbie has been visiting both counties today to soak up some of the atmosphere, and sends in this report.

You Are What You Eat: Strawberries

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 16:42


Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss strawberries - and how they can be used in multiple delicious recipes!

strawberries tv chef aisling larkin
Sport with Mick McCarthy

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 9:16


Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Have Irish businesses been let down by this new tariff deal?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 12:16


Tánaiste Simon Harris insists that Ireland avoided a “moment of catastrophe” thanks to the EU-US tariff deal.It's as tariffs of 15% on EU goods entering the US are now due to take effect from next week.So, are Irish businesses being let down?Eoin O'Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association and Ciaran Mullooly, Independent MEP for Midlands North West, join Kieran to discuss.

Public transport police confirmed to be rolled out

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 11:27


Earlier this week, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien confirmed that dedicated transport police will be rolled out across all public transport. Most notably, Officers will have powers of arrest and detention.Dublin Bus have been calling for collaborative security measures to be put in place for some time now…Their Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement, Cliodhna Ni Fhatharta, joins Kieran to discuss.

The biggest moments of 1985 - Henry McKean Reports

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 12:20


Ahead of his show this Bank Holiday Monday looking back on the year, Henry McKean joins Kieran to rewind the clock to 1985!

Why is Roblox looking to add online dating?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 8:07


According to its CEO, gaming platform Roblox is proposing adding online dating to its platform. Should it exist on a platform whose user base consists mainly of kids and teenagers?Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, Cyberpsychology Lecturer at IADT, joins Kieran to discuss.

What it's like doing your driving test today - Dylan Hand Reports

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 11:41


In recent times, the RSA has come under increased scrutiny for their handling of the Irish driving test. At the start of the year, waiting times had reached an all-time high, leaving learner drivers across the country in outrage over the back log in the system.Since then, waiting times have fallen, allowing many prospective drivers to sit their test, and hopefully swap their L plates for N's.But, what exactly is the experience of today's learners sitting their test, and what exactly does it take to pass?Newstalk Reporter Dylan Hand has recently taken his own driving test, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on.

Claim Highlights from The Hard Shoulder

In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

Claim Cancel