The Hard Shoulder

Loneliness is as detrimental to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s according to the National Institute of Aging. The comments come as a recent study by AXA found more than half of men and women have felt lonely in the past month. Joined Kieran is Stella O’Malley psychotherapist and author of ‘What Your Teen Is Trying To Tell You’.

We’re into week two of the Easter Holidays, and I’m sure many of you have done all the ‘make and do’ you can possibly do, so how about something different to keep the kids entertained? Kieran's guest Jungle Dave takes his Educational Reptile Zoo on the road and has brought some of his friendly critters to the studio today.

We received an email from a parent who feels let down by our government, and getting her autistic child the help he needs. It is a particularly upsetting email, when you read through the amount of time and energy, she, her husband and other families have put into campaigning for their children. Linda Whitmarsh joined Kieran today. She is the parent of two young children, and along with her husband Ronan, is the Chairperson for the Cavan-Monaghan Parents Committee for Children in Need of Disability Services.

With today's spoiler online on the TV show Succession, we ask the question: is it ever ok to spoil a movie or TV show for someone? And in a world of social media rife with spoilers online from the minute it appears on screen, can we not avoid them anymore? Joined Kieran was Newstalk's own John Fardy and pop culture and entertainment expert Deirdre Molumby.

If you have ever travelled by Train in the UK or mainland Europe, you will notice Digital tickets have become the norm. Here in Ireland, physical proof of a ticket remains the only option. With users having to go to the ticket desk or print tickets bought online at station printers. Here to talk about his frustrating experience with Irish Rail and their outdated Ticket System is Writer and Broadcaster Keith Walsh.

Easter is a time where we indulge ourselves with chocolate eggs and alcohol leading us to often forgetting what the real significance of the holiday is. Here to explain to us the importance and meaning of Easter is Father Brain D’Arcy.

Pre-tax profits at the main Irish subsidiary of iPhone maker, Apple last year increased by 2pc to over 63 billion euro. The figures recorded by the Cork based Apple Operations International Ltd and subsidiaries equate to daily pre-tax profits of over 170 million euro for the 12 months to the end of September 24th 2022. It begs the question - should we be collecting more tax from the likes of Apple? Mick Barry is socialist TD for Cork North Central and member of the Oireachtas Finance Committee and Alan Farrell is Fine Gael TD for Fingal joined Kieran to discuss.

Stephen Donnelly has ruled out subsidised housing for healthcare workers. We were joined by David Cullinane, Sinn Feins health spokesperson and Dr. Rory Hearne Assistant Professor of Social Policy at Maynooth University to ask if minister was right to rule this out.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a digital twin? Today's show's guest, Roger Highfield has explored just that in his new book Virtual You: How Building Your Digital Twin Will Revolutionize Medicine and Change Your Life.

As you’ll no doubt be aware, it’s 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and the impact of that agreement has been felt in the North, in the South and throughout the world. Enda McNulty is a former Armagh footballer, and Managing Director of McNulty Performance. He grew up in the midst of the Troubles, and was playing for Armagh at the time the Agreement was signed. He joined Kieran to explain the impact.

The Garda Representative Association are once again calling for tasers as protection for Gardai. To discuss this Kieran was joined by Liam Herrick, who is Executive Director for the Irish Council of Civil Liberties, and John Dean-O’Keefe, who is a forensic criminologist and former communications manager for the GRA.

In today's episode of Pod Couple, Darren Cleary, managing editor of Go Loud and Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joined Kieran to chat about Detectives Don’t Sleep podcast.

In our monthly slot with Pete Lunn, founder and head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, we discussed today the science behind lying.

Recent reports have suggested that RTE are considering replacing Operational Transformation. RTE refutes these reports but it brings about the question is it time for the 15-year-long programme to end? Joining Kieran was former medic on the show Dr Eva Orsmond and eating disorder advocate and head of News at Tipp FM Shelia Naughton.

Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie visited the town of Carlingford ahead of the upcoming visit of US President Joe Biden. We heard from Josh today on the show.

"I think it would be highly regrettable and unnecessary...' if there is a blue flu later this year", so says Simon Harris, addressing an action that Garda officers are considering to take during US President Joe Biden’s visit next week. Minister for Justice and Higher and Further Education joined Kieran today on the show to discuss the issue as well as the notion of arming guards with tasers.

Should Dublin have a functioning fruit and veg market like many other European cities? Joining Kieran today to discuss was Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon and Travel Journalist Fionn Davenport.

Ireland's neutrality will be debated at a forum on our place in the world this summer. Tánaiste Micheál Martin has been telling his Cabinet colleagues about the forum, which will take place in June. Kieran was joined by Dorcha Lee is a retired Irish Army Colonel and peacekeeper to discuss..

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran again for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. The series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options. This week Simon and Kieran looked as some of the easter eggs on our shelves...

It all tees off tomorrow from Augusta National, the first golf major of the year is upon us, and it’s the one they all want to win. Off The Ball’s Joe Molloy joined Kieran to discuss the one's leading the pack heading into The Masters...

US President Joe Biden has confirmed that he will visit Ireland from April 11th to 14th. Biden will also be addressing Dáil Éireann during his time in Dublin. Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Kieran Allen, lecturer in the school of sociology in UCD who will be protesting President Joe Biden's visit. Richard Neal, Congressman from Massachusetts also joined The Hard Shoulder to discuss the visit…

When it comes to dinner on Easter Sunday, you simply can’t go wrong with roast lamb! With the help of Aldi Ireland, chef, food writer, author, and proprietor of 'Ballyknocken House & Cookery School, Catherine Fulviohere joined Kieran to discuss how to prepare the perfect Easter Dinner to impress all...

Ireland's neutrality will be debated at a forum on our place in the world this summer. Tánaiste Micheál Martin has been telling his Cabinet colleagues about the forum, which will take place in June. What should our position be on neutrality? Kieran was joined by Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for Employment Affairs & Retail Businesses, and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown and Brid Smith, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central...

Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and ex-police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith have abruptly called off their engagement weeks after announcing it. Henry McKean hit the streets to ask is it the right thing to call it off, a braver thing to do than going through with it?

Every week, Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder with thanks to Emirates, will take a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations Emirates fly to around the world. This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fionn Davenport, travel writer and broadcaster to look at the stunning detination of Dubai...

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) today agreed to take part in further protests in its ongoing rostering dispute with Garda management. Kieran was joined by Former Garda Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy to discuss...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, and Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry. Continuing the series, ‘Common Ground’, they will debate some of the biggest, most divisive topics around. The series continued with a discussion around 'Was Eoin Ó Brion right to tweet garda eviction image?'

Former US President Donald Trump arrived in New York yesterday, and today will report to the office of the district attorney in Lower Manhattan. He will be fingerprinted and possibly photographed before being brought before a court. Trump is expected in court to hear charges and have a chance to enter a plea. Kieran was joined by Anthony Zucher, North America Correspondent for the BBC and Matt Mayer, who is President of Opportunity at Ohio, and currently exploring a run for Governor of Ohio…

Former US President Donald Trump has been preparing to face criminal charges in a historic court hearing in New York today. New York police and security services have been flooding the city, with barricades erected around the Manhattan court building. The founder of WestWingReports Paul Brandus joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…

There will be constraints to building houses here no matter who is in government, Leo Varadkar has said. The Taoiseach has also denied Fr Peter McVerry’s claim he overruled objections from the Housing Minister to put an end to the eviction ban. To discuss this further, Kieran was joined by Fr Peter McVerry, founder of the Peter McVerry Trust…

Most people are missing out on savings as they did not shop around when originally choosing a bank and do not consider switching. That’s according to a new report from the ERSI today. Paperwork, education, fear of not paying their bills - these are all barriers for Irish people. It’s costing us. Kieran was joined by Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent at The Irish Times...

The eviction ban was lifted over the weekend.There will be constraints to building houses here no matter who is in government, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Mary from Dublin, she is facing eviction from the house she rents in Dublin. Councillor Nial Ring, Independent Dublin City Councillor also joined The Hard Shoulder...

This week marks two months since the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, killing almost 60,000 people. Works are continuing in the region, where almost 1.6 million people are now living in tented accomodation due to the damage. Unicef are working in the area and so far have reached 400,000 people, but aim to help 3 million people. Newstalk Breakfast presenter Ciara Kelly is in Turkey to see some of the work being carried out by Unicef. She joined Bobby Kerr on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

Lam's takeaway in Ballyfermot has been in business for 32 years. Following a family dispute, owner Ken Lam’s son Jonathan Lam is opening a separate takeaway ‘New Lams’ right nextdoor. Bobby Kerr was joined by Liam Collins, Columnist with The Sunday Independent to discuss a history of family feuds in business in Ireland…

This Friday will officially mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It brought about remarkable change in Northern Ireland following 30 years of conflict. But, how did the signing of the deal end up affecting businesses and the economy in Northern Ireland. Bobby Kerr was joined by Paddy Malone, PRO of of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats to discuss...

The Labour Party are calling for Good Friday to be made a permanent Public Holiday for all workers. Bobby Kerr was joined by Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock and John Barry, Managing Director of MSS, The HR People and Member of ISME National Council..

New figures from the Residential Tenancies Board have shown that more than 4,300 notices to quit were served to tenants in the last three months of 2022. It comes as the eviction ban was officially lifted over the weekend. Bobby Kerr was joined by Mike Allen, advocacy director of Focus Ireland joins us and Jessica Freed, an actress and writer in Dublin facing homelessness…

50 years ago today, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper stood on a corner of Sixth Avenue, took a phone book from his pocket and made the first mobile phone call in history. So how much has the mobile phone improved our lives? And is being constantly contactable always a good thing? Bobby Kerr was joined by Pat Phelan, co-founder and CEO of Sisu Clinic and Ali Ryan, CEO of Goss.ie…

The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk was broadcasting LIVE from New York City as part of Ireland Gateway to Europe. The group promotes bilateral transatlantic trade: to encourage US firms to invest in Ireland, while also helping Irish companies that are looking to get a foothold in the American market. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Adrian McGennis, Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment and one of the founders of Ireland Gateway to Europe...

Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted on criminal charges arising from an alleged hush money payment to an adult film actress. Kieran was joined by Molly Crane Newman, Manhattan Courts Correspondent for the Daily News to discuss...

As The Hard Shoulder is broadcasting LIVE from New York City, Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to chat through some of the best places to grab a bite to eat in The Big Apple...

The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk was broadcasting LIVE from Boston as part of Ireland Gateway to Europe. The group promotes bilateral transatlantic trade: to encourage US firms to invest in Ireland, while also helping Irish companies that are looking to get a foothold in the American market. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Robbie McGilla Phadraig, from Ireland Gateway to Europe and Sigmar and Joan Groleau, Vice President of Partner Marketing at GP on the Gateway to Europe Project...

The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk was broadcasting LIVE from Boston as part of Ireland Gateway to Europe. The group promotes bilateral transatlantic trade: to encourage US firms to invest in Ireland, while also helping Irish companies that are looking to get a foothold in the American market. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Claire Kelly, from Ireland Gateway to Europe and Dave McCormack, Managing Director at VAAS Video...

Kieran was joined by Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Healthcare to discuss his life and career, and how he found himself at the forefront of healthcare in the United States...

Kieran was joined by Irish-American Comedian, Des Bishop to catch up about the current state of politics in the US, sliding into his new wife's DMs and hosting the Late Late Show...

Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Homeland Security Secretary says the record number of Americans dying of fentanyl overdoses is the "single greatest challenge we face as a country." To discuss the rise of the drug, and the impact it is having on people and communities, Kieran was joined by Christopher Booker, special correspondent and producer for PBS NewsHour and WNET in NYC and Sarah Evans, Division Director of Drug Policies, Global Programs of the Open Society Foundations to discuss...

The Hard Shoulder was broadcast LIVE from The Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel in New York City, with thanks to Ireland Gateway to Europe. Kieran was joined by John Fitzpatrick, Owner of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group in New York...

Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted on criminal charges arising from an alleged hush money payment to an adult film actress. For more on this, Kieran was joined by Terry Sheridan, News Director with WSHU Public Radio LIVE in The Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel in New York City...

Kieran was joined LIVE in Boston by CEO of Kylemore Abbey, Conor Coyne to discuss tourism to Ireland from the US, the history of Kylemore Abbey and what the future holds...

ChatGPT an AI chatbot has done significant work in evolving the capabilities of artificial intelligence, especially in terms of its usefullness in day to day scenarios. Now, some leaders in tech have come out calling for the development of AI experiments to be paused for 6 months because of risks to humanity. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...