The Hard Shoulder

An Post has put out a warning when it comes to sending teabags, crisps or chocolate this Christmas, because of US tariffs and rules…Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

'Scanxiety' or scan anxiety is something many cancer survivors will understand, but how do you deal with the worry in the days leading up to a scan?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Professor Seamus O’Reilly, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Cork University Hospital and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.

Artist Paul Hughes joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

Taoiseach Micheál Martin today begins a two-day official visit to Belém, Brazil to attend the COP30 Leader’s Summit.Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock is there, and joins Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates.

Almost a quarter of Uisce Éireann staff earned a salary over one hundred thousand euro last year.Officials from Uisce Eireann appeared before the Public Accounts Committee earlier today outlining how over four hundred staff earned one hundred thousand euro or more last year…Uisce Eireann also outlined that it will be beyond 2030 before the Greater Dublin Drainage Project will be up and running, which was identified as necessary over a decade ago.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte was monitoring this meeting, and joins Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates. Also joining to discuss is James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South, and member of the PAC committee.

The US Government shutdown has entered its 37th day - it is the longest period of time the American government has been closed…It all started on October 1st, because of the inability of Congress to agree to a new funding deal for Government workers and essential services.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Anthony Zurcher, North American Correspondent with BBC News.

There are renewed calls for a dedicated transport police to be set up. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie spent an evening out with Dublin Bus - one year since they have established the Safer Journeys team, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

“Every diocese in Ireland would collapse if priests retired at 75”. That’s according to Father Roy Donovan, Spokesperson for the Association of Catholic Priests, but is Catholicism purely functional now?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Portlaoise Parish Priest, Fr David Vard.

A new policy and a plan to strengthen the teaching, learning and use of Irish language in schools is due to be launched today by Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee, but what exactly should be done to encourage young people to love the Irish language and keep it alive?Joining me now is Irish Independent Columnist, Mary McCarty and Seán Ó Mhaoilchiaráin, Cuala Ceathair Presenter.

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.This week, Simon joins Ciara to discuss how you can break bad news.

There is ongoing outrage in Paris, as online retailer Shein has opened its first ever permanent store today, with protests taking place in the city against it.To explain all of this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Sustainability Advocate, Pat Kane.Image: Reuters

There’s lots of discussion around left-wing and right-wing politics, but what about those voters in the middle, who don’t identify with either view? To chat about the growing popularity of left and right discourse in Irish society, Ciara Doherty is joined by Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics at TU Dublin, and Dr Graham Finlay, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations UCD.Image: Reuters

The Irish brand  SOSU Cosmetics has withdrawn one of its products from sale as a precautionary measure after it was found to contain elevated levels of arsenic.Do influencers truly know what ingredients are in their products and how should we educate ourselves as consumers when buying skincare or makeup products?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss  is Dr. Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at Dr. Haugh Dermatology & Aesthetics.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss why the Chinese government wants influencers in their country to hold degrees in the topics they are talking about, like health or finance.

The Department of Agriculture has announced a compulsory housing order from next Monday for poultry and captive birds, following recent bird flu outbreaks.How will this affect things like the Christmas turkey?News Editor of The Irish Farmers Journal, Amy Forde, joins Ciara Doherty.

Today, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was welcomed back into the Dáil after recovering from throat cancer.He took the opportunity to call for cancer services to be properly resourced and supported in his first speech back.Richard joins Ciara Doherty in the studio to discuss.

Broadcaster and Author, Iain Dale, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the latest book he’s edited: ‘The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership’.

Learner drivers who have had a car permit for four years will have to take a driving test before renewing their permit, closing an 11-year loophole.Geraldine Herbert is Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent. She joins Ciara Doherty to explain more.

Preparations for COP30 are underway, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin being one of the world leaders who will be attending.Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock is over there, and joins Ciara to discuss what we can expect. Also joining to discuss is John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor in the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units at the Department of Geography at Maynooth University.Image: COP30

The Government is aiming to introduce a digital wallet that would hold people’s life milestones for easy access. This could include documents such as a birth certificate or deeds to your home.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their thoughts…To chat a bit more about this plan, Ciara Doherty is joined by Eoin Keary, Founder of Edgescan, and Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty.

A problem that many people face: how do you pick the right shoes for you? And what are the risks if you get the wrong pair?To discuss, Seán Defoe is joined by Footwear Expert, Liam Hughes.

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 Seán Defoe to discuss a newly-released list on the best 50 hotels in the world.

Joining Seán Defoe is Psychotherapist, author, former professional footballer, pundit, and Movember ambassador Richie Sadlier to discuss the importance of creating the space for men to discuss their mental health…

Ten people were wounded in the mass stabbing on board a train between Doncaster and London's King's Cross Station on Saturday night.Seán Defoe is joined by Stephen Crean, an Irish citizen who was on board the train and interjected, blocking the attacker from injuring other passengers.

Independent Senator Tom Clonan joins Seán Defoe to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Former Vice President to George W. Bush, Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84 today. He was widely viewed as one of the most polarizing, but also influential, Vice Presidents ever.Elsewhere, New Yorkers are taking the polls today to elect a new Mayor.Joining Seán Defoe to discuss all is White House Columnist for the Hill ,Niall Stanage.Image: Reuters

The Parents of 826,000 primary and pre-school children in the state will soon be asked to participate in a national survey.The survey, the largest and first ever held so far, will collect data on the kind of school structure parents want. Asking questions around the role of religion in schools, and whether single or mixed schools should be the future approach in education.The Minister for Education and Youth, and Fine Gael TD Helen McEntee, joins Seán Defoe to discuss.

AI chatbots are drawing in teenage boys, who use them for therapy, companionship and relationships, according to new research.Over a third of those surveyed said they were considering the idea of an AI friend, amid growing concern about the rise of AI therapists and girlfriends…Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties is appearing before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice today, calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised to 14, but what is the appropriate age for people to have full responsibility for their actions?Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Child Welfare Consultant, Kieran McGrath.

The Halloween decorations are down for another year, but straight up are the Christmas decorations. Is the Christmas season too long and too commercialised?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Seán to share what he’s heard.

Recent protests in Citywest and the suspected arson attack at an IPAS center in Drogheda calls into question our approach to tackling these violent protests. While there is a heavy focus on how they are policed, should there be a shift to identifying what draws people to extreme protests?Joining Ciara to discuss is Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Officer with the ESRI, who had this piece in the Irish Independent.

Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against his former co-star Blake Lively has officially been closed by a judge.It’s after it was ruled that the actor and director missed the deadline that had been set to pursue his claim.Journalist Harriet Alexander joins Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates.Image: Britannica

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Clinical Director of Therapy Institute and author of ‘Home is Where the Start Is’ joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how much privacy you should give your child, both at home and with their phone.

The Government is considering charging rent for IPAS centre residents who are in full-time employment.Ministers are meeting to discuss signing off on the proposals.It comes as the Government seems to be hardening its stance on immigration; it also follows an attack on an IPAS centre in Drogheda in the last couple of days.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council and Independent MEP, Michael McNamara.

The CSO has said that a record number of babies were born to women aged 45 years and over in 2023.The average age of a mother giving birth is 33.2, up from 32.2 ten years previously, with those giving birthdays over 40 increasing by 25%.Maeve Eogan is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Rotunda, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Laura O’Connell, who survived a prolonged period of harassment, says that home security systems, including CCTV, should be provided by the State for stalking survivors.She joins Ciara Doherty to discuss further.

Malcolm Byrne is Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford and has written in the Irish times today about the Fianna Fáil party, questioning where the Party has gone so wrong. He argues it was the Party that got things done, and is questioning its focus…He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

A Christmas Market that was proposed for Limerick City has been cancelled, that is despite plans being made throughout the year to open the market.To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

This week, Ciara Doherty 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…

Ireland will face off against New Zealand tomorrow in Chicago as part of the Autumn Nations Series.But, can we expect the boys in green to overcome the mighty all blacks?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Rugby Pundit, Brent Pope.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Ciara Doherty to discuss some recipes perfect for the Halloween season!

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

Former Kilkenny hurler and nine-time All-Star Award winner DJ Carey has been remanded in custody today for defrauding a number of people by falsely claiming he had cancer.It is expected he will be sentenced on Monday.Newstalk’s Court Correspondent Frank Graney joins Ciara to discuss the latest updates.

HMV is set to open it's third store here in Ireland - a major reverse from it's 2016 countrywide music store shut down. But why are cds and vinyl having a revival in the age of digital media - and is the future of culture to be found in the past?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

King Charles has "initiated a formal process" to remove Prince Andrew’s title.The King's younger brother has continued to face more questions about his private life in recent months, and his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this further is Royal Commentator, Jennie Bond.

Pregnancy loss affects around one in every four pregnancies, most often before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy loss at any time can have physical impacts on the pregnant woman, and emotional and social impacts on the woman and her partner.It can happen at work, and people can continue working while experiencing physical and/or emotional impacts, but is that right?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this further is Labour TD, Marie Sherlock.

A University of Westminster study found that watching a horror movie burns as many calories as a 30-minute walk, but with the day that’s in it - are horror movies ‘Halloween movies’ or are they in a category of their own?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joining Ciara Doherty in studio to discuss is Chris Wasser, Arts Journalist and Sunday Independent Film Critic and Comedian Jim Elliot.

John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk and Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

There are ongoing concerns that an overhaul may be needed for mental health services for young people. Such services are finding themselves stretched due to ongoing demand.To discuss, Ciara Doherty is joined by Dr. Patricia Byrne, Chair of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.