The Hard Shoulder

What does Bob Dylan, Fred Astaire, Elon Musk, Madonna and all of the Beatles have in common? They’re subjects of upcoming biopics!How has this happened, and why has Hollywood suddenly turned to this genre?Olivia Fahy, Editor of Geek Ireland, joins Kieran to discuss.

In preparation for the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States, people are looking back to inaugurations of the past... Mark Kirwan, an Irish man who worked as a Washington D.C Metropolitan Police Officer, including for inaugurations and during the January 6th riots, joins Kieran to reflect.Also joining Kieran to discuss his predictions for the inauguration ,and for Trump’s upcoming Presidency is former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

According to research, children who are polite and do their chores are the most likely to be the favourite of their parents!Is there truth to this? Who is your favourite child, and are you the favourite?Henry McKean has been out asking the famous question, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.This week, Jeff joins Kieran to discuss Joe Biden’s final days in office, and commenting on the work he has done in his term.

You might be scrolling on X/Twitter today and seeing a lot of these scam ads featuring current Taoiseach Simon Harris with fake news headlines. All of them are the same format, same font and use similar images…To explain what’s going on exactly, Kieran is joined by Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor for the Irish and Sunday Independent.

An Israeli cabinet meeting expected to give the final approval for the ceasefire and hostage release deal has been delayed, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of backtracking on the deal.It comes as there has been renewed hope of a deal being done.So, when should we see a result?Bel Trew, The UK Independent's Chief International Correspondent and Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute in UCD, join Kieran to discuss.

US President Joe Biden gave his final address last night as he sets to leave the office after only a single term in the Whitehouse, ahead of Donal Trump’s inauguration this Monday.So, what will Joe Biden’s legacy be when it’s looked back on?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Harry Browne, Journalist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Media at TU Dublin, Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent with The Irish Examiner and Emma Howard, Economist at TU Dublin.Image: Reuters

A recent survey by the cashless tipping provider Paynt, with the Restaurants Association of Ireland, showed that cashless tips rose by 74% in December, and that 83% of businesses that use cashless tipping report higher tips received. But, what does this say about the way we tip?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.This week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy to try different offerings of crackers!

It’s more than white smoke now, as an agreement on a new Government has now been made.Minister for Public Expenditure, Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe, joins Kieran to discuss this new formation, and the next steps.

With the new formation of the Government official, it's all but certain that Michael Healy-Rae will become a Junior Minister for Agriculture, continuing the political legacy of the Healy-Rae family.Henry McKean is in Healy-Rae country: Kilgarvan in County Kerry, and joins Kieran to share the reactions of the locals there. And, by pure chance, Michael Healy-Rae joins Henry and Kieran to discuss the news!

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joined Kieran Cuddihy for the Tech Takeover!This week, she discusses Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that he plans to fire the “low performers” from his company Meta next month, and why this seems to be a turn to a worrying culture shift in the tech industry, in the wake of Donald Trump’s election to President of the United States.

Kieran’s guest is back in Ireland for his new tour: ‘Lately’, and will be in the 3Olympia in February for 3 special shows.Des Bishop joins the show!

With the new government formation official, so comes with it the Programme for Government, laying out what they plan to do.Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent, joins Kieran to go through the biggest things to know from the document.

Have you ever found yourself avoiding small talk at the office? Well, you're not alone! New research shows that for younger workers, face-to-face chats are becoming a thing of the past, with many opting for digital communication even when sitting right next to their colleagues.A quick DM on Teams or Whatsapp might lower the stakes for rejection, but what does it mean for the future of workplace bonding and relationship building?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Saoirse Hanley, Audience Editor with the Irish Independent and Columnist with the Sunday Independent, as well as Frances Kelleher, Dating and Life Coach…

As the white smoke emerges from government buildings, all the focus seems to be on the Programme for Government, who got what role, and how many ministries each of the parties received. But, not as many people have focused on what the people want to see.To give an insight into what they want to see included, Kieran is joined by Conor Skehan, Columnist with the Sunday Independent, Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic and a Columnist with the Sunday Independent, and Meghann Scully, Broadcaster and Freelance Journalist.

With Government formation seemingly at an end, and the Programme for Government being finalized, many are wondering what items will be included in the document. While many are calling for the Government to commit to the Occupied Territories Bill, others are more skeptical.Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Féin’s Housing Spokesperson, joins Kieran to discuss this new Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Regional Independents Government, as well as the Bill.

Joining Kieran this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf is Newstalk Presenter Anton Savage!

Yesterday, a discussion was had over the medicalisation of mental health.This was after Tony Blair made a statement saying people are unable to cope with what he considers the everyday “ups and downs” of life, without a label or treatment for a mental condition. A sentiment shared by Brendan Kelly, who was on the show.James Reilly, former Minister for Health and a practicing GP, joins Kieran to discuss why he disagrees with Tony Blair.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael as well as Regional Independents have seemingly ended government negotiation talks as of today.Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror and Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central join Kieran to discuss and give the latest information.

There are some basic skills you should know: from changing a lightbulb, cleaning your car or swapping out a tire. But apparently, some don’t have all those skills!A new study from Halford suggests that Gen Z forgo the DIY jobs in favour of hiring others to do it…Peter Finn, also known as Pete the Builder and Interior Architect Róisín Murphy join Kieran to discuss.

Is Ireland anti-NATO?That’s been the feeling by some, especially outside of Ireland, after Michael D. Higgins called any calls for increased military spending “appalling”.Shashank Joshi, the Defence Editor of the Economist, joins Kieran to discuss.

How much time will you spend in a coffee shop working or studying? Is it more time than you should be spending, or is it a special place to get work done?Henry McKean has been asking the public after a few too many coffees, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

Entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has spent millions to try to reverse his biological age, and has a new documentary on Netflix, mapping out his journey.As he constantly reviews his regime, the question more generally is ... how far has science taken us in our quest to live as long as possible?Roger Highfield of the London Science Museum joins me now.Image: Netflix

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie, joins Kieran to answer your parenting questions!

As Holyhead prepares to open back up again, Irish hauliers are trying to take steps to guarantee a closure of this level never happens again. The Irish Road Hauliers’ Association has now called on the Government to buy a berth in the Port.Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Hauliers’ Association, joins Kieran to discuss.

Are we too quick to place labels on mental health? Former Prime Minister Tony Blair was speaking on the Jimmy’s Job’s of the Future Podcast, and raised concerns about “over-medicalising” the 'ups and downs' of life…Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Kieran to discuss.

Dancing With The Stars is on Irish screens currently, with Kieran’s guest being one of those gracing the dance floor!Kevin Dundon is Chef and owner of Dunbrody Country House Hotel, and joins the show to discuss his experience so far.

As we move into the 6th day of the Los Angeles wildfires, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Tens of thousands of acres have been burnt, and over a hundred thousand people have been evacuated.Joining Kieran to give the latest updates from the ground is Peter Bowes, a Reporter from BBC North America, and to give their personal experience, Reb Kennedy, Irish Music Producer, former regular of the Late Late Show, and close friend of Imelda May.Image: Reuters

The School Meals Scheme continues to be rolled out across the country – this means 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will soon be eligible for the programme.But, is it worth the time and resources?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Trina Golden, Principal of Owenabue Educate Together National School in Carrigaline, Cork, as well as Broadcaster Wendy Grace…

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

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

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at snacking - and why it doesn’t necessarily have to be unhealthy!

One name has been cropping up again and again in the news, and that is Elon Musk. The billionaire has caused a stir in the UK with his promotion of individuals like Tommy Robinson, and criticism of what he sees as inaction of the Labour Government to address grooming gangs in the UK.His father Errol Musk, joins Kieran to discuss.

The wildfires in California are still burning, with constant updates about the carnage continuing to pour in.Joining Kieran to give his experience of the fires is Teddy Leonard, owner of the Reel Inn in Malibu, California, as well as Riva Duncan, Executive Secretary of the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and TV host Darren Kennedy also join to discuss.Image: Reuters

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.This week, Jeff joins Kieran to discuss the most destructive wildfire ever to hit Los Angeles and if anyone, Like Governor Gavin Newsom as Trump suggests, is to blame. They also discuss the funeral of former US President Jimmy Carter, and Trump’s comments on Canada and Greenland.Image: Reuters

Ryanair have just announced that they’re going to be suing a passenger after their behaviour forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert and stop in Porto. The company is seeking damages of €15,000 to pay for costs associated with the unexpected stop. But, should they take the passenger to court?Joining Kieran to discuss is Padraig O’Ceidigh, the former owner of Aer Arann and Aer Lingus Regional and Marisa Mackle, a former Air Hostess and author of ‘Confessions of an Air Hostess’.

After the owners of RIP.ie announced that they would start charging people to put up funeral notices on their website, a few smaller new sites began to spring up around the country offering the service for free.Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrat TD for Wicklow, is now calling for a state-run funeral service to centralize funeral notices. She joins Kieran to discuss.

As Christmas is a time for relaxation and over-indulgence, you may have fed your pet more than usual - one or two walks may have been forgotten about… But, should you put them on a diet?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pete Wedderburn, also known as ‘Pete the Vet’!

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.This week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy to try different kinds of porridge!

Ahead of his ‘An Evening with Michael Harding’ tour, Author and Columnist with Irish Times, Michael Harding, joins Kieran to discuss the value you can gain from conversations…

Firefighters in California are struggling to contain wildfires burning around Los Angeles.A state of emergency has been declared, as around 30-thousand people have been ordered to leave their homes in the exclusive suburb of Pacific Palisades…Executive Vice-President of the Golden Globes, Tim Gray, joins Kieran to discuss what it’s like on the ground.Image: Reuters

Temperatures are set to get as low as –8 degrees tonight, with an orange weather warning in place from 6pm this evening for 25 counties…Kieran is joined by Tom Brosnan, Civil Defence Officer in Kerry to discuss conditions in his area, and Newstalk’s Henry McKean and Barry Whyte join to give the latest updates.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran after visiting the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas! She discusses some of the big things on show there.Image: Reuters

When you hear of an Irish stew, you may think of the traditional Irish dish, but it's far more than that! Instead, it's an award-winning podcast – shortlisted for another title at the Irish Pod Awards – made by Irishman Martin Nutty, and Irish-American John Lee about everything about the global Irish.The hosts, John and Martin, join Kieran to chat on what’s been happening stateside.

“The heart of rural Ireland has stopped beating and without a whimper of protest”… Those are the sentiments of Consultant Historian, Dr. Liam A. Heffron, who wrote recently in the Western People about his experience of rural decline in Ireland.So it begs the question: is rural Ireland in trouble?Dr. Liam A. Heffron joins Kieran to discuss. Also joining later is David Brady, former Mayo GAA footballer and Pauline O’Reilly, Green Party Senator.

Joining Kieran this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf is Conor Niland, former professional tennis player and author of the new book: ‘The Racket, On Tour with Tennis’s Golden Generation-and the other 99%’.

Temperatures continue to drop as the cold snap remains. While local authorities are doing everything at their disposal, people are having real trouble up and down the country.Joining Kieran to give an insight into how people are managing is Councilor Liam Galvin from Limerick, and Declan Gorman, the Director of Centre Ground Gritting.Henry McKean also joins Kieran from Charleville in Cork to discuss how the people there have been impacted.

For New Year's resolutions, people take a wealth of challenges to start running, maybe picking up an instrument, or even learning a language.Well, for the new year, Kieran is embarking on a new challenge called 100 days of Gaelige, in which will try to use cúpla focail every day for the next three months.To help Kieran embark on this journey, he’s joined by Louise Cantillon, Today FM Presenter and host of the How To Gael Podcast, Derek Hollingsworth, Creator of 100 days of Gaeilge and founder of Pobail Gaeilge 15 and Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, RTÉ Presenter.

Elon Musk has called for Nigel Farage to be replaced as leader of Reform UK this weekend - just weeks after reports that he was in talks to donate to the party.He has also tweeted ‘Free Tommy Robinson’, as he continues to serve an 18 month sentence for contempt of court.Political Commentator Adam Boulton joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters