The Hard Shoulder

Have superhero movies led to the death of cinema? Former Marvel actor and star of Succession Brian Cox seems to think so, despite the latest superhero movie, Deadpool & Wolverine becoming the second highest grossing movie of 2024.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Deirdre Molumby, Pop Culture and Entertainment Expert and Film Critic, Brian Lloyd.Image: Marvel

All eyes are on the Democratic National Convention as it starts in Chicago today, and who better to discuss presidential politics than Kieran’s next guest, American actor and ‘The West Wing’ legend, Richard Schiff!They discuss Biden’s decision to step out of the race, and how the election might shake out.Image: NBC

Electric Picnic has come and gone from another weekend, but one of the highlights for some would have been the Wolfe Tones playing the main stage yesterday.Was it okay for thousands of fans to chant “oh ah up the ra”? Or do we need to start having a mature conversation around rebel songs?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ronan McGreevy, Irish Times journalist, author of 'Great Hatred: The Assassination of Field Marshall Sir Henry Wilson MP' and Ben Lowry, Editor of The Belfast Newsletter.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Presenter of Weekend Breakfast, Alison Curtis and Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Manchán's Europe By Train, is a new series kicking off on RTÉ 1 this Sunday where beloved Manchán Magan shows Europe through the scoop of rail and ferry, with no flying allowed!Manchán joins Kieran to discuss.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to reinvent the noodle with some great recipes!

Never has a presidential race been so dramatic and full of twists and turns then the one in the US.Comedian Jim Elliot is on the ground stateside in Tennessee putting a finger on the pulse that is American politics. He joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss how former President Donald Trump possibly embarrassed himself on a livestream with Elon Musk on X / Twitter…Image: Margo Martin

As back to school looms on the horizon, it raises the question, should we shorten the school holidays?Italians certainly think they should, a petition to cut their 14 week long summer is circulating, but are they right? Or should we let our kids have down time?Kieran is joined by comedian Steve Cummings and Jen Hogan, Journalist and Irish Times Columnist to discuss this...

One-way flights from Dublin to London could cost up to €500 this coming Christmas, unless Dublin Airport’s passenger cap is lifted. So says Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who spoke to Shane Coleman on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.Padraig O Céidigh, Former Senator, Founder of Aer Lingus Regional & Former Chair of Shannon Airport Group joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss further.

Some people may be used to getting ID’d at the club door for looking too young, but what about getting ID’d for looking too OLD?It begs the question, does clubbing come with an age limit?Aideen Finnegan, Podcast Producer for The Irish Times and Freelance Journalist, Florence Okojie joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss.

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.He joins Kieran to discuss how, following Biden’s dropout and Kamala Harris taking his place, she is surging in the polls compared to Donald Trump? Will he be able to catch up?

The interest and obsession in former Love Island stars’, Molly Mae Haugh and Tommy Fury’s split is the perfect example of how invested people get in celebrity relationships. But, why are we so intrigued?Kieran is joined by Alexandra Ryan, founder and CEO of Goss.ie, to discuss.

The country's first e-scooter rental scheme was launched today in Wexford town in conjunction with Bolt, but what impact will this have on the town, and should we consider expanding the roll out across the country?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Joe O’Shea, Columnist for the Irish Mirror and Colin Baker of Back from the Future IT Support.

Playboy magazine is coming back, and while some people may feel its return is misogynistic in 2024. But, is this just a distraction? Is the real concern what our kids are watching in general?Dr. Caroline West, sex educator and sexual violence prevention educator joins Kieran to discuss.

Plans are underway for Cork's first Olympic swimming pool, but right now, it’s sitting in a warehouse.Joining Kieran to discuss is Giuseppe Whelan, Chairman of Dolphin Swimming Club.

Transition Year was first introduced in secondary schools 50 years ago, but how has the program changed since then? And what are the pros and cons of the so-called ‘doss’ year?To discuss, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchins College Limerick and Aontú’s Education Spokesperson, and Newstalk's own Alex Rowley.

We all love our pets, and if you own a dog, you probably give them a kiss on the forehead, or maybe even on the mouth. But how unhygienic is this really? And what implications could it have for health?Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology in University of Leicester.

The removal of branding from cigarette boxes successfully reduced smoking among young people, but should a similar approach be taken with unhealthy food?To discuss, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Gráinne Mullins from Grá Chocolates...

If a friend or family member opens up to you about their mental health struggles, what is the best way to support them?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Geoffrey McCarthy, Psychotherapist and CEO of the Beacon of Light Counselling Centre in Clondalkin and Emer O’Neill, Broadcaster with RTÉ.

Many of the fantastic Irish Olympic athletes are no doubt having a deserved rest after a stellar competition.But, for some medal winners, such as Daniel Wiffen, many brands and businesses will be lining up to work with an Olympic champion.What is life for these individuals business-wise? And how much change does it have on their professional life?Joining Kieran to discuss is Trevor Twamley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Endorse. 

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss why you should sometimes delete your old emails and files - not just for the environment - but your pocket too!

Social Democrats’ TD Gary Gannon has raised concerns whether Dublin City has become too dangerous in the wake of a series of incidents following the Olympic homecoming earlier this week.Joining Kieran to discuss how dangerous Dublin City really is is Will Monaghan, owner of One Society Café.Will Monaghan is the owner of One Society on Gardiner Street. Will, as someone working in the City Centre, do you think things have got worse in the city?

The age-old debate of tattoos: should people think more before they ink? Or are we being too judgmental when it comes to body modification?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Irish Independent Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk Sinead Ryan and her son, Andrew, who just got a new tattoo.

Between navigating social cues and dating apps, trying to find a partner is a difficult endeavour.That mission isn’t easier if you are trying to get back out there after a divorce. So how do you get back on the horse? Frances Kelleher, Life Coach and Dating Expert, joins Kieran to discuss.

Research released earlier this summer showed that seat belt wearing rates have decreased among drivers and on top of that, drivers have been buying devices called ‘beep stoppers’ aimed at disabling car systems that beep when seat belts are not worn while driving.Is driving behaviour and attitudes at an all time low?Geraldine Herbert is a motoring editor and columnist with the Sunday independent and joins Kieran to discuss.

It’s been five years since the proposed White Water Rafting centre hit the public eye.Is the idea still a dud? Or should we consider it in light of our recent conversations around investing in sports infrastructure?To discuss, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Donna Cooney, Green Party Cllr and Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin and Dermot Lacey, Labour Party councillor on Dublin City Council.Image: Dublin City Council

Pharmacists should be able to prescribe for a range of common conditions.  So found a new report published today by the Expert Taskforce to Support the Expansion of the Role of Pharmacy.   Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly joined Kieran on this....

Once upon a time the dinner table was the focal point of a family home where we all gathered to talk about the day and share our food together. But these days, the TV pulls our attention instead or we eat on the go. Should we revisit the dinner table and make a point of sitting together, sharing experiences and connecting? Joining Kieran is Tara O’Connor, Event planner and Table-scapist from the Designed Table and Michelle Harding, founder of School of Life ....

Electric Picnic is upon us as the gates of Stradbally Hall open up to 75,000 people from Thursday.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie got a sneak preview of what people can expect. Hear from the organisers, stage creators and those performing.

Kieran is joined by Broadcaster and Presenter Sarina Bellissimo.She’s been glued to the TV since the Paris Olympics began, and shares the best moments she’s found as a viewer from home.

Ahead of this year’s inevitable general election, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe, has been taking a look at what the major parties actually stand for.This week, he joins Kieran Cuddihy to profile Fianna Fáil, finding out what makes them different to the other party with Fianna in its name.

A recent survey by The Sunday Times has revealed that there are over 1,000 teacher vacancies in both primary and secondary schools across Ireland ahead of the academic year.So, what is the cause for our lack of teachers across the country? Mr Aaron Wolfe, principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís secondary school in Cork, joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Enda Murphy, Clinical Psychotherapist and Director of SeeMee.ie to discuss travel anxiety and a fear of flying with children.

With new terminology being used every day, how do we decide what makes the Irish translation? From individual to official requests, the process of adding new words to the Irish language is a lengthy yet fascinating journey.Dr Gearóid Ó Cleircín, Assistant professor at DCU’s Fiontar and Scoil na Gaeilge and Member of An Coiste Téarmaíochta joins Kieran to discuss.

Following a successful year for Irish athletes in Paris at this year's Olympic Games, it raises the question on the distribution of the state's funding allocations for high performance sports.Despite a €25 million state funding allocation for high performance sports in Ireland, some Olympic athletes continue to be reliant on second careers to fund their training and ­participation in world events.However, horse racing and greyhound racing together received €95 million in state funding this year, significantly more than all other sports. Should this fund be reviewed?Kieran is joined by Micheal Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry and Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin, to discuss.

Police have described Banksy’s recent artwork in London as ‘criminal damage’, which begs the question: is graffiti or art, or mere vandalism?Joining me now to discuss is Catherine O’Halloran: psychotherapist, youth worker and Founder of Draw Out Limerick and Street Artist Shane Sutton.

Death threats and abuse have become commonplace in the lives of our politicians, so says a new survey from the Irish Independent, which reported that 60 of 67 TDs surveyed have had threats made against them, with the threats ranging from being “threatened with a gun”, to a threat of being hanged.Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Ceann Comhairle and Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor and Former Lord Mayor of Dublin join Kieran Cuddihy to discuss.

The Paris Olympics have concluded, and celebrations are taking place all across the country, but for the first time in Irish sporting history - official homecoming celebrations are underway. O’Connell street in Dublin is shut for the day as the most successful Irish effort at the Olympics so far is honoured.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran to share what he’s seen and heard so far, and Sinead O’Carroll, Editor of TheJournal.ie joins to discuss as well.

It’s been an outstanding few weeks at the Olympic Games for Team Ireland - with our athletes providing incredible results for the nation and making us all so proud.Kieran is joined by former triathlete and Ireland’s Chef de Mission for Paris, Gavin Noble to discuss Team Ireland and their Olympic journey.

Our outstanding performance at the Olympics has prompted calls for further funding to improve our sports sector within Ireland.Kieran is joined by Ireland’s Minister for Sport to discuss Ireland’s Olympic journey, and what funding can be funneled into Irish sport.

The Centre Cultural Irlandais has become a home for Team Ireland during the Paris Olympics, especially when they have to leave the Olympic Village. Kieran is joined by Nora Hickey M’Sichili, Director of Irish Cultural Centre to discuss how the events have gone, and the role the centre plays outside of the Olympics.

Kieran is in Paris for the Olympics and caught up with Bantamweight boxer for Ireland, Jenny Lehane.Although Jenny didn’t get the ultimate outcome she would have wanted, they discuss what it’s like to reach the Olympics, and represent the country in boxing.

Rowing Ireland is on a high after Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy’s stellar gold cinch at the Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls final last week.The talent that has been shown thus far in the Olympics by the Irish rowing team has clearly been inspirational. Kieran is joined by the incredible rowers Philip Doyle, Paris bronze Medalist, and Aifric Keogh, Tokyo Bronze Medalist to discuss.

It’s never easy to admit to oneself that age is catching up on you.What do you do if your loved ones are at that point and might need to give up driving, or need help around the house?How do you approach those conversations with them?Tara Logan Buckley, Clinical Psychologist, joins Kieran to discuss.

Former champion National Hunt jockey Nina Carberry is a Fine Gael politician that has recently become elected by the European Parliament for the Midlands–North-West constituency.She joins Kieran to discuss her switch to politics as well as the recent release of her new children’s novel , ‘Pony Camp Chaos’.

New figures from the Residential Tenancies Board show that the rental market has grown with Landlords, who own over 100 properties, owning up to 22 percent of the rentals in Dublin City.Is this fair? And does more need to be done to stop this?Dr. Rory Hearne, Assistant Professor of Social Policy at Maynooth University and Author joins Kieran to discuss.

Following Rhasidat Adeleke’s qualification to the 400m Sprint, questions have been posed about her form and potentially illness or fatigue. Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy joins Kieran to discuss, and preview the rest of the events Ireland is taking place in.

Croke park will see another huge match this Sunday, as Cork and Galway clash in the All Ireland Camogie Final…Joining Kieran to preview the game is Sarah O'Donovan, former Cork/Dublin player and Aislinn Connolly, All Star and former Galway player.

Kieran Duggan joins Kieran Cuddihy to tell how he ended up giving the two Olympic Rowing gold medalists: Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, a lift home!

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe has today published his department’s Mid-Year Expenditure Report.He joins Kieran to discuss.