The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder Podcast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman is your essential drivetime companion—bringing fresh perspective and energy to your drive home. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 4, 2025 • 21min
The Thursday Interview: Don Baker
Don Baker, blues musician, television personality and actor joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!
Sep 4, 2025 • 14min
Secretary and caretaker strikes - what are the next steps?
As the secretary and caretaker strikes continue today, what are the next steps, and how close are we to seeing a resolution?Joining Kieran to discuss is Secretary of Catherine McAuley NS, Debbie Burke, the General Secretary of the ASTI, Kieran Christie, and Principal of Gorey Community School, Michael Finn.
Sep 4, 2025 • 12min
How to make the most of of your pension
Pensions : when should you set them up, and how much should you be saving?Joining Kieran to discuss and give his best advice is Financial Adviser, Padraic Kissane.
Sep 4, 2025 • 9min
Latest updates on the freedom flotilla’s new journey
Irish Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on a flotilla in the Mediterranean headed to Gaza to provide aid, and hopefully break through the blockade.He joins Kieran to give an update on how the journey is going.Image: Reuters
Sep 4, 2025 • 12min
The stress of getting your kids to school - Josh Crosbie Reports
The most stressful time of the day for parents is 7:16am - according to a new survey. The panic of getting kids out the door and on the way to school is the main reason for this.So, why are we in such a rush?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran to discuss.
Sep 4, 2025 • 13min
Would you make your dog go vegan?
While dogs have long been considered meat-eaters, new research and firsthand experiences suggest they may actually thrive on plant-based diets.Would you put your dog on a vegan diet?Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Gerry Boland, Founder of and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Sandra Higgins, Director of Go Vegan World and listeners.
Sep 4, 2025 • 14min
How to do Stuff: Looking Powerful
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 Kieran to discuss how you can look powerful!
Sep 3, 2025 • 9min
Steps return for a musical! - Henry McKean Reports
We are now going back to the 1990’s, when the most successful mixed-sex pop group of all time got together. Steps have sold over 25 million records and are in Dublin today promoting their new musical 'Here and Now' at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from the 23rd of September. Henry McKean met Steps and sent in this 90’s nostalgia report!You can hear more from Steps on the Rewind - Celebrating 1997 on the October Bank Holiday Monday with Henry McKean. It would be a tragedy to miss it.
Sep 3, 2025 • 15min
How do we reflect on the European migrant crisis?
10 years ago this week, the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi was pictured washed up on a Greek beach…The picture taken at the peak of the European migrant crisis received headlines around the world.How have things been 10 years on, and how should we reflect on it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and John Lannon, CEO of Doras.
Sep 3, 2025 • 21min
What’s the fastest method of getting to Dublin Airport?
With all the talk surrounding a metro line to Dublin Airport, what is actually the fastest way to get there today? We’ve decided to put it to the test!Newstalk’s Ellen Butler is taking the bus, Alex Rowley is taking the car, Meghan O’Halloran is in a taxi and Dylan Hand is riding a bike! Who will win?
