

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
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Aug 12, 2025 • 7min
Irish Pharmacy Union warns of fake weight-loss drugs online
The Irish Pharmacy Union had warned against buying medicine online, claiming that it runs the risk of being harmful or fake. This comes as weight-loss drugs being bought online becomes more popular.Joining Kieran to discuss is Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist, health advocate, and owner of Milltown TotalHealth pharmacy who hosts ‘A WonderCare Podcast’.

Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
How much do you rely on public transport? - Meghan O’Halloran Reports
A new DART station, located between Shankill in South Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow began operating on Sunday, the first new station in 15 years.Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran went to Woodbrook Station, to get commuters' reactions, and ask how much they rely on public transport.She joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.

Aug 12, 2025 • 8min
Should the Government support India Day celebrations to go ahead?
The Ireland India Council has postponed India Day celebrations after recent attacks on their community, citing fears for their safety.Michael Sheehan, Independent Councillor in New Ross, Wexford, thinks the Government should step in to host these celebrations, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Aug 12, 2025 • 16min
Jason Donovan and Jennifer Zamparelli talk The Rocky Horror Show!
The Rocky Horror Show has arrived in the Bord Gais, bringing some stars with it!Kieran is joined by actor and singer Jason Donovan, who plays Dr Frank N Furter and actor and broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli, who plays the Narrator to discuss the show.

Aug 12, 2025 • 9min
Financial planning advice for your thirties and forties
Sinead Ryan, a Consumer Journalist with the Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk, shares valuable financial insights tailored for those in their thirties and forties. She emphasizes the need for detailed budgeting to navigate life’s complexities, especially for parents. Listeners learn about the difference between superficial wealth and genuine financial security. Sinead also discusses common misconceptions about wealth, the importance of monitoring finances, and the potential benefits of involving financial advisors for better planning.

Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
How generic should school uniforms be?
Back in June, the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee recommended schools use as many generic pieces as possible in their uniforms. According to the CCPC, 75% of schools have at least one uniform item that must be purchased from a specific retailer, which many parents feel is unnecessary and costly.Principal at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Bríd Ní Annracháin, joins Kieran to discuss.

Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
Should we still carry cash?
In a lively discussion, Ian O’Doherty, a columnist at the Irish Independent, dives into the relevance of cash in our increasingly cashless society. He shares eye-opening statistics revealing that 41% of people occasionally find themselves without cash when they need it most. The conversation spans the cultural nuances of tipping and personal experiences contrasting cash and digital payments. They also tackle the drawbacks of a cashless society, including privacy concerns and the generational divide in payment preferences.

Aug 12, 2025 • 11min
Should teens be able to drive ‘microcars’?
A Cork City Councillor has proposed that 15 and 16 year olds be allowed to drive ‘microcars’. Quadricycles, as they’re officially known, are small battery-powered cars which are very popular on the continent.So, should it happen?Joining Kieran to discuss is Damian Boylan, a Fine Gael Councillor in Cork City.

Aug 11, 2025 • 6min
Members of the Indian community meet with Simon Harris - how did it go?
Members of the Indian community in Ireland have today met with Tánaiste Simon Harris after a series of violent attacks. They are calling on the Government to act to stop these attacks and have told of a growing fear in the Indian community.So, how did the meeting go?Joining Kieran to discuss is member of the Indian community in Ireland, Senthil Ramasamy, who attended the meeting earlier today.

Aug 11, 2025 • 13min
Alan Fletcher discusses his new tour!
None other than Alan Fletcher, AKA. Dr Karl Kennedy, is in Ireland – he's headlining a bunch of shows across the UK and Ireland over the next while.He joins Kieran to discuss!


