

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

Aug 5, 2025 • 9min
How to avoid a bad back
Join Paul Bradley, a chiropractor and Clinical Director at Chiropractix, as he shares invaluable tips for a healthy back. He discusses the common culprits of backache, especially for desk workers, and introduces easy movement techniques to counter discomfort. Paul emphasizes daily mobility exercises and the importance of physical health as we age, highlighting grip strength's role in overall wellness. He also offers vital guidelines for gym newcomers, focusing on safe exercise practices and the significance of tailored rehabilitation strategies.

Aug 5, 2025 • 5min
Trump threatens 250% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals
US President Donald Trump has said that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250%, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Economist and Co-Host of 'The Other Hand' podcast, Jim Power.

Aug 5, 2025 • 13min
The Bookshelf with Pete Wedderburn
Pete Wedderburn AKA Pete the Vet joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Aug 5, 2025 • 20min
Are school phone pouches beneficial?
New figures revealed that a total of 380 out of the 722 post primary schools have applied for funding under the government's phone pouch scheme.The initiative sparked criticism at the time and Opposition parties labelled it “wasteful” and “unnecessary”.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Conor Murphy, English Teacher in Skibbereen, Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies and later Eoghan Kenny, Labour Spokesperson for Education and Youth.Image: Yondr

Aug 5, 2025 • 11min
Israel considering full military occupation of Gaza
Reports today suggest that the Israeli Government may decide to fully occupy Gaza. This would put an end to the 2005 decision to remove any Israeli troops from the area.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Bel Trew, the Chief International Correspondent at The Independent and Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.Image: Reuters

Aug 5, 2025 • 10min
Financial planning tips for your teens and twenties
At any age you can start saving for your future, but what is the best way to save when you are still in college, or your first full time job?Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips!

Aug 5, 2025 • 6min
Ryanair to ditch printed boarding passes
Starting in November, Ryanair passengers will no longer be allowed to use printed boarding passes. Instead, they will need to present a digital boarding pass in their mobile app. The airline claims that this move will improve customer experience by getting rid of airport check-in fees, and that it will help the environment by reducing paper waste.But, how will this impact those who might now own a smartphone, or those who do own a smartphone but struggle with navigating phone apps?A recent study found that 62% of adults over the age of 65 in Ireland do not have basic digital skills. So how are they meant to navigate the new boarding protocol imposed by Ryanair?To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Alan Grogan, Donor Engagement & CSR Coordinator with Friends of the Elderly.

Aug 1, 2025 • 24min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Comedian Jim Elliott to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Aug 1, 2025 • 9min
Dublin V Meath - who will lift the Brendan Martin Cup?
The Men’s GAA Finals are all settled, and now this weekend, we can look forward to the Ladies Football Final!Dublin and Meath will meet in Croke Park on Sunday in a bid to lift the Brendan Martin Cup.Josh Crosbie has been visiting both counties today to soak up some of the atmosphere, and sends in this report.

Aug 1, 2025 • 17min
You Are What You Eat: Strawberries
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss strawberries - and how they can be used in multiple delicious recipes!


