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
Jul 11, 2025 • 11min
What defines a summer anthem?
What defines a summer anthem? Is it a pulsing beat, a beachy hook, or playful experimentation?Freelance Arts Journalist Pat Carty joins Kieran to give his take.
Jul 11, 2025 • 16min
Making the most of the Irish heatwave!
The Hard Shoulder is broadcasting today from the roof of Newstalk towers, soaking up the sun and chatting about all things summer!Joining Kieran to chat and bask in the sun is Holly Carpenter, Model and Andrea Gilligan, Presenter of Lunchtime Live on Newstalk.
Jul 10, 2025 • 15min
Movies and TV: Superman, Too Much, We Live in Time
John Fardy, Presenter of 'Screentime' and Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Jul 10, 2025 • 14min
Do we need weather warnings for heatwaves?
Yellow warnings for high temperatures in place as some areas of the country will likely hit 27°C tomorrow…Are you a fan of weather warnings being given for high temperatures?Joining Kieran to discuss is Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central Ken O’Flynn and Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist, owner of the ‘TotalHealth’ pharmacy in Milltown and podcaster on the ‘A Wondercare Podcast’.
Jul 10, 2025 • 13min
The Thursday Interview: John Banville
Author John Banville joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!
Jul 10, 2025 • 11min
Tensions high as Belfast bonfire asked to be removed - Josh Crosbie Reports
Belfast City Council has asked police to remove a bonfire that is due to be set alight tomorrow night.There are concerns over the bonfires' close proximity to an electrical substation and there’s also a pile of asbestos nearby.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie is there, and joins Kieran to discuss.
Jul 10, 2025 • 5min
How to keep sleep cool on hot summer nights!
For many people, the hot weather will mean a sleepless night of tossing and turning.We have some useful tips to keep yourself cool at night!Mary Ryan, Endocrinologist and Senior Professor at Bons Secours Limerick joins Kieran to discuss.
Jul 10, 2025 • 9min
Passenger speaks on her alleged racist Bus Éireann incident
A Nigerian-Irish woman “broke down in tears” after an alleged racist incident while using Bus Éireann.20-year-old Sarah Lennon claims that she was trying to transfer her bus ticket when the bus driver became “unnecessarily hostile” and “aggressive.” Bus Éireann is investigating the incident, which occurred in the midlands in May.Sarah joins Kieran to discuss.
Jul 10, 2025 • 9min
How to get your kids cooking!
As kids settle into their long lazy summer days, parents may be starting to feel the pressure to keep them entertained. Well, we will have a guide for keeping kids entertained and advice for how to get them learning new skills over the coming weeks!Today, Kieran is joined by TV Chef and Broadcaster, Edward Hayden, to discuss how to get kids cooking…
Jul 10, 2025 • 5min
Should Gazan children be brought to Ireland for treatment?
There have been calls for Gazan children to be brought here to Ireland for treatment.A number of Irish doctors have been concerned at the delays – it's after the evacuation of up to 18 children has been stalled due to issues with family visas. Reports suggest that pediatric patients may only get here in late September.One of the doctors making the call is Thomas Donnelly, Orthopedic Consultant in Children’s Health Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.
