

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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May 29, 2025 • 8min
Annual calls to National Rape Crisis Helpline pass 20,000 for first time
Calls to National Rape Crisis Helpline 24-hour helpline surpassed the 20,000 mark for the first time last year…A record-high of 22,700 calls were logged, which is an increase of 20% compared to the previous year, of those seeking support for sexual violence across the country.The figures are contained in the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s annual report for 2024 and Chief Executive of the DRCC, Rachel Morrogh joins Kieran to discuss.1800 77 88 88 - 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline

May 29, 2025 • 14min
Kinahan Sean McGovern arriving today after UAE extradition
One of the most senior figures in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, who is wanted in Ireland to face charges of murder and involvement with a criminal gang, has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates.Sean McGovern has been on a Defence Forces military aircraft, and has been due to land today.Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney and Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent Paul Williams join Kieran to discuss.

May 29, 2025 • 8min
Should we not wear a suit to a job interview?
Stephen Bartlett, Host of the Diary of a CEO Podcast and Dragon Den star stated that he didn’t like one of his job interviewees because he was wearing a suit, but is it wise to follow his example?Trevor Twamley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Endorse and Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise join Kieran to discuss.

May 29, 2025 • 15min
Doctor based in Gaza discusses the devastation he’s witnessed
There is news every day of more devastation in Gaza…Gaza's civil defence agency said today that the latest Israeli attacks have killed 44 people, including 23 in a strike on a home in the centre of the Palestinian territory.Kieran is joined by one of those treating patients in a hospital in Khan Younis in Southern Gaza.Dr Tom Potokar joins the show.Image: Reuters

May 29, 2025 • 15min
How much of a stigma is still attached to women and DIY?
B&Q has been forced to issue an apology after a third-party seller on its site claimed a bathroom cabinet was so “easy to assemble even if you’re a girl”...It is awkward timing for B&Q, considering they’ve just launched a campaign to champion women in trades.So, is there still a continued problem with stereotypes when it involves gender and DIY?Roisin Murphy, Artist and Lecturer in Interior Architecture at Griffith College and Laura De Barra, Author of Gaff Goddess, Decor Galore and Garment Goddess, joins Kieran to discuss.

May 29, 2025 • 6min
The best ways to deal with neck and back pain
You might find yourself sitting for hours on end, whether for work and for pleasure, leading to back and neck pain! So, how should you deal with it?Chiropractor Paul Bradley joins Kieran to give his top tips.

May 29, 2025 • 13min
How to do Stuff: Not Forgetting
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 not to forget things!

May 28, 2025 • 14min
College students already concerned about next year - and visas
The academic year might only be finishing up, but students are already raising concerns around the obstacles facing them for next year.The lack of accommodation has seen students having to make 8-hour round trips to attend their chosen college course, while there is still uncertainty around the fee structure for next year…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Jenny Maguire, Trinity College Student President, and joining to discuss the US pause on student visas is Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

May 28, 2025 • 8min
Tech Takeover: AI Agents
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss Google’s new announcement of AI agents, that you can use for tasks like online shopping.

May 28, 2025 • 7min
RTÉ in front of Oireachtas Media Committee - what to know
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and the broadcaster’s leadership team appeared before an Oireachtas Media Committee today.Joining Kieran to discuss what was covered is Alan Kelly, Chair of the Media Committee and Labour TD for Tipperary North.


