

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

Feb 6, 2025 • 8min
Medical panel finds no evidence of Lucy Letby murders
A medical panel of specialists have found that the "baby deaths" placed on Lucy Letby were due to natural causes or errors in medical care, they did not find any murders...Kieran is joined by John Sweeney, Host of 'Was There Ever A Crime? The Trials of Lucy Letby', to discuss.

Feb 5, 2025 • 11min
How to do Stuff: The Urinal
Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Simon Tierney returns to the airwaves with his new series: ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.For the first edition, Simon joins Kieran to talk about urinals, and how to use them properly!

Feb 5, 2025 • 12min
What was debated in the Dáil's return?
With the Dáil returning today, what were the main topics discussed and debated?Joining Kieran to go over what was covered is Craig Hughes, Political Editor at the Irish Daily Mail and Christina Finn, Political Editor at The Journal.

Feb 5, 2025 • 10min
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit explained
You may have heard of this ongoing row between ‘It Ends With Us’ co-stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Well, Blake Lively is suing Baldoni over harassment and emotional distress.Joining Kieran to discuss is Simon Thompson, Entertainment Journalist based in LA and PR Expert Mark Borowski.Image: Sony Pictures

Feb 5, 2025 • 10min
Tech Takeover: 25th Anniversary of The Sims!
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to talk all things The Sims as the first two games get re-released for the 25th anniversary of the series, along with her tech tips and recommendations!Image: EA

Feb 5, 2025 • 18min
What does Gaza look like under Trump?
President Donald Trump has said that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere…Can this happen? And what does the future look like if this becomes a reality?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Alistair Bunkall, Sky’s Middle East Correspondent from Jerusalem, and Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor with the Economist.Image: Reuters

Feb 5, 2025 • 8min
How much should adult children be charged at home?
A recent survey has revealed that 70% of 25 year olds in Ireland are living at home. But, how much rent can you charge them to live at home, and could you make a profit?Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Merriman, CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul.

Feb 5, 2025 • 15min
First day of the Dáil - what’s happened?
The first day of the Dáil today saw new TDs take their seats, as well as attacks on the Government’s record on housing, as well as their response to Storm Éowyn.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Sunday Business Post, as well as the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with Responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond.

Feb 5, 2025 • 15min
Are Gen Z the most religious generation?
Research in the UK suggests that Gen Z are the most spiritual group in society - which includes religion.Is this true? And how religious are Gen Z?Wendy Grace, Broadcaster and Columnist and Ciara Lawless, Singer and Songwriter join Kieran to discuss.

Feb 5, 2025 • 11min
TV, broadband and mobile bills are set to rise from April
Customers can expect more price hikes to their bills, as TV, broadband and mobile packages are set to increase.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been looking into this, and he joins Kieran in studio with the details.


