The Hard Shoulder
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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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Jan 20, 2025 • 20min
Donald Trump is officially 47th President of the United States
With Donald Trump now officially the 47th President of the United States, Kieran is joined by Colum McCann, Author and Co-Founder of Narrative 4 and Jerry McDermott, Executive Director, Irish Cultural Centre and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts to discuss the road ahead, as well as react to his opening speech.Image: Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool
Jan 20, 2025 • 8min
When should a child get a phone? - Henry McKean Reports
An survey by Eir found that children on average are getting their first phones at 9 years old! Is this too young, and when is it okay for a child to get a phone?Henry McKean has been out asking that question, and joins Kieran to discuss.
Jan 20, 2025 • 22min
Richard Schiff on Trump’s return to office
With Donald Trump being inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States today, Kieran is joined by ‘West Wing’ actor Richard Schiff to discuss the man, as well as what we could anticipate for his second term.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe also joins Kieran from Washington D.C. to discuss what the feelings are on the ground there.Image: Reuters
Jan 20, 2025 • 10min
What’s behind the rise of flu cases?
The theme of Christmas really seemed to be one of illness – you couldn’t speak to anyone without exchanging stories of when and how you were sick over the holidays. This has continued into January. So, why is this happening?Joining Kieran to discuss the reasons behind the spike is Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist and owner of the ‘totalhealth’ pharmacy and podcaster of the ‘WonderCare Podcast’.
Jan 17, 2025 • 24min
Winners and Sinners
This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Jan 17, 2025 • 15min
You Are What You Eat: Buttermilk
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at all the ways you can use buttermilk in your recipes!
Jan 17, 2025 • 8min
Sport with Mick McCarthy
Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…
Jan 17, 2025 • 11min
How long will a Middle East ceasefire last?
Today, the Israeli security cabinet recommended approving the Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal.A full cabinet meeting is taking place, with ratification meaning that the deal could take effect as early as Sunday… but, what will the future look like for this conflict?Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project and former Israeli Peace Negotiator joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters
Jan 17, 2025 • 9min
Are there too many biopics now?
What does Bob Dylan, Fred Astaire, Elon Musk, Madonna and all of the Beatles have in common? They’re subjects of upcoming biopics!How has this happened, and why has Hollywood suddenly turned to this genre?Olivia Fahy, Editor of Geek Ireland, joins Kieran to discuss.
Jan 17, 2025 • 18min
Leo Varadkar’s expectations for Trump’s second term
In preparation for the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States, people are looking back to inaugurations of the past... Mark Kirwan, an Irish man who worked as a Washington D.C Metropolitan Police Officer, including for inaugurations and during the January 6th riots, joins Kieran to reflect.Also joining Kieran to discuss his predictions for the inauguration ,and for Trump’s upcoming Presidency is former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
