The Hard Shoulder

Kieran’s guest is back in Ireland for his new tour: ‘Lately’, and will be in the 3Olympia in February for 3 special shows.Des Bishop joins the show!

With the new government formation official, so comes with it the Programme for Government, laying out what they plan to do.Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent, joins Kieran to go through the biggest things to know from the document.

Have you ever found yourself avoiding small talk at the office? Well, you're not alone! New research shows that for younger workers, face-to-face chats are becoming a thing of the past, with many opting for digital communication even when sitting right next to their colleagues.A quick DM on Teams or Whatsapp might lower the stakes for rejection, but what does it mean for the future of workplace bonding and relationship building?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Saoirse Hanley, Audience Editor with the Irish Independent and Columnist with the Sunday Independent, as well as Frances Kelleher, Dating and Life Coach…

As the white smoke emerges from government buildings, all the focus seems to be on the Programme for Government, who got what role, and how many ministries each of the parties received. But, not as many people have focused on what the people want to see.To give an insight into what they want to see included, Kieran is joined by Conor Skehan, Columnist with the Sunday Independent, Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic and a Columnist with the Sunday Independent, and Meghann Scully, Broadcaster and Freelance Journalist.

With Government formation seemingly at an end, and the Programme for Government being finalized, many are wondering what items will be included in the document. While many are calling for the Government to commit to the Occupied Territories Bill, others are more skeptical.Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Féin’s Housing Spokesperson, joins Kieran to discuss this new Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Regional Independents Government, as well as the Bill.

Joining Kieran this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf is Newstalk Presenter Anton Savage!

Yesterday, a discussion was had over the medicalisation of mental health.This was after Tony Blair made a statement saying people are unable to cope with what he considers the everyday “ups and downs” of life, without a label or treatment for a mental condition. A sentiment shared by Brendan Kelly, who was on the show.James Reilly, former Minister for Health and a practicing GP, joins Kieran to discuss why he disagrees with Tony Blair.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael as well as Regional Independents have seemingly ended government negotiation talks as of today.Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror and Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central join Kieran to discuss and give the latest information.

There are some basic skills you should know: from changing a lightbulb, cleaning your car or swapping out a tire. But apparently, some don’t have all those skills!A new study from Halford suggests that Gen Z forgo the DIY jobs in favour of hiring others to do it…Peter Finn, also known as Pete the Builder and Interior Architect Róisín Murphy join Kieran to discuss.

Is Ireland anti-NATO?That’s been the feeling by some, especially outside of Ireland, after Michael D. Higgins called any calls for increased military spending “appalling”.Shashank Joshi, the Defence Editor of the Economist, joins Kieran to discuss.