The Hard Shoulder

According to a new study, men are facing a “male friendship recession”, leading to an increase in male loneliness.How did we get here, and what are the effects of said recession?Kieran discusses with John, a man experiencing this loneliness and Diarmuid Lyng, Hurler and Wild Irish Retreater.If you are struggling with loneliness, don't hesitate to reach out. The Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline - 116 123, or you can email them at jo@samaritans.ie.

The American political drama series The West Wing recently celebrated its 25th anniversary!Joining Kieran to look back on the show is one half of the power couple that was the staffers Ed and Larry: William Duffy.

Have you ever felt stuck or paralyzed in your daily tasks, or that you’re simply just going through the motions? You might be experiencing what's called a 'functional freeze': it’s a mental and emotional state where stress or burnout leaves you frozen and unmotivated, though you still appear outwardly functional.To explain more, Kieran is joined by Claire O'Connor, Broadcaster and Life Coach.

Now, with the Budget coming Tuesday week, some organisations are starting to call for different policies to best help them and their sector. One of those organisations is ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.Their CEO, Neil McDonnell, joins Kieran to talk through what they’re asking for.

RTÉ has announced that Ireland will take part in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025. RTÉ wants to hear from artists, performers and songwriters with the talent and ambition to compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment. Henry McKean is in the RTÉ canteen for the announcement, and joins Kieran to give the latest.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Tom Coleman. Health Scientist and Sleep Expert to discuss what to do when your kids are having trouble sleeping.

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed she is not moving ahead with plans to introduce new hate speech laws saying that it will be dealt with at a later stage as “the incitement to hatred element does not have a consensus”.Minister McEntee has said she is “...adamant that hate crime legislation will be enacted".Was she right to delay it? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Alan Shatter, former Minister for Justice and Ronan Mullen, Independent NUI Senator.

The Budget is just a week away and it seems like the government is positioned to make this a big budget giveaway.But, what is being asked of the government in Budget 2025?Two people who are calling on the government to address their issues are Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance and Pat Crotty, CEO of the Vintners Federation. They join Kieran to discuss.

Brenda Power on Newstalk Breakfast suggested that Ireland’s new surrogacy law is legalising the sale of children.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Surrogacy Solicitor Annette Hickey and Amy, the mother of a surrogate child.

Delays and overcrowding remain commonplace for commuters after Irish Rail timetable changes were implemented earlier this month.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Mark Gleeson from Rail Users Ireland, Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Justice and Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail.