The Hard Shoulder

Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva, which started today.Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten to boycott next year’s event in Austria.It’s crunch time for the Eurovision Song Contest - can it survive?Joining Ciara to discuss is Zoe Lawlor, Chair of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Frank Dermody, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club.

One of the biggest questions facing people today is what to do with your spare time, and how to make the most of it. Some influencers online urge people to wake up extra early and get to work either exercising, or on some side hustle to monetise their free time. But is this sustainable, or does it only lead to burnout?Joining Ciara to discuss is Health Scientist and Sleep Expert, Tom Coleman.

According to a recent Red C poll commissioned for Mayo Social by Sage Advocacy, only one in 12 people want to live in a nursing home when they’re older, while over 90% of people said housing with support for older people is urgently needed.To chat more about this, Ciara is joined by Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs with Age Action, Camille Loftus, and Mayo Social Supporter and former Sage Advocacy CEO, Mervyn Taylor.

Google has revealed the top things Irish people have searched this year, from Storm Éowyn to ‘67’, what do our searches indicate about who we are as a nation?Joining Ciara to discuss is Olytico’s Stephen O’Leary.

The Department of Education was before the Oireachtas Education Committee today in relation to the teacher recruitment crisis in Irish schools.To chat more about what was discussed, Ciara is joined by Cathaoirleach of the committee, Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe, and Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies, Paul Crone.

The Government has launched the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report.The plan, which will include 30 actions to aid, speeding up, and delivering critical infrastructure, is part of the Government’s attempt to keep pace with the demands of economic and population growth in Ireland.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers.

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 Ciara to discuss how to pass wind, discreetly!

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how artists are expressing serious concerns about AI music - and what the issue exactly is...

Ahead of his upcoming show 'The Son of a Carpenter' at the 3Arena on Sunday, December 14th, Comedian, actor and Writer, Jim Jefferies, joins Ciara to discuss!

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Christmas Markets!