The Hard Shoulder
News & Politics Podcasts
The Hard Shoulder with Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk. Join Kieran every weekday afternoon from 4-7pm for a round-up of the day’s events, interviews with the people at the centre of the stories – and a bit of craic along the way.
Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
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You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Location:
Ireland
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Description:
The Hard Shoulder with Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk. Join Kieran every weekday afternoon from 4-7pm for a round-up of the day’s events, interviews with the people at the centre of the stories – and a bit of craic along the way. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Language:
English
Episodes
Movies and TV: Slow Horses, One Battle After Another, House of Guinness
9/25/2025
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Duration:00:16:12
Are we living in a ‘post-literate’ society?
9/25/2025
Has our reliance on technology and AI meant we have lost our literacy skills? Is this problem getting worse?
Joining Kieran to discuss is Aidan Regan, Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations in UCD and Thomas Kenny, of Kennys Bookstore in Galway, and later Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.
Duration:00:13:03
Will we see any tax relief in Budget 2026?
9/25/2025
We’re edging closer to budget 2026 but if you’re hoping for a bit of relief in terms of taxes, you should probably lower expectations….it is the first budget of the new Government term after all!
Joining Kieran to look into the crystal ball of what we can expect is Dr Tom McDonnell, of the Neven Economic Research Institute and Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.
Duration:00:10:34
The dangerous side of the NFL - David O’Connor Reports
9/25/2025
There’s huge excitement in Dublin as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings face each other this Sunday in Croke Park. It’s the first regular season NFL game to take place in this country.
Newstalk Reporter David O’Connor has been looking at all aspects of the sport, including merchandising and safety, and joins Kieran to discuss.
Duration:00:08:50
Explaining the Angela Kerins saga
9/25/2025
Former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins has submitted €2.1 million euro in legal costs as a result of the court action she took against the Houses of the Oireachtas...
It’s a saga that, in total, has lasted for more than a decade now.
For more on this, Kieran is joined by Martin Wall, Public Policy Correspondent for the Irish Times.
Duration:00:10:07
Senator Chris Andrews on board the Spectre flotilla
9/25/2025
Chris Andrews, Sinn Féin Senator, is on board the Spectre boat in the flotilla that is destined for Gaza when it was attacked by Israeli drones and struck four times on Tuesday night…
Chris joins Kieran from the boat to discuss and give the latest updates. Also joining to discuss is Dr Muhamed Shaallan, a Surgeon who was in Gaza…
Duration:00:17:29
What’s the best way to budget for Christmas?
9/25/2025
It's definitely early to think about it, but as we enter the last quarter of the year, you may already be imagining the budget for Christmas... What are the spending tips to follow now, so you don’t end up feeling the effects in January?
Joining Kieran with her top tips is Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.
Duration:00:06:27
Should we boycott Obama’s Freedom of Dublin?
9/25/2025
Former US President Barack Obama will be awarded the Freedom of Dublin today, with some Independent Dublin Councillors calling for a boycott.
Dublin City Council voted in 2017 to grant him the honour, and he has decided to accept it in a ceremony in Dublin with Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and a number of councillors in attendance.
Do you think it’s good that this is happening?
Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent Dublin City Councillor Cieran Perry, as well as Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan.
Duration:00:08:51
Do we still need election posters?
9/25/2025
Ahead of the upcoming presidential election on October 24th, posters are popping up across the country, which raises the question: are they still necessary?
Joining Kieran to discuss is Shelly Heterich Quinn, former County Councilor and Ger Deere, Mayo County Councilor.
Duration:00:09:44
How to do Stuff: Breaking up with someone
9/25/2025
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 Kieran to discuss how you can (in the best way possible) break up with someone…
Duration:00:11:25
NASA is returning to the moon!
9/25/2025
“Thats one small step for Man one giant leap for Mankind”...
We may hear those words again in the coming years as yesterday Nasa announced its first crewed mission to the moon in 50 years is to take place next February, as they prepare for another lunar landing as early as 2027.
Joining Kieran to discuss is Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government’s Science Awareness Program.
Duration:00:05:32
Will Budget 2026 tackle energy prices?
9/24/2025
Budget day is almost upon us, and it’s once again in the shadow of the high cost-of-living...
A big part of that is energy prices, and many providers have announced hikes, which for many will kick in next week. Is there any hope for a reduction in costs?
Joining Kieran to discuss this more is Darragh Cassidy, Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie.
Duration:00:09:19
Is Freedom of the City the best Dublin can award?
9/24/2025
Former US President Barack Obama is to be awarded the Freedom of Dublin tomorrow. What does this mean, and should there be a new award?
Joining Kieran to discuss is Irish Times journalist and Historian, Ronan McGreevy.
Duration:00:07:58
Tech Takeover: Technology in the NFL
9/24/2025
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran ahead of the big Dublin NFL game to talk about some of the unique technology used in the sporting organisation.
Image: NFL Football Operations
Duration:00:10:02
Ryder Cup preview with Pádraig Harrington
9/24/2025
Europe and the US will face off against each other in just two days as the Ryder Cup returns.
The Americans will be keen to reclaim the cup after the Europeans won out last time…
Joining Kieran to look ahead to it all is Irish golfing legend and member of 6 Ryder cup teams, Pádraig Harrington.
Duration:00:15:55
Traitors Ireland is a huge success! - Henry McKean Reports
9/24/2025
Traitors Ireland is the most successful RTÉ programme since Love/Hate getting Late Late Toy Show ratings. Henry McKean met Traitors and Faithfuls at The Traitors Finale Watch Party, and sends in this report!
Duration:00:08:19
Maria Steen fails to get enough backing to run for President
9/24/2025
Maria Steen has failed in her attempt to be a presidential candidate in the coming election…
Receiving 18 votes of support from Oireachtas members out of 20 ,she narrowly missed the mark.
Joining Kieran with the latest and to discuss is Pat Leahy, Political Editor with the Irish Times and Peadar Tóbín, TD for Meath West and Aontú Leader.
Duration:00:11:56
Is strong legislation needed on vaping?
9/24/2025
Legislation is being discussed in the Dáil on the restriction of vape products.
To talk more about this issue and the impact it’s having on young people, Kieran is joined by Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI Crumlin & member of the Irish Thoracic Society Council, Professor Des Cox.
Duration:00:06:54
Should you use a smart watch to track your child?
9/24/2025
Should we be tracking our kids, or are things like Xplora watches simply another way to helicopter parent?
Joining Kieran to discuss is Mary McCarthy, Columnist with The Irish Independent and Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist with The Irish Times.
Image: Xplora
Duration:00:11:06
The Ultimate Guide: Winter Getaways
9/24/2025
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 Kieran to give his recommendations for a winter getaway!
Duration:00:10:22