The Hard Shoulder The Hard Shoulder

Should we feel guilty about having a lazy weekend?

Oct 9, 2026 · 9m

Summary

Host Ciara discusses the pressure to be active during weekends with Irish Examiner columnist Esther McCarthy and comedian Steve Cummins. They explore the contrast between social media-driven FOMO and the "joy of missing out," advocating for "feral weekends" where one can rest without guilt. The conversation highlights the stress of constant scheduling and the relief of canceling plans, with Steve offering humorous tips like feigning illness to reclaim personal time.

Topics discussed

Intro and congratulations to Cash Machine winner Fiona The pressure to be busy on weekends Esther McCarthy on the social expectation of activity Steve Cummins on social media and 'feral' weekends Why weekends are for rest, not chores or parties Competitive leisure and the FOMO vs JOMO debate The reality of packed diaries and lack of choice Tips for opting out: no diaries and fake illnesses The relief of cancelling plans vs the guilt of it Closing remarks and listener call to action
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