The Hard Shoulder
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Episodes
Why does replying to texts feel like a full time job?
This episode explores the overwhelming nature of modern digital communication, specifically the pressure of WhatsApp group chats and voice notes.
RTÉ appears before Oireachtas Committee after Government funding decision
Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne discusses a contentious Oireachtas committee meeting regarding RTE, focusing on a €20 million government funding cut and the recruitment of podcaster Ger Gilroy.
US Midterms: Blue wave as Democrats win big
BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zirkel analyzes the sweeping Democratic victories in the US midterm elections, which resulted in control of both the House and Senate.
Dublin disruptions for EU summits - Barry Whyte Reports
This episode details the unprecedented security and traffic disruptions in Dublin as 50 European leaders arrive for two major summits at the Convention Centre.
The Ultimate Guide: Morocco by train
Fionn Gavamport presents a guide to exploring Morocco via the Al Boraq, the continent’s first high-speed train connecting Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca.
Dublin Bus Schools Programme - Henry McKean Reports
This episode covers a Dublin Bus school program at St.
What should you look out for when getting a dog?
This episode discusses a 19% rise in animal attacks on Unpust workers, featuring Dr.
US Midterms on the ground level - Bairbre Holmes Reports
Reporter Bybra Holmes reports live from Bristol, Pennsylvania, covering the high-stakes midterm election in the state's first congressional district.
The Bookshelf with Colm O’Regan
Comedian and author Colm O'Regan joins the show to discuss his new book, *Tipping Away*, which explores the etymology and hidden history of everyday Irish phrases.
High Court finds legal aid changes to be “grossly unfair”
Mary Carlin of the Irish Times discusses a High Court ruling that declared Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan's legal aid reforms "grossly unfair" and "demonstrably illogical.
US Midterms: Voting booths are open - who will win?
Hosted by Keira Kelly, this episode features a panel of political experts analyzing the US midterm elections, with polls suggesting a "blue wave" for Democrats.
What makes a Christmas ad great?
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss the newly released John Lewis 2026 Christmas advert with guest John Fardy, analyzing its magical realism narrative and commercial intent.
Does Irish farming need a women-led ‘revolution’?
Dr.
Ciara Mageean funeral takes place - Barry Whyte Reports
This episode covers the funeral of Irish Olympian Ciara McGehan in Portaferry, attended by over a thousand mourners including political leaders and athletes.
Flights halted after bomb threats - what happened?
Aviation journalist Eoin Carly joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss a series of false bomb threats that forced multiple European flights, including several Ryanair services, to make emergency landings.
New report shows lack of properties available within HAP Scheme limits
Simon Communities of Ireland reports that only 12 properties were available for rent under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme in a recent quarterly study.
Report on handling of Covid-19 due by end of the year
This episode examines the upcoming findings of Ireland’s independent COVID-19 evaluation, which is set to release its final report by the end of the year.
Are you using up all your annual leave?
HR expert Louisa Meehan joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss why over 40% of Irish workers fail to use their full annual leave.
Kids Clinic: How to stop your child from cursing
Clinical psychologist Tara Logan Buckley joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss the psychology behind children swearing and how parents can effectively manage it.
Last objector withdraws action over Galway city ring road
Minister of State Sean Canney joins Keira Kelly to discuss the withdrawal of the final legal challenge to Galway’s proposed 18-kilometer ring road.
Eamon Ryan
Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan discusses the declining political priority of climate change in Ireland and Europe, arguing that the current…
US Midterm Elections take place tomorrow
Mark Little joins the show to analyze the final push ahead of the US midterm elections, predicting a likely Democratic House victory but a contested Senate race.
Does the brand of tea affect the taste?
Hosts Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman explore the Irish tea debate, debating whether one can distinguish between Lyons and Barry’s brands by taste.
SuperValu stores hit by suspected cyber attack
Business reporter Ian Curran discusses a suspected cyber attack that disrupted refrigeration systems at 13 Super Value stores in Ireland, causing significant financial losses and food waste.
Public sector unions announce 24-hour strike
Political correspondent Aisling Maloney discusses the confirmation of a 24-hour public sector strike on November 12, following an impasse in pay negotiations.
Winners and Sinners
Cameron Hill praises James McLean’s new memoir, *The Walls*, for its raw honesty and the insight it provides into the former footballer’s psyche.
Trump scraps last two election rallies ahead of midterms
In this episode of The Hard Shoulder, host and guest Greg Swenson of Republicans Overseas analyze the US midterm elections with four days remaining.
Henry McKean reports: Are we spending less this Halloween?
This episode explores the rising costs of Halloween treats due to inflation, global conflicts, and extreme weather, which have driven up prices for cocoa and sugar.
further hikes on toll fares... are commuters feeling the pinch?
This episode discusses the upcoming January increases in toll prices for Irish motorways and the port tunnel, which will cost car users 10 to 20 cents more per trip.
26% of population has experienced sexual violence
Dr.
Why are the US midterms so important for Trump's presidency?
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss the US midterm elections with Niall Stanich, a White House columnist for The Hill.
Bernard Casey on his new book 'Local Gossip'
Comedian Bernard Casey discusses his new book, *Local Gossip*, a collection of short stories set in rural Ireland that satirize small-town life…
Netanyahu’s party claims election ‘stolen’ by ‘foreign entities
This episode analyzes the post-election deadlock in Israel, where neither Prime Minister Netanyahu nor challenger Gadi Eisenkot secured a…
Social Democrats launch bill to create a centralised register of data centres
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore discusses a new bill to establish a public register of data centres in Ireland, arguing that mandatory…
U2 will be back in European stadiums
John Cadell, Deputy Managing Editor of Today FM, joins the show to discuss U2's newly announced European tour dates and the band's new album.
RTÉ Director General, Kevin Bakhurst
RTE Director General Kevin Backhurst discusses the broadcaster’s strategy consultation and addresses the sharp decline in license fee payments,…
21% of people use AI for financial advice
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses the Department of Finance’s 2026 survey revealing that one in five consumers now uses AI for financial advice.
Minister James Browne discusses housing completions
Housing Minister James Bryan discusses Ireland's progress toward building 300,000 homes by 2030, citing a 10% increase in construction this year and record mortgage drawdowns.
A week of protests at Leinster House - Bairbre Holmes Reports
This episode explores the vibrant protest culture outside Leinster House, featuring interviews with diverse demonstrators including Dubs for…
How to do Stuff: Trick or Treating!
Simon Tierney joins Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman to argue that modern trick-or-treating has lost its traditional transactional roots.
Government increases An Post’s Statutory Borrowing Limit - why?
Minister Charlie McConnell-Ougue discusses the government's decision to increase An Post's statutory borrowing limit to €620 million, enabling the…
Tech Takeover: Anthropic prepare to go public
Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss Anthropic’s upcoming IPO, tracing its origins from OpenAI to its rapid revenue growth and the development of the Claude platform.
Sport with John Duggan: James McClean leaves Derry City
The hosts discuss the mutual termination of James McLean's contract with Derry City and his recent autobiography, alongside Manchester United's…
Israel election polls - the results so far
Dr.
Sinn Féin sets out citizenship reform proposals
Sinn Féin spokesperson Matt Carty discusses the party's proposal for a long-term residency permit as an alternative to citizenship, arguing it offers…
Train crash in Spain - what we know
This episode covers a fatal high-speed train collision south of Madrid that has killed at least 68 people, marking the second major crash on the same line in months.
What happened in Ireland’s last witch trial?
Dr.
Rolling Stone names top 200 rock songs of the century!
Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 greatest rock songs of the 21st century with guest Clare Beck.
How close is your home to a high frequency bus service?
This episode discusses new Central Statistics Office data revealing that while 8 in 10 Irish households are near a bus stop, significant disparities exist between urban and rural areas.
Diet advice - what should you actually follow?
Professor Christopher Gardner of Stanford University discusses his new book, *Food Sense*, to cut through the noise of conflicting nutritional advice.