The Hard Shoulder
Ads on this show
2.3 minof ads per hour
5.7ads per hour
63%of episodes have ads
Measured by Castria across 354 episodes from the last 90 days. How we measure
Episodes
Midnight launch for new ‘romantasy’ novel - Ciara Treacy Reports
This episode covers the sold-out midnight release party for the sixth book in Sarah J.
New Oxfam report reveals greenhouse gas emissions of top 0.1%
Climate researcher Sa Neil discusses a report revealing that the world's richest 0.
What are the common misconceptions about epilepsy?
Kelly Early, a columnist and podcast co-host, shares her recent diagnosis of epilepsy after experiencing focal aware seizures characterized by intense déjà vu and memory loss.
The Bookshelf with Lindsey Fitzharris
Medical historian Lindsay Fitzharris discusses her new book, *Sleuthound*, which explores the real-life inspiration behind Sherlock Holmes.
INMO reports dangerous overcrowding with 777 patients without a bed
Tony Fitzpatrick of the INMO discusses the critical shortage of hospital beds in Ireland, noting that 777 patients are currently waiting on trolleys.
Consumer watchdog reminds retailers to have clear pricing for paper bags
This episode features Irish Times Consumer Affairs correspondent Connor Pope discussing the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s reminder…
Israel elections take place today - where do things stand now?
The Hard Shoulder discusses the pivotal Israeli election, featuring Belru chief international correspondent Bill.
Is ‘Mé Féinism’ ruining society as we know it?
Hosted by Shane, this episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses the rise of "muffinism" and social rudeness in Ireland, prompted by a recent Irish Times article.
LED lights and issues with driving attitudes - what is going on?
Gerard Herbert, Motoring Editor for the Sunday Independent, discusses alarming road safety statistics, including a rise in fatalities and widespread…
New CSO paper shows how inflation impacts different households
Economist Emma Hard from TU Dublin analyzes new CSO data showing that young people face the highest inflation rates due to rising rent and dining…
Does remote work impact productivity?
This episode examines a National Economic and Social Council report finding no clear evidence that remote or hybrid work impacts productivity.
U.S. elections: what to expect
Scott Lucas, a professor at the Clinton Institute, analyzes the upcoming US midterm elections, predicting Democrats will likely secure the House and are competitive for the Senate.
Looking ahead to the Israeli election
This episode discusses the final days of campaigning in Israel's pivotal election, featuring JTA senior correspondent Ruth Igla and former journalist John Costello.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: how to manage the news
Hazel Chu discusses the challenging aftermath of breast cancer treatment, highlighting the physical and mental toll of tamoxifen and the importance of post-treatment support.
Dublin Marathon: How to recover
Hosts Mary and Ciara discuss post-marathon recovery, emphasizing the importance of physical rest and mental decompression after the Dublin Marathon.
Winners and Sinners
Alison Curtis and Cameron Hill discuss Joanne McNally's appearance on The Tonight Show, praising her response to critics who blamed her for Conor McGregor's previous visit.
Rex Ryan on his new show ‘The Witness’
Rex Ryan, founder of Glass Mask Theatre, discusses his new one-man show *The Witness*, based on the true story of Joey O'Callaghan, the youngest person placed in witness protection in Ireland.
John Simpson on 60 years with the BBC
John Simpson, the BBC World Affairs Editor, joins Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman to celebrate his 60-year career at the broadcaster.
Sport with John Duggan: Michael Carrick fights for Man United position
Shane and Ciara discuss Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim's press conference, where he defended his tactics against captain Bruno Fernandes' criticism following a poor run of form.
Why has DUP MP Carla Lockhart resigned?
This episode features Irish News columnist Tom Kelly discussing DUP MP Carla Lockhart's resignation as a party officer amid internal conflicts over the Stormont institutions.
Should you use plug in solar panels?
Professor Lisa Ryan from UCD explains the recently approved plug-in solar panels, which are small, portable units designed for balconies or gardens.
Halloween Kidstalk! - Henry McKean Reports
This episode of "The Hard Shoulder" begins by celebrating Aisling's record-breaking €315,000 radio prize win before featuring a special Halloween segment from St Malaga's in Balbriggan.
French protests and ongoing terror probe - latest updates
This episode covers a terror probe following a shooting in a Paris suburb that killed one person and injured four, with authorities investigating potential racist motives amid ongoing unrest.
Another storm set to arrive - what to know about Storm Boelo
Met Éireann forecaster Mark Bow details the arrival of Storm Bolo, which will bring heavy rain and extremely strong winds to western and northwestern Ireland, including Connacht and Donegal.
Remembering Dónal Lunny
This episode of *The Hard Shoulder* commemorates the passing of Irish traditional music icon Donal Lunny.
Movies and TV: Clayface, Klara and the Sun, Nobody Wants This
Film reviewers Ken Doran and Serena Bellissimo discuss recent releases, including the body-horror superhero film *Clayface* and Taika Waititi’s *Eyes Wide Shut*.
What is this PHP issue taking websites offline?
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss the exposure of critical vulnerabilities in PHP, a programming language underpinning much of the internet, which were discovered by OpenAI’s models.
Why do we engage in celebrity worship?
Professor of Psychiatry Brendan Kelly joins The Hard Shoulder to explore why people place celebrities on pedestals and trust their judgment on unrelated topics like health and politics.
Sport with John Duggan: Leinster make changes after injuries
John Duggan discusses the upcoming Leinster vs.
Charity being investigated amid money-laundering allegations
This episode covers a Garda and charity regulator investigation into a major Irish charity, alleging that cash intended for drug rehabilitation services was siphoned off for personal gain.
Were you offended by this ‘We Consent’ campaign ad?
This episode discusses the backlash against a Dublin Rape Crisis Centre video that depicted a grandparent seeking consent before hugging a grandchild.
Should Airbnb guests be expected to clean up after themselves?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses Airbnb’s new rules limiting the chores hosts can request from guests before checkout.
Are people being served properly in emergency departments?
Social Democrats TD Podrick Rice joins Keira Kelly to discuss new figures revealing over 70,000 people left Irish emergency departments without completing treatment.
What is the role of a parish priest in modern Ireland?
Father Willie Purcell joins Keira Kelly to discuss the evolving role of parish priests in modern, increasingly secular Ireland.
What can we expect from Storm Austen?
Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss the severe weather impacts of Storm Austin, featuring Keith Leonard from Fire and Emergency Management and weather expert Alan O’Reilly.
Backstage at the Cork Jazz Festival! - Henry McKean Reports
Henry McKean reports on the 48th Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, featuring Boney M and 100,000 visitors across 80 venues.
How to do Stuff: Watching horror movies
Simon Tierney joins the show to discuss how to overcome a fear of horror movies, sharing his personal journey from childhood trauma to becoming a genre enthusiast.
Results of a UN Emissions Gap report described as “sobering”
Dr.
Does your ability to drink Guinness prove your Irishness?
Journalist Donal Lynch joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss his Irish Independent piece on why drinking a pint of Guinness is the true test of Irish citizenship.
Sport with John Duggan: Champions League continues
The episode covers the Champions League, highlighting Manchester United's struggles and Arsenal's strong form, alongside Aston Villa's match.
Talks to end Ukraine war continue in Russia - what we know so far
This episode examines recent diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war, focusing on US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s talks with Russian and Ukrainian officials.
Bodies of a man and woman discovered in Bray home - Barry Whyte Reports
Gardaí are investigating the deaths of a man and woman found at their home in Bray, County Wicklow, with violence believed to have played a part.
Tech Takeover: What are ‘AI Worms’?
Tech expert Jess Kelly discusses the emerging threat of AI worms, self-replicating viruses that can bypass security hurdles to infiltrate smart home networks.
What is the history of the ‘Triple Lock’?
This episode examines the Dáil debate over amending Ireland’s "triple lock" mechanism, which currently requires UN Security Council approval for overseas troop deployments.
Would you let the State access private messages?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses a new Irish Council of Civil Liberties survey revealing significant public distrust regarding state access to private phone messages.
The Ultimate Guide: Car-free Irish holiday
Fionn Davenport discusses a New York Times article on traveling from Dublin to Dingle without a car, arguing that Ireland’s public transport infrastructure is more accessible than commonly assumed.
What does the future hold for credit unions?
David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, discusses the sector’s strong growth and digital transformation strategy.
The Bookshelf with Gina London
Gina London discusses her passion for language and shares her favorite book, Anne of Green Gables, connecting its themes to her personal loss.
Workplace Relations Commission talks - what we know
Pat Leahy discusses day two of public sector pay talks, noting positive engagement but potential delays.
Do food safety standards need to be improved for school meals?
The Hard Shoulder discusses the fallout from a Food Safety Authority inspection that found rodent droppings at a school meal provider, prompting calls for stricter oversight.