Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

What are your adult kids costing you if they are still living at home? The average adult costs about €4,575 per year.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan, journalist and author Suzanne Harrington and Robert Whelan, Managing Director at Rockwell Financial Planning Advisors.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Kieran to compare Rice Krispies, from name brand to generic versions.Image: Kellogg’s

The world is more complicated than ever, with issues all over social media to champion, but one interesting aspect is audiences wanting their influencers to weigh in on certain topics or political issues.Is this fair? And should we expect influencers to post their opinions online?Kieran is joined by Stefanie Preissner, writer and broadcaster and Stephen O'Leary, Founder at Olytico to discuss.

The latest stunt from Just Stop Oil happened today when they sprayed an orange substance on Stonehenge.Fiona Atkinson from Just Stop Oil joined Kieran to discuss why this happened.Image: Just Stop Oil

Newstalk’s newest presenter, Mamobo Ogoro,  Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GORM. She joined Kieran on the Hard Shoulder to talk all about her new show ‘Younified’!This podcast aims to bridge cultural differences and highlight diverse voices by speaking to a range of people reflecting on the reality of living in Ireland today.You can listen to it on air every Sunday at 8pm, or you can listen to it now(!) as a podcast on the Newstalk app, powered by GoLoud.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover.This week, Jess discusses the concept of ‘Doomscrolling’ and how social media algorithms suck you in, using AR to map out furniture and a new documentary about Alex Jones.

A new report from the Department of Education has revealed almost a third of secondary school students feel unsafe in school... The report came with a number of recommendations on preventing and addressing bullying.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Chris Sherlock, Broadcaster and bullying victim, Sean Fallon and later by Minister for Education Norma Foley.

How do you store your food in the summer? Would you put chocolate in the fridge? Or is the press the way to go?Newstalk’s Henry McKean went out to ask the public their thoughts, and shares what he found with Kieran Cuddihy.

With Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin out of the picture, who will be the next leader of the Green Party?Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Roderic O’Gorman and Senator Pippa Hackett to state their cases on why they should be next in line.

With Eamon Ryan stepping down as Leader of the Green Party, and Catherine Martin also announcing she will leave her role as Deputy Leader, what does the future look like for the party?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fionnan Sheehan, Ireland Edit with the Irish Independent.

221+ is a group set up to support women and families affected by the cervical check scandal brought to light by Vicky Phelan in 2018.A report is being launched which is looking at the effect this group has on those using it and the effectiveness of the patient advocate voice.Joining Kieran to discuss are two patient representatives from the group, Lyn Fenton and Caoimhe O’Neill-Forde and Research Lead from the University of Limerick, Dr Elaine Kinsella.

Author and Irish Examiner Columnist Edel Coffey joined Kieran this week to put her favourite book on the bookshelf!Favourite Book: The House of Mirth by Edith WhartonHonourable Mention: Lullaby by Leila SlimaniCurrently Reading: All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

Normal People star Paul Mescal debuted a pair of Gucci short shorts at the Gucci Spring/Summer 25 show.It has caused quite a division of opinions online, but will we start to see short shorts infiltrate men’s mainstream fashion?Kieran is joined by Paul Costelloe, Irish Fashion designer, to discuss. Image: @gucci on Instagram

The Dáil is this evening debating new legislation related to immigration, including signing up to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.But are we making a mistake by signing up to the deal?Barry Ward, Fine Gael Senator and Co-chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee and Declan Ganley, businessman and entrepreneur, join Kieran to discuss.

Leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan has announced that he is stepping down from his role.He joins Kieran Cuddihy in the studio to discuss why, reflect on his career and respond to the Aer Lingus pilots strike.

As more people choose to buy new rather than try to mend what they have, are we raising a generation that can’t fix what we own?Should we spend more time teaching basic skills like sewing and mending appliances?Kieran is joined by Peter Finn, aka ‘Pete the Builder’ and Clare Corrigan from Alterations Centre to discuss.

Ray Houghton scored an incredible goal for Ireland to beat the Italians in World Cup ‘94, which was 30 years ago today.Ray joins Kieran as well as RTÉ’s George Hamilton, who commentated that match, to reflect on the win.

Amid the ongoing pay disputes, Aer Lingus pilots have stated their intention to go on strike. Members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action…To discuss this, Kieran is joined by the President of the IALPA, Captain Mark Tighe.

Following the recent local and European elections, Kieran is joined by Brendan Ogle, Independent Candidate in the European Elections.He discusses what it was like running for the first time, and his thoughts on the loss.

The number of young people using a J1 visa to spend time in America has apparently plummeted, but why is this the case?Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean, who has been asking people why they think this is happening.