Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

What defines a summer anthem? Is it a pulsing beat, a beachy hook, or playful experimentation?Freelance Arts Journalist Pat Carty joins Kieran to give his take.

The Hard Shoulder is broadcasting today from the roof of Newstalk towers, soaking up the sun and chatting about all things summer!Joining Kieran to chat and bask in the sun is Holly Carpenter, Model and Andrea Gilligan, Presenter of Lunchtime Live on Newstalk.

John Fardy, Presenter of 'Screentime' and Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Yellow warnings for high temperatures in place as some areas of the country will likely hit 27°C tomorrow…Are you a fan of weather warnings being given for high temperatures?Joining Kieran to discuss is Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central Ken O’Flynn and Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist, owner of the ‘TotalHealth’ pharmacy in Milltown and podcaster on the ‘A Wondercare Podcast’.

Author John Banville joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Belfast City Council has asked police to remove a bonfire that is due to be set alight tomorrow night.There are concerns over the bonfires' close proximity to an electrical substation and there’s also a pile of asbestos nearby.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie is there, and joins Kieran to discuss.

For many people, the hot weather will mean a sleepless night of tossing and turning.We have some useful tips to keep yourself cool at night!Mary Ryan, Endocrinologist and Senior Professor at Bons Secours Limerick joins Kieran to discuss.

A Nigerian-Irish woman “broke down in tears” after an alleged racist incident while using Bus Éireann.20-year-old Sarah Lennon claims that she was trying to transfer her bus ticket when the bus driver became “unnecessarily hostile” and “aggressive.” Bus Éireann is investigating the incident, which occurred in the midlands in May.Sarah joins Kieran to discuss.

As kids settle into their long lazy summer days, parents may be starting to feel the pressure to keep them entertained. Well, we will have a guide for keeping kids entertained and advice for how to get them learning new skills over the coming weeks!Today, Kieran is joined by TV Chef and Broadcaster, Edward Hayden, to discuss how to get kids cooking…

There have been calls for Gazan children to be brought here to Ireland for treatment.A number of Irish doctors have been concerned at the delays – it's after the evacuation of up to 18 children has been stalled due to issues with family visas. Reports suggest that pediatric patients may only get here in late September.One of the doctors making the call is Thomas Donnelly, Orthopedic Consultant in Children’s Health Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Amy Poehler recently revealed that she is a fan of a particular Irish brand of tea – no other than Barry’s Tea!Barry’s is a particular fan-favourite, and for good reason.James Kavanagh from the Simpler Life Podcast joins Kieran to explain how you can make the perfect cup!

The UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women calls on Ireland to hold another referendum on women in the home and care.The committee reports disappointment with the failed referendum, recommending an independent evaluation of the vote and to run it again with alternative wording.So, why did the referendum fail, and what should be done to get it over the line the second time around?Rónán Mullen, Independent Senator for the National University of Ireland and Pauline O’Reilly, former Green Party Senator and Political Commentator join Kieran to discuss.

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 (since Trump thinks he can get one so easily) how you can win a Nobel Peace Prize!

A Russian vessel has been docked in Killiney Bay, and is now making its way up the Irish coast towards Scotland.The ship’s name is The Shtandart, and the captain is Vladimir Martus. He joins Kieran to discuss why he’s here, and the reactions he has received.

A quarter of the cases of child sex-abuse material last year was self-generated, according to  an annual report carried out by the Irish Internet Hotline.There was a 116% increase in intimate photographs, videos and pictures being taken and shared by children online. How can we protect them?Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, and later Rena Maycock, Founder of the Child Cyber safety company Chirp and Stella O’ Mally, Child Psychologist and Author of cotton wool kids.

Amazon Prime Day (which is actually four days) runs this week. While many people are seeking out deals, are they still using Amazon UK or did they make the swap to the new Irish site?Almost four months on from the introduction of Amazon.ie, has it lived up to people's expectations?Joining Kieran to discuss is Catriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Examiner and Stefanie Preissner, Screenwriter and Actor.

A model of a migrant boat with more than a dozen life-size mannequins has been placed on top of a loyalist bonfire in Co. Tyrone. All of the mannequins are dark-skinned and wearing life jackets. Below the boats, placards read: “Stop the boats. Veterans before refugees.”Matthew O’Toole is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Belfast and the Social Democratic and Labour Party’s Leader of the Opposition at Stormont. He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: @GildernewColm on Twitter

Chair of the Road Safety Authority, Anne Graham, is coming up to 6 months in the role – and it has been yet another year where the issue of road safety has been an issue that has repeatedly hit the headlines.What’s changing under her leadership, and how can this growing issue be tackled?Anne joins Kieran to discuss.Image: RSA

A topic of debate for many years now – should Ireland be more dog friendly?From pubs to shops to offices – should public spaces be more inclusive for our furry friends?Emily Brew, Radio Presenter at Radio Nova, and Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist join Kieran to discuss.

If you have ever sat in a virtual queue only to be met by a dead end and an automated voice, you know how frustrating it can be. Is it time to do away with them?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Shelagh Fogarty, Journalist and Consumer Journalist, Siobhain Maguire.