Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Will Sliney, Irish artist and illustrator for Marvel, joins The Hard Shoulder to talk about what it’s really like to draw for Spider-Man, how comics are made, and how the industry is changing.Will is perhaps best known for Spider-Man 2099, one of the best comics from the eponymous superhero.Listen here

Comedian Jim Elliot, Sunday Independent columnist Gina London, and political commentator Larry Donnelly join The Hard Shoulder to talk about how Independence Day has evolved — and what it means for Irish people.Have the Irish last that grá for the States?Listen here.

Chef Rory O’Connell joins Jonathan Healy with ideas for seasonal dishes and explains why the Folly Festival has become a staple of Ireland’s summer food and music calendar.Listen here

On Thursday night, Kyiv was subject to an intense drone barrage as Russia launched 550 drones and 11 missiles at Ukraine, the most ever launched.It came after Donald Trump expressed disappointment towards Vladimir Putin following a phone call yesterday over his unwillingness to end the war in Ukraine.  For the latest on this is James Waterhouse, BBC Ukraine correspondent , and Donnacha O’Beachain, Professor of Politics at DCU.Listen here.

 For many, though not all, long term relationships can mean a dwindling in the expression of physical affection.  The distractions of daily life can often result in less hand holding, intimacy and even less quality time spent with a partner.  So, what can be done to keep the spark in a long term relationship?  Joining Jonathan on The Hard Shoulder was Alanna Kirk, author and midlife coach, Amanda Brunker, writer and playwright, and Francis Kelleher, dating and relationship expert. Listen here.

Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon and tailor Louis Copeland join The Hard Shoulder to discuss the permanent pedestrianisation of Parliament Street — and whether it’s a help or hindrance to local business.Listen here.

8 men who pleaded guilty to their involvement in the largest drug seizure in the history of the state have been jailed for a combined 129 years.  6 men were caught aboard the MV Matthew while two others tried to offload drugs onboard a second ship in the Irish Sea in September 2023 Frank Greaney NewsTalk’s Court correspondent joined Jonathan Healy for all the latest.

The calls for significantly increased taxes on the ultra-wealthy are only getting louder. Is it possible to be an ethical billionaire?  Jonathan Healy is joined by Oxfam Ireland CEO Jim Clarken and Dan O’Brien, the Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs. to discuss. Listen here.

John Fardy, presenter of Screentime, and entertainment journalist Sarina Bellissimo join The Hard Shoulder with their top picks for weekend viewing — including the best new films, series, and streaming releases.From Jurassic World: Rebirth to The Traitors on RTÉ, there's plenty to watch on screens both big and small.Listen here

16 flights to and from Dublin Airport have been cancelled for today and Friday as a French air traffic controller strike comes into effect.For the latest on this air travel disruption, Eoghan Corry, Travel Journalist joined Anton on The Hard Shoulder.Listen here.

 A Bill which seeks to end Discrimination against cancer survivors when accessing financial products is currently making its way through the Oireachtas.  Fianna Fail TD for Dublin South-Central Catherine Ardagh’s introduced the bill and joined Anton to discuss.Listen here.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has been saying this week that US tariffs of 10% on exports from Ireland will be the "new normal". What does this actually mean for Irish business and for the Irish economy? The CEO of IBEC, Danny McCoy joins Anton to discuss.

A new study from The University of Texas at Austin suggests that emoji usage can impact perceived responsiveness, closeness and relationship satisfaction.  Keith Broni, Editor-in-Chief of Emojipedia, and dating coach Sharon Kenny join Anton to explore how emojis are shaping online romance, from flirting to ghosting — and whether they help or hurt your love life.Listen here.

Michael Plant, Liverpool FC reporter with Liverpool.com, joins The Hard Shoulder to reflect on the sudden and tragic passing of Liverpool winger, Diogo Jota.Listen here

Ilan Pappé, Israeli historian and long-time critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, joins Anton from exile to explain why he was expelled, and why he's continuing to speak out against his government’s policies.Listen here

Ireland, credited with natural “storytelling charm,” ranked third funniest in a survey of 6,000 people across 30 countries.The Czech Republic ranked first and Portugal ranked second. Comedian and actress Faye Shortt spoke with Anton to see if this list is really accurate.

Uisce Eireann has warned that water supply is critically low and that there is absolutely zero capacity for more water in Dublin.Demand on Monday breached capacity for the first time, highlighting that the services unsuitable without further investment in infrastructure. Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director with Uisce Éireann, spoke with Anton to outline Ireland’s water capacity challenges.Listen here.

Michael Horan, policy and regulation manager with Insurance Ireland, joins The Hard Shoulder to explain why motor insurance premiums are up over 8% year-on-year, and whether real reform is on the way.Listen here for more.

A potential upgrade to the electricity grid could cost anywhere up to 19 billion euro according to an investment plan published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.But will that mean anything for your bills?Muireann Lynch is Senior Research Officer for the ESRI, and she spoke with Anton earlier.Listen here.

Ollwyn Moran, neurodevelopmental therapist and founder of Cognikids, and Richard Hogan, psychotherapist and columnist with the Irish Examiner, join The Hard Shoulder to discuss a new study suggesting children show signs of addictive behaviour on TikTok after just 35 minutes of use.Listen here