Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.This week, Jeff joins Kieran to discuss Joe Biden’s final days in office, and commenting on the work he has done in his term.

You might be scrolling on X/Twitter today and seeing a lot of these scam ads featuring current Taoiseach Simon Harris with fake news headlines. All of them are the same format, same font and use similar images…To explain what’s going on exactly, Kieran is joined by Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor for the Irish and Sunday Independent.

An Israeli cabinet meeting expected to give the final approval for the ceasefire and hostage release deal has been delayed, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of backtracking on the deal.It comes as there has been renewed hope of a deal being done.So, when should we see a result?Bel Trew, The UK Independent's Chief International Correspondent and Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute in UCD, join Kieran to discuss.

US President Joe Biden gave his final address last night as he sets to leave the office after only a single term in the Whitehouse, ahead of Donal Trump’s inauguration this Monday.So, what will Joe Biden’s legacy be when it’s looked back on?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Harry Browne, Journalist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Media at TU Dublin, Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent with The Irish Examiner and Emma Howard, Economist at TU Dublin.Image: Reuters

A recent survey by the cashless tipping provider Paynt, with the Restaurants Association of Ireland, showed that cashless tips rose by 74% in December, and that 83% of businesses that use cashless tipping report higher tips received. But, what does this say about the way we tip?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.This week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy to try different offerings of crackers!

It’s more than white smoke now, as an agreement on a new Government has now been made.Minister for Public Expenditure, Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe, joins Kieran to discuss this new formation, and the next steps.

With the new formation of the Government official, it's all but certain that Michael Healy-Rae will become a Junior Minister for Agriculture, continuing the political legacy of the Healy-Rae family.Henry McKean is in Healy-Rae country: Kilgarvan in County Kerry, and joins Kieran to share the reactions of the locals there. And, by pure chance, Michael Healy-Rae joins Henry and Kieran to discuss the news!

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joined Kieran Cuddihy for the Tech Takeover!This week, she discusses Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that he plans to fire the “low performers” from his company Meta next month, and why this seems to be a turn to a worrying culture shift in the tech industry, in the wake of Donald Trump’s election to President of the United States.

Kieran’s guest is back in Ireland for his new tour: ‘Lately’, and will be in the 3Olympia in February for 3 special shows.Des Bishop joins the show!

With the new government formation official, so comes with it the Programme for Government, laying out what they plan to do.Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent, joins Kieran to go through the biggest things to know from the document.

Have you ever found yourself avoiding small talk at the office? Well, you're not alone! New research shows that for younger workers, face-to-face chats are becoming a thing of the past, with many opting for digital communication even when sitting right next to their colleagues.A quick DM on Teams or Whatsapp might lower the stakes for rejection, but what does it mean for the future of workplace bonding and relationship building?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Saoirse Hanley, Audience Editor with the Irish Independent and Columnist with the Sunday Independent, as well as Frances Kelleher, Dating and Life Coach…

As the white smoke emerges from government buildings, all the focus seems to be on the Programme for Government, who got what role, and how many ministries each of the parties received. But, not as many people have focused on what the people want to see.To give an insight into what they want to see included, Kieran is joined by Conor Skehan, Columnist with the Sunday Independent, Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic and a Columnist with the Sunday Independent, and Meghann Scully, Broadcaster and Freelance Journalist.

With Government formation seemingly at an end, and the Programme for Government being finalized, many are wondering what items will be included in the document. While many are calling for the Government to commit to the Occupied Territories Bill, others are more skeptical.Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Féin’s Housing Spokesperson, joins Kieran to discuss this new Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Regional Independents Government, as well as the Bill.

Joining Kieran this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf is Newstalk Presenter Anton Savage!

Yesterday, a discussion was had over the medicalisation of mental health.This was after Tony Blair made a statement saying people are unable to cope with what he considers the everyday “ups and downs” of life, without a label or treatment for a mental condition. A sentiment shared by Brendan Kelly, who was on the show.James Reilly, former Minister for Health and a practicing GP, joins Kieran to discuss why he disagrees with Tony Blair.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael as well as Regional Independents have seemingly ended government negotiation talks as of today.Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror and Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central join Kieran to discuss and give the latest information.

There are some basic skills you should know: from changing a lightbulb, cleaning your car or swapping out a tire. But apparently, some don’t have all those skills!A new study from Halford suggests that Gen Z forgo the DIY jobs in favour of hiring others to do it…Peter Finn, also known as Pete the Builder and Interior Architect Róisín Murphy join Kieran to discuss.

Is Ireland anti-NATO?That’s been the feeling by some, especially outside of Ireland, after Michael D. Higgins called any calls for increased military spending “appalling”.Shashank Joshi, the Defence Editor of the Economist, joins Kieran to discuss.

How much time will you spend in a coffee shop working or studying? Is it more time than you should be spending, or is it a special place to get work done?Henry McKean has been asking the public after a few too many coffees, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.