Best Kieran Cook Podcasts (2025)

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Winners and Sinners 27:11

Play Pause

16h ago27:11

27:11

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined (on the roof of Newstalk towers) by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

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Sport with Eoin Sheahan 10:51

16h ago10:51

10:51

Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

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You Are What You Eat: Summer-suited recipes! 18:46

17h ago18:46

18:46

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran on the roof of Newstalk towers to discuss how you can make some summer-themed recipes to suit the glorious weather!

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Live Aid turns 40! Looking back 12:32

17h ago12:32

12:32

40 years ago, the world gathered to watch the biggest music acts in the world put on a benefit concert, one in London, and the other in Philadelphia. Media Consultant Tony O’Brien was lucky enough to attend, and joins Kieran to look back on the iconic day…

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The good, the bad and the ugly of travelling abroad 14:17

18h ago14:17

14:17

You will be well familiar with Kieran’s guest, Fionn Davenport, Travel Journalist and Lonely Planet author. He joins to regale his stories of travelling the globe, discussing the good, the bad and the ugly!

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What defines a summer anthem? 10:33

18h ago10:33

10:33

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.

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Making the most of the Irish heatwave! 15:51

18h ago15:51

15:51

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.

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Movies and TV: Superman, Too Much, We Live in Time 15:24

1d ago15:24

15:24

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…

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Do we need weather warnings for heatwaves? 14:01

1d ago14:01

14:01

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 ‘TotalHea…

1
The Thursday Interview: John Banville 12:56

1d ago12:56

12:56

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

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Tensions high as Belfast bonfire asked to be removed - Josh Crosbie Reports 11:12

1d ago11:12

11:12

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.

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How to keep sleep cool on hot summer nights! 5:26

1d ago5:26

5:26

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.

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Passenger speaks on her alleged racist Bus Éireann incident 9:01

1d ago9:01

9:01

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 Kiera…

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How to get your kids cooking! 8:53

1d ago8:53

8:53

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 cookin…

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Should Gazan children be brought to Ireland for treatment? 4:36

1d ago4:36

4:36

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 th…

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How to make the perfect cup of tea! 4:32

1d ago4:32

4:32

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!

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Should we have another referendum on women in the home? 16:23

2d ago16:23

16:23

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 s…

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How to do Stuff: Winning a Nobel Peace Prize 11:10

2d ago11:10

11:10

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!…

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Captain on why his Russian vessel was docked in Killiney Bay 8:17

2d ago8:17

8:17

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.

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Quarter of child sex-abuse material is self-generated - what can be done? 18:49

3d ago18:49

18:49

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 Mot…

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Should we stick to Amazon UK instead of IE? 6:42

3d ago6:42

6:42

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 …

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Model of migrant boat placed on top of Tyrone bonfire 4:27

3d ago4:27

4:27

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…

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Why the RSA is bringing more disturbing ads back 13:54

3d ago13:54

13:54

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…

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Should public spaces be more dog friendly? 7:02

3d ago7:02

7:02

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.

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Is it time to get rid of automated voice messages? 8:28

3d ago8:28

8:28

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.

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Are supermarkets price gouging? 14:50

3d ago14:50

14:50

When it comes to the price of groceries, can there be more transparency when it comes to the price hikes that are being experienced in retail chains across the country? Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrat TD for Wicklow, has brought a motion to the Dáil, and joins Kieran, along with Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Asso…

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The Ultimate Guide: Kalkan, Turkey 13:43

3d ago13:43

13:43

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his travel tips for a hidden gem in Turkey: Kalkan!

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Do we fully understand epilepsy? 12:27

4d ago12:27

12:27

Earlier in the show, Kieran spoke with John Verling and Mia Scully about epilepsy, and the different ways in which they have suffered from it over the years. Joining Kieran to discuss what we do and don’t understand about epilepsy is Dr Colin Doherty, Consultant Neurologist and Director of the Epilepsy Services at St James's Hospital.…

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The Bookshelf with Ciarán Cuffe 14:24

4d ago14:24

14:24

Green Party MEP for Dublin Ciarán Cuffe joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

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Why are we so bad at queuing? 5:45

4d ago5:45

5:45

Research shows that Gen Z are four times more likely than previous generations to skip queues. So, why do people behave this way, and what has caused the increase in impatience with queues? Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Kieran to discuss.

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What it's like to live with epilepsy 24:18

4d ago24:18

24:18

Over 45,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological conditions. Yet, for the multiple types of epilepsy and multiple ways in which they present, it is often misunderstood. John Verling, father of Freddie Verling, who has Dravet Syndrome, and Mia Sherwood Scully who has temporal lobe epilepsy join Kieran to dis…

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Initiative under way to promote late night café culture 8:12

4d ago8:12

8:12

Are Irish towns and cities lacking late night sober spaces to socialize? A new initiative has been launched across nine Irish towns and cities to promote late night café culture. Joining Kieran to discuss this is Anna Peters from Athena Cafe and KK Lewis from the sober social group Sunflower Sessions.…

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Protests over returning €3,000 college contribution fee 9:03

4d ago9:03

9:03

Students and opposition parties will protest outside Leinster House this evening over Government plans to reinstate the €3,000 college contribution fee. Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless caused this controversy when he said fees would return to €3,000, as a cost of living package may not be available in this year’s budget. This re…

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Could a lack of priests be hurting funerals? 10:17

4d ago10:17

10:17

St. Peter’s Church in Lurgan, Co. Armagh has announced the end of its parish’s tradition to walk from the church to St Colman’s Graveyard after a funeral. The walks were impacting priests’ schedules. Parish Priest Father Colum Murphy said that changes were necessary, given the increasing workload and pressure that the priests are under. Joining Kie…

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The impact of illegal modifications on e-scooters 12:30

4d ago12:30

12:30

There are calls for more enforcement around the use of illegally modified e-scooters. Fine Gael’s Barry Ward told Newstalk that there have been no prosecutions since laws came into effect last year. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been meeting with scooter users and those who have seen what can happen when things go wrong.…

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Ireland’s first supervised injection centre - 6 months on 11:15

5d ago11:15

11:15

Six months on from the opening of Ireland's first medically supervised injection centre, Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland joins Kieran to discuss the importance of it and other services provided by Merchants Quay. Image: Merchants Quay Ireland

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What living at home in your 20s is like 8:11

5d ago8:11

8:11

Recent research finds that almost nine in ten 18–34 year olds know someone still living at home because they can’t afford to buy. For those who managed to move out young, many return home to save money. Such was the case for Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist, who joins Kieran to discuss.

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Kids Health Check: Managing child anxieties 10:45

5d ago10:45

10:45

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Patricia Byrne, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, to discuss why anxiety causes the most difficulties in children under 12 years old, and how parents have a massive impact in how a child experiences such anxieties.

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Trump’s tariff letters - what to know 7:05

5d ago7:05

7:05

Trump’s ‘tariff letters’ have arrived to governments worldwide ahead of the US President's blanket increase of tariffs globally. So, what did these letters include, and what should we expect on the tariff deadline on the 9th of July? Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent joins us now for an update.…

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When will we know all the presidential candidates? 13:44

5d ago13:44

13:44

Fine Gael is the first party to get its official presidential election process underway by opening nominations today, with former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness expected to be a strong candidate for that nomination, and MEP Sean Kelly also potentially in the running. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has refused to rule herself out …

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Why has matcha become so popular? 5:43

5d ago5:43

5:43

Matcha is all the rage as a coffee alternative that offers a gentler caffeine boost and antioxidants. The finely ground green tea powder has inspired two dedicated matcha distributors in Dublin: the Matcha Bar in Powerscourt Townhouse and OMMA on Clarendon Street. Matcha aficionado Grainne Daily, the Digital Content Creator behind @heyitsgra on Ins…

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Are smaller apartments the answer to the housing crisis? 7:13

5d ago7:13

7:13

New guidelines to allow for smaller apartments with fewer features are to be introduced in an attempt to tackle the housing crisis. While smaller apartments are accepted by people in cities like New York or London, will it have any impact here? Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent Columnist.…

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Should we have mandatory dog care hours? 5:47

5d ago5:47

5:47

How much time do you spend with your pets? A proposed Australian law would mandate that dog owners must spend a minimum of three hours per day with their dog. Should we do the same here? Dog trainer and behavior expert Samantha Rawson joins Kieran to weigh in.

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More health insurance price hikes on the way - how to prepare 12:20

5d ago12:20

12:20

Irish people are bracing themselves for more health insurance hikes in the coming weeks and months. Irish Life Health has its fourth hike of the year on the way, while Laya and VHI are also altering their plans, resulting in more expense for the customer. Dermot Goode is a Health Insurance Expert, and joins Kieran to discuss and give advice.…

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Winners and Sinners 26:49

8d ago26:49

26:49

Esther McCarthy and Joe O’Shea join The Hard Shoulder to round up the week’s highs and lows. From Dua Lipa “splitting the G” in Dublin to French air traffic control strikes and Keir Starmer’s embattled chief of staff. Listen here

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Being a Marvel Comic Artist 8:10

8d ago8:10

8:10

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…

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July 4th – Have Celebrations Changed? 11:06

8d ago11:06

11:06

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.

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Folly Festival and Summer Recipes 10:25

8d ago10:25

10:25

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

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Ukraine Latest 12:47

8d ago12:47

12:47

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, BB…

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Physical Affection in Long-Term Relationships 10:40

8d ago10:40

10:40

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 …