Best Ruan Living Podcasts (2025)

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E135. Forever Chemicals Detox (Part 7): 6 Free and Budget-Friendly Ways to Reduce Forever Chemicals (PFAS) Exposure at Home 11:34

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1d ago11:34

11:34

Part 7 of season 2's Forever Chemicals Detox series. Protecting yourself from forever chemicals doesn't have to be complicated—or expensive. In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares six free, practical lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your lifetime exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).…

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Changing career later in life - Henry McKean Reports 10:14

34m ago10:14

10:14

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has resigned from Irish public life and is taking a job at the World Bank. Newstalk’s Henry McKean chatted to people in Cork about changing their careers in middle age, and sends in this report.

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Newsmakers: Storm Eowyn 13:18

1h ago13:18

13:18

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it. So, where else to start but at the beginning of the year, where the country faced the devastation brought by Storm Eowyn? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice, and Independent Cllr…

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Enoch Burke to be imprisoned again - breaking the case down 6:35

1h ago6:35

6:35

In the latest development of the Enoch Burke case, the High Court has ordered his immediate imprisonment. To chat through this and more, Ciara Doherty is joined by Newstalk’s Court Correspondent, Frank Greaney.

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The Bookshelf with Sinead Moriarty 15:29

9h ago15:29

15:29

Author Sinead Moriarty joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

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Jennifer Carroll MacNeil on Paschal Donohoe’s resignation 13:33

39m ago13:33

13:33

Fine Gael Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has stepped away from his role in Government to take up a position at the World Bank. To chat about the significance of this decision, Ciara Doherty is joined by Fine Gael Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeil, as well as Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.…

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Lawyer representing Epstein victims calls for files to be released 8:18

22m ago8:18

8:18

As pressure mounts in the US for the release of the Epstein files, there are many wondering what exactly these files are, and information they contain. To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by the Lawyer who represented victims of Jeffrey Epstein, Yasmine Meyer.

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Does the ‘Word of the Year’ matter? 8:07

23m ago8:07

8:07

It’s that time of year again where dictionaries begin naming their words of the year. Cambridge Dictionary has gone with ‘parasocial’ while Collins has chosen ‘vibe coding’. With previous words of the year including ‘brat’ in 2024 and even ‘austerity’ in 2015. How well do these words capture the years they’re chosen, and why are we so obsessed with…

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Tips to keep your house warm in a cold snap! 7:39

4h ago7:39

7:39

Temperatures will dip close to zero for the remainder of the week; however, the wind chill factor could make it feel more like minus 10! So, how can you keep your house warm and your bills down this winter? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Irish Examiner.…

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Low Tox Grocery Shopping with Kelsey Lynn 20:48

4h ago20:48

20:48

Unfortunately, many foods on our shelves have some pretty questionable ingredients. Artificial colors, preservatives, and "natural flavors" that aren't so natural are common. Plus, the packaging used to sell us these foods can leach chemicals into the foods we eat. Knowing what to look out for can be confusing and frustrating. That’s why we’re so g…

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The Terrible impact of Huntington’s Disease 14:43

26m ago14:43

14:43

Huntington's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects people emotionally, mentally, and physically. Sufferers usually show symptoms in their thirties and forties. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for the condition. Joining Ciara to reflect on the impact the disease can have and how to manage it was Dr. Niall Pender, Profe…

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Kids Health Check: How to support your kids through major life changes such as divorce 8:42

41m ago8:42

8:42

This week on our kids Clinic Ciara was joined by Iseult White, Psychotherapist and author to discuss How to support your kids through major life changes - divorce, house and school moves.

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Ireland beats Hungary. But what needs to happen next to qualify for the World Cup ? Ray Houghton joins us. 9:42

1d ago9:42

9:42

All day today, the nation has been looking back on Ireland’s win against Hungary yesterday, but now we’re going to look ahead as to what could be awaiting us in the World Cup playoffs, and what our chances will be? To chat, Ciara was joined by joined by former Irish international, Ray Houghton, who was at the game on commentary duty yesterday. And …

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Community in mourning in Louth as 5 young people lose their lives in road crash 13:52

1h ago13:52

13:52

The deaths of five young friends, all under the age of 25, in a road crash in Co Louth at the weekend have left communities in Louth and Monaghan devastated. The friends have been named as: Chloe McGee, Alan McCluskey, Dylan Commins, Shay Duffy and Chloe Hipson. Joining Ciara to reflect on the terrible tragedy was Monaghan Councillor, Peter Conlon …

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Should we have speed limits for bicycles ? 5:45

1h ago5:45

5:45

A new law setting a 6km/h speed limit for cyclists, skaters, scooter and e-scooter riders on pavements in Slovakia has received parliamentary approval. The new measure aimed at improving safety means pavement users who exceed the limit could be fined up to 100 euros. Just how problematic are cyclists who cycle on pavements? Should we do the same? J…

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Ireland beats Hungary one of Ireland’s best ever games ? 15:31

1h ago15:31

15:31

Ireland’s World Cup hopes are still alive, after the most remarkable game against Hungary in Budapest yesterday. Ireland needed a win, and that’s exactly what they got in the 96th minute when Troy Parrott poked home the winner after a Liam Scales flick on. To chat about the game, I’m now joined by Former Irish International, Jason McAteer, and form…

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Donald Trump now urges Republicans to release Epstein files 5:47

1h ago5:47

5:47

Now, Donald Trump has urged Republicans in the House of Representatives to back a vote to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Trump, who has previously dismissed calls to release the files, says he has nothing to hide. But what does this mean and what might happen now? Joining Ciara was Harriet Alexander, a Features writer with the D…

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Are you influenced by influencers when making purchases ? 11:36

1h ago11:36

11:36

According to a new CCPC survey 30% of people are influenced by influencers when making purchases. So, how big a role can influencers play in marketing ? And should there be more regulation when it comes to online advertising ? Newstalk's Josh Crosbie reports

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This flu Season Why you should cough and sneeze into your jumper instead of your elbow 5:48

1d ago5:48

5:48

Now, despite all of us learning to sneeze and cough into our elbow during the pandemic, new research has emerged with different advice. A study from the University of Utah has shown that coughing into your shirt or jumper actually prevents more germ molecules from escaping. Joining Ciara to discuss the findings is Brendan O’Shea, a GP, Adjunct Assi…

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Tragedy in Co.Louth as 5 young people lose their lives in road crash 5:09

1h ago5:09

5:09

The deaths of five young friends, all under the age of 25, in a road crash in Co Louth at the weekend have left communities in Louth and Monaghan devastated. The friends have been named as: Chloe McGee, Alan McCluskey, Dylan Commins, Shay Duffy and Chloe Hipson. Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief reporter, joined Ciara from Louth.…

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Winners and Sinners 27:04

11m ago27:04

27:04

This week, Jonathan Healy was joined by Ralph Riegel, author and Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent and Jennifer Horgan, Irish Examiner Columnist to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

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You Are What You Eat: Dried Fruit 16:03

10m ago16:03

16:03

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Jonathan Healy to discuss dried fruit - their benefits, and how you can use them!

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Sport with Mick McCarthy 7:33

4m ago7:33

7:33

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Jonathan Healy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

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Should single parents get the same amount of parental leave as two? 8:01

20m ago8:01

8:01

Calls are ongoing for measures to ensure that children in single-parent families have access to the same amount of parental leave as those in two-parent families. To chat more about this, Jonathan Healy is joined by Carly Bailey from One Family.

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Trump orders Epstein investigation on everyone (but himself) 7:34

32m ago7:34

7:34

US President Donald Trump has been responding today to the latest trove of emails by Jeffrey Epstein with a Truth Social post calling it “THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN HOAX”. He has asked the FBI, Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice to launch an investigation into those Epstein reportedly had a relationship with. This includes, as listed…

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Reactions to Ireland's incredible win over Portugal 13:22

4d ago13:22

13:22

We can keep dreaming of following Ireland to the World Cup in North America next Summer, as Ireland claimed a historic victory against Portugal last night in the Aviva… Newstalk’s Henry McKean got thoughts from the public, and joining Jonathan Healy to chat about the game and our hopes for Sunday is former Irish International, Ray Houghton, and Com…

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Getting to Baby with Judy Simon 36:53

4h ago36:53

36:53

If you’re struggling to conceive, the last thing you want is vague advice—you need real answers and a plan of action. That’s where the book Getting to Baby comes in. No matter what obstacles you’re facing in your journey to parenthood, Getting to Baby is aimed to help you shorten your time to pregnancy, avoid costly fertility treatments, and if IVF…

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Movies and TV: The Running Man, Being Eddie Murphy, Caroline Flack 9:41

2d ago9:41

9:41

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

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Will AI take all of our jobs? - Josh Crosbie Reports 12:00

31m ago12:00

12:00

Over the past few years, AI is becoming more and more apparent in our daily lives. It's used in all factors of people's lives, but how much is it being used in critical digital infrastructure? And, how many jobs are at risk? Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.…

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What problems will the new Government housing plan face? 8:59

5d ago8:59

8:59

Throughout the show today, we have been discussing the government's new housing plan launched today, which promises 12,000 new-build social homes each year, and the delivery of an additional 300,000 new houses by the end of 2030. How realistic is this, and what problems might the Government face in delivering it? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is…

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The Thursday Interview: Lynn Ruane 15:15

40m ago15:15

15:15

Senator and author Lynn Ruane joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

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Does the new Government housing plan do enough? 18:25

22m ago18:25

18:25

Earlier in the show, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins, joined to discuss the Government's new Housing Plan, which was launched today. But, does this new plan do enough? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Conor Skehan, former Chair of the Housing Agency and DIT Lect…

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Foil Arms & Hog talk their new tour! 10:44

1d ago10:44

10:44

Ahead of their new tour ‘Skittish’, Ciara Doherty is joined by the comedy trio Foil Arms & Hog: Sean 'Foil' Finegan, Conor 'Arms' McKenna and Sean 'Hog' Flanagan to discuss all!

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Shauna Lindsay on suffering a stroke at 30 9:42

21m ago9:42

9:42

Limerick Influencer Shauna Lindsay suffered a stroke when boxing at the gym - even capturing it on video, which she shared on Instagram. She joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the terrifying moment.

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What’s in the Government’s new housing plan? 15:17

37m ago15:17

15:17

The Government today published its new housing plan: 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities: An Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness'. It aims to deliver 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030 which the Government has described as “ambitious, but also realistic”. John Cummins is Minister of State for Local Government and Planning…

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How to do Stuff: Stop Fidgeting! 10:50

1h ago10:50

10:50

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 Ciara to discuss how you stop fidgeting!

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Coimisiún na Meán commences formal investigation into X 10:00

32m ago10:00

10:00

Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Team has today commenced a formal investigation into the provider of the X online platform, under the EU Digital Services Act. So, what does this mean? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is the Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, John Evans.

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Dementia in dogs - how to spot & treat it 6:16

8h ago6:16

6:16

Dementia in dogs is a very real issue that many pet owners face, but how can you spot it, and how can you treat it? To chat about this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Pete Wedderburn, AKA Pete the Vet.

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What are the health benefits of art? 5:46

8m ago5:46

5:46

Studies have shown that going to a museum or gallery can have major health benefits. In light of this, some are saying that people need to sometimes skip the gym, and have a cultural workout instead. Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Cultural Art Therapist with the National Gallery of Ireland, Andrea Clare Plunkett.…

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Tech Takeover: Australian social media ban incoming 11:39

10m ago11:39

11:39

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss why the incoming social media ban for under 16s in Australia, and how they plan to implement it…

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Over half of 18 to 30 year olds have never tested for STIs 3:46

12m ago3:46

3:46

Over half of 18 to 30 year olds have never tested for STIs. That’s according to a new survey from the HSE. It shows that 7 in 10 find testing stressful, because of the possible implications of having an infection, and are also nervous of the home kits not being discreet. Dr. Derek Freedman is a Specialist Consultant in Sexual Health and Sexually Tr…

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Farmers protest compulsory purchase orders - why? 15:59

1d ago15:59

15:59

Farmers have today been highlighting concerns around compulsory purchase orders for the development of greenways, as many travelled from across Ireland to protest outside Leinster House today. It was as the Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee met to hear contributions on the issue. Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Paul O’Brien, Chair of th…

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Is the age of toys over? 8:24

1h ago8:24

8:24

Disney has dropped the trailer for Toy Story 5, and it is accompanied with the tagline ‘The Age of Toys Is Over’. The film will focus on a tablet that has been bought by the family, thus scaring the toys into thinking that they will soon be obsolete! So, is the age of toys truly over in the real world? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Michael Wh…

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Epstein emails hint more about relationship to Trump 5:18

1h ago5:18

5:18

New emails released have suggested further details to the relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. To chat about this amid ongoing pressure on the US Government to release the Epstein files, Ciara Doherty is joined by Adrian Walker of the Boston Globe.

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Will there be a childminder industry exodus? 16:17

2h ago16:17

16:17

According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of childminders that responded are considering closing their service ahead of new regulations being introduced in September 2027. To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by the Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Children, Deputy Claire Kerrane, Chief Executive of Childminding Ireland, Bernadette Orbinski Burke and …

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The Ultimate Guide: Universal Epic Universe 10:31

7d ago10:31

10:31

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 Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Universal’s newest theme park in Orlando: ‘Epic Universe’.

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New ‘Lucifer’ bee discovered 5:12

2h ago5:12

5:12

A new bee has been discovered by scientists in Australia. The ‘Lucifer’ bee, which gets its name from the unusual with devil-like horns, is the first of its kind… Joining Ciara to discuss this is Aoife Nic Giolla, Co-Founder of the Native Irish Honeybee Society, and owner of Galtee Honey Farm. Image: Dr Kit Prendergast, Curtin University…

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James May on his new show - and failing at retirement! 13:27

1h ago13:27

13:27

James May, who is probably best known for his presenting role on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, is back launching his new show ‘James May’s Shed Load of Ideas’. He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss! Image: Armonico

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The Bookshelf with Lise Hand 12:36

1h ago12:36

12:36

Journalist Lise Hand joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

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How bird flu is impacting farmers 5:23

7d ago5:23

5:23

Following the housing order for all poultry, which came into effect yesterday amid bird flu risk, Ciara Doherty is joined by one of those impacted, Nigel Renaghan, Ulster/ North Leinster Regional Chairman of the IFA to discuss…