Best Workation Podcasts (2025)

1
Would you take a ‘workation’? 6:10

7d ago6:10

6:10

How would you like to take a ‘workation’? In this new world of remote working, a ‘workation’ combines work with a vacation. So, how prevalent is this practice, and what does it take to stay productive while sipping coconut water on the beach? One large multinational offering a ‘workation’ to employees is Deloitte, their Chief People Officer, Sinead…

1
Two Years Since the Submersible Disaster 8:16

21h ago8:16

8:16

Enda Brady, presenter with TRT World, and Dik Barton, COO of Armatrex and former VP of Operations with RMS Titanic, join The Hard Shoulder to reflect on the implosion of the Titan submersible two years on — and how the tragedy changed deep-sea exploration. Listen here

1
Tensions in the Middle East 4:18

21h ago4:18

4:18

Anthony Zurcher, BBC’s North America Correspondent, joins The Hard Shoulder to explain how US foreign policy under President Trump is influencing growing tensions with Iran. Listen here

1
Presidential Race – Where Are the Nominees? 15:13

21h ago15:13

15:13

Gerard Howlin, public affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist, and Fionnan Sheehan, Ireland Editor at the Irish Independent, join The Hard Shoulder to discuss the absence of declared candidates for Ireland’s 2025 presidential election. Get all the discussion here.

1
The Ticket Problem 7:53

22h ago7:53

7:53

Dave Hanratty, host of the ‘No More Encore’ podcast, and NewsTalk Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly join The Hard Shoulder to explain why getting concert tickets feels harder than ever — and what fans can do to beat the bots. Listen here

1
Tech Takeover 9:56

22h ago9:56

9:56

Jess Kelly, NewsTalk's Tech correspondent joins The Hard Shoulder to give all the best tips for kids, adults and everything in between this Summer. Listen here.

1
Impending World War III? 2:38

22h ago2:38

2:38

Josh Crosbie, Newstalk reporter, brings public reaction to rising tensions in the Middle East and asks whether people are following the news — or becoming desensitised to the conflict. Listen here

1
Lotto – What Would You Do? 18:07

22h ago18:07

18:07

Ruth Scott, radio presenter and humanist celebrant, Cathal O’Sullivan from 98FM, and Alice Leahy of the Alice Leahy Trust join Kieran to discuss how they'd react if they won €250 million, whether they’d go public, and what they’d spend it on. Listen here

1
Kneecap Case Adjourned 5:01

22h ago5:01

5:01

Emily Keegan, Newstalk reporter, joins The Hard Shoulder with the latest from court after the case involving Kneecap's Liam Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh -- aka Mo Chara -- is adjourned. Listen here for all the latest.

1
We Need More GPs 8:33

23h ago8:33

8:33

Dr Brendan O’Shea, Assistant Adjuvant Professor in General Practice at Trinity College and Kildare-based GP, and Evelyn Mahon, Professor Emeritus at Trinity College Dublin, join The Hard Shoulder to explain why Ireland will need at least 1,200 more GPs by 2040 — and what that shortfall means for healthcare access. Listen here.…

1
What Would You Do with The Euromillions Jackpot? 4:32

23h ago4:32

4:32

NewsTalk's Henry McKean joins The Hard Shoulder with reaction from the public after one Irish person scooped a €250 million Euromillions jackpot — the biggest in the country's history. Listen here

1
The Worst Household Chores 8:23

23h ago8:23

8:23

Ann Russell, cleaning expert and TikTok creator, joins The Hard Shoulder alongside Irish Independent columnist Mary McCarthy to debate which household chores people dread most, and why some of us are wired to hate them more than others. Listen here

1
Antisocial Behaviour on Public Transport 15:03

23h ago15:03

15:03

Sarah Madden, Newstalk reporter, joins The Hard Shoulder to share her report on commuter experiences of antisocial behaviour, including drug use and inappropriate conduct on Irish trains. Meghann Scully, broadcaster, and Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition also join to react. Listen here

1
Should we have generic school uniforms to cut costs? 13:09

2d ago13:09

13:09

The consumer watchdog has written to schools, urging them to consider generic uniform options to help reduce back-to-school costs for families. It follows a survey by the CCPC showing that 75 percent of primary and post-primary schools require at least one uniform item to be purchased from a designated retailer Joining Kieran to discuss this is Lou…

1
The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf: Neven Maguire 13:13

2d ago13:13

13:13

It’s time now for this week’s edition of the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf. Each week we ask the great and the good of Ireland to come in and to place their favourite read upon the Bookshelf. Last week, former People Before Profit TD Brid Smith place To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee on the bookshelf and this week is the turn of Neven Maguire, TV Chef …

1
New opt-out organ donation system comes into effect 8:26

2d ago8:26

8:26

From today, when a person dies, they will automatically be assumed to be an organ donor unless they have indicated an objection during their lifetime. It is hoped that this new opt-out system will reduce waiting lists and encourage more people to become organ donors. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie has been hearing from donor families and recipients abo…

1
Paul Murphy discusses his detainment in Egypt 12:25

2d ago12:25

12:25

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, who was detained twice in Egypt while participating in the Global March to Gaza, has returned to Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss his experience.

1
Touring through Ireland’s National Heritage Park 11:15

3d ago11:15

11:15

Kieran is in Ireland's National Heritage Park, located just outside of Wexford Town, to travel back in time and walk through Ireland's past in what is one of Ireland's outdoor museums. Joining him to give the tour is Liam Dwyer CEO at National Heritage Park! Image: Discover Ireland

1
What Gaelic Games mean to the people of Wexford 14:41

3d ago14:41

14:41

Wexford has produced plenty of GAA legends. So, what do the Gaelic Games mean for them? Joining Kieran to discuss is four-time All-Ireland winner and All-Star, Ursula Jacob, 1996 All-Ireland winning manager, Liam Griffin and former Wexford Captain, Diarmuid Lyng.

1
Picking Wexford strawberries - Henry McKean Reports 12:12

3d ago12:12

12:12

Why is the Wexford strawberry so famous, is it the weather in the Sunny South East, the soil or the cold nights? Henry McKean has tried to find out and visited a strawberry farm in Enniscorthy this afternoon. He joins Kieran to discuss!

1
What is the life of a Conductor like? 6:24

3d ago6:24

6:24

Have you ever thought about what it’s like to be a Conductor? How does the job actually work? Joining Kieran to discuss is Conductor Niall Kinsella, who will be playing in the National Operahouse in Wexford, and the National Concert Hall in Dublin in July.

1
The Wexford origins behind the Guinness Book of Records 7:32

3d ago7:32

7:32

Many arguments lead to inspiration, but one such discussion in Castlebridge, Wexford kicked off one of the biggest books of all time, The Guinness World Records. Joining Kieran to tell more is John Ryan of Castlebridge Inspire.

1
What age should a child be before they get a phone? 13:39

3d ago13:39

13:39

A new report by CyberSafeKids has found that eight-year-old children in disadvantaged areas are more than twice as likely to have a smartphone at a younger age with fewer rules around their online activity, but what impact is that having on them? Joining Kieran to discuss this Trevor Murphy, Founder of Kids Coder Club and CEO of Cyberschool.ie and …

1
The best summer food and wine pairings! 8:33

3d ago8:33

8:33

For some summer lunch inspiration and wine pairings, Kieran is joined by Anthony, Head Chef and Jason, Sommelier at Wexford’s Green Acres restaurant, where the show is broadcasting from today!

1
The importance of Rosslare Port for Ireland 12:39

3d ago12:39

12:39

Rosslare Europort is one of Ireland’s central hubs for freight, and it also happens to be in Wexford, where the Hard Shoulder is taking place for Newstalk’s Summer Tour! Joining Kieran to discuss its impois Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business at Iarnród Éireann and Bort Authority for Rosslare Europort.…

1
What makes Wexford so special? 18:45

3d ago18:45

18:45

As part of Newstalk’s Summer Tour, The Hard Shoulder is live from Wexford today! Joining Kieran to kick off the day, and discuss what makes Wexford so special is Paul Walsh from WexWalks Tours, Labour Councillor Vicky Barron and Chairperson of the Fleadh and CE of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe.…

1
Let's fight over bike lanes 30:25

4d ago30:25

30:25

A caller asks why it's so hard to make biking safe in LA. We bike around different US cities to get the answer. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Colleen Barrett, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a cyclist in a bike lane intersection in Washington, DC by Kevin Car…

1
Winners and Sinners 28:20

6d ago28:20

28:20

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Elaine Burke, Presenter of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

1
Life as a classical musician abroad 9:51

6d ago9:51

9:51

Joining Kieran is Dublin-born Recorder and Baroque Cellist extraordinaire, Kate Hearne. Kate Hearne is with the Woodpeckers Recorder Quartet, and they will be performing at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival which takes place in and around the town of Bantry in West Cork from Friday, June 27th to Sunday, July 6th. So far so normal, you might say.…

1
You Are What You Eat: Seasonal Eating 15:04

6d ago15:04

15:04

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to discuss seasonal eating this summer!

1
Sport with Eoin Sheahan 6:44

6d ago6:44

6:44

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…

1
Should smartphones be banned until you’re 16? 9:10

6d ago9:10

9:10

The issue of the use of smartphones by kids is back in the headlines, because the Department of Education has, from today, instructed primary schools to implement policies banning the use of phones… But, should we be delaying giving smartphones to older kids, up to the age of 16? Joining Kieran to discuss is Mary Lovegrove who has spearheaded the ‘…

1
What is Walking Football? 8:22

6d ago8:22

8:22

Walking Football is a slower-paced, low impact version of the beautiful game that is growing in popularity among older people looking to stay active and involved in soccer. This weekend, there is a walking football festival taking place at the National Sports Campus in Abbottstown. Joining Kieran to tell more is Derek O'Neill, League of Ireland Foo…

1
Why did Israel attack Iran? 12:11

6d ago12:11

12:11

Israel has launched a major strike inside Iran, targeting nuclear and missile facilities in what they call a necessary move to eliminate an existential threat. Iran has since vowed to respond, calling it a declaration of war. The world is now watching closely, and asking what this means for regional stability and global security. Joining Kieran to …

1
The extra travel expenses to watch out for 6:08

6d ago6:08

6:08

So, you have your holiday paid for, and then you realise the added expenses you didn’t account for: the car park at the airport, a kennel for the dog and not to mention the last-minute panic buying duty-free. Joining Kieran to discuss the most common pitfalls when it comes to travel overspending is Consumer Journalist, Siobhain Maguire.…

1
Are you a digital hoarder? 11:33

6d ago11:33

11:33

Are you a digital hoarder? If you are a person who takes 20 pictures of your coffee, pictures of the dog, pictures of your dog and leaves them sitting on your phone to rot, you are a digital hoarder. But, what impact is it having on your phone and the planet? Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran took to the streets of Dublin to ask the public about …

1
Biohacking - can we really reduce our biological age? 8:04

7d ago8:04

8:04

Biohacking is the latest thing people are implementing to reduce their biological age, but can our biological age truly be reduced, and are trackers and watches accurate at determining a person's biological age? Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Head of the aging research program at Trinity.…

1
Eoin Colfer on encouraging children to read more 12:22

7d ago12:22

12:22

Children’s reading enjoyment has fallen to the lowest recorded level in the UK… An annual survey of young people’s reading habits, which began two decades ago, shows its lowest-ever result, most pronounced among boys aged 11 to 16. How do we encourage them to read when there is so much grabbing their attention? Joining Kieran to discuss is author E…

1
Movies and TV: Straw, Call Her Alex, Fubar 10:17

7d ago10:17

10:17

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…

1
The Thursday Interview: Eilish O'Carroll 17:33

7d ago17:33

17:33

Actress Eilish O'Carroll joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

1
Updates on the tragic Air India plane crash 12:53

7d ago12:53

12:53

Over 200 people are now confirmed dead following an Air India crash, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. It plummeted into a hostel housing medical students, with casualties reported on the ground. The passengers included 217 adults, 11 children and two infants. Of them, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were Britons, seven Portuguese,…

1
Biking with Timmy Mallett! - Henry McKean Reports 8:36

7d ago8:36

8:36

1980’s Kids TV Presenter Timmy Mallett is cycling around Ireland, meeting people and painting along the way. Henry McKean brought along his old bike, met up with Timmy Mallett, and went for a bike ride!

1
Should Ryanair fine unruly passengers? 8:02

7d ago8:02

8:02

Ryanair has introduced a €500 fine for disruptive passengers whose "unruly" behavior results in them being taken off the plane. The hope is that the fine will act as a deterrent for passengers who cause disruptions, but is this enough to stop this behavior? Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoghan Corry, Owner and Editor of Travel Extra and Michelle Wal…

1
What are the real benefits and side effects of weight loss jabs? 14:32

7d ago14:32

14:32

Weight-loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro have been hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, but now, serious health warnings are emerging… Experts fear these drugs may interfere with common medications like the contraceptive pill and HRT, potentially increasing cancer risk. So, what do patients really need to know? Joining Kieran to d…

1
Remembering the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson 4:26

8d ago4:26

4:26

Beach Boys co-founder and frontman Brian Wilson has passed away at the age of 82... Joining Kieran to reflect on his legacy is Arts Journalist Pat Carty.

1
How to do Stuff: Proposals 13:34

8d ago13:34

13:34

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 how to get down on one knee and propose!

1
The impact muscular dystrophy has on families 13:29

8d ago13:29

13:29

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, or DMD as it is commonly known, is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes the weakening of muscles over time. It affects almost exclusively boys, with symptoms typically appearing between the ages of one and three. In Ireland today, around 110 people are known to be living with DMD. Most of them are under the a…

1
What should be done about distracted driving? 7:47

8d ago7:47

7:47

Newstalk’s Henry McKean’s reporting today looked into devices that can transform the screen of a car to allow the use of video streaming services, even while driving. So, what should be done about these devices, and how can we combat this epidemic of distracted driving? Shane O’Donoghue, Editor of completecar.ie, joins Kieran to discuss.…

1
The National Development Plan - will it hit its targets? 11:03

8d ago11:03

11:03

Can the National Development Plan deliver on all its projects? With a €165 billion investment in transport, housing and infrastructure - will everything be met by 2040? Joining Kieran to discuss is Brian Caulfield, Professor in the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.

1
Are young farmers an “endangered species”? 8:37

8d ago8:37

8:37

Macra, an organisation that represents young people in rural Ireland, have said that young farmers are almost an “endangered species”, but are they really in decline, and what is it that is driving them out? Joining Kieran to discuss is Josephine O’Neill, National President of Macra and Limerick Dairy Farmer, Louise Crowley.…

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