Best Kieran Byrne Podcasts (2025)

1
Winners and Sinners 22:12

1h ago22:12

22:12

Alison Curtis, presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, and Ger Gilroy from Off The Ball join Anton for the weekly Winners and Sinners. From How to Train your Dragon to all the concerts taking over Dublin parks. Listen here for all the Winners and Sinners action.

1
Pride Week 12:50

2h ago12:50

12:50

Adam Long, board director of the National LGBT Federation, joins The Hard Shoulder to reflect on Pride Week in Ireland, its relevance in 2025, and the dangers of Pride becoming tokenistic as commercial involvement grows. Listen here

1
So, You Want to Start Cooking? 6:56

2h ago6:56

6:56

Luca De Marzio, owner of Rosa Madre Italian restaurant in Dublin, joins The Hard Shoulder with his essential tips on what tools home cooks actually need — and which kitchen gadgets are more hype than help. Listen here.

1
School’s Out for Summer 8:32

2h ago8:32

8:32

Most primary schools break up today and summer is finally here. Henry McKean visited the boys from O’Connell Primary School in Dublin 1 and sent us this Summer Kidstalk. Get all the sounds of the last day of school, here.

1
Ireland Signing Up to €150 Billion EU Defence Plan 13:58

3h ago13:58

13:58

Clare Daly, former MEP, joins The Hard Shoulder to share her strong opposition to Ireland’s involvement in the EU’s new €150 billion defence initiative. The bill looks to be a step in the direction away from Irish neutrality and something sure to come under much criticism in the Dáil. Listen here

1
How the Middle Aisle Changed the Way We Shop 11:07

3h ago11:07

11:07

To celebrate Lidl’s 25 years in Ireland, The Hard Shoulder hears from Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden, who asked shoppers about their weirdest and most wonderful middle aisle purchases. Conor Pope, consumer affairs correspondent with The Irish Times, and Hazel Chu, Green Party councillor, join to talk about how discount stores have changed the Irish…

1
Maria Walsh is on the way to Budapest for Pride 11:31

3h ago11:31

11:31

Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP for Midlands North West, joins The Hard Shoulder from Hungary to explain why she’s travelling to attend Budapest’s now-banned Pride parade and what the law says about public LGBTQ+ expression in Viktor Orbán’s Hungary. Listen here

1
Kids Taking Nicotine Pouches 7:24

3h ago7:24

7:24

Mary McCarthy, columnist with the Irish Independent, joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss the rising trend of nicotine pouch use among young people. As these puches have seen such an explosion in popularity in the past few years, Mary is here to discuss why the rise in use by young people is quite disturbing. Listen here…

1
Contactless Payments on Public Transport 15:54

4h ago15:54

15:54

Grace Boland, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal West, Sinead Ryan, consumer journalist and presenter of The Home Show, and Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with the DAA, join Anton Savage for Kieran to explore why Ireland is lagging behind on contactless payments across buses, trains and the Luas — and what’s being done to change it. Listen her…

1
Pollen Season 7:36

2d ago7:36

7:36

Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell joins The Hard Shoulder with advice for allergy sufferers on how to manage hay fever and pollen season symptoms, especially as temperatures rise. Listen here to put your pollen woes to rest.

1
What to Watch 9:40

2d ago9:40

9:40

Jonathan Healy is joined by John Fardy, host of Screentime, and entertainment journalist Sarina Bellissimo to preview the weekend’s best film and streaming picks — from hidden gems to blockbuster releases. Listen here

1
Why Is Ireland So Bad at Preserving Historical Buildings? 12:37

2d ago12:37

12:37

Architect and conservationist, Roisin Murphy, and UCD history professor, Conor Mulvagh join The Hard Shoulder to discuss why so many of Ireland’s heritage buildings are deteriorating. This comes after a viscious row erupted in the Dáil between Simon Harris and Sinn Féin on plans to redevelop the GPO. Listen here to hear if these plans will be posit…

1
Thursday Interview – Jason Byrne 12:41

2d ago12:41

12:41

Comedian Jason Byrne joins The Hard Shoulder for the Thursday Interview this week. Get all the latest from Jason's career, his early life doing gigs in England and what's coming next. Listen to it all here.

1
Presidential Race Latest 7:11

2d ago7:11

7:11

Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, joins The Hard Shoulder to break down the latest in the race for Áras an Uachtaráin - or lackthereof - and to analyse a fiery exchange in the Dáil involving Tánaiste Simon Harris. Listen here for all the lates.

1
Sonia O’Sullivan on Breaking the 4-Minute-Mile 6:47

2d ago6:47

6:47

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon attempts to break the barrier of the women’s four-minute mile this evening in Paris. She is already the world-record holder in the mile and the 1500m, but she now has her sights set on being the first woman to run the four-minute mile. Sonia O’Sullivan, World Champion and Irish Olympian joins Jonathan to discuss what a milest…

1
Is Cork the Capital of Potholes? 15:39

2d ago15:39

15:39

Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, and Cllr. Joe Kavanagh, former Lord Mayor of Cork, join The Hard Shoulder to respond to growing anger over Cork’s road conditions. According to figures released to NewsTalk, Cork ranks the highest in number of pothole related complaints to local council. Listen here for all the latest.…

1
Jennifer Zamparelli on Narrating Rocky Horror 8:11

2d ago8:11

8:11

Broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli joins Jonathan Healy to talk about stepping into the iconic role of narrator in the new stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the Bórd Gáis— and how she’s putting her own spin on the cult classic. Listen here

1
Warnings About the Irish Economy 6:22

2d ago6:22

6:22

Barra Roantree, Director of the Masters in Economic Policy at Trinity College Dublin, joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss ESRI’s latest economic outlook — including fears about a construction slowdown and rising costs related to US foreign policy moves. Where will the next economic crash come, or what form might it take? Listen here for more.…

1
Potholes – How Bad has it Gotten? 3:41

2d ago3:41

3:41

According to new figures released to NewsTalk, there has been a 92% increase in pothole complaints to local councils. NewsTalk's own, Josh Crosbie has been asking motorists how badly affected their areas are. Listen here.

1
Drinking in Front of Your Kids? 13:53

2d ago13:53

13:53

NewsTalk's Josh Crosbie hit the streets to ask parents their views on allowing kids to see their drinking habits. For discussion,June Shannon, medical journalist and mother, and Dr Malie Coyne, clinical psychologist and author, join Jonathan Healy on whether this sets a harmful example. Listen here

1
500 bird species could vanish in the next century - what can we do? 6:19

3d ago6:19

6:19

New research has found that more than 500 bird species, including the puffin and the European turtle dove, could vanish within the next century. Can it be stopped? Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Niall Hatch of Bird Watch Ireland.

1
How to do Stuff: Packing a Suitcase 12:10

3d ago12:10

12:10

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 guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss how to pack a suitcase!

1
What the future of An Post will look like 12:08

3d ago12:08

12:08

The Irish Postmasters' Union is calling on the Government to invest €15 million per year over the next five years to prevent a decline in post offices. It’s one of a number of issues brought up today at the Oireachtas Arts and Community Committee in relation to the future of our postal service. David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, was there, and joins …

1
Tech Takeover: Do we need an AI clause in our wills? 10:44

3d ago10:44

10:44

With technology rapidly advancing, and artificial intelligence becoming more and more intelligent, should we be concerned about AI replicating us after death? Would we want our loved ones to talk to artificial models of us after we pass? Or is that something that we should be able to opt out of, like in our wills? Newstalk's Technology Corresponden…

1
Why does Ireland have poor childhood vaccine coverage? 5:53

3d ago5:53

5:53

|reland has the third lowest childhood vaccine coverage among high-income nations globally. It also has the sixth lowest coverage among the countries on the European continent and the second lowest among western European nations. Why is this the case? To answer this and discuss further, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Professor of Experiment…

1
Women’s Aid records highest number of calls ever in 2024 19:10

3d ago19:10

19:10

Women’s Aid recorded their highest number of calls ever in 2024, the organisation has confirmed in its annual report. Last year, the organisation was contacted 32,144 times - a figure 12% higher than the one in 2023 - of which 24,396 were made through the National Freephone Helpline. For more on this, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by CEO of W…

1
Hickory Dickory Dock gets trigger warning - a step too far? 6:31

3d ago6:31

6:31

First published in 1774, the classic nursery rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock has been given a trigger warning over 250 years since it was originally published. This comes after a theatre production of the kids’ classic Three Little Pigs was criticised for placing a similar trigger warning on its content. This begs the question, are we taking this trigge…

1
UNICEF says situation in Gaza is hitting “rock bottom” 9:54

3d ago9:54

9:54

UNICEF has warned that, with the world’s attention averted elsewhere, the situation in Gaza is hitting “rock bottom.” Famine conditions in the territory worsen as aid continues to be blocked, with hospital resources unable to accommodate the number of children being admitted for acute malnutrition. Over 500 people have been killed since last month,…

1
Should vegan burgers be called burgers? - Henry McKean Asks 11:56

3d ago11:56

11:56

Irish farmers have welcomed plans by the European Parliament to restrict “cynical” vegetarian and vegan food producers from using words such as sausage and burger to sell their products. Henry McKean has been getting thoughts from the public, and joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.

1
The Ultimate Guide: Chicago 17:12

4d ago17:12

17:12

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 guest host Jonathan to give his travel tips for the windy city of Chicago!

1
Is the CityWest purchase a failure of Government policy? 8:57

4d ago8:57

8:57

The Government last week authorised the purchase of the CityWest hotel in Saggart, Co Dublin, to become a state-owned International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre for asylum-seekers. According to Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, the CityWest hotel can be described as “a monument to Irish policy failure”. Eoin j…

1
The Bookshelf with Catherine Lynch 14:29

4d ago14:29

14:29

Comedian and actress Catherine Lynch joins guest host Jonathan Healy to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

1
Should Northern Irish citizens have the right to vote for the President? 5:53

4d ago5:53

5:53

Today, Sinn Féin brought a Private Member’s Bill on extending voting rights to Irish Citizens outside the state for the Presidential Election. This has been hotly debated for years, with the Constitutional Convention first recommending this extension in 2013. Sinn Féin Senator Conor Murphy joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.…

1
New HSE rostering agreement - what does it look like? 15:02

4d ago15:02

15:02

An agreement has been reached between the HSE and health unions on the introduction of an extended working day and week. This agreement is an attempt to free up beds, and have extended care to patients outside of 9 to 5 office hours. The agreement would see staff such as consultants, social workers, therapists and administrative staff rostered over…

1
What happened at today’s NATO summit? 6:49

4d ago6:49

6:49

Today is the first of a two-day summit of NATO members, being held in the Hague. The summit has one main item on the agenda: defense spending. The aim is to increase spending to 5% of member’s GDP by 2035, in line with President Trump’s demands. Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss. Image: Reut…

1
What objects bring you joy? 9:12

4d ago9:12

9:12

From a favourite mug to the one spot on the couch you won’t let anyone else sit, what are the small, seemingly trivial things that bring you joy? Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Comedian Julie Jay and Joe McGuken, Writer, actor and Producer.

1
How long will an Israel and Iran ceasefire last? 10:51

4d ago10:51

10:51

Two explosions were heard in the Iranian capital on Tuesday, the judiciary news outlet Mizan and the Shargh newspaper reported, after U.S. President Donald Trump called on Israel not to bomb Iran following a ceasefire reached early on Tuesday. What’s next? And what might Iran do? Ali Ansari is the Founding Director of the Institute of Iranian Studi…

1
Reaction to the Dublin City Taskforce 14:11

4d ago14:11

14:11

The Dublin City Taskforce has been given the go-ahead by government in a bid to clean up the capital. A number of measures are set to be introduced over a 10-year plan. These include revitalising O’Connell Street, turning the GPO into a cultural destination and bringing derelict buildings back into use. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been foll…

1
What makes Cork Airport the best regional airport in Europe? 8:05

5d ago8:05

8:05

Last Thursday, Cork Airport was announced as this year's Air Council International Best Airport in Europe award winner. This is the third time the airport has won this prestigious award. Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss the achievement, and why Cork Airport continues to receive it is Airport Chief Executive, Niall McCarthy.…

1
Iran attacks US military bases in Qatar and Iraq 4:40

5d ago4:40

4:40

Iran is responding to US strikes with attacks on American military bases in Qatar and Iraq. Alistair Bunkall, Middle East Correspondent with Sky News joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss as the situation develops.

1
Kids Health Check: Weaning 6:02

5d ago6:02

6:02

For this week’s Kids Health Check, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Caroline O’Connor, Registered Dietitian, Lactation Consultant and Founder of Solid Starts to discuss how you can manoeuvre one of the biggest milestones in your baby’s first year: weaning!

1
Report finds that students will spend 25 years on screens 8:38

5d ago8:38

8:38

A new report from Fluid Focus has revealed that students spend 5 and a half hours daily on their phones, which could add up to 25 years of their life… The report also highlighted the negative impact this amount of screen time can have on young people’s mental health, attention span and overall wellbeing. Dr Charlotte Armitage, author of ‘Generation…

1
Air India flight 182 - 40 years on 6:49

5d ago6:49

6:49

The 40th memorial to commemorate the Air India flight 182 terrorist attack victims has taken place in Ahakista, West Cork. The flight was en route from Montreal to New Delhi when a bomb detonated onboard, killing all 329 passengers. James Robinson, retired Irish Navy Captain and Lieutenant Commander of Le Aisling joins Jonathan Healy to share his e…

1
What is next for the US, Israel and Iran conflict? 15:44

5d ago15:44

15:44

Tánaiste Simon Harris has today described the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities as "a very unhelpful intervention." He said as much as he made his way into a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers today… Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss the EU reaction, and what is potentially happening next for this conflict is Rosie Birchard, Journalist…

1
Top tips for applying sunscreen properly! 4:32

5d ago4:32

4:32

During the summer months and bouts of good weather, it’s important to ask yourself: are you putting on sunscreen properly? Joining guest host Jonathan Heally is Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatology, Isabel Haugh for her top sunscreen tips to protect your skin!

1
Over 3,000 driving test no-shows this year 10:53

5d ago10:53

10:53

Thousands of people are not showing up for the driving tests. This is then leading to longer waiting times for others. There are calls for a loophole to be closed so people cannot continuously book a test and not show up. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been examining the figures.

1
US to comb through social media in visa process 10:32

5d ago10:32

10:32

Students heading on J1s will be told to make their social media profiles public ahead of travelling. The American Embassy in Ireland is also asking applicants to include the usernames for social media sites they've used in the past five years. Larry Donnelly is Law Lecturer at University of Galway and Columnist with The Journal, and joins guest hos…

1
Should all public smoking be banned? 8:59

5d ago8:59

8:59

A ban looks likely to be introduced on smoking and vaping at all playgrounds, multi-use games areas, and amenity spaces controlled by Cork County Council, primarily sparked by concerns about children’s health. Should it go further, should all public smoking be banned? Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Cork County Councillor, Jack Whit…

1
Declan Curran - From YouTube to Film Festivals 47:21

6d ago47:21

47:21

In this episode, host Martin Nutty chats with Declan Curran, actor, writer, and producer of the acclaimed short film Dear Imelda. Declan traces his creative path from creating teenage comedy sketches on YouTube to crafting award-winning short films that have screened at festivals worldwide. His growing success is highlighted by a recent distributio…

1
Winners and Sinners 23:23

8d ago23:23

23:23

This week, guest Seán Defoe was joined 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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Kieran Byrne Podcasts

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