Kieran Cuddihy is joined by comedian Steve Cummins and Features Writer with the Irish Independent Saoirse Hanley to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

The traditional catholic wedding is on the drop! That’s according to the CSO figures for weddings in 2023. 

But, why are people choosing alternative options for their big day? And what are the benefits of weddings outside the church? 

Ruth Scott, Radio Presenter and Humanist celebrant joins Kieran to discuss.

Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran from Newtownmountkennedy following the protest that occurred at a site earmarked to accommodate international protection applicants. He spoke with people in the town to hear their takes.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to chat about carrots and the benefits they bring.

Electric Picnic is back this Summer with its biggest lineup yet according to some. 

Kylie Minogue will be stealing the headlines this year after it was announced she would be appearing Sunday on the mainstage 

To talk through the lineup, Kieran is joined by Festival Director Melvin Benn and Presenter / Kylie superfan Mairead Ronan.

Image: Kylie Minogue on Twitter/X

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

Today is Wish Day! Newstalk is partnering with Make-A-Wish Ireland to celebrate Wish Week. Join us all week as we talk to some incredible children and their courageous families, and hear how Make-A-Wish Ireland have been beacons of light for children facing the toughest battles of their lives.  

Make-A-Wish Ireland is dependent on the generosity of the public. You can donate online at makeawish.ie/donate.  

Kieran is joined by Catherine and her son Billy. Billy is a 15 year old Boxing fan whose wish was made true to see Katie Taylor fight in person.   

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news.

Today, Kieran was joined by Broadcaster Meghann Scully and Assistant News Editor of the Business Post, Sarah McGuinness.  

Praise has been given to Taylor Swift's new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ by one of Ireland’s most renowned poets.  

Speaking in the Telegraph, Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Muldoon compared Taylor’s use of humour to that of her namesake Jonathan Swift. 

Paul Muldoon, legendary Irish poet, joins Kieran to discuss the album and the relationship poetry has with music.

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. He joins Kieran to discuss US politics and to chat about the explosion of protests in American Universities after a failed crackdown at Columbia University. 

Image: Reuters

This week The Journal revealed that Ireland has only 3 hospital beds for adults with eating disorders. Why is this the case, and how does this affect people with eating disorders currently?

Joining Kieran to give her experience is Lauren in Dublin, who suffers from an eating disorder and has been through HSE services. Also joining Kieran to discuss why this might be happening is Dr Art Malone, Co-Chair of the Eating Disorder Special Interest Group in the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, and Consultant Psychiatrist with the HSE and Harriet Parsons, Psychotherapist and training & development manager at Bodywhys.ie.