A study suggests that we inherit surprisingly little of our parents personality, and we are only slightly more likely to have the same temperament with our siblings than a stranger walking down the street. 

To discuss further, Jonathan is joined by Henry McKean, who was asking public if we truly are like our parents.

This is The Soapbox. Today, Jonathan was joined by the Artistic Director of Dublin Theatre Festival to talk about people illegally parking around Dublin City.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital joined Jonathan to chat about why helmets are important for children.

A “robust” age verification system for social media companies needs to be introduced and enforced. 

That is the call in a letter from Education Minister Norma Foley to the Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett. 

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Jonathan to discuss.

It appears the row between Ireland and the UK over migration has deepened after a planned meeting over the issue today between Justice Minister Helen McEntee and UK Home Secretary James Cleverly was cancelled. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has told ITV today he has no interest in any migrant return scheme with Ireland. 

To discuss Jonathan is joined by John O’Brennan, Professor of European Politics at Maynooth University and Dermot Murnaghan, Journalist and Broadcaster.

At Aontú’s Ard Fheis over the weekend Peadar Toibin made calls for Ireland to have an ‘...international city in Ireland beyond the M50’.  

So, what would attract international companies to cities outside of Dublin ?  

Joining Jonathan to discuss is Economist and Co-Director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre at Cork University Business School, Dr Frank Crowley.

The Department of Education has removed ‘Complex Needs’ from the criteria for the allocation of special education hours for schools. This has caused outrage among parents and school staff as students’ allocated hours have been cut.  

Jonathan is joined by Primary school principal and host of the ‘If I Were The Minister for Education’ podcast, Simon Lewis and Director and Co-Chair of NeuroDiversity Ireland, Nessa Hill to discuss.

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

Today, guest host Jonathan Healy was joined by Senior Reporter with the Irish Examiner, Liz Dunphy and Presenter of The Neil Prendeville Show on Red FM, Neil Prendeville.

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 to see Katie Taylor fight in person was made true.

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.