The Claire Byrne Show
News & Politics Podcasts
Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.
This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.
Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.
From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you.
Location:
Ireland
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Description:
Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life. This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today. Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered. From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you.
Language:
English
Email:
digital@newstalk.com
Episodes
Focaccia is having it’s time in the sun
4/28/2026
Chef Adrian Martin joined Claire in studio to tell us how to make delicious focaccia.
Duration:00:10:40
Keir Starmer facing further pressure on his premiership
4/28/2026
Keir Starmer is facing further pressure on his premiership. He is facing a crucial vote today as MPs vote on whether there should be a parliamentary inquiry into his handling of the Peter Mandelson vetting row. Morgan McSweeney has said advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson was ‘serious error of judgment. He is currently giving evidence to their Foreign Affairs Committee.
George Parker, Political Editor with the Financial Times, joined Claire on the show to discuss.
Duration:00:11:42
Calls for urgent action to curtail the amount of road fatalities in recent years
4/28/2026
The Irish Association for Emergency Medicine is adding its voices to a campaign calling for urgent action from the government to curtail the amount of road fatalities in recent years, saying that the carnage has to stop. Consultant in Emergency Medicine at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dr John Legge joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Duration:00:08:50
Comedian Rachel Galvo ahead of her hit tour The Shite Feminist.
4/28/2026
Comedian Rachel Galvo joined Claire Byrne on the show ahead of the final run of her hit tour The Shite Feminist.
Duration:00:09:22
Lotto wants to ban betting on Lotto draws
4/28/2026
The National Lottery would like the Government to effectively ban bookmakers from accepting bets on its draws. A report commissioned by the operator of the Lottery says more than €800 million was bet with bookies last year on lottery draws. Cian Murphy is CEO of the National Lottery joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Duration:00:08:59
Head injuries in sport – are the risks too great?
4/28/2026
My next guest will be in front of an Oireachtas Committee on Sport this week ... presenting on the issue of long-term effects of repetitive head injuries in retired athletes. And with rugby in particular, have the dangers started to outweigh the benefits... such is the gladiatorial nature of the sport?
Dr Colin Doherty is Head of the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin and Consultant Neurologist at St. James' Hospital, and he joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Duration:00:09:58
Are all Andrews are getting a bad rap?
4/28/2026
Due to the actions of a select few, such as Andrew Tate and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, there is a fear among some of those that share the name, that all Andrews are getting a bad rap. But did you know there is a global community called The Council of Andrews, who are fighting back to restore faith in their name? Claire was joined on the show by UK-based journalist, Andrew Lloyd…
Duration:00:09:48
Fire breaks out in Dublin city centre
4/28/2026
Newstalk Reporter Emma Tyrell brings us the latest on a blaze in Dublin city centre that has broken out at the back of the James Connolly pub on Eden Quay.
Duration:00:03:06
Register of Airbnb properties may not be in place before summer
4/28/2026
A register of Airbnb and other short-term properties may not be in place before the busy summer season. It’s aimed at freeing up more properties for rent but has been criticised by some who say it could damage rural tourism.
Joining Claire on the show to discuss was CEO of the Irish Self-Catering Federation Maire Ní Mhurchu and Seamus McGrath TD, Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Housing.
Duration:00:14:26
The impact on relationships in the perinatal period
4/28/2026
When a baby arrives, it’s not just a new addition, it’s a full relationship shake-up. Michelle Flynn, Psychotherapist and Founder of An Croí Beag joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Duration:00:05:35
Katie Taylor
4/28/2026
My next guest is Ireland’s best boxer and let’s be honest, the world’s greatest female boxer of all time. She recently announced her plans to retire following a much hoped-for fight in Dublin. Katie Taylor, joined Claire Byrne live in studio this morning.
Duration:00:14:25
Sean Defoe with the latest from cabinet
4/28/2026
With lots going to cabinet this morning including the fuel support scheme that was drawn up in the aftermath of protests, Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s political correspondent joined us on the show with the latest…
Duration:00:04:23
Elon Musk seeks $150 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft
4/28/2026
Two of the biggest names of the world in tech are set to go head-to-head over the coming days as Elon Musk seeks $150 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft. Jury selection began yesterday, with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI in attendance.
Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly joined us with the details…
Duration:00:11:11
Government to withdraw State accommodation for 16,000 Ukrainians
4/28/2026
The Government is set to withdraw State-supplied accommodation for about 16,000 Ukrainians. More than 125,700 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with more than 94,300 offered State-supported accommodation. Nick Henderson, CEO of the Refugee council joined Claire Byrne on the show.
Duration:00:12:06
What to pack for a city break?
4/27/2026
Along with the good weather, comes holiday planning. And with nearly all airlines charging for check in bags, the art of packing for a weekend away is something worth giving thought to. Joining Claire on the show was Aoife Dunican of the The Style Bob...
Duration:00:09:06
How to introduce your family to going vegan
4/27/2026
With warmer days and brighter skies, our appetites can change too, so is this a good opportunity to consider new ways to eat? Maybe it is a time try reducing the amount of meat your family consumes. Columnist with the Irish Independent, Mary McCarthy joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Duration:00:06:55
Cmedian Vittorio Angelone
4/27/2026
My next guest played Vicar Street last night, and will be there again tonight. He is comedian Vittorio Angelone, and he joined Claire Byrne on the show this morning.
Duration:00:13:05
Fallout from the attempted assassination of President Trump
4/27/2026
America is still dealing with the fallout from the attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents dinner on Saturday night. White House reporter for Reuters Bo Erikson who was there and Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Duration:00:14:54
A look back on the weekend of sport with Eoin Sheahan
4/27/2026
Eoin Sheahan from Off The Ball looks back on a busy weekend of sporting action.
Duration:00:09:04
Dr Katriona O’Sullivan on her new book 'Hungry'
4/27/2026
Academic, Psychologist and Author Dr Katriona O’Sullivan joined Claire Byrne to discuss her new book ‘Hungry’ which is out now.
Duration:00:20:33