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...
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
Flavours of Summer
5/26/2026
TV Chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin tell us about the summer flavours we should be prioritising.
Duration:00:09:35
Explaining de-extinction
5/26/2026
A biotech company that aims to resurrect lost creatures has said it has hatched live chicks in an artificial environment. We get all the details from Andrew Pask the Chief Biology officer with Colossal.
Duration:00:09:21
Is the heat and sun here to stay?
5/26/2026
Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather joined Claire with an update on the weather for next coming days.
Duration:00:04:17
The authors of ‘The Future is Peace'
5/26/2026
For those who have suffered in the Middle East, and for those who have spent a lifetime watching the war there ebb and flow, it is understandable to lose hope that peace is possible... but the authors of ‘The Future is Peace’ believe otherwise.
The book brings together Palestinian peace activist Azizi Abu Sarah and Israeli peace activist, Maoz Inon.
Duration:00:16:01
How short-form video ‘clippers’ are overrunning the internet
5/26/2026
Companies are now hiring ‘clippers’ to flood TikTok and Instagram with short, promotional videos and game the algorithm. To tell us more was Elaine Burke, Host of for Tech’s Sake podcast.
Duration:00:08:11
Economic kite-flying has already begun!
5/26/2026
Economic kite-flying has already begun, as IBEC are looking for the Government to double-index income tax bands and credits in the next Budget.
Would this have the desired impact in making hiring a bit easier for employers? Claire discusses this further with Barra Roantree is Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College.
Duration:00:08:38
Is pregnancy discrimination is on the rise?
5/26/2026
Today's women have been raised to believe they can have it all, the job, the babies, the whole shebang. But much of that relies on maternity leave and the support of the law to protect it.
Some evidence now shows pregnancy discrimination is on the rise. Is the promise of women's equal standing in the workplace at risk?
Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports:
Duration:00:10:13
Are we dealing with youth crime strongly enough?
5/26/2026
Are we dealing with youth crime strongly enough? Former London Met Police Detective Peter Bleksley thinks we need to do more and he explained why to Claire.
Duration:00:09:26
What is before Cabinet today?
5/26/2026
The Government is moving closer to banning the importation of goods from Israeli settlements, with legislation set to go before cabinet this morning after getting Coalition approval overnight.
To take a look at what is before Cabinet today was Deputy Political Editor at The Irish Examiner, Paul Hosford.
Duration:00:05:09
US has said it launched new strikes on southern Iran
5/26/2026
The US has said it launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines. It’s as peace talks continue between the two countries.
Alex Crawford is Special Correspondent for Sky News is currently reporting in Lebanon, and has seen the impact that this war is having first-hand.
Duration:00:10:35
Exploring the relationship we have with ourselves
5/26/2026
From constant self-criticism to impossible standards . Do you often find yourself speaking to yourself in a way you would never speak to others?
Michelle Flynn, Psychotherapist and Founder of An Croí Beag chats about this often-overlooked topic.
Duration:00:07:45
Approaching summer holidays as a parent of a teen!
5/26/2026
School holidays and brighter evenings mean teens off the leash. The HSE is asking parents this week to keep a close eye on teenagers and to know the signs if they are drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
Claire discusses this further with Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with the HSE, Professor Bobby Smyth.
Duration:00:11:55
The security protections for EU Presidency
5/26/2026
A drone defence programme, including helicopters and shotguns, is set to be rolled out by Irish Defence Forces to provide enhanced security during the six-month EU Presidency that will be hosted in Ireland, beginning on the first of July.
With the details on all of the protections and what we might see on the ground here. Claire spoke to Crime and Security Correspondent with The Irish Times, Conor Gallagher.
Duration:00:10:34
Preventative healthcare for new pets
5/25/2026
Spring and early summer is often called puppy and kitten season, and vets around the country are encouraging owners to think carefully about preventative healthcare for new pets.
To discuss this and more Claire spoke to Vet at Nutgrove Veterinary Hospital Darragh O’Hanlon,
Duration:00:09:37
Ireland is significantly under delivering in the one-off housing sector
5/25/2026
Failure to reform rural housing policy will only accelerate rural depopulation, increase pressure on urban housing, and drive further increases in house prices and rents.
That is the warning today from the Hardware Association Ireland’s new report. Their Chief Executive Officer, Martin Markey discussed the findings with Claire this morning.
Duration:00:09:51
How to get started on making your own clothes
5/25/2026
Have you ever been interested in designing your own clothes but weren’t sure where to start? For advice on this Claire was joined Fashion designer Heidi Higgins.
Duration:00:08:55
Is there an end in sight for the war in the Middle East?
5/25/2026
Despite announcing that a deal was close between the US and Iran, Donald Trump has since seemed to urge caution, instructing negotiators to take their time before entering into any agreement.
Claire gets the latest on this with Borzou Daragahi, Middle East Journalist and Analyst and also Darren Lehane, Senior Counsel specialising in Maritime Law.
Duration:00:12:37
A look back on a busy weekend of sport
5/25/2026
Eoin Sheahan, Off The Ball looks back on a pack filled weekend of sport.
Duration:00:14:23
Are we allowing our seas to be raided?
5/25/2026
Apparently “everyone in Europe thinks we’re nuts” because of our fishing quotas. That’s according to owner of Gannet Fishmongers Stefan Griesbach who joined Claire this morning along with Sinn Fein Fisheries and Marines Spokesperson Padraig MacLochlainn.
Duration:00:15:28
Should repaying shops be the priority and not the court poor box?
5/25/2026
The court poor box is a long-standing, non-statutory practice in Irish District Courts where a judge allows a defendant, typically a first-time offender facing minor charges, to avoid a criminal conviction by voluntarily donating money to a charitable cause.
But if someone has stolen from a business, should the business be the entity that gets the compensation? Claire discusses this further with Vincent Jennings, CEO of Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association.
Duration:00:11:07