The Claire Byrne Show
Newstalk
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 2, 2026 • 10min
AI Therapy is it a threat?
More and more people who are struggling with their mental health are turning to AI chatbots for help. So much so, that experts here are calling for a ban on AI being used for therapy. All to discuss with Lorcan Martin is President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.
Apr 2, 2026 • 7min
Are we being too targeted about exercise?
There is so much messaging around exercise now. We need to get our 10,000 steps in a day. We need to train 5 days a week. We need to make sure we eat large amounts of protein a day. We should be fasting. It’s really hard to cut out all the noise and understand what’s good for us, and what’s unnecessary. Claire discusses this and more with Physiotherapist Lowry O’Mahony.
Apr 2, 2026 • 15min
Can you continue your good Lent habit for longer?
With Lent ending for many this weekend, some may already be planning to begin enjoying all that they have been going without for the last while. But should you and can you continue your good habit for longer? To discuss this further Claire spoke to Iseult White, Psychotherapist and Author and Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent.
Apr 2, 2026 • 11min
What is it like to grieve a public figure?
What is it like when your grief becomes public property? Dealing with loss is incredibly complicated for anyone. But that really adds another, very difficult dimension. How do you cope with loss, when there are cameras in your face? Or people you don’t know laying claim to the one you’ve lost? To talk more about with Claire was Siobhan MacGowan, sister of Shane MacGowan.
Apr 2, 2026 • 13min
How badly behaved are road users outside schools?
Reports of lollipop staff, employed to help children cross the roads near schools, being ignored and abused by drivers are on the increase. But it’s not just happening here. In parts of the UK, they are being equipped with bodycams in a bid to combat the bad behaviour. So how badly behaved are road users outside schools? Our reporter Josh Crosbie has been looking into this for us.
Apr 2, 2026 • 10min
US President moved to ease nerves around the Iran War
US President Donald Trump moved to ease nerves around the Iran War, but largely left some key questions in the air. Claire gets reaction to President Trump's address was Channel 4 presenter Matt Frei and also Newstalk’s political correspondent Sean Defoe.
Apr 2, 2026 • 15min
Wicklow GAA is being heavily criticised for an ‘April Fools’ joke
Wicklow GAA is being heavily criticised for an ‘April Fools’ joke described as disrespectful and mocking. A post on the Wicklow GAA Facebook page announced the approval of a €160m redevelopment of Echelon Park in Aughrim, saying the ladies football and Camogie Association would be sharing the stadium as “equal partners”. Claire gets reaction to this with the Chair of Wicklow Camogie Leane Lifely and Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore.
Apr 2, 2026 • 6min
Artemis II blasted off from Florida for the moon last night!
Artemis II launched as planned late last night, carrying astronauts to the moon for the first time in nearly 54 years. It launched at 11.36pm Irish time. Niamh Shaw, a science communicator specialising in space, was there and she spoke to Claire live from the Kennedy Space Centre.
Apr 2, 2026 • 12min
Ongoing war could effect jet fuel supply disruption
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has confirmed that the cost of fuel is likely to impact flights this summer if the conflict continues in the Middle East So what does that mean for you? All to discuss with Simon Calder, Travel Editor, The London Independent.
Apr 2, 2026 • 17min
Siobhan Grace’s Law comes into effect tomorrow
New regulations to fully implement a ban on the use of scrambler motorbikes in public places will come into effect tomorrow. Speaking to Claire was Siobhan and Martin, Parents of 16-year-old Grace Lynch who died after being hit by a scrambler at a pedestrian crossing near her home in Finglas, Dublin, on January 25. Also joining Claire was Mark O'Meara, President of the GRA.
