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 9, 2026 • 12min
John Fardy recommends some of the best space movies
As Artemis II makes it’s way home, we are in the mood for all things space-related. John Fardy Presenter of Screentime brings us some of the best space movies to watch.
Apr 9, 2026 • 11min
Patrick O’Donovan on the fuel protests and response by Government
The Taoiseach has said the ongoing protests over rising fuel costs have gone "far beyond the pale" and that the blocking of roads and infrastructure is "not a fair form of protest". Disruption has continued into a third day today. So what next? Claire asked Patrick O’Donovan, who is the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and Fine Gael TD for Limerick County.
Apr 9, 2026 • 7min
Why Michael Jackson’s biopic faced $15m in reshoots?
Ahead of Michael Jackson’s biopic coming to the big screen later this month, the movie is already hitting the headlines due to $15million being spent on reshoots to remove references to child abuse allegations. To explain all this we heard from Entertainment Journalist, Caroline Frost.
Apr 9, 2026 • 11min
Senior Gardaí say an enforcement phase in dealing with fuel protests is now beginning.
Senior Gardaí say an enforcement phase in dealing with fuel protests is now beginning. The force is calling on protestors to 'cease and desist' their action and stop blocking critical infrastructure. Our reporter Alex Rowley is at Garda Headquarters in Dublin where the media has been briefed on the latest developments. We also heard again from our reporters around the country where protests are taking place.
Apr 9, 2026 • 6min
Ask The Expert on planning permission
When it comes to planning permission, we know the application process can be complex and often challenging, so how can you avoid some common pitfalls and make it as simple as possible? To share some advice on it all, Claire was joined by the President of the Irish Planning Institute, Gavin Lawlor.
Apr 9, 2026 • 12min
Is it time for Ireland to embrace nuclear energy?
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher says he will back a motion to overturn a ban on nuclear energy in this country. A motion in favour of nuclear power is to go before the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis next month. But is it the panacea for our energy concerns? To debate this further was Oisin Coughlan, Policy Advisor for the Environmental Pillar and Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil MEP.
Apr 9, 2026 • 5min
Is it time to find boredom interesting again?
Is it time to find boredom interesting again? That is the question being posed in the Economist this week. So is boredom something that we need more of in our lives? All to chat about with Cary Cooper is the 50th anniversary professor of organisational psychology and health at Manchester Business School and co-author of Building Resilience for Success.
Apr 9, 2026 • 10min
Israel hit Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet
Israel hit Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet yesterday drawing a threat of retaliation from Iran. Volatility remains high in the region despite the two-week ceasefire that was agreed a little over 24 hours ago. Speaking to Claire to discuss further was journalist and presenter Sally Lockwood and also by Rania Abouzeid, who is a Lebanese journalist and author in Beirut.
Apr 9, 2026 • 14min
An update from around the country as fuel protests continue
Wide-scale demonstrations and go-slow convoys are in place again for day three of the protests over fuel prices. We get an update from our reports from around the country. Also we heard from Conal Thomas, Political Correspondent at The Irish Independent.
Apr 9, 2026 • 9min
Ireland's housing targets too slow and too costly
Ireland’s housing targets are too slow, too costly and fuel shocks are going to make it worse. That’s the opinion of lecturer at Dublin City University’s Business School Paul Davis who spoke to Claire this morning.
