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
Mar 31, 2026 • 9min
How to deal with a narcissistic friend?
Ever feel like a friendship leaves you drained instead of supported? You could be dealing with a narcissistic friend. So how do you handle that? Michelle Flynn, Psychotherapist and Founder of An Croí Beag joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Mar 31, 2026 • 30min
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health, and Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire joined Claire Byrne on the show this morning…
Mar 30, 2026 • 10min
Gabrielle, UK Singer-Songwriter
Ahead of her special guest appearance at the Michael Bublé concerts in Dublin and Limerick this summer, Claire Byrne was joined by one of the UK’s most influential singer-songwriters, Gabrielle.
Mar 30, 2026 • 12min
Should we be learning how to do DIY?
If you struggle to put up a shelf or hang a picture, you are not alone. When tradespeople are expensive and hard to come by, should we be learning how to do some of this ourselves? Claire Byrne was joined on the show by Declan Buggy, founder of The Irish School of DIY.
Mar 30, 2026 • 6min
Are skincare brands purposely targeting children?
Are skincare brands purposely targeting children? That’s what Italian authorities are looking into in an investigation into Sephora and Benefit. They say it’s leading to "cosmetic-orexia", an unhealthy obsession with skincare in young people. HSE National Clinical Lead for Dermatology Professor Anne Marie Tobin joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Mar 30, 2026 • 14min
Sheila O’Flanagan on novel number 31
Claire Byrne was joined on the show by one of Ireland’s most prolific writers, Sheila O’Flanagan.
Mar 30, 2026 • 7min
A look back on the weekend of sport!
Colm Boohig from Off The Ball joined Claire Byrne to look back on a busy weekend of sporting action.
Mar 30, 2026 • 17min
The impact of dementia on grandchildren
Dementia is a sad reality in many households,, and while we talk about the impact it can have on adult children, we rarely speak about the grandchildren. Claire caught up with Aimee Owens; her father has dementia and Alzheimer's. She has been thinking about the impact that Alzheimer's has on grandchildren. Claire started by asking her if she could tell us a little bit about what got her thinking about this element of the disease... Also joining Claire on this topic is Sue Egersdorff, Co-Founder of Ready Generations Charity, whose organisation focuses on building a connection between generations and encouraging the mixing between children and older people.
Mar 30, 2026 • 8min
How to talk to your dog
New research has suggested that speaking to a dog in a high-pitched, excitable, and affectionate voice is a great way to grab your dog’s attention! So why might this work? Former dog behavioural therapist, Kathleen Murray, joined Claire Byrne to discuss.
Mar 30, 2026 • 13min
The latest on the Iran war
President Trump has spoken about the readiness of US troops to carry out ground force operations in Iran. So, what is likely to happen? Sean Bell, Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of The Red Matrix Podcast and Sally Lockwood, Journalist in the Middle East joined us on the Claire Byrne show.
