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 25, 2026 • 13min
Liz Pichon, author and creator of the ‘Tom Gates’ series of children’s books
Claire was joined in studio by Liz Pichon, author and creator of the Tom Gates series of children’s books. Liz has launched its 15th anniversary edition of ‘The Brilliant World of Tom Gates’ which includes a brand new story inside!
11 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 12min
Your heart health and cholesterol
Dr Paddy Barrett, a preventative cardiologist at Blackrock Clinic, discusses cholesterol, statins and lifestyle approaches to lower cardiovascular risk. He tackles social media myths, explains short versus lifetime benefits of treatment, and covers how to manage side effects and alternative LDL-lowering drugs. He also highlights the power of small, consistent lifestyle changes, especially sleep, for heart health.
Mar 25, 2026 • 9min
The Concerns over unregistered dentists
Concerns have been raised over patient safety due to the actions of unregistered dentists. The Irish Dental Council has been highlighting instances of extreme risk, including one unregistered dentist operating out of their apartment living room. To give us more detail on this Claire spoke to Registrar and Chief Officer of the Dental Council of Ireland, David O’Flynn.
Mar 25, 2026 • 6min
Excitement is building in Prague!
The build-up in Prague for the game tomorrow night has well and truly begun. Claire spoke to Off the Ball’s Stephen Doyle who is over in Prague.
Mar 25, 2026 • 10min
Do we overlook the importance of aviation and tourism?
Aviation needs to be prioritised when it comes to Ireland’s economic growth. That's according to Anita Mendiratta is special advisor to the UN Secretary General of UN Tourism.
Mar 25, 2026 • 15min
Israel and Iran exchanged air strikes on Wednesday.
Israel and Iran exchanged air strikes on Wednesday. All of this while Iran repeated its rejection of Donald Trump’s claim that negotiations were ongoing to end the war. We get the latest on the war with Channel 4 presenter Matt Frei.
Mar 25, 2026 • 4min
Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman for the last 9 years in the Premier League, has decided to leave at the end of the season. We get reaction to this announcement with Miguel Delaney is Chief Football Writer with The Independent in the UK.
Mar 25, 2026 • 9min
Understanding the risks and rewards of investing
The Minister for Finance Simon Harris has recently said he wants to encourage more Irish people to invest in their future. But what does that look like? How much more should we be doing beyond investing in a mortgage, if we are lucky enough to own a home and perhaps sticking some money into a pension? Speaking to Claire on the show was Head of Sectors and Director of Financial Services Ireland Group Patricia Callan.
Mar 25, 2026 • 22min
Minister Darragh O'Brien on the prices at the pumps today
Prices at the pumps, airport cap and the cost of living measures. Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport join Claire on the show.
Mar 25, 2026 • 10min
Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family
Historian, Broadcaster and journalist Tom Bower has written a new book about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The book is called Betrayal and Tom Bower spoke to Claire this morning on the show.
