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 24, 2026 • 9min
Everyday Food: Beans
Claire was joined by TV chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin. This week it is all about beans!
Mar 24, 2026 • 13min
Would you ever admit to having a favourite child?
As a parent, would you ever admit to having a favourite child? Or as a sibling, is it obvious who your parents preferred? Author and broadcaster Catherine Carr joined Claire to discuss her new book ‘Who’s the Favourite’.
Mar 24, 2026 • 7min
The latest on the war on Iran
US President Donald Trump said yesterday that talks with Iran were underway, while Iran pushed back against any notion that a deal was close. Trump postponed threatened strikes on Iranian power plants after what he had called productive conversations. We get the latest with BBC Correspondent James Waterhouse
Mar 24, 2026 • 13min
The blister pack fee of €50 could come in as early as next week
The blister pack fee of €50 could come in as early as next week. No agreement has been reached yet between the Government and pharmacies. So the cost could fall to patients. To discuss further with Claire was Vice Chair of the Health Committee Colm Burke and Niamh Griffin, the Irish Examiner’s Health Correspondent.
4 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 11min
Real-life parenting strategies to handle meltdowns
Eseult White, psychotherapist and author focused on child and family mental health, shares practical parenting strategies for tantrums and meltdowns. She covers when tantrums usually start, how to stay calm and co-regulate, handling physical behavior safely, breaking reward cycles, spotting broader stressors in older children, and when to consider professional assessment.
Mar 24, 2026 • 12min
Savings you can make by changing your health insurance provider
Dermot Good, representative of Health Insurance Ireland with expertise in Irish health cover, discusses why most people stick with their insurer and the risks of staying on old plans. He highlights how much consumers might save by reviewing cover, explains safety and timing around switching, and urges those with high premiums to compare options soon.
Mar 24, 2026 • 12min
Daena Walsh's brother Callum pays tribute his sister
Daena Walsh was a 27-year-old mother of two. She was murdered in August of 2024 by Adam Corcoran who last week received a mandatory life sentence at Cork Central Criminal Court. Claire spoke to Daena’s brother Callum.
Mar 24, 2026 • 9min
The growing influence of Robotics
If you’ve ever played Pokemon Go, you may have actually helped to train some delivery robots. Yes, you heard that right. So why should you be paying attention to this? All to chat about with Elaine Burke the host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ Podcast.
Mar 24, 2026 • 5min
Did you fail to file your property tax returns last year?
Almost a quarter of million people could face the wrath of Revenue after failing to file their property tax returns last year. Claire gets the details with John Ihle the Deputy Business Editor for The Sunday Times.
Mar 24, 2026 • 5min
Couples are woken on average six times per night by their partners
A new study has found that couples who sleep in the same beds are woken, on average, six times per night by their partners. Does this mean we should all be sleeping separately from our partners? All to discuss with Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.
