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 23, 2026 • 15min
Are we expecting too much from a free school meals scheme?
Posh parents are spoiling the Hot School Meals scheme for the plain people of Ireland. So says Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent Fionnan Sheahan who joined Claire on the show this morning. Also to discuss was Darina Allen Chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School and Organic Farm School.
Mar 23, 2026 • 16min
So how will the Government response to rising fuel costs?
The Coalition are meeting today in advance of an announcement coming tomorrow, as the war in the Middle East continues to impact us. So what measures are on the table? Joining Claire this morning was Aisling Moloney is political reporter for the Irish Independent and Sinn Fein’s Finance Spokesperson, and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty.
Mar 23, 2026 • 5min
Couple to attend court after demolition of illegally built Meath house
The couple whose illegally built home in Co Meath has been demolished are due before the High Court this morning over contempt of court. Joining Claire from the High Court is Newstalk’s Court Correspondent Frank Greaney.
Mar 20, 2026 • 19min
Welcome to 'The Debrief'
Welcome to The Debrief, where we take a look back on the week and also a little look ahead to the weekend. This week Claire was joined by Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent and the Presenter of The Home Show here at Newstalk, Sinead Ryan, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times, Jack Horgan Jones. Also joining the panel was Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent, Ger Herbert.
Mar 20, 2026 • 8min
Clothes spray could make detergent a thing of the past!
Could washing your clothes with detergent be a thing of the past? A new spray-on chemical coating for clothing can apparently form an invisible barrier on clothes that stops dirt and stains from sticking. For more on this we heard from Physicist, Engineer and Broadcaster Phil Smith.
Mar 20, 2026 • 14min
Mitch Albom journalist and author of 'Tuesdays with Morrie'
Joining Claire on the show today was Mitch Albom journalist and author of 'Tuesdays with Morrie'. Mitch chatted to Claire about the play T'uesdays with Morrie' that will will run at the Gaiety Theatre from 7th – 18th April. The play is adapted from the phenomenally popular first novel by Mitch Albom. Tuesdays with Morrie is also running at The Everyman Cork 26- 28 march, The Watergate 30 March, Lime Tree Theatre 1 April and National Opera House Wexford 4 April.
Mar 20, 2026 • 11min
A preview of a big sporting weekend
To preview all the big sporting action this weekend, Claire was joined by Eoin Sheahan, from Off The Ball.
Mar 20, 2026 • 7min
K-Pop band BTS are set to make their long-awaited return!
K-Pop band BTS are set to make their long-awaited return tomorrow in Seoul, with the Korean Capital expected to come to a standstill with huge preparations put in place by authorities as 260,000 people are expected to descend upon the city. To give us a flavour of the atmosphere there, Claire spoke to Korea Correspondent based in Seoul, Alex Jensen.
Mar 20, 2026 • 12min
Skin care advice from anti-aging to sun damage
Let's talk all things skin from anti-aging to sun damage, skin cancer, acne or scarring. Joining Claire with skin care advice was Consultant Dermatologist, Dermatological and Laser Surgeon and founder of the skin care brand, the Skin Diary, Dr Clare Kiely.
Mar 20, 2026 • 9min
How will the Government tackle rising energy costs?
An energy expert has predicted that annual electricity bills could rise by up to €800, with a similar rise in residential gas bills. That is a huge increase for homes. So, what will the Government do about it? All to discuss with Conal Thomas, Political Correspondent at The Irish Independent and Sunday Independent.
