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 11, 2026 • 26min
Joanne McNally chats about touring her new show ‘Pinotphile’
After becoming the first Irish comedian ever to sell out Dublin’s 3Arena, Joanne McNally has announced a second December date, making her the only Irish comic to headline the venue for two nights in a row. Joanne joined Claire in studio to chat about her tour, Pinotphile and lots more.
Mar 11, 2026 • 9min
Should GP care be made free in Ireland?
Should GP care be made free in Ireland? It’s an idea that been around for a while, but has people very divided. Claire discusses this and more with GP Eleanor Galvin.
Mar 11, 2026 • 10min
Trauma survival and transformation
Claire was joined on the show by Author, Psychiatrist, and Psychologist, Dr Gwen Adshead talk about her newly published book: Unspeakable – Stories of Survival and Transformation After Trauma. Which she co-wrote with Eileen Horne.
Mar 11, 2026 • 13min
Chaotic start of the Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur game
The Spurs goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, plastered across all the back pages of this morning’s newspapers. This is because he made two mistakes leading to goals, and was substituted in the 17th minute with his side already 3-0 down. To discuss the chaotic start of that game and fallout facing Kinsky, Claire spoke to Cameron Hill from Off The Ball, and Dr Stephen McIvor of TU Dublin Sports Sciences.
Mar 11, 2026 • 10min
Fuel prices in forecourts across the country
The rising cost of fuel continues to dominate headlines as motorists and homeowners feel the pinch. Even though the price of a barrel of oil did drop in the past 48 hours people are still reporting a litre of diesel in some parts of the country to be over two euro. So is this leading to an increase in cross-border fuel shopping? Our reporter Josh Crosbie, has been visiting forecourts across the country and he told us what he has seen.
Mar 11, 2026 • 9min
Can AI reimagine how cancer is treated?
Artificial intelligence is starting to change how cancer is detected, treated, and managed, opening new possibilities for patients undergoing treatment. Joining Claire in studio to explore what this means for the future of oncology is Michael Reff, founder of the oncology non-profit organisation, NCODA, and Chief 2 Pharmacist for Clinical cancer services in Ireland, Eoin Tabb .
Mar 11, 2026 • 8min
How to get a tax free bonus for your pension?
If putting money into a pension feels like a penance, you might be more attracted to the idea if you knew that the Government will give you a cash bonus if you save towards your retirement. Here to explain is Management Adviser Lorraine Cooke, Director of Jigsaw Financial Solutions.
Mar 11, 2026 • 10min
No charges against Michael Lowry over Moriarty Tribunal findings
The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided that no charges will be brought against Michael Lowry arising from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. It marks the latest development in a saga that has stretched across 30 years, including a 13-year garda investigation resulting in a file being sent to the DPP in January last year. To talk through what this means and how we got here is Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent, Fionnan Sheehan.
Mar 11, 2026 • 17min
How can Ireland's home oil prices hike really be justified?
The hike in home-heating oil here in Ireland is eight times the EU average. This is according to figures obtained by Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan – prices jumped over 27% last week, with just over 3% being the average across the 27 EU member states. Claire discusses this further with Kevin McPartlan is CEO of Fuels for Ireland and Michael Fitzmaurice, Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-Galway.
Mar 10, 2026 • 11min
Baking some Mother's Day treats
TV chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin joined Claire with some lovely Mother's Day treats for you to try at home.
