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 10, 2026 • 6min
Has the college points race become unsustainable?
Ireland’s senior cycle curriculum is evolving, but the CAO third‑level entry system remains the same which has led to calls for change. Has the points race become unsustainable? And what would a more inclusive pathway look like? All to discuss with Paul Crone, the Director at National Association of Principals and Deputies.
Mar 10, 2026 • 8min
Donald Trump says the Iran war will be over ‘pretty quickly’
Donald Trump says the Iran war will be over ‘pretty quickly’ but the US has not ‘won enough’ yet. We get the latest on the war on Iran with Simon Marks, Chief Correspondent of Feature Story News.
Mar 10, 2026 • 15min
Dermot Bannon on this year's RIAI Simon Open Door campaign
Every year, the Royal Institute of Architecture Ireland (RIAI), Simon Open Door campaign gives homeowners the chance to sit down with a Registered Architect for expert advice, while the donation goes directly to the Simon Communities of Ireland to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Now in its 22nd year, the initiative has raised almost €1.5 million and continues to grow. Dermot Bannon joined Claire in studio to chat about this year’s initiative.
Mar 10, 2026 • 10min
Finding better value with your mobile and broadband bills!
As April approaches, many of us with be bracing for increases in our mobile and broadband bills. Why is this annual hike now the norm, and is it possible to escape the hike and find better value? All to discuss with Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly.
Mar 10, 2026 • 23min
One woman's experience of pregnancy loss and fatal fetal abnormality
Even though abortion has been legal here in certain circumstances, since 2018, many women still face an uphill battle. Dearbhla Brogan experienced pregnancy loss and fatal fetal abnormality and she told Claire about her experience and loss.
Mar 10, 2026 • 9min
Can the pollution produced by industry and green policy co-exist?
While we want and expect our cities to be clean and attractive places to be, it means we are falling behind economically – so, should Europe be prepared to become more industrialised, with all of the pollution that goes with it? All to discuss with Hans Larsson is an architect with OMA in Rotterdam.
Mar 10, 2026 • 14min
What is dream engineering?
New research in America has found a way to plant ideas in dreams resulting in a boost of creativity for the person when they wake. To talk through these new findings Claire spoke to the Senior Author of the study, Ken Paller, the James Padilla Professor of Psychology, at Northwestern University in Illinois.
Mar 10, 2026 • 8min
What happens when you haven’t quite bonded with your baby?
With Mother’s Day approaching, for some who have recently had their first baby, it might be their first year to celebrate. But what happens when you haven’t quite bonded with your baby? Speaking to Claire this morning was Dr Claire Crowe, Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.
Mar 10, 2026 • 10min
A new study on slowing your biological aging
Taking multi vitamins every day could apparently slow your biological aging. Your biological age reflects the wear and tear on your body at a cellular level. It doesn’t necessarily match up with your actual age. This new study from Harvard Medical School is saying multivitamins improve it. To discuss this further Claire spoke to Christine Loscher, Professor of Immunology at DCU.
Mar 10, 2026 • 12min
Conflict has continued in the Middle East overnight
Conflict has continued in the Middle East overnight, as we now enter day eleven of the war in Iran. To give us the latest from the region ,Claire spoke to the International Editor for Channel 4 News, Lindsey Hilsum, who is currently based in Beirut. Also discussing the fears that energy costs are only going to worsen here in Ireland was Lecturer on Energy at UCC, Dr Paul Deane.
