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
Apr 8, 2026 • 14min
‘Blood Will Flow: The murderous business of oil and gas’
Alex Perry is an investigative journalist who documented a massacre, which took place near a French energy company’s gas project in Mozambique in 2021, and it took him on a journey around the world, finding out how oil companies make their money. Alex Perry’s new book is called ‘Blood Will Flow: The murderous business of oil and gas’ Alex spoke to Claire on the show.
Apr 8, 2026 • 11min
Understanding the causes of gum disease
Did you know that 50 % of the adult population have gum disease? To understand the causes of gum disease and What can people do to treat it. Claire was joined in studio by Dr Caroline Robbins, Owner of Kiwi Dental.
Apr 8, 2026 • 4min
Fuel protests are still causing disruption around the country
Fuel protests are still causing disruption around the country. We are going to cross back over to Josh Crosbie who is at O’Connell Street Bridge.
Apr 8, 2026 • 13min
Would you support an sugar tax increase?
Academics are calling for the sugar tax to be increased calling it invisible due to inflation. Would you support an increase? All to discuss with Frank Houghton, principal investigator at the HEALR research group in Technological University of the Shannon and also Louise Bayliss Head of Social Justice and policy at St Vincent de Paul.
Apr 8, 2026 • 16min
Eshagh Alhabib Iranian Ambassador Designate to Ireland on proposed ceasefire
President Donald Trump has agreed to a proposed two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, conditional on the Strait of Hormuz being reopened. The deal came barely an hour before his deadline to destroy the country was set to expire. Eshagh Alhabib Iranian Ambassador Designate to Ireland joined Claire this morning to discuss.
Apr 8, 2026 • 9min
Teaching your children about money
How early should you be teaching your children about money? A recent stat claimed one in three post-primary students now say they learn about money from social media. But, are they learning the right stuff? Claire discussed this and more with Cian Carolan, MD of DNG Financial Services.
Apr 8, 2026 • 7min
The impact of space travel have on our bodies
Artemis II is on its way back from the moon as speak with four astronauts on board. But what impact will this space flight have on their bodies? All to chat about with Dr John Noone, Assistant Professor in Sport & Exercise Physiology in University of Limerick.
Apr 8, 2026 • 10min
Fuel protests happening in Dublin city centre
there is major traffic disruption in parts of the country again this morning as the fuel protest continues into its second day. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie is at O’Connell Street Bridge in Dublin and gave us an update. We also heard from Brídín Ní Fhearraigh-Joyce, Reporter with the Limerick Leader.
Apr 8, 2026 • 16min
Will the Strait of Hormuz be opened?
We discuss the dramatic international developments overnight and the impact it’s all having here with the fuel protests continuing around the country. US President Donald Trump will claim success, while Iran is also portraying this as a victory for the regime. Claire discusses this further with Channel 4 Presenter Matt Frei and also Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell.
Apr 7, 2026 • 8min
Exploring new foods
Do we take enough risks when it comes to cooking? Or do we tend to stick to the same dinners every day of the week? If you’re tempted to get a bit more exotic when it comes to meal times, we have some inspiration for you. Claire was joined on the show by Adrian Martin, Chef and Author.
