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 6, 2026 • 7min
Accommodation crisis pushing children closer to sleeping on the streets
A warning has been issued by Dublin City council that children could be sleeping on the streets due to the demand for emergency accommodation The Director of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive Mary Hayes wrote a letter to the Department of Housing saying that a surge in families leaving direct provision accommodation is exacerbating the crisis. To discuss this further with Claire was Aubrey McCarthy, Independent Senator and Founder of Tiglin Homeless Services.
Mar 6, 2026 • 13min
150th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone
This month marks the 150th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone. From its humble beginnings in a laboratory in Boston, to the global network of today, this was one of the most significant inventions of the late 19th century. Newstalk’s Simon Tierney who has been exploring the archives.
Mar 6, 2026 • 12min
What’s been trending online this week?
What’s been trending online this week? Entertainment journalist Olivia Fahy joins Claire to tell all.
Mar 6, 2026 • 8min
The benefits of creative arts therapy
We all know the value of counselling for school children. But there is a fear that in the current pilot scheme being rolled out by the Department of Education, many students are missing out on a form of creative art therapy that would bring huge benefits both for special needs children and those in mainstream school. To talk through this form of therapy, and how it differs from the norm. Claire spoke to Andrea Clare Plunkett, Chair of the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists.
Mar 6, 2026 • 13min
Israel has launched a "broad" new wave of strikes on targets in Iran
US president Donald Trump has demanded a say in picking Iran’s next leader while An Ayatollah in Iran has called for the ‘shedding’ of his blood in a rare, televised message. We get the latest on this with Borzou Daragahi, Middle East Journalist and Analyst.
Mar 5, 2026 • 10min
What to plant now that the weather is getting better!
Some good weather is here and it feels like the right time to make plans for your garden. To share some tips and tricks Gardener, Marie Staunton.
Mar 5, 2026 • 11min
'The Story of Art Without Men' by Art Historian and Author Katy Hessel
When we think of the great artists we think perhaps of the likes of Leonardo Di Vinci, Salvador Dali, Van Gogh. Or perhaps more modern artists like David Hockney or Damien Hirst. But who’s the first female artist you think of? Joining Claire is Art Historian and Author of ' The Story of Art Without Men: An illustrated guide to amazing women artists’ Katy Hessel.
Mar 5, 2026 • 10min
War in the Middle East has entered its sixth day
The conflict in the middle east is raging on as Azerbaijan has come under attack for first time in war. It has accused Iran of launching drone attacks on its territory that left two people injured. In turn, Iran has accused Israel and the United States of deliberately targeting civilian areas during the conflict. We get the latest on the war with the Foreign Correspondent for Channel 4 News Secunder Kermani.
Mar 5, 2026 • 12min
The actor behind the legend of C-3PO
Ahead of his appearance at Dublin Comic Con this weekend, Claire was joined on the show by legendary actor, Anthony Daniels. Famous for his portrayal C-3PO in the Star Wars franchise.
Mar 5, 2026 • 9min
Why "sugar" isn't the only enemy of children's teeth
Did you know some children are biologically prone to dental issues, regardless of their diet or brushing routine? We tend to blame sugar and diet, but there are other "hidden" risk factors. To tell us more is Paediatric Dentist Dr Abigail Moore.
