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
Feb 27, 2026 • 18min
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 Tabitha Monahan, Political Reporter at The Irish Independent, Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic, and Donnacha O’Beachain, Professor of Politics at DCU.
Feb 27, 2026 • 10min
Limerick locals who saved their last pub have inspired a short film
A group of Limerick locals who saved their last pub in Kilteely have inspired a short film, which will premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival this weekend. The short film is called The Pub That Refused To Die.Speaking to Claire this morning was Noel O’Dea is one of those who bought the pub, and Gar O’Rourke, Director of the film.
Feb 27, 2026 • 6min
It looks like the battle for Warner Brothers is over!
It looks like the battle for Warner Brothers is over after Netflix walked away from the table following Paramount Skydance’s latest offer. To discuss the details of this Claire spoke to joined by Russ Mould, Investment Director with AJ Bell.
Feb 27, 2026 • 9min
The CSO top baby names!
Will Jack and Sophie be kicked off the top spot for the most popular baby names in Ireland? Here to tell me more is CSO statistician Sean O’Connor
Feb 27, 2026 • 12min
A look ahead to the weekend of sport
Eoin Sheahan from Off The Ball takes a look ahead to the weekend of sport.
Feb 27, 2026 • 7min
Hillary Clinton tells House panel she 'had no idea' of Epstein's crimes
Hillary Clinton appeared before a congressional committee investigating her supposed links to Jeffrey Epstein. The former US secretary of state answered questions for hours during a closed-door session yesterday. Today her husband, the former US president Bill Clinton, is also due to appear. For more on this is US based Journalist Sara Firth.
Feb 27, 2026 • 10min
One in seven homes are behind on their electricity bills
One in seven homes are behind on their electricity bills. It comes after a cold wet winter, price hikes and the withdrawal of energy credits For more on this Claire spoke to Lecturer on energy at University College Cork Dr Paul Deane.
Feb 27, 2026 • 14min
Dame Esther Rantzen daughter on the UK Assisted Dying Bill being likely to fail
It is widely reported that UK Government will not be giving the landmark assisted dying legislation more time in the House of Lords, which means it almost certainly will fall. This is while the island of Jersey has approved a law to allow terminally ill adults the right to choose to end their life. Dame Esther Rantzen has been a leading campaigner to make assisted dying legal, and she herself has terminal cancer. Her daughter Rebecca Wilcox joined Claire on the show this morning.
Feb 27, 2026 • 10min
What’s been trending online this week?
Entertainment journalist and podcaster Dee Reddy joined Claire in studio to chat about what has been trending online this week.
Feb 27, 2026 • 10min
How seasonality affects sperm!
Did you know that the time of year may play a part in your ability to conceive? A new study from the University of Manchester explored how seasonality affects sperm. Claire discusses these findings with Professor Allan Pacey from the University of Manchester.
