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 17, 2026 • 8min
How to make that perfect pancake!
It’s Pancake Tuesday, so better to hear from on this day than chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin!
Feb 17, 2026 • 9min
The chances of aliens having visited earth
Former US President Barack Obama comments on aliens have been trending online after was asked about them on a podcast It caused such a big stir he had to clarify on instagram that the US wasn’t hiding aliens saying: “I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!” But it doesn’t matter, people’s imaginations had already stirred.To discuss the chances of aliens having visited earth Claire chatted to Space Commentator, Leo Enright.
Feb 17, 2026 • 17min
Charlene McKenna starring in The Crucible in The Gaiety Theatre
Actress Charlene McKenna currently starring alongside her real-life husband in a new production of The Crucible in The Gaiety Theatre. Charlene joined Claire in studio this morning.
Feb 17, 2026 • 10min
Is reviving TV shows a guaranteed success?
90s medical comedy ‘Scrubs’ returns to our screens for a reboot series, and it’s not the only one!Remakes of Malcolm in the Middle and Buffy are also in the works. So is reviving TV shows a guaranteed success? Or should they just be left alone and remembered for what they were? Entertainment journalist Olivia Fahy joined Claire to chat further.
Feb 17, 2026 • 10min
Why are Democrats excited about Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff?
There’s a young American politician making waves in the Democratic party who feels like one to watch. Why are Democrats excited about Georgia senator Jon Ossoff? We asked Simon Marks, Chief Correspondent at Feature Story News.
Feb 17, 2026 • 10min
How much does Google know about you?
Over 4 billion people use Google products every day, and Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins us now to talk through what Google knows about you, and more importantly, how you can take control of that information.
Feb 17, 2026 • 10min
A Thai masseuse has been forced to stop accepting male customers
A Thai masseuse has been forced to stop accepting male customers after she was bombarded with requests for sexual services. Yosita Fitzpatrick established Connemara Thai Massage in Letterfrack, a small rural village in Ireland. But how common is this experience for women who have come to live and work in Ireland Joining Claire was Teresa Buczkowska is the CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland.
Feb 17, 2026 • 9min
Does the feeder school system work?
Data on feeder schools provides parents with information on how many students from each school in the country head to various third-level colleges in Ireland. This can obviously influence decision making when it comes to the school you choose for you children. But is that fair? All to discuss with Neil Kenny, Associate Professor at School of Inclusive and Special Education at DCU.
Feb 17, 2026 • 12min
When conflict arises within the family system
With housing unaffordable, work insecurity and lay offs and education keeping younger people dependent for longer, many are living longer at home or moving back in with their parents. This might feel like a failure to both sides and cause conflict within the family system and big feelings. So what to do when conflict arises? Claire discusses further with Psychotherapist Michelle Flynn.
Feb 17, 2026 • 6min
US civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died aged 84
US civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died aged 84. Jackson died peacefully this morning, surrounded by his family, they said in a statement online. And what an impact he had on the civil rights movement in the US. Someone who knew him well was author and playwright, Bonnie Greer.
