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 13, 2026 • 8min
Fake Brad why are we all falling for the AI pictures?
If you haven’t already heard, Brad Pitt is in Ireland filming a new movie. As you can imagine, people are now on Brad-watch trying to get a glimpse of the Hollywood star. However, many have been falling for AI-generated images of Brad posted on social media, appearing to be in in locations around the country Claire discussed this further with Michaela Hayes, Spin 1038 Presenter and Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland.
Feb 13, 2026 • 11min
A look ahead to the weekend of sport
Six Nations this weekend, multiple sackings in the Premier League, and FA Cup 4th Round action. Plenty to talk about with Off The Ball’s Eoin Sheahan.
Feb 13, 2026 • 13min
Calls for Ireland to refuse to play Israel in Nations League
Calls have been growing for Ireland to refuse to play Israel in the Nations league The Venues for the fixtures will be confirmed later today, but we know now that the away leg will be on September 27th and the home leg will be on October 4th. We get reaction to this with Roddy Collins, former Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers Player and Manager and Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemian’s Football Club.
Feb 13, 2026 • 9min
The awareness of the dangers that button batteries pose
New research from University of Galway has found that a spoonful of honey can help delay the corrosive damage caused if a child swallows a button battery The research is the first of its kind in Ireland and raises awareness of the dangers that button batteries pose. Claire was joined on the show by Professor Ivan Keogh, Head of the Discipline of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology at the University of Galway and Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon at Galway University Hospitals.
Feb 13, 2026 • 4min
Latest on the weather warnings for rain and low temperatures
Flooding has been reported in several areas of north Dublin, with a Status Yellow rain warning in place for the capital and Wicklow, ahead of a low temperature warning for the country overnight. With more updates on how our transport network is coping, Claire spoke to Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus, Graeme McQueen, DAA Media Relations Manager. Also we heard from Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager, Iarnród Éireann.
Feb 12, 2026 • 14min
How to Gael – The resurgence of the Irish Language
The How to Gael podcast have announced a new tour. After a sold-out run last year, the bilingual podcast is back with a new live show ‘Le Gealaí’. To chat all about their tour was Louise Cantillon and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.
Feb 12, 2026 • 14min
The greatest love stories on big screen
This week sees the release of the much anticipated Wuthering Heights, which has given us the wonderful excuse to look back at some of the greatest love stories on screen! And joining Claire to do that is John Fardy Presenter of Screentime.
Feb 12, 2026 • 5min
Remembering James Van Der Beek
Dawson's Creek actors have led tributes to James Van Der Beek, who has died aged 48 after suffering from bowel cancer. Harriet Alexander, US based Journalist tells us about the tributes and his life and career.
Feb 12, 2026 • 9min
Bitcoin ransom maybe actually help trace the kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie
The search for Nancy Guthrie has continued into a second week. Her family has said they are willing to pay the reported $6 million ransom via bitcoin and some reports suggest money has already handed over. But that may actually help trace the kidnappers. Joining Claire to explain more is the CEO and founder of Lionsgate Network a crypto recovery service with expertise in Blockchain forensics, Bethal-il Eathan Raviv.
Feb 12, 2026 • 6min
Ask The Expert: Blood donation
Just 3% of the eligible population gives blood, even though one in four people will need a transfusion in their lifetime. So, what’s stopping us? All to chat about with Haematologist Dr Ellen McSweeney, from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
