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 10, 2026 • 16min
Ministers sign off pay rises for semi-state bosses
Pay rises for CEOs at another three commercial semi-state organisations has been criticised by Sinn Fein. Louise O’Reilly has said that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will always show up for those at the top while ordinary working people are taken for granted. But does the pay need to increase to keep the best people in the job? Speaking to Claire this morning was Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Fein TD and John Clendennen Fine Gael TD and member of the Enterprise committee.
Feb 9, 2026 • 7min
Latest on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie begs mom’s ‘kidnappers’ to return Nancy and declares ‘we will pay’. The search continues and we get the latest on this with Harriet Alexander, US based journalist and Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer from University of Galway and Columnist with The Journal.
Feb 9, 2026 • 9min
Come read along with The Claire Byrne Book Club!
We have started a book club on the show. We’ll talk about the books we’ve loved, the books that have opened our eyes to a new world and we’ll review books as we go. Sinéad Cuddihy, from the Tired Mammy Book Club joins us to chat all things book and to give us our first book to read along too.If you’re in a book club please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you and have you read along with us. Do email clairebyrne@newstalk.com.
Feb 9, 2026 • 14min
A look back on the weekend of sport with Eoin Sheahan
We take a look back on a busy weekend of sport with Eoin Sheahan.
Feb 9, 2026 • 11min
Training salon professionals to recognising the signs domestic violence
A programme will be piloted this month in Leitrim, where Salon professionals will undergo domestic violence training in relation to recognising the signs of it, and knowing how to respond to it. To discuss this Claire was joined on the show by Angie McKenna, Mohill Family Support Centre Coordinator, Liz Brady, of Reflections Beauty and Wellbeing, and also Dr Caroline Forde, Outreach Development of the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service.
Feb 9, 2026 • 12min
Lisa McGee on her new Netflix show ' ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’
Joining Claire this morning is one of Irelands most talented and exciting writers. The award winning creator of Derry Girls is back with a new Netflix show called ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’. Lisa McGee chatted to Claire all about her new show.
Feb 9, 2026 • 8min
Reaction as Noel Gallagher wins Songwriter of the Year at Brit Awards
After 41 shows across five continents, 2025 was Noel Gallagher’s busiest year for quite some time. But one thing the Oasis star didn’t do was release any new music, meaning his upcoming victory in the Songwriter of the Year category at the Brit Awards has caused quite a stir in the songwriting community. Claire gets reaction from Andrew Kavanagh from the band ‘KeyWest ‘
Feb 9, 2026 • 18min
Minister Patrick O’Donovan on living with epilepsy
Today is international epilepsy day and speaking to Claire was Minister Patrick O’Donovan joined Claire on World Epilepsy Day to discuss his own experience, as well as online safety around social media.
Feb 9, 2026 • 11min
How about taking a solar eclipse holiday!
It’s Monday morning, it’s rainy wouldn’t you like to escape? Ed Finn, award winning travel journalist from Ed Finn Travels is here to tell us how and why a solar eclipse.
Feb 9, 2026 • 11min
How Super Bowl ads become their own phenomenon!
The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from being a showcase for local marching bands into one of the biggest spectacles in entertainment calendar. Last year’s show with Kendrick Lamar had over 133 million viewers. But the music isn’t the only half time spectacle. The ads have become their own phenomenon. All to chat about with Trevor Twamley, CEO of Sports Endorse AND Padraig Wilson McCarthy, Content Creator and also Padraig Wilson McCarthy a Content Creator.
