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 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 • 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.
Feb 9, 2026 • 11min
How do we combat misogyny in today's world?
Is it possible that most of us have been raised to believe that women are inferior to men? Author, economist and Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis says important women in his life saved him from a potential fate as a misogynist. Yanis spoke to Claire this morning on the show.
Feb 9, 2026 • 13min
Morgan McSweeney has resigned as Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff
Irish man Morgan McSweeney has resigned as Keir Starmer's chief of staff. He took responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to name Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US despite his known links to Jeffrey Epstein. To discuss further with Claire was Lucy Fisher, White Hall Editor at the Financial Times and Stephen Pound, Former Labour MP.
Feb 6, 2026 • 22min
'The Debrief' of the week
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 Writer for the Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanley, Chair of European Commission’s Housing Advisory Board, Eamon Ryan, and Comedian, Killian Sundermann.
Feb 6, 2026 • 11min
A look ahead to all the sport action this weekend!
To look ahead to all the sport action this weekend Claire was joined on the show by Eoin Sheahan from Off The Ball. Also Kieran O’Donovan, of the Irish NFL Show podcast, who joined us live from San Francisco, ahead of the Super Bowl there on Sunday.
Feb 6, 2026 • 11min
What are my teenagers looking at online?
It’s the question every parent in the country asks themselves daily. But while social media sites refuse to release the data, and kids themselves avoid answering, we’re all left in the dark. Newstalk’s own Sarah Madden has been infiltrating the teenage algorithm and she’s here to report back on what she’s seen.
Feb 6, 2026 • 15min
‘Behind every cancer delay statistic is a patient and their loved ones'
‘Behind every cancer delay statistic is a patient and their loved ones so says the Irish Cancer Society in response to data released this week. Speaking to Claire this morning was Emma Aspell, a mother of two, was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 37. Emma explained the type of delays did s he experienced.
