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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 4min
New Bodies have been found in Tuam excavations
New Bodies have been found in Tuam excavations. Claire spoke to Campaigner and Historian Catherine Corless on this breaking news today.
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.
Feb 6, 2026 • 20min
Composer Alan Menken on a life in Music
The multi-talented composer behind the much-loved Disney soundtracks for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin, Tangled, Enchanted and many more Alan Menken is with me.
Feb 6, 2026 • 5min
No transport contactless payment system after €35m spend
New data has shown that over €35m has been spent by the National Transport Authority on a contactless payment system, that is not expected to be in place until 2028. To discuss this, I’m now joined by Consumer Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times, Conor Pope.
Feb 6, 2026 • 9min
No Irish luge team in the Winter Olympics this year
Four years ago Elsa Desmond represented Ireland in the Winter Olympics in Beijing in a sport most of us will never have heard of. That sport is luge, and Ireland didn’t even have a team until she made it happen. But unfortunately, there won’t be an Irish luge team in the Winter Olympics this year as Elsa has been has been refused entry. Elsa told her story to Claire this morning.
