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 5, 2026 • 8min
Is a nuclear arms race on the way?
The last remaining arms control treaty between Russia and the United States expires today. The end of the New Start Treaty has brought fears of a nuclear arms race. So are those fears well founded? Georgia Cole is an expert on arms control at the Chatham House think tank in London and joined Claire this morning to discuss all.
Feb 5, 2026 • 14min
Electricity suppliers required to offer households a new type of tariff by June
By June of this year, electricity suppliers will be required to offer households a new type of tariff. One where the price of electricity changes hour by hour So how exactly will it work and what does it mean for you? Claire asked Dr Paul Deane, Lecturer in Energy at University College Cork.
Feb 4, 2026 • 13min
What Made Them: Caoilfhionn Gallagher
The first in a new series on the programme where we meet interesting and inspiring people to hear their take on ‘What Made Them’. We will get some fascinating insights into the moments that have changed and shaped lives and set people on a course that perhaps they didn’t expect to take. Claire's first guest was Irish barrister in London, specialising in human rights and civil liberties and Ireland’s special rapporteur for Child Protection Caoilfhionn Gallagher.
Feb 4, 2026 • 11min
Sit-down protest continues inside the offices of Bord Bia
Around 15 members of the Irish Farmers Association are continuing a sit-down protest inside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin this morning. Speaking to Claire One of those farmers is TJ Maher and also Peter Chap Cleere, Fianna Fail TD for Carlow/Kilkenny.
Feb 4, 2026 • 9min
The main news stories from the USA
We go stateside to get the latest on the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, and of the release of the Epstein files. Speaking to Claire this morning was Chief Correspondent of Feature Story News, Simon Marks.
Feb 4, 2026 • 11min
Imelda May on her new Irish tour 'Raised on Songs and Stories’
Singer, songwriter, actor, producer, poet, presenter and storyteller. Imelda May brings her unique take on Ireland’s songs, language and culture to a stage near you this month and next with her new Irish tour called 'Raised on Songs and Stories’ and Imelda joined Claire this morning.
Feb 4, 2026 • 9min
What are injectable gels?
Claire was joined by Consultant Dermatologist at Blackrock Clinic, Dr Rosemary Coleman, to discuss issue of hair loss and a controversy that has hit the news about injectable gels.
Feb 4, 2026 • 22min
Aisha Tyler - actor, author, director and more - joins Claire in studio
Joining Claire this morning on the show was actor, and author, a director, a TV presenter, a stand-up comedian and a producer Aisha Tyler. Aisha has starred in Friends, Fear the Walking Dead, Criminal Minds and presented Whose Line Is It Anyway? in the United States for ten years. Aisha is attending the 2026 Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) Summit comes to Ireland for the first time. Running from 4 to 7 February in Adare in Limerick.
Feb 4, 2026 • 13min
What are the changes are coming to child welfare and protection?
Recently on the programme, we heard from those who have first-hand experiences of the services provided by Tusla. Well, today our reporter, Josh Crosbie brings us a follow-up report examining what changes are coming to child welfare and protection, and how the services are being monitored.
Feb 4, 2026 • 7min
Lucy Letby Netflix Documentary released today
Netflix’s new documentary 'The Investigation of Lucy Letby' looks back on the crimes of the neonatal nurse, and it has been released today and not without controversy. For more on this Claire spoke to UK-based journalist, Vincent McAvinney.
