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
Apr 8, 2026 • 7min
The impact of space travel have on our bodies
Artemis II is on its way back from the moon as speak with four astronauts on board. But what impact will this space flight have on their bodies? All to chat about with Dr John Noone, Assistant Professor in Sport & Exercise Physiology in University of Limerick.
Apr 8, 2026 • 16min
Will the Strait of Hormuz be opened?
We discuss the dramatic international developments overnight and the impact it’s all having here with the fuel protests continuing around the country. US President Donald Trump will claim success, while Iran is also portraying this as a victory for the regime. Claire discusses this further with Channel 4 Presenter Matt Frei and also Danni Hewson, Head of Financial Analysis at AJ Bell.
Apr 7, 2026 • 8min
Exploring new foods
Do we take enough risks when it comes to cooking? Or do we tend to stick to the same dinners every day of the week? If you’re tempted to get a bit more exotic when it comes to meal times, we have some inspiration for you. Claire was joined on the show by Adrian Martin, Chef and Author.
Apr 7, 2026 • 15min
AI ruined my life
We hear every day about the impact AI can have on our working lives. Both good and bad. But what about our personal lives? Clairre was joined on the show by Dennis Biesma who has lived through this himself. Dennis told his story to Claire.
Apr 7, 2026 • 9min
Major sponsors pull out of Wireless Festival after Kanye West headline slot
Despite sponsors pulling out of the upcoming Wireless Festival in the UK this summer, one of the organisers has reaffirmed his decision to back Kanye West, despite facing calls from the public to drop the controversial rapper. For more on this Claire spoke to Caroline Frost, UK-based Entertainment Journalist and also Jonathan Arkush – Former President of The Board of Deputies of British Jews .
Apr 7, 2026 • 13min
Retired US Army Colonel Seth Krummrich on the war on Iran
The clock is ticking on Donald Trump’s latest deadline for the Iranians. To discuss that and the outlook for the conflict in the Middle East Claire was joined by Retired US Army Colonel Seth Krummrich, who is Vice President of Global Guardian.
Apr 7, 2026 • 11min
Understanding AI-generated deepfakes
The Advertising Standards Authority is reported to be considering new rules which would require advertisers to declare when AI has been used to create ads in a bid to clamp down on DeepFakes. But until something of that nature comes to pass, how can you trust what you see online? All to discuss with Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.
Apr 7, 2026 • 8min
The proposed new state saving scheme explained
Tánaiste Simon Harris is concerned about the 170 billion euro sitting on deposit in Irish banks. He is seeking to introduce a new personal investment account, that would allow people to save and receive interest back on their investments. But will this do what he is proposing it will do? And it will benefit those who need a savings boost? All to discuss with John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.
Apr 7, 2026 • 8min
What is the new social media craze in the UK called steaming?
What is the new social media craze in the UK called Steaming, which is leading to crowds of teens mass gathering in cities and causing disruption? To explain all was Editor of London Centric, Jim Waterson.
Apr 7, 2026 • 13min
Deadline day on Iran
At 1am tomorrow morning, US President Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum for Iran expires. He wants Iran to agree an acceptable deal, that includes the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, or he has threatened to ... ‘take Iran out’. Claire discusses the situation further with
