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
7 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 16min
More health insurance price hikes on the way!
More rate hikes are coming their way in April as Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and Level Health pass on more increases. We get the details and advice from Dermot Goode, health insurance expert with www.healthinsuranceireland.ie.
Apr 1, 2026 • 14min
Trump plans a important war update broadcast
US President Donald Trump has said that the US will pull out of Iran in the next couple of weeks. He is also planning what has been described as an important war update which will be broadcast by all the major networks tonight. We get the latest on this with Negah Angha is a former Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State and the White House National Security under President Biden and is currently Visiting fellow at King’s College London.
Apr 1, 2026 • 10min
How can you tackle mould in your home?
Spring is here which brings milder temperatures and longer evenings. But it also creates the perfect conditions for mould to grow in your home. To chat about how serious mould can be, and the best ways to tackle it. For more on this Claire spoke to Lecturer in Microbiology and Allergen Management in TU Dublin, Dr Orla Cahill.
Apr 1, 2026 • 10min
The bad spending habits impacting our financial wellbeing
Do you splurge when that money comes in? Treat yourself to something? Or does it all go straight out with direct debits? Are there bad habits that we have, that are impacting our financial wellbeing? To tell us more was MD of DNG Financial Services Cian Carolan.
Apr 1, 2026 • 10min
We get the latest news roundup from the UK
Britain’s Prince Harry and his privacy case against Associated Newspapers Limited came to a close yesterday. Harry claimed he didn’t have friendships with journalists, but a series of messages between him and a reporter with the Daily Mail were made public on the final day of the trial. Also The BBC has apologised for its response after allegations about Scott Mills were raised with the broadcaster last year. We get all news from the UK with LBC Reporter Henry Riley.
Apr 1, 2026 • 18min
Is the VAT cut necessary?
Insolvencies in the hospitality sector are down 27pc so far this year. Even though a VAT rate cut has not come into effect yet. Some experts have said that they don’t expect the cut to reduce the number of insolvencies any further. So, is the VAT cut necessary at all? Claire discusses this further with Barra Roantree , Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College and also Anthony Gray, owner of Hooked and Eala Bhán in Sligo.
Mar 31, 2026 • 12min
Easter food with Aisling Larkin
TV chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin joined Claire Byrne on the show to talk all things food.
Mar 31, 2026 • 12min
Exposing a global ‘online rape academy’
A warning before we start this piece, it deals with sensitive topics, particularly sexual assault. So your discretion is advised.The Giséle Pelicot case gripped the world when her husband went on trial. Well a new CNN investigation has exposed an underground subculture, with men teaching and encouraging one another to drug and rape their partners while they sleep. Claire Byrne was joined by CNN's Paris Bureau Chief who is also one of the CNN investigative reporters behind this, Saskya Vandoorne...
Mar 31, 2026 • 7min
Covid inquiry gets underway
The independent review into Ireland’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic is being broadcast live for the first time this morning. Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte has been following the roundtable discussion, which got underway at 10am and joined us on the show…
Mar 31, 2026 • 14min
Trump willing to end the war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has repeated his suggestion that a deal with Iran could be close, while also renewing his threat to strike Iranian power plants. There have also been reports that he would be willing to end the war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Sir Richard Shirreff is a former deputy commander of NATO forces in Europe, and he joined Claire Byrne on the show this morning.
