The Claire Byrne Show
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
How to handle those hard interview questions?
What questions are you allowed to ask in a job interview? How do you answer the tricky ones?! To help us along the way was Senior Work and Organisational Psychologist Patricia Murray.
Keeping your kids occupied this mid term
It might feel like your children have only returned to school but the midterm break is upon us. If you are looking for some ideas to keep them occupied Journalist and Broadcaster Niamh O'Reilly tells us about some of the activities that you can take part in.
The UK resilience preparations
A grab bag full of emergency supplies, a battery-operated radio and cash. The UK Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting and his "Be Ready" campaign is aimed at persuading people to stock up with supplies to last 72 hours.To discuss this and more with Claire was Political Editor with the Financial Times, George Parker.
Sinn Fein TD proposes new legislation to tackling drink spiking
Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has brought forward new legislation proposing a maximum sentence of 10 years for anyone convicted of spiking. Mark explained the proposal further with Claire.
One storm gone another one on the way!
Storm Austen has brought buckets of rain this morning with a Status Yellow rain and wind warning for Leinster and Munster still in effect While this storm is beginning to clear, Storm Boelo is on route. We get an weather update from Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather.
How to keep your house warm and ready for winter?
This week on 'Going Green' we get advice on how to keep your house warm and ready for winter.Going Green is with thanks to Repak.
The benefits of losing weight in your 50s
A study has found that losing just 5% of your body weight in your 50s can lower the risk of stroke. It can make your heart as healthy as if you had never gained weight. To discuss this further with Claire was Consultant Cardiologist Dr Heather.
The 2 Johnnies and 1 Claire
The 2 Johnnies Jonathon "Johnny Smacks" McMahon and John "Johnny B" O'Brien joined Claire in studio this morning. Podcast, live shows and managing it all.
Consent video hugging grandparents removed online
A campaign video from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has been removed due to the backlash it received online. The video is of grandparents hugging their grandchildren with the granddaughter grimacing as she doesn't want the hug. Claire looks into this further with Psychologist Dr John Francis Leader.
What do changes in inheritance tax mean for you?
Owen Burke, partner at Hayes Solicitors and Wills and Probate expert join Claire on the show to answers listeners questions on inheritance tax and wills.
Hackers exploit internet security flaw
A security flaw for websites across the world has emerged, resulting in online hackers attempting to exploit businesses and organisations. Global cyber security are scrambling for a solution which has left many websites offline this week To explain to us what exactly has happened, and what the way forward is was CEO of Threatscape, Dermot Williams.
Should welfare payments be moved out of the GPO?
Could antisocial behaviour in Dublin City Centre be tackled, in part, by moving where social welfare payments are handed out? That seems to be the opinion of Arnotts, who made the suggestion in an email to Robert Watt.To discuss this further with Claire was Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer for the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association and also Louise Bayliss, St Vin
What is conscious parenting?
As a parent, do you ever find yourself trying to control or ‘fix’ your child? Have you ever thought about what this says about you? Joining Claire this morning was Dr Shefali Clinical Psychologist, Founder of the conscious parenting movement, and Author of Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons.
Disney+ plans to force adverts on all its subscribers
How would you feel if your streaming service started showing you ads? Even if you're paying full whack for it. That is what Disney+ say they intend to do, for subscribers on all levels. We get the details from Film Reviewer Cara O'Doherty.
What can we expect from Storm Austen tonight?
The first named storm of the season is to hit Ireland this evening as Storm Austen arrives on our shores. What can we expect and how can we prepare ahead of Storm Austen.Speaking to Claire was Meteorologist and founder of Ireland's Weather Channel, Cathal Nolan and also Pete Finn, also known as Pete the Builder and Director of Emergency Management & Climate Action for Cork City Council, D
The best autumn winter bedding plants
We get inspired to get bedding plants into the ground in the hope that we will see some wonderful colour over the winter months. With all the advice was Gardener, Marie Staunton.
What is a heat storm?
New research from Reuters looks at more than 65 years of temperature data from a million places worldwide. The study found that heat storms have dramatically increased in size and frequency. To explain more about heat storms was Editor for Reuters, Mo Tamman.
Two brown bears make Donegal their home
Two brown bears have arrived at their new home in Donegal, bringing an end to a five-year rescue operation from Russia. They’re now safe in Wild Ireland in the North-West and Founder and Director of Wild Ireland, Killian McLaughlin told Claire about their long journey to their new home.
What can our nails tell us about our overall health?
Claire was joined in studio by Consultant Dermatologist at Blackrock Clinic, Rosemary Coleman. Rosemary chatted all things relating to your nail health.
CWC liquidation and the huge impact on clubs
Sports clubs bracing for huge losses after landscaping company went into liquidation. For more on this Claire spoke to Bernard O’Byrne, Chairman of Athboy Celtic in Co.Meath.
Would you know how to represent yourself in court?
Would you know how to represent yourself in court, if you ever needed to? The current legal aid row has meant some people have had to represent themselves, because they don’t have access to a solicitor. To discuss further with Claire was Barrister and Host of the ‘Fifth Court Podcast’ Peter Leonard.
Who is Susie Wiles?
Reports of a power struggle have been bubbling in the White House with those at the top of the administration jockeying for position. The Republicans fear losses in the upcoming midterms, and some expect Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to step down after those elections. So who is Susie Wiles? We asked Simon Marks is Chief Correspondent with Feature Story News.
How do you deal with loss in sport?
Former snooker world number one, Mark Allen, has said that he was in "a bad place" and that his career could be over. This comes after his defeat in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast. How do you deal with loss in sport? Claire discusses this Dr Stephen McIvor of TU Dublin Sports Sciences.
When should you start teaching kids about money ?
When should you start teaching children about money? There were calls this week for it to be added to the secondary school curriculum. But should it be earlier than that? To discuss with Claire was Managing Director of Rockwell Financial Robert Whelan.
Should there be a ban on flavoured vapes?
Sour apple, Cherry Cola, Pineapple Ice, these are all vape flavours set to be banned under new legislation making its way through the Oireachtas. Should there be a ban on flavoured vapes? Claire debates this with Eoin O'Boyle is owner of OB Vape in Drogheda and Professor Marcus Butler, medical director of the Asthma Society of Ireland and Consultant in Respiratory Medicine.
How to make the perfect stew
Eunice Power, TV Chef, food writer and CEO of the Waterford Festival of Food joined Claire on the show with some tips on how to make the perfect stew.
Are too many young people getting botox?
Dr Clare Kiely, consultant dermatologist, dermatological and laser surgeon and founder of the skin care brand the Skin Diary joined Claire on the show to discuss if too many young people are getting botox.
Philippa Gregory on her new book 'Royal Witch'
Author Philippa Gregory joined Claire on the show to chat all about her new book 'Royal Witch'.
Will the International Rules Series return?
A proposal to bring back the international rules series between Ireland and Australia could be brought before the GAA’s next Central Council meeting next month. Former GAA President Nicky Brennan joined Claire on the show to discuss.
Cornell University suspends parties at fraternity houses
In the wake of the Cornell 7 rape allegations, Cornell University has announced that it would be suspending parties and social gatherings at fraternity houses for the remainder of the academic year. Jane Doe’s lawyer Thomas Giuffra joined Claire Byrne on the show this morning.
An Coimisiún Pleanála make changes
An Coimisiún Pleanála have made changes but are they working? Chief Executive of An Coimisiún Pleanála Peter Mullan joined Claire on the show to discuss.
Travel to Malta
Ed Finn, travel expert with Edfinntravels tells Claire everything greatabout Malta.
Could we see a space war within the next five years?
A UK-based company originally set up to remove space debris from Earth’s orbit, is working on classified military programmes which could repurpose its technology to monitor or deter threatening enemy spacecraft’s. Niamh Shaw, Scientist and Engineer joined Claire on the show to discuss.
RSA to install breathalysers in pubs and hotels
The RSA are to install breathalysers in pubs and hotels for motorists to check if they are over the legal alcohol limit before driving away. Around 1.5 million euros is being allocated to the rollout.Christina Donnelly, Road Safety Campaigner, Niall O’Callaghan, Independent Kerry County Councillor and Hotelier and Anthony Gray owner of Eala Bhan and Hooked Restaurants in Sligo and Chair
JOC in front of Oireachtas today
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan wants solicitors to explain why cases involving allegations of rape where, in his opinion, ‘deliberately affected’ by the legal aid dispute. The Chair of that Oireachtas Justice Committee is Matt Carthy, who is also Sinn Fein’s Justice Spokesperson, and TD for Cavan-Monaghan joined Claire Byrne on the show to discuss.
Going viral for quitting my job!
Imagine posting something on social media, thinking it was pretty innocuous and waking up the next morning to almost one million views. Lisa Filgas quit her job, posted about it and her life changed as a result. Lisa Filgas told Claire about that day.
Did you read this month book club book?
Claire was joined in studio by Sinead Cuddihy from Tired Mammy Book Club and David O’Connor from our own team here in Newstalk. The book up for review today was The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters.
Carbon tax and why is it still being pushed?
Is it time for politicians to admit that carbon taxes don’t work? Or do we still need them to achieve our climate aims? To debate this with Claire was Corporate Communications Expert Gavin Nugent and Green Party Leader Roderic O’Gorman.
A look back on the weekend sport
We take a look back on the weekend of sport with Eoin Sheahan from Off The Ball.
Why Irish fish farmers are not feeding chicken to their salmon?
Irish salmon producers have decided to continue to not to feed their salmon with chicken, but imported salmon reared on chicken could already be on our supermarket shelves. To discuss this further with Claire was Food Writer for The Irish Examiner and author of children’s food book Seed to Supper Dr.Michelle Darmody.
The latest trends in pumpkin carving
One of the biggest Halloween struggles figuring out how to carve that perfect pumpkin. To help us out was Journalist with The Irish Times, Niamh Browne.
Arrests made after M50 chase
Three people were arrested yesterday after a car chase on the M50, with reports of them driving their car the wrong way down the dual carriageway. They are suspected members of a theft and burglary gang, and they were apprehended with the help of the Garda Air Support Unit. We get the latest details on this with News and Security Correspondent with The Irish Independent, Robin
Criminal defence solicitors will draw their services today
Solicitors working in criminal defence will withdraw their services from all work today. This comes in an escalation of their dispute with the Minister for Justice over the new payment scheme for criminal legal aid. Speaking to Claire this morning was Coleen Gildernew from KOD Lyons Law Firm.
Should you ever argue with a toddler?
What do you do when your toddler starts using your own arguments against you? Claire Crowe, member of the Psychological Society of Ireland explained to Claire when toddlers who answer you back.
A look ahead to a big week for the Government
Talks on a new public sector pay deal are due to begin at the Workplace Relations Commission. Another strike was due to take place this Wednesday, but that was suspended to allow for talks. To look ahead to the week was Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Sean Defoe.
Police lose control as violent protests rage in France
President Macron has blamed an “unprecedented” wave of violence in France on “ultra-left” rebels seeking to overthrow the state. For the latest on the situation across France was French Freelance Journalist Victoria Baux and Sky News Correspondent Alistair Bunkell who is in Limoges.
The Debrief
Welcome to The Debrief, where we look back on some of the biggest stories of the week. Claire was joined by Editor of the Journal Investigates, Maria Delaney Columnist and also of the Communications Clinic, Lorcan Nyhan and Broadcaster, Padraig Wilson McCarthy.
Celebrity Traitors spoiler alert!
Entertainment correspondent for the Irish Independent Melanie Finn joined Claire to give all the updates and news from last night's Celerity Traitors.
America’s The Today Show broadcasting from Ireland
America’s biggest morning TV show The Today Show is broadcasting from Sheen Falls Lodge today. – They’ve brought all the glamour that goes along with that. To get an idea of what is happening today Claire spoke to General Manager of Sheen Falls Lodge Brian Loughnane.
A look ahead to the weekend of sport
Colm Boohig from Off The Ball looks ahead to the weekend of sport.
A study of bygone seafood recipes
A study of more than 1,000 fish recipes in Good Housekeeping magazine suggests our tastes have narrowed over the last century. Associate Professor Ruth Thurstan, from the University of Exeter led the study and spoke to Claire this morning.
Are parents fighting a losing battle with social media?
Do parents feel like they’re fighting a losing battle with social media? Or have we all gotten a little complacent? To discuss with Claire was Ollwyn Moran, M.Ed., Neurodevelopmental Specialist and Founder and Clinical Director of CogniClinic.ie . Also we heard from CEO of Irish Internet Hotline Mick Moran.
What does human trafficking look like in Ireland today?
Garda investigations into trafficking at nail bars has raised wider questions about human trafficking and labour exploitation in Ireland. What does human trafficking look like in Ireland today? To look into this further with Claire was Detective Chief Superintendent Thelma Watters.
Are you getting the right HRT help?
HRT is provided free to women in Ireland who are in perimenopause or menopause. Some women say it is hard to access with some medical practitioners reluctant to prescribe it. To discuss this further with Claire was Pharmacist in Balally Pharmacy in South Dublin Tom McKenna.
Would you watch four back-to-back Beatles films?
Four films are being made about the Beatles one for each member. Sony Pictures and filmmaker Sam Mendes are considering releasing all four Beatles Biopic films on the same day. Would you watch four back-to-back Beatles films? Claire asked Entertainment Writer Scott Bryan.
Family of murdered Garda Colm Horkan call for public inquiry
The family of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was shot dead in the line of duty have called for a public inquiry. Speaking to Claire this morning was Colm's brother Dermot Horkan.
Going Green: Sustainable home decorations
What is the best way to go about decorating your home for Halloween without leaving behind too much waste afterwards? To tell us was Sustainability Advocate and Founder of Reuzi, Pat Kane.Going Green is with thanks to Repak.
The Right To Be Forgotten for cancer survivors comes into force today
From today insurers will have to ignore a previous cancer diagnosis when assessing applications for mortgage protection insurance. The Right To Be Forgotten for cancer survivors comes into force todayTo discuss this further was Minister of State at the Department of Finance Robert Troy.
What to do when you’re in a car crash?
If you are a driver, what is the first thing you should do if you are in minor road collision? Vehicle repair specialist Joey Donnelly talked us through the best course of action.
What’s facing Republicans and Democrats ahead of the midterms
North Carolina is reportedly the state to watch in the upcoming US midterm elections. What is facing Republicans and Democrats ahead of the midterms.To look into this further with Claire was Sky News US Correspondent David Blevins.
Arsenal Football Club plans to lay off 60 staff roles
Arsenal Football Club plans to lay off 60 staff roles with several staff members being informed during a meeting this week. The redundancies will impact several off-field departments. For more on this Claire spoke to Kieran Maguire, Professor in Football Finance at University of Liverpool and Author of ‘The Price of Football’.
Oh stoat where art thou?
Why would anyone spend 7 months trying to track down one animal? Two teams in the UK have both been doing just that, with different outcomes. One team were tracking down a Stoat in Orkney Island, the other, a capybara on the loose in England. For more on this was Ecologist Padraic Fogarty.
Woman cross examined in court by the man alleged to have attacked her
A woman was cross examined in court by the man alleged to have attacked her. This was because he didn’t have legal representation. To explain the case was Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent Shane Phelan. Claire also got more reaction to this with Human Rights Lawyer and Campaigner, Noeline Blackwell.
Vigil held in Waterford for the English family
Investigations are continuing into the murder of Philip and Kim English, and two of their sons, Callum and Jayden, following a petrol bomb attack on their home in Waterford.A family member has claimed that the attack was carried out as a part of a drug debt. Waterford TD and Sinn Féin’s health spokesperson, David Cullinane joined Claire this morning.
Zelenskyy feels betrayed by Donald Trump over Starlink
On Wednesday, the Pentagon set a 100 miles per hour speed limit on Ukraine’s ability to pilot drones. The Ukrainian military is using Star Sheild drones the military-grade version of Elon Musk’s Starlink technology.To discuss this further with Claire was the Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko.
The morning after the day before what now?
It is the morning after a day where 300,000 public sector workers went on strike over pay and conditions. What happens now?Speaking to Claire was Kevin Callinan the General Secretary of FORSA.
What Made Me: former Mayo footballer David Brady
GAA pundit and former Mayo footballer David Brady joined Claire for this week's What Made Me.
Any political movement on the strikes?
As 300,000 workers took to the picket lines this morning, Henry McKean met university teachers and lecturers outside UCC in Cork. Claire spoke to Louise Burne is Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner who was outside Leinster House.
Is your house underinsured?
Your home could be underinsured. Analysis by OUTsurance puts the shortfall at an average of just over 83,000 euro per home. How do you find out if this is the case, and what can you do about it? We find out with Jonathan Hehir, Director of InsureMyHouse.ie.
How is obesity treated around the world?
New medicines like GLP 1s are rapidly changing the way obesity is treated around the world.To discuss the disease and new developments in obesity treatment was Consultant Bariatric Surgeon John Loy from Auralia Hospital.
What it’s like behind the scenes in Vogue?
Alexandra Shulman was the editor at British Vogue for 25 years. She signed off on some of the magazine’s most famous covers. She has written a new book is called ‘Black Coffee and Red Lipstick, Notes on Living’ . Alexandra spoke to Claire about her career and new book.
Narnia and the TV show Girls are getting reboots
The first trailer was released last night for the long-awaited movie, Narnia: The Magician’s nephew, and it has already been racking up tens of millions of views online. Greta Gerwig, of Barbie fame, is behind the Netflix movie. Film Reviewer, Cara O’Doherty gave her review of the movie.
The murder of celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Alexander Aslani
Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Alexander Aslani was shot in front of his wife, patients and staff in his Marbella clinic last week. An 18-year-old has since been arrested for his murder. For more on this, Claire spoke to Spain-based journalist Simon Hunter.
Are retrofitting supports fair?
Is the current retrofitting scheme fair? it seems to be an issue for many people. To discuss this issue with Claire was Fine Gael TD John Clendennon who is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy and Sinn Fein TD and Spokesperson on Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport Pa Daly.
Does it pay to be a landlord in Ireland?
Is being a landlord a smart investment move in Ireland? Will you be left paying a big tax bill and dealing with a whole heap of hassle for your trouble? Claire asked Columnist for the Irish Independent and Landlord Michael Houghton.
Garda investigation intensifies in Waterford
Gardaí investigating the murder of four members of the same family in Waterford have carried out a series of searches across the city overnight. Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte gave an update live from Waterford.
Has the internet hijacked our health?
Do you want to track your blood sugar, heart rate or sleep? Advice is just a click away, but is that always a good thing? Joining Claire to discuss this further was Medical Journalist and Author of 'Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health' Dr Deborah Cohen.
We report from the picket lines around the country
More than 300,000 public sector workers, including nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants, are on strike this morning. It’s the first time Ireland has seen industrial action on this scale since 2009. Our reports gave Claire an update from the picket lines around the country.
Baking with autumnal apples
It is that time of year when cooking apples are plentiful and we are going to find out what to do with them all. Chef and Author of ‘Loaf Tin Bakes’ Shane Smith tells us what to bake with the abundance of autumnal apples.
The presence of cannabis smoke on our streets
In a bid to keep people out of the criminal justice system, cannabis users may now only face a Garda caution for possessing cannabis. Six years on from that change, is it working, and how do people feel about sharing our public spaces with second-hand cannabis smoke in return for a more permissive system? Our reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating.
