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
It’s time for our book club!
And it’s time for our book club! 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 by our book panel was 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke.
The solicitors dispute impact on the Children's Court
The solicitors dispute over the introduction of a flat fee is into it’s second week, with no sign of a resolution yet. Solicitors have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel because of it. What kind of impact is it having on the courts, and those needing help? To discuss further was Brian Keenan, a solicitor who works in the Children’s Courts.
Latest in investigation into murder of Jamey Carney
Gardaí believe the partner of American mother-of-one Jamey Carney, who was found dead in her Kerry home last week, may have reached tribal areas of his native Jordan. For the latest on this Claire was joined by Jerry O’Sullivan, Presenter of Kerry Today on Radio Kerry.
Summer Food Series: Meat Producers
All summer we’re celebrating Irish food producers. Chatting to Claire this morning was Anne Marie Maguire, Marketing Manager for the Butchers of Ashbourne, Michéal Briody MD Silver Hill Duck. Also Fingal Ferguson, Gubbeen Farmhouse Products Ltd.
A look back on the busy weekend of sport
Off The Ball’s Phil Egan looks back on a bumper weekend of sport.With thanks to Visa.
Concern over the future direction of the Republican party
The death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has sent shockwaves across US politics. That, along with the recent questions around the health of fellow Senator Mitch McConnell, has raised concern over the future direction of the Republican party. To reflect on the influence of these two political figures, Claire was joined by Professor of International Politics at University o
Special education deadline brought forward
The deadline for Students requiring special education has been brought forward by a month to September. This has left many parents scrambling to gather the correct documentation to secure their children’s needs. Evelyn Byrne, Co-Founder and current CEO of Finding Charlie’s Voice gave her reaction.
How to deal with hayfever?
Hay fever is making life miserable for many. From sneezing constantly to puffy eyes. How do you deal with it? With advice on treating hayfever was GP Brian King.
The latest on Anne Widdecombe’s murder investigation
The suspect in the murder of former Conservative minister Anne Widdecombe is believed to have driven 300 miles to her home armed with a wooden pole. A 28-year old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in connection with her death. For the latest on this Claire spoke to Henry Riley is a reporter and presenter on LBC.
How are we modernising mental health care in Ireland?
The Mental Health Commission is soon going to be responsible for regulating child and adolescent mental health care. From today, the Commission wants people to tell them what those standards should look like. Speaking to Claire on the show was the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly.
What if the holiday you sign up for isn’t what you expected?
There was an opinion piece in the Daily Mail recently that said “There’s nothing I hate more than going on a cheap holiday to appease my poorer friends”. What do you do if the holiday you sign up for isn’t what you expected? Claire asked Travel Journalist, Nicola Brady.
Would back garden modular homes help the housing crisis?
The housing committee will this week consider changes to the Planning and Development regulations. To allow the building of modular homes up to 45sqm in back gardens without planning permission Is this part of the solution to the housing crisis or just creating more problems down the line? To discuss with Claire was Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent
The need to address the scourge of scramblers in Dublin
Daniel Ennis, the social democrats TD for Dublin Central took to social media over the weekend. It was regarding in what he says are scramblers and high-powered motorbikes taking over the North Inner city.Daniel explained to Claire what he experienced over the weekend.
Claire Byrne Recommends: Never Have I Ever
Here’s the latest episode of Never Have I Ever, the podcast series in which I admit to the things I’ve never done. This week, I sat down with the comedian and playwright Al Porter for a fascinating conversation about stand-up, public humiliation, and finding the courage to go back on-stage. Search for ‘Never Have I Ever’ wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow or subsc
Stories of the week on 'The Debrief'
We look back on the stories of the week with our panel in studio. Joining Claire for this week's debrief was Jack Horgan Jones, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times, Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer from University of Galway and Columnist with The Journal and Deirdre Reynolds, Features writer with Irish Independent.
What is involved in the Emmy nomination process?
The Pitt leads this year’s Emmy nominations with 25 both scoring a massive win for HBO. Two of The Pitt’s stars Brittany Allen and Jeff Kober, were nominated after ‘self-submitting’. What is ‘self-submitting and what is involved in the nomination process?
Where is Mitch McConnell?
In the United States, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell was admitted to hospital for treatment on June 14. Almost a month later, there has been no update on his condition. Where is Mitch McConnell? Claire asked Hilary McGann, Journalist, with the Instagram page ‘NewsByHil.’
Do we need to ban e-scooters outright?
There has been many calls in recent days, including from pediatric surgeons, to ban e-scooters outright. The Road Safety Authority wants more regulations brought in for those that use them. Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy discussed this further with Claire this morning.
A look ahead to the weekend of sport
We look ahead to all the weekend sporting action with Sports Correspondent for the Irish Times, Gavin Cooney. With thanks to Visa.
The TikTok sunscreen myths putting Irish skin at risk
Sunscreen helps to protect you against sunburn, the ageing effects of sun exposure, and, most importantly, skin cancer. But medical misinformation is everywhere. Dr Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh has been trying to counteract the narrative in her own medical practice.
EU Competition Ministers to discuss cutting electricity costs
EU competition ministers are meeting in Dublin today and a key issue for them is the high cost of electricity. What could they be hoping to achieve? To discuss further with Claire was the Chair of the Irish Academy of Engineering Energy and Climate Action Committee Eamonn O’Reilly.
The best AI tools for your holidays
Some good news if you’re having difficulty planning your summer escape. There is a AI driven app for that. To tell us more about the best AI tools for your holidays is Technology Journalist for the Irish Times, Ciara O’Brien.
The trending stories online this week
Spin 1038’s Michaela Hayes joined Claire to chat about what is trending online this week.
A replica mosque was put on top of a loyalist bonfire
A replica mosque was put on top of a loyalist bonfire in Northern Ireland is being investigated by police as a potential hate crime. A man has been arrested in connection with the display. For more on this Claire spoke to Journalist Amanda Ferguson.
The latest on fast moving wildfires in Spain
At least 11 people have been killed and 19 are unaccounted for after a fast-moving wildfire broke out in Spain. We get the latest on the situation there is Melita Cameron Woods is a freelance journalist in Spain.
A lot to discuss with Health Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeil
Claire was joined on the show this morning by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeil and Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. A lot to discuss including the new children's hospital, spinal surgeries and patients living with Friedreich's Ataxia.
A status Yellow high temperature warning for 12 counties
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow high temperature warning for 12 counties for the coming days as heatwave conditions hit the country. Cathal Nolan, Meteorologist with Ireland’s weather channel brings us the latest on Ireland's Heatwave.
Going Green: Do we need a Digital Deposit Return Scheme?
Do we need a Digital Deposit Return Scheme? It had been previously proposed by the Irish Waste Management Association It wasn’t brought in but it should be considered in the future? Joining Claire to discuss this and more was Conor Walsh is secretary of the Irish Waste Management Association.All with thanks to Repak.
Book: ‘Its A Rich Man’s world”
Money is broken for women. So say the authors of a new book called ‘Its A Rich Man’s world” One of the authors of the book is Anna-Sophie Hart-vigsen chatted to Claire today on the show.
Sylvester Stallone turns 80
This week the much celebrated Actor Sylvester Stallone turned 80. To look back on the interesting career he’s had was Presenter of Screentime John Fardy.
Protests and a nationwide shutdown in South Africa
Tens of thousands of migrants living and working in South Africa have been forced to leave the country as a wave of racism and xenophobia sweeps the nation. To explain why this is happening was Zanele Mji Freelance Journalist based in Johannesburg.
A tribute to the late Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler, the gravel-voiced star who eclipsed everyone's heart has passed away aged 75. We look back on her career with Ed Smith.
Fuel drive offs are a growing inconvenience for forecourts
Fuel drive offs are a growing inconvenience for forecourts across the country. Most are losing €50-€100 weekly, meaning a conservative estimate for fuel drive offs across the country to be €8m and growing. Speaking to Claire was Flora Crowe, National Vice President of the Convenience Store and Newsagents Association.
When will we see Metrolink up and running?
Almost three quarters of a billion euro will have been spent on the MetroLink rail project by the end of the year. that’s before a single line of track has been laid. When will we see Metrolink up and running?To discuss further was Dublin Editor of the Irish Times Olivia Kelly and Associate Professor at the School of Engineering at Trinity College Brian Caulfield.
Male testosterone levels are falling
Over the past 50 years, average levels of the male hormone testosterone have fallen off a cliff. Experts warn that male reproductive capacity is facing a crisis, with a 50% drop in levels. To discuss this further Claire was joined by Consultant Endocrinologist Donal O’Shea.
Elon Musk v The Odyssey: The Feud
Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster, ‘The Odyssey’, comes out later this month. The film has already broken box office presale records, amassed critical praise, and caused a feud on twitter between Elon Musk and Tom Holland, the historian. Chris Wasser, Film Critic for the Sunday Independent explained all.
The latest on the Jamey Carney murder investigation
Gardaí are searching for a man of "significant interest" in connection with the death of a Jamey Carney in Kerry. Detectives fear her suspected killer may have had a 12-hour head start before the alarm was raised We get the latest on this with Ralph Riegal, Southern Correspondent with The Irish Independent. Also speaking to Claire Ivana Bacik, Labour Leader. 
What Made Me: Alan Quilan
Joining Claire in studio for this week's 'What Made Me' slot was Alan Quinlan, Newstalk’s Own Former Ireland and Munster Player.
Ireland prostate screening program
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but an Irish screening program is aiming to address detection rates. To discuss the details of the screening, and why Ireland is at the forefront of tackling prostate cancer rates. Claire was joined in studio by Consultant Urologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital, David Galvin.
How can you improve your biological age?
Your biological age is more important than your actual age. But what is your so-called biological age and how can you improve it? Catriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists, Clinical Professor at UCD, joins us now to explain.
What it takes to make unscripted TV
Former TV boss and Pat Kiely, CEO and Founder of Bigger Stage Pat Kiely on what it takes to make unscripted TV.
Do we need a new music and sports arena in South Dublin?
Do we need a new music and sports arena in South Dublin? A Madison Square Garden-type venue, particularly for winter sports? Founder and Chief Executive of Prime Arena Dermot Rigley thinks so and he explained why and his vision to Claire.
Volunteers are risking their lives to stop Ebola
Frontline Congolese volunteers are risking their lives to help treat and contain the current ebola outbreak. But they, and their efforts aren’t always welcome. To tell us more is Chief Africa correspondent for The New York Times Declan Walsh.
The ceasefire with Iran is over according to Donald Trump
The US has launched strikes on Iranian small boats and targets in response to attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the Iran says it targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, describing the US attacks as a "ceasefire violation". For the latest on this Claire heard from International Journalist and Presenter Sally Lockwo
Is Hamas handing over any power?
After nearly two decades of governing the Gaza Strip. Hamas has announced it will dissolve its government and hand over power to a new, Palestinian technocratic governing authority. It comes as the US-backed peace process continues to largely stall. To discuss this further was Mark Weiss who is the Israel Correspondent with the Irish Times.
Nigel Farage resigned his parliamentary seat
Rivals are calling it a ‘fake by-election' as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigned his parliamentary seat and vowed to win it back. For reaction to this was Claire was joined by Assistant Political Editor at The Times Geri Scott TalkTV presenter and author Peter Cardwell.
Could we see subsidised holiday pay for the self employed?
Good news for the self-employed as they could seek subsidised holiday pay. This could be a possibility if a new scheme for farmers is approved. What this could mean for self-employed workers. Speaking to Anton was Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
Have a mid-year money reset
We are just over halfway through the year and that’s a pretty good time to take stock of our finances. So says Certified Financial Planner with Fairstone Ireland Leah McMahon who joined Claire in studio.
Packing for a summer picnic
The summer weather usually gives us all a good excuse to go outside and have a picnic... Orla Drumgoole is the author of ‘Mammy Cooks’ gave us some tips on how put one together.
Some great news for the Cats
Now, in great news for the Cats .Henry Shefflin has been appointed manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team after a meeting of the county board yesterday evening. What impact will the 10 time all Ireland winner make on the team? We asked Tommy Rooney, Gaelic Games Correspondent for Off The Ball.
Protests continue in Albania
Protests continue in Albania. These are over the plans of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner’s to build a luxury resort on Albania’s only island, Sazan. With the latest updates from Albania is Helena Smith, The Guardian’s Athens-based Correspondent.
Irish Astronaut Dr Norah Patten
Irish Astronaut Dr Norah Patten is on her journey to become the first Irish person to travel to space. She told Claire all about her preparations.
The good weather is back!
The good weather is back and Met Éireann have issued a weather advisory over expected heatwave conditions. We got a weather update from Cathal Nolan a Meteorologist with Irelands weather Channel.
How to stay alert when you haven’t slept
Maybe it’s the hot weather that’s keeping you awake at night or you arejust too busy enjoying the sunshineWhen you don't get enough sleep it can be very hard to stay alert the next day. With tricks and tips that can get us through was Maynooth University behavioural neuroscientist Andrew Coogan and Dietician Shelly Gray.
Why is creating robotic hands so challenging?
Chinese scientists are on the road to solving the most difficult problem in robotics. Which making moving five-fingered hands! But why is creating robotic hands so challenging and why do Chinese tech experts want to do this? For more on this Claire spoke to Elaine Burke, Host of ‘For Techs Sake’ Podcast.
NATO Summit and Meloni drama
US President Donald Trump has re-ignited his feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, which is starting today. We get the latest from Alistair Bunkall is Sky News’ Europe Correspondent.
Raising awareness of the illness sarcoma
Specialist outreach clinics are to be set up outside of Dublin for patients with sarcoma, which is a rare form of cancer that develops in bones and tissue. Joining Claire in studio was Chairperson of the Beatrice Pembroke Walsh Foundation, David Walsh – whose wife Beatrice died with sarcoma four years ago. Also Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent’s UCD Cancer
Chalkie White on the conviction of George Gibney
Former swimming coach George Gibney has been convicted of sexually abusing four young swimmers, and the attempted rape of one of the girls in the 1970s and 80s. One of the first to speak out about the abuse he suffered was former swimming coach Chalkie White.Chalkie gave his reaction to the conviction with Claire this morning on the show.
The political stories of the day
The Taoiseach is addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning where he will set out the Government's priorities for the presidency of the EU. Aisling Moloney, Journalist with the Irish Independent talked us through all the political stories of the day..
The pressure on parents to make summer magical
Summer is often painted as a time of carefree family fun, but for many parents. Te pressure to make it magical can be overwhelming. We get some advice on making our summer managable with Michelle Flynn, Psychotherapist and Founder of An Croí Beag.
Prince Harry comes home (ish)
The Duke of Sussex is due in the UK for an event marking one year until the next Invictus Games in Birmingham. But he will not be staying at Buckingham Palace.We get the details of the visit with Royal commentator Josh Rom.
Infernos devastate forests as Europe's temperatures rise
The wildfires across Europe have forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes and holidaymakers have fled campsites while spectators have been banned from a stage of the Tour de France. We get the latest Reporter in France Elaine Cobb and Alison Roberts, Reporter in Portugal. Also we heard from Mike who was staying in a campsite in France that was evacuated
Understanding post-natal depression
Almost all women will suffer from the so-called ‘Baby Blues’ after they give birth. Most will recover without medical treatment. But for others, post-natal depression can cause serious problems. Dr Harry Barry explains what it is and how to help someone experiencing it.
Summer Food Series: Celebrating fish producers
All summer we are celebrating Irish food producers and all the gorgeous grub this island has to offer. This morning Claire was joined by three brilliant fish producers. Mags Kirwan from Goatsbridge Trout, Kian Louët-Feisser from Carlingford Oysters and Sally Barnes from Woodcock Smokery.
A Look back on a busy weekend of sport
We take a look back on a busy weekend of sport with Colm Boohig from Off The Ball. With thanks to Visa.
Netflix faces backlash over AI-generated Gene Wilder voice
Netflix is facing backlash as the voice of actor Gene Wilder has been recreated using AI for a new Willy Wonka-themed competition show.. Netflix says it will use AI to recreate his voice throughout the show. Joining Claire to discuss further is Film Reviewer, Cara O’Doherty.
Nigel Farage is facing new allegations about his finances
Nigel Farage is facing new allegations about his finances. The latest accusations involve George Cottrell, a longtime advisor to Farage who was jailed for fraud in the US. For more this Claire spoke to Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London and Kevin Maguire, Daily Mirror Columnist.&
How is the fast-track system for asylum seekers working?
Nine out of 10 asylum seekers whose requests for international protection were assessed using a fast-track procedure had their claims rejected by the State. That is according to the Internal Department of Justice briefings Does this mean the system is working? Claire discussed this further with Cathal Malone, Immigration Lawyer and Head of Legal
Travel with Ed: Cruise holidays
As some countries Irish people love to visit at this time of the year get a little too hot in the summer. Would you consider a different kind of holiday? Ed Finn gives us tips on taking a cruise holiday.
Are home renovations worth the cost?
Is the cost of an eco upgrade on your house worth it? How long will it take to make back the money you’ve spent on solar panels? To explain all was Engineer and Director of KMC Homes in Cork Kieran McCarthy.
Leader of Sinn Féin and TD for Dublin Central, Mary Lou McDonald
Claire was joined in studio by Leader of Sinn Féin and TD for Dublin Central, Mary Lou McDonald. Up for discussion was hare coursing, Sinn Fein leadership, immigration , fuel supports and more.
Claire Byrne Recommends: Never Have I Ever
Here’s the latest episode of my new series, Never Have I Ever, the podcast in which I admit to the things I’ve never done. This week, I put on my best poker face to meet Andy Black, a professional card player, performance coach... and former Buddhist monk!Search for ‘Never Have I Ever’ wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow or subscribe, so you never miss an episode.N
The Debrief
Welcome to The Debrief, where we look back on some of the biggest stories of the week. Joining Claire in studio was Mick Clifford, of the Irish Examiner, Jane Matthews, Political Reporter with The Journal and Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of the Better with Money podcast with The Irish Times .
Men are twice as likely to hit a wall in the marathon
A study has found that men are almost twice as likely to “hit the wall”, and researchers have suggested it is down to overconfidence. To discuss this further with Claire was Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance DCU Niall Moyna.
The Vatican excommunicates six ultraconservative bishops over ordination
The Vatican has excommunicated six bishops from the ultraconservative Society of St Pius X . It has said any lay believers who "formally adhere" to the group would suffer the same fate. We get more on this with Josephine McKenna, Freelance Journalist in Rome.
The ‘poshification’ of festivals
Is slumming it in tents a thing of the past for festivals? Have festivals become posher in recent years? To discuss this with Claire was Laura Mullet, Journalist and Stylist and Philip Meagher Festival Director of Forest Fest.
Henry McKean is star gazing on the streets of NYC
Taylor Swift will today marry Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, with 1,000 invited A list stars and family. Top secrecy around this wedding has made it difficult for the global media to cover. But this only encouraged Henry McKean who reports for us live from the streets of New York.
Is it time to roll back environmental legislation?
Sean O’Driscoll, Chairman of the Infrastructure Taskforce, is calling for action to roll back environmental laws. Saying the rules have been weaponised and are tying the system up in knots.We get reaction to this with Deirdre Duffy, CEO of Friends of the Earth.
Is gentle parenting leading to unruly behaviour?
Gentle parenting, is it creating more emotionally intelligent children or is it leading to unruly behaviour? One French psychologist says positive parenting is leading to spoilt children. This has led to a huge debate in France about how to best parent your children. Claire discusses this further with Irish Independent Journalist Mary McCarthy.
What is trending online this week?
Broadcaster Ciaran Halpin joined Claire in studio to go through what is trending online this week.
