Shows / The Claire Byrne Show

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…
Episodes
The Claire Byrne ShowAn avalanche expert on the California and French avalanches
Eight skiers have been found dead and one remains missing after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California – the deadliest in four decades. And similar…
The Claire Byrne ShowAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. We get more on this with LBC Presenter Shelagh Fogarty.
The Claire Byrne ShowHow smartly should you dress at work?
How smartly should you dress at work? This perennial topic has raised its head once again, with a call to tackle leisurewear in offices. So how big of an issue…
The Claire Byrne Show'Board of Peace' first meeting
The European Union will take part in today’s inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace”, but a spokesman insisted that Brussels would…
The Claire Byrne ShowJournalist records the moment he is laid off by Washington Post
The Washington Post recently went through mass layoffs, resulting in many journalists finding themselves suddenly out of work. Sam Fortier, a US-based sports…
The Claire Byrne ShowUN human rights rapporteurs criticise gardai ‘double strength’ pepper sprays
UN human rights rapporteurs have strongly criticised An Garda Siochana for purchasing ‘double strength’ pepper sprays. These were then used on protesters near…
The Claire Byrne ShowWhat Made Me? Louis Copeland
Louis Copeland & Sons has been a family business for four generations, but what does it take to be a top-notch tailor? All to chat about and more with Louis…
The Claire Byrne ShowAll about the first brain chip named ‘BrainGate’
Could we soon stream music directly into our brains or have the ability to communicate with each other using telepathy? Some believe these things are just…
The Claire Byrne ShowThe resurgence of charity clothes collection scams
It may not feel like it yet, but Spring is just around the corner, and so too are the annual wardrobe clear outs. Many of us will be filling bags of unwanted…
The Claire Byrne ShowIFTA Rising Star nominee Dublin actor Louisa Harland
The 2026 Screen Ireland IFTA Rising Star winner will be announced this Friday at the 2026 IFTA Awards Ceremony. One of the nominees is Dublin actor Louisa…
The Claire Byrne ShowExpected and unexpected effects of starting weight loss medication
I’m now joined by Dr Paddy Barrett, Preventative Cardiologist at Blackrock Clinic, to talk about both the expected and unexpected effects of starting weight…
The Claire Byrne ShowRacism in football and misogyny in tennis
The Champions League tie between Benfica and Real Madrid was halted for 10 minutes after the spanish team’s forward, Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused…
The Claire Byrne ShowA new savings scheme plan from Minister Harris
The Tanaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris says that only the uber-wealthy can make money on their investments. So what might his special savings plan…
The Claire Byrne ShowIs clean air a human right?
How important is the cleanliness of the air we breathe? Well, a new report says that air pollution has no safe level and contributes to heart and lung disease…
The Claire Byrne ShowThe habits that are hurting our bodies
We are all doing things every day that are hurting our bodies. It’s actually pretty easy to stop them, and to tell us how was Physiotherapist Lowry O’Mahony.
The Claire Byrne ShowShould empty shops be turned into ‘concierge-type’ public toilets?
What should be done with the empty shops in our cities? One proposal being considered by Dublin City Council is turning them into staffed “concierge-type”…
The Claire Byrne ShowA call for the RSA to be disbanded
The Irish Road Haulage Association will today tell the transport committee that the Road safety authority needs "radical reform" and that it is broken beyond…
The Claire Byrne ShowHow to make that perfect pancake!
It’s Pancake Tuesday, so better to hear from on this day than chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin!
The Claire Byrne ShowThe chances of aliens having visited earth
Former US President Barack Obama comments on aliens have been trending online after was asked about them on a podcast It caused such a big stir he had to…
The Claire Byrne ShowCharlene McKenna starring in The Crucible in The Gaiety Theatre
Actress Charlene McKenna currently starring alongside her real-life husband in a new production of The Crucible in The Gaiety Theatre. Charlene joined Claire…
The Claire Byrne ShowIs reviving TV shows a guaranteed success?
90s medical comedy ‘Scrubs’ returns to our screens for a reboot series, and it’s not the only one!Remakes of Malcolm in the Middle and Buffy are also in the…
The Claire Byrne ShowWhy are Democrats excited about Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff?
There’s a young American politician making waves in the Democratic party who feels like one to watch. Why are Democrats excited about Georgia senator Jon…
The Claire Byrne ShowHow much does Google know about you?
Over 4 billion people use Google products every day, and Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins us now to talk through what Google knows about…
The Claire Byrne ShowA Thai masseuse has been forced to stop accepting male customers
A Thai masseuse has been forced to stop accepting male customers after she was bombarded with requests for sexual services. Yosita Fitzpatrick established…
The Claire Byrne ShowDoes the feeder school system work?
Data on feeder schools provides parents with information on how many students from each school in the country head to various third-level colleges in Ireland…
The Claire Byrne ShowUS civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died aged 84
US civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has died aged 84. Jackson died peacefully this morning, surrounded by his family, they said in a statement…
The Claire Byrne ShowWhen conflict arises within the family system
With housing unaffordable, work insecurity and lay offs and education keeping younger people dependent for longer, many are living longer at home or moving…
The Claire Byrne ShowHow liveable Dublin can remain if independent traders vanish?
What does the closure of one independent bike shop say about Dublin city? How liveable Dublin can remain if independent traders and venues continue to vanish?…
The Claire Byrne Show'The Monk' play is this art or propaganda?
Gerry Hutch made a surprise appearance on stage on the opening night of 'The Monk' play at Dublin's Ambassador Theatre, taking part in a fictional live…
The Claire Byrne ShowA search at a Co Wicklow quarry continues
A search at a Co Wicklow quarry as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murders of Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard in the 1990s has resumed…
The Claire Byrne ShowGardening with Marie Staunton
It may not feel like it, but apparently, it’s a good time to start gardening! Or at least so says Gardener Marie Staunton who brought us loads of gardening…
The Claire Byrne ShowA look back on the busy weekend of sport
The FA Cup 4th round is nearly over, Ireland eke past Italy in the Six Nations, and our youngest ever Alpine Skier at 17 years old! All to chat about with Off…
The Claire Byrne ShowA new search operation into the disappearance of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob
Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob are today starting a search operation in Wicklow, near the…
The Claire Byrne ShowIntermittent fasting is no better than traditional dieting methods
New research has shown that the modern trend of intermittent fasting is no better than the more traditional dieting methods. To discuss this study, I’m now…
The Claire Byrne ShowPaul Cullen in his new memoir 'Outsider'
Paul Cullen is perhaps best known for his work as a journalist. Writing for the Irish Times for more than 30 years, he covered wars, famine and closer to home…
The Claire Byrne ShowFormer-priest Alberto Ravagnani on leaving the priesthood
Social media sensation and former-priest Alberto Ravagnani has attracted a lot of attention recently after his decision to leave the priesthood, with one of…
The Claire Byrne ShowCould ICE style enforcement really take place in Europe?
More than 80 rights organisations have called on the EU to prevent ICE-style deportation of undocumented people. Last March, the European Commission laid out…
The Claire Byrne ShowSNA cuts in schools across Ireland in next school year
Schools across Ireland have been told they’re going to lose some special needs assistants for the next school year. This is obviously leading to growing…
The Claire Byrne ShowThe ‘Purple House Madrid to Bilbao Cycle’ with Nicolas Roche
Nicolas Roche, Former Professional Cyclist and Event Ambassador is doing a charity cycle in Spain soon. The ‘Purple House Madrid to Bilbao Cycle’ takes places…
The Claire Byrne ShowTravel: Camping and hiking in bad weather it can be done!
Since the start of the year, there’s been nothing but rain, leaving us stuck indoors almost every day. But are we really stuck? Or are we choosing to not go…
The Claire Byrne ShowDoes AI influence extend into the running of the country?
We all know artificial intelligence is seeping into our daily lives, but does its influence extend into the running of the country? Our reporter Jessica…
The Claire Byrne ShowGardaí seized almost 20,000 vehicles without insurance
Almost 20,000 vehicles were seized for being driven without insurance in 2025. That’s according to a report from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland. Claire…
The Claire Byrne ShowThe Debrief looks back on the stories of the week
Welcome to The Debrief, where we take a look back on the week and also a little look ahead to the weekend. This week Claire was joined by Independent…
The Claire Byrne ShowA proposal for a population cap in Switzerland
Switzerland will vote this summer on a proposal from the right-wing conservative Swiss People’s party to limit the country’s population to 10 million. What…
The Claire Byrne ShowIrish born, former Italian international Ian McKinley
My next guest was a rising rugby star whose career seemed like it would be shattered by a freak accident that left him blind in one eye. But in fact, it was…
The Claire Byrne ShowGetting that spark back in your relationship!
Now if you are in a long-term relationship, the spark might not have died but the likelihood is that its not burning as brightly as it once did. And romance…
The Claire Byrne ShowA mother pleas for the return of personal items from her young son's grave
Daragh McNally was 11 when he died just over six years ago. This week, Daragh’s mother Colleen took to social media after she discovery that precious, personal…
The Claire Byrne ShowA look ahead to the weekend of sport
Six Nations this weekend, multiple sackings in the Premier League, and FA Cup 4th Round action. Plenty to talk about with Off The Ball’s Eoin Sheahan.
The Claire Byrne ShowFake Brad why are we all falling for the AI pictures?
If you haven’t already heard, Brad Pitt is in Ireland filming a new movie. As you can imagine, people are now on Brad-watch trying to get a glimpse of the…
The Claire Byrne ShowCalls for Ireland to refuse to play Israel in Nations League
Calls have been growing for Ireland to refuse to play Israel in the Nations league The Venues for the fixtures will be confirmed later today, but we know now…
The Claire Byrne ShowThe awareness of the dangers that button batteries pose
New research from University of Galway has found that a spoonful of honey can help delay the corrosive damage caused if a child swallows a button battery The…
The Claire Byrne ShowLatest on the weather warnings for rain and low temperatures
Flooding has been reported in several areas of north Dublin, with a Status Yellow rain warning in place for the capital and Wicklow, ahead of a low temperature…
The Claire Byrne ShowBitcoin ransom maybe actually help trace the kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie
The search for Nancy Guthrie has continued into a second week. Her family has said they are willing to pay the reported $6 million ransom via bitcoin and some…
The Claire Byrne ShowHow to Gael – The resurgence of the Irish Language
The How to Gael podcast have announced a new tour. After a sold-out run last year, the bilingual podcast is back with a new live show ‘Le Gealaí’. To chat all…
The Claire Byrne ShowRemembering James Van Der Beek
Dawson's Creek actors have led tributes to James Van Der Beek, who has died aged 48 after suffering from bowel cancer. Harriet Alexander, US based Journalist…
The Claire Byrne ShowThe greatest love stories on big screen
This week sees the release of the much anticipated Wuthering Heights, which has given us the wonderful excuse to look back at some of the greatest love stories…
The Claire Byrne ShowAsk The Expert: Blood donation
Just 3% of the eligible population gives blood, even though one in four people will need a transfusion in their lifetime. So, what’s stopping us? All to chat…
The Claire Byrne ShowThe behind-the-scenes Olympics drama
Ireland haven’t featured heavily in the Winter Olympics but that hasn’t stopped it being interesting. Because it’s the drama behind the scenes that has really…
The Claire Byrne ShowCalls for a counter-drone security coordinator
Ireland must act now to appoint a counter-drone security coordinator, so says Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews. The call comes as the EU has announced a major new…
The Claire Byrne ShowDozens of women travelling to Spain to get treatment for incontinence
A dispute over how best to treat women suffering with incontinence has led to dozens of women travelling to Spain for surgery performed by an Irish doctor…