Location:
Ireland
Genres:
News & Politics Podcasts
Description:
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.
Language:
English
Email:
digital@newstalk.com
The Debrief
5/29/2026
W e look back on some of the biggest stories of the week. Jonathan was joined by Weekend Columnist with The Irish Examiner, Esther McCarthy and Southern Correspondent for The Irish Independent, Ralph Riegel.
Duration:00:15:06
Mothers in addiction face more stigma and barriers to treatment
5/29/2026
Patients of addiction services used to be majority male, but rehab facilities are seeing an increase in female clients and as a result, more mothers than ever before. But mothers in addiction face more stigma and barriers to treatment that may keep them and their children in the throes of addiction longer.
Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports on those trying to change that.
Duration:00:12:46
What is there to do this holiday weekend?
5/29/2026
With the bank holiday weekend edging ever closer, it’s time to get into holiday mode!
What is there to do this holiday weekend? Also with the holiday season fast approaching, what options do we have to holiday at home this summer? Jonathan discusses this and more with Edana Flynn, Regional Digital Journalist with Irish Independent and Owner of The Travel Expert Sarah Slattery.
Duration:00:13:25
A look ahead to the weekend of sport
5/29/2026
We look ahead to all the weekend sporting action with Gavan Casey, Senior Sports Writer with The 42.
Duration:00:08:54
How to be a spy!
5/29/2026
Actor Riz Ahmed has recently spoken about how British spies have tried to recruit him on three separate occasions. Saying that he found the surprise approaches as hilarious and comedic.
So is the only into way into the world of espionage to be headhunted? And what are the skills required? To share their expertise on what’s needed. Jonathan was joined by by Assistant Professor of International Relations at the University of Nottingham, Dr Dan Lomas
Duration:00:09:39
Bottles and cans a new kind of street currency?
5/29/2026
The Deposit Return Scheme has been a success from an environmental perspective but between people searching through bins for discarded cans to others lifting bottles from street restaurant tables, the scheme has created some unexpected new habits.
So, have bottles and cans become a new kind of street currency? Jonathan asked Dr Martina Devlin novelist and Irish Independent columnist and Shane Gleeson Who Runs 5 Spar Shops Across Limerick.
Duration:00:13:48
A man has been held after a mum of two was stabbed to death
5/29/2026
A man has been held after a mum of two was stabbed to death near her asylum centre home. Jonathan got the latest on this with Irish Examiner Southern Correspondent Liz Dunphy.
Duration:00:04:33
Mosquitoes can become attracted to insect repellant!
5/29/2026
For a lot of international travellers, mosquitoes can be the worst part of the experience, but at least we all have that spray to keep them away.
Now we are hearing that mosquitoes can be attracted to the Deet repellant, and associate it with feeding. To explain this a bit more, Jonathan was joined by Medical Director of the Tropical Medical Bureau, Dr Graham Fry.
Duration:00:07:56
What has been trending online this week?
5/29/2026
What’s been trending online this week? RedFM presenter Eimear Hallihan tell us all.
Duration:00:10:19
How expensive is AI for companies?
5/29/2026
We’re hearing all the time that AI is going to take all our jobs. But word is now that it might actually be too expensive for companies to keep using. To discuss further with Jonathan was Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly.
Duration:00:08:04
35 arson attacks on council homes in Dublin alone last year
5/29/2026
There were 35 arson attacks on council homes in Dublin alone last year.
It’s used as a means of intimidating people but is “traumatising” communities and costing local authorities millions of euro. Figures obtained by The Irish Times indicate these attacks, usually related to drug debt intimidation or gang feuding, are increasing across the country
For more on this Jonathan spoke to the Irish Times Social Affairs Correspondent Kitty Holland.
Duration:00:08:31
The latest on the trial of Jeffery Donaldson
5/29/2026
Today is day two of Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial. We get the latest on the trial with Emily Keegan, Newstalk Reporter.
Duration:00:05:00
Going Green: Repak is featuring at Bloom 2026
5/28/2026
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak joined Claire in studio to discuss the EU regulations on packaging that are coming into effect. Also teaching children on recycling and how Repak is featuring at this year's Bloom Garden Festival.
Going Green is with thanks to Repak.
Duration:00:07:26
The most surprising celebrity endorsements of all time
5/28/2026
Joining Claire this morning was Presenter of Newstalk’s Screentime – John Fardy to chat about the worst and surprising celebrity endorsements of all time.
Duration:00:09:38
Be aware of fake investment AI generated ads
5/28/2026
Fake investment products being promoted by AI-generated ads are on the rise and banks are asking customers to be alert. We get the details from Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime with BPFI.
Duration:00:09:43
Be Like the Sea: Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain
5/28/2026
Marie Gleeson spent two decades in the Irish Navy, rising to become captain of the LÉ Aoife.
In her memoir, Be Like the Sea: Life, Learnings and Leadership from an Irish Navy Captain, she shares the experiences, challenges and lessons that shaped her time in the Navy. Marie joined Claire in the studio today.
Duration:00:22:55
Health insurance advice from Dermot Goode
5/28/2026
Dermot Goode of healthinsuranceireland.ie has joined me because if your health insurance hasn’t increased already this year, chances are you could be facing a hike next month.
Duration:00:11:45
Author of ‘The Power of Hormones’ Dr Louise Newson
5/28/2026
Dr Louise Newson is a specialist when it comes to women's hormones and is referred to as ‘The medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution’.
A Sunday times bestselling author and host of the UK’s No.1s medical podcast. Author of ‘The Power of Hormones’ Dr Louise Newson chatted to Claire this morning.
Duration:00:13:14
What it is like to train to be a guard?
5/28/2026
An Garda Siochána is recruiting trainees right now. What it is like to train to be a guard amd what might your career look like once you start wearing the uniform?
To explain all to Claire was Garda Emma Henebery and Garda Patrick McElroy.
Duration:00:10:25
The US and Iran traded fire overnight
5/28/2026
The US and Iran traded fire overnight, casting further doubt on whether the fragile ceasefire will hold. To get an update on the current situation Claire spoke to Adam Parsons, Sky’s Middle East Correspondent.
Duration:00:07:18