Explore every episode of the podcast The Claire Byrne Show

Are we all reading enough?  Some experts are worried that we’re not, and there’s a national campaign to change that. 

Ireland Reads is hoping to inspire people to get lost in a good book this February. To tell us more was Author Sarah Webb.

US YouTube star Logan Paul made headlines this week after he sold a single Pokémon card for a record breaking 13.9 million euros. So why is there such a buzz around these cards, and is there a ceiling to their value?

To discuss this Claire spoke to Liam Shaughnessy, of Complete Collections, and of the Ireland Card Show.

Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson has hope he will get out of prison as the Parole Board is reviewing the case.  

Sky News Correspondent and Author of ‘No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason' Martin Brunt has been corresponding with Bronson for years and he joined Claire this morning on the show.

Storm Éowyn brought record breaking gusts of over 180 Kilometres  caused over €200 million worth of damage and left 800,000 homes and businesses without power. At one point a million people had no phone, data or broadband.

Henry McKean visited a community in West Cavan who struggled for the best part of a month with no electricity. The power went back on this week a year ago. Henry been back to West Cavan.

About €295bn in wealth is set to be transferred to family and others over the next couple of decades in Ireland. 

So making sure your will is right is really important. All to discuss with  Elaine Byrne, Solicitor specialising in Wills & Probate. 

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 is it? To chat about this, Claire spoke to Model Agency Owner, Celia Holman Lee, and Founder of Goss.ie, Ali Ryan. 

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. We get more on this with  LBC Presenter Shelagh Fogarty. 

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 avalanches have been happening in the Alps here in Europe over the last few weeks. To discuss this with Claire was Henry Schniewind a ski instructor and avalanche expert based in the French Alps.

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 not be joining as a member. 

For more on this meeting Claire was joined by Robert Jimison, Congressional Correspondent with The New York Times. 

The Washington Post recently went through mass layoffs, resulting in many journalists finding themselves suddenly out of work. Sam Fortier, a US-based sports journalist, was one of them, and he went viral online after he uploaded a video of himself receiving the news. Sam joined Claire this morning.

UN human rights rapporteurs have strongly criticised An Garda Siochana for purchasing ‘double strength’ pepper sprays. 

These were then used on protesters near the Dublin Tunnel last year. 

So do they have a point?  Or should the gardai be allowed to use whatever force is necessary? Claire discussed further with Dr Lucy Michael is principal investigator at the Lucy Michael Research Training and Consultancy and former member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Also on the line is former Detective Pat Marry. 

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 Copeland.

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 clothes to donate to charity, but what if they’re not going to charity at all?   Newstalk’s Sarah Madden has been looking into the resurgence of charity clothes collection scams.

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 around the corner and the man behind some of this pioneering technology joined Claire on the show.

Professor John Donoghue, who created the first brain chip named ‘BrainGate’.

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 Harland and Louisa spoke to Claire ahead of the awards.

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 loss medication, and stopping it. 

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 by the opposition’s Gianluca Prestianni. 

To talk through what happened Claire spoke to Daniel Pitcher, from Off The Ball, and former Irish football international and rugby player, Jackie McCarthy O’Brien. 

On the topic of abuse in sport, Australian professional tennis player Destanee Aiava, announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 25 and says it is a toxic environment. Claire spoke to former professional tennis player, Jenny Claffey. 

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.

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, stroke, dementia, pregnancy complications as well as mental health issues.  

So is clean air a human right? 

Jennifer Whitmore is a Social Democrats TD for Wicklow and Spokesperson for Climate, Environment and Energy 

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 for the so-called "middle classes” look like? 

All to discuss with Cian Carolan QFA, Managing Director DNG Financial Services. 

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” public toilets. 

Someone who supports that plan is CEO of Dublin Town Richard Guiney who joined Claire in studio. Also Claire heard from Maria Crowe, campaigner for the No Wait Card.

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 repair. Speaking to Claire was The Irish Road Haulage Association Deputy Vice President Eugene Drennan. 

It’s Pancake Tuesday, so better to hear from on this day than chef and mindful eating coach Aisling Larkin! 

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 clarify on instagram that the US wasn’t hiding aliens saying: “I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!” 

But it doesn’t matter, people’s imaginations had already stirred.

To discuss the chances of aliens having visited earth Claire chatted to Space Commentator, Leo Enright. 

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 works. 

So is reviving TV shows a guaranteed success?  Or should they just be left alone and remembered for what they were? Entertainment journalist Olivia Fahy joined Claire to chat further.

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 Ossoff? We asked Simon Marks, Chief Correspondent at Feature Story News.

Actress Charlene McKenna currently starring alongside her real-life husband in a new production of The Crucible in The Gaiety Theatre. Charlene joined Claire in studio this morning.

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 you, and more importantly, how you can take control of that information.

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. This can obviously influence decision making when it comes to the school you choose for you children. But is that fair? 

All to discuss with Neil Kenny, Associate Professor at School of Inclusive and Special Education at DCU.

A Thai masseuse has been forced to stop accepting male customers after she was bombarded with requests for sexual services.  

Yosita Fitzpatrick established Connemara Thai Massage in Letterfrack, a small rural village in Ireland. But how common is this experience for women who have come to live and work in Ireland 

Joining Claire was Teresa Buczkowska is the CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

With housing unaffordable, work insecurity and lay offs and education keeping younger people dependent for longer, many are living longer at home or moving back in with their parents.   This might feel like a failure to both sides and cause conflict within the family system and big feelings.  

So what to do when conflict arises? Claire discusses further with Psychotherapist Michelle Flynn.

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 online. And what an impact he had on the civil rights movement in the US. 

Someone who knew him well was author and playwright, Bonnie Greer.

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? A lot to discuss with Architect Roisin Murphy.

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 question-and-answer session with playwright and performer Rex Ryan.  

The play centres on Hutch’s recent trial before the Special Criminal Court.  But is this art or propaganda?  Claire discuss this further with Ken Sweeney, Showbiz editor with The Irish Sun was at the play, Willie White of TU Dublin research and Innovation and Former Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival. Also with more reaction was Christy Galligan Former Garda Sergeant and peace commissioner. 

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 this morning. Our Reporter Ellen Butler is in Castleruddery and she gave us an update from the scene.

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 tips and advice.

Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob are today starting a search operation in Wicklow, near the Wicklow/Kildare border. 

Stephen Breen, Crime Editor of the Irish Sun brought Claire the details.

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 Ball’s Eoin Sheahan this morning. 

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 joined by Registered Dietician with Eatwell.ie, Sarah Keogh. 

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, in-depth reporting and analysis on Ireland’s health and education system.  

Paul joined Claire on the show in a more personal capacity with the release of his book, Outsider, a memoir about his investigation into his own background and adoption.  

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 his main reasons being the requirement for celibacy.  Alberto joined Claire on the show this morning.

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 its proposal to increase deportations of people with no legal right to stay in the EU. 

So could ICE style enforcement really take place in Europe? All to discuss with Louise Bonneau the Advocacy Officer at PICUM - the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants.

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 concerns from parents and schools. 

We get reaction from Andy Pike the Head of the Education Division in Forsa and Michelle Cotterill is principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys National School in Glenageary. 

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 on 7th–13th June 2026. Nicolas explained to Claire why he is doing the cycle and how people can get involved.

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 outside? To discuss this, I’m now joined by Outdoors Content Creator and Advocate, Nollaig Butler. 

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 Woodlock has been looking into the role A.I could be playing behind the scenes in government communications and she joined Claire to discuss.

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 discussed the report findings with Sean Canney, Minister of State for Transport. 

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 Economist, David W. Higgins, Political Correspondent for The Irish Examiner, Louise Burne, and Freelance Broadcaster, Meghann Scully. 

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 effect could this have? All to discuss with Henrique Schneider is Secretary General of the Party.

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 start of quite an extraordinary journey and nine caps for Italy. Irish born, former Italian international Ian McKinley joined Claire in studio.