Podcast charts
Published by Newstalk
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.
On the charts
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From the feed
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The Ed Sheeran controversy continues with some fans trying to resell tickets, his music being removed from some radio stations. Claire discusses this further with Bethany Minelle, Sky Arts and Entertainment Reporter and Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Musician from Hothouse Flowers and Broadcaster .
It's that time of the week when our panel will debrief the stories of the week. On the panel today with Claire was Elaine Loughlin , Irish Examiner Political Editor. Also Sinead O'Carroll, News editor at the Journal and Adrian Weckler , Technology Editor with the Irish Independent.
Robert Harris is a bestselling author who has sold millions of books worldwide. He masterfully turns history into gripping stories that keep us enthralled until the very last page. His new book is called Agrippa and Robert joined Claire in studio to chat all about it.
We take a look ahead to the weekend of sport with Off The Ball's Phil Egan.
Hundreds of ex-rugby players are pursuing legal action over head injuries sustained while playing the sport. The players allege repeated blows on the pitch have caused neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and early-onset dementia. To discuss head injuries in the sport was rugby legend Will Greenwood.
Recently we spoke to the Trinity students who had chained themselves to the Department of Justice. They were protesting over the visas being denied for the students in Palestine. Speaking to Claire was Human Rights Lawyer and Barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher, who represents Othman, a Gazan journalist. Who should be starting in UCD this week but he is trapped in the warzone.
Do you know how to handle your stress levels? Or is it something you struggle with? Here to help was Pharmacist in Balally Pharmacy in South Dublin Tom McKenna.
With the country currently at full employment. Many of those who are entering the workforce, or even those trying to change jobs might be finding things tricky. For analysis, and some advice, Claire spoke to Peter Cosgrove, who is Managing Director of Careers Portal.
The Gardai whistleblowing controversy continues this morning. Yesterday we spoke to Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary about the systems in place for whistleblowers and specifically the retired Lieutenant Colonel Ray Lane . Speaking to Claire was Lieutenant Colonel Ray Lane and Alan Kelly, Labour's Spokesperson on Justice, and TD for Tipperary North.
The French Finance Minister, Roland Lescure wants Ireland to share the technology tax revenues they earn every year. He told the Irish times that the income should be redistributed fairly across the continent. To discuss this further with Claire was Cormac Lucey, economic columnist with the Sunday Times (Ireland).
On the 'Green Scene' this week, we discuss the connection between our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the planet. What can happen when we take a time to notice that connection? Joining Claire to chat about it was Pat Kane is a sustainability advocate and the founder of Reuzi. Going Green is with thanks to Repak.
Dormer Supreme Court Judge Marie Baker joined Claire in studio to chat about her career and how busy it still is after retiring.
Minister for Housing James Browne wants a boost to the help-to-buy tax refund for first-time buyers to 50 thousand euro. Thousands of homeowners have availed of the scheme since 2016, and now the Housing Minister seems to want to boost the money available. Claire discusses this and more with Eoin O'Broin is the Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Housing, and TD for Dublin West. Also with Carol Tallon, CEO of Property District, and PhD student researching spatial planning.
What is it like to be there for someone during their final days and hours? For Night Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society Aisling McCann it is her career and vocation. Care for people and their families at the end of their lives.
The US has deployed weapons in space. The US military have confirmed it and analysts are warning it could accelerate a high-risk arms race with Russia and China in Earth’s orbit. To explain this further with Claire was Military Analyst and Co-Host of The Red Matrix Podcast Sean Bell.
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has been released from hospital after he was assaulted while stopped in traffic in Dublin yesterday. Gardaí are to hold a press conference following the attack. Mattie McGrath, Independent TD gave his reaction to what has happened.
Students from the Trinity Student Union have chained themselves to the Department of Justice in protest at visas being denied for students in Palestine. Speaking to Claire was Amy Kennedy the Trinity College Student Union President, and she is one of those who has tied themselves to the railings .
Princess Diana’s Brother has been engaged in a war of words with King Charles. The conflict arose from new claims in Earl Spencer’s new biography of his sister. These claims has prompted a rare statement from the palace.
Babydoc the nursery retailer with stores in Dublin, Limerick and online, has gone into liquidation. Hundreds of parents who have paid deposits averaging €1,500 could be affected. For more details on this Claire spoke to Business Journalist with The Currency Tom Lyon.
Two experienced case handlers in the whistleblower department of the Gardaí have become whistleblowers themselves. They claim whistleblowers have been penalised for coming forward. They are among four Garda whistleblowers who spoke in an RTÉ Investigates programme last night. Speaking to Claire this morning was Garda Siochana Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 20, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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