Newstalk Weekend

Ulysses occupies a curious place on the bookshelf. It's a novel we're told we should read. A masterpiece we're expected to admire. And a book that many of us have never actually made it through. Claire Byrne is one of them. This week’s guest is Richard Boyd Barrett, the Dún Laoghaire TD whose love of James Joyce stretches far beyond politics. Together he and Claire explore why Ulysses has earned its fearsome reputation, whether it's really as inaccessible as people believe, and why a story about one ordinary day in Dublin captivates readers more than a century after it was published. As Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey sparks fresh interest in the ancient epic that inspired Joyce, Richard makes the case for rediscovering Ireland's greatest novel—not as an academic exercise, but as a funny, human, and surprisingly rewarding read. Can he persuade Claire to finally turn the page? Or will Ulysses remain firmly on her "Never Have I Ever" list?  This is the last episode of the current series. Never Have I Ever will return in Autumn 2026. 

For most of us, war is something we witness from a distance. For Sally Hayden, it's become her life's work. This week, Claire Byrne meets the award-winning Irish journalist whose reporting has taken her from refugee camps to conflict zones across almost 40 countries.  Together they explore what it means to live in or return to places most people are desperate to escape, how ordinary people endure extraordinary circumstances, and why telling those stories still matters. Sally reflects on fear, resilience, the emotional toll of bearing witness, and the moments of humanity, humour and hope that survive even in the darkest places. And Claire wonders: can anyone truly prepare themselves for a career spent documenting war?   This Is Also A Love Story by Sally Hayden is published by 4th Estate. 

Festival camping has never made sense to Claire Byrne. Sleepless nights in tents, mud, queues for the toilets... Why would anyone willingly swap the comforts of home for a damp field? So, at the height of festival season, Claire sets out to discover what she's been missing. Her guide is Philip Meagher – solicitor by day, music obsessive by nature, and the founder of Forest Fest in Emo, Co. Laois. Philip took a remarkable gamble, investing his own money to build a festival designed for people who still love live music but don't necessarily want to rough it. Can Philip persuade one lifelong sceptic that sleeping in a tent is a small price to pay for the magic that happens when thousands of strangers come together for one unforgettable weekend? Or will festival camping stay firmly on Claire's "Never Have I Ever" list? 📧 Have a suggestion for something Claire should try next? Email: [email protected] 🎪 Find out more about Forest Fest: https://forestfest.ie/ 🍺 With thanks to Ballykilcavan Brewery for hosting this episode: https://www.ballykilcavan.com/ 

Consultant paediatric surgeon Jennifer Billington takes Claire Byrne behind the operating theatre doors, sharing what it's really like to operate on babies and children, where every millimetre matters and every decision carries enormous responsibility.  From fighting for her place in medical school after missing the points twice, to operating on some of the smallest and sickest children, Jenny reveals the pressure, privilege, and humanity behind the surgical mask. Can Claire overcome her squeamishness? Jenny offers a gentler first step – watching real surgical procedures on video. Could this be one "Never Have I Ever" that's about to become a "Maybe..."? Email the podcast on [email protected]. 

What does it take to walk onto a stage with nothing but a microphone... and make strangers laugh? Claire Byrne has never done stand-up comedy. Al Porter has spent much of his life doing exactly that. From becoming one of Ireland's biggest comedy stars while still in his twenties to experiencing a spectacular public fall from grace, Al joins Claire for a candid conversation about confidence, shame, addiction, failure, forgiveness, and the strange power of humour. Why are comedians often at their funniest when talking about the worst things that have ever happened to them? Can laughter change the way we remember painful experiences? And is making fun of yourself an act of courage... or self-preservation? This is a conversation about far more than jokes. It's about what happens when your greatest material comes from the parts of your life you'd rather forget. Does Claire have the courage to give it a go? Al’s show Algorithm will continue across Ireland throughout the autumn. His debut play, written with Karl Spain, The Kavanagh’s Married With Parents, will be staged at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght this September. He’ll also star in the 3Olympia Panto next Christmas.  

Poker is about far more than cards. It's about psychology, pressure, risk, and knowing when to trust your instincts. In this week’s episode, Claire meets one of Ireland's greatest poker players, Andy Black. From multimillion-dollar tournaments in Las Vegas to years spent living in a Buddhist community, Andy's life has been anything but conventional. With the World Series of Poker reaching its climax, Claire explores what it takes to make decisions when the stakes are high, why fear can be both a warning and a weakness, and whether taking a chance is ever really a gamble. Can Andy convince Claire to sit down at a poker table... for real? Email the show at [email protected].

What would happen if somebody put you under constant surveillance, deprived you of sleep, encouraged you to distrust everyone around you, and then broadcast the results to the nation? For most of us, it sounds like a nightmare. For Vanessa Ogbonna, it was a winning strategy. This week, Claire sits down with one of the stars of The Traitors Ireland to talk about what reality TV is really like once the cameras start rolling. Vanessa lifts the lid on the strange psychological experiment at the heart of one of Ireland’s biggest TV hits. Born in Nigeria and raised in Waterford Vanessa reflects on growing up in direct provision, finding belonging through football and the devastating setbacks that forced her to rethink her future. As World Cup fever takes a grip, she shares how football became an escape and an identity — and why losing it was one of the hardest challenges she’s ever faced. Together, Claire and Vanessa talk about what it feels like to be watched and judged by complete strangers. And of course, Claire asks the question many listeners will already be wondering: should she sign up for Celebrity Traitors? If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast, leave a rating, and tell a friend. And if there's a Never Have I Ever confession you'd like Claire to tackle, we'd love to hear from you: [email protected]. 

Never Have I Ever is the podcast where Claire Byrne explores things she's never done by talking to people who have. This week, she steps up to the front of the room. Claire's been to plenty of weddings and funerals, but she's never been the person leading the ceremony. So, in episode three, she meets Karen Dempsey, one of Ireland's best-known celebrants and the founder of Entheos Ireland. They explore what it means to be invited into people's most intimate moments. From weddings filled with hope to deathbed ceremonies and the funerals of babies and children, Karen reflects on the privilege and emotional weight of her work. Claire asks how anyone can carry those experiences, while Karen explains her mission to create spaces for people who feel excluded from traditional faith, including many LGBTQ+ people who still want spirituality to be part of their lives. And the big question: should Claire keep being a guest, or is it time she stepped up and became a celebrant herself? Email: [email protected] 💒 Weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies and more — discover Karen's work and the story of Entheos at: https://entheos.ie/ 

Never Have I Ever is the podcast where Claire Byrne explores things she's never done by talking to people who have. This week, she enters the world of wigs, make-up, high heels, and larger-than-life characters. What does it feel like to transform yourself completely? To step into someone else's clothes, adopt a different persona and perform it in front of thousands of people? In episode two, Claire meets actor and drama teacher Rob Murphy, who every Christmas becomes one of Ireland's best-known panto dames – Buffy. Together, they explore the magic of performance, the freedom that comes with becoming somebody else, and how dressing up sometimes reveals more about who you really are. Rob reflects on growing up as a gay teenager in an all-boys school, counting down the days until Friday night when he could finally sing and twirl alongside the girls. And the big question: can Rob persuade Claire to put on the wig and become someone else for a night? Email: [email protected] Aladdin – a Sammy & Buffy Adventure, starring Alan Hughes and Rob Murphy, runs from 8th Dec 2026 – 3rd Jan 2027 at the National Stadium in Dublin. More information at www.panto.ie 

Never Have I Ever is the new podcast where Claire Byrne explores things she's never done by talking to people who have. And where better to begin than with a book? Everybody says they have a book in them. But what would happen if you actually sat down and wrote it? In episode one, Claire meets bestselling author and psychologist Katriona O'Sullivan, whose books Poor and Hungry have made her one of Ireland's most distinctive voices. Together, they explore what it really means to tell your story. How honest can you be about the people you love? Who gets to call themselves a writer? And why do so many of us feel that writing a book is something ‘other’ people do? Along the way, they talk about class, confidence, fear, motherhood... and stand-up comedy! And the big question: can Katriona persuade Claire to give writing a go?  

Claire Byrne steps outside her own experience — and into other people’s lives — one “I’ve never…” at a time. Because it turns out that the things we’ve never done can say quite a lot about who we are.Her first guest is author and psychologist Katriona O'Sullivan.New episodes available every Wednesday morning.

Claire Byrne steps outside her own experience — and into other people’s lives — one “I’ve never…” at a time. Because it turns out that the things we’ve never done can say quite a lot about who we are.

This year’s DIFF saw the premiere of The Charlie O’Leary Story, a film celebrating the extraordinary 102-year-old who helped build the foundations of modern Irish soccer, from the Street Leagues of East Wall to the glory days of Jack Charlton’s Ireland. Emmet Oliver is joined by Fergus Dowd, Producer of The Charlie O'Leary Story & Former League of Ireland footballer, Martin Lawlor, to discuss.

A new study in Frontiers in Aging suggests so-called ‘forever chemicals,’ or PFAS, may be linked to faster biological aging in men aged 50 to 65. But what could be causing this and why just in men? Joining Emmet Oliver to try to get to grips with what’s happening is Ruairi Brannigan, Assistant Professor from DCU’s School of Chemical Sciences.

Joining Emmet Oliver to go through what we know following the US & Israel's attacks on Iran are Tara Kangarlou, Award Winning Global Affairs Journalist; Simon Calde, travel correspondent for The Independent; and Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports Founder.

Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss the latest developments following the US & Israel's attack on Iran, as well as the other stories of the day are Gregg Carlstom, Middle East Corr with the Economist; Scott Lucas, Scott Lucas Professor of US and International Politics the Clinton Institute UCD; Pat Rabbitte, former Leader of the Labour Party; Gina London Communications specialist, Former CNN Correspondent and Sunday Independent Columnist; and Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South Central.

Spring has sprung, at least if you’re looking at things from a meteorological standpoint, and that means the temperatures will generally be getting higher, and the first shoots of life are beginning to re-emerge. Joining Emmet Oliver to chat through some light and healthy springtime meals we can prepare for this time of new beginnings is Gerry Devlin, Owner of the Dublin Cookery School.

Joining Emmet Oliver to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor of The Irish Times & Adrienne Stewart, Founder of hotelandsparesorts.com / Director at Powerscourt Springs Health Farm & Owner at Rainforest Spa in Summerhill House Hotel, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.

New rules are come into force for people beginning to rent for the first time. While the Government says it will provide “greater certainty and stability”, not everyone is convinced that will happen. Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West & party spokesperson for Housing, Eoin Ó'Broin.

The Government is promising a new savings and investment scheme aimed at Ireland’s middle class, but what will it actually look like? Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is Aine McPhilemy, Financial Advisor Contracting Plus.

Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss the latest developments following the US & Israeli-led attacks on Iran are Tel Aviv-based journalist, Paul Kearns & Cathal Berry, former Independent TD and former member of the Defense Forces.

The US & Israel have launched what it calls “major combat operations” against Iran, with retaliatory strikes being made against US bases in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Joining Emmet Oliver to get the latest is Mark Weiss, Irish Times Contributor Based In Israel & Scott Lucas, Professor & Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin.

Drone delivery firm Manna Air Delivery has announced a new pilot programme to take place in Cork City. Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss this and future plans for the company is CEO & Founder, Bobby Healy.

Gardaí have launched a major excavation at a disused quarry in Castleruddery Upper, Co Wicklow in the search for Josephine “Jo Jo” Dullard and Deirdre Jacob. The search was triggered by a new witness statement described as “very specific” and “credible”, pinpointing an exact burial location within the extensive quarry site. Stephen Breen, Crime Editor with The Irish Sun, joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

Therapy dogs are the latest creative method schools are using to improve student wellbeing and support children with additional needs. Newstalk reporter, Ella Anderson, went out to one of these schools in Dublin, to meet 'Kate', St Kevin’s Boys School’s newest addition to the learning support team.

Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss Ireland's emphatic win against England in the Six Nations is Off the Ball's John Duggan.

What should we be doing going forward to make the country more resilient against extreme conditions? Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is EU Climate Pact Ambassador, Liam Doyle & Assistant Professor in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering in TCD, Dr Aimee Byrne.

All eyes will be on London tonight as the BAFTA film awards take place. As was the case in the last few years, there is a strong Irish interest in many of the main awards. There is only one man we could send to such an auspicious event. Henry McKean joins Emmet Oliver from London to discuss.

Joining Emmet Oliver to go through the main stories from the Sunday papers is Emma Blain, Fine Gael Councillor & former Lord Mayor of Dublin; Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer, University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal.ie; and Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University.

The US Supreme Court has struck down President Trump’s sweeping emergency tariffs, but within hours the White House announced a new 10% global levy, raising fresh uncertainty for businesses and markets worldwide. To unpack the legal, economic and global trade implications

In the past few months, providers such as SKY or Virgin have been discussing how to use information gleaned from things such as WhatsApp messages to target both providers and end users of so-called ‘dodgy boxers’. Could we see a penalty point system be introduced in the months ahead? Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor at the Irish Independent and host of the Big Tech show podcast, joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

The story of the week has been the arrest of Andrew Mountbatton Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The disgraced former prince has been under increasing pressure following the release of more Epstein files. Broadcaster & political commentator, Adam Boulton, joins Emmet Oliver to discuss what happens next for ANdrew and the royal family in general.

Joining Emmet Oliver to chat through all the weekend's sporting action is OTB's Cameron Hill.

Emmet Oliver is joined by legendary Ireland international footballer, Ray Houghton, to reflect on the halcyon days of Ireland's football.

Shane Hannon, Senior Weekend Producer for Off The Ball joins Shane Beatty to chat all things sport.

Avril Clare, founder and owner of Avril Clare Recruitment Ltd, Property Recruitment Specialists shares with Shane her top tips for quitting your job without burning your bridges.

Director David Burke joins Shane Beatty to discuss his film, 'Have You Never Heard of Bill Fuller?', which will be shown at this year's Dublin International Film Festival. The film follows the life of Bill Fuller, an Irish entrepeneur and and musical Impresario who managed some of the biggest clubs in the UK and US, whose acts included Johnny Cash and Thin Lizzy!

Shane Beatty is joined in studio by Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West & party spokesperson for Housing Eoin Ó'Broin, who believes that renters are caught in a limbo between social housing and cost rental schemes.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, Journalist and Broadcaster Flor McCarthy and Jon Ihle, Deputy Business Editor at the Sunday Times Ireland join Shane Beatty to discuss what's in the papers.They discuss rent reforms, ICE detainments, Air Traffic Control issues and much more.

Pat Noctor, president of the Irish Air Traffic Controllers Association, has said that “we are heading for a summer of chaos" due to a growing air traffic control staffing crisis. Joining the Sunday paper panel to discuss is Paul Hackett, CEO of Click and Go & Vice-President of the Irish Travel Agents Association.

First dates are a delicate operation - part interview, part chemistry experiment, part social tightrope. From oversharing and phone-checking to talking about exes, politics, or money, certain moves can kill the vibe instantly. So for the day that's in it, we’re asking: what are the biggest first-date dealbreakers and have we all been guilty of at least one? Cathal O'Sullivan, 98FM Producer & Ali Ryan, Founder & CEO of Goss.ie join Shane Beatty to discuss.

For this week's Ask the Expert, Shane Beatty is joined by Sarah Keogh, Dietitian and Founder of Eatwell.

It’s round two of the Six Nations as Ireland hosts Italy in the Aviva today at 2.15pm. While Ireland suffered a heavy defeat in Paris last week, Italy arrive in Dublin buoyed by a victory over Scotland. How will it go? Shane Beatty is joined by Shane Hannon, Senior Producer, Off The Ball Weekend, to discuss.

Novo Nordisk has significantly lowered the cash price of Wegovy. What does this mean for users of the drug in Ireland, and will it have wider implications for the weight-loss drug is administered or treated in Ireland more broadly? Joining Shane Beatty to discuss is Dr Brendan O’Shea, Assistant Professor of Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin & Bernadette Keenan, Committee Member of the Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO).

World leaders are meeting at the Munich Security Conference this weekend as U.S-European relations face renewed strain. Concerns have also been raised that gaps in Ireland’s military and security capabilities, with European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne saying that Ireland should be open to foreign police helping Gardai with security during the upcoming EU Presidency. Joining Shane Beatty to discuss is News Correspondent at Journal Media, Niall O'Connor.

Joining Shane Beatty to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Jack Horgan-Jones, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times & Aisling Moloney, Newstalk Reporter.

It is forty-five years after the Stardust nightclub fire claimed 48 lives. Joining Shane Beatty to discuss how the narrative shifted after decades of controversy, and how the story is no longer just about a nightclub disaster, but institutional failure and the long-awaited justice for familiesis Sean Murray, co-author of The Last Disco.

This weekend marks the 60th annual Superbowl which is being held in Santa Clara in California. Emmet Oliver is joined by Michael McQuaid  host of the Pro Ireland Football: The NFL Podcast, Freelance Journalist Emmet Ryan and Off The Ball's John Duggan to discuss the Superbowl, ^ Nations, Winter Olympics and more.

At first, they seem magnetic, generous, and deeply interested in you, but slowly the dynamic shifts and your boundaries begin to disappear. Clinical psychologist Dr Stephanie Regan joins Emmet Oliver to unpack how narcissists and manipulators use charm, grooming, and subtle psychological tactics to infiltrate relationships, gain control, and keep it, often without their targets realising what’s happening

Emmet Oliver is joined by Holly O’Neill from Met Eireann to discuss what the weather forecast is looking like for the next week after a spell of particularly bad weather