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The Explainer

The Journal
Yemen
Golden Globes
Houthis
Palestine
Northern Ireland
Irish Actors
Saudi Arabia
Stormont
Gardaí
Dublin
Ireland's Criminal Justice System
Climate Change
The Banshees Of Inisherin
Sinn Féin
Iran
Brexit
Immigration
UK Government
Community Response
Violence

The Explainer is a weekly podcast from The Journal that takes a deeper look at one big news story you need to know about. What's the background? Why is this in the news? Get the facts behind the story from Ireland's biggest news website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes405Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Latest Episodes

It has been 24 long, long years since the Republic of Ireland men's team last played in a World Cup, but suddenly, the dream is alive again. This week, Ireland faces Czechia in a high-stakes qualifier, as the nation holds its breath. How did we get h... more

For generations of teenagers, it was the go-to high street spot for ear piercings and fashion jewellery., but now, the iconic retailer Claire's Accessories is rapidly closing its doors across Ireland, leaving staff furious and suddenly out of pocket.... more

Every March, our news feeds are flooded with pictures of the Taoiseach, the US President, and a very famous bowl of shamrock. It’s a massive day for Ireland on the world stage, but we usually only get to see the polished, posed moments. What is it ac... more

The price of oil has surged again. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to shipping. Major Middle Eastern production hubs have declared force majeure. Is Ireland looking at a repeat of the economic shocks of the 1970s, or is there still a ... more

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Recent Guests

Christina Finn
Political editor and White House Visit veteran
The Journal
Episode: What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?
Emma Howard
Economist at TU Dublin
TU Dublin
Episode: How bad could the looming energy crisis get?
Philip Arneill
Head of Communications and Research with CyberSafeKids
CyberSafeKids
Episode: Will a social media ban for under-16s actually work?
Dr. Fiachra O'Loughlin
Assistant Professor at UCD School of Civil Engineering and Director of the Duke Centre for Water Resources Research
UCD School of Civil Engineering
Episode: What's stopping flood defences from being built?
Conor Faughnan
Independent motoring expert at Carzone and former spokesperson for AA Roadwatch
Carzone
Episode: What exactly are the rules for scramblers and e-scooters?
Kate Demolder
Arts and culture journalist and co-host of the Culture Pigs podcast
Culture Pigs podcast
Episode: Has Brand Beckham been destroyed by their own son?
Jennifer Darmody
Media Communications Manager at the CCPC
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
Episode: Can you get a cash refund for a gift you don't want?
Gráinne Mullins
Founder and CEO of Grá Chocolates
Grá Chocolates
Episode: Is your favourite chocolate still actually 'chocolate'?
Diarmuid Torney
Associate Professor in the School of Law and Government at DCU, and Director of the University's Institute for Climate and Society
Dublin City University
Episode: What did the world actually agree to at COP30?

Hosts

Laura Byrne
Host of The Explainer, known for engaging discussions on current events and complex topics.
Lauren Bolan
Standing in for Laura Byrne, known for her ability to handle various topics with clarity and insight.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 307 ratings
  • What is Shein and what is it doing to the clothing industry?

    Another interesting and thought provoking ‘Explainer ‘ episode. I enjoyed this wide ranging and engrossing discussion re Shein and the clothing industry.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eclectas
    Irelanda year ago
  • Very valuable source of information

    I appreciate the regular nature of this podcast . Is very informative . Good journalism in that tradition of seeking to inform in a relatively unbiased way . Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    mariachristine20
    Ireland2 years ago
  • Worth a listen!

    Nice gem of a podcast, Bertie explainer was excellent.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Review200012
    Ireland3 years ago
  • Important journalism but just a little dull

    Really appreciate getting fact based information regarding issues, processes and systems in Ireland, without bias. However, some podcasts I find are like sitting in a board meeting rather than painting a picture to a lay person that really makes us understand it. More engaging scripts would really help when all this amazing research is being done. Thanks for your work

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    ruthboot
    Ireland3 years ago
  • RSV explainer

    Excellent explainer from a consultant Pediatrician about RSV

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PeadarJosie
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many listeners express desire for more regular updates on varied topics to keep them informed.
The podcast is viewed as a reliable source of information, providing clarity on current topics without bias.
Some feedback suggests that while valuable, the tone can sometimes lack engagement, akin to being in a board meeting.
Listeners appreciate the fact-based and comprehensive discussions, valuing the combination of expert insights and journalistic integrity.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#76
Ireland/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?
Q: Why is the Shamrock Ceremony considered important for Ireland?
The ceremony provides a platform to voice significant Irish concerns—such as undocumented Irish and trade—within a high-profile, controlled environment, allowing Ireland to subtly advance its diplomatic goals and public messages even amid broader geopolitical tensions.
What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?
Q: What happens after the press conference in the Oval Office?
After the press conference, there is a brief private moment for the Taoiseach and Trump to discuss key points, followed by a Shamrock ceremony in a large, formal East Room setting where speeches address Irish issues and bilateral ties.
What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?
Q: What is it like being in a room with Donald Trump during the St. Patrick's Day events?
The guest describes it as chaotic and unpredictable, with Trump breaking into a rolling press conference that contrasts with the more restrained interactions some other presidents have had, making access to the Taoiseach both intense and risky for diplomacy.
Why is Ireland asking foreign navies to patrol its waters?
Q: Why is there a push to allow unilateral actions by the military, and what legal changes are needed?
Current laws limit unilateral military action; the MSS argues for changes so Navy, Air Corps, and Army can respond quickly to threats like derailing or intercepting illicit activities without delays, reducing reliance on other agencies for authority.
Why is Ireland asking foreign navies to patrol its waters?
Q: How would foreign navies be involved during the EU Presidency and beyond?
The strategy envisions cooperation with British, French, and other allies to monitor and secure the EEZ, recognizing Ireland cannot do this alone and that liaison with allied commands would be essential for effective security operations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Explainer

What is The Explainer about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on providing thorough context for significant news stories, this podcast offers in-depth discussions about current issues that affect Ireland and the wider world. Episodes often feature expert guests from various fields, including academia, consumer protection, and media, blending informative narratives with a strong journalistic approach. Unique in its commitment to fact-based insights, the show tackles diverse topics such as mental health statistics, social regulations, and economic implications of current events, making it a crucial resource for anyone wanting to stay informed about pressing matters in a comprehensive manner.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Explainer?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Explainer. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Explainer and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The Explainer get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Explainer?

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How many subscribers and views does The Explainer have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Explainer has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Explainer?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Explainer:

1. Documentary on One Podcast
2. The David McWilliams Podcast
3. Crime World
4. Irish History Podcast
5. Lines of Enquiry

How many episodes of The Explainer are there?

The Explainer launched 7 years ago and published 405 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Explainer?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Explainer?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Explainer from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on The Explainer?

Recent guests on The Explainer include:

1. Christina Finn
2. Emma Howard
3. Philip Arneill
4. Dr. Fiachra O'Loughlin
5. Conor Faughnan
6. Kate Demolder
7. Jennifer Darmody
8. Gráinne Mullins

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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