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The Explainer
The Explainer
The Journal

The Explainer is a weekly podcast from The Journal that takes a deeper look at one big news story you need to... more

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Episodes

The general election campaign is now underway — what happens next?

After weeks of what felt like endless speculation, the Taoiseach Simon Harris finally put us out of our misery last... more

14 Nov 2024 · 36 minutes
What is AI slop and did it lead to a Halloween parade hoax in Dublin?

You likely saw the images from Dublin city centre last week: hundreds of people lining O’Connell Street on Halloween night,... more

05 Nov 2024 · 22 minutes
What will win or lose the US election for Harris and Trump?

We’re joined by our own political columnist, Larry Donnelly who is a law lecturer at the University of Galway, to... more

31 Oct 2024 · 27 minutes
Why is Israel targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon?

We're joined by Dr Shelley Deane, researcher at DCU’s School of Law and Government, to examine the deepening crisis in... more

25 Oct 2024 · 34 minutes
How does Nepal deal with hundreds of landslides every year?

If asked to name some things we know about Nepal, most of us would probably say Mount Everest. The next... more

15 Oct 2024 · 35 minutes
What does the Strictly scandal mean for the future of British TV?

One of the most successful BBC TV shows, Strictly Come Dancing, is back on air for its 20th year after... more

10 Oct 2024 · 18 minutes
How much of a difference will the Budget really make?

The Budget has been dubbed a giveaway — but will it really make that much of a difference to your... more

03 Oct 2024 · 19 minutes
What is happening with rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs?

Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Diddy, Love or Sean Combs — many of us would have grown up with the numerous... more

27 Sep 2024 · 23 minutes
How did the plan to redevelop Casement Park fall apart?

The 42's Gavin Cooney joins us to examine where it all went wrong for Casement Park. The redevelopment of one... more

19 Sep 2024 · 24 minutes
What can be learned from the government's handling of an IPAS centre in Tipperary?

The village of Dundrum in Co Tipperary has been the site of protests and division in recent months over the... more

13 Sep 2024 · 32 minutes
What is the reality of health crises in places like Palestine and Sudan?

To look at what emergencies can tell us about how connected, or not, our healthcare systems are, we're joined on... more

07 Sep 2024 · 25 minutes
How is Ireland still uncovering stories of widespread abuse?

The numbers alone stopped the country in its tracks this week: 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse of children in schools... more

05 Sep 2024 · 22 minutes
What is Telegram and why was its founder arrested?

Tech journalist and author Chris Stokel-Walker joins us to examine what's going on with messaging app Telegram and its owner... more

30 Aug 2024 · 24 minutes
Why are the victims of paedophile Michael Shine speaking out for the first time?

This week, The Journal has published a series of in-depth interviews with a number of victims of convicted paedophile, Michael... more

22 Aug 2024 · 26 minutes
Who are Kneecap?

Arts writer and Sunday Times columnist Aoife Barry joins us to explore the world of Kneecap. The bilingual hip hop... more

15 Aug 2024 · 25 minutes
What do we know - and don't know - about the Olympic boxing controversy?

As Ireland takes home what seems to be an ever-growing pile of medals, the Olympics has also been navigating a... more

07 Aug 2024 · 26 minutes
What is Hezbollah?

Senator Tom Clonan, a retired army officer who served as a peacekeeper in Lebanon, joins Lauren Boland on this week's... more

01 Aug 2024 · 26 minutes
With Biden out and Harris in, what will the Republican party’s next move be?

The world of US politics has evolved dramatically over the past few weeks, with the latest curveball being the decision... more

24 Jul 2024 · 20 minutes
What was the political fallout from previous attacks on US presidents?

Scott Lucas, professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, UCD and editor-in-chief of EA WorldView, joins us to examine... more

16 Jul 2024 · 27 minutes
Can US President Joe Biden really continue in the election race?

This week on The Explainer we hear from The Journal's US columnist Larry Donnelly on his thoughts after the press... more

12 Jul 2024 · 19 minutes
What next for UK politics after Labour's landslide election win?

Dominic McGrath, UK correspondent with the Business Post, joins us for an essential overview of the latest in the United... more

05 Jul 2024 · 27 minutes
What is 'go-away money' and how is it being used in Ireland's planning system?

Brendan Slattery, a solicitor with McCann Fitzgerald specialising in expert in planning and environmental law joins us to look at... more

27 Jun 2024 · 22 minutes
What do the next five years hold for the European Parliament?

Professor of European Politics at Maynooth University John O'Brennan joins us to look at what the next five years hold... more

20 Jun 2024 · 26 minutes
What is the shape of Irish politics after the local and European elections?

The seats are filled, the dust is settling, and the count centre staff enjoying some well-earned rest. To take stock... more

14 Jun 2024 · 37 minutes
How does Ireland's system of voting work?

Virgin Media's political correspondent Gavan Reilly sits down with us to explain what exactly proportional representation with a single transferable... more

06 Jun 2024 · 24 minutes
What exactly are the European elections all about?

On 7 June, you'll have the chance to vote in the European elections - but what exactly will the end... more

01 Jun 2024 · 27 minutes
What next for Iran after the death of the country's president?

DCU's Paola Rivetti, an expert in Middle East politics, joins us to look at the fallout from the death of... more

26 May 2024 · 30 minutes
By Noteworthy: Are young people with psychosis getting the help they need?

Presenter Maria Delaney is joined by News Correspondent Órla Ryan who has been leading our year-long ‘Falling Through the Cracks’... more

23 May 2024 · 26 minutes
Climate-related emergencies are on the rise but how are we dealing with them?

Over recent years, Europe has seen a rising trend of severe weather - some of which can be linked to... more

18 May 2024 · 33 minutes
What is Ireland’s history with the European Union?

We're joined by Dr Barry Colfer, director of research at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), to look... more

11 May 2024 · 39 minutes
What is the council’s new transport plan for Dublin city?

We're examining the details of the Dublin Transport Plan to examine its aim and how it will achieve that, as... more

04 May 2024 · 20 minutes
How does sentencing work in Ireland?

We're joined by Paul McCutcheon, a professor of Law at the University of Limerick to examine how exactly sentencing works.... more

27 Apr 2024 · 21 minutes
What does a major review tell us about trans healthcare?

Trans healthcare and a dearth of services for trans people have been in the news lately on the back of... more

20 Apr 2024 · 28 minutes
By Noteworthy: Why are our peatlands still being exploited?

Susan Daly talks with Noteworthy's Steven Fox and German reporter Swantje Furtak about the lack of preservation of bogs in... more

16 Apr 2024 · 24 minutes
The State inquiry into the Bill Kenneally case - what have we learned so far?

The Journal's Eoghan Dalton speaks to Laura Byrne about the State inquiry into the abuse of prolific child abuser, Bill... more

12 Apr 2024 · 37 minutes
Everything you need to know about how the EU works but were too afraid to ask

The European Union has a massive but often unseen impact on our day-to-day life here in Ireland. Despite that, how... more

06 Apr 2024 · 33 minutes
What happens when people need medical attention in Ukraine?

Thousands of people in need of critical medical care but unable to access it in Ukraine have been sent to... more

26 Mar 2024 · 21 minutes
What next for Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael, and Ireland?

We're joined by our Deputy Editor Christine Bohan and Assistant News Editor Rónán Duffy to look at the shock resignation... more

21 Mar 2024 · 30 minutes
How is Ireland planning to legislate on assisted dying?

An Oireachtas Committee is set to recommend that the Irish government introduce laws to allow for assisted dying and euthanasia... more

15 Mar 2024 · 17 minutes
What challenges are Irish troops facing in an unstable Middle East?

We're joined by News Correspondent Niall O'Connor, who has just returned from the contested Golan Heights where he visited the... more

06 Mar 2024 · 22 minutes
Why was the FAI in front an Oireachtas committee again?

Fiery appearances before Oireachtas committees are all the rage these days, and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is no... more

28 Feb 2024 · 30 minutes
By Noteworthy: Why is our history falling into the sea?

Susan Daly speaks to Noteworthy's investigative journalist Patricia Devlin about her latest dive into threats to our monuments and heritage... more

26 Feb 2024 · 31 minutes
Everything you need to know about the March referendums

On 8 March, the public is being asked to have their say in two separate votes - the Family Amendment... more

22 Feb 2024 · 32 minutes
Why is measles on the rise again?

Dr Scott Walkin, a GP in Co Mayo and the Irish College of General Practitioners’ lead for infection control, explains... more

14 Feb 2024 · 18 minutes
What is life like in Turkey, one year after the earthquakes?

We're joined by our Senior Producer Nicky Ryan, who has just returned from Turkey, and Diego Cupolo, editor-in-chief of the... more

09 Feb 2024 · 32 minutes
Power sharing returns to Stormont - how did we get here?

Power sharing in the north has been stalled for two years due to the DUP's reluctance to participate. With the... more

02 Feb 2024 · 23 minutes
Is power sharing in Northern Ireland finished?

Power sharing talks at Stormont have been going on for some time without ever reaching an agreement, taking its toll... more

25 Jan 2024 · 27 minutes
Why did the US and the UK start bombing Yemen - and who are the Houthis?

This week, we're looking at everything about Yemen that might have flown under the radar in recent years with Dr... more

17 Jan 2024 · 30 minutes
How exactly can you get some money back from Revenue?

Marian Ryan, consumer tax manager with Taxback.com, joins us on this week's episode of The Explainer to demystify the world... more

09 Jan 2024 · 35 minutes
Our favourite explanations of 2023

Our team pick their favourite moments from the podcast in 2023.The Explainer is brought to you by The Journal. Providing... more

01 Jan 2024 · 18 minutes
The ups and downs of Irish politics in 2023 - and what does 2024 hold?

We're joined in studio by our Political Correspondent Christina Finn and Political Reporter Jane Matthews to dissect the year that... more

27 Dec 2023 · 44 minutes
Ireland at the Golden Globes - who is nominated, and what are their chances?

Author and arts journalist Aoife Barry takes us through the history of the awards as well as the familiar faces... more

19 Dec 2023 · 28 minutes
Has the COP28 deal really ended the reign of fossil fuels?

Will the new international plan to tackle climate change really achieve anything? Ou reporter Lauren Boland explains what the COP28... more

13 Dec 2023 · 25 minutes
What are the big issues facing Joe Biden as he aims for re-election?

We're joined this week by Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and a political columnist here with... more

07 Dec 2023 · 30 minutes
By Noteworthy: Are kids being locked out from jailed parents?

In an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly talks to investigative reporter Alice Chambers and... more

30 Nov 2023 · 26 minutes
Out of control - how did an attack in Dublin lead to riots and looting?

Shockwaves from the events of last Thursday are still reverberating around Ireland. A knife attack on three children and their... more

28 Nov 2023 · 32 minutes
How has David Cameron made a surprise return to British politics?

We're joined on this week's episode by Dominic McGrath, PA Media political correspondent, to dissect the former UK prime minister's... more

21 Nov 2023 · 33 minutes
What caused dozens of overdoses in Dublin recently?

Dr Austin O Carroll, a GP who specialises in addiction services, speaks to us about nitazine, a potent synthetic opioid... more

17 Nov 2023 · 23 minutes
Israel and Gaza - what are the big questions that need to be answered?

We're now a month into a violent conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians... more

11 Nov 2023 · 38 minutes
How has Taylor Swift become (arguably) the world’s biggest music star?

Arts and culture journalist Louise Bruton explores how Taylor Swift became the powerful force in the music industry that she... more

04 Nov 2023 · 39 minutes
What can be done to stop damaging flooding in Ireland?

Following devastating floods in parts of Ireland this month, we're joined by Dr Mary Bourke, a flood risk management expert... more

28 Oct 2023 · 26 minutes
What would an Israeli ground offensive look like?

We speak to our News Correspondent Niall O'Connor this week to discuss what would an Israeli ground offensive look like,... more

17 Oct 2023 · 23 minutes
Ireland’s love/hate relationship with the USC

In Budget 2024 this week, we saw the biggest change to the USC in years, with the 4.5% rate cut... more

12 Oct 2023 · 21 minutes
What's really on the new SPHE curriculum?

Teachers say the new Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum for secondary schools is long overdue, but some elements... more

07 Oct 2023 · 26 minutes
Lough Neagh has been hit by an algal bloom disaster - what’s happening?

The algae has left wildlife dead and led to questions over the safety of drinking water at Lough Neagh. Shauna... more

27 Sep 2023 · 33 minutes
What is the American bully XL and do bans on certain dog breeds work?

We speak to dog behaviourist Nanci Creedon who tells us more about how these restrictions and bans impact the behaviours... more

23 Sep 2023 · 28 minutes
By Noteworthy: Will home births ever be the norm in Ireland?

In an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly talks to editor Maria Delaney and Trinity... more

19 Sep 2023 · 27 minutes
How will Ireland's new publicly funded IVF scheme work?

Medical journalist June Shannon joins us on this week's episode to explain how the scheme will work, who is eligible,... more

14 Sep 2023 · 15 minutes
Luis Rubiales and the Spanish football scandal - what happens next?

This week on The Explainer, we speak to Emma Duffy, sports journalist with The 42, to discuss Luis Rubiales and... more

08 Sep 2023 · 18 minutes
Why is Ireland getting more TDs?

Art O'Leary, chief executive officer of the Electoral Commission joins us explain how the changes were decided on and what... more

30 Aug 2023 · 38 minutes
How has the Rose of Tralee festival survived for so long?

The Journal's Carl Kinsella and Kirsty Blake Knox from the Irish Independent explain the enduring popularity behind the Rose of... more

24 Aug 2023 · 34 minutes
Why is there so much talk about a farmers' party in Ireland?

Journalist and organic beef and dairy farmer Hannah Quinn Mulligan joins us to look at the growing talk of a... more

17 Aug 2023 · 26 minutes
A forgotten crisis - what is happening to the Rohingya minority fleeing Myanmar?

We delve into the prosecution faced by the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, and the treacherous journey many make across the... more

13 Aug 2023 · 45 minutes
Who is Robert F Kennedy Jr and could he be the next US president?

US correspondent with the Business Post Marion McKeone delves into RFK Jr's campaign so far. What are his rallies like,... more

11 Aug 2023 · 32 minutes
What next for Ireland's women's football team?

Sinéad O'Carroll is joined by The 42's Gavin Cooney for a wide-ranging discussion on women in football. What does their... more

03 Aug 2023 · 37 minutes
Do Barbie and Oppenheimer mark the return of the summer blockbuster?

We're joined by journalist and author Aoife Barry, who takes us through the hype machine behind Barbie and how this... more

26 Jul 2023 · 33 minutes
What is the Nature Restoration Law and how will it work in Ireland?

Lauren Boland, climate reporter with The Journal, examines what precisely this legislation is all about and why it sparked so... more

22 Jul 2023 · 27 minutes
How do Oireachtas committees work, and how did Tubridy end up in front of one?

Presenter Laura Byrne is joined this week by Gavan Reilly, political correspondent with Virgin Media News, to look behind the... more

13 Jul 2023 · 36 minutes
What does Ireland’s ‘unprecedented’ marine heatwave tell us about our climate?

Ireland has experienced an event unprecedented in recorded history: a category four extreme marine heatwave in our waters. Oceans play... more

06 Jul 2023 · 30 minutes
What does the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal mean for the future of RTÉ?

Eileen Culloty, assistant professor in the School of Communications at DCU, and Rónán Duffy, Assistant News Editor at The Journal,... more

30 Jun 2023 · 34 minutes
What is hydrogen power, and could it replace coal, oil, and gas?

James Carton, assistant professor in Sustainable Energy with DCU and an academic advisor to the United Nations on hydrogen, joins... more

19 Jun 2023 · 26 minutes
Hard cash and soft power - what is going on in the world of golf?

Golf might not appear to be the most exciting sport for non-fans - but it's what's happening off the course... more

11 Jun 2023 · 33 minutes
What is it like to sit the Leaving Cert in 2023?

Luke Saunders, co-founder and CEO of Studyclix, joins us on this week's episode to give the lie of the land... more

06 Jun 2023 · 30 minutes
16 years on, what is happening with the Madeleine McCann case?

Robbyn Swan, author of Looking for Madeleine and who featured in the Netflix series The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, joins... more

01 Jun 2023 · 32 minutes
What's behind Ireland's love affair with the Late Late?

Another chapter in the story of Ireland's longest-running television programme is coming to a close, as Ryan Tubridy wraps up... more

26 May 2023 · 36 minutes
Interview: HSE doctor speaks about her evacuation from war-torn Sudan

We are now a month into a conflict that has turned Sudan's capital into a war zone. Hundreds have been... more

17 May 2023 · 39 minutes
Why are supermarkets suddenly cutting the prices of milk, butter and bread?

We've all noticed that we're spending more and more on our weekly shop - but in recent weeks, we've seen... more

13 May 2023 · 23 minutes
How does Ireland and the EU fight wildfires?

Summer is approaching, which means rising temperatures and an increased chance of wildfires. On this week's episode, Pádraic Fogarty of... more

10 May 2023 · 30 minutes
By Noteworthy: Is GSOC fit for purpose?

This week, in an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, journalist and Examiner columnist Mick Clifford... more

04 May 2023 · 28 minutes
How is Revolut changing and what does it mean for its customers?

You can now get an Irish IBAN for Revolut - so should we start treating it as a traditional bank?... more

02 May 2023 · 26 minutes
What is happening in Sudan?

Tensions in Sudan have boiled over into a violent conflict between the country's army and a rival paramilitary group. There... more

27 Apr 2023 · 41 minutes
Everything you need to know about the trial of Gerry Hutch

Frank Greaney, courts correspondent with Newstalk and Today FM, joins us on this week's episode to delve into the trial... more

18 Apr 2023 · 35 minutes
What's the story with Ireland's neutrality?

As momentum grows behind a debate on neutrality, we're joined by Diarmaid Ferriter, professor of Modern Irish History at UCD,... more

15 Apr 2023 · 39 minutes
What does Trump being indicted mean for him and 2024 election?

Laura Byrne is joined by The Journal columnist and University of Galway law lecturer, Larry Donnelly to delve into Trump's... more

05 Apr 2023 · 25 minutes
Why is there concern over how TikTok is using your data?

Chris Stokel-Walker, UK-based tech journalist and author of 'TikTok Boom: China's Dynamite App and the Superpower Race for Social Media',... more

28 Mar 2023 · 33 minutes
What's behind the recent wave of bank failures?

Is this 2008 all over again? As we watch a wave of banking failures, Brooke Masters from the Financial Times... more

22 Mar 2023 · 26 minutes
By Noteworthy: Why is it so tough to access autism services?

This week, as a bonus episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly chats with reporter Niall... more

20 Mar 2023 · 23 minutes
What is shrinkflation?

Inflation continues to creep upwards, and so does the price of goods we are buying - but what about the... more

18 Mar 2023 · 17 minutes
What is it like to be a humanitarian on the ground in Ukraine right now?

On this week's episode, we hear from one humanitarian aid worker tasked with coordinating and overseeing relief efforts across Ukraine.... more

15 Mar 2023 · 32 minutes
Why does Matt Hancock keep making headlines?

Former UK health minister Matt Hancock has been one of the most prominent characters in British politics in recent years... more

09 Mar 2023 · 30 minutes
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Why is there concern over how TikTok is using your data?
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Description

Chris Stokel-Walker, UK-based tech journalist and author of 'TikTok Boom: China's Dynamite App and the Superpower Race for Social Media', joins us... more