The Explainer

By The Journal

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 sto... more

· News

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FAQs about The Explainer:

How many episodes does The Explainer have?

The podcast currently has 346 episodes available.

The Explainer episodes:

March 07, 2025 What are tariffs and why should we care?
The world is watching anxiously as the United States moves to introduce tariffs on key trading partners. But what exactly is a tariff? What are the pros and cons, and is there an end goal that Trump has in mind? And to what extent could it shock the world's economy? We're joined on this week's episode by Sharyn O'Halloran, the SALI professor of Political Economy in the Economics and Political Science Department at Trinity College Dublin to put tariffs under the microscope.
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21min
February 27, 2025 How is a new Pope selected?
Pope Francis has been in the headlines in recent days as he battles pneumonia. He has since rallied, but this latest illness has brought the issue of choosing a new Pope into sharp focus again. How does this work? How does the Vatican and its cardinals go about voting on and anointing a new pope? We're joined by The Journal reporter Diarmuid Pepper.
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22min
February 19, 2025 Why is the US cosying up to Russia?
It’s not even a month since Trump took office, and already his actions are starting to reshape — or at least unsettle — the global order. First came the news that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had spoken on the phone, signalling a massive departure from the US government’s policy of Russian isolation. Then, US Vice President JD Vance went as far as saying that the US believes Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own defence. The fear among European leaders is that if the US drastically reduces its support for Nato in Europe, it could leave the door open for Russian aggression. Donnacha Ó Beacháin, politics professor at Dublin City University and author of Unfinished Empire, joins us to examine why this seismic shift is underway.
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33min
February 14, 2025 Will drugs like Ozempic change how we view obesity?
Is a simple injection really that effective a treatment for obesity? Ozempic has already taken the medical world by storm, and now another is about to become available on the Irish market. But how do these drugs work, who are they for, and are they even that new at all? Professor Francis Finucane, a consultant endocrinologist at Galway University Hospitals, joins us to look at why these drugs are such game changers, and how it could lead to a shift in how society views the treatment of obesity.
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30min
February 07, 2025 How can Ireland prepare for future storms and other risks?
Storm Éowyn exposed how vulnerable modern Irish society is to widespread disruption. What lessons can be learned to help us deal with not only storms, but other systemic shocks? David Korowicz, a systemic risk consultant, joins us to examine ways in which Ireland can become more resilient at an individual, community, and national level. What can be learn from countries who better prepared? And just how underprepared are we right now?
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33min
January 30, 2025 What has a new investigation uncovered about vaping?
Vaping has rapidly grown to become a part of modern life, with shops selling vapes popping up almost on every street corner. But what is actually being sold, and who are the companies behind the massive industry? The Journal Investigates team — Maria Delaney, Patricia Devlin, and Conor O'Carroll — went undercover to expose the sale of illicit vapes in Ireland, and found numerous retailers are flouting the few rules that exist. Separately, their reporting also examined the links between traditional Big Tobacco brands and these new 'smokeless' products, and the lobbying which takes place behind the scenes.
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17min
January 23, 2025 What did Trump do in his first days back in office?
Donald Trump is back in the White House. Some are rejoicing, others can't bear to look. This week, Larry Donnelly — law lecturer at the University of Galway and a political columnist with The Journal — gives us a quick overview of the main talking points from the past few days. What are Trump's priorities, and what does it tell us about the coming four years? And what opposition, if anything, will he face?
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23min
January 16, 2025 What is Shein and what is it doing to the clothing industry?
Take a look around an Irish charity shop, and it won't be long before you find clothes from Shein. They might be completely unworn, still with their label on them. The e-commerce giant is having a huge impact on the world of clothing, causing an influx of cheap, almost disposable clothing at an unprecedented scale, driven by ease of purchase and, sometimes, the dopamine hit of a big clothes haul. Our reporter Valerie Flynn examines the societal and environmental impact of Shein, as well as the results of an investigation into how staff working on the company's supply chain are treated.
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24min
January 10, 2025 Elon Musk and accusations of political interference — what’s going on?
Elon Musk has been an almost ever-present figure beside Donald Trump. Initially a supportive donor, he was elevated to a much higher standing soon after Trump’s victory — and it became clear that Musk has an agenda and aims to disrupt. He has big plans to upend the US civil service, but has now been garnering huge attention on this side of the Atlantic for his interventions in the politics of countries like the United Kingdom and Germany. To examine what impact he is having, we're joined by Ciarán O’Connor, a senior analyst with ISD Global.
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31min
December 29, 2024 Our best explanations of 2024
Another year coming to an end means another year of explanations to look back on. This week on The Explainer, presenter Laura Byrne takes a look back at what we've covered over the past 12 months, where our reporters and guests have demonstrated their eye for detail and ability to break down complex stories in a clear and easy-to-understand way. That ranges from Israel's attacks on Lebanon to gender controversies in the Olympics — and even a fake parade in Dublin, which duped hundreds.

Thanks to all our listeners over the past year. If you have any feedback on the podcast, drop our producer Nicky an email on [email protected].

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24min

FAQs about The Explainer:

How many episodes does The Explainer have?

The podcast currently has 346 episodes available.

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