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 406 episodes available.

The Explainer episodes:

March 31, 2026 The average Irish homebuyer is now 40 - what does this mean?
New CSO data shows the average age of a homebuyer in Ireland has hit 40. What does that mean for an entire generation stuck in the 'deposit trap'? And is this opening up a whole new front in the pension crisis? Rachel McGovern, deputy chief executive at Brokers Ireland, joins us to break down the wider knock-on impacts of delayed homeownership.
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15min
March 23, 2026 Can Ireland really qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
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 here after years of disappointment? We're joined by David Sneyd, Senior Sportswriter at The 42.
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24min
March 19, 2026 Why are Claire’s Accessories staff being left without pay?
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. It follows a failed rescue attempt by an investment firm last year, which cited legacy debt, inflation, and weak consumer confidence. How did a high street staple fall so far? We're joined by our reporter Eoghan Dalton.
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13min
March 14, 2026 What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?

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 actually like to have a front-row seat to the entire day, and to be in the Oval Office for that chaotic press scrum? We’re joined by our own Political Editor and White House visit veteran Christina Finn.
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33min
March 10, 2026 How bad could the looming energy crisis get?
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 chance for the damage to be more short-term? We’re joined by Dr Emma Howard, an economist at TU Dublin

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20min
March 03, 2026 Is the US-led attack on Iran illegal?
Trump promised no more forever wars, but that didn't stop him wading into an intense bombing campaign against Iran - a conflict most Americans oppose and, crucially, one Congress wasn't consulted on. It has brought the War Powers Act back into the spotlight: what checks and balances exist, if any, to restrain a president? Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, talks us through the legal and political mess, from the constitutional questions in Washington to the growing splits inside MAGA.
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22min
February 26, 2026 Why is Ireland asking foreign navies to patrol its waters?
With the EU Presidency looming and a massive funding shortfall in the Department of Defence, a new plan proposes something unprecedented: asking British and French navies to help patrol Irish waters. News Correspondent Niall O’Connor joins us to examine how this new strategy will work, what it means for Irish neutrality, and the crucial question of how we are going to pay for it.
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18min
February 19, 2026 Will a social media ban for under-16s actually work?
It’s a debate that is taking place at kitchen tables across the country: are smartphones and social media apps doing more harm than good for our children? Ireland is following in the footsteps of Australia and plans to restrict social media access for anyone under the age of 16, with a pilot for age verification technology set to roll out in the coming months. We’re joined by Philip Arneill, head of communications and research with CyberSafeKids, to examine how a ban could work - and if it's the right move.

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26min
February 11, 2026 Why are hundreds of suspected suicides invisible in official stats?
Internal HSE figures obtained by The Journal Investigates reveal that hundreds of people have died by suspected suicide within weeks of being in contact with healthcare services. Families who have lost loved ones say the system is overwhelmed, and that patients are often discharged without adequate follow-up or are left waiting in chaotic environments that are ill-equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies. We speak to Patricia Devlin from The Journal Investigates.

Help is available: You can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected]
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13min
February 05, 2026 What's stopping flood defences from being built?
It's a heartbreakingly familiar cycle: devastated homeowners, ruined businesses, and politicians promising defences are on the way. For towns like Midleton and Enniscorthy, those promises have turned into years of waiting. With Storm Chandra bringing fresh devastation, why does it take so long to get flood relief schemes built? And could nature-based solutions offer an alternative? We're joined by Dr Fiachra O'Loughlin, assistant professor at UCD's School of Civil Engineering.
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20min

FAQs about The Explainer:

How many episodes does The Explainer have?

The podcast currently has 406 episodes available.

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