The Explainer

By The Journal

What's The Explainer about?

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.

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The Explainer episodes:

04.16.2024
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 Ireland and Germany. These were part of an extensive cross-border investigation with reporters based in Germany and Italy. Steven focused on...
04.12.2024
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 Kenneally. It is examining how State agencies and organisations handled reports of his crimes from the 1980s onwards. During his...
04.06.2024
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 exactly it all works can remain a bit of a mystery for a lot of people. John O’Brennan, a professor...
03.26.2024
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 other EU states for treatment in a mammoth operation known as Medevac. On this week's episode, supported by the European...
03.21.2024
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 of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Did it really come out of the blue? And who is best placed to take up...
03.15.2024
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 under certain strict criteria. It follows an in-depth consultation period on the matter. This week, The Journal's Stephen McDermott tells...
03.06.2024
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 Irish peacekeeping mission there. He shares the day-to-day activity of the troops and examines what the future of Irish peacekeeping...
02.28.2024
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 stranger to them. What are the latest revelations? What do they say about the future of the FAI? We're joined...
02.26.2024
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 sites. Also joining the podcast is Ian Lumney, heritage officer with An Taisce.
02.22.2024
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 and the Care Amendment. But are up to speed on what exactly they're about? We're joined this week by News...
02.14.2024
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 the impact of low uptake of the MMR vaccine, how sick measles can make you, and shares some crucial advice...
02.09.2024
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 Turkey Recap newsletter, to look at the situation on the ground one year after the devastating earthquakes. The Explainer is brought...
02.02.2024
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 absence of any Stormont Assembly, Northern Ireland's public services have suffered. There are many political challenges ahead. But this week,...
01.25.2024
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 on the population. The culmination of this was a mass strike last week, where thousands of workers took to the...
01.17.2024
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 Elisabeth Kendall, the Mistress of Girton College at Cambridge University and an Arabist and middle east specialist. Who are the...
01.09.2024
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 of income tax returns, statements of liability, and the Revenue website. She lays out why it's worthwhile for all PAYE...
01.01.2024
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 open access to valuable journalism in Ireland has been the aim of The Journal for a decade. You can contribute...
12.27.2023
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 was, and to look at what 2024 what bring. Who were the political winner and losers? What was the most...
12.19.2023
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 who are up for Best Actor. We also explore what is next for Murphy, Scott, and Keoghan, and what the...
12.13.2023
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 deal means, the drama of the last-minute agreement, the likelihood of it actually having an impact. The Explainer is brought to...
12.07.2023
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 us at The Journal, to look at the issues cropping up for Biden - and Trump - ahead of next...
11.30.2023
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 a former prison governor of Mountjoy and Portlaoise prisons, John Lonergan, about the latest in-depth series, CALLING TIME. Our investigation...
11.28.2023
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 carer on a busy Dublin street horrified the nation. Then came riots and looting. Now, the social and political fallout...
11.21.2023
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 unexpected comeback. What is Cameron's background, what could he achieve in the role - and what exactly is the end...
11.17.2023
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 suspected to be responsible for a spike in the number of drug overdoses in Dublin recently. He shares how two...
11.11.2023
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 and sparking a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This current spate of fighting is just one in a long, long...
11.04.2023
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 is today. We look at why the billionaire pop star is re-recording her albums, her many feuds, and the history...
10.28.2023
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 and assistant professor of Geography at Trinity College Dublin. She delves into the reasons why flooding - just like strong...
10.17.2023
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, as the conflict in the Middle East continues into its ninth day. The Explainer is brought to you by The Journal....
10.12.2023
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 to 4%. We talk to Barra Roantree, assistant professor of economics at Trinity College Dublin about the history of the...
10.07.2023
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 of the course have sparked controversy and misinformation. So what will children really be taught? Eoghan Cleary - a secondary...
09.27.2023
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 Corr, environment correspondent and columnist with news outlets including The Irish Mirror and Belfast Live joins us to look at...
09.23.2023
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 of both the dogs themselves and their owners. Is there any evidence that these bans are in any way effective?...
09.19.2023
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 College Dublin researcher Soma Gregory about the latest in-depth series, BIRTH PLACE which found that women are still battling for...
09.14.2023
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, and how you avail of it. She also details how exactly IVF works and shares her own experience of the...
09.08.2023
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 the scandal that has engulfed Spanish football since their women's team won the World Cup Final last month. The Explainer is...
08.30.2023
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 factors were taken into consideration. We're also joined by our Political Reporter Jane Matthews, Deputy Editor Christine Bohan, and Assistant...
08.24.2023
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 Tralee. Is it still relevant in 2023? What is the event like to actually attend? What if they were a...
08.17.2023
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 farmers' party in Ireland. What are the types of policies they would implement? And what are their chances of success? The...
08.13.2023
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 Andaman Sea in search of asylum and a better life. We speak with Michelle Cicic, head of the regional office...
08.11.2023
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, and what is he like as a person? Is he in with a chance of becoming US president, or are...
08.03.2023
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 performance say about how the future of the team? And did they catch the public's imagination enough to keep the...
07.26.2023
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 rubbed off on Oppenheimer. Did it translate into box office success? Will this revive the public's interest in going to...
07.22.2023
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 much anger. Do environmentalists think the now-watered-down law will have any impact? And how does Ireland fit into the picture? The...
07.13.2023
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 scenes at Oireachtas committees, from the grandstanding to the selection process, as well as to analyse previous appearances by John...
07.06.2023
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 a crucial but often underappreciated role in regulating our climate, so how strong a warning signal is this? What could...
06.30.2023
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, join us on this week's episode to look at the latest scandal to hit RTÉ. The revelations around overpayments of...
06.19.2023
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 us on this week's podcast to discuss this lesser spotted energy source. How do you make it? Where could it...
06.11.2023
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 that's currently getting the most attention. Gavin Cooney, sports writer with The42, joins us to explain all. The story...
06.06.2023
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 for anyone whose own memory of sitting the Leaving Cert might be fading. We look at the lasting impact of...

What's The Explainer about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Explainer episodes:

By Noteworthy: Why are our peatlands still being exploited?

The State inquiry into the Bill Kenneally case - what have we learned so far?

Everything you need to know about how the EU works but were too afraid to ask

What happens when people need medical attention in Ukraine?

What next for Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael, and Ireland?

How is Ireland planning to legislate on assisted dying?

What challenges are Irish troops facing in an unstable Middle East?

Why was the FAI in front an Oireachtas committee again?

By Noteworthy: Why is our history falling into the sea?

Everything you need to know about the March referendums

Why is measles on the rise again?

What is life like in Turkey, one year after the earthquakes?

Power sharing returns to Stormont - how did we get here?

Is power sharing in Northern Ireland finished?

Why did the US and the UK start bombing Yemen - and who are the Houthis?

How exactly can you get some money back from Revenue?

Our favourite explanations of 2023

The ups and downs of Irish politics in 2023 - and what does 2024 hold?

Ireland at the Golden Globes - who is nominated, and what are their chances?

Has the COP28 deal really ended the reign of fossil fuels?

What are the big issues facing Joe Biden as he aims for re-election?

By Noteworthy: Are kids being locked out from jailed parents?

Out of control - how did an attack in Dublin lead to riots and looting?

How has David Cameron made a surprise return to British politics?

What caused dozens of overdoses in Dublin recently?

Israel and Gaza - what are the big questions that need to be answered?

How has Taylor Swift become (arguably) the world’s biggest music star?

What can be done to stop damaging flooding in Ireland?

What would an Israeli ground offensive look like?

Ireland’s love/hate relationship with the USC

What's really on the new SPHE curriculum?

Lough Neagh has been hit by an algal bloom disaster - what’s happening?

What is the American bully XL and do bans on certain dog breeds work?

By Noteworthy: Will home births ever be the norm in Ireland?

How will Ireland's new publicly funded IVF scheme work?

Luis Rubiales and the Spanish football scandal - what happens next?

Why is Ireland getting more TDs?

How has the Rose of Tralee festival survived for so long?

Why is there so much talk about a farmers' party in Ireland?

A forgotten crisis - what is happening to the Rohingya minority fleeing Myanmar?

Who is Robert F Kennedy Jr and could he be the next US president?

What next for Ireland's women's football team?

Do Barbie and Oppenheimer mark the return of the summer blockbuster?

What is the Nature Restoration Law and how will it work in Ireland?

How do Oireachtas committees work, and how did Tubridy end up in front of one?

What does Ireland’s ‘unprecedented’ marine heatwave tell us about our climate?

What does the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal mean for the future of RTÉ?

What is hydrogen power, and could it replace coal, oil, and gas?

Hard cash and soft power - what is going on in the world of golf?

What is it like to sit the Leaving Cert in 2023?