One big story, clearly explained.
The gist
The Explainer takes one live news question at a time and slows it down. Recent episodes trace fuel protests, Budget 2026, housing pressure, child safety online, retail closures, football qualification, and conflict through practical interviews and plain context.
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About The Explainer
The Explainer is a structured current-affairs show that treats a single news story as something worth taking apart carefully. Each episode starts from a sharp public question. Will fuel supports reach consumers at the pump? When does protest cross a legal line? Why can a budget full of spending leave people dissatisfied? From there, the show brings in reporters, economists, legal specialists, sports writers, and issue specialists to map the facts around the story. The format is clean and accessible. It does not assume the listener has followed every development. Instead, it resets the timeline, identifies the people affected, and explains the forces underneath the headline. Recent episodes show a strong Irish politics and public-policy focus, with Budget 2026, fuel prices, housing, retail job losses, and Gardaí responses to protest all placed in practical context. The show also looks outward when international events affect Irish life or global stability, including oil markets, the Strait of Hormuz, and conflict between Israel and Iran. There is room for sport, too, when Ireland’s World Cup qualification hopes become a national story. The pacing is conversational, but the questions are pointed. Guests are asked to explain constitutional rights, market signals, mortgage barriers, online child safety, and business collapses in language a general news audience can follow. Its best moments come when it connects everyday disruption to bigger systems: energy security, legal limits, state capacity, commercial incentives, or long-term household finance. The show is sober without being dry. It gives listeners enough context to follow the next development with more confidence. It is particularly useful for people who want Irish news framed by specialists rather than flattened into quick reaction. The emphasis is not opinion for its own sake. It is explanation with a clear public-service instinct.
Made for: For listeners who follow Irish news and want a clearer account of the policy, law, money, and institutions behind the headline. It also suits anyone trying to understand how international events affect daily life in Ireland.
What sets it apart: The show anchors each episode in a single timely question, then uses specialist and newsroom interviews to move from immediate disruption to wider consequences. It is especially strong on Irish public policy, economic pressure, and legal context.
In their own words
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.
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Episodes
- 1
Will more countries recognising Palestine make a difference?
·12m - 2
The average Irish homebuyer is now 40 - what does this mean?
·15m - 3
Can Ireland really qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
·24m - 4
Why are Claire’s Accessories staff being left without pay?
·13m - 5
What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?
·32m - 6
How bad could the looming energy crisis get?
·20m - 7
Is the US-led attack on Iran illegal?
·21m - 8
Why is Ireland asking foreign navies to patrol its waters?
·17m - 9
Will a social media ban for under-16s actually work?
·25m - 10
Why are hundreds of suspected suicides invisible in official stats?
·12m - 11
What's stopping flood defences from being built?
·19m - 12
What exactly are the rules for scramblers and e-scooters?
·18m - 13
How is an Irish general driving EU defence strategy?
·15m - 14
Has Brand Beckham been destroyed by their own son?
·13m - 15
Where will Donald Trump send the US military next?
·20m - 16
Our best explanations of 2025
·21m - 17
Can you get a cash refund for a gift you don't want?
·15m - 18
Is your favourite chocolate still actually 'chocolate'?
·13m - 19
Why is Enoch Burke back in the news - and what's different this time?
·16m - 20
How did drones look to target Zelenskyy's plane over the Irish Sea?
·12m - 21
What's behind the taxi protests gridlocking Dublin?
·12m - 22
What did the world actually agree to at COP30?
·18m - 23
Why do children go missing so often from Tusla care?
·15m - 24
Why did a year-old documentary take down the BBC's director general?
·26m - 25
How did DJ Carey become a fraudster?
·28m - 26
Why are new community safety meetings being held in private?
·21m - 27
How did one glitch break half the internet?
·23m - 28
After the ceasefire, what now for the people of Gaza?
·22m - 29
Is the government's childcare funding scheme falling apart?
·14m - 30
How could the killing of Charlie Kirk reshape the American right?
·24m - 31
Could Eurovision collapse over Israel's inclusion?
·16m - 32
Who gets to decide who can run for president?
·22m - 33
Will ChatGPT's new parental controls actually work?
·23m - 34
What is The Traitors' secret formula for turning a TV show into a global hit?
·25m - 35
Why is Pope Leo facing criticism after his first 100 days?
·27m - 36
Why are bosses turning against remote work?
·20m - 37
How far can a protest go before the State steps in?
·23m - 38
Is the EU-US tariff deal the best we could do?
·24m - 39
How is Trump caught up in the Epstein files saga (again)?
·20m - 40
Why does Ireland still invest in companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements?
·18m - 41
Why are people in Ireland so lonely?
·24m - 42
What really happened on board the MV Matthew?
·27m - 43
What do new US visa rules mean for Irish travellers?
·20m - 44
Can the Iranian regime survive a war with Israel?
·24m - 45
How was the secretive founder of Tattle Life unmasked?
·24m - 46
Are SUVs making roads more dangerous for pedestrians?
·15m - 47
Why is Google search so bad?
·23m - 48
Why is Ireland still culling badgers to stop TB?
·16m - 49
How can Ireland stop another bike shed-style controversy?
·26m - 50
What is going on at Castletown House?
·17m - 51
What is the reality for aid workers in Gaza?
·13m - 52
Is Ireland vulnerable to power blackouts like Spain and Portugal?
·28m - 53
Is porn driving a rise in youth sexual violence?
·19m - 54
How can the world fight back against US tariffs?
·27m - 55
What’s happening with the rollout of free HRT?
·19m - 56
What has Adolescence done to highlight the dangers for children online?
·26m - 57
Could Tesla protests spark the end of Musk's car company?
·18m - 58
What are tariffs and why should we care?
·21m - 59
How is a new Pope selected?
·22m - 60
Why is the US cosying up to Russia?
·33m - 61
Will drugs like Ozempic change how we view obesity?
·29m - 62
How can Ireland prepare for future storms and other risks?
·32m - 63
What has a new investigation uncovered about vaping?
·16m - 64
What did Trump do in his first days back in office?
·22m - 65
What is Shein and what is it doing to the clothing industry?
·24m - 66
Elon Musk and accusations of political interference — what’s going on?
·31m - 67
Our best explanations of 2024
·24m - 68
A look back at 2024 and ahead to 2025 in US politics
·46m - 69
How do you dial down the stress of Christmas?
·25m - 70
How many homes are at risk from coastal erosion in Ireland?
·8m - 71
What will the Green Party's wipeout mean for climate action in Ireland?
·30m - 72
How exactly does Ireland's system of voting work?
·25m - 73
Are we about to see a further escalation in the Ukraine war?
·32m - 74
The general election campaign is now underway — what happens next?
·37m - 75
What is AI slop and did it lead to a Halloween parade hoax in Dublin?
·22m - 76
What will win or lose the US election for Harris and Trump?
·27m - 77
Why is Israel targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon?
·35m - 78
How does Nepal deal with hundreds of landslides every year?
·35m - 79
What does the Strictly scandal mean for the future of British TV?
·18m - 80
How much of a difference will the Budget really make?
·20m - 81
How did the plan to redevelop Casement Park fall apart?
·24m - 82
What can be learned from the government's handling of an IPAS centre in Tipperary?
·32m - 83
What is the reality of health crises in places like Palestine and Sudan?
·26m - 84
How is Ireland still uncovering stories of widespread abuse?
·23m - 85
What is Telegram and why was its founder arrested?
·25m - 86
Why are the victims of paedophile Michael Shine speaking out for the first time?
·26m - 87
Who are Kneecap?
·25m - 88
What do we know - and don't know - about the Olympic boxing controversy?
·26m - 89
What is Hezbollah?
·27m - 90
With Biden out and Harris in, what will the Republican party’s next move be?
·20m - 91
What was the political fallout from previous attacks on US presidents?
·28m - 92
Can US President Joe Biden really continue in the election race?
·20m - 93
What next for UK politics after Labour's landslide election win?
·27m - 94
What is 'go-away money' and how is it being used in Ireland's planning system?
·23m - 95
What do the next five years hold for the European Parliament?
·26m - 96
Who will be the next pope?
This episode examines the process and potential outcomes for selecting the next Pope following the death of Pope Francis.
·19m·1 clip - 97
Is this the end of the Islamic Republic?
This episode of The Explainer examines whether the ongoing protests in Iran, sparked by economic grievances and involving the Bazaari class, pose an existential threat to the Islamic Republic.
·23m - 98
How did a Budget with billions in spending leave people unhappy?
An analysis of Ireland's Budget 2026, which despite billions in spending, left many groups underwhelmed and criticized as a missed opportunity.
·32m - 99
Who are the Alawites, and is Syria on the brink of more violence?
An analysis of the recent violence in Syria involving the Alawite minority and the potential for renewed civil war after the fall of the Assad regime.
·32m - 100
What is happening with rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs?
This episode of The Explainer examines the legal downfall of rapper and music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
·24m·2 clips - 101
Will the government's fuel package actually work?
An economist discusses whether Ireland's fuel support package will effectively lower consumer prices amid global oil supply disruptions.
Apr 16, 2026·23m - 102
How far can a protest go before the State steps in?
This episode explores the legal limits of protests in Ireland, focusing on fuel protests that disrupt critical infrastructure.
Apr 9, 2026·23m - 103
The average Irish homebuyer is now 40 - what does this mean?
This episode of The Explainer discusses the implications of the average Irish homebuyer now being 40, including delayed home ownership, compressed mortgage terms, and impacts on retirement.
Mar 31, 2026·15m - 104
Can Ireland really qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
This episode explores whether the Republic of Ireland men's football team can qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 24-year absence, analyzing their recent dramatic qualifying campaign and the significance of upcoming matches.
Mar 23, 2026·24m - 105
Why are Claire’s Accessories staff being left without pay?
This episode explains why Claire's Accessories staff in Ireland are being left without pay as the retailer enters administration and closes stores.
Mar 19, 2026·13m - 106
What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?
Mar 14, 2026·32m - 107
How bad could the looming energy crisis get?
Emma Howard explains why universal fuel cuts can worsen inequality while targeted supports protect lower-income households.
Mar 10, 2026·20m·1 clip - 108
Is the US-led attack on Iran illegal?
Mar 3, 2026·21m - 109
Why is Ireland asking foreign navies to patrol its waters?
Operation Piano shows why Ireland wants new laws allowing naval personnel to act immediately.
Feb 26, 2026·17m·1 clip - 110
Will a social media ban for under-16s actually work?
The Explainer examines Ireland’s plan to explore social-media age restrictions for under-16s as part of its Digital and AI 2030 strategy, following Australia and other countries.
Feb 19, 2026·25m·1 clip - 111
Why are hundreds of suspected suicides invisible in official stats?
Feb 11, 2026·12m - 112
What's stopping flood defences from being built?
Fíochra O'Loughlin says a saturated "sponge" cannot absorb extreme rainfall across large Irish catchments.
Feb 5, 2026·19m·1 clip - 113
What exactly are the rules for scramblers and e-scooters?
Irish Gardaí can test a modified e-scooter and confiscate it if its motor exceeds the 20 kph limit.
Jan 28, 2026·18m·1 clip - 114
How is an Irish general driving EU defence strategy?
Jan 22, 2026·15m - 115
Has Brand Beckham been destroyed by their own son?
Jan 20, 2026·13m - 116
Is this the end of the Islamic Republic?
Jan 14, 2026·23m - 117
Where will Donald Trump send the US military next?
Jan 6, 2026·20m - 118
Our best explanations of 2025
Dec 31, 2025·21m - 119
Can you get a cash refund for a gift you don't want?
Dec 26, 2025·15m - 120
Is your favourite chocolate still actually 'chocolate'?
Dec 17, 2025·13m - 121
Why is Enoch Burke back in the news - and what's different this time?
Dec 10, 2025·16m - 122
How did drones look to target Zelenskyy's plane over the Irish Sea?
Dec 4, 2025·12m - 123
What's behind the taxi protests gridlocking Dublin?
Dec 3, 2025·12m - 124
What did the world actually agree to at COP30?
Nov 25, 2025·18m - 125
Why do children go missing so often from Tusla care?
Nov 19, 2025·15m - 126
Why did a year-old documentary take down the BBC's director general?
Nov 11, 2025·26m - 127
How did DJ Carey become a fraudster?
Nov 4, 2025·28m - 128
Why are new community safety meetings being held in private?
Oct 29, 2025·21m - 129
How did one glitch break half the internet?
Oct 22, 2025·23m - 130
After the ceasefire, what now for the people of Gaza?
Oct 15, 2025·22m - 131
How did a Budget with billions in spending leave people unhappy?
An economist analyzes why Ireland's Budget 2026, despite billions in spending, left many groups unhappy and is seen as a missed opportunity.
Oct 8, 2025·32m - 132
Is the government's childcare funding scheme falling apart?
Oct 1, 2025·14m - 133
How could the killing of Charlie Kirk reshape the American right?
Sep 25, 2025·24m - 134
Could Eurovision collapse over Israel's inclusion?
Sep 17, 2025·16m - 135
Who gets to decide who can run for president?
Sep 10, 2025·22m - 136
Will ChatGPT's new parental controls actually work?
Sep 4, 2025·23m - 137
What is The Traitors' secret formula for turning a TV show into a global hit?
Aug 28, 2025·25m - 138
Why is Pope Leo facing criticism after his first 100 days?
Aug 20, 2025·27m - 139
Why are bosses turning against remote work?
Aug 14, 2025·20m - 140
Will more countries recognising Palestine make a difference?
Aug 6, 2025·12m - 141
Is the EU-US tariff deal the best we could do?
Jul 30, 2025·24m - 142
How is Trump caught up in the Epstein files saga (again)?
Jul 24, 2025·20m - 143
Why does Ireland still invest in companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements?
Jul 17, 2025·18m - 144
Why are people in Ireland so lonely?
Jul 8, 2025·24m - 145
What really happened on board the MV Matthew?
Jul 4, 2025·27m - 146
What do new US visa rules mean for Irish travellers?
Jun 25, 2025·20m - 147
Can the Iranian regime survive a war with Israel?
This episode explores whether Israel's recent direct military strikes against Iran could lead to regime change, featuring an interview with Dr.
Jun 20, 2025·24m - 148
How was the secretive founder of Tattle Life unmasked?
Jun 19, 2025·24m - 149
Are SUVs making roads more dangerous for pedestrians?
Jun 12, 2025·15m - 150
Why is Google search so bad?
Jun 4, 2025·23m