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.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
The Explainer
Claim This Podcastby The Journal
4.6(61 reviews)
419 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇮🇪
60
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality81
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement96
Podcast Overview
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.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/10/2019
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60
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality81
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement96
7
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2
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10
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excellent
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Every 6 days
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3.0/5
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Recent Episodes
June 22, 2026
Why do so many speeding cases never end in a conviction?
<p>If you're caught speeding in Ireland, you'd be forgiven for assuming a fine and penalty points are all but inevitable. But a new investigation by The Journal Investigates has found that almost one in every two speeding cases before the District Courts doesn't result in a conviction. we're joined by Patricia Devlin, journalist with The Journal Investigates.</p><br><p>Patricia’s reporting on this topic was supported by the Courts Reporting Scheme.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 17, 2026
Why is crack cocaine use soaring in Ireland?
For years, the conversation around problem drug use in Ireland centred on heroin. But on the streets of Dublin and beyond, a different drug has taken hold. Treatment demand for crack cocaine rose by 31% in a single year - and by more than 900% over the last decade - according to the latest figures from the Health Research Board. Those working on the frontline say the drug's cheap price and sheer availability are driving the increase, with a single rock selling for as little as €10. But behind the statistics are people, and the question of how someone caught in the grip of one of the most addictive drugs out there finds their way back out. Dawn Russell, chief executive of Ana Liffey, one of Ireland's leading harm reduction organisations, joins us to explain what's driving the surge, and what recovery actually looks like.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
June 11, 2026
What does a Limerick refinery have to do with a Russian sanctions row?
Alumina is the fine white powder needed to make aluminium, and Ireland is home to Europe's largest producer of it. Aughinish Alumina's ownership by Russian giant Rusal has put the Limerick plant under intense scrutiny, with a recent investigation tracing its product all the way to the Russian military. Niall O'Connor, News Correspondent with The Journal, joins us to explain who owns the refinery, how its alumina allegedly ends up in Russian weapons, and what it all means for the hundreds of people who work there.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
419 total episodes available
Recent guests on The Explainer
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Niall O'Connor
Guest
Louise Corrigan
Guest
Dr Paola Rivetti
Guest
Aoife Moore
Guest
Chris Stokel-Walker
Guest
Patricia Devlin
Guest
Larry Donnelly
Guest
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is The Explainer?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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