Lunchtime Live
News & Politics
About
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
- Ask Me Anything: Nicola Tallant
Investigations Editor at the Sunday World and author Nicola Tallant joins Andrea for an Ask Me Anything episode to discuss gangland journalism.
- David Attenborough turns 100!
Andrea discusses Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday with biologist Éanna Ní Lamhna, wildlife photographer Tina Claffey, and listeners. The episode explores his impact and listeners' experiences.
- Why Ovarian cancer is called a ‘silent’ cancer
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses why ovarian cancer is referred to as a "silent" cancer, with symptoms often mistaken for common issues. It features Dee Flannelly and Dr. Claire Thompson, a Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, to…
- When is the right time to move home?
This episode of Lunchtime Live explores the question of when it's the right time to move home for Irish emigrants. It features Andrea, who documented her family's move from Australia, and other listeners sharing their experiences.
- Regional Roundup with Eamonn Torsney
Eamonn Torsney from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea for a regional news roundup. He discusses stories from across the country that listeners might have missed.
- Are you missing events due to the high cost of tickets?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses "ticketflation" and how the rising cost of tickets is causing people to miss out on sporting events and concerts. Andrea is joined by Siobhan O'Neill Whyte from Mams.ie and listeners to share their…
- The Home Squad: Outdoor Furniture
The Home Squad on Lunchtime Live discusses outdoor furniture with Irish Examiner Columnist Jenny Sheehan and Woodie's DIY & Garden Expert Brian Burke. They offer advice for garden furniture.
- Listener’s own Kindle stuck in customs with almost €300 charge
Andrea's guest faced a large customs charge for her own Kindle after leaving it in a London hotel. Consumer Columnist Caitríona Redmond joins to discuss the situation.
- Are tech companies doing enough to protect children?
Social media executives from platforms like TikTok and Snapchat were questioned by TDs and Senators regarding children's online safety. The discussion focused on whether "dark patterns" are used to keep users in recommender systems and if…
- Are you worried about hantavirus?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses local concerns about hantavirus following an outbreak on an Atlantic cruise ship docking in Tenerife. Guests include local resident Dee Daniels and Andrew, known as @The Knights-trider on social med…
- The Making of The Strokes!
This episode of Lunchtime Live explores the making of The Strokes. Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience joins Andrea to discuss the band's history, their relationships, and the inspirations behind their songs.
- Should fans boycott Ireland v Israel?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses the debate surrounding a potential boycott of the Ireland v Israel football match. It features insights from Daniel Lambert of Irish Sport for Palestine and Bohemians FC, and Cameron Hill from Off t…
- Hospital Car Park Charges
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses the €17 million spent on hospital car parking charges. Callers share their experiences regarding these additional expenses when attending hospitals.
- Making Babies: 20 Week Scan
Professor Shane Higgins, a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, joins Andrea to discuss the 20-week scan. This episode of Lunchtime Live focuses on the "Making Babies" segment.
- Ask the Expert: Breastfeeding
This episode of Lunchtime Live features Katie Mugan, a Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding, and Formula Feeding Specialist. She joins Andrea to answer listener questions about breastfeeding.
- Designer Paula Rowan on having gloves appear in Devil Wears Prada 2!
Irish designer Paula Rowan joins the show to discuss her gloves appearing in the movie Devil Wears Prada 2. Many people flocked to see the film this weekend.
- Locals annoyed by ticket allocations for Ryder Cup
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses local residents' annoyance over Ryder Cup ticket allocations. Complimentary passes were given based on postcode, not the Parish of Adare, leading to controversy.
- Councillor Alison Field takes fight to European Parliament for autistic son
Councillor Alison Field joins Andrea to discuss her efforts to find a suitable school place for her autistic son, James, and her plans to bring her fight to the European Parliament.
- Don’t Miss: Hokum, Man on Fire, Running Point
Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, joins Andrea to discuss what's happening this week. They cover topics including Hokum, Man on Fire, and Running Point.
- Should local authorities install more CCTV cameras in their areas?
James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South, introduces a Bill to expand CCTV use in Dublin. This episode features a discussion with Willie White, Artistic Director at the Dublin Theatre Festival, and listeners on the proposal and p…
- Ask Me Anything: Museum Curator
This episode of Lunchtime Live features Dr. Daryl Hendley Rooney, Museum Curator at the Little Museum of Dublin. She answers questions about her role as a Museum Curator.
- Would you ever book a table for one?
Andrea and Lise Hand, along with listeners, discuss the experience of eating and drinking alone. They explore whether people embrace or avoid booking a table for one.
- How have weight loss drugs affected you?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses the impact of weight loss drugs, with a focus on Saxenda and HSE funding. Andrea is joined by writer and director Amanda Brunker, along with listeners, to share their experiences.
- Residents in Adamstown told to remove EV chargers - why?
This episode of Lunchtime Live explores why residents in Adamstown have been instructed to remove their EV charging bollards. The discussion features a Sinn Féin Representative, a representative from Nevo.ie, and a resident affected by the…
- Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Shane Beatty, presenter of Breakfast Briefing, joins Andrea to discuss a roundup of stories from across the country this week. They talk about various regional news items.
- Mortgage firm to allow first time buyers to borrow 5 times their salary
Nua Money proposes allowing first-time buyers to borrow five times their salary for a home, a change from the current four times. This potential shift in lending patterns is discussed with Ray Cooke from Ray Cooke Auctioneers and Chrissy H…
- The Home Squad: Built-in Spaces
The Home Squad on Lunchtime Live discusses built-in furniture, exploring when it works and when it should be avoided. The episode features insights from Jenny Sheehan and Jenny Butler.
- Oprah is coming to Dublin - will you be going?
Oprah Winfrey announced she is coming to Dublin for a special event. Guests Alexandra Ryan and Norma Murphy discuss the event.
- Public transport Bank Holiday closures - how are you impacted?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses public transport closures during the Bank Holiday weekend, focusing on DART service limitations from Connolly to Malahide to Howth. Guests include Cian O’Callaghan, Alex Garvey from Dublin Commuters…
- How do you be the perfect host?
This episode of Lunchtime Live features Andrea, Tara O'Connor, James Kavanagh, and Hazel Burton discussing the qualities and considerations for being a perfect host. They explore various aspects of hospitality, including amenities for gues…
- The Making of Gorillaz!
This episode of Lunchtime Live explores the making of Gorillaz, with insights from Alan Buckley of the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience. The discussion covers the stories behind the album, artist relationships, and song inspirations.
- How bad is shouting and abuse from the sidelines?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses the issue of shouting and abuse from the sidelines at sports matches, including those involving children. A listener shares a recent experience, and guests, including a former coach and campaign fou…
- Should sulky racing be banned?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses the call for a ban on sulky racing on public roads and horse-drawn carriages, as proposed in a new strategy by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Guests from My Lovely Ho…
- Reasons to be Happy: Seagull Competition, Sun, Ariana Grande
Lunchtime Live's "Reasons to be Happy" segment explores optimistic news stories. Meghan O’Halloran and Andrea discuss news that aims to leave listeners feeling more optimistic.
- Would you go on a fitness holiday?
This episode of Lunchtime Live features Cheryl Lyons and Sean Harding discussing the growing trend of fitness holidays, including triathlons and Hyrox events, particularly among younger generations. They explore whether people incorporate…
- Government fuel supports - how are you affected?
The government is set to announce a new fuel supports scheme aimed at the agriculture, quarries, haulage, fisheries, and construction sectors. This episode discusses the new measures and their potential impact on those within and outside t…
- Making Babies: Inductions
Professor Shane Higgins discusses inductions with Andrea on Lunchtime Live. They cover important information about inductions for those trying to have a baby.
- Why do we love comfort TV?
This episode of Lunchtime Live features Alison Curtis and Rory Galvin discussing why people enjoy rewatching the same TV shows. They share their favorite comfort TV shows and delve into the reasons for their appeal.
- Should disruptive passengers be banned from future flights?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses whether disruptive passengers should be banned from future flights, prompted by a recent incident on a Jet2 Holiday flight. The conversation explores the implications of creating a national database…
- Ask the Expert: Blood Donation
This episode of Lunchtime Live features Dr. Ellen McSweeny from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service answering listener questions about blood donation as part of the "Ask the Expert" segment.
- Taylor Swift applies to trademark her voice in fight against AI
Taylor Swift has filed to trademark her voice and image as a measure against AI content. Mark Kelly, founder of AI Ireland, joins the discussion on this topic.
- BER rating system set to change - what you need to know
Ireland's building energy rating (BER) system is set to change from next month. This episode features Joe Durkan, Head of Technical National Retrofit at SEAI, who explains the new system. The current 15-point scale will be replaced by a si…
- Are speed cameras the answer to road deaths?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses the sharp rise in road accidents in Ireland and whether more speed cameras are the answer to preventing further road deaths. It features a discussion with former Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan and…
- Should we get rid of participation medals?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses whether participation medals should be eliminated for children and adults. The debate features insights from Freelance Broadcaster Meghann Scully, Oisin Mulligan from Mulligainz Fitness, and Sustain…
- Don’t Miss: Apex, Half Man, Louis Tomlinson
Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, joins Andrea to discuss new and noteworthy topics, including Apex, Half Man, and Louis Tomlinson. Netflix is mentioned as a source.
- Government to withdraw tourist accommodation support - Ukrainian impact
The Irish government is withdrawing support for tourist and commercial accommodation housing Ukrainians, with further reductions planned. This episode explores the implications for Ukrainians living in Ireland.
- Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes
Dr. Nina Byrnes, a GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic, joins guest host Anna Daly on Lunchtime Live to address listener medical queries.
- New GAA sportswear brand is designed specifically for women
Féirla, a new GAA sportswear brand for women, is discussed by founder Margaret Walsh and Anna Daly. The brand is designed specifically for female players.
- Wicklow teacher raising €600,000 for heart surgery in the US
Eimear Byrne, a 30-year-old teacher from Wicklow, needs to raise €600,000 for a third open-heart surgery in the United States. This procedure is not available in her home country. Anna Daly is joined by Eimear and her sister Niamh to discu…
- Is 53 considered ‘old’?
This episode of Lunchtime Live discusses at what age someone is considered "old", referencing a UK survey that suggests young people consider 53 to be old. Guest host Anna Daly, Barbara Scully, and Cathal O’Sullivan join the conversation.