PODCAST · society
Lunchtime Live
by Newstalk
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing [email protected] CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
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Ask Me Anything: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr Cormac Joyce joined Andrea to answer your questions!
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Is it ever too late to learn how to swim?
Is it ever too late, and why when it’s a life skill that could save help safe another person’s life, should it perhaps be mandatory in schools? Journalist Edaein O’Connell and Mick McCormack, Head Coach at Dolphin Swimming Club along with listeners joined Andrea on the show to discuss.
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How manky is your mattress?
According to news researcher, an average of 103 cups of tea will be drunk, 18 breakfasts will be had and 9 food and drink spillages will take place on the average mattress. So how important is it to take care of your mattress? Mattress Mick joined Andrea on the show to discuss.
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Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.
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Ryder Cup accommodation costing thousands
Are you looking forward to the Ryder Cup? And have you ever considered renting out your own place? Amidst huge demand for tickets and accommodation, the Irish Times have been reporting on some of the properties currently for rent. Andrea was joined by Lorna Cahill, Owner of an Air BnB in West...
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The Home Squad: Fireplaces
We’re heading into the colder months so what are your options when it comes to Fireplaces and Stoves? Jenny Sheehan, Co-Founder of HomePage.ie and Co-Host of rip it up: The Renovations Podcast and Emma Delaney from April & the Bear joined Andrea on the show to discuss.
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How to get started on Vinted
With the exponential rise in Vinted, what are the top tips and tricks you should know before you to start buying and selling. Anna McHugh, Head of PR An Post, Bronwyn Thompson, Owner Mira Mira in Sandymount and Caroline Rushe from @my_crazy_life_caroline on Instagram joined Andrea on the show to...
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Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15-years in prison
Former DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15-years in prison for historical sex offences against two women when they were children. Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive Officer at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre joined Andrea on the show.
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Are Santa experiences too expensive?
As we head into the winter months, and the sleigh bells start to ring, we have Santa sending his helpers all over the world for some Santa experiences. But why are Santa experiences so expensive? Andrea was joined on the show by Brian one of Santa’s helpers in Explorium, Anne Sheeran personal...
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More support needed for Brain tumour patients
2 years ago Amy Traynor had just welcomed her baby boy when she received a devastating brain tumour diagnosis. Amy joined Andrea on the show to highlight the need for more information and support for those who are newly diagnosed.
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Do headphones damage your hearing?
Andrea was joined on the show by Max Fletcher, Audiologist with Hidden Hearing and Colin Baker, AKA Gadget Guy Colin and CEO of Back from the Future IT Support to discuss if headphones damage your hearing.
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Reasons to be Happy: Kelly Clarkson, Jedward, Line of Duty
Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic. 98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your face.
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Listener reaction to public sector strike
Andrea was joined on the show by listeners who go in touch to share their views on the public sector strike taking place today as more than 300,000 public sector workers including nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants take strike action over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.
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Making Babies: Secondary Infertility
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies. Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the National Maternity Hospital, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to...
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Drug debt intimidation
Andrea was joined on the show by Dr Garrett McGovern, Medical Director and Founder of the Priority Medical Clinic, which is a private outpatient addiction treatment and rehabilitation to discuss the issue of drug debt intimidation.
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Public sector strike across the country
300,00 workers striking across the country in action over public pay deal. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the strikes taking place and how they are impacted by them.
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Do you support the public sector strikes?
300,000 public sector workers have begun a 24-hour strike this morning, with schools, medical appointments, courts and other services affected. Andrea spoke to some of those who are on the picket lines along with listeners.
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Ask the Expert: Saving on gas and electricity
As the weather gets colder, your gas and electricity bill can easily run away from you and balloon in price. So, what are some things we can do to make sure that doesn’t happen? Darragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie joins Andrea to discuss this and answer listener questions!
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Are you a fan of advent calendars?
Advent calendars have already hit the shelves across the country, with some of them in high demand. From chocolate to beauty and toys, are they worth the hype? Joining Andrea to discuss is Denis Cronin, who is @digitaldinny on social media, Beauty Editor with Evoke.ie Laura Bermingham and Shannen...
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Secondary infertility and the emotions of trying to conceive
Actor Aisling Kearns documented her journey trying to conceive her second baby, sharing the months and months of negative pregnancy tests and the toll it took emotionally… She joins Andrea, as well as Helena Tubridy, Fertility Coach and author of bestseller ‘Still Trying to Conceive’ to discuss.
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Closure of dementia unit brings backlash from those impacted
Eight dementia patients are set to be moved due to the closure of a dementia unit in St Stephen’s Hospital in Glanmire, Cork. This has brought backlash from residents and their families about where they will be placed after the unit is closed. Eddie Mackessy, whose wife is one of the eight…
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Don’t Miss: Animals, East of Eden, The Rest is Science
Entertainment News Content Creator Holli Breslin joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week! Image: Netflix
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‘Do not consume’ water notice issued for Tipperary & Waterford - are you affected?
A ‘do not consume’ water notice has been issued for south Tipperary and parts of Waterford. More than 11,000 residents have been told they must not consume their tap water until further notice. Those in the affected areas should not use their tap water for drinking, preparing food, cooking, or...
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Ask the Medic: Perimenopause
For this week’s Ask The Medic, Consultant Endocrinologist D. Mary Ryan joins Andrea to discuss all things perimenopause ahead of World Menopause Day.
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Video Doorbells - a blessing or a curse?
Video doorbells - do you love them or hate them? And how much are we being watched in our everyday lives without realizing it? Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciara O’Brien, Irish Times Business and Technology Journalist, Jenny Sheehan, @workerscottage on Instagram and co-host of ‘Rip It Up: The...
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Are there enough supports for children with Autism in supermarkets?
Often here on the show we talk about the lack of supports for those with Autism, but how about a good news story for a change? Lucinda joins Andrea to share her story, as well as Amy deBrun, actress and writer.
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Have you overpaid on the “politeness premium”?
New research by AIB reveals that, Irish consumers lose an average of €150 each year as a result of a “politeness premium” which sees them overpay on shared bills. The study suggests that fewer than one in 20 Irish adults will always ask for money they are owed back, with as many as 90% saying…
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Buying a Home: Handling Competition
If you are trying to buy a home of your own, you will know that the buying process is not straightforward. There will be multiple viewings, bids and competing offers. So, how should you handle it as a first time buyer? Clare Connolly, Managing Director of Clare Connolly Estate agents in Dundrum,...
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Make-A-Wish issue appeal after bear goes missing
Make-A-Wish Ireland have issued an urgent appeal after their mascot, a giant teddy bear called Hope, has disappeared. For more on this, Andrea is joined by Susan O’Dwyer, Make-A-Wish Ireland CEO and Katie Ball, the mother of Cohen who we spoke to as part of our Make-A-Wish Week earlier this year…
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Ask Me Anything: Sports Photographer
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, James Crombie, Press and Sports Photographer joins Andrea to answer any of your questions about his career!
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Has your handwriting gotten worse?
Angelina Jolie has been exposed for her messy writing, which people are calling illegible, but is it more relatable than we would like to admit? Joining Andrea to discuss is Speech Writer Cormac Lally, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Chair of the Communications Clinic Terry Prone and Sheena...
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American firing squad execution to be live streamed - does this cross a line?
The Pentagon has said an upcoming firing squad execution will be live streamed. This is the first military execution in America for more than 65 years, and it is being made public… Have we gone too far? Does this cross a line? Joining Andrea to discuss is Ronan Lupton, Barrister and Senior…
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Survey finds endometriosis diagnosis wait times at 14 years on average!
A new endometriosis survey has revealed that the average wait time for a diagnosis is 14 years. Up to one in seven women in Ireland are estimated to have endometriosis, yet there is very little research and services available on this condition. Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss this…
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Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.
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Irish man stuck in Greece hospital - family speaks out
Keith Twomey is 52, he's from Cork and he's currently in hospital in Greece, after he was struck by a car on September 11th while on holiday in Rhodes. His family say they've spent over €37,000 trying to bring him back home, and they're now looking for help. Keith's brother, Graham, is a…
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The Home Squad: Wet Weather Entrances
As the wet and dreary weather becomes more common, how do you get your house ready so that the area around your front door isn’t a mess? This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss wet weather entrances! Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’...
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Should you already be booking your summer holidays?
Have you thought about your family holiday next year? Travel agents are warning that people should be planning ahead if they are confined to school holidays in order to avoid price hikes next year... Travel Expert Eoghan Corry joins Andrea to discuss.
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Autistic child left without school place for second year in a row
Roman has been left without a school place for the second year in a row. Roman Slator will be six in December, and spends his days at home with his mum, Jade Slator, who works just one day a week so she can care for her son. Roman received an autism assessment in July 2025. After a...
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Why does nobody host friends anymore?
Once upon a time, it was the norm to pop into your neighbours house for a cup of tea or invite your friends around for dinner, but have we moved on from those days? In the US, the number of people who regularly host friends or family fell from 42% in 1975 to 12% in 2026, a 70% drop over the last…
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The Making of Celine Dion!
We're doing a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them. What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from? Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going…
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College Court home destroyed after student party in Limerick - what happened?
Gardaí are investigating a break-in and criminal damage at a house in Limerick linked to a student party in the early hours of Wednesday. Videos are circulating online of young adults smashing windows, breaking down walls of the home and the ceiling torn down… Joining Andrea to discuss this is…
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Enduring Power of Attorney - what needs to change?
Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell joined Andrea on Monday to discuss how he wants the rules around Power of Attorney changed. Today, Andrea is joined by more listeners to hear their issues around this…
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Reasons to be Happy: Porridge, Car Singing, Pussy Cat Dolls
Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic. 98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…
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Why graduate nurses are uncertain about their future
Many graduate nurses say they're facing uncertainty over their future, as they're currently in limbo without permanent contracts from the HSE. One of those is Fiona Gilmar from Dundalk Institute of Technology. She joins Andrea to discuss. Also joining is Tony Fitzpatrick, INMO Director of...
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Making Babies: Mental Health
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies. Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the…
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Will new clamping rules ruin an upcoming wedding?
Lorna McEvoy is due to be married next year. Apart from the usual jitters before the big day, she is stressed that her wedding guests will be clamped… This comes as clamping measures have been introduced in a residential estate in Seven Mills in Dublin 22. Lorna joins Andrea to discuss.
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Flasher in Tralee - Sinead Kelleher’s experience
Do you feel safe going for walks? Sinead Kelleher, Journalist with the Kerryman and Independent.ie, wrote a piece about an incident she had with a flasher during a walk on Sunday... She joins Andrea to discuss this experience.
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Are you happy with Budget 2027?
After all of the announcements made yesterday for Budget 2027, what do you think about it? Are there things that benefit you, or was there more that could have been done? Andrea is joined by listeners to hear their thoughts.
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Don’t Miss: War, Unabomber, Rory O’Hanlon
Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week! Image: HBO Max
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Do we need stricter legislation for rickshaws?
Dublin City Council passed a motion calling for the regulation and urgent action on rickshaws in the city. Fine Gael’s Danny Byrne spoke on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, and said that all motorised rickshaws need to be licensed and insured like cars and motorbikes. So, should we implement...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing [email protected]
CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment
Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
HOSTED BY
Newstalk
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Lunchtime Live have?
Lunchtime Live currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Lunchtime Live about?
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing [email protected] CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive |...
How often does Lunchtime Live release new episodes?
Lunchtime Live releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Lunchtime Live?
You can listen to Lunchtime Live on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Lunchtime Live?
Lunchtime Live is created and hosted by Newstalk.
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