Lunchtime Live

Many people take great pride in their homes and go to considerable lengths to keep them clean and tidy. For some, that means maintaining spotless floors, and expecting guests to help keep them that way.So, is asking visitors to remove their shoes at the door a reasonable request, or does it risk making them feel uncomfortable?Joining Andrea to discuss is Presenter Claire Ronan, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, Dr Primrose Freestone and more.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Should we consider banning ‘X’?The UK is, should we be following suit?This is fallout from the issues around their AI chatbot Grok. X users undressed thousands of pictures of women and children using Grok AI…So, what should we do about it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly, Host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke, as well as listeners.

Usually on the show this segment covers the lovely aspirational things with your home: renovations and new ideas. But, what do you do when things go wrong? What do you do if a pipe bursts in your home and causes damage?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss dealing with bursts and leaks!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power.

Do you treat yourself?Even when you’re a little broke, do you find some way to do something nice?Maybe it’s just some time out, some R&R - or maybe a fancy coffee on the way to work.But, do you prioritise it?Andrea is joined by Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of ‘The Science of Happiness’ to discuss…

A new study has revealed that people who stop taking weight-loss jabs regain weight in under two years.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Professor Donal O’Shea, the HSE Clinical Lead for Obesity, as well as listeners.

Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson announced on Sunday that her twin daughters have been diagnosed with a severe muscular disease.She said she will be campaigning for SMA1 (spinal muscular atrophy) screening at birth, after her twin babies were diagnosed with this rare genetic condition.The test has been approved in Ireland, but hasn’t yet been implemented.So, why not?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

We’ve decided to do 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 Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Bob Dylan’s album album ‘The Times They Are A-Changin'!

Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless has come under criticism for comments suggesting that providing each student with a private bathroom would be “wasteful.”The remarks were made during a discussion on the Government’s plans to move towards a co-living model for university accommodation, which would involve more communal living spaces.What are your thoughts on the minister’s comments? Should college students be entitled to an en-suite bathroom, or would shared facilities represent a more responsible use of public funds?Joining Andrea to discuss is Peter Finn AKA Pete the Builder, Orla Hegarty, Architect and Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy UCD and listeners.

Is there any need for wedding speeches anymore?TV Chef Gordon Ramsay said he was a “hot mess” before daughter Holly’s wedding speech.What’s your stance on wedding speeches? Do you love or loathe them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Wedding Planner Lyndsey Moynagh, Barry McLoughlin from the Communications Clinic, owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin Joey Donnelly and Speech Writer Cormac Lally.

It’s one of the things you’ll come across in your parenting journey: pocket money. Should children get pocket money, should they “earn” it, and what can it teach them? And, how much should they get?Joining Andrea to discuss is Paul Merriman, Founder of Ask Paul and CEO of Fairstone and Psychotherapist Bethan O'Riordan.

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…

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 road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to go back to basics, and discuss how to get pregnant.

If you’re feeling in need of a detox, or a break after the Christmas madness, maybe it’s time to think about a health holiday.The wellness economy has doubled in size since 2013, and doesn’t seem to be stopping…So, could it be for you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Host of Zen & Tonic Wellness Activity Holidays Sinéad Kennedy and Host of Alive and Kicking on Newstalk, Clare McKenna.

Jim Ahern is co-owner of Trade Path and a bricklayer by trade. He contacted the show because he believes there are too few real opportunities for people to pursue a trade in this country, and that something needs to change if we’re serious about getting more men and women into the workforce…So, are apprentices struggling to find work?Jim joins Andrea to discuss, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Ann Teahan, Founder of Neatly Home Organisation to answer all your questions about decluttering, which a lot of people may want to do at the start of the new year!

Have you seen the film ‘Saipan’?Apparently, two thirds of Irish people have said they won’t watch it…Would your loyalty to Roy Keane keep you away? Or would it be the reason you’re rushing to the cinema?Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry and The Echo’s Features Editor, John Dolan.

In recent months, we’ve been warned about the risks of posting our children on social media.Many parents now cover their faces with emojis, believing it’s a safer option. But cyber-security experts say even these photos still train facial recognition systems and build data profiles…So, do you use emojis to hide your children’s faces, and did you think you were protecting them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly, Broadcaster & Parenting Podcaster Rebecca Horan, Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw, @modernirishmom on Instagram and Host of The Opinions Matter Podcast, Katie Makk.

Today is Nollaig na mBan, a day traditionally dedicated to recognizing the women who carried the workload over Christmas. As many head out to celebrate with friends, it raises an interesting question: is Nollaig na mBan still relevant today?Is it a feminist tradition, or has it become a capitalist one?Joining Andrea to discuss is Wellness Advocate, Keri Deeney, Irish Independent Columnist, Mary McCarthy and Fashion Broadcaster Rosalind Lipsett.

It's How I live well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life...This week, Andrea is joined by Endocrinologist Dr Mary Ryan to discuss what good hormone health looks like, and how you can achieve it!

Listener Christian got in touch with the show over something a lot of people might be doing this year: ice skating. One rink in Belfast would cost 8 pounds for an adult to skate - while prices in Dublin could be double that!Why is this the case, and do we need a permanent ice rink in the city?Christian joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Aaron Gili, President of the Irish Ice Hockey Association, John Hetherington, Treasurer of Flying Ducks Inline and Ice Hockey Club and more.

Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic to tackle your medical queries.

In January, we get bombarded with New Years resolutions, fitness trends and "new year, new me" chat. But Elaine Power, host of What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast says January doesn’t have to be endured!She joined Andrea to discuss...

With many people dusting off the Christmas cobwebs and returning to work this week, for some the commute won’t stretch much further than the kitchen table or a spare bedroom.Working from home has become the new norm for many, easing the daily strain of long commutes and heavy traffic.But despite this shift, our roads still tell a familiar story. Traffic congestion appears to peak mid-week, as more people choose to head into the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.So what does this mean for those who would rather stay at home and avoid the commute altogether? Could flexible working eventually lead to quieter roads during the middle of the week — or is congestion here to stay?Joining Andrea to discuss was CEO of Kinore, Larissa Feeney, Founder and Chair of Grow Remote, Tracy Keogh, and Co-Founder, Rent a Recruiter, Jamie Groom along with callers.

Over in the UK, pets are increasingly being treated as a priority within the family. More people are choosing not to have children, instead deciding to adopt or buy pets as companions.For many couples, getting a pet has even become a way of testing their relationship before committing to parenthood. Some embraced the challenge and went on to have children of their own, while others discovered that their pets provided all the family they needed.So are pets becoming the new children?Joining Andrea was Freelance Journalist, Andrea Smith. Jen Hogan, Irish Times Journalist and Vet Pete Wedderburn  And Owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woof Laoise Downes

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. This Weeks its Icons by Goal. Newstalk’s Tom Douglas & Editor of DMG Media Sarah Jayne Tobin

According to Irish Businesses Against Litter Coffee cups are the most commonly found litter. Their survey found that coffee cups were found in one fifth of the sites they looked at.So is it time an extra charge is applied to them a even a outright ban on them ?Joining Andrea was Dave O'Reilly, Greystones Tidy Towns Chairman. Baker & Owner for Bread 41 in Dublin Eoin Cluskey, Finbar Filan, Chair of Sligo Tidy Towns, Donna Cooney, Green Party Councillor for Clontarf and John Lynch, Sustainability consultant down with Down2earth materials

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Sports Broadcaster and Journalist Cathal Mullaney joined Andrea to answer any of your questions

Getting married this year and hoping to be a bit more sustainable?   Bronwyn from Ballintubbert House in Laois joined Andrea to offer advice as well as Jessica O’Sullivan – Freelance Writer.

After a fire broke out in a home in Finglas on Wednesday. One man jumped into action to save the young children trapped in the burning home.  Joining Andrea was Emmanuel Bello, who, along with neighbours, helped 5 people escape the burning house.

Following Christmas and the New Year celebrations, your personal finances might have taken a bit of a hit.So  If you’re hoping to be better with money this year John Lowe- The Money Doctor joined Andrea to offer us  a few tips to help budget right in 2026.

Footpaths across Ireland are posing a serious risk to public safety and placing a growing strain on the national economy. Many people can attest to just how dangerous poorly maintained footpaths can be, with trips and falls now a common occurrence in towns and cities nationwide.In Dublin alone, unsafe footpaths have resulted in €18 million in injury compensation payouts over the past three years.What measures need to be taken to improve our paths and reduce preventable injuries?Joining Andrea were the Independent Councilor for Dublin, Mannix Flynn, as well as listeners who have firsthand experience of poor footpaths.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

As we frantically get our last bits of Christmas shopping done, how much of that will be done in a family-owned business? Unfortunately, not many of them have survived the past couple of decades…One that has is the iconic Kennys Bookshop in Galway which celebrated its 85th birthday last month.So amid all the changes, especially in how we read, how have they survived?Tomas Kenny joins Seán to discuss.Image: @kennysbookshop on Instagram

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Travel Journalist Eoghan Corry to talk about last minute travel around this time of year, and the deals you can avail of!

Christmas is a busy enough time for many, so why add extra stress?Denise O’Donoghue from the Irish Examiner joins Andrea with hacks to make your life easier around this period!

Trains across the country operate later than usual during the Christmas period, with the service being in big demand. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has said that he is in talks with Iarnród Éireann about expanding late night rail services beyond the Christmas and New Year festive period…So, would you like to see trains run later into the night?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Why do we eat turkey and ham at Christmas, and what is behind some of the other common goodies we have?Food Writer Dee Laffan and TV Chef & Lecturer from South East Technological University Edward Hayden join Andrea to discuss the history of Christmas dinner!

How do you dodge the family feuds at Christmas? Sometimes, when you’re all bunched up for that amount of time, it can feel inevitable…There’s no need to worry! Andrea is joined by Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of ‘The Science of Happiness’ Brendan Kelly to discuss how you can survive around this time of year!

Nearly 2 million people are travelling through Dublin Airport over Christmas.Henry McKean is live from Dublin Airport in Terminal 2, and joins Andrea to share what he’s seeing!

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

From banging pots and pans at midnight to sweeping the old year out the door - what are some of the weird and wonderful New Years traditions here in Ireland?Author and content creator of Weird Ireland, Brinsley McNamara, joins Andrea to discuss!

Sarah Ryan’s former partner Nathan Grant McNulty has been jailed for eight years for the rape and coercive control of Sarah.Sarah wanted to share her story, and joins Andrea to discuss…If any of these issues discussed impacted you, you can reach Women’s Aid 24 hours a day on: 1800 341 900.

2025 was another great year for entertainment. We have had celebrities going to space, TikTok trends going to new levels, and one of the world's most famous galleries robbed.As we come to the end of the year, we will be looking back at some of 2025’s most iconic entertainment moments. Are there any that stand out to you?Joining Andrea to discuss it all is Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd and Pop Culture and Entertainment Expert, Dee Molumby.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Ellen Butler and Rory Galvin join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘The Rest is Science’!Image: Goalhanger

With Christmas fast approaching, people will soon be making their way home to spend time with family and friends. What was once a staple of the festive season, attending Christmas Mass is no longer a priority for many.As traditions continue to evolve, we want to know: is going to Mass still part of your Christmas tradition?Joining Andrea to discuss is Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Ballinakill, Father Paddy Byrne, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, former Detective Garda and host of the ‘Lines of Enquiry’ podcast John Sweetman joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Surfers from around the world gathered in Sigo for some of the best surfing conditions seen in years.So what makes the Irish seas so special?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

WhatsApp groups have become a common part of family and school life, offering parents a quick and convenient way to stay informed and connected.However, as groups multiply, the benefits can be outweighed by constant notifications, off-topic messages and pressure to stay engaged. For teachers, these chats can be particularly challenging, often blurring professional boundaries and creating expectations of constant availability.We want to know, how beneficial are these group chats? Are they helpful or are they a hindrance?Joining Andrea to discuss is Native Editor of DMG Media, Sarah-Jayne Tobin, as well as listeners.

“If men gave birth, maternity hospitals would be palaces and we’d get three years off. And there’d be an awful lot greater attention on maternal care.”So says Aodhán O’Riordán, Labour TD and MEP, after welcoming his premature daughter into the world.He joins Andrea to discuss…