Lunchtime Live

We’ve been breaking down all the most instrumental elements of exercise over the last few weeks- and how sometimes embracing simple things can be the most important.This week, we’re looking at walking – often overlooked and probably underrated- should we embrace it more?Joining Andrea was John Belton, Head coach and owner of No.17 Training who brought in a walking pad for Andrea to try.

We all need a bit of inspiration in the kitchen, but have we moved away from the traditional cookbook altogether, with TikTok changing our food habits once and for all? Joining Andrea was Chef Daniel Lambert, Keith Grant Master Butchers in Roundwood, Wicklow and Aileen Cox Blundell Nutritionist, and known on Instagram as @babyledfeeding

linked to murder, attempted murder, or serious threats of violence.In response, advocacy groups and political leaders have warned that repeat offending while on bail exposes deep systemic failures, including weak enforcement, prolonged court delays, and chronic under-resourcing within the justice system.This has raised pressing questions about why high-risk offenders are being granted bail in the first place, and whether stricter legal measures are necessary to better protect the public and prevent further crimes.Andrea was joined by One of the founders of SAVE action group – the sentencing and victim equality group, Kathleen Chada, Shane Gleeson who runs five Spar shops in Limerick city, aswell as callers who voiced their opinions.

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

Over the last week we have been speaking to the parents of adult children with disabilities about their worries about what will happen to the children they care for full-time, after they die...This issue was brought up in the Dail and we are continuing to be inundated with families contacting us to share their stories.Andrea was joined again by Tony Murray of the  Before We Die Campaign, Jill O'Brien  and Newstalk's Ciaran Bradley to reflect on the difference between the UK and Irelands model of care.

Do rugby fans get a bad name?And is the South County Dublin stereotype unfair to put on fans going out to watch the games?Gerry Thornley, Mick in Tralee and GAA fan Tony joined Andrea to discuss

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Tom Douglas & Sarah-Jayne Tobin joined Andrea to give their reviewImage: Wall Street Journal

Across Ireland, many people are struggling to buy homes due to a severe housing shortage and soaring property prices. Even buyers who have secured mortgage approval face daily frustration as they are drawn into competitive bidding wars.As bids continue to rise, homes are frequently selling far above their asking prices, pushing homeownership further out of reach for many people.What causes a bidding war and does we need to get rid of them completely to make housing more affordable?  Joining Andrea was Hunters MD estate agent, Rowena Quinn, Newstalk’s own, Barry Whyte and listeners who have first hand experience of bidding wars.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Andrea was joined by Former Ambassador Bobby McDonagh to answer any of your questions!

Tattoo regrets, have you a tattoo that you wish you hadn’t got? Have you had one removed?Brooklyn Beckham has apparently removed one of his tattoos which had the word ‘Dad’, in the latest carry on in their feud.Joining Andrea was Aidan O’Connell – Owner of Fade Laser Studio and Holly Carpenter

On Wednesday, we spoke to Tony Murray who is in his 70s and caring for his 42 year old daughter Aoife who has intellectual disabilities. Our conversation with Tony sparked the conversation about what happens to children who have special needs and cannot live independently after you die and we have been hearing from parents. Joining Andrea was Barbara O’Kelly in Dublin, Nicola Bardon in Dublin and Angela Tourish in Donegal.

Westlife and Boyzone come together to form a supergroup! What dreams are made of ! Keith Duffy of Boyzone fame and Brian McFadden from Westlife joined Andrea to discuss their upcoming show in the 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin on Friday April 3rd

A tragic incident occurred in Dublin City Centre yesterday afternoon when a Bus Éireann bus crashed on North Earl Street, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to three others. Since the incident, videos and images have been circulating on social media. An Garda Síochána has urged the public to refrain from sharing such footage, out of respect for the victims and their families.  Is this something the gardai should have to ask, or is it common sense to avoid taking these videos and pictures?Andrea was joined by  Entertainment and News Correspondent with the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn, Volunteer first responder, Michael, Mark McLaughin, Secretary, Buncrana Hearts,  Newstalk’s tech correspondent Jess Kelly and Clodagh in Dublin  to discuss.

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

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 Jolene by Dolly Parton.

Its one of the focal points of activity in our homes. The KitchenSo this week on the Home Squad we discuss all things kitchen, including whether islands are worth it.Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Interior Architect and Founder  of NRD Designs Natasha Rocca Devine

Ireland take on France in the opening match of the Six Nations tonight, and some fans have decided to head to the cinema to watch it...With Omniplex cinemas screening the match, we’re joined by Mark Anderson, Director General of the Omniplex Cinema Group, Shane Byrne, former Ireland rugby player and Orla McElroy, Sports Editor of the Irish Mail on Sunday

Andrea was joined in studio by mum and daughter - Emily Atkinson and Kerry Hannaphy. – Emily joined Andrea to talk about her birthmarks, to raise awareness and to talk about the many misconceptions around them

Primary schools across the country are being urged to teach French and other foreign languages. It comes as the French Ambassador to Ireland, Céline Place, said her embassy was helping schools by facilitating teachers who wanted to travel to France and by placing 90 French-language assistants in Irish classrooms across the country.We want to know what you think? Should French and other international languages be taught in our national schools?  Joining Andrea to discuss was Ciara McDonnell, who is a secondary school Spanish teacher, Mary McCarthy aswell as listeners to discuss.

Yesterday, we heard from parents who are caring for their disabled children. These parents are living in fear and unknown about what will happen to their children when they pass.  Today, Andrea heard more stories from family members about their experiencesShe was joined by Niamh O'Brien in Cork, Claire Hendrick in Dublin and Richie Ryan in Tipperary.

A study has revealed one of the reasons that Gen Z are having less sex than previous generations – they are simply too tired.  70% say they have less energy than their parents, with 26% saying they are too tired to do the deed. Joining Andrea was  Irish Examiner Columnist Jane Cowan, Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer at the Irish Independent and Emily Power Smith, Sexologist

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…

Many parents around the country are in a nightmare situation as they look ahead to what happens to their children when they pass away. For the 2,000 older parents who have adult children with intellectual disabilities and are caring for them daily, they are left with little to no resources...Tony Murray doesn’t know what will happen to his daughter Aoife. The Founder of the Before We Die Campaign joined Andrea to share his family's story. Andrea was also joined by Sinead, who has two adult children.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit can be a scary place for parents to find themselves in, but what actually happens in there?Dr Lisa McCarthy – Consultant Neonatologist joined Andrea to discuss.

Cancer patients in Donegal are at risk of losing the same day Dublin flight service, as the Donegal-Dublin PSO contract is due for renewal at the end of February.  A campaign has been launched to preserve the service, as any proposed changes could make same-day return travel impossible.  The service has been described as a lifeline, not a luxury, and it’s removal would leave cancer patients to accrue extra costs through overnight stays and extra travel.  Andrea was joined by Bríd Sweeney, Donegal native and Mary Coyle.

For many years, parents have been asked to pay voluntary contributions to their children’s schools. Although described as “voluntary”, many parents feel under pressure to pay these contributions each year.In many cases, parents have made these payments without being fully aware of how the money is used.Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton is now set to bring forward plans for a new statutory charter aimed at strengthening accountability in schools. Under the proposed rules, schools will be required to inform parents of the total amount raised through voluntary financial contributions and to clearly outline how this money is spent.  Andrea was joined by Wen Loughman Freelance writer, Noel Loftus  Principal of St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and Jen Hogan Irish Times Journalist and host of the Conversations with Parents Podcast, to discuss this move and whether parents are contributing too much.

Nothing puts the fear of God in me quite like a light coming on on my dashboard when I’m driving.Followed by absolute confusion and probably a hefty bill from my mechanic.So, what can we be doing to keep our cars in good nick? Or what can we even fix ourselves?To answer your questions, Andrea was joined by Joey Donnelly, Crofton Motors

We all have one, a messy drawer where we shove things in to get them out of the way...So what is the psychology behind a messy drawer?Does everyone have one?And should we be taking time to clear ours out and feel lighter as a result?Andrea was joined by Professional Organiser, Vera Keohane and Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin Brendan Kelly...

The Deposit Return Scheme has encouraged many people to recycle plastic bottles in order to reclaim their deposit. With return machines now available in grocery stores across the country, the initiative has made it easier for people to return bottles and receive their money back.However, the scheme has also caused disruption across Dublin City, as some individuals have begun overturning public bins in search of discarded bottles to earn money.While the scheme was introduced to increase recycling rates, it has instead highlighted an unintended consequence, creating new challenges for the city.  Listeners joined Andrea to discuss the Re-turn scheme and whether it has resulted in unintended consequences

It's How I live well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life...Professor Mary Ryan, Endocrinologist joined Andrea this week for For our How I Live Well, to talk about the thyroid- what does it do? And when can it go wrong?

How much do you pay to get your haircut?A salon in Dublin has said that they have 1,000 people on the waiting list and their prices start at €96!Andrea was joined by Katie Gallagher – Spin  Barry Whyte – Newstalk’s Chief Reporter, Aido from Neighbourhood Threat Barber Salon in Dublin, Angie Dromgoole, Director of Zeba Hairdressing and Cathal O’Sullivan to discuss whether getting a haircut has become to expensive.

Block Rockin' Beats DJ and  Today FM presenter Dec Pierce joined Andrea to discuss being recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer among men is quite rare, and many men aren't even aware that they can get it. Dec joined Andrea to share his story of diagnosis and treatment and to raise awareness among men to be aware of diseases and to seek medical help if they have concerns.

The Rewind 1986 with Henry McKean 12pm Bank Holiday Monday the 2nd of February on Newstalk. It was the year of Top Gun. Crocodile Dundee and The Mission. Maradona and the Hand of God. The Challenger Space Shuttle disaster. Chernobyl. And the biggest hit of the year, Chris De Burgh’s Lady in Red. Chris De Burgh talks about his friend Diana loving the song, how Pat Kenny influenced him to write it. And the song going to number 1 in 28 countries. It’s the 40th anniversary

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Andrea was joined in the studio by her new colleague here at Newstalk, Claire Byrne.

Children’s book author, Julia Donaldson, is under fire for the language used in her book, The Highway Rat.  In it she writes ‘The highway rat grew horribly fat from eating up everyone’s dinner.’ This has been highlighted online by body image speaker Alex Light who says she won’t be reading that line to her son, even though she loves the author.  I want to know what you think. Should children’s authors be more mindful about the language they use? Should we be combing through our best-loved fairy tales to make sure they’re not insulting or insensitive? Or is that all a bit OTT? They are only stories after all.  Andrea was joiend by Children's book author, Benji Bennett, Entertainment journalist, Sarina Bellissimo, Katie Makk Host of The Opinions Matter Podcast, Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of Early Edition from the Irish times and Rebecca Horan, parenting podcaster and mother of 2.

Move over Matt Damon, there’s a new Hollywood mega star in town....It’s been reported that 62-year-old Brad Pitt is in Dalkey in South County Dublin for the next two weeks to film scenes for his upcoming A24 production, The Riders.  We all remember the famous picture of Matt Damon there in 2020 with the Supervalu bag, will Brad be more of a Dunne's Store man?Joining Andrea to fill us all in was Kendra Becker – Editor Goss.ie and Katie Gallagher from Spin.  

BlurbMany people plan their year around the number of weddings they have to go to. Whether your flying abroad to celebrate someone’s special day or you are going somewhere local, weddings can often come with lot of expenses. The likes of hotels, hair and makeup and an outfit for the big day can all add up.  With all of these costs, broadcaster, Roz Purcell has expressed that she is not a fan of wedding gifts from guests and feels that people going to a wedding is a gift in itself.  Do you agree with Roz? Should a person’s presence at your wedding be enough, or should you give a wedding gift to commemorate a couple's big day? We want to hear your thoughts.  To discuss, Andrea was joined by Freelance journalist Edaein O' Connell, Wedding planner, Lyndsey Moynagh aswell as well as listeners to give their opinion.

Roisin Tansey was just three years old when she fell from the back of an armchair and injured her neck, an injury which has left her paralysed from the neck down.Last week, Roisin settled a High Court action against Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street for €4million over her care after the accident.  Roisin and her Solicitor David O’Connor from Callan Tansey solicitors  joined Andrea to reflect on her journey to justice  

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

Margaret Murphy from Tallaght lost her son Seán in the summer of 2023 when he collided with a pillar on a driveway. Following the loss of another young person on our roads last week. Margaret spoke to Andrea of the pain of losing her son, his legacy and called for stricter legislation regarding the use of scramblers on public roads.

Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you. And it all kicks off on February 3rd.Follow The Claire Byrne Show on the GoLoud app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

You spend a lot of your life on one, so how do you know if you’re sleeping on the right mattress for you?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss all things paintingJoining Andrea to discuss is  Jenny Sheahan -Home Squad Regular and ‘workers cottage’ on instagram  and Painter Oisin Butler from oisinbutler.ie

Oh what a beautiful morning! One of the most beloved musical songs from Oklahoma!Stephen Faloon -  The general Manager Of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and Producer of the show joined andrea to talk about the musical coming to Dublin and as they are in the middle of auditions who they are looking for as part of the show.

The World Health Organisation has warned that Ireland is on track to become Europe’s most obese nation, yet this warning may impact some more than others.  Research has shown that body weight and health behaviors follow a pattern – one with a clear social gradient.  As Danielle Barron, Health and Medical Journalist, writes: “when worrying about bills or rent, you’re not in salad mode.”  She joined Andrea to explain her argument aswell as John Loy, Consultant Surgeon Head of Bariatric Unit at Auralia, Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas  and listeners giving their opinion on the matter.

The BBC has received complaints after it started airing the Irish version of The Traitors, with viewers appalled by the language used by competitors!With swearing being commonplace among the contestants in the Irish version of the show last year.So do we have a tendency to curse a bit to much, and is it a problem ?To discuss, Andrea was joined by Eamon O Keeffe – Irish Traitor, Esther McCarthy - Irish Examiner Life/Style Editor and Chris a English Listener who lives in Ireland.

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 The making of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’

For decades, voters have flocked to local national schools on polling days. From general and presidential elections to local and European contests, the use of school buildings as polling stations has become routine—much to the delight of pupils and teachers who often enjoy a day off as a result.However, concerns are now being raised in Cork about the disruption caused to early education. The county sheriff is being urged to identify alternative polling venues, as an inordinate number of national schools continue to be used for voting purposes.Andrea was joined by Joel Loftus, Principal of St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon, Siobhan O’Neill Whyte from Mams.ie, Fine Gael councillor representing the Carrigaline LEA in Cork and teacher, Una McCarth aswell as listeners to discuss whether schools should still be used as polling stations

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…

An inquest has found that heading the football likely contributed to Gordon McQueen’s brain disease. The footballer died in 2023 aged 70, having been diagnosed with vascular dementia.Studies have also shown that footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative disease than the general public, which often stem from trauma received during childhood while playing the sport.  This begs the question – should heading be banned from football?  Andrea was joined by Dr Lisa Ryan, Head of School of Health, sports science and nutrition at Atlantic Technological University, David Wilson from off the ball and Jen Hogan  features journalist with the Irish Times

Many parts of the country have been impacted by heavy rainfall after Storm Chandra hit the East of the Country this week.  With many parts of Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow being some of the places most impacted, Andrea chatted  to some of the people whose homes and businesses have been badly impacted. And to ask what needs to change to prevent flooding in the country?