Lunchtime Live

Sex and intimacy are a big part of our lives, but for many people, they’re also a source of worry, confusion, or silence, especially after having a baby.  Andrea was joined by Psychosexual Therapist, Meg Fitzgerald, to talk about psychosexual therapy—what it is, who it’s for, and how it helps people navigate sexual and relationship difficulties in a safe, supportive way.

“I won’t lie. It was a relief when Mum finally went into a nursing home. There’s such joy in simply visiting her now, for a cup of tea and a chat.”  So writes Sinead Ryan, Host of The Home Show here on Newstalk and journalist with the Independent and Sunday Independent.  She joined Andrea to explain the relief she felt when her mother moved into a care home. And how after exploring many different care options, she found a care home was best suited to her needs.

A survey carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has found that 9 in 10 consumers tip sometimes, but two-thirds believe tipping in Ireland is becoming less voluntary, with 3 in 4 believing opting out of tipping should be made easier.The CCPC has issued new guidelines for businesses on tipping, including tipping terminals being easily avoidable at checkout by being kept separate and being clearly labelled. The new guidelines come as nearly half a million euro is spent every year on accidental tips paid through contactless payments.Andrea spoke to CEO of Dublin Barista School James McCormack,  James Fahy, Co-Founder of JustTip, Hairdressing Group Owner Terence, Olivia, who has worked in hospitality and  Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent whether they feel pressured to tip.

It’s time for Ask the Expert – and today we’re talking Mortgages...Tara Duggan in for Andrea, was joined by Trevor Grant, Chairperson, Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors

Centra sold nearly 10 million chicken fillet rolls last year, helping to increase sales by 4.6 per cent to a record 2.2 billion euro.A survey last year also found that the delicacy is Ireland’s favourite lunch on the go.  So, why is it such a coveted meal? Russell Alford from 98FM & and GastroGays joined Tara Duggan in for Andrea to explain.  

A new ‘rejuvenation’ plan has been submitted for the Stephen’s Green shopping centre, after a previous plan was rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála last summer.The proposals include expanding the building to eight storeys, adding office space, hospitality outlets, and cinema screens.  The plans not only reconfigure the inside of the building, but would completely alter the outside facade, removing the dome architecture and steel lattice work.  The proposal has prompted outcry from many locals and architecture studentsTara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Marta, architect and PhD candidate as well as the co-founder and coordinator of the Save Stephen’s Green Campaign,  Roisin Murphy, Lecturer in Architecture and Interior Architecture, Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor aswell as callers giving their opnion on the plan.

France’s new child-free train carriages divide opinion.France’s state train operator SNCF rolled out a new carriage on its high-speed trains which provides a ‘quiet journey that’s ideal for working or relaxing’, the reason it’s quiet- there’s no children allowed.  To discuss whether its an idea we should consider in Ireland Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Comedian Jim Elliot, Katie Makk from the Opinion Matter Podcast and Tina in Wicklow.

Therapy, I’m sure, could be good for all of us.But when you’re seeking help, where do you begin? It’s an incredibly daunting thing to face into, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable.Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Michelle Flynn – psychotherapist from An Croí Beag to discuss how to choose the right therapist

Nationwide status yellow wind warnings are in force as Storm Chandra hits the country with flooding an issue in many counties.  Tara Duggan in for Andrea spoke to  Anna Daly, Jane Creegan Communications manager with Iarnrod Eireann, Wicklow County Councillor Melanie Corrigan And listeners up and down the country who are dealing with flooding today.

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

If you didn't tell Strava, did you even go for a run? That’s the question posed by Journalist Colin Sheridan. Is he right?Have we become obsessed with telling the world about our run?Joining Andrea to discuss is Colin Sheridan, as well as Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

In March 2021, the use of illegal drugs among members of An Garda Síochána was acknowledged as a serious concern. At the time, it was announced that drug testing of Garda personnel would be introduced to prevent and deter substance misuse, with the scheme expected to come into force within six months.Five years later, routine drug testing has still not been implemented.Should members of An Garda Síochána be subject to regular drug testing?Joining Andrea to discuss is former Assistant Governor of Wheatfield Prison, Niall Spellman, former Detective Garda, John Sweetman and listeners.

A study from UCLA has found that almost half of Gen Z believe that there is “...too much sex and sexual content in TV and movies.”In line with this, actor and director Olivia Wilde has stated that they want to see less sex on their screens, as they “don’t want to see in-authenticity anymore…”So, is it true, is there too much sex on TV?Joining Andrea to discuss is Entertainment Journalist Sarina Bellisimo, Journalist Sarina Hanley and listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Laura Donnelly and Journalist & Stylist Laura Mullet join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Wanging On with Graham Norton and Maria McErlane’!Image: Listen

Word of a planned boardgame on the Troubles has prompted outcry in Northern Ireland.The game, ‘The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland 1964-1998’, is currently under development, and will not be made available for several years.The proposed game allows players to play as members of different factions from the conflict, such as the IRA and the RUC, where they can plant bombs and make political deals.The company’s founder has said that the aim of the game is to educate and promote history, yet victim’s rights groups have criticized it, saying it oversimplifies a complex issue.So, is this type of game acceptable?Joining Andrea to discuss is Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, Journalist and Author Aoife Grace Moore, Writer and Political Commentator Emma De Souza and more.Image: Compass Games

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Stephen Gallagher, Beekeeper and Founder of Swarms.ie joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your questions!

Doctors have issued an urgent warning about tampon use after a teenager in Drogheda was admitted to hospital suffering from toxic shock syndrome and organ failure during her period.In Ireland, 50% of girls aged between 12 and 19 in Ireland report occasional period poverty, where financial constraints limit access to menstrual hygiene products. As a result of this, many young women do not have sufficient education on how to use sanitary products in the correct way.What do we need to look out for to prevent this happening to more women?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr Eleanor Galvin from Rosemount Family Doctors.

Now, it’s time to chat about duvet days - taking a day off, even if you aren’t strictly under the weather, whether that be from work or school.Is offering children the occasional day off a restorative act that could benefit their mental health or a big no no?This is the question posed by Freelance Journalist and mother Niamh O’Reilly, who joins guest host Anna Daly, alongside Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry in TCD, Siobhan O’Neill White of Mams.ie and more to discuss.

It’s an exciting day for Harry Styles fans today, as his new single ‘Aperture’ was released at midnight last night.Not only that, he also announced his 2026 tour, ‘Together Together’, last night - with shows in Amsterdam, New York, Mexico City and London.Guest host Anna Daly is joined by three of his enthusiasts, Newstalk’s own Niamh Dunne, Cathal Minogue of Today FM and Jane Cowan, Irish Examiner Columnist to share in the excitement!

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Irish dancing is known for its high kicks, intricate footwork, and iconic curly hair, but at its core it demands years of training and dedication. As competitions become more frequent, some believe the growing focus on appearance and glamour may be overshadowing true talent.Registered Orthopedic and Strength and Conditioning Specialist Peter O’Grady warns that the modern image of an Irish dancer is becoming increasingly costly for families, and may shift attention away from skill and technique…What do you think? Should we focus more on dancing and less on the dancer's appearance?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Peter O'Grady, Registered Orthopedic and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Irish Dance Professional. World Champion & Teacher, Ciara Sexton, Patrick O'Mahony, Designer and Digitizer for dresses, CEO of Riverdance Patrick Moyles and more.

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 mattresses!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O’Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

Collagen banking is the newest anti-aging skincare trend, but what exactly is it, and how does it work?Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at Institute of Dermatologists and Blackrock Clinic joins Andrea to discuss.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, alongside the National Transport Authority, has announced that contactless ticketing on public transport will come into effect in 2028.This will allow passengers to pay using bank cards, phones and other smart devices, yet we are one of the last major European cities to introduce the technology.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Feljin Jose, Spokesperson for Transport for the Green Party, CEO of the National Transport Authority, Anne Shaw and more.

As Ireland gear up for their World Cup qualifiers this March, excitement is building among supporters eager to back the team in green. That enthusiasm, however, may be tested by the price of the newly released Ireland jersey, which goes on sale today.Fans looking to kit themselves out will have to dig deep. The adult jersey costs €145 for the player-fit version, while the regular fit is priced at €105. The women’s jersey also comes in at €105, and the children’s jersey will cost a steep €85.So, is this simply the price of supporting your national team in modern football, or are fans being priced out while the team’s success is being capitalised on?Andrea is joined by Freelance Sports Journalist Daniel Hussey, as well as 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 The Saw Doctors’ ‘If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back’!

There have been several calls over the past few months about removing counselling notes from victims of sexual assault and rape from trials and court cases.Paula Doyle is a rape survivor and activist who has been protesting around Dublin in aid of this. She joins Andrea to discuss.Helplines:DRCC.ieNational 24-Hour Helpline - 1 800 77 8888

It seems that every day, when we look at social media, a new person is emigrating. Typically, they’re heading off to Australia, Canada or America, with thousands of Irish people now calling those countries home. Something we see less often is people heading off to places like China, but that’s not to say there’s no Irish community out there.Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan has taken a trip to China, and she’s spoken to some of the Irish people living there to see what life is like for them.

Commuting in Ireland is no longer working.That’s the claim from the Labour party today as they say the country is in crisis.Are they right?Joining Andrea to discuss is Kildare South TD Mark Wall, Jamie Groom, CEO and Co-Founder of Rent a Recruiter and more.

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…

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has reiterated his position that his airline will not be purchased by Elon Musk - after the X owner continued to say he would on social media.What do you think? Should Elon Musk be allowed to buy Ryanair?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Travel Extra.ie, Eoghan Corry, as well as listeners.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by a professional 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, as a special treat, Andrea is joined by Assistant Director of Midwifery and Nursing for the National Maternity Hospital, Teresa McCreery, to discuss and answer any questions you might have on midwifery.

Tradfest kicks off today!It’s a celebration of Irish music and culture that runs until Sunday.To celebrate and discuss, Andrea is joined by Shay Casserley, who’s part of the festival…

Legislation has been approved to allow Gardaí increased capacity to intercept digital communications.However, the Irish Council of Civil Liberties has criticised the move as “profoundly intrusive.”So, what could this legislation mean for Gardaí, and more importantly what can it mean for the general public?Joining Andrea to discuss is former Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dermot Goode, Health Insurance Expert with Totalhealthcover.ie to answer any of your health insurance questions!

Many of us have been unfortunate enough to walk in dog poo when walking on Irish roads. Even with a fining system in place and poo bags available in some public areas, some people could not be bothered to clean up after their dog.Cllrs in South Dublin have called for a new way to fine culprits. By introducing a DNA swab, we will be able to track the dog back to their owners and prevent further littering.Do you think this would be a good solution, or is it a waste of time?

Grief is tough under any circumstance, but losing a baby before they were born, and then having to fight for their right to be recognised, would really compound that pain.Niamh Murphy has had to go through just that, and joins Andrea to discuss.

The 2026 National Football Leagues launches in Croke Park today, but how far have we come with closing the gap between coverage of men’s and women’s sport?Joining Andrea to discuss is Corporate Affairs Director with Lidl Eimear O’Sullivan, Footballer for Armagh Aimee Mackin and former Ireland International rugby player Andrew Trimble.

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 Nutritionist Aileen Cox Blundell (@babyledfeeding on Instagram) to discuss how food can impact your mood!

Brooklyn Beckham has taken to Instagram to open up a feud with parents David and Victoria Beckham.Brooklyn said on his social media, his parents tried to ruin his relationship with his wife; they care more about endorsement and public image above all, and not to mention that infamous dance. Allegedly, Posh Spice overtook his first dance with his new wife to dance "inappropriately” with her own son.All this said, are you team Brooklyn or team Beckham?Joining Andrea to discuss is Broadcaster Glenda Gilson, Fashion Expert for RSVP Magazine and TV Stylist, Laura Mullet, Trevor Twamley, CEO & Co-founder of Sport Endorse, Rosalyne Lipsett, fashion broadcaster with Ireland AM and listeners.

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

In January 2023, Northern Irish MP Alex Easton got a call which would change his life forever: his parents had tragically been killed in a house fire.He joins Andrea to discuss the trauma of losing his parents, and how he has dealt with the grief since then…

Are phones dumbing down films?Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Matt Damon said that phones distract a lot of people at home, and that filmmakers now have to work around that to keep them interested, sometimes to the detriment of the movie…So, have you noticed a shift in how films on services like Netflix are telling their stories, do you put the phone away when watching a movie?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sarina Bellisimo, Broadcaster and Entertainment Journalist, Anthony Muldoon, Director of Strategic Policy with Screen Producers Ireland & President of the European Producers Association CEPI and Baz Black, Actor, Writer, Director and Producer.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke & Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Mad, Sad and Bad with Paloma Faith’!Image: Jampot Productions

As the trend for “Baby Botox” continues to rise, unregulated black-market injections are putting teenagers at serious risk, including blindness and permanent tissue damage.Increasing numbers of young people, some as young as 16, are turning to these illegal treatments in an attempt to improve their skin and appear “younger.”Health experts are now calling for stronger legislation to protect vulnerable young people, curb this growing epidemic, and prevent further harm to children and teenagers.So, do we need more regulation around this?Joining Andrea to discuss is Jack Kelly, Professor with Galway University Hospital and founder of the Kelly Clinic, Kerry Hanaphy, Clinic Owner for Kerry Hanaphy Aesthetic Clinic, Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy and listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Declan Finnegan, Funeral Director and Embalmer, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Misdiagnosed as bipolar, 32-year-old Katie Watson spent years seeking answers to why every month, just before her period, she’d suffer crippling depression and anxiety.Katie joins Andrea to discuss Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

Have the markings on Irish roads gotten too bad?Apparently people are failing driving tests because of faded white lines and stop signs.Is this something you’ve noticed?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clodagh Branagan, Director of Ladybird Driving School, Driving Instructor Brendan Tierney and listeners.

From good news for Harry Styles fans to ‘The Only Girl in the World’ making a comeback- a lot is going on in the entertainment world.SPIN 1038’s Katie Gallagher and Bauer’s Entertainment Reporter Shannon Keenan join Andrea to run through the biggest entertainment stories of the week!

Newstalk News Anchor Eamonn Torsney joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!