Lunchtime Live

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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…

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

Should peanuts be banned from enclosed spaces? A listener got in touch with his experience at a gig last night.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Journalist Joe McNamee, Ruth Charles, Founder of the Irish Food Allergy Network, Aoife Quinn, Register Dietician and more.

With Christmas only a week away, you may have not gotten every present just yet. So, what are the best gifts for a home lover?Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss the best presents!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.

Christmas is a time of huge joy, but it can also be tough for some people, especially for those who have lost someone.If you find yourself in that situation, help is available.Andrea is joined by the CEO of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan and Laura Hallinan, who availed of Pieta’s bereavement counselling services, to discuss.Pieta’s 24-Hour Crisis Helpline & Text Service: 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444.If you wish to donate, you can do so at www.pieta.ie.

Many car parks across the country have allocated parent and baby spaces for parents with young children. These spaces are bigger than the average car parking space, and are usually located close to the front door of the shop.The reason for this is so parents have enough room to get their child in and out of the car seat as well as having space for their buggy.With many people parking in these spaces who do not have children, should we be calling them out, or should these spaces be available for parents only?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast, Jen Hogan, Off The Ball’s Adrian Barry, as well as listeners.

Dealing with companies about complaints can be incredibly frustrating at the best of times.But what about when it’s putting you massively out of pocket?That's what happened to Andrea’s guest Aisling. She joins to explain her situation, and Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert & Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins as well 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 Marvin Gaye’s album ‘What’s Going On’!

The UK Labour Party is to roll out a scheme introducing anti-misogyny classes for boys aged 11.The programme is aimed at young boys who display “worrying behaviour” who can then be sent onto courses to teach them about consent, the dangers of sharing intimate images and challenging unhealthy myths about women and girls.Should Ireland follow suit in this effort to prevent the radicalisation of young men?Andrea is joined by Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly, as well as listeners, to discuss…

Girls playing for Kilmore Celtic Football Club are having to knock on houses and ask to use the toilet because there are no facilities for them at their pitch. How is this still going on?Dean Russell is the Club Chairman, and joins Andrea to discuss, as well as some of those affected.

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…

A bride in Monaghan missed out on having her two brothers at her wedding due to the county final. For a part of the wedding, the bride and groom were not the center of attention as all eyes were on the big screen to see if the Scotstown boys would be county champions.Would you be annoyed if your wedding was overshadowed by sports or does it add some extra entertainment to an already special day?Joining Andrea to discuss is Wedding Photographer, Katie Kavanagh, Eoin Sheahan from Off the Ball, Hotelier and bar owner, Eoin Doyle and more.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of 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 pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss the ‘free birthing’ movement, and why you might be hearing a lot about it.

Where do you fall on matching pyjamas on Christmas Day? Is it something the whole family should get in on, or is it cringeworthy beyond imagination?Joining Andrea to discuss is Joey Donnelly, owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin, Columnist with the Independent, Mary McCarthy, Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast and Newstalk’s Henry McKean!Image: Very Ireland

Following on from yesterday’s piece with Aoife about the responses her friend received from a Spunout Chat service, Andrea is joined by a woman who used to volunteer with them.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Chef Conor Spacey to talk about all things Christmas dinner, and how you can navigate it!

A youth movement against tech giants is on the rise in Europe, calling for a focus on digital justice.So, why is this happening, and why are the first generation to be raised with social media rebelling against it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent and Andy O’Donoghue, Tech Journalist.

Is Spunout’s chat service powered by AI?After a very strange interaction, listener Aoife joins Andrea to discuss what happened to her friend…Helplines:Samaritans - Call 116 123 or email [email protected] - Call 1800 247 247

Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape it all…From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years.You, the listener, have been voting for who you think are the most influential people that moved us and inspired us as part of Newstalk's 25 of 25!Joining Andrea to discuss the best musicians to come out of Ireland over the past 25 years is Newstalk’s Tom Dunne and Today FM’s Alison Curtis!

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Nutritionist Aileen Cox Blundell to discuss looking after yourself when you’ll inevitably want to indulge over Christmas!

Ambulance services nationwide are increasingly strained by calls that are not genuine medical emergencies. Some individuals misuse ambulances as a free taxi service, calling for transport after a night out and leaving the hospital without treatment.This abuse diverts critical resources, delays responses to real emergencies, and places additional pressure on paramedics, affecting their ability to provide timely and effective care.What needs to be done to tackle this, and how does this impact paramedics trying to do their job?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Angie Baily, Councillor in Tralee, David Hall, CEO of Lifeline Ambulance, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association and more.

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

The world is still coming to terms with the shock of the shooting in Bondi Beach yesterday.A father and son killed 15 people after opening fire on a Hanukkah celebration at the beach…The older man died at the scene, while his son is in a critical condition in hospital.Joining Andrea to discuss their experiences of being nearby the shooting is Craig and TV Presenter Michelle Doherty. Later, listeners, including those in the Jewish community, join to give their reactions.Image: Reuters