Lunchtime Live

Were you watching The Traitors? It’s safe to say that it was a brilliant finale.Spoiler alert! The Faithfuls finally scuppered the Traitors in a dramatic ending, to win the prize money.Andrea is joined by two of the winners, Vanessa and Oyin, to chat about the experience!

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 topic of preterm birth.

The Office of Public Works have culled more than 118 deer in Phoenix Park since the beginning of last year. It comes after they have paid €17,000 to snipers to manage the deer population in the capital.UCD, who tag fawns and keep track of the deer population in the park, found that the way deer were being targeted for culls by the OPW up to 2018 was “not a recommended approach”.The report recommended that “at least 65 individuals” should be targeted during each culling season in order to keep the deer population in the Phoenix Park “stable and sustainable”.Is culling deer the best approach to managing this population, or are there alternative measures to manage these animals?Joining Andrea to discuss is John Tierney from the Association of Hunt Saboteurs, as well as listeners.

A record number of secondary school students were offered Irish exemptions in the 2024-2025 school year, according to figures from a TG4 Investigates series due to be broadcast tonight.Over 60,000 students were not required to study Irish, up more than 5,000 from the previous year…The Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, Paul Crone, claimed that part of the reason for this is the pressure put on principals by parents.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal and member of Aontú, Bill Clear, local Naas Councillor, Aodhán O’Dea. Director of Development with Conradh na Gaeilge, Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram) and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Chartered Physiotherapist Tony Spain to answer your physio questions!

People are paying to have spiders removed from their homes!According to the app Airtasker, where you can hire tradespeople, people are paying up to €600 to have people come to their homes and remove spiders…Does this seem bonkers or totally reasonable to you?Trevor Hayden, from Complete Pest Control, Collie Ennis, Zoology Research Associate at Trinity College Dublin and Biodiversity Officer and Dr John Francis Leader Psychologist from JFL.com join Andrea to discuss.

The household waste collection system could be due for a revamp. Bin companies may start to take ­responsibility for an entire geographic area rather than competing for customers on the same street.The new change, however, may come at a cost to customers as they will no longer be in competition with one another, meaning companies will have full control over their costs.We want to know what do our listeners feel about the change, would you like to only have one bin provider in your locality?Joining Andrea to discuss is former Irish Rugby International and owner of AWD Waste Solutions Shane Byrne, Consumer Journalist with the Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk, Sinead Ryan and listeners.

Since arriving on Irish television, The Traitors has become an instant nationwide hit, as viewers have been sucked into the fun, games and treachery playing out in Slane Castle.With the final episode set to air tonight, who do you think will win the competition, and what has been your favourite moment so far?Joining Andrea to discuss is Chrissie Russell. Feature Writer with the Independent, Eoin Sheahan from Off The Ball and listeners.

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 talk about her line of work!

Minister for Education Helen McEntee wants works by William Shakespeare to remain compulsory for Leaving Cert English.Policymakers had proposed that it be optional for higher level students…What do you think, should it stay the way it is, or should students have a choice?Joining Andrea to discuss is Conor Murphy, English teacher in Skibbereen Community School, Dr. Ellen Howley, Assistant Professor at DCU’s School of English and listeners.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined guest host Anna Daly to tackle your medical queries...

Dunnes Stores have gotten into a little bit of legal trouble with one of their new products. Longchamp, the luxury French bagmaker, are alleging that Dunnes stole their idea for a bag, but Dunnes claim they’ve done nothing wrong. Are similar fashion products theft? Or is it all part of the industry?And, do you buy so-called ‘dupe’ products?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Esther McCarthy, Life and Style Features Editor at the Irish Examiner and Jacinta Carraher, owner of Purple Peach.Images: Dunnes, Longchamp

A piece in today’s Irish Independent covers a Dublin teacher who has said that he’s had to leave his job because he can’t afford to rent in the city anymore…It got us thinking – should public sector workers in Dublin get an extra payment levy to keep them in the capital?They do it in other cities like London, so why not here?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Mark Candon, Principal of St. Laurence O'Toole's National School in Dublin, Jason Cullen from the Dublin Commuter Coalition, and listeners.

Matcha has become a global trend, but many still aren’t sure what it actually is…Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Tessa Ndjonko, Journalist, Shelly Grey, Today FM presenter & Dietician and Brendan McManamon, owner of Deja Brew to talk about all things matcha, and why it’s so popular!

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Laura Mullet Journalist and Stylist and Elaine Burke, Presenter of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast join guest host Anna Daly to review ‘There’s A Lot I Haven’t Asked’!

A new primary school curriculum will be phased in from next year. The curriculum, which will be published today, will mean that children in 5th and 6th class will learn about different sexual orientations including homosexuality and bisexuality.Students will also begin to learn a foreign language, as well as incorporating arts and science and double PE and SPHE classes per week.So, are schools doing the right thing by changing the curriculum?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Eoin Dolan, Comedian and father Keego and listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Street Artist Dylan Jackson joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your street art questions!

Jaden Smith has been selected as the first ever Men’s Creative Director of Christian Louboutin, where he will help to create designer goods for the luxury fashion brand. But, online many have claimed that Jaden's appointment is an act of nepotism!So, is nepotism rife in our society, and is it a cause for concern?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dee Reddy, Podcaster and Pop Culture Journalist and Brendan Kelly, Professor Of Psychiatry At Trinity College.Image: @christianlouboutin on Instagram

On yesterday’s show, the subject of anti-social behaviour particularly among teens was covered. It had a huge reaction, with many listeners flagging the lack of amenities and after-school clubs being a cause, with some blaming the parents too.It’s clear that this issue isn't confined to the nation’s capital - it is rampant across the country with shopkeepers needing to thwart shoplifters, putting themselves in the face of danger in doing so…But, what can be done about it, and just how bad is it in your area?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

More and more people have been ditching desk jobs for a nature-focused lifestyle.Is the desk killing us? Is it time for a change?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Tom and Aedín, who both gave up their office jobs and Dr. Karl Fullam, who joins to discuss how to take care of ourselves if we’re at the desk!

From a mystery white cross to a return to Blue Flag beaches, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Nowadays, many people are leaving home with simply a housekey and their phone. The days of carrying a purse or wallet are long gone. It comes as the minority of people use their physical bank card to make payments and in turn, use their phones for all of their purchases.A new report from the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) found that 58% of contactless payments made using the likes of Apple Pay and Google Pay were up from 52% in the same period of last year…With payments now being made so easy, do we take account of what we spend or have contact list payments caused us to become frivolous spenders?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Lecturer in Retail Management at TU Dublin, Damien O’Reilly, Account from Cloud Accounts, Alan Purcell, Paul Merriman, Financial Consultant at askpaul.ie and more.

As the evenings are creeping in on us, so does the cold! So, what are the best ways to heat your home?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about home heating!Joining Andrea to discuss is Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House and Kate O'Driscoll, Renovation Consultant (@victorianrathmines on Instagram).

It’s the final day of the National Ploughing Championships, where 300,000 people have attended the event. There’s plenty to see, but what are some of the strangest and most unique?Andrea is joined by Henry McKean, who is live at the Ploughing, to share what he’s seen!

In a new report from the Road Safety Authority, the Mobile Device Usage Survey 2024 reveals a drop in the number of drivers using hand-held devices.Based on nearly 26,000 roadside observations, the study shows 6% of drivers were seen using a phone, down from 9% in 2023.The research also highlights that car drivers are the most frequent offenders, with mobile usage falling across all road types, especially on motorways, where usage has dropped from 9% to just 2%.Have you noticed a decrease in motorists having their phone in hand – do you do it yourself?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

If you’ve been watching The Traitors Ireland, this is one you’re going to want to stay tuned in for this…Joining Andrea to chat is one of the OG Traitors: Paudie Maloney!

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 Cat Stevens’ album ‘Tea for the Tillerman’!

Curfews, community service and fines for parents of repeat offenders are among the suggestions going to the Dáil today to address anti-social behavior in Irish towns.It comes as Independent TD Paul Gogarty believes not enough is being done to counteract the “Andrew Tate-ification of young males”.Are parents to blame for their children’s behavior, and what needs to be done to handle our youth’s antisocial behaviour?Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, Vincent Jennings, Chairperson of Sporting Liberties, JJ O’Mahoney, Green Party Dublin City Councilor for the North Inner City, Janet Horner and more.

Supermac’s boss Pat McDonagh has accused the insurance industry of holding the country to ransom.He’s calling for a statutory inquiry, wondering why premiums keep going up-even though insurance claims are actually going down?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Pat McDonagh, CEO of Supermac's, Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland 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…

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a life-altering neurological condition that affects thousands of people across Ireland. It can impact mobility, speech, vision, and everyday life.Joining Andrea in the studio to talk about living with MS, and the MS Readathon is Meath Gaelic Footballer, Cillian O’Sullivan and Jamie Crawford.

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 difficult topic of miscarriage, and what you should know.

AI is the fastest growing online industry in the world, and it was probably inevitable that it would be used to try and scam people.Karl Deeter, CEO of OnlineApplication.com has experienced this for the first time, and joins Andrea to discuss.

With many people heading off to third level, many companies must now look outside of Ireland for tradesmen and women. It comes as Dublin Bus has had to recruit from overseas because of a shortage of mechanics here.Many people who take on apprenticeships, learn on the job, earn a living while doing so and in turn, start on a decent salary when they have qualified. So why are these jobs being overlooked?Has college opened such a wide range of doors for people that now the everyday trade is a thing of the past?Joining Andrea to discuss is Iarnród Éireann's Apprentice Training Manager, Conor Doolin, and listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus to answer your public transport questions!

The Ploughing Championships started earlier today, with 300,000 people expected to attend! When thinking of farming, do you believe that social media makes it look more glamorous than it actually is?Henry McKean is there and speaking with farmers (and the Tánaiste!) for their thoughts!

Do you think children today have enough time for play and to properly digest their food? There are reports of some Irish schools offering as little as 10 minutes of lunchtime for kids. And what about the number of children who end up taking food home? Does your child feel rushed eating in school?Andrea is joined to discuss by Daniel Davey, Sports Nutritionist, Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Sarah Keogh, Dietitian & Founder of Eatwell and more.

The Social Democrats had only just given TD Eoin Hayes a second chance after he misled the party about holding shares in Palantir, a controversial company that has profited from Israeli military actions in Gaza. But now, Hayes is under scrutiny again, this time over photos showing him in blackface portraying Obama at a Halloween party 16 years ago…Should we be more forgiving of people's past mistakes - or are some actions simply too serious to overlook, no matter how long ago they happened?Joining Andrea to discuss is Mamobo Ogoro, Founder of Gorm Media and Social Psychologist and Eoin O’Malley, Professor in Political Science at DCU.

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 Tom King, a blacksmith from the Boyne Valley in Meath to talk all things blacksmithing!

New research carried out for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has shown that almost three-quarters of people in Ireland believe the country’s wealth is unfairly distributed.It comes as almost half of respondents said they were concerned they would not be able to pay their bills over the year ahead.The findings have now put added pressure on the Government to incorporate energy credits in next month’s Budget as a way to tackle these concerns.So, do you think these energy credits should be included in the 2026 budget?Joining Andrea to discuss is Irish Times Consumer Journalist, Conor Pope, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association and listeners.

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

A UK study has suggested that the wordier your apology, the more effective it is.The British Journal of Psychology has said that if you want to truly convince people that you are sorry, then longer words make you sound more sincere.Do you agree?Joining Andrea to discuss is Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin and Mary McCarthy, Irish Independent Columnist.

There's been a noticeable rise in the number of Irish adults without any retirement plan in place. Recent research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) shows that one in four people are unprepared for retirement…So, what’s going on? Do people simply not care about their financial future? Or has the rising cost of living made it nearly impossible to put money aside?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Learner drivers who have not passed their driving test after seven years will be required to take additional driving lessons in order to go back on the road, according to new proposals by the Government.Is this fair?Joining Andrea to discuss is Minister of State for Transport & Independent TD for Galway East, Seán Canney, as well as listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Host of ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast Elaine Power join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Maintenance Phase’!

Later this month, Croke Park will be full of American Football fans as the Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers go head-to-head. This will be the first time that Croke Park has ever held an event of this caliber.With many people heading to the 80,000-seater stadium, fans will have a privilege that many GAA fans have not had before. They will be allowed to drink alcohol in their seats.The long-standing rule in Croke Park prevents fans from bringing alcohol into the stands. In this event, however, this rule will not apply.Should this change be a permanent one? Or should we keep alcohol out of the stands?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Psychic Medium Felicity McCann joins Andrea to answer any of your other-wordly questions!

There are no boring Irish people. That was the claim made by Alicia Silverstone whilst appearing on Rob Lowe’s podcast this week.Ireland’s known for its storytellers, wit, and charm, but is it all just a flattering myth? Or is there something in the culture that makes dullness rare? Is this claim ridiculous or true?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss!

We often talk about the struggles women go through when they become a mother, and rightfully so, they undergo huge physical and mental transformations when they become a mother.But, more often than not, new dads tend to struggle with their mental health and the new changes in their roles and responsibilities. Do they get enough support?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

A new incentive is encouraging tourists driving in the highlands to display T-plates. The green tourist plates will be rolled out in a bid to reduce the number of accidents on Scotland’s roads.It comes as many accidents occur due to people being inexperienced with driving on the left-hand side of the road.Is this initiative something Ireland should do too?Andrea is joined by Minister of State & Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy Rae, Brenda Bolger from the School of Motoring in Kilkenny and listeners to discuss.