Lunchtime Live

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 a Financial Consultant with Ask Paul.ie, Paul Merriman, to discuss how you can get your finances in order.

Presidential candidates Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly spoke with Pat Kenny today as part of a Presidential debate ahead of the election on Friday the 24th of October. The two candidates gave their sides to why they should be elected as Ireland’s next President.What was the outcome of this debate? Was there anything that stood out to you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe, as well as listeners.

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

You may have seen the footage of the Schalke football fans in Dublin over the weekend…Hooligans were seen marching down streets and attacking photographers.One of those photographers, Carly Clarke joins Andrea and more to discuss what happened…

Dublin and District Schoolboys’ and Girls’ League have announced a silent sidelines campaign that will run once a month until the end of the year.They have said that behavior from the sidelines has a “detrimental effect on the players looking to play and enjoy football”...But, what do you think? Do we need silent sidelines?Joining Andrea to discuss is Jen Hogan, Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast, Antonio Montero, Football Coach and Founder of the Silent Sideline Campaign, Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry and more.

Over a million tonnes of food are wasted here every year, costing households money and adding to climate change.So, what are some things we can do to reduce food waste?Joining Andrea to discuss is Conor Spacey, Culinary Director of Food Space Ireland and author of ‘Wasted’, Machaela O'Leary Sales Manager with Too Good To Go and Chef JP McMahon.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom and Newstalk’s Rory Galvin join Andrea to review ‘Death in Dubai’.Image: BBC

A new Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) has been established by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.The legislation will aim to protect the rights of all parties involved in assisted human reproduction, including parents, donors, and children born through these technologies.What does it mean for those who use surrogacy when having a child?Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO of Equality for Children, Ranae Von Meding, Chairperson of Irish Gay Dads, Seamus Kearney Martone and listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, award-winning Cartoonist Niall O’Loughlin joins Andrea to answer any of your cartoon, animation and caricature questions!

A survey from Bulmers reveals that one third of Irish adults don’t celebrate their achievements…Are we as Irish people bad at celebrating our achievements? Is there something to our society that keeps us from sharing our wins in life?Professor of Psychiatry at TCD Brendan Kelly and Broadcaster Meghan Scully join Andrea to discuss.

From gigantic catches to marathon unmatchedness, Alex Rowley from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

Lisa O’Connor has been campaigning to change the laws surrounding pet theft, and has stressed the importance of her petition as she stated, “behind every stolen dog is a broken family.”As it stands, while pet theft is considered a serious crime, it falls under ‘stolen property’ with Lisa stating that pets are not stolen property, but companions and part of people’s families.Lisa joins Andrea, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Two weeks ago, Paula Crotty joined Andrea to share her story of her daughter who suffered from an eating disorder.She joins Andrea again to delve deeper into this, alongside Angela, who also has experience as a family member of someone with disordered eating.

Donald Trump has made it clear that he thinks he should be the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming that he has been instrumental in stopping multiple awards.He didn’t win it this year, but should he?Joining Andrea to discuss is Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad, Patti Shields, Executive Director, Irish Cultural Centre and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts Jerry McDermott and listeners.Image: Reuters

One listener got in touch with the show with a paint-related question…To answer this and discuss the importance of good paint, the Home Squad are here to discuss picking the right paint!Joining Andrea to discuss is Painter Oisin Butler and Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

The much expected guest announcement for next year’s Slane Castle gig is Luke Combs. Some of you may be surprised, because he has seemingly slipped under the radar in Ireland.So, who is he?Joining Andrea to discuss is Host of Today FM Country Hits on Wednesday nights, Clodagh Lawlor.

Earlier this morning, Post-Doctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin, Clare Moriarty spoke with Newstalk Breakfast about the experience she faced when going through a miscarriage.Many women who experience pregnancy loss have spoken about the deep emotional pain of being surrounded by expectant mothers and the cries of newborn babies while they grieve. In these moments of heartbreak, the hospital environment, which is meant to be a place of care, can instead become a constant reminder of what has been lost.This raises an important and compassionate question: why isn’t there a separate, comforting space for women facing such loss, a space where they can grieve in privacy, dignity, and peace?Andrea is joined by listeners, including Vice President of Safer Births Ireland, Tracy Carroll, to discuss.

Victoria Beckham's brand new documentary premiered today. The three-part series offers an in-depth look at her life, career, family and success.With this vulnerable look at Victoria's life and place in the Beckham family, it made us think of this wider idea of the ‘Beckham Brand’, and how they have built themselves to be one of the most recognizable names in the world. But, are they as big as they used to be?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sinead Dalton, Editor of Evoke.ie, Avila Lipsett, owner of Society PR, beauty editor at Social and Personal and Lorna Weightman, Fashion & Beauty Creator/Stylist Brand Consultant Fashion Reporter on Ireland AM.

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 Tracy Chapman’s debut album ‘Tracy Chapman’!

Tensions remain high as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Doha, Qatar. Israeli officials say a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza is possible, but may take more time to finalise. The proposed ceasefire includes phased hostage releases and Israeli troop withdrawals, but significant hurdles remain - particularly around humanitarian aid access.Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to join the talks this week, adding new momentum to the delicate negotiations. With thousands of lives lost and millions displaced, the world watches closely, hoping for an end to the devastating conflict.How do you feel about this ceasefire - is it enough? Do you agree with its proposed terms?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

This morning on Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman, they spoke about bringing your children to the pub.It's a topic that gathers a lot of mixed reviews amongst people. So, the question is: would you bring your kids to the pub?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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…

Mandy Kelly has been doing everything in her power for the last three years to get her kids back, after their father abducted them in Egypt.News this week has the Government hoping to get an international arrest Red Notice warrant issued for their father soon.Mandy joins Andrea to discuss…

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 debunk myths surrounding autism and pregnancy, and answer your questions!

More young people than ever have been trading and investing in stocks.Revolut reported a 17% surge in young investors across the Irish market.But, why has there been this shift?Joining Andrea to discuss is Emer Walsh, Business Journalist for the Irish Examiner, Senan Delargy, the CEO of the Trinity Student Managed Fund, Mihaela Borta, President of UCD’s Investor and Entrepreneurs' Society and Content Creator Leo Gibson.

Yesterday, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe delivered his statement for Budget 2026 to the Dáil. The reaction by most was one of little surprise, with the budget having little to no effect on the working-class person's day-to-day life.Those who are seeking to buy a house or keep their children in affordable childcare are no better off with little to no incentives to improve the housing market and increase Government support to the cost of early childhood education.People earning a typical salary of €50,000 will see a rise in their taxes as they will end up paying almost €500 extra in income tax, USC and PRSI next year.It was, however, a positive day for those in the hospitality sector, as they will benefit from tax deductions being reduced to 9%.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss how these changes will affect them.

Andrea is joined by the incredible Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter RuthAnne!RuthAnne has been on the show a few times, usually about her experience with endometriosis and her campaigning for better healthcare.But today, she joins Andrea to talk about not only her new album, but also her new book!

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 Aislinn Horgan (@byaislinn.ie on Instagram), who specialises in medical tattoos, to talk all about the practice.

Budget 2026 comes out today.One thing that is known ahead of the full announcement is that Ministers are taking the first step towards ending the means test for carers…The Carer’s Allowance means test will increase by €200 to €825 a month for a single person and by €400 to €1,650 a month for a couple.What do carers think of the change?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

Big news broke last night in the race for the Áras: Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin has withdrawn from the Presidential election, following controversy over an unregistered tenancy linked to his past.It’s a major blow to the party and a shake-up in the race just weeks out from polling day…Joining Andrea to discuss the fallout and what it means for the campaign ahead is Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for the Wicklow–Wexford Constituency & Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Leanne Mallen, the President of Ógra Fianna Fáil and listeners.

Drogheda campaigners are launching a film today to showcase why they believe Drogheda should be made a city.Drogheda City Status Group has said "Unprecedented residential development in Drogheda and its hinterland means that city status has become an absolute necessity."Achieving city status can unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including increased funding for infrastructure and programs.This begs further questions about other large towns around the country, are they getting left behind? Do big towns get enough resources?Joining Andrea to discuss is Anthony Murphy, Public Relations Officer with the Drogheda City Status Group, as well as listeners.Image: Discover Ireland

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘Therapy Crouch’!Image: Acast

Every parent fears their teenage children immediately going off the rails if they’re not kept under constant lock and key.But, does a helicopter strategy make life harder for everyone involved, and do kids do better when left to their own devices?Gwen Loughman wrote in the Journal about being as hands-off as possible with your own children over the summer, she joins Andrea, along with Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley and listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, John Keogh, Group Director of News at Newstalk joins Andrea to answer any of your newsroom questions!

As winter creeps in, you might feel your energy dipping along with the dark and stormy weather.Today, Dr Ravi Gill joins Andrea to give some tips and tricks as to how to keep yourself still feeling fresh this autumn season!

The past two weeks, the topic of eating disorders has been covered on Lunchtime Live, and how they affect families and individuals that are affected…Today, we’re speaking to a top eating disorder specialist with St Vincent’s Hospital to get an insight into what treatment looks like at a clinical level.Dr Art Malone, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lead with the Adult Eating Disorder Service at St Vincent’s joins Andrea to discuss…

Ireland Fashion Week, the very first of its kind, begins next week on October 6th.The week will be full of shows, talks and exhibitions of fashion, both past and present.Entrepreneur and Founder of Irish Fashion Week, Ashley McDonnell, Stylist and Creative Designer Anne O’Shea and Jack Pierce join Andrea to discuss!

From claw machine rescue to oyster theft fiasco, Newstalk’s Eamonn Torsney joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

The National Transport Authority are being questioned on when they will reinstate catering services on all Irish Rail intercity routes. The service, which was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, has not yet been fully restored.Senator Mark Duffy has called for this service to be reinstated saying “Passengers travelling long distances across the country deserve basic amenities, and catering should not be regarded as a luxury and is seen as a standard service on rail across Europe.”We want to know, how has your experience with Irish rail been recently? Were you recently on a train where you didn’t receive any food or drink?Joining Andrea to discuss is Chair of Galway Commuters Coalition, Lochlann Gallagher, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail, Barry Kenny and listeners.

If you have a fireplace at home, you may not be using it to its full potential. So, what should you do with it, use it as intended, or turn it into something new?From function to decoration, the Home Squad are here to discuss fireplace potential!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) & Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

The MetroLink rail line has been given the green light today!An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved the 19km line in full which could see airport to city journeys of 20 minutes…It’s definitely good news, but when do you think we will see the line completed?Andrea is joined by Cllr Feljin Jose,  Spokesperson for Transport for the Green Party, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Mayo University Hospital is reaching dangerous patient levels as it is running at 113% occupancy, when safe levels are 85%. It comes after nurses are balloting for strike action to address the issue.With a lack of injury units across the county, many people have no option but to attend the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital for minor treatments as they have no alternative options…Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss the issue.

The topic of eating disorders has been covered a lot for the past two weeks on Lunchtime Live. We’ve heard from listeners across the country about the issues they have dealt with themselves, and in their families.What we’ve come to understand is that many people have an issue with the lack of provisions provided for eating disorders here in Ireland. Lack of public beds, long waiting times for diagnoses, and difficulties finding specialist care are all issues that have been raised with us…Now we’re asking: why aren’t there more supports available in this area?Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, joins Andrea 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 Take That’s album ‘Everything Changes’!

Do you believe inheritance tax should be scrapped? If so, you’re in the majority, according to data from a new survey.Research by Royal London Ireland found that 83% of adults in Ireland are in favour of getting rid of inheritance tax when it comes to the family home.Joining Andrea to discuss is the Money Doctor John Lowe, Jean Cashman. Registered Tax Consultant, as well as listeners…

Do you like holding a grudge? Is having a list of enemies part of the spice of life? Or, are grudges something we should avoid completely?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley, Content Editor with Evoke, Sinead Dalton and listeners.

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…

The topic of eating disorders has been covered on this show a lot recently, and the impact that they can have on families and carers.Today, we wanted to talk to people who have battled eating disorders themselves, to understand their own personal experience.Franciska Maria, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist and Shane Blake both join Andrea to share their stories…

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 what seems to be a new medical breakthrough, and answer your questions.