Lunchtime Live

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.

From the best burgers to new weddings, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

There have been over 1,400 verified incidents on airlines where alcohol was involved, according to the Irish Aviation Authority. That is three times more than what occurred in 2023. So, what is the solution? Should alcohol be banned on flights?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

When you want to add a bit of luxury to your home, how do you balance the budget, and avoid making things look gaudy?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about adding luxury!Joining Andrea to discuss is Arlene McIntrye, Creative Director of Ventura Design and Sarah Twigg Doyle, Interior Stylist & Design Colour Consultant.

An Post has unveiled a tribute stamp to Irish boy band Westlife, but left out founder member Brian McFadden.The stamp celebrates 25 years of the band, but was it right to leave Brian out?Joining Andrea to discuss is Broadcaster & Westlife fan Clare Ronan, Ronan McGreevey, Irish Times Journalist and Historian and Newstalk’s own Laura Hannon.

Irish grandmother Donna Hughes-Brown, a resident of Missouri who is married to a US Navy veteran, is being held in isolation in a detention centre in Kentucky operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.She was detained following a July visit to Ireland, when they attended a funeral and visited family in Cork and Drogheda.Her husband Jim Brown joins Andrea to discuss what is happening.

RTÉ is considering withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation.Do you support this decision? Should Ireland not take part if Israel is involved?Joining Andrea to discuss is Chair of the Irish Campaign to Boycott Eurovision Zoe Lawlor, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club Frank Dermody, Newstalk’s Henry McKean and more.

Emmy Nolan is a young Carlow actress who everyone is talking about. The 10-year-old plays a pivotal role in the new Warner Bros movie, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’.Andrea is joined by Emmy and her mum Shauna Ray Lacey to discuss what it was like to be in the film.

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 Hozier’s first album: ‘Hozier’!

US Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University yesterday. Video footage circulating across various social media platforms shows the 31-year-old father of two being shot in the chest when on stage.Known for his combative college campus appearances, the footage shows the moment the gunshot was fired, and you can see Kirk bleeding profusely.How are these videos allowed to be uploaded to social media sites like TikTok and X, and why are they still circulating hours after the incident occurred?Andrea is joined by Ronan Lupton, Barrister and Senior Council, Stephen O'Leary, Founder of Online News Media and Social Media Monitoring and Analysis company Olytico and listeners.

Today celebrates the 6th consecutive year of #LoveDonegalDay, and what better way to celebrate by getting some of our favorite Donegal voices on!Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s own Ciara Doherty, Kevin Dooher, Content Creator and Photographer and ‘Donegal Daddy’ Michael!

Cancer Revolution, a new exhibition in Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, explores the history and origins of cancer.It covers everything from fossil records of cancer in dinosaurs to today’s cutting-edge breakthroughs in immunotherapy and genetics.The research done to discover this kind of science is helping to pioneer future medicine.Luke O'Neill, Professor of Biochemistry in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin and one of Cancer Revolution’s ambassadors joins Andrea to walk through the exhibition!Image: Breakthrough Cancer Research

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…

UNICEF has released a new report looking at global diabetes. The report shows 1 in 5 primary school children are overweight or obese in Ireland, with the figure rising to 1 in 4 in DEIS schools, where children are more likely to experience socio-economic disadvantages.With the cost of living on the rise and technology for children more prevalent than ever, how do we tackle this problem?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dietician Sarah Keogh, Teacher John Sharpson, Content Creator & Personal Trainer Natalie Lennon 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 what you can expect at your 20 week scan…

Yesterday, we spoke about Traitors Ireland and why we as a nation, and why we love it so much. Well today, Andrea is joined by two very special guests!Eamon McGrath and Katelyn Divilly, two of the contestants, join to talk all things Traitors! Be warned, there will be spoilers!

On Newstalk Breakfast yesterday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “open to considering” tax breaks for developers.But, is this a viable solution to the housing crisis?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clement Herron, Real Estate Agent in Portlaoise, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Joey Donnelly from Crofton Motors to answer any of your motoring questions!

Listener Stacey got in touch with the show with a massive issue she is facing. Her daughter’s specialist chair has snapped, and is currently held together with glue while they have been waiting for a seating assessment since March of 2024…Stacey joins Andrea to discuss more.

The only thing everyone seems to be talking about is Traitors Ireland, and before you listen to this podcast, there will be spoilers! So, if you haven’t seen it, now is the time…From betrayal, to laughs to the glamour and style from Siobhán McSweeney, we just cannot seem to get enough of it!But, why do we love it so much?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sophie Byrne, Showbiz Correspondent for Goss.ie, Mikie O’Loughlin, Showbiz Correspondent at RSVP, Broadcaster Mairead Ronan and more!

Artists are waiting to see if they will be eligible for Basic Income for the Arts scheme in 2026. The scheme offers €325 a week to 2,000 people in the arts in Ireland...The pilot project, which was first launched in 2022, will help to keep artists in employment and avoid some of Ireland's top performers from leaving the industry in pursuit of other careers.With the 2026 budget talks currently ongoing. Many artists await to see whether this scheme will continue and what will unfold if it doesn’t.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Business Development Manager for audio-visual, creative and cultural sectors Willie White, Harpist from Dundalk Rosie Murphy and Labour TD and Spokesperson on Arts, Rob O’Donoghue.

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 Grainne O’ Driscoll from Grá for Fitness in Tramore to discuss yoga and pilates!

Tánaiste Simon Harris spoke with Newstalk Breakfast this morning on how he is dealing with threats towards his family. It comes after three bomb threats were made to the Fine Gael leader’s home over the weekend…Despite the ongoing threats towards his family, Harris is still showing up to work and is “trying his best to get on with his job”.Is this harassment and abuse completely out of line, or are public figures always at risk of threats?Joining Andrea to discuss is Martin Kenny Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson & TD for Sligo/Leitrim, Mick Clifford Special Correspondent with The Irish Examiner, Stephen Breen, Crime Editor with The Irish Sun,Journalist Aoife Grace Moore, Social Media Content Creator Charlene Murphy and Fine Gael TD Barry Ward.