Lunchtime Live

Last night was the third episode of the Irish Traitors, and the last fix for the week.It’s already a hit around the world, and it’s safe to say that the Irish version is one too.So, what is it about it that has us all hooked? Do we love the deception?Joining Andrea to discuss is Esther McCarthy, Life/Style Daily Features Editor at the Irish Examiner, Chrissie Russell, Feature Writer with the Independent and Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Kelly.

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…Image: Netflix

Residents living in Dublin may have future costs to an already expensive economy for parking…It comes as parking permits in some parts of Dublin city could increase from €50 to €225, a 350% hike, under a review of parking control bylaws by Dublin City Council.Is this fair on those living in the city centre? If we already pay motor tax, should we have to pay to park our cars outside our homes?Andrea is joined by Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition, Jason Cullen, Gwen Leyden, Landlord of George’s Street Arcade and listeners 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 discuss caesarean sections, and answer any listener questions.

Would you ever consider going back to college a little later in life?What would it take for you to put your normal life on hold for a few years, to train further in something you’ve always wanted to do? Or to learn about something completely new?Joining Andrea to discuss is Jean Barry, who did this herself, and Laura Walshe, Career Guidance Counsellor with FindYourPath.

The newly-appointed Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is examining proposals to arm more frontline Gardaí with taser stun guns.These guns are already used by specialist units.But, should frontline Gardaí be armed in a bid to better tackle serious violent confrontations?Joining Andrea to discuss is Pat Marry, former Detective Inspector and Senior Investigating Officer and author, Emily Williams, Policing and Justice Policy Officer for the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with the DAA to discuss how you can best navigate Dublin Airport, and answer any other airport-related questions!

Leon Dwyer, an Irish Breakdancer, has just finished in the top 4 in the World Breakdancing Championships. But, how did he get this achievement, and how do you judge breakdancing?He joins Andrea to discuss!

According to the HSE, around 450,000 people have doctor-diagnosed asthma in Ireland. In 2022, 87 people in Ireland died from asthma, that is a 36% increase on the average of the previous two years…The UK’s National Review of Asthma deaths found that over two thirds of asthma deaths involved potentially avoidable factors. While Ireland has not yet conducted a comparable national review, many of the same system-level failures are likely at play.Mold and dampness in homes not only affect those with asthma, but it can cause other illnesses. Could our homes be causing us to get sick?Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor Marcus Butler, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, Siobhan O'Neill White from mams.ie, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Eilís Ní Chaithnía and more.

A South Dublin all-girls school has welcomed boys to the classroom for the first time since opening 70 years ago…But, should all schools be co-ed?Are single-sex schools an outdated concept?Andrea is joined by Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents Podcast’, Jen Hogan, as well as listeners, to discuss.

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 Dermot O’ Brien, Chief Executive at the Contract Bridge Association, to discuss all things bridge!

Bob Geldof is the latest name to hit the Presidential rumour mill today.It makes one wonder: what is it we want from a Presidency?Does a background in politics matter? Or would we prefer someone who can bring the charisma and weight of ‘celebrity’?Which attributes matter when it comes to the role?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.

Fear of flying is a common phobia that can hold people back from travel and new experiences.But, how does one overcome this fear?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr John Francis Leader, Psychologist from Fear of Flying Ireland, to understand what causes this fear and explore practical, proven strategies to overcome it.

Electric Picnic is over for another year. With headline acts as big as Hozier, Chappel Ronan and Kings of Leon taking to the main stage. The most talked about and in demand act of the weekend, Kneecap, took to the stage at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon.Many festival goers weren’t happy with their time slot, but the afternoon didn’t seem to be an issue for the Irish rappers, and has been deemed a family favorite for all.How are the band keeping young people politically engaged, and what did you make of them at Electric Picnic?Joining Andrea to discuss is Journalist with the Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanley, as well as listeners who were there.

Over 50% of adults believe that children should start receiving pocket money by the age of nine, that’s according to a research study commissioned by Royal London Ireland.But, are children entitled to pocket money, or should they have to earn it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Bethan O’Riordan, Psychotherapist from the Calm Parenting Community, John Lowe from moneydoctors.ie and listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Jess Kelly and Neil Kavanagh join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle’!Image: BBC

Sláintecare reforms are being introduced into the health system, which are playing a role in pushing up the cost of health insurance.VHI announced rises earlier in the year, as did Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health…So, is private health insurance still worth the cost?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Brian Turner, Health Economist in UCC, Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell (@wondercare_irl) on Instagram and listeners.

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Comedian Dara O’Briain joins guest host Mairead Ronan to reminisce!

Many people are heading to Stradbally in their droves this weekend ahead of Electric Picnic. The annual music festival will see acts from Chappell Roan to Hozier and Kneecap take to the main stage.If you are heading to Laois this weekend, who should you go and see? Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Arts Journalist and Broadcaster, Pat Carty.

Ireland introduced a rounding system in 2015 to reduce the use of 1 and 2 cent coins. Cash transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 cents, helping to lower minting costs and simplify cash handling.While the system offers practical benefits for businesses and the public, it also raises concerns about pricing and fairness.Do you think the rounding system for cash payments in Ireland is fair, or does it disadvantage consumers?Guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Paul Merriman from Ask Paul, as well as listeners, to discuss.

From dad rock to locker scams, Emily Keegan from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Mairead Ronan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

School secretaries and caretakers across the country began indefinite strike action yesterday in a campaign to secure access to the public service pension scheme, as well as the same occupational sick pay and bereavement leave schemes as teachers and Special Needs Assistants.Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss this is Assistant Principal and member of Aontú, Eric Nelligan, Hannah Davy from Forsa and more.

With more and more electronics being used in your home - how can you manage all of the cables without having them look like an eyesore, or worse, a tripping hazard?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about hiding your cables!Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Sarah Carroll (@sand.and.deliver on Instagram).

Would you consider exercising with friends instead of meeting them in the pub?More and more people are choosing to socialise over a work out - and making new friends doing it!Where has this come from? And why is it so addictive?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Fitness Coach Louise Hayden and listeners.

Southwest Airlines in the US has just changed its long-standing policy for plus-size travelers, one that for over 30 years allowed them to get a second seat for free or be reimbursed if needed. But now, that’s no longer guaranteed.So, what does this mean for passengers of size? Is it fair to ask them to pay for an extra seat in order to fly comfortably, or even to fly at all? What about accessibility, dignity, and affordability?Should plus sized passengers be made to pay for an extra seat?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Eoghan Corry, Editor of travelextra.ie, as well as listeners.

For many, holidays are the perfect escape from reality and the daily grind. Some people see them as a chance to switch off completely, indulging in relaxation while being looked after from morning to night. Others, however, bring their everyday habits with them, with many happily cooking up a storm in their holiday accommodation instead of leaving the kitchen behind. Would you cook when abroad, or is eating out the way to go?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Journalist Andrea Smith, Comedian Jim Elliot and Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy.

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 guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Kings of Leon’s ‘Youth and Young Manhood’, ahead of their performance at Electric Picnic!

A recent study carried out by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre discovered that younger men have “troubling attitudes” towards sexual consent, with 43% of men under 45 agreeing that “sometimes people say no when they want convincing”...With ‘consent’ considered to be a grey area, do we need to have more discussions around what is ‘consent’? And how do we talk about it with our partners?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is CEO Of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, Irish Examiner Columnist and Secondary School Teacher Jennifer Horgan, Artist and Singer Songwriter Jim McKee and Comedian Claire Roche.

The Relay for Life is a 24-hour event run by the Irish Cancer Society, with multiple events taking place all across the country.Westlife’s Shane Filan and his wife Gillian will be taking part in the Sligo event on September 13th, and join Andrea 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…

Sport Ireland have set up a ‘Respect the Ref’ campaign, which will cost up to €70,000, is aiming to tackle abuse faced by referees and match officials.Do referees deserve more respect both on and off the sidelines?Joining Andrea to discuss is Secretary of the Dublin branch of the Irish Soccer Referees’ Society and President of the national body, Sean Slattery, Off the Ball’s Adrain Barry, Kilkenny Camogie Player, Laura Murphy 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 going into labour at home.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially engaged, and the internet can’t get enough.As the worlds of pop and pro sports collide, we’re diving into the magic of power couples: what makes them iconic, why we’re so obsessed, and how two people can become even more influential together than apart?Joining Andrea to discuss is Mikie O'Loughlin, Showbiz Editor of RSVP and Holli Breslin, Entertainment TikTok Reporter.Image: @taylorswift on Instagram

Why does there seem to be such a struggle for parents to get their children into a Special Education Needs (SEN) school?Listener Rachel Lowry got in touch with the show with her struggles, and joins Andrea to discuss, along with other listeners with similar problems.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Wedding Planner Lyndsey Moynagh to answer all of your wedding-related questions! 

Newstalk reporter Laura Donnelly joins Andrea to discuss Electric Picnic’s lineup and weather forecast ahead of events kicking off this weekend. 

Wexford mother Laura Molloy joins Andrea to discuss how a local school bus crisis is impacting her family. 

A cleaning company recently targeted by extortionists was bombarded with one-star reviews on Google three weeks ago. Livia Andoreanu from Happy Clean, a domestic cleaning service in Blanchardstown, Dublin, joins Andrea to discuss her situation. Lily Store in Limerick’s Elaine Clogan and food writer Dee Laffan also join the show to discuss the impact of bad reviews on a business. 

Following on from an earlier discussion about animal welfare, listener Sophie Murray joins Andrea to discuss the theft of her mother's dog from her Dublin home.

Waterford pet shop owner Tara O’Connor recently came across a litter of pups found at a puppy farm in Wexford.  Animal welfare rescued the dogs, but their condition was so bad they all died from illness or had to be euthanized. Tara joins Andrea to discuss the need for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws, alongside Co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, Martina Kenny.

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 Lisette Krol, Owner of Tribe Fitness Dance Studio to discuss the benefits of aerial hooping. 

While many enjoy rolling out of bed and ‘clocking in’, Gen Z is calling for remote working to be scrapped.   It comes as they feel they are losing out on forming work relationships with colleagues as well as gaining valuable skills.   Has the novelty of remote working worn off?   Listeners join Andrea to discuss. 

Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea to answer listener questions. 

Former Irish dancers and parents of Irish dancers have criticised the industry's focus on appearance and the expense involved for those participating. This has led many to question whether Irish dancing is more of a beauty pageant with some dance sprinkled in. Joining Andrea to discuss is Riverdance Director Padraic Moyles, Irish dancing teacher and adjudicator Kevin Lyster, Former Sports Director of the Irish Dance Board Federation and Member of the International Olympic Committee Tommy Shaughnessy and listener Antoinette. 

A Dublin family are facing homelessness because the house they’ve been living in for seven years is being sold.  The Kavanaghs and their three young daughters are facing eviction from their three-bedroom house on September 6. Evan Kavanagh joined Andrea to explain his family’s situation. 

From puppuccino to doggy daycare, many people cherish their furry friends so much that they are considered family – and what is a wedding without family.But is taking your dog to a wedding party a step too far? Broadcaster and Sustainability Influencer Fionnuala Moran, Owner of PetSitters Ireland Kate McQuillan, One Fab Day’s Rebecca Dore and listener James Fagan, who had his dog at his wedding, joined Andrea to discuss. 

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Newstalk Newsroom’s Laura Donnelly join Andrea to review ‘How to Fail’.   

The HSE’s BreastCheck national screening service has missed its screening targets yet again.  Figures revealed that the service target last year aimed for 195,000 screenings, but only 137,134 were performed. Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín, Fine Gael Senator and founder of Breast Friends Senator Teresa Costello, and listeners joined Andrea to discuss. 

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Presenter Katja Mia joins Andrea to reminisce!