Lunchtime Live

How much fun do you inject into your life?Apparently 89% of Irish people feel they are just “going through the motions”.Joining Andrea to discuss how they have fun is Today FM Presenter, Alison Curtis and Stylist Laura Mullet.

Women using HRT won’t be reimbursed despite the fact that the medication was supposed to be made ‘free’.Free HRT was supposed to come into effect on January 1st, but it has been delayed in a row between the Government and pharmacists. Today, a new date of the 1st of June was announced.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Loretta Dignam, Founder & CEO of The Menopause Hub, Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacy Owner and Health Advocate at WonderCare.ie and Catherine O’Keeffe, Menopause Workplace Consultant.

A Senator in Limerick is calling for consumer protection for concert tickets if an artist fails to fulfill their onstage commitments.Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne joins Andrea to discuss, along with listeners.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…Pinball has seen a passionate revival in recent years, and at the heart of this resurgence are community-driven clubs keeping the silver ball spirit alive. Andrea is joined by Donovan Delaney, Founder of Pinbaile: a pinball club that’s become a hub for players of all ages and skill levels!Image: @pinbaile on Instagram

The number of people travelling from Ireland to the United States fell by 27 per cent in March when compared to the same month last year, figures show. The trend is the same across many other EU countries, caused by Donald Trump’s administration and ongoing trade tensions…To discuss, Andrea is joined by Daniel Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to US, Patti Shields, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad, Mary McKenna, Tour America and Jenny Maguire, Trinity College SU President and Trans Activist.

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

Celebrations went on late into the night last night in Holywood after Rory McIlroy became the first Irish man to win the US Masters, and the 6th ever golf player to achieve the career grand slam.Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean is in Holywood, and joins Andrea to share what he’s seen.Image: Reuters

Future increases in the national minimum pay for workers could be put back due to global economic insecurities. The living wage plan, as well as pension auto-enrolment could be delayed as the Government will instead concentrate on boosting competitiveness in light of rising international trade tensions.Does it all make sense?Joining Andrea to discuss is Nessa Cosgrove, Spokesperson on Workers Rights with the Labour Party, President of the Cork Business Association and owner of the Herlihy Centra Group Kevin Herlihy and Robert Thornton, Research Manager at Cincentian Minimum Essential Standard of Living Research Centre and member of the Living Wage Technical Group.

Today, Jeff Bezos’ latest Blue Origin space expedition lifts off, carrying an all-female crew: which includes pop star Katy Perry.It's a landmark trip in terms of gender representation, but is it of any benefit to humankind, and is it just an obscene display of wealth?Joining Andrea to discuss is Space Reporter and Writer Niamh Shaw, Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of the National Space Centre and John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and Commentator.Image: Blue Origin

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Host of the ‘No Encore’ Music Podcast Dave Hanratty join Andrea to review ‘The Banksy Story Presents: When Banksy Comes to Town’!Image: BBC

There has been plenty of talk over the last number of weeks about people socialising on Drury Street.But, should we be embracing this sort of socialising rather than condemning it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, owner of Drury Buildings Ronan Rogerson, Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael John Crowe, Newstalk’s own Katie Gallagher and more.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Kevin Keyes, Irish & British Superbike Champion, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to being a motorbike racer!

Today marks World Pet Day, and surprisingly, one in ten Irish dogs have a social media account…Do you have one?Joining Andrea to discuss is 98fm Producer Russel Alford, father to Hamilton the Frenchie (@hammyfrenchie on Instagram) and Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service.

According to the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), they have received complaints of children as young as three being admitted to movies in Limerick and Dublin that featured 'beheadings and throat-cutting'. Where does the responsibility lie? Is it up to the cinema to enforce the classification, or the parent / guardian who's in charge?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr. Ciaran Kissane,  Director of Film Classification in the Irish Film Classification Office, Mark Anderson, Director of the Omniplex Cinema Group, Ollwyn Moran Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids as well as listeners.

Ryanair’s baggage policy has long been a point of contention for travelers across Europe. With strict limits on free carry-on items and added fees for larger bags, the airline says it’s keeping costs low and flights on time.But, critics argue it’s confusing and costly for passengers.So, what are Ryanair’s baggage rules? Do they work, why are they in place, and what do they mean for travelers?Joining Andrea to discuss is frequent flyer Conor Wilkinson, Ciara Mooney, frequent flyer and Travel Agent and Travel Blogger Tara Povey.

From a budgie in a beer garden to Turkey hotel heroics, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Apparently, young people think they’ve more hope of getting a council house, than ever being able to afford one themselves.How has the housing situation gotten this bad?What can we do to help young people?Joining Andrea to discuss is Charlie Weston, Irish Independent Personal Finance Editor, Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte, Clement Herron from Clement Herron Real Estate as well as listeners.

When you’re looking to buy a home, how can you estimate what the costs will be to do it up during a viewing?Well, the Home Squad are here to help you train that eye!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power to discuss.

When you go on a girls-only trip, is it incident free? Or, just like the three women in ‘The White Lotus’, does it descend into drama and disaster? To talk about friendships ‘on holiday’, Andrea is joined by Chrissie Russell, Features Writer with the Irish Independent and Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor at DMG Media.Image: HBO

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy has suggested that there should be open access to university.That means that he wants degrees to be made freely available to all, with none or limited points restrictions.What do you think about this idea? Is it something you would support?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Mooney, Guidance Counsellor and Irish Times Columnist, Architect Roisin Murphy, Dr. Ellen Howley, Assistant Professor at DCU’s School of English as well as listeners.Image: UCD

Move over Paris and Milan, it’s Ireland’s turn!This October, the very first Irish Fashion Week takes place.Coming from the mind of Irish entrepreneur Ashley McDonnell, Ireland Fashion Week will be a nationwide effort and take place from October 6-10th 2025. It may be the first, but we’ve long had a healthy supply of world-class talent when it comes to fashion design…Joining Andrea to discuss the event is Ashley McDonnell, Emma Manley, Creative Director of Manley Irish womenswear fashion brand, Lia Cowan, Fashion Designer and Celia Holman-Lee, Model Agent.Image: @irelandfashionweek on Instagram

The Chief Executive of JP Morgan has ordered his staff to stop reading emails when other people are talking…It is something we have all experienced – you're talking in a meeting and look down to a sea of faces scrolling on their phones...Should we all put a stop to it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Business Coach, Mentor and author Padraic O'Maille and Aisling Owens Nash, Head Networking Leader for Ireland at Mums in Business International.

With rising diagnosis rates, there’s growing debate about whether ADHD is being accurately identified or misdiagnosed in Ireland.Minister Mary Butler claims this is driving spiraling waiting list numbers…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Dr. Sarah Carty, GP, Sarah Kelly, SpeakEasy Speech and Language Therapist as well as listeners.

This good weather has us naturally excited for the summer, and although we’re not quite there yet, it's not too premature to get the barbecues out!With their tips and recipes, Andrea is joined by Chef Dylan McGrath and Catherine Fulvio, owner of Ballyknocken House & Cookery School.

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…

Good news this week for all of us that have been worried - Madonna has said she and Sir Elton John have "buried the hatchet" and put an end to their decades-long feud.Apparently, they’ve been beefing since the early 2000’s.It may have been keeping you awake at night, but there’s no doubt that there is some fascination to be had with these celebrity feuds.Joining Andrea to discuss some more examples is Sinead Dalton, Editor of Evoke.ie.Image: Reuters

Listener Aine got in touch with the show about an issue she is dealing with.Ryanair has supposedly lost her nephew’s wheelchair. He is paralyzed from the chest down, and because of that he is stuck in bed on their holiday in Portugal.Aine joins Andrea to discuss 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 ovulation and sex.

In the good weather, the question can pop up: is there a need for separate mens and womens bathing areas outdoors?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciara Treacy from Newstalk’s Digital Team, Cllr. Donna Cooney, Deputy Lord Mayor and swimmer with Dollymount Dames and Jono Griffin from The Wild and Free Adventure Company in Donegal.

New laws to crack down on Airbnb-style accommodation have been delayed after a pushback from a number of Kerry ministers.They argue that the proposal - which would effectively ban the long-term tourist rental of homes in large towns and cities - would have a knock on effect on the tourism industry.What do you think? Will an Airbnb crackdown hurt tourism?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Breakups are worthy of celebrating...That is according to Journalist and author Rebecca Reid, who joins guest host Anna Daly to discuss how she came to that conclusion. Also joining to discuss is Claire Auchmuty, Divorce and Relationship Coach.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Podiatrist Niall Donohoe to answer any of your foot-related questions, and discuss how to look after your feet after a marathon.

A drug designed to slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s, Kisunla, has so far been turned down for approval by the EU.This has led to huge frustration amongst Alzheimer’s experts that hailed the drug as a game-changer.Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr. Laura O’Philbin, Research and Policy Manager at the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Professor Sean Kennelly, Clinical Director of the Institute of Memory and Cognition in Tallaght University Hospital and listeners who have been personally impacted by the disease.Image: Eli Lilly

Scientists have brought back Dire Wolves from the dead in the world's first-ever de-extinction project…Dire Wolves were large, white-coated canines that disappeared 13,000 years ago, but now three pups have been born back into the world.The mixed DNA was transferred into donor egg cells, and the embryos put into a surrogate mother. She birthed the three healthy pups in October 2024.To discuss the news, and whether or not it’s a good idea, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Emma Teeling, Full Professor of Zoology at UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science and Collie Ennis, Zoology Research Associate at Trinity College Dublin.Image: HBO

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, guest host Anna Daly is joined by John O’Leary from the Carrickmines Equestrian Centre to talk all things horse riding!

Concerns about overcharging or issues with fares accounted for more than half of all complaints involving taxis to the National Transport Authority last year.Frustrated customers called out cabbies’ refusal or inability to accept a cashless payment, adding a charge for a cashless payment and the taxi meter not working or not being used…Other common issues among the over 1,700 complaints to the NTA included driver behaviour, inappropriate route selection and refusal to take short journeys.So, what is your experience of taxis in Ireland?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

An early Medieval brooch-pin, dating from the 8th or 9th century, was discovered during the beginning phases of the Adare Bypass construction last year. It, along with other amazing finds will soon go on display to the public. But, how often do these discoveries happen? And what should you do if you think you’ve found something on your land?Maeve Sikora, Archaeologist and Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland joins Andrea to discuss.

Sophie Brady and her sister’s abusers recently heard their sentencing after subjecting the two sisters to horrific abuse when they were children.David and Jonathan Hamilton were handed over 7 years and 3 years respectively.Sophie took to social media to call the sentencing ‘a slap in the face’.She joins Andrea to discuss…The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre can be reached on 1800 778 888.

We’re well aware of the difficulties and many hurdles it can take to become a homeowner. The average age for first time buyers is now 36. But, for one Cork teenager, he set his sights on having his own property, and began the chase at the age of 13.Now 19, Sean O’Shea can proudly say he is a homeowner. He, along with Frank Conway, Founder of Money Whizz and Personal Finance Commentator join Andrea to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Pádraig Wilson McCarthy and Laura Mullet, Journalist and Stylist join Andrea to review ‘Icebergs with Kemah Bob’!Image: Keep it Light Media

“Children as young as six have been exposed to porn and they’ll never be the same. Those kids become a lot more aggressive to other kids in school.”That is according to Cyber-Security Expert Aoife Noone. She visits schools to educate children on how to be safe online with the Think Smart Cyber Safety and Mindset Programme.Aoife joins Andrea to discuss, along with Eoin Daly, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Gina Dermody, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Adolescence and Beyond, Noel Loftus, Principal at St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and more.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Sue Leonard, Ghost Writer and Author, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

This week is Wish Week on Newstalk, and right across the station we have been hearing about the amazing families who have had their wishes granted with the charity.Emma Preston was 15 when she had her wish granted.Emma’s mother Edel joins Andrea to discuss what that experience was like, and how important it was for her daughter.Let’s make 2025 the biggest Wish Week yet. Every cent matters. Donate online atmakeawish.ie/donate!

Rich people should cut back on flying and allow poorer families to take the form of travel, all with the intention of cutting overall emissions globally.That’s according to Emma Pinchbeck of the Climate Change Committee.What do you think? Is this unreasonable or would it make sense in the big picture?Andrea is joined by Climate Journalist, John Gibbons as well as listeners to discuss.

We live in a world of self-help and healing, but what happens when it goes too far? That’s what happened with Andrea’s guest who once struggled with an obsession for self-help, but managed to overcome it…Writer Hannah Ewens joins to discuss.

From Waterford blaas to sextuplet lambs, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

It has been reported that only half of fathers take paternity leave, with income concerns a 'significant barrier'.Data shows that only a quarter of fathers take parents' leave compared to two-thirds of mothers, as income-related concerns act as a barrier to higher take-up rates of these forms of leave.To discuss, Andrea is joined by Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director at Future Work, Cathal Divilly, CEO Great Place to Work and Tom Coleman, Health Scientist and Sleep Coach.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of spring cleaning - it can be hard to decide what things in the house to keep, and what to let go of.Well, the Home Squad are here to help you with those decisions!Andrea is joined by Rachel Hobbs from Rachel Hobbs Interiors and Anna Bougharbel (@iaorana_house on Instagram) to discuss.

Earlier this month, plans to redevelop Dublin's Victorian Fruit and Vegetable market at St Mary’s Lane were confirmed.So, why does this market need such a drastic redevelopment, when something like the English Market in Cork is so successful?This morning, as producers were laying out their products at the English Market, Andrea spoke to some of them to find out why it has become an icon of the city.