Lunchtime Live

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.

Four Safety Wardens will be starting their work this summer in Cork.But, why are they needed?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Cork Business Association President, Dave O’Brien, Michael Wall, Owner of Salvagem, Owner of Nevilles Jewellers, John Neville and Cork City GRA representative, Pádraig Harrington.Image: Savills

Host of the Home Show, Sinead Ryan, spoke with Newstalk Breakfast earlier on how dressing well in the office has become a lost art…Is it true? Have things become too casual in the office?Andrea is joined by Louis Copeland, from Louis Copeland and Sons, Terry Prone, Columnist with the Irish Examiner & Chair of the Communications Clinic and Meghann Scully, Freelance presenter and Podcaster to discuss.

The Irish passport is now considered one of the strongest in the world, offering visa-free access to over 191 countries.This recognition highlights Ireland's global mobility and the benefits of Irish citizenship.Editor of Cork Beo, Joe O’ Shea, joins Andrea to discuss.

An issue that has been spoken about a few times on the show is the state of some water supplies in the country. And somewhere that is felt quite deeply is in Cork.With the show broadcasting from the Rebel County today, Andrea is joined by Michael Moynihan, Irish Examiner Columnist, Local Councillor Shane O’Callaghan and more to discuss how bad the issue is.

The compulsory purchase of land around the Cliffs of Moher has sparked controversy with local farmers, who claim they have been bullied and intimidated by Clare County Council…Andrea is joined by Pat Sweeney, Farmer, Tour Guide, Chair Doolin Branch IFA and Tom Lane, former Clare IFA County Chair 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…

Is customer service becoming a dying art?The over reliance on chatbots and these ‘automated messages’ has a lot of people around the country pulling their hair out.Bill Walsh is one of those people, and joins Andrea to discuss his experience with Aer Lingus…Also joining to discuss is Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk Sinead Ryan, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly 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 how you can prepare your body for the best chances of pregnancy.

Living with tinnitus can be a challenging and often invisible experience, affecting daily life in ways many don’t understand.Joining Andrea to discuss their own experiences with tinnitus are Newstalk Presenters Seán Moncrieff, Pat Naughton, Lynn Buckle, Community Resource Officer and Tinnitus Lead and Dan FitzGerald, Sound Engineer and Acoustician from IrishAcoustics.com.

Today, a bill is being introduced in an attempt to make catfishing illegal.Catfishing, at its core, is the act of using fake photos and information, often stolen from real people, to create a false identity online.But despite the damage it can cause, it’s not a crime.Joining Andrea to discuss is Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, CEO of Turn2Me, Fiona O'Malley and Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist.If you have been affected by anything discussed please call Childline on Freephone 1800 66 66 66 or choose the live chat button at childline.ie, or The Samaritans on 116 123.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Frank McGrath from Hearing Care Clinics to answer any of your hearing-related questions!

On the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, Chappell Roan says having kids is hellish — and not all parents are upset about it.Is she right?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Katie Makk from the ‘Opinions Matter’ podcast and Amy Shanahan, owner of Amy Michelle Hairdressing in Cork City.Image: Island Records

The Irish Road Haulage Association has voiced growing concerns around bad driving behavior on the roads. From distracted driving to aggressive road habits, what can be done to address dangerous driving?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

You only have to look out your window to see that summer is nearly upon us!A lot of people are now looking to book their summer trips away, but what if you are looking for an alternative to some of the more popular tourist destinations?What are some of the overlooked gems? The areas that are maybe slightly off the beaten track?Andrea is joined by Sarah Slattery, Founder of the travelexpert.ie, Melanie May, Solo Travel Writer & ‘Talk Travel’ Presenter on Dublin City FM and Ed Finn, award-winning Travel Journalist to give their recommendations!

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Diarmuid Lyng, Co-Founder of Nature of Man to discuss the benefits to be gained from a men’s retreat!

The Netflix drama ‘Adolescence’, which has sparked conversation around toxic online content and youth violence, will be screened in UK secondary schools, Keir Starmer has announced.The UK Prime Minister said he wanted to talk about "what can we do as a society to stop and prevent young boys being dragged into this whirlpool of hatred and misogyny".What do you think about this idea?Is it something that we should do here?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Tara Duggan from Newstalk’s Newsroom, Alex Cooney, CEO of Cyber Safe Kids and more.Image: Netflix

Dr John Flanagan, GP at Suffolk Street Surgery joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Sabbaticals offer significant benefits for both employees and organizations. For employees, they provide an opportunity to recharge, pursue personal interests, and reduce burnout, leading to improved mental health, creativity, and job satisfaction. For organisations, sabbaticals help retain talent, reduce turnover, and foster a culture of trust and loyalty.So, should we be taking more sabbaticals?Joining Andrea to discuss is Wellness Coach and Author, Sinead Kennedy.

Influencers have been warned that they will face action from the consumer watchdog if they are found to be in breach of commercial content laws.Last week, we heard that former Ireland rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll had fallen foul of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)...He was one of 26 social media influencers taken to task for alleged breaches.Are you happy that the CCPC are taking a stronger hand with influencers around labelling paid posts and content?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Mandy Maher, Owner of The Platform - an agency that represents Social Media Influencers & Content Creators, Dr Irene McCormick, Senior Lecturer in Media SETU Carlow & Course Director of BA Content Creation and Social Media and Sinead O'Moore, Host of the Stretchmarks Podcast.

Planning permission issues in Ireland are a growing concern due to challenges in balancing urban development with environmental and regulatory restrictions. Delays, inconsistencies, and complex zoning rules often frustrate homeowners and developers.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Martin Kelly, Planning Consultant and Martin Linnane, Farmer in Kinvara and more.

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 Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review the BBC’s ‘Hooligans’!Image: BBC

US President Donald Trump has a detailed tariffs plan for multiple industries to be revealed on the 2nd of April. This could include pharmaceutical and the food/drinks industries. How worried should the people of Ireland be about this?Joining Andrea to discuss is SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector Greg Ennis, Carrigaline Fine Gael Councillor Jack White, Sarah Grubb Cashel Farmhouse Cheese and more.