Lunchtime Live

The age old question: do blondes have more fun?Anna Daly’s guest thinks they just might, after dappling with her own hair change…Elle Hunt, Freelance Journalist joins, along with Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and Journalist Andrea Smith to discuss!

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 Sami Corcoran, Instructor at the House of Pole pole dancing studio to discuss, well, pole dancing!

Gardaí are investigating an incident in which two women confronted an Israeli man at a bar in Dún Laoghaire. Palestinian Activist Léna Seale, one of the women involved in the incident, claims that the man is sharing images online of himself in Israeli military gear.Should we be allowing Israelis – specifically those who have served in the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) or those who are Zionists - into the country?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Richard Tierney, St Patrick’s Festival CEO, joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to answer any of your St Patrick’s Day questions!

Today is World Sleep Day!If it’s something you struggle with, it’s something you think about all the time...And one area that impacts a lot of people is the sleep, or lack thereof, of small babies!Sleep Expert Erica Hargaden joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to give her best advice.

A new study has revealed that 42% of adults admit that they have forgotten to have fun! And apparently, the age this happens is at 42, but is this really the case?Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss is Robbie Fox, former owner of Reynards Nightclub, Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and more.

A new poll has found that over 40% of dog owners say they worry about their dogs mental health.Almost three quarters say their pooches suffer ‘bouts of stress and anxiety’...What can you do when your pet is feeling stressed? Is it something that worries you?Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by Animal Behaviourist, Suzi Walsh, as well as listeners to discuss.

From Covid lockdown memories to a public fox survey, Tara Duggan from Newstalk’s Newsroom joins guest host Adrian Kennedy with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Tesco is to trial giving away expiring food to shoppers for free.The supermarket will give away some already discounted ‘yellow sticker’ items after 9:30pm in some of its UK stores.Tesco already donates expired food to charities and food banks, but says it is taking this step to try to meet its goal to halve food waste.Is this the right step to cut food waste? Is it something you would like to see brought in here?Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by listeners to discuss.

When you see a piece of antique furniture out in the wild - what are the signs that it could be a good fit in your home after a bit of love?This week’s Home Squad is all about spotting those gems, and upcycling!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ & Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Design House.

It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month; yesterday, Andrea was joined by a panel of doctors discussing the situation in Ireland, and the hope that is available. Well today, it’s been announced that a new pill for treating endometriosis symptoms will be used by the NHS in England – could this be a game changer?Andrea is joined by former Master of the National Maternity Hospital, Dr Peter Boylan.

We’re only days away from the St Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend!However, across the world celebrations have already started…It begs the question: do the Irish abroad celebrate Paddy’s Day better?To discuss, Andrea is joined by event organisers around the world.Image: AP File

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Andrea is joined by David Dunlea to learn more about being a Jehovah’s Witness.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea to look back on the year that was 2003!

You often hear the adage “comparison is the thief of joy”, but do you find that you are comparing yourself constantly to others online?And, where does that leave us? Does social media make our victories seem small?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and co-host of the Tough Love Podcast, Keith Russell, Blogger, Podcaster & Mental Health Advocate, Alex Rowley from Newstalk’s Newsroom and more to discuss.

As part of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Andrea is joined by Dr Bart Kuczera, Deputy Medical Director and Fertility Consultant at Beacon CARE Fertility, to discuss how the condition can impact your fertility, and answer your questions.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.This is something that’s been highlighted for a few years on the show, and we intend to keep making it a priority.But, so much of it is still misunderstood…Joining Andrea to discuss and give an overview of the condition is Aoife O’Neill, Consultant Obstetrician and Yvonne Counihan, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Endometriosis.Also joining to share their personal stories is Doireann Barrett, who runs Cneasú Community and listeners Ali and Leona…

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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

More than half of Irish adults say that they gift €50 or more to a niece or nephew for their communion / confirmation.So, what is the going rate for a communion present?Andrea is joined by Tanya Sweeney, Columnist with the Irish Independent as well as listeners to discuss.

Should we go ahead with plans for a Dublin Metro?Yesterday, it emerged that Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has been formally warned that the cost could exceed €23 billion. That is about five times the cost on which approval was originally sought by the National Transport Authority.So, should we put a stop to Metro plans before the price balloons out of control?Andrea is joined by Broadcaster and Architect, Duncan Stewart, as well as listeners, to discuss…

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.98fm’s Russell Alford and Tom Douglas from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘The Scam Factory’!Image: Wondery

Irish people who worked in the UK could be entitled to a generous state pension pay out, but the April 5th deadline is looming...Do you qualify for it?Andrea is joined by John Ring from XtraPension Ltd to answer listener questions.

Around one in twenty children are now being diagnosed with autism.That is a three times increase in the amount of diagnoses ten years ago.So, where has this increase come from?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Eleanor McSherry, former Head of Autism Studies in UCC, Chair of Involve Autism, Miriam Kenny and more.

A ghost busting team has been investigating paranormal activity at the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford.It’s after numerous reports from staff and trades workers claiming to have seen reflections of children in the glass…It begs the question: do you believe in ghosts?Andrea is joined by Laura Nugent, Tour Guide at Wake Museum Waterford, Cliona Purcell, Museum Curator also at the Wake Museum and Anthony Kerrigan, Paranormal Researcher with GhostÉire to discuss.

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 Nurse Helen Tuffy to discuss hot and cold therapy!

Should households receive charges for excessive water use?Would it encourage those to fix leaks on their property and other preventable causes of wasting water?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

Do characters like Elon Musk and Donald Trump have you swearing off social media? Listener Carol got in touch with the show about a Facebook boycott she took part in, and joins Andrea along with listener Aisling to discuss.

Should learner drivers only be allowed four consecutive learner permits if they do not pass their driving test?The Department of Transport has suggested plans which would mean after six years the driver would have to begin the process of retaking the theory test…What do you think?Andrea is joined by Brenda Bolger, Driving Instructor at Bolger’s Driving School, as well as listeners, to discuss.

About 2,300 people living in and around Cappamore, a small village about 20 minutes outside Limerick City, have been without drinking water since September 2023.Why is this happening? And is it an issue elsewhere around the country?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Principal of Scoil Chaitríona, Nicola Blake, John Hayes, owner of Haye’s Bar and Restaurant Cappamore and Councillor Martin Ryan.

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!Adrian Martin, owner of Luigi Malones Temple Bar and the Wildflower Restaurant in Dublin joins Andrea this week to discuss ‘dump bags’, and why they’re more appealing than that name sounds!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is coming face to face with US President Donald Trump for the annual St Patrick’s Day meeting next week.With all the talks of tariffs and international security, there is arguably more riding on this yearly tradition than ever before…As we saw from Trump’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - it can go one way or another...How does Micheál Martin approach a character like Donald Trump?Joining Andrea to discuss is Political Commentator and former Senior Government Advisor Gerard Howlin, Patti Shields from Democrats Abroad and Larry G. Maguire, Work Psychologist in Dublin.Image: Reuters

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Anne Marie Kennedy, Chartered Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychologist joins guest host Jess Kelly to answer any questions about getting your head in the game!

Apparently, snoring is the biggest bedroom ‘ick’ and 5% of couples even split up because of it!About a quarter of us lose sleep because of our partner’s snoring – and it can cause a lot of bedroom fights…So, how do we stop it driving us apart?Joining guest host Jess Kelly to discuss is Dr. Neil Stanley, co-author of ‘A Sleep Divorce: How to Sleep Apart, Not Fall Apart’.

A number of residents in the Adamstown area of west Dublin have been told that electric vehicle chargers they have installed in front of their homes will be removed because parking spaces and pathways in the development are regarded as common areas…Joining guest host Jess Kelly to discuss are local residents, as well as Derren Ó Brádaigh, Sinn Féin Local Area Representative and Shane O’Donoghue, Editor with Completecar.ie.

Spending time going places and doing things alone can be personally transformative.However, it can also be daunting…So, how do you become ok with doing things alone?To discuss, guest host Jess Kelly is joined by Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel and Solo and Mark Fennell, Life Coach.

From big barefoot walks to big filming in Galway, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Jess Kelly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Come on you boys in green!Ireland take on France tomorrow afternoon in the Six Nations.But, which one of the two top sides will claim victory?Joining guest host Jess Kelly to discuss is Former Irish Rugby International, Shane Byrne, Ger Gilroy from Off The Ball and more!

TDs have claimed over half a million euro in expenses in just one month.And that covers just one Dáil sitting. Is that figure as high as it seems?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

Putting together a bathroom can have many do’s and don’ts. So, what’s the best way to tackle designing one?The Home Squad are here to let you know! Guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Designs and Sarah Carroll from Sand & Deliver to discuss.

Fishing is a time-honored activity that has been practiced for thousands of years, blending skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world.Whether pursued as a hobby, a sport, or a livelihood, fishing offers a unique way to connect with nature.So, has fishing become more popular in recent years?Sinead Ryan is joined by Gerard McLoughlin from the Kells Anglers Association, owner of Rory’s Fishing Tackle in Temple Bar, Mary Harkin and Host of the Lure Fishing Podcast, Cormac Walsh to discuss.

Young people not drinking is killing music venues…That is according to one of the UK’s leading Music Agents and Promoters, John Giddings, who has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Madonna, Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones and has run the Isle of Wight Festival since its revival in 2002.Is there any truth to this?To discuss, guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by John Brereton, Grand Social PR Manager & Director of the Dublin Bowie Festival, Rebecca Cappuccini, Spokesperson for Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, First Music Contact CEO Angela Dorgan and Marcus Lester from Plug Artists.

There are growing fears that people will fall further into arrears as energy prices remain stubbornly high - with price hikes incoming.This year the costs will be compounded by the lack of energy credits…So, how will households deal with these increases?Guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by Izzy Petrie, Research & Policy Officer for Energy Poverty SVP, Darragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie and more to discuss.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Sinead Ryan to look back on the year that was 2002!

Prison overcrowding is at another crisis point with all secure jails having reached, or exceeded, capacity for the first time.More than 100 prisoners were sleeping on the floors of Mountjoy on Tuesday night when numbers reached a record 1,000.With, clearly, some major issues with the Irish prison system, how can things be solved?Joining guest host Sinead Ryan to discuss is Niall Spelman, retired Prison Governor, Kathleen Chada, Founder of SAVE Action Group, Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Clare Devereux, Trichologist and Hair Coach to answer any of your hair and scalp questions!

Last night, Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking show finally dropped, after much anticipation… and it has been roasted by critics and pretty much anyone who has seen it.So, has all interest in Harry and Megan finally waned?Andrea is joined by Founder of Goss.ie, Alexandra Ryan and Entertainment TikTokker Holli Breslin.Image: Netflix

Donald Trump’s Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the freezing of US military aid to Ukraine has led to a European focus on defence…Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, set out a broad proposal to ramp up European defense by as much as €800 billion.Germany's likely next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has also proposed billions in new defence spending.This all comes as debate stirs around Ireland’s neutrality and the ‘triple lock’ system, freeing up Irish troops to be deployed overseas.As Europe prepares for war, what do you want Ireland's role to be in it?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator and former member of the Defence Forces, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst and more.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, Andrea is joined by Singer and Songwriter, Ruthanne.Ruthanne has spoken on the show before about her experience with endometriosis. She joins to discuss how life has been since, and the awareness around the condition.

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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Image: Netflix