Lunchtime Live

What’s the going rate for trick-or-treaters this Halloween? Is your household a mini or full size bar one? And whatever happened to monkey nuts?Joining Andrea to discuss the right amount of Halloween treats is Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly, Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry and owner of LNH Edit, Laura Nolan Horgan.

From the GAA to the Nightmare Before Christmas, Newstalk Reporter Laura Donnelly joins Andrea with plenty to look back on for this week’s Throwback Thursday!Image: Disney

At least 95 people have died, with dozens still missing, in southern and eastern Spain following its deadliest flash flooding in three decades.Torrential rain, amounting to a year’s worth in just eight hours in some areas, hit cities such as Valencia and Malaga - with many finding themselves trapped in their homes and cars.Andrea is joined by Irish listeners living in the area to hear their experiences.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Pet Behaviourist and Trainer, Suzi Walsh to learn more about the world of pet behaviour and answer your questions!

Are you good for taking supplements? Maybe so, but are you taking them correctly? Possibly not.Andrea is joined by Kathy Maher, Community Pharmacist in Duleek to discuss the common mistakes.

Parents in the UK can be fined £80 per day per child for school absences.Despite this, many parents are still choosing to take their children out of school to save on exorbitant travel prices during school holidays.There have been calls to review marketing and pricing of ‘rip-off’ family holidays from companies which charge thousands more for holidays taken during school breaks.What do you think?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw, @modernirishmom, Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick's National School in Greystones, Yvonne Reddin, Freelance Travel Journalist, Steve Cummins, Comedian and Co-Founder of Zoomparty.ie and more.

Andrea is joined by Eoghan Tomas McDermott, Managing Director of The Communications Clinic and Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland 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.Newstalk News Anchor Eamonn Torsney joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

A new study has found that almost half of parents in Ireland give their children pocket money.And, digital currency, such as Revolut, is by far the most popular way to pay out pocket money – with almost 60% of parents saying they use it.The survey, by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland Credit Union, also discovered that almost nine in ten say that children should earn the money by carrying out some household chores.What has your experience been of paying out pocket money? Do children understand the value of money?Andrea is joined by John Lowe from MoneyDoctors.ie 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 Producer Russell Alford and Laura Donnelly from Newstalk’s Newsroom join Andrea to review something she’s been very excited to hear: NIcky Byrne HQ!Image: Acast

Saoirse Ronan was on the Graham Norton show on Friday with Paul Mescal and Eddie Redmayne. She has been praised online for highlighting what women have to deal with, that men aren’t even aware of, when discussing learning self defence for film roles.Is there a lot of this kind of thing that women have to absorb, that men aren’t even aware of?And has daylight savings impacted it? Have the darker evenings made you more conscious of going out in the evenings?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly and Journalist and Stylist, Laura Mullet.

Remember the Halloween’s of your childhood, where you'd drape a black bin bag over yourself and be a witch, or decorate the house with homemade things? Nowadays, shops are full of decorations aimed not just to scare, but terrify you!So, has Halloween become too gory?Andrea is joined by Horror Consultant Dr Sarah Cleary and listeners to discuss.Richard Quinlan also joins to share an upsetting experience he had due to the use of fireworks around the season as well.

How do you talk to your children about racism?Bethan O'Riordan and Stef McSherry, hosts of The Mum Mind Podcast, were discussing this important subject recently, and it can be difficult for parents to sometimes navigate.They, alongside Conor Buckley from the Human Collective, join Andrea to discuss.

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea is joined by World Axe Throwing Champion, Ceola McGowan, to learn all about axe throwing!

Mayo TD Michael Ring says that the Government is taking the wrong approach when it comes to addressing the issue of road fatalities.His solution? He would like to see all cars being brought into Ireland fitted with technology to prevent them from reaching speeds above 100 km per hour.What do you think about the idea?Andrea is joined by Road Safety Advocate, Leo Lieghio, as well as listeners to discuss.

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.This week, Andrea was joined by Ray Cooke from Ray Cookes Auctioneers to find out what it’s like to be an estate agent and property auctioneer.

The Dublin Marathon is taking place this Sunday, October 27th for its 43rd year.All the planning and preparation has been done, with over 20,000 people now waiting to take part this weekend.To chat about preparing for marathons, Andrea is joined by Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy and Newstalk’s own Aaron Jordan. John has run multiple marathons, and this will be Aaron’s first!

Should there be signs in men's bathrooms asking: 'Are you a sexual predator?'Sarah Harte in the Irish Examiner recently wrote “...we are always telling women to mind their drink and change their behaviour, why aren’t we doing it with men instead?”What do you think?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Sean Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of the Men’s Development Network, Dr Michelle Walsh, CEO of MOVE Ireland, Noeleen Blackwell, Human Rights Lawyer and more.

Today is World Opera Day!Seán Boylan, who will be appearing as Marullo in RIGOLETTO at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from December 1 - 7, joins Andrea in the studio to give us the history of Opera, and attempt to coach her on how to sing like an opera singer!

From a brand new social media influencer degree to a spook-tacular house transformation, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with his stories from across the country!

Stephen Mooney, owner of The Ginger Man on Dublin’s Fenian Street has said that the airport passenger cap is going to negatively affect tourism, and therefore hurt his business.He, alongside Eugene Garrihy from Dublin Bay Cruises and Michael Coyne, from Coyne's GastroPub in Connemara join Andrea to discuss.

From the bathtub to open fires, there are many things in your home that you may be considering removing, but should they stay or should they go? Well, the Home Squad are here to give their thoughts!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty to discuss.

Is staying in the new going out? Well, according to a new study, it is when you reach the age of 29.This change in social habits aligns with advice from specialists who suggest that endorphins, or 'indoorphins' as they're being called, are boosted by simply enjoying time at home.A significant 93 percent of people polled hold the view that home life is essential for their wellbeing.What do you think? Do you prefer the comfort of home over heading out to socialise from the age of 29?Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and Cathal O’Sullivan, Content Creator with Today FM join Andrea to discuss.

Bad news for drivers, as tolls are set to rise on some roads once again next year.The fee for the Dublin Port Tunnel heading southbound at peak morning times is increasing from €12 to €13.On the M50, cars, buses and lighter goods vehicles that do not have a tag or video account will be paying an extra 10c.Heavy Goods Vehicles with tag and video accounts are facing a 10c increase on the M50, while those that do not are facing a 20c rise.What impact will this have on your commute?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Shane O’Donoghue, Editor of CompleteCar.ie as well as listeners.

UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said that she believes “prison isn’t working” for women.She points out how, after serving a short custodial sentence, a woman is “significantly more likely” to reoffend than one given a non-custodial sentence.So, if that is the case in the UK, is prison working for women in Ireland?Andrea is joined by Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust as well as former prisoner Gillian to discuss.

From ‘1,000 songs in your pocket’ to “I’ll be back” – 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor has plenty to chat about on this week’s throwback Thursday.Image: Apple

The Dáil has voted in favour of a report into assisted dying. The report, which called for assisted dying be made legal in limited circumstances, does not progress the issue in law.It is, however, an indication that a majority within the current Dáil favour introducing ‘dying with dignity’ laws in Ireland.Where do you stand?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Ian O’Doherty, Opinion Columnist with the Irish Independent as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Feeding Therapist Teresa Foley to find out how to deal with fussy eaters!

It’s sometimes hard to see somebody living a dream job, but that’s exactly what Stefan Bruderer is doing. He’s a Lindt Master Chocolatier, and joins Andrea to discuss his day-to-day.

Dozens of pupils who have been unable to find places in mainstream schools since last September are being taught at home, it has been revealed.Department of Education data shows that some pupils without school places are being taught at home under a home tuition scheme aimed at providing a compensatory education service.Under the scheme, families receive a grant to employ a qualified tutor to provide up to nine hours of home tuition per week.Almost half of all secondary schools across the State are set to be oversubscribed in the coming school year.Andrea is joined by Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie and more 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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Image: Discover Ireland

This week, Kathleen Correia waived her right to anonymity after a high profile court case that saw her former husband jailed for eight years for rape and coercively control.Kathleen joins Andrea to share her story.If you were affected by this segment, or feel like you are in a similar situation, don't hesitate to reach out:Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour National Helpline: 1800 77 8888

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke and Entertainment Journalist Rory Cashin joined Andrea to review ‘Bad Dates’!Image: Smartless Media

Listener Karl got in touch with the show with an issue he has. After a mysterious €18 charge to his account, he has seemingly been signed up to some subscription service with a monthly direct debit. What should be done in this situation? And is it a scam?Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert and host of The Home Show on Newstalk joins Andrea and Karl to discuss.

A survey has found that 88% of parents say that social media has made playdate hosting even more competitive.Parents now feel they have to ditch the fizzy drinks and choc-ices in favour of smoothies and veggie crisps.78% agree that the idea of having a few friends over for nuggets and a movie is no longer considered good enough, as the expectation is for better-quality and more nutritious food - as well as more diverse options.Is this something you have experienced?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Journalist Niamh O’Reilly, Emma Manley, Creative Director of women's wear brand Manley, Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry as well as listeners.

According to a HSE National Ambulance Service report, bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increased by 25% between 2012 and 2023.Around 70% of people will do CPR to someone they know, whilst 60% of CPR instances will happen in the home.Owner of First Aid for Everyone, Siobhan Butler, joins Andrea to discuss the do’s and don’ts when carrying out CPR.

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea is joined by Brigid O’Hora, author of ‘The Home Sommelier’ to discuss how you can pick out the perfect bottle of wine in a supermarket!

Unemployed people who refuse to engage with social welfare ­employment services will see their Jobseeker’s Benefit cut by €90 under a plan quietly signed off by the Government after the Budget.At the moment,  people who refused to engage with department officials or ­return-to-work schemes would see their payments cut €44 a week.If a person re-engages with welfare services, their full jobseeker payment is restored.This would see that fine doubled. Is that fair?Andrea is joined by People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith and listeners to discuss.

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

Do you have any ‘vampire friends’? The friends that absolutely suck the life out of you, maybe with negativity, or they just leave you feeling drained after a catch up?How do you spot them, and more importantly, how do you deal with them?Mark Fennell, Life Coach, Speaker and Author joins Andrea to discuss.

Listener Tina Koumarianos got in touch with the show to share her issue. She has about 50 rats currently in her garden, and the problem doesn’t seem to be getting better.Trevor Hayden from Complete Pest Control as well as Tina and more join Andrea to discuss what should be done in this situation.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has accused RTÉ of “electoral interference” over a satirical joke aired on the Late Late Show.During the opening monologue, Late Late host Patrick Kielty spoke of “the Sinn Féin traitors, the show we all want to see” when joking about a new Irish version of the hit reality TV show, Traitors.Did he push it too far? Where is the line when it comes to political satire?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Paddy Prendiville, Editor of The Phoenix and John Lee, Executive Editor of the Daily Mail.

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!This week, Andrea is joined by Food Creator Sinéad Delahunty, to look at how you can get the most out of oats!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

A new survey reveals almost 1,000 teaching vacancies nationwide in primary and special schools as principals struggle to fill posts.The survey carried out by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), Irish Primary Principals’ Network and the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association, says principals have become increasingly reliant on personnel who are not registered with the Teaching Council to cover short-term absences.So, why are primary and special schools across the country struggling to find staff?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Siobhan O’Neill White from Mams.ie, Rachel Harper, Principal of St. Patrick’s National School and Padraig Wilson McCarthy, teacher on a career break.

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.This week, Andrea was joined by Ann Grimes, Duty Control Supervisor in the National Emergency Operations Centre in Tallaght to answer any of your dispatch questions!

The skies have been awash with activity the past few weeks, between the supermoon this week, the Northern Lights last week and the comet zipping through the skies this month.But, why is there so much action? David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland joins Andrea to discuss.

Some people might think there is nothing better than to curl up with a cup of tea and a thousand-page book, but Sir Ian Rankin would disagree…The bestselling Scottish crime fiction writer said there was “no necessity” for crime novels to be longer than 300 pages and that big books “get put at the bottom of the reading list”.What do you think? Are books these days too long? What about modern films? And TV shows?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Author Sheila O’Flanagan, Rory Cashin, Entertainment & Culture Journalist, Sinéad from Tired Mammy Book Club and more.

Are you part of the ‘Sandwich Generation’?This refers to middle-aged adults who are caring for both elderly parents and their own children.Nowadays, with older generations living longer and young people staying at the family home later in life – more and more people may consider themselves part of the Sandwich Generation. Does this sound like your experience?Andrea is joined by The Midlife Coach Alana Kirk and Professor Rose Anne Kenny from Trinity College Dublin to discuss.

From libraries in pubs to rats in Cork, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with his stories from across the country.

Rather than awarding people with the Freedom of the City in Dublin, should we instead have an honours system like they do in the UK?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Mary Manning, Dunnes Stores Striker, Alison Gilliland, former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Enda Brady, Journalist and Commentator, Suzanne Harrington, Journalist and Author and more.