Lunchtime Live
5,418 episodes — Page 83 of 109
Mary Coughlan and Andrew Hendy react to Spotify's decision to adjust it's royalty model
Spotify is planning to only start paying artists for streams after a track has reached 1,000 streams. The company is set to adjust its royalty model in 2024. A new minimum annual threshold for streams will apply for a song to become eligible for royalties.Mairead spoke to Claire Beck, DJ and Broadcaster with Today FM, singer and songwriter, Mary Coughlan and Andrew Hendy from the Mary Wallopers.
Swearing is good for you!
Keele University researchers have found that swearing can increase a person’s pain tolerance by up to 33%. The research found that swearing can help one withstand pain and even create intimacy with others.Mairead was joined by physicist, engineer and science communicator, Phil Smith and comedian, Steve Cummins to discuss the benefits of swearing.
'Irish people have taken to SUVs like a duck to water' - John Gibbons
Journalist John Gibbons posted an image of an SUV taking up half a footpath in Dun Laoighaire which sparked outrage online. Mairead Ronan asked John Gibbons and callers if it is time we ban SUVs from built up areas.
Living with an eating disorder: 'It consumes your entire life'
The latest annual report from Bodywhys, The Eating Disorder Assocation of Ireland, found that calls to their helpline have jumped by almost 10% compared to 2022. Mairead spoke to callers Jess, Lisa, Micheál and Eoin on their experience living with an eating disorder For more information on Bodywhys visit www.bodywhys.ie The Bodywhys helpline: 01 2107906 - The helpline offers a non-judgemental and confidential support and information service.
Extra fees for primary schools: 'no one speaks about what's going on'
Listener Elaine got in touch in regards to the price she is paying for extra classes and activities in her child's primary school.
What does your nickname say about you?
A Lily O'Brien's survey has revealed the most popular nicknames, which include 'Big Man', 'Ginge' and 'Spud'.Food-based nicknames such as 'Nugget' and 'Guinness ' rank highly too. Former rugby player Shane Byrne and Author and Agony Aunt Tina Koumarianos joined Andrea to chat about pet names and what they say about a person.
Is abuse towards referees getting worse?
Abuse towards referees is certainly not a new story, but is it getting worse? And what needs to be done to deal with the problem? A Tullamore GAA player has been handed a proposed 96-week suspension for an incident which saw the referee being pushed to the ground.Mairead was joined by referees Pat, Sean, and Paul to get their take on abuse on the pitch.
'A three trillion dollar industry' - Ireland launches first satellite into space
Ireland’s first ever satellite is getting ready to be launched into space. EIRSAT-1, which has been developed by a team at UCD, has left Irish shores and is headed to California. It will be launched into space at the end of this month. Ireland is currently the only full member of the European Space Agency that does not have its own satellite.. Niamh Shaw, Science Communicator, Space Enthusiast and Writer, and David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine, joined Mairead to explain why investment in space is worth it.
'People say men don't cry. That is complete and utter bull' - men's grief after miscarriage
When Coleen Rooney spoke about having a miscarriage in 2008, she said the grief knocked her husband Wayne "for six".Do we talk about the impact of miscarriage on male partners enough?Andrea was joined by Tony Owens of the baby loss support charity Féileacáin as well as listeners with personal experience of grief after miscarriage.If you are grieving after miscarriage, go to feileacain.ie for support.
Ask Me Anything with a Soap Director
For this week's Ask Me Anything, Andrea spoke to Soap Director Jason Brannigan, whose repertoire includes Fair City and EastEnders.
'We've seen the benefits here in Greystones' - possibility of a nationwide smartphone ban in schools
Cabinet ministers are expected to overwhelmingly approve new guidelines on the banning of smartphones in schools. Under the changes, Education Minister Norma Foley will ask parents to take a “collective decision” not to buy smartphones for children. It follows on from the successful example of eight schools in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, where parents of primary school children agreed not to buy smartphones for their children before they enter second-level education. Listeners joined Mairead to tell her what they thought of this approach.
Ask the GP with Dr Sumi Dunne
On this week's Ask the GP, Mairead spoke to Dr Sumi Dunne who answered your medical queries.
Are people obsessed with celebrities less intelligent?
If you spend your free time consuming celebrity news and gossip then you might be in for some bad news.... A study has found that those obsessed with celebrities are less intelligent. Entertainment journalist Sarina Bellisimo and Presenter Conor Behan joined Mairead to discuss.
Cut-the-Cost: the Pink Tax
Have you heard of the Pink Tax? This week's Cut-the-Cost explains the price differences in products marketed towards women.Companies charge more for everything from razors to kid's toys when the target audience is female, and this adds up.Newstalk Reporter Aoife Kearns joined Mairead to share her top tips on how to get around the Pink Tax.
'Sport has become incredibly serious for many young children'
Mairead asks: has all the fun gone out of after-school activities for kids?Parents are sometimes guilty of getting involved in football teams or drama clubs and putting too much pressure on kids to excel outside of the classroom - but does this behaviour push people to do well from a young age?Listeners joined Mairead to discuss the pros and cons of encouraging competition and camaraderie among children.
Ban on E-Scooters for under-16s
E-Scooters will be banned for under 16-year-olds, the government has announced.The ban is welcomed by many, but questions have arisen regarding how the Gardaí will enforce it.While listeners joining Mairead mainly agreed that some sort of regulation was necessary, some expressed concern about the age ban and its shortcomings.
Dublin City Marathon: celebration or inconvenience?
Every year, the Dublin City Marathon transforms the capital. Some say we should embrace the event more than we currently do, while others complain that the Marathon is nothing more than an inconvenience that disrupts traffic.Mairead was joined by Councillor Mannix Flynn, Senator Marie Sherlock and other listeners to discuss the highs and lows of the annual event.
"It really doesn't seem like much of an effort was made" Family’s Grief, After it took 6 days to be informed of brothers passing.
Listener to the show Fiona got in touch, after her brother Jamie tragically died last August by suicide. Jamie following his passing was brought to a Dublin City morgue where it took 6 days before the family were informed of his deathFiona, joined Andrea to reflect on Jamie's warm character and highlight the pain her family had to endure during the delay. She also expressed hope that priests can be trained better in dealing with sensitive passings within families.*Image of Jamie courtesy of his family.
"They are judged unfairly." The rise of Male Nannies
Kim Kardashian recently said she had hired a male nanny so her sons could have a male presence in their lives following her divorce from Kanye West. While uncommon just a few years ago, male nannies are springing up, especially in LondonAndrea was joined on the show by Sam McArdle who spent three years looking after children and wrote a play about his experience "The Manny". And Ms Browns boys actor Fiona O’Carroll who herself has hired 3 Mannies to date to take care of her kids.
"Its a huge deterrent" Plans to Increase Parking Charges in Capital
Plans to hike Dublin city centre on-street parking charges to €4 an hour have drawn criticism. The council reportedly plans to hike charges across all zones in Dublin from next year - with the most expensive 'yellow zone' increasing from €3.50 to €4 an hour. Andrea was joined by listeners of the show to hear their opinions on the proposed changes and how it will affect residents and commuters in the city.
'It is something that I had been thinking about for a long time' - Daithi O'Shea on his new hair transplant
Hair loss is an issue that affects a lot of men and it seems that more and more Irish men are seeking out a solution for it. Daithi O'Shea joins Andrea to tell her about his decision to get a hair transplant.
Assisted Dying - 'We had to endure watching her deteriorate when there was no comeback'
Today ‘End of Life Ireland’ will gather at the Dail in hopes of bringing their message to politicians about legislation for Voluntary Assisted Dying. Andrea chats to caller David whose mother recently passed away: 'We had to endure ten days after a major stroke watching her deteriorate and it was difficult when there was no comeback.'
'You are told you are going to regret it when you are older' - Author Sheila O'Flanagan on choosing not to have children
Author Sheila O'Flanagan talks to Andrea about the unusual attitudes she has encountered after deciding not to have children. 'If you are making that decision not to have children it's because you are living a life that is already full of joy and meaning'
'He was so quick and witty' - Friends Actor Matthew Perry Remembered
Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing on TV show Friends passed away over the weekend at the age of 54. People were quick to share their disbelief and sadness online – and there was a real feeling of mourning among some people online. Iseult White, Psychotherapist and Author and Siobhán, a Friends fan joined Andfrea on Lunchtime Live...
‘It’s absolutely devastating’ - Families may have to abandon homes due to coastal erosion
Thousands of homeowners could have to abandon their houses in coming decades because of rising sea levels. The Government are now saying we need a ‘managed retreat’ – a move away from the coast. Andrea was joined by Councillor Martin McDermott from Donegal County Council and other listeners to discuss...
'People are experiencing paranormal activity' - Almost half of Irish people believe in ghosts
A new study has found that 45 percent of Irish people believe in ghosts with 48 percent of females believing in them compared to 43 percent of males. Do you believe in ghosts? Andrea was joined by Richard Morrison, co-founder of Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland PJ from Púca Vogue, Paranormal investigator,
Should the pension age be increased to 75?
An Oireachtas committee has recommended that the State pension age increase should increase to 75.They say their recommendation was ‘in light of the fact that life expectancy has increased from 65 to 82 years old'. Andrea was joined by Denis Naughten, Independent TD and Cathaoireach of the Committee on Social Protection and listeners to discuss...
Roads 'not safe' for cyclists in Ireland
The Transport Minister has said that Irish roads are not safe for children to walk or cycle to school on. Eamon Ryan even said that our roads aren’t even safe enough for experienced cyclists. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'It's a dopamine release' - Why do we enjoy being scared?
Halloween is next week and it’s that time of year again to binge horror movies whether you love them or hate them.Why do we enjoy being scared so much? Andrea was joined by Dr. Sarah Cleary also known as ‘The Queen of Halloween’, Deirdre Murtagh from Ghosts of the Manor and Farmaphobia and Ken Carreher, Ken’s Halloween House of Horrors...
Running a marathon 'hugely demanding on the body'
The Dublin City Marathon takes place this weekend, 25,000 participants are expected to take part, But what actually happens to your body when you run a marathon? Andrea was joined by Professor Niall Moyna, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology and others to discuss...
Vaping considered 'trendy' by young people
Shocking new figures from Foróige Sligo show that more than one in three teenagers currently vape. Young people aged 13 to 16 who vape say that they never smoked before starting. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Irish participation in Halloween tradition 'on the rise'
Samhain, is, of course, the basis of modern Halloween - the time of the year, it is said, when the threshold between the living world and the dead is at its thinnest. But, do we make enough of Halloween here in Ireland? Especially considering that it is a traditionally Irish celebration? Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss...
'You’ll have the best time of your life' - Donegal named 4th Best Region in the World
Donegal has been named the fourth-best region in the world to visit. Lonely Planet have put it head of places like Southern Thailand, the Swahili Coast in Tanzania and Montana in the United States. Some of the Donegal wonders they’ve credited are “the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Sliabh Liag, at 601m (1972ft), and miles of unspoilt coastal hiking trails along the Wild Atlantic Way”. The guide also mentions “Its ancient forts, musical traditions and rich heritage of the Irish language also make it an immersive experience for the curious visitor”. Andrea was joined by content creator, Eric Roberts, Jono Griffen from Wild and Free Adventure Co., Cillian McLoughlin from Wild Ireland and others to discuss...
Taking up a hobby later in life: 'It's a way of keeping your brain active'
Have you taken up a hobby in later life? Or at any stage? Where do people find enough time to take up hobbies?Comedian Bernard O’Shea says he has recently started writing poetry. Terrible poetry by his own admission, but poetry none the less. It’s known that they’re supposed to reduce stress, and help us flex our creative muscles, but how many of us really give them any priority? Adrian was joined by listeners to discuss...
'They want more in-depth stories' - Gen Z want less sex on screen
A study surveying academics at the University College of Los Angeles has shown that Gen Z want to see more emotional relationships in movies and less sex scenes.Is there too much sex in movies these days? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of The Bellissimo Files Podcast and other listeners to discuss...
Regina Doherty: 'We should double the number of speed vans'
As the number of road deaths in Ireland continues to rise, what should we do about it? Is speed the main issue? And if so, are more speed cameras the answer? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty and more to discuss...
World Osteoporosis Day with Mary Kennedy
Ocotber 20th marks World Osteoporosis DayOsteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to a decrease in bone mass and density, meaning bones become fragile and break easily. Andrea was joined by broadcasting legend Mary Kennedy to talk about it...
'The constant fear of threat was brittle' - 1 in 4 grew up with a problem drinker in the home
Almost 1 million people in Ireland grew up with a problem drinker in the home. That’s according to new figures out today from Maynooth University. They’ve also found that this can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Andrea was joined by Marion Rackard, Aisling Creegan and other listeners to discuss...
Britney: 'I don't think she'd anyone in her life that had her best interest at heart'
Pop princess Britney Spears has released her memoir 'Woman in Me.' Today FM’s Claire Beck joined Andrea Gilligan to chat about the book and her legendary career is
'I was promised a dream and received a nightmare' - Dangers of travelling abroad for dental care
Denise Whelan, a listener got in touch as since getting her teeth done in Turkey she has had to return multiple times due to infections...
Sligo murders had 'a devastating impact' on LGBTQ+ community
Yousef Palani has received two life sentences for the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee. The 23-year-old was also handed a separate 20-year sentence for causing serious harm to Anthony Burke. He pleaded guilty to the crimes last year. At his sentencing hearing today, the court hear how distressing details of how he used dating apps to target gay men living alone in the Sligo area. Andrea was joined by Charley Utting from Leitrim Pride, Padraig Rice, Policy and Research Manager at LGBT Ireland and more to discuss…
Should CVs be anonymous?
Should we anonymise the early stages of the recruitment process? Would it help to eliminate prejudices in hiring? Around half or respondents to a survey from the African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI) backed the idea of anonymising the initial stages of job applications while 70% more diversity among interviewers would be a good thing. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Cut-the-Cost: Here's the best way to save money this Halloween
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills.Cut-the-Cost will offer tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts.Aoife Kearns, from our news team has done the hard work and sourced the best deals for your groceries...
Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Between the dark mornings and short evenings, the effects of a lack of daylight can have a huge affect on our moods.7 per cent of Irish people suffer with seasonal affective disorder or SAD.Andrea was joined by Dr Anne Kehoe, President of the Psychological Society of Ireland to discuss...
'My school never did anything' - School discipline on the rise post-pandemic
Following the pandemic there has been an increase in students expelled and suspended in secondary schools. Expulsions and suspensions numbers are creeping back up to pre-pandemic levels, according to new figures from TuslaHow can we prevent these numbers from reaching pre-pandemic levels? Andrea was joined by Pat McKenna, Former Principal of Pobailscoil Neasáin Baldoyle and Educationalist, Brian Mooney, Guidance Counsellor and Irish Times Education Columnist and other listeners to discuss...
Growing up in an Industrial School: 'It still hurts me'
Miriam, a listener, sent an email into Lunchtime Live about her time spent in an industrial school when she was younger.Miriam joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to discuss her experience...Image: Children's Homes
Being friends with someone with different political views
Nowadays the world is now more divided than ever. There are a myriad of political and social issues which seem to have split the population. Whether it is politics, international conflicts, gender identity issues, immigration, the list goes on and on. Is it possible to maintain friendships and relationship with someone who might have very different views than you? Could you be friends with someone who has different political or social views? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'My house is ruined' - Locals describe 'soul destroying' flooding in Cork
A clean-up operation is under way in towns and villages in east Cork and west Waterford hit by flooding during Storm Babet The storm caused millions of euro worth of damage as parts of Ireland suffered its worst rainfall-related flooding in over a decade. Cork was worst-hit by the torrential downpours which dumped over a month's worth of rain in less than 24 hours. Andrea was joined by locals to discuss how they have been affected...
Laughing gas being used as 'a stepping stone' to harder drugs
CEO of Merchant’s Quay, Eddie Mullins has said Ireland Irelands middle class are sustaining Irelands drug trade. He says there are people in politics, media and An Garda Síochána who are habitual drug users. Are drugs becoming an issue among all classes in Ireland? Eddie Mullins joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss.Andrea was also joined by other listeners to discuss...
'We need to clamp down on fireworks' - Mannix Flynn
Throughout the country during October, people will hear fireworks going off every evening – some even starting in the afternoon. Do they bother you? Has it made it scary to go out at night? Or is it scaring the animals in your house? Is it time for a crackdown on them? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn and other listeners to discuss...