Lunchtime Live

Customer based reviews on sites like Trip Advisor , have been criticized by some for being potentially harmful to local businesses. Andrea was joined by chefs, restaurateurs and food writers to debate if these kinds of review systems, leaves restaurants open to abuse that could have serious consequences for businesses.

Many people have a book in them but don't know how to go about getting it published. Author Frances Flannery from Leopold Bloom Press joined Andrea to offer advice on getting your writing career up and running.

Last week, we spoke about the increase in numbers of young people looking for help dealing with cocaine addiction. Andrea spoke to Sally who told her about her son’s struggles with addiction and living with an addict. Today Jackie McKenna, Family support specialist Family Addiction Support Network, joined Andrea to discuss about the complexities of sharing a home with an addict.

Previously on the show Andrea spoke to listeners who were having problems retrieving lost luggage after travelling through Dublin Airport. On todays Lunchtime Live she followed up with them to see if they had managed to locate their lost bags.

Jurassic Park actor Jeff Goldblum recently spoke about how goal setting and positive reinforcement transformed his life and helped him achieve Hollywood stardom. Life Coach and Motivational Speaker, Mark Fennell, joined Andrea to discuss how to get started on manifesting the life of your dreams.

President’s Michael D Higgins comments on Ireland’s housing crisis continue to make waves across the social and political spectrum. The President said housing in the country is a "great, great failure" at the opening of a supported residence facility for young homeless adults outside Naas in County Kildare. Andrea was joined by listeners who had mixed reactions to his comments, some feeling they overstepped his presidential position.

Adrian Weckler, Tech editor with the Irish & Sunday Independent, joined Andrea to explain how he was surprised to see A tech conference’s opening night dinner in Dublin is requesting ‘no jeans or sneakers’. They were also joined by Maria Macklin, Image Consultant with House of Colour, to discuss how dress codes have changed since covid and if a more casual approach to work dress has been adopted.

An expert has advised couples to forego sleeping in the same bed if they want to get a proper night’s sleep, and warned of the damaging effect that sharing a bed can have on long term health. Sleep Expert Tom Coleman joined Adrian to discuss if sleeping in separate beds really is the secrete to a happy relationship.

The All-Ireland Football Quarter-Finals are due to be played in Croke Park the weekend after next. This will involve long journeys from counties like Clare, Mayo Galway, Cork and Kerry. With petrol and diesel prices soaring ,GAA president and MEP Seán Kelly joined Adrian and fans , to discuss if these games should be moved out of Croke Park to smaller provincial grounds.

The Irish health service has come under fire with record numbers of junior doctors opting to leave the country in search of better working conditions. Adrian was joined by health care workers and listeners to discuss what can be done to address working conditions, hospital closures and increasingly long waiting lists.

A new farming survey has found that 87pc of farm owners in Ireland are male. This has indicated an unbalanced approach to inheritance within the agricultural sector. Catherine Gallagher, National President of the Irish Shows Association, joined Adrian and full time farmer Louise Crowley, to discuss what can be done to change attitudes towards gender within farming communities.

The American singer Lizzo has come in for sharp criticism for using an ableist slur. In her new song ‘Grrls’ (pron: girls) she uses the "s" word. While the word is used colloquially in the US to mean "freakout" many disability advocates say the derogatory use of this language shows how much still needs to be done. Bernard Mulvany from Access for All joined Andrea to discuss why lyrics such as these can cause great offense.

25 years since he first launched into superstardom as a solo artist, Robbie Williams has this morning announced a tour to mark the occasion. Andrea was joined by Danny McElhinney Music journalist with the Irish Mail on Sunday to take a look back at some of his biggest career highlights.

A shortage of taxis is causing havoc for those trying to get home from town after dark. Andrea was joined by listeners, night time economy workers and a taxi driver, to discuss the challenges people are facing trying to travel safely late at night.

Every Friday, we search for the definitive answer to some of the most burning questions in The Big Debate. Today, you gave us an answer to the question - ‘Are staycations better than foreign holidays?’

All this week on Lunchtime Live we have been talking about how treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019. The report from the health research board found that Ireland now has the second-highest proportion in Europe of 15- to 24-year-olds who have used cocaine. Adrian Kennedy spoke to listeners who were in touch with the show to discuss their experiences and observations of Ireland's drug culture.

Those of you who are tuning in every week to the latest of Sally Rooney’s novels to be adapted to the small screen will notice one of the lead actors in Conversations with friends has a questionable Dublin accent. Joe Alwyn who plays Nick in the Lenny Abraham-directed TV series is not the first non-native actor to have struggled with the Irish accent. John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime talked us through some of the most memorable Irish accent fopaux.

With Pride Month celebrations already well underway here in June, the strides made around inclusivity in this country are to the forefront. However, there are still certain areas of our society where we still have quite a long way to go. Conor Bredin recently addressed the INTO Congress to relay the challenging experiences faced by openly gay teachers in schools with a Catholic ethos and he joined Adrian Kennedy on the show this afternoon.

The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland's Payments Monitor for the first quarter of 2022 showed that cheque payments were at an all-time low earlier this year. As we move towards a cashless society, what are some of the advantages and drawbacks of waving goodbye to notes and coinage? Is cash dead?! Padraic Kissane, Financial Advisor, Jess Kelly, Tech Correspondent at Newstalk, Amanda Cassidy, Journalist & author and Stephen Deasy, CEO at Bear Market Coffee in Dublin all joined Adrian Kennedy on the show.

With dynamics around remote and hybrid working seemingly set to shift forever in the coming months, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite joined Adrian to explore your queries around rights in the modern workplace.

As the contentious Saudi-backed LIV Invitational Golf Series gets under way today, Irish Golfer Graeme McDowell has conceded that it is "polarising" but said he's proud to be part of the new event. The controversial event sees 48 players competing for an eye-watering $25m prize pot. Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with The Irish Daily joined Adrian to discuss if athletes make a morale stand when the worlds of sport and politics collide.

Madonna has finally chosen the actress who will play her in the upcoming biopic about her life. Julia Garner has been handpicked to play the “Like a Prayer” songstress. Madonna is recognized globally as a pop icon who has built a legacy that transcends music and Bill Hughes, Producer and Director at Mind The Gap Films joined Adrian to discuss the cultural impact she had.

In Ireland over 40,000 people have a severe nut allergy but the medical care to treat this condition is seriously under resourced. Lisa Nolan whose 12 year old daughter Hallie lives with severe food allergies joined Adrian to discuss the challenges Hallie faces on a daily basis.

Yesterday on the show we were talking about how treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019 The report from the health research board found that Ireland now has the second-highest proportion in Europe of 15- to 24-year-olds who have used cocaine. Andrea spoke to listeners who were in touch with the show to discuss their experiences and observations of Irelands drug culture.

The Leaving Cert time is upon us as exam season gets under way this week. Students are already in the midst of things, but it can also be a stressful time for parents trying to maintain calm in stress filled households. Psychologist Peader Maxwell joined Andrea with tips for negotiating the leaving cert period and what to say to best support students.

A new survey shows that 1 in 3 people don’t know how much a funeral costs. With the average amount in and around €6000, John Lowe, the money Doctor joined Andrea with advice on financial planning for the end of life.

Treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019. A new report from the health research board has found that emergencies caused by drink and drug-taking among young people are on the rise, with an alarming spike in cases involving cocaine. Andrea spoke to Ciaran Carey Former Limerick All Star Hurler, HR expert Damien McCarthy and Taxi driver Michael, about the prevalence of drug use and if its time to bring in drug testing in work places.

Lunchtime Live listener, Andy, emailed into the show about his struggle to find a venue for his upcoming wedding. Andy was due to get married on Saturday and had booked a hotel, however was told two weeks ago that the minimum number for guests was 80 and they could not go ahead with the wedding they had planned. He told Andrea him and his fiancé are still hoping to get married in the Kerry area on Saturday and hopes someone will reach out with a venue that might be available.

Listener Betty was in touch with the show to discuss her experience of the toilets at the Van Gough exhibition at the RDS. She told Andrea she went in to find there was no toilet seat, the bowl was dirty and there wasn’t anywhere to hang her coat or bag.

It’s week 10 and the final week of our Going Green Series, where we want to help you live a bit more sustainable. This week Paul Smyth, Gardener and Plantsman joins Andrea to discuss sustainable gardening.

Galway Woman Shirley McEntee joined Andrea to warn people about the dangers of using sunbeds and her own experience of skin cancer.

A new survey by Newstalk launched on The Pat Kenny show this morning has found the average monthly creche cost in Dublin has gone up by over 20% since Newstalk carried out a similar survey in 2018. Andrea was joined by listeners who in touch with the show to discuss if tax credits could be a way of easing costs for women.

A new book ‘The Truth about Love’ sets out to reframe how we look at love and the different types of love we have in life. Author and Meditation teacher Conor Creighton joined Andrea to discuss how modern love has become confusing and how that confusion has made us miserable, lonely, and desperate.

A new survey by Newstalk launched on The Pat Kenny show this morning has found the average monthly creche cost in Dublin has gone up by over 20% since Newstalk carried out a similar survey in 2018. The National monthly average for childcare, according to the survey, is €746 a month. But the research found that 16 out of the 26 counties actually have lower averages than in 2018. Andrea was joined by listeners who shared their experiences of childcare costs and what impact they have on their career decisions.

From dry skin to the best sun creams, Jennifer Rock, Owner of The Skin Nerd skin answered listeners' questions in today’s ask the expert.

Johnny Depp says he has his "life back" after winning his high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard. The actor's been awarded just over 10-million dollars in damages over an article she wrote which claimed she'd been a victim of sexual abuse. Heard counter-sued - she'll get 2-million in damages. The whole case and outcome has thrown a light on how people in situations like this are treated and sparked fears that people might be less inclined to speak out about their experiences. Andrea spoke to listeners who got in touch about their experiences. You can contact Women's Aid on 1800 341 900 and Men's Aid Ireland on 01 554 3811.

An article in today’s Irish Independent called for seaweed to be rebranded as a vegetable and incorporated into our everyday meals. But just what are the dietary benefits? Marie Power from TheSeaGardener.com joined Andrea on the show.

Are the Irish apathetic – is our ‘at it’s grand’ attitude to our detriment? Harry McCann, Director of Move Fast Media, and Philip Nolan of the Irish Daily Mail joined Andrea on the show.

We spoke to Marie on the show yesterday about the lack of support and help for her 14-year-old intellectually disabled son. Lots of you got in touch with your experiences. Simona got in touch and chatted with Andrea.

Andrea spoke to Marie who was in touch with the show about the lack of services for those living with intellectual disabilities. Marie has a fourteen year old son with an intellectual disability, she described the daily challenges she faces and the violence she is having to navigate her way through.

With such a push to get people away from cars and onto buses, Andrea speaks to listeners about the issues with bus services and if it puts people off using public transport.

Today is World Milk Day! It’s always been a staple of the Irish diet and Andrea was joined by Dietician Sarah Keogh and Shannon Porter who runs the Milk Bar in Donegal, to discuss why milk really does deserve a day of its own.

The possible closure of a National school in the Black Valley area in Kerry has been met with dismay from the local community. Independent Councilor Dan McCarthy joined Andrea and Anne Marie who lives in the local area, to explain what the school means for the community and what a loss it would be if it was to be closed.

Co.Laois man James MacInerney shot to fame in the Netflix/BBC show Glow up, in it he spoke openly about living with Tourettes. He also features in a brand new BBC Radio 4 documentary – released today – ‘The Truth about Tourettes’. He joined Aideen to chat about the documentary and his journey with tourettes.

After a renewed conversation last week around education centers for children with special needs, Anne in Galway got in touch to chat about the situation in her own family. A parent of two children with ASD, Anne is a big believer in the importance of mainstream integration but her experience of the present school system has fallen well below the mark.

It’s the penultimate week in our Going Green sustainability series and Diane O’Connor and Natalie Pavone from the Sustainable Life School joined Aideen to share all their tips.

Dublin Airport has come under fire this week after long queues left passengers facing long delays and in some cases missed flights. Aideen spoke to listeners who were in touch with the show to discuss some of the other issues that the airport needs to address.

Love Island returns to our screens next week and while the show has been hugely popular in recent years, not everyone is welcoming its return. Alexandra Ryan Founder and CEO of Goss.ie joined Aideen , Sarina Bellisimo Presenter of The Bellissimo Files on Spin 1038 and Broadcaster Keith Walsh, to debate if there is still a place for these kind of shows.

Pictures over the weekend of queues snaking out of airport terminals were met with shock and anger, with many passengers missing their flights. Dublin Airport has come under fire as people demand to know what issues are causing such long passenger delays. Aideen spoke to Denise, a former Dublin Airport employee, who told her poor working conditions is a big reason it can be hard to keep airport staff.

Fitness guru Joe Wicks is known for helping to get the nation into shape, with his lockdown PE classes a saviour for many parents. But lately, after opening up about his tough childhood - he’s turned his attention to the importance of looking after your mental health. He joined Aideen to discuss the importance of looking after your mind and your body.