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Newstalk
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 12, 2026 • 13min
The Pod Squad: Dish
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast Elaine Power and Newstalk’s Rory Galvin join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Dish’!Image: Waitrose & Partners

Jan 12, 2026 • 18min
Reactions to Jessie Buckley’s Golden Globes win!
Many actors took to the red carpet in Los Angeles last night for the 2026 Golden Globes.One of the most talked-about winners of the evening was Ireland’s own Jessie Buckley. The Kerry star took home the award for Best Actress.Her powerful performance in ‘Hamnet’, alongside fellow Irishman Paul Mescal, captured the attention of audiences and critics alike.So, how are people reacting to the Killarney woman’s success?Joining Andrea to discuss is Fiona Crowley from Fiona Crowley Stage School, Cllr Marie Moloney and Patrick Osborne, author & Screenwriter based in Kerry.

Jan 9, 2026 • 17min
Ask Me Anything: Political Correspondent Seán Defoe
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Andrea to answer any of your questions about covering the world of Irish politics!

Jan 9, 2026 • 9min
Jackass returns this summer - is there still a place for it?
Were you a fan of MTV’s Jackass? Or is a series that should be left in the past?Johnny Knoxville took to his Instagram to announce that a new movie is coming soon.Joining Andrea to discuss is Rory Cashin, Entertainment & Culture Journalist and Newstalk’s Rory Galvin.

Jan 9, 2026 • 15min
More than 25,000 bikes reported stolen since 2019
More than 25,000 bicycles have been reported stolen across the country since 2019, but campaigners say that up to three quarters of their victims don’t report bike thefts…Is this number surprising to you? What can be done about them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Derren Ó Brádaigh, Sinn Féin Representative for Lucan, Colin Baker, Managing Director of Back from the Future Tech Support Stephen McManus from The Bike Hub in Dún Laoghaire and more.

Jan 9, 2026 • 14min
Is it reasonable to ask house guests to remove their shoes?
Many people take great pride in their homes and go to considerable lengths to keep them clean and tidy. For some, that means maintaining spotless floors, and expecting guests to help keep them that way.So, is asking visitors to remove their shoes at the door a reasonable request, or does it risk making them feel uncomfortable?Joining Andrea to discuss is Presenter Claire Ronan, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, Dr Primrose Freestone and more.

Jan 9, 2026 • 12min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Jan 9, 2026 • 18min
UK considering ban of X - should we?
Should we consider banning ‘X’?The UK is, should we be following suit?This is fallout from the issues around their AI chatbot Grok. X users undressed thousands of pictures of women and children using Grok AI…So, what should we do about it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly, Host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke, as well as listeners.

Jan 8, 2026 • 15min
The Home Squad: Pipe Bursts & Leaks
Usually on the show this segment covers the lovely aspirational things with your home: renovations and new ideas. But, what do you do when things go wrong? What do you do if a pipe bursts in your home and causes damage?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss dealing with bursts and leaks!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power.

Jan 8, 2026 • 8min
How important is it to treat yourself?
Do you treat yourself?Even when you’re a little broke, do you find some way to do something nice?Maybe it’s just some time out, some R&R - or maybe a fancy coffee on the way to work.But, do you prioritise it?Andrea is joined by Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of ‘The Science of Happiness’ to discuss…


