Lunchtime Live

Flowery and embellished language is being overused to describe basic dishes, and apparently, it’s a real bugbear for the Countdown star Susie Dent.So, has the language on restaurant menus become overly pretentious?Andrea is joined by Russell Alford, Sunday Times Ireland Restaurant Critic and Ali Dunworth, Food Writer to discuss.

Should the counselling notes of victims be used in rape and sexual assault trials?A group of survivors are saying they shouldn’t be, and are demanding change…Andrea is joined by Ruth Coppinger, People Before Profit Solidarity TD for Dublin West, as well as listeners, to discuss.If you are affected by this content - help is available:National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778 888Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900

All this week, Iarnród Éireann has running its third annual 'Try A Trade' event.The idea is to introduce students to careers in things like heavy vehicle mechanics and electrical work.It begs the question: is there enough done to support kids into trades, rather than third level education?Conor Doolan, Iarnród Éireann's Apprentice Training Manager as well as listeners join Andrea 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…

Have you noticed an increase in vaping indoors in Ireland?Vaping in pubs, restaurants, cinemas – has it become normalised?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Professor Luke Clancy, Consultant Respiratory Physician and founder of the Tobacco Free Research Institute, as well as listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor of rollercoaster.ie and Off The Ball’s Colm Boohig joined Andrea to review ‘The Louis Theroux Podcast’!Image: Spotify

Many of us strive to be better and do better in life.But, are we putting too much pressure on ourselves?Should we be celebrating being ordinary?Andrea is joined by Dr Claire Hayes, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Lecturer, and author of ‘Finding Hope in the Age of Anxiety: Recognize It, Acknowledge It and Take Your Power Back’ as well as Mark Fennell, Life Coach, to discuss.

Figures this morning reveal that road deaths in Donegal have risen by a staggering 70% last year – just as road policing numbers were slashed by a third.Tomorrow is National Slow Down Day, and Gardaí have announced that they are going to have an increased number of speed checkpoints around the country – but wouldn't we send a stronger message by properly policing our roads year-round?What do you think?Andrea is joined by Dakota Nic Mheanman, Sinn Féin Councillor in Donegal, Mairead Forsythe, Spokesperson for the LOVE30 Campaign as well as listeners to discuss.

This week is Eating Disorder Awareness week. One eating disorder that you may hear a lot less about is ‘addictive eating’. Two members of Addictive Eaters Anonymous, Ruth and Isabelle as well as Lynda Duffy, Eating Disorders Therapist, join Andrea 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 Leona McDonnell, Mindfulness and Wellness Coach, who advocates for stepping outside barefoot!