

Lunchtime Live
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.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2025 • 11min
Should disposable BBQs be banned?
Do disposable BBQs pose a danger to the environment?Listener Declan got in touch with the show after finding some left on the beach and joins Andrea, along with Dave O’Reilly, Chair of Tidy Towns, to discuss.

Aug 19, 2025 • 18min
Has tipping culture gone too far?
A London bar has come under fire for adding an automatic 4% service charge to all drinks ordered at the bar.This adds around 30 pence to all pints ordered at the Well & Boot in Waterloo station.As the cost of living continues to spiral, is tipping culture out of control?Joining Andrea to discuss is Caolán Barron, owner of the Sky and The Ground Pub, Oliver from Wall & Keogh Teas and more.

Aug 19, 2025 • 15min
Assisted dying clinic changes policy after family was blindsided by death
In July, Megan Slough Royal and her family were completely shocked to find that mother Maureen Slough had undergone an assisted suicide at a clinic in Switzerland. How did they find out? Through a message on Whatsapp…The Pegasos Clinic has since changed their policies following this situation, and Andrea is joined by Megan to discuss what changed, and her reaction to it.If any of these issues have affected you, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123.

Aug 19, 2025 • 12min
Is the Rose of Tralee outdated?
The Rose of Tralee kicked off yesterday, bringing with it a full swing of festivities across Kerry.The event has endured since its first iteration in 1959, but need it go on any longer? Is it outdated?Joining Andrea to discuss is Cathal O’Sullivan, 98FM Producer, Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram) Regional Judge for Kilkenny & Meath and Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast.

Aug 19, 2025 • 20min
Does the Leaving Cert set you up for the future?
With the Leaving Cert results around the corner, there is an annual debate on whether or not it is the correct way to set students up for life. Many people think it is a great set up, while others feel it should be totally scrapped.Joining Andrea to discuss is singer-songwriter Mary Coughlan, Principal at Alexandra College Dublin, Barbara Ennis and more.

Aug 18, 2025 • 14min
Ask the GP with Dr Brian King
Drumcondra GP Dr Brian King joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Aug 18, 2025 • 10min
Can we learn from Paris being car-free?
Can we learn from Paris to become slightly more car free?The French city has recently become ‘congestion free’, and apparently it has worked wonders.Andrea is joined by Sunday Independent Motoring Editor, Geraldine Herbert, to discuss.

Aug 18, 2025 • 18min
What went wrong at the Oasis Dublin shows?
As everyone will know, Oasis played in Dublin over the weekend.The Gallagher brothers’ performance has been widely praised by attendees, but complaints have since rolled in about a lack of organisation from the venue.What went wrong, or could have been better?Andrea is joined by listeners, including Gareth Dunleavy. Curator of Oasis WTS fan page and Caoimhseach Connolly from the Newstalk Newsroom to discuss.

Aug 18, 2025 • 11min
Why is it so hard to eat healthily?
This summer, you have probably been surrounded by ice creams and barbecues. For those of us trying to make healthier food choices, temptation is everywhere, especially when it's often easier, and cheaper, to eat ultra processed foods.Joining Andrea to discuss why we find it so hard to eat healthily is Dietician and TodayFM Presenter Shelly Gray, Editor at DMG Media Sarah-Jayne Tobin and Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Kelly.

Aug 18, 2025 • 11min
The Pod Squad: Flesh and Code
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Rory Galvin and Presenter of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Flesh and Code’!Image: Wondery