
Lunchtime Live Highlights
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com
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Latest episodes

Jun 12, 2025 • 14min
Is it fair for celebrities to refuse a picture?
Sarah Jessica Parker has said she really doesn’t like taking pictures with fans, preferring to have conversations over selfies.What do you think about this?Joining Andrea to discuss is Owen McQuail, owner of Some Neck Guitars, Broadcaster Meghann Scully and more.

Jun 12, 2025 • 17min
Is this new ad from the RSA too gruesome?
A new ad campaign by the Road Safety Authority shows blood on the hands of those who drink and drive, as well as those who don’t call it out.But, is it too gruesome? Or do we need this shock factor to call out those who drink to drive?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the RSA, Dominic Brophy, Director of Professional Driving Instructors Association, Mairead McDonnell Teacher and Psychotherapist, as well as listeners.Image: RSA

Jun 12, 2025 • 12min
Should there be more focus on workplace wellbeing?
As work becomes increasingly sedentary, the need to prioritise physical activity and wellbeing in the workplace has never been more important. Integrating movement into the workday isn’t just good for health — it boosts productivity, morale, and long-term performance.Joining Andrea to discuss is Darina Dunne, Chair of the The Irish Physical Activity Alliance, Behaviour Change Consultant Marianna Costello and Colin Ryan from the HR Buddy.

Jun 12, 2025 • 10min
The Making of ‘A Woman’s Heart’
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through 1992’s ‘A Woman’s Heart’!

Jun 12, 2025 • 15min
Ryanair to fine passengers for bad behaviour
Have you had to deal with a disruptive or unruly passenger while aboard a flight? Well, in a bid to tackle what they call an “industry-wide” issue - low fares airline Ryanair are set to introduce a €500 fine for passengers who have been removed from the plane due to unruly behaviour. But, is this a fair measure - will it act as enough of a deterrent, and have you had a flying experience ruined by a rude and disruptive passenger?Joining Andrea to discuss is Travel Writer Joan Scales, as well as listeners.

Jun 11, 2025 • 8min
Health insurance averages to go up - what you can do
The average cost for health insurance has gone up €480 in the past two years.Insurers are saying it's down to an increase in medical claims, the higher costs of medicine and a big increase in people having procedures done in private hospitals.So, is there anything we can actually do about it?Andrea is joined by Dermot Goode, Health Insurance expert with Totalhealthcover.ie to discuss.

Jun 11, 2025 • 7min
What’s happening with Beyond the Pale?
Music festival Beyond the Pale has a new backer and is all set for this weekend.But, there were rumours during the week that it was going to be shut down.So, what’s going on with the event?Joining Andrea to give the latest update is Beyond the Pale Festival Organiser, Declan Forde.

Jun 11, 2025 • 8min
Reasons to be Happy: Ed Sheeran, HIV Breakthrough, Kids Holidays
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.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Jun 11, 2025 • 20min
Has the situation improved for carers?
This week is National Carer’s week.We have spoken to carers many times on this show – about the impact they make, and the supports they need.Last year we campaigned on it, asking: who cares for the carers?So, has anything changed in the past year?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Jun 11, 2025 • 13min
Making Babies: Inducing Labour
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss all things inducing labour.