

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

Oct 13, 2025 • 9min
The Pod Squad: Death in Dubai
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom and Newstalk’s Rory Galvin join Andrea to review ‘Death in Dubai’.Image: BBC

Oct 13, 2025 • 21min
Will new laws protect surrogacy families?
A new Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) has been established by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.The legislation will aim to protect the rights of all parties involved in assisted human reproduction, including parents, donors, and children born through these technologies.What does it mean for those who use surrogacy when having a child?Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO of Equality for Children, Ranae Von Meding, Chairperson of Irish Gay Dads, Seamus Kearney Martone and listeners.

Oct 10, 2025 • 16min
Ask Me Anything: Cartoonist
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, award-winning Cartoonist Niall O’Loughlin joins Andrea to answer any of your cartoon, animation and caricature questions!

Oct 10, 2025 • 7min
Are we bad at celebrating our achievements?
A survey from Bulmers reveals that one third of Irish adults don’t celebrate their achievements…Are we as Irish people bad at celebrating our achievements? Is there something to our society that keeps us from sharing our wins in life?Professor of Psychiatry at TCD Brendan Kelly and Broadcaster Meghan Scully join Andrea to discuss.

Oct 10, 2025 • 11min
Regional Roundup with Alex Rowley
From gigantic catches to marathon unmatchedness, Alex Rowley from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

Oct 10, 2025 • 17min
Do we need to change the laws around pet theft?
Lisa O’Connor has been campaigning to change the laws surrounding pet theft, and has stressed the importance of her petition as she stated, “behind every stolen dog is a broken family.”As it stands, while pet theft is considered a serious crime, it falls under ‘stolen property’ with Lisa stating that pets are not stolen property, but companions and part of people’s families.Lisa joins Andrea, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Oct 10, 2025 • 11min
The experience of having a loved one with an eating disorder
Two weeks ago, Paula Crotty joined Andrea to share her story of her daughter who suffered from an eating disorder.She joins Andrea again to delve deeper into this, alongside Angela, who also has experience as a family member of someone with disordered eating.

Oct 10, 2025 • 19min
Should Trump get the Nobel Peace Prize?
Donald Trump has made it clear that he thinks he should be the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming that he has been instrumental in stopping multiple awards.He didn’t win it this year, but should he?Joining Andrea to discuss is Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad, Patti Shields, Executive Director, Irish Cultural Centre and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts Jerry McDermott and listeners.Image: Reuters

Oct 9, 2025 • 13min
The Home Squad: Picking the Right Paint
One listener got in touch with the show with a paint-related question…To answer this and discuss the importance of good paint, the Home Squad are here to discuss picking the right paint!Joining Andrea to discuss is Painter Oisin Butler and Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

Oct 9, 2025 • 5min
Who is Luke Combs?
The much expected guest announcement for next year’s Slane Castle gig is Luke Combs. Some of you may be surprised, because he has seemingly slipped under the radar in Ireland.So, who is he?Joining Andrea to discuss is Host of Today FM Country Hits on Wednesday nights, Clodagh Lawlor.


