
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

May 30, 2025 • 18min
Should Ireland introduce an expanded smoking ban?
France is introducing a bold new smoking ban, extending to parks, beaches, and near schools - aiming for a tobacco-free generation by 2032.But, should Ireland do the same?Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor Luke Clancy, Director General of the Tobacco Free Research Institute Ireland, Ian O Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent, Green Party Councillor for Wicklow Erika Doyle and more.

May 29, 2025 • 13min
The Home Squad: Making the indoors feel like the outdoors
It’s fair to say the weather hasn’t kept up its end of the bargain lately, we’ve had one too many summer showers and cloudy days!So, how do we make our indoors feel like outdoors, when that’s where we want to be?The Home Squad is here to talk about it!Jenny Sheehan, former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ who you’ll know on Instagram as @workerscottage & Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House join Andrea.

May 29, 2025 • 11min
What does it take to become an Irish citizen?
What does it take to become an Irish citizen?Last year, over 5,000 took part in the citizenship ceremony that’s coming up in a few weeks.But, what does it involve?Joining Andrea to discuss is two people who know the process: Gina London and Maria Dickenson.

May 29, 2025 • 15min
Should good customer service be a consumer right?
A listener contacted the show recently detailing how they have been plagued by poor customer service in recent years.How big of a problem is bad customer service, and should it be a consumer right?Joining Andrea to discuss is Conor Pope, Consumer Affair Correspondent at the Irish Times.

May 29, 2025 • 10min
Should children have the option to wear tracksuits in school?
Are dickie-bows and ties a thing of the past, should children have the option to wear tracksuits, or should we stick to tradition and discipline?Joining Andrea to discuss is Rachel Harper, Principal of St. Patrick’s National School in Greystones, Barbara Ennis, Principal, Alexandra College Dublin and more.

May 29, 2025 • 11min
The Making of Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured Poets Department’
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the band really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Showbiz Reporter Emily Keegan, who’s going to talk us through the latest Taylor Swift project: ‘The Tortured Poets Department’...

May 29, 2025 • 18min
Do cyclists have an arrogance problem?
Today, we're talking about a growing tension on roads — fast-moving cyclists and unsuspecting walkers. In The Irish Times, Kathy Sheridan writes, 'I have nothing against cycling, but spare me from speeding cyclists on country paths…’So, are cyclists arrogant?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

May 28, 2025 • 11min
Dealing with the grief of losing a friend
On the show, the topic about the pain of losing a parent, or a child, has been covered before. But, something not touched on as much is the grief that comes with losing a friend…It’s something most of us will have to go through at some stage of our lives.Joining Andrea to discuss is Oona Frawley, author of ‘This Interim Time’, Kathie Stritch, from Grief Ireland and Grief Psychotherapist, Liz Gleeson.

May 28, 2025 • 11min
Reasons to be Happy: Baby Names, Beatboxing Nun, Clueless
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…

May 28, 2025 • 13min
Is the grass really greener in Australia?
Many young Irish people are still heading to Australia in search of a better life. Lately, an increasing number are choosing to work in the mines, hoping to save up for a mortgage. But, with the cost of living on the rise, the question is: Is Australia still the land of opportunity? Is the grass still as green as it once seemed?Andrea is joined by some of those young people living over there to discuss.