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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 7, 2025 • 16min
The Home Squad: Getting the right light
When you want to give a room that extra touch of brightness - how do you know which type of lighting to get?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about all things lighting your home!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Founder and Creative Director of Arlene McIntyre Design, Arlene McIntyre.

Aug 7, 2025 • 14min
Have cabin crew become salespeople?
Once considered a glamorous career among the clouds, the role of cabin crew has evolved into one increasingly focused on sales.Flight attendants, once seen purely as caretakers of passenger comfort, are now often viewed as frontline salespeople, offering everything from snacks to duty-free goods mid-flight.But, has this shift changed the way we perceive cabin crew?Terry Prone, Columnist with the Irish Examiner & Chair of the Communications Clinic, has been writing about this, and joins Andrea as well as former Air Hostess and Author of ‘Confessions of an Air Hostess’ Marisa Mackle and Travel Journalists Joan Scales and Yvonne Reddin to discuss.

Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
Six-year-old yet another victim of recent racial abuse
A young six-year old child was verbally and physically abused by a group of young teens in Co. Waterford - yet another racially-motivated attack in recent weeks.Anupa Naveen, mother of Nina, joins Andrea to discuss what happened…

Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
Would you have a relationship with an AI chatbot?
Almost 10% of adults in Ireland have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot within the last 12 months, new research shows.But, how do these relationships work, and are they really a substitute for genuine connections?Andrea is joined by Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent and Tara Logan Buckley, Chartered Clinical Psychologist to discuss.

Aug 7, 2025 • 9min
The Making of Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’
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 Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’!

Aug 7, 2025 • 21min
Family speak out on not being informed about assisted suicide
Megan Slough Royal and her family are dealing with a tough situation: her mother went to undergo an assisted suicide in Switzerland. The catch? The family weren’t informed ahead of time, and were told that their mother was deceased over Whatsapp…Megan joins Andrea to discuss.If any of these issues have affected you, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123.

Aug 6, 2025 • 11min
Dealing with the back to school costs
With the school holidays soon coming to a close, many parents are facing the dreaded back to school costs. Uniforms, electronics and voluntary contributions are just some of the expenses that spring to mind this time of year.A recent survey carried out by Barnardos has highlighted just how expensive Ireland’s free education system is…Joining Andrea to discuss this is CEO of Barnardos, Suzanne Connolly, Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram) and Lucy, a parent in Stillorgan.

Aug 6, 2025 • 10min
Reasons to be Happy: Waterford, Sausage Roll, Bend it Like Beckham
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…

Aug 6, 2025 • 23min
Racial attacks continue nationwide - what can be done?
Many racially motivated attacks have been happening across the country. Some are so bad that young children are being verbally and physically abused.Why is this happening - and what can be done to stop it?Today, Andrea is joined by members of the Indian and Pakistani community who have been victims of these attacks to discuss, including Dr Santosh Yadav - who was left with a broken cheekbone after an attack…

Aug 6, 2025 • 15min
Making Babies: Male Infertility
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 male infertility, and answer listener questions.