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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.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 24, 2025 • 8min
Ask the GP with Dr Sylvester Mooney
Dr Sylvester Mooney from Webdoctor.ie joined guest host Clare McKenna to answer your questions.

Nov 24, 2025 • 12min
How do you find friends in your 30s?
Research shows that most people believe it is harder to make friends as you age.However, Freelance Journalist Emily Bratt found that making friends in her 30s was easier than she imagined!She joins guest host Clare McKenna to discuss.

Nov 24, 2025 • 20min
Should rent increase for council and HAP tenants?
A rally will take place outside City Hall today to protest rent increases for council and HAP tenants.Under the plans by Dublin City Council, social housing tenants would see the first change to how their rent is calculated in 30 years…For many, this will have a huge impact on people’s day-to-day lives amid the high cost of living.So, is this calculation fair? Or should it be left alone?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Labour Cllr Dermot Lacey, as well as some of those impacted…

Nov 24, 2025 • 14min
Buying Irish this Christmas: Decorations
It’s fair to say we’re officially in the run up to Christmas…For the next few weeks, Lunchtime Live is going to be highlighting some great Irish businesses that you can support for all things Christmas!Today, we’re focusing on decorations. Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Ger Sloyan from The Real Christmas Tree, Laura Dempsey. Pickled Pom Pom and Margerite & Johnny from Luxury Garlands to discuss!

Nov 24, 2025 • 8min
The Pod Squad: Get Around To It
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Rory Galvin & Host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke join guest host Clare McKenna to review ‘Get Around To It’!

Nov 24, 2025 • 18min
Should they be called ‘Winter Lights’ or ‘Christmas Lights’?
The Dublin City Council (DCC) in recent times has come under sustained criticism for calling its end-of-year special lighting display ‘Winter Lights’ instead of ‘Christmas Lights’.Is it important to recognise the traditional meaning of Christmas, or should these lights be more accommodating and inclusive to all?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Peadar Tóibín, Leader of Aontú, Michael Nugent, Chairperson of Atheist Ireland and listeners.

Nov 21, 2025 • 12min
Ask Me Anything: Stunt Coordinator
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Stunt Coordinator with Total Stunts Joe Condren joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your stunt-related questions!

Nov 21, 2025 • 14min
What TV shows shaped you?
Today is World Television Day, a chance to celebrate the shows, characters and moments that have shaped our lives. From comfort-watch favourites to the series that changed how we see the world, TV continues to influence culture in powerful ways. So what makes a show truly unforgettable, and why does television still matter in the streaming age?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss the shows that shaped them is Newstalk’s Ellen Kenny and TV and Movie Critic, Brian Llyod.

Nov 21, 2025 • 13min
Is it okay to be disappointed in your baby’s gender?
Gender reveal celebrations have become more popular than ever. Whether it’s cutting into a cake or popping a balloon, everyone waits for that exciting moment to see pink or blue. But, what happens when the color revealed isn’t the one someone was hoping for?And is it okay to feel disappointed to not have the gender you hoped for?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Clinical and Health Psychologist, Dr Bronagh Fitzpatrick, Columnist with the Irish Independent, Tanya Sweeney, Editor of Cork Beo, Joe O’Shea and Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram).

Nov 21, 2025 • 12min
Would you like to live to 150?
A Chinese start-up has claimed to have developed a pill in the lab that could potentially extend human life to 150 years.This begs the question, even if we could, would you like to live to 150 years of age?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Terry Prone, Columnist with The Irish Examiner and Chairman of the Communications Clinic and Liam Collins, Columnist with The Irish Independent.


