
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 22, 2025 • 11min
Is Ozempic killing the hospitality sector?
Are desserts becoming a thing of the past? The restaurant industry is noticing a shift, with fewer customers ordering that sweet treat to finish off their meal. But, is the rise of Ozempic to blame?Joining Andrea to discuss is Paul Knapp, the Firefighting Chef, Dee Laffan, Food Writer and Adrian Martin, Owner of Wildflower Restaurant in Blackrock.

May 22, 2025 • 9min
The Making of The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’
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 Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk us through the iconic Beach Boys album: ‘Pet Sounds’…

May 22, 2025 • 16min
Would you buy a standing seat on a plane?
Would you stand on a flight to save money?It’s been spoken about before, but it seems to be one step closer to reality.New rollercoaster style standing seats could be ready as soon as 2026.So, how much comfort are we willing to lose to save cash?Joining Andrea to discuss is Managing Director of Freedom Travel & Solo Travel Ciara Mooney, Ariana Dunne from Irish Country Magazine, Senior aviation analyst Simon Daly and more.

May 21, 2025 • 12min
What are the biggest glam mistakes brides make on the big day?
It’s your big day, the dress is perfect, the flowers are blooming, and all eyes are on you... but, wait, what happened to your hair?! Or your makeup by mid-ceremony?Joining Andrea to discuss the biggest glam mistakes brides can make on their big day is Tara Fay, Wedding Planner, Laura Lou Kearney, Luxury Bridal Hair Stylist and Michelle Regazzaoli Stone, Makeup Artist.

May 21, 2025 • 12min
Reasons to be Happy: Marriage Referendum, Movie Soundtracks, Pasta
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 21, 2025 • 16min
Are concerts and festivals prohibitively expensive?
As we approach summer, many are considering the costs of a festival-filled season. With soaring ticket prices, are young people finding themselves adjusting their budgets, cutting back on clubbing nights to save for festival tickets? Could the cost of attending a major festival now rival that of a week-long holiday abroad?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ashley Chadomoyo Malone, Dublin DJ and young festival-goer, Daniel Browne, one of the Founders & Owners of Sea Sessions, Gareth Dunleavy, Curator of the ‘Oasis WTS’, Nick McKay from the ‘Roll With It’ Oasis tribute act and more.

May 21, 2025 • 12min
Making Babies: Issues you can face during pregnancy
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 any issues you might face during pregnancy…

May 21, 2025 • 13min
Have we stopped being polite?
Are we becoming less polite?Listener Sarah got in touch with the show with an email that proposed that question.Joining Andrea to discuss is Tina Koumarianos, Etiquette Expert and Michelle Harding from the School of Life.

May 21, 2025 • 17min
Is it fair to boycott holiday home owners?
A Mayo housing official has called for a “radical” boycott of holiday-home owners, is he right?Are holiday homes a waste during a housing crisis?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

May 20, 2025 • 10min
Ask the Expert: Dealing with Exam Stress
The Leaving Cert is fast approaching, and for many students, that means rising stress and pressure. For this week’s Ask the Expert we’re talking about how to manage exam stress - what works, what doesn’t, and how students can stay focused and healthy during this intense time.Joining Andrea to discuss and answer your questions is Allen O’Donoghue from helpme2parent.ie.