Lunchtime Live

Mick Kelly of Grow It Yourself shared a story on his instagram page of his local newsagent, following an impressive revamp. But, with the new and improved look and stylish new coffee machine, came a sight that Mick did not welcome: an aisle filled with ultra processed foods and sugar-laden snacks snaking up along by the registers with the stands at what he calls ‘pester-height’ for younger shoppers. Is this every parent’s nightmare, having successfully navigated the shop and avoided the aisles specifically containing all the biscuits, sweets, crisps and chocolate - only to be hit by another row of temptation upon reaching the checkout?How do you manage to keep your kids and yourself from grabbing a bar of chocolate or a bag of jellies – are you a label scrutinizer and do you avoid all ultra-processed foods or do you think that the old saying of ‘everything in moderation’ holds weight?Joining Andrea to discuss is Grow it Yourself’s Michael Kelly, Lecturer in retail management at Technological University Dublin Damien O’Reilly and listeners.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Two MEPs have condemned the sale of childlike sex dolls on fast fashion retailer Shein. Both Barry Andrews and Regina Doherty are shocked with what they have come across and have called for a €5 levy on ultra-fast fashion purchases from China, as the sale of these dolls violates both our moral and legal obligations to protect children.What needs to be done to tackle the sale of these products and how can we prevent these platforms from advertising certain explicit and harrowing content?Joining Andrea to discuss Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, Arts and Culture Journalist Ashley Chadomoyo Malone, Traitors Contestant Faye Louise Brennan as well as listeners.

This week, the Home Squad are in Cork to discuss wall finishes, and how you can get them just right!Joining Andrea to discuss is Ger Cooney from Ger Cooney Design and Kate Hobbins-Lockett from Interiors By Kate Hobbins-Lockett.

Black Friday is coming up this month, which for those online shoppers amongst you, could be a time to start burning up the debit card.But, there are unfortunately plenty of tricks and scams we need to watch out for when we’re shopping online...Joining Andrea to discuss this is Financial Planner with Castle Capital, Leah McMahon.

Endometriosis procedures in Ireland can have long waiting lists, which might make you want to look abroad for treatment…Sinead O’Neill did exactly that, and joins Andrea to discuss her experience of going to Greece for an endometriosis procedure. Keira O’Neill was also meant to discuss her hopes to get endometriosis treatment abroad, but was unable to join because of her condition, and sent in a statement read out by Producer Dee King.

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 Bon Jovi’s album, ‘Slippery When Wet’!

This week, the internet’s buzzing after NFL legend Tom Brady revealed he’s cloned his dog. It’s sparked a big question: if you could bring your beloved pet back, would you do it?Is cloning the ultimate act of love, or are we crossing a line nature never intended?Joining Andrea to discuss is Pete Wedderburn, AKA Pete the Vet, Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs and Suzie Walsh, Dog Behaviourist & Trainer.

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…Image: President of Ireland - Facebook

From CCTV to location services on the apps we use and even livestreaming cameras at self-service checkouts, we constantly have eyes on us.But, how safe are we in a world where we are constantly under surveillance?Joining Andrea to discuss is Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Irish Examiner, Ronan Murphy, Chief Executive for Smart Tech 24/7 and listeners.