

Lunchtime Live
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.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 17, 2025 • 11min
The Pod Squad: What Went Wrong
It’s time for the Pod Squad.Today Anna Daly in for Andrea was joined by Host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke and Newstalk’s Neil Kavanagh… To review the ‘What Went Wrong’. A podcast that explores the Troubled production histories of both good and bad films.

Nov 14, 2025 • 12min
Ask Me Anything: Emergency Medical Response
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, David Tighe, CEO of CRITICAL Emergency Medical Response joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your emergency response questions.

Nov 14, 2025 • 9min
What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
Last night, the Christmas lights on Grafton Street flickered to life, officially ushering in the festive season. And with so many of us already getting into the Christmas spirit, it’s the perfect time to talk about one of the highlights of this time of year: the magical Christmas markets across Europe!From historic town squares to sparkling winter wonderlands, we’re taking a look at some of the very best destinations for a festive getaway.Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Joan Scales, Travel Writer and Broadcaster.

Nov 14, 2025 • 14min
How much damage do restaurants get from bad reviews?
Social media has played a huge part in putting Irish food and restaurants on the map, thanks to Instagrammable dishes, viral TikToks, and positive word of mouth.Many Irish restaurants depend on this free publicity to reach new diners, but growing numbers now report influencer behaviour that can disrupt service or other guests.As Irish restaurants, cafés, and markets ride the social media wave for publicity, some worry about disruption, loss of control, and whether it’s time for new rules on filming and sharing food experiences…In the age of everyone being a ‘reviewer’ - should anyone be able to record and post their experience or do venues need more control? And what is the fallout from a negative review shared online?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Eadaoin Fitzmaurice, Food Content Creator, Ciaran Kavanagh, Head Chef at Gravediggers Pub, Keelan Higgs, owner & Chef at Variety Jones and JP McMahon, Chef, Restaurateur and author.

Nov 14, 2025 • 9min
Ireland beats Portugal - your reactions!
In a spectacular show last night, the Republic of Ireland faced Portugal at Lansdowne Road. We needed to win to stay in the mix for a play-off spot for the World Cup…And win we did! It was a game full of drama, ending with 2 nil to Ireland, both goals scored by Troy Parrott, and of course, Ronaldo getting the red card.Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to get their reactions to the match.

Nov 14, 2025 • 13min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Nov 14, 2025 • 17min
Have you had issues parking at a maternity hospital?
For expectant parents, there’s already so much to think about without adding parking to the list. Unfortunately, for many families, hospital parking becomes an unexpected source of stress that they’re forced to factor into their birthing plans.Across the country, many maternity hospitals either offer limited parking, or none at all, and even when parking is available, finding a space can take far longer than it should, especially in urgent situations...Have you had a difficult experience with hospital parking when having a baby?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Journalist and mum, Aideen Finnegan, Dr Krysia Lynch, Chairperson for the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services in Ireland, Katie Makk from the ‘Opinions Matter’ podcast and Aidan Loughnane, Content Creator and Mental Health Advocate.

Nov 13, 2025 • 12min
The Home Squad: Winter Prep
With the weather getting colder and colder, there are some things you might want to look out for when getting your home winter-ready.This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss prepping the house for winter!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O’Driscoll, (@victorianrathmines on Instagram).

Nov 13, 2025 • 9min
Listener issue: Bord Gáis take payment without warning
Listener Mary got in touch with the show about an issue she has with Bord Gáis. She joins Andrea to discuss more.

Nov 13, 2025 • 16min
Should Dublin have more Christmas markets?
The Office of Public Works yesterday announced that ‘Christmas at the Castle’ will not be returning this year or next due to Government business, and the upcoming EU presidency.Does this leave a hole in your Christmas calendar, and should we have more of an offering in the city during the festive period? Are we as a capital city lagging behind our European neighbours and even other cities in the country?And, what are some of the experiences you are looking forward to in the lead up to Christmas?Andrea is joined by Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram), Trevor Darmody, Director of Winterval Festival in Waterford and listeners to discuss.


