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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 13, 2025 • 12min
What is the situation for landlords across the country?
All this week, Lunchtime Live has been focusing on the renting situation around Ireland.Today, we want to look at a slightly different angle: what is the current situation for landlords in this country?Andrea is joined by Maurice Deverell, Private landlord and Member of Irish Property Owners Association and listeners to hear their experiences.

Nov 13, 2025 • 10min
The Making of Billy Joel’s ‘The Stranger’
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 Billy Joel’s album, ‘The Stranger’!

Nov 13, 2025 • 18min
Statutory inquiry into spina bifida & scoliosis care - how do you feel?
The Government has confirmed it will launch a statutory inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida at Children’s Health Ireland.The announcement follows months of emotional campaigning by parents, including the family of Harvey Sherratt, who tragically passed away in July.Families have long called for answers about the treatment, and today’s decision marks a significant step toward accountability.Andrea is joined by Advocate with Access for All Ireland, Bernard Mulvany, Core member of the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, Orlaith Maher Lalor and listeners to discuss…

Nov 12, 2025 • 10min
Reasons to be Happy: New blood test, Toy Story 5, seagull food snatching
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: Disney

Nov 12, 2025 • 18min
Has flying become unenjoyable?
From today, Ryanair switches to 100% digital boarding passes.They claim paperless boarding will be “faster, smarter and greener", but will it be “seamless”?And, has flying just become too much hassle?Andrea is joined by Eoghan Corry, Travel Journalist and Writer, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Nov 12, 2025 • 11min
Talking to your children about a cancer diagnosis
Prince William has opened up about telling his children about his wife Kate’s diagnosis. Just how hard is it to tell your kids about a cancer diagnosis, and how should you go about it?Andrea is joined by Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Affairs with the Irish Cancer Society, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Nov 12, 2025 • 9min
How football can rewire your brain
Have you ever gone absolutely bananas when your team scores that last-minute winner against an old rival? Or slouched on the couch for hours after a devastating defeat? Well, it’s not just you being dramatic, your brain is actually getting rewired in real time!A new scientific study has revealed that when football fans watch their favourite team win or lose, it’s not just their hearts racing, their brains are lighting up in very specific ways. Using MRI scans, researchers found that fans’ emotions and self-control can be dramatically affected by the result, especially when playing a rival…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Off The Ball’s Kathleen McNamee, as well as listeners.

Nov 12, 2025 • 21min
What is the renting situation for students?
A recent rental report released by Daft.ie shows that there will continue to be a shortage in the supply of rental properties across the country. The report shows that there has been a 21% drop in homes available to rent across Ireland this year…The demand for accommodation is so high that people who are fortunate to find a place are living in subpar housing and paying way over budget.This is very much the case for students, but what are some of the experiences and stories of those young people trying to find accommodation?Andrea is joined by Ronan Lyons, Professor in Economics in Trinity College and author of the Daft report, Newstalk’s Meghan O’Halloran, VP for Wellbeing in DCU, Lauren Joyce and listeners.

Nov 11, 2025 • 8min
Ask the Expert: Trichology
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Trichologist Carol Johnson to answer any of your hair-related questions!

Nov 11, 2025 • 13min
What is the cost of being single?
Today is International Single’s Day!Are you celebrating? Or is it something that’s actually costing you?There are many joys to being single - getting to pick out your own furniture, never having to go for dinner with the in-laws, being totally in control of the TV…But then there are the obvious downsides; paying a mortgage on your own, going to events on your own, never getting to have dinner with the in-laws…Joining Andrea to discuss the ups and downs of the single life is Journalist Andrea Smith, Founder of Irish beauty brand BeautybyCED.com Claire Clarkson and more.


