

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.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 19, 2025 • 19min
Does Ireland have an anti-social problem?
On yesterday’s show, the subject of anti-social behaviour particularly among teens was covered. It had a huge reaction, with many listeners flagging the lack of amenities and after-school clubs being a cause, with some blaming the parents too.It’s clear that this issue isn't confined to the nation’s capital - it is rampant across the country with shopkeepers needing to thwart shoplifters, putting themselves in the face of danger in doing so…But, what can be done about it, and just how bad is it in your area?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

Sep 19, 2025 • 11min
Are desk jobs killing us?
More people are leaving desk jobs for a nature-driven lifestyle. Tom shares his journey from finance to sustainable living in rural Ireland. He discusses the joys of organic farming and community support. Linda talks about transforming a glamping experiment into a booming business. Dr. Karl highlights the health risks of sedentary work, offering practical tips to stay active. The conversation is filled with insights on balancing work and well-being, encouraging a shift toward healthier living.

Sep 19, 2025 • 12min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
From a mystery white cross to a return to Blue Flag beaches, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Sep 19, 2025 • 16min
Are we frivolous spenders when it comes to contactless payments?
Nowadays, many people are leaving home with simply a housekey and their phone. The days of carrying a purse or wallet are long gone. It comes as the minority of people use their physical bank card to make payments and in turn, use their phones for all of their purchases.A new report from the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) found that 58% of contactless payments made using the likes of Apple Pay and Google Pay were up from 52% in the same period of last year…With payments now being made so easy, do we take account of what we spend or have contact list payments caused us to become frivolous spenders?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Lecturer in Retail Management at TU Dublin, Damien O’Reilly, Account from Cloud Accounts, Alan Purcell, Paul Merriman, Financial Consultant at askpaul.ie and more.

Sep 18, 2025 • 13min
The Home Squad: Home Heating
As winter approaches, the experts dive into the best ways to heat your home. They discuss the benefits of underfloor heating versus traditional radiators, emphasizing practicality and aesthetics. Budget-friendly tips for fixing drafts and heat loss include using rugs and checking window seals. Modern heating solutions, like zoning underfloor systems, are also explored. The conversation touches on stylish radiator options and the impact of air-tightness in homes, offering guidance on ensuring warmth without overspending.

Sep 18, 2025 • 8min
The weird things to find at the Ploughing! - Henry McKean Reports
It’s the final day of the National Ploughing Championships, where 300,000 people have attended the event. There’s plenty to see, but what are some of the strangest and most unique?Andrea is joined by Henry McKean, who is live at the Ploughing, to share what he’s seen!

Sep 18, 2025 • 14min
Be honest: Do you use your phone while driving?
In a new report from the Road Safety Authority, the Mobile Device Usage Survey 2024 reveals a drop in the number of drivers using hand-held devices.Based on nearly 26,000 roadside observations, the study shows 6% of drivers were seen using a phone, down from 9% in 2023.The research also highlights that car drivers are the most frequent offenders, with mobile usage falling across all road types, especially on motorways, where usage has dropped from 9% to just 2%.Have you noticed a decrease in motorists having their phone in hand – do you do it yourself?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Sep 18, 2025 • 12min
Talking to Paudie from The Traitors!
If you’ve been watching The Traitors Ireland, this is one you’re going to want to stay tuned in for this…Joining Andrea to chat is one of the OG Traitors: Paudie Maloney!

Sep 18, 2025 • 12min
The Making of Cat Stevens’ ‘Tea for the Tillerman’
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 Cat Stevens’ album ‘Tea for the Tillerman’!

Sep 18, 2025 • 16min
What should be done about youth anti-social behaviour?
Curfews, community service and fines for parents of repeat offenders are among the suggestions going to the Dáil today to address anti-social behavior in Irish towns.It comes as Independent TD Paul Gogarty believes not enough is being done to counteract the “Andrew Tate-ification of young males”.Are parents to blame for their children’s behavior, and what needs to be done to handle our youth’s antisocial behaviour?Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, Vincent Jennings, Chairperson of Sporting Liberties, JJ O’Mahoney, Green Party Dublin City Councilor for the North Inner City, Janet Horner and more.


