Lunchtime Live

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Tom King, a blacksmith from the Boyne Valley in Meath to talk all things blacksmithing!

New research carried out for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has shown that almost three-quarters of people in Ireland believe the country’s wealth is unfairly distributed.It comes as almost half of respondents said they were concerned they would not be able to pay their bills over the year ahead.The findings have now put added pressure on the Government to incorporate energy credits in next month’s Budget as a way to tackle these concerns.So, do you think these energy credits should be included in the 2026 budget?Joining Andrea to discuss is Irish Times Consumer Journalist, Conor Pope, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association and listeners.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

A recent study claims that longer apologies are perceived as more sincere. Guests discuss the tendency for women to over-apologize while preferences for simpler, direct apologies emerge. Corporate apologies often feel hollow, especially when they lack accountability. The discussion highlights the importance of ownership and genuine efforts in making amends. Additionally, insincere celebrity apologies face criticism for being crafted by PR teams. The conversation sheds light on cultural nuances that affect the effectiveness of apologies.

There's been a noticeable rise in the number of Irish adults without any retirement plan in place. Recent research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) shows that one in four people are unprepared for retirement…So, what’s going on? Do people simply not care about their financial future? Or has the rising cost of living made it nearly impossible to put money aside?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Learner drivers who have not passed their driving test after seven years will be required to take additional driving lessons in order to go back on the road, according to new proposals by the Government.Is this fair?Joining Andrea to discuss is Minister of State for Transport & Independent TD for Galway East, Seán Canney, as well as listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Host of ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast Elaine Power join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Maintenance Phase’!

Later this month, Croke Park will be full of American Football fans as the Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers go head-to-head. This will be the first time that Croke Park has ever held an event of this caliber.With many people heading to the 80,000-seater stadium, fans will have a privilege that many GAA fans have not had before. They will be allowed to drink alcohol in their seats.The long-standing rule in Croke Park prevents fans from bringing alcohol into the stands. In this event, however, this rule will not apply.Should this change be a permanent one? Or should we keep alcohol out of the stands?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Psychic Medium Felicity McCann joins Andrea to answer any of your other-wordly questions!

There are no boring Irish people. That was the claim made by Alicia Silverstone whilst appearing on Rob Lowe’s podcast this week.Ireland’s known for its storytellers, wit, and charm, but is it all just a flattering myth? Or is there something in the culture that makes dullness rare? Is this claim ridiculous or true?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss!