

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
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Jul 15, 2025 • 14min
Are AI influencers hijacking social media?
Social media influencers are renowned for working hard, securing their brand deals and promoting content on their platforms.However, AI influencers are now starting to hijack social media platforms and do the same job, claiming numerous followers and setting unrealistic aesthetic expectations for followers.What does it mean for content creators and their followers when AI influencers take over?

Jul 15, 2025 • 9min
How I Live Well: Therapy
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 Counsellor and Psychotherapist at My Mind Lindita Vani to discuss the benefits of therapy.

Jul 15, 2025 • 23min
Should single people get grants to buy a house?
Over the last 25 years the structure of households has changed.The 2022 Census found that 23% of households contain just one person, around 426,000 people. That’s a leap higher from 15% at the 1996 Census.So, should single people get extra support to get on the property ladder?Joining Andrea to discuss is Independent Economist David W Higgins, as well as listeners.

Jul 14, 2025 • 13min
Ask the GP with Dr Sumi Dunne
Dr Sumi Dunne, GP in Laois, joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Jul 14, 2025 • 11min
Almost dying from a mosquito bite - Sharon Bannerton’s experience
Businesswoman Sharon Bannerton was close to death after getting sepsis from a mosquito bite.The PR boss described how she was ‘an hour from dying’ when she caught double pneumonia and blood poisoning, taking 12 months to recover from the health scare…Sharon joins Andrea to tell the whole story.

Jul 14, 2025 • 17min
Does the rural pub need to be protected?
Rural pubs have fallen in the past 20 years with more than 2,000 pubs closing their doors. It is believed that a further 1,000 are due to face the same fate in the next decade, with little to no government intervention to help them stay open…Have local pubs in your area closed down, and what can be done to help them stay open?Joining Andrea to discuss is Offaly TD, Cllr John Clendennen, Co-owner of Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, Una Burns, Owner of JJ Hough's, Ger Hough Conor O’Neill from The Glyde Inn and CEO of Irish Rural Link, Seamus Boldan.

Jul 14, 2025 • 17min
How can you get tickets for the All-Ireland final?
Following Donegal’s spectacular win over Meath yesterday, the hunt is now on to find tickets for the final, especially for Andrea!But, how easy (or difficult) is it to nab a ticket?Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball’s Eoin Sheahan, Katie Gallagher, Daniel Hussey, Freelance Sports Journalist and Cathal Minogue, Today FM Presenter.

Jul 14, 2025 • 11min
The Pod Squad: Persuadable
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke join Andrea to review ‘Persuadable’!Image: CNN

Jul 14, 2025 • 17min
Should there be more support for quitting vaping?
The HSE have said they don’t have the funding to help people stop vaping.There are calls now to make it a priority as the health service sees an increase in people looking for help for vaping, and the use of nicotine pouches.So, should there be a bigger focus on it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Labour TD Conor Sheehan, Columnist with the Irish Independent JJ Clarke, as well as listeners.

Jul 11, 2025 • 16min
Summer Memories with Maia Dunphy
It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Writer and Broadcaster Maia Dunphy joins Andrea to reminisce!