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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

Jan 7, 2026 • 14min
How much pocket money should you give to your kids?
It’s one of the things you’ll come across in your parenting journey: pocket money. Should children get pocket money, should they “earn” it, and what can it teach them? And, how much should they get?Joining Andrea to discuss is Paul Merriman, Founder of Ask Paul and CEO of Fairstone and Psychotherapist Bethan O'Riordan.

Jan 7, 2026 • 9min
Reasons to be Happy: Good Sleep, Wing Transplant, Alzheimer's Test
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…

Jan 7, 2026 • 14min
Making Babies: How to get pregnant
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to go back to basics, and discuss how to get pregnant.

Jan 7, 2026 • 8min
Should you take a health and wellness holiday?
If you’re feeling in need of a detox, or a break after the Christmas madness, maybe it’s time to think about a health holiday.The wellness economy has doubled in size since 2013, and doesn’t seem to be stopping…So, could it be for you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Host of Zen & Tonic Wellness Activity Holidays Sinéad Kennedy and Host of Alive and Kicking on Newstalk, Clare McKenna.

Jan 7, 2026 • 21min
Are apprentices struggling to find work?
Jim Ahern is co-owner of Trade Path and a bricklayer by trade. He contacted the show because he believes there are too few real opportunities for people to pursue a trade in this country, and that something needs to change if we’re serious about getting more men and women into the workforce…So, are apprentices struggling to find work?Jim joins Andrea to discuss, as well as listeners.

Jan 6, 2026 • 11min
Ask the Expert: Decluttering
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Ann Teahan, Founder of Neatly Home Organisation to answer all your questions about decluttering, which a lot of people may want to do at the start of the new year!

Jan 6, 2026 • 10min
Would you watch ‘Saipan’?
Have you seen the film ‘Saipan’?Apparently, two thirds of Irish people have said they won’t watch it…Would your loyalty to Roy Keane keep you away? Or would it be the reason you’re rushing to the cinema?Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry and The Echo’s Features Editor, John Dolan.

Jan 6, 2026 • 22min
Covering your kid’s faces with emojis: more harm than good?
In recent months, we’ve been warned about the risks of posting our children on social media.Many parents now cover their faces with emojis, believing it’s a safer option. But cyber-security experts say even these photos still train facial recognition systems and build data profiles…So, do you use emojis to hide your children’s faces, and did you think you were protecting them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly, Broadcaster & Parenting Podcaster Rebecca Horan, Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw, @modernirishmom on Instagram and Host of The Opinions Matter Podcast, Katie Makk.

Jan 6, 2026 • 9min
Is Nollaig na mBan feminist or capitalist?
Today is Nollaig na mBan, a day traditionally dedicated to recognizing the women who carried the workload over Christmas. As many head out to celebrate with friends, it raises an interesting question: is Nollaig na mBan still relevant today?Is it a feminist tradition, or has it become a capitalist one?Joining Andrea to discuss is Wellness Advocate, Keri Deeney, Irish Independent Columnist, Mary McCarthy and Fashion Broadcaster Rosalind Lipsett.

Jan 6, 2026 • 9min
How I Live Well: Hormone Health
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 Endocrinologist Dr Mary Ryan to discuss what good hormone health looks like, and how you can achieve it!


