
Lunchtime Live Highlights
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com
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Latest episodes

Apr 8, 2025 • 12min
Should things be brought back from extinction?
Scientists have brought back Dire Wolves from the dead in the world's first-ever de-extinction project…Dire Wolves were large, white-coated canines that disappeared 13,000 years ago, but now three pups have been born back into the world.The mixed DNA was transferred into donor egg cells, and the embryos put into a surrogate mother. She birthed the three healthy pups in October 2024.To discuss the news, and whether or not it’s a good idea, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Emma Teeling, Full Professor of Zoology at UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science and Collie Ennis, Zoology Research Associate at Trinity College Dublin.Image: HBO

Apr 8, 2025 • 11min
How I Live Well: Horse Riding
It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, guest host Anna Daly is joined by John O’Leary from the Carrickmines Equestrian Centre to talk all things horse riding!

Apr 8, 2025 • 22min
What’s your experience of taxis in Ireland?
Concerns about overcharging or issues with fares accounted for more than half of all complaints involving taxis to the National Transport Authority last year.Frustrated customers called out cabbies’ refusal or inability to accept a cashless payment, adding a charge for a cashless payment and the taxi meter not working or not being used…Other common issues among the over 1,700 complaints to the NTA included driver behaviour, inappropriate route selection and refusal to take short journeys.So, what is your experience of taxis in Ireland?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

Apr 7, 2025 • 12min
Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes
Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Apr 7, 2025 • 8min
What should you do if you find an artefact?
An early Medieval brooch-pin, dating from the 8th or 9th century, was discovered during the beginning phases of the Adare Bypass construction last year. It, along with other amazing finds will soon go on display to the public. But, how often do these discoveries happen? And what should you do if you think you’ve found something on your land?Maeve Sikora, Archaeologist and Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland joins Andrea to discuss.

Apr 7, 2025 • 23min
Are sentences too lenient for rapists?
Sophie Brady and her sister’s abusers recently heard their sentencing after subjecting the two sisters to horrific abuse when they were children.David and Jonathan Hamilton were handed over 7 years and 3 years respectively.Sophie took to social media to call the sentencing ‘a slap in the face’.She joins Andrea to discuss…The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre can be reached on 1800 778 888.

Apr 7, 2025 • 11min
How did this 19-year-old become a homeowner?
We’re well aware of the difficulties and many hurdles it can take to become a homeowner. The average age for first time buyers is now 36. But, for one Cork teenager, he set his sights on having his own property, and began the chase at the age of 13.Now 19, Sean O’Shea can proudly say he is a homeowner. He, along with Frank Conway, Founder of Money Whizz and Personal Finance Commentator join Andrea to discuss.

Apr 7, 2025 • 9min
The Pod Squad: Icebergs with Kemah Bob
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Pádraig Wilson McCarthy and Laura Mullet, Journalist and Stylist join Andrea to review ‘Icebergs with Kemah Bob’!Image: Keep it Light Media

Apr 7, 2025 • 22min
Kids as young as 6 are watching porn on phones
“Children as young as six have been exposed to porn and they’ll never be the same. Those kids become a lot more aggressive to other kids in school.”That is according to Cyber-Security Expert Aoife Noone. She visits schools to educate children on how to be safe online with the Think Smart Cyber Safety and Mindset Programme.Aoife joins Andrea to discuss, along with Eoin Daly, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Gina Dermody, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Adolescence and Beyond, Noel Loftus, Principal at St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and more.

Apr 4, 2025 • 14min
Ask Me Anything: Ghost Writer
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Sue Leonard, Ghost Writer and Author, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!
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