
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

Jun 27, 2025 • 19min
What Age Should We Talk to Our Children About Sex?
Stella O’Malley, psychotherapist and parenting author, joins Andrea alongside Irish Times journalist and mother of seven Jen Hogan, and Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney, to discuss how and when to start talking to your kids about sex — and why it should be an ongoing conversation, not a one-time lecture.Listen here

Jun 27, 2025 • 9min
Why Do Irish Households Waste So Much Food?
Chef Holly Dalton and Machaela O’Leary of the app Too Good To Go join Lunchtime Live to unpack why the average Irish household throws away €660 worth of food each year — and what simple steps we can take to cut down on waste, save money, and even shop smarter.Listen here

Jun 27, 2025 • 13min
Regional Round-Up
From Palestinian GAA clubs touring the country, to all the great gigs across the island.Shane Beaty joins Lunchtime Live to go through the regional round-up.Listen here.

Jun 27, 2025 • 20min
Should Supports for Long COVID Be Extended?
Long Covid continues to impact the lives of many across the country.It was recently announced that those eligible for the Long COVID Support Scheme will now have until the end of the year to access this benefit.Originally set to end this month, the scheme has been extended by six months. While this extension is welcome, it raises important questions about the future of support for those affected. Andrea speaks to those still suffering and with Professor Jack Lambert from the UCD School of Medicine.Listen here.

Jun 26, 2025 • 14min
Home Squad
For The Home Squad this week we look at some of the biggest trends in interior design with Jenny Sheahan, former Home of the Year winner and creator of the ‘workers cottage’ Instagram account, and Sarah Twigg Doyle, interior stylist and design colour consultant.From 'intentional clutter' to a brighter home, get all the best tips here.

Jun 26, 2025 • 8min
A Good Night’s Sleep in the Heat
Sleep expert Erica Hargaden provides invaluable tips for a restful night's sleep in the summer heat. She discusses managing body temperature, recommending warm showers and breathable bedding to enhance comfort. Listeners learn about inventive solutions like frozen pillowcases and the benefits of proper ventilation. Erica also addresses adjusting sleep habits, focusing on lighter fabrics and cooling methods, ensuring everyone, even children, can achieve better sleep during those hot, humid nights.

Jun 26, 2025 • 19min
Are There Enough Facilities for Campervans Across the Country?
Tadgh Kennedy, owner of Ballinapark and Jack Whites Pub in Brittas Bay, joins Lunchtime Live to discuss why he added motorhome facilities to his venue.He’s joined by Peter Kavanagh from Motorhome Enthusiasts Ireland, Aaron Birchill from the ‘Charlie and Me’ YouTube channel, and Jason Carmody, chair of the Irish Motorhome Working Group, to explore whether Ireland is doing enough to support domestic and international campervan tourism.Listen here

Jun 26, 2025 • 8min
Top Tips for Traditional Italian Food
Monica and Daniela Venturi — better known as The Two Nonnas — join Lunchtime Live in studio to share their kitchen wisdom, family recipes, and tips for how to bring authentic Italian flavour to your home cooking.Listen here

Jun 26, 2025 • 15min
The Making of Joshua Tree
Alan Buckley, head tour guide at the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience, joins Lunchtime Live to explain how U2 created the ever legendary The Joshua Tree, why it remains iconic, and how the album's legacy lives on in Dublin’s music scene.Listen here

Jun 26, 2025 • 20min
How Bad are The Potholes in Your Area?
Andrea is joined by guests to discuss the state of Ireland's roads.This comes after there has been a massive jump in complaints about potholes right across the country in the past three years, according to figures obtained by Newstalk.Listen here.