

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
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2025 • 12min
Ask the Expert: Dealing with a child’s emotions
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Cliona Cosgrove to answer any of your questions when it comes to dealing with a child’s emotions.

Jun 17, 2025 • 9min
Is thatching a dying tradition?
Thatching is a time honoured Irish Tradition that is at risk of dying out., according to the Donegal Thatching School.They have called for more funding to protect this dying art…Andrea is joined by Conail Shovlin, Co-Founder of the Donegal Thatching School and Richard O'Lidain to discuss.

Jun 17, 2025 • 23min
Puppies abandoned at Galway roadside
“There really is no excuse” these are the words of an animal rights organisation following a litter of five-week old collie puppies that were found abandoned by a Galway roadside. MADRA (Mutts Anonymous Dogs Rescue) say that thankfully the pups were in “surprisingly good shape” despite being found in a rain soaked box.What can be done to stop this type of behaviour in future? Should there be tougher laws on owners, and should there be more done to protect our dogs?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dawn Divilly, Director of Operations Mutts Anonymous Dogs Rescue and Adoption, Suzi Walsh, Dog Behaviourist with DogBehviour.ie, Orla Murray, one of the Directors of the Irish Kennel Club and more.Image: @madradogrescue on Instagram

Jun 17, 2025 • 13min
Would you ask AI to rate your looks?
Would you be brave enough to ask Chat GPT… am I hot?That’s what one 47 year old woman did, and the advice was not that pleasing…Newstalk’s Sarah Madden tested it out, and joins Andrea and Jennifer Rock, The Skin Nerd to discuss.

Jun 17, 2025 • 10min
How I Live Well: Tryka
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 Brian Lee, Owner and Founder of Tryka to discuss what exactly this hybrid fitness race league is all about.Image: tryka.fit

Jun 17, 2025 • 19min
Is Ireland facing an infrastructure emergency?
Ireland is facing a “national emergency” in infrastructure.That’s according to the Chair of the The Economic and Social Research Institute Sean O’Driscoll.Our transport, housing and water systems are all in dire need of help, and not enough action is being taken apparently.So, is it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, Barry Kenny, Corporate Comms Manager at Irish Rail, Chair of the National Water Forum Dr Matt Crowe, Architect and Environmentalist Duncan Stewart and listeners.

Jun 16, 2025 • 13min
Ask the GP with Dr John Flanagan
Dr John Flanagan, GP at Suffolk Street Surgery joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Jun 16, 2025 • 10min
How to pick the best coffee machine for your home
Glenn Kelly, a seasoned journalist with a passion for coffee, joins to dissect the world of home brewing. He explores why owning a coffee machine is a savvy investment in light of rising coffee prices. Glenn compares budget-friendly options and luxurious models, highlighting the Nespresso Virtua Pop and Magnifica Plus. He dives into the Magnifica Plus, showcasing its user-friendly design and potential for barista-quality brews. Get ready to elevate your coffee game with insights tailored for every coffee enthusiast!

Jun 16, 2025 • 18min
Irish couple win £300k in Tattle Life legal case
In a landmark legal victory, Irish entrepreneur Neil Sands and his wife Donna were awarded £300,000 in damages after successfully suing the operators of the controversial gossip website Tattle Life.The couple endured years of online harassment and defamation, prompting a two-year legal battle that culminated in the High Court of Northern Ireland unmasking the site's founder, Sebastian Bond, also known as Bastian Durward.Neil joins Andrea to discuss.

Jun 16, 2025 • 11min
Irishman on joining the ‘March to Gaza’
John is an Irishman who was part of a delegation who attempted to join thousands of others on a global 'March to Gaza'.He was among thousands of people who were stopped by Egyptian authorities.The group were travelling through the country to reach Rafah on a Gaza peace march.John joins Andrea to discuss.