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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.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
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Sep 17, 2025 • 8min
Should we be worried about AI scams?
AI is the fastest growing online industry in the world, and it was probably inevitable that it would be used to try and scam people.Karl Deeter, CEO of OnlineApplication.com has experienced this for the first time, and joins Andrea to discuss.

Sep 17, 2025 • 19min
Are too many people going into third level?
With many people heading off to third level, many companies must now look outside of Ireland for tradesmen and women. It comes as Dublin Bus has had to recruit from overseas because of a shortage of mechanics here.Many people who take on apprenticeships, learn on the job, earn a living while doing so and in turn, start on a decent salary when they have qualified. So why are these jobs being overlooked?Has college opened such a wide range of doors for people that now the everyday trade is a thing of the past?Joining Andrea to discuss is Iarnród Éireann's Apprentice Training Manager, Conor Doolin, and listeners.

Sep 16, 2025 • 13min
Ask the Expert: Dublin Bus
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus to answer your public transport questions!

Sep 16, 2025 • 18min
Does social media glamourise farming? - Henry McKean Reports
The Ploughing Championships started earlier today, with 300,000 people expected to attend! When thinking of farming, do you believe that social media makes it look more glamorous than it actually is?Henry McKean is there and speaking with farmers (and the Tánaiste!) for their thoughts!

Sep 16, 2025 • 18min
Is ten minutes enough for a child’s lunch break?
Do you think children today have enough time for play and to properly digest their food? There are reports of some Irish schools offering as little as 10 minutes of lunchtime for kids. And what about the number of children who end up taking food home? Does your child feel rushed eating in school?Andrea is joined to discuss by Daniel Davey, Sports Nutritionist, Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Sarah Keogh, Dietitian & Founder of Eatwell and more.

Sep 16, 2025 • 10min
Eoin Hayes blackface controversy - what do you think?
The Social Democrats had only just given TD Eoin Hayes a second chance after he misled the party about holding shares in Palantir, a controversial company that has profited from Israeli military actions in Gaza. But now, Hayes is under scrutiny again, this time over photos showing him in blackface portraying Obama at a Halloween party 16 years ago…Should we be more forgiving of people's past mistakes - or are some actions simply too serious to overlook, no matter how long ago they happened?Joining Andrea to discuss is Mamobo Ogoro, Founder of Gorm Media and Social Psychologist and Eoin O’Malley, Professor in Political Science at DCU.

Sep 16, 2025 • 12min
How I Live Well: Blacksmith
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 Tom King, a blacksmith from the Boyne Valley in Meath to talk all things blacksmithing!

Sep 16, 2025 • 18min
Should we have energy credits in Budget 2026?
New research carried out for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has shown that almost three-quarters of people in Ireland believe the country’s wealth is unfairly distributed.It comes as almost half of respondents said they were concerned they would not be able to pay their bills over the year ahead.The findings have now put added pressure on the Government to incorporate energy credits in next month’s Budget as a way to tackle these concerns.So, do you think these energy credits should be included in the 2026 budget?Joining Andrea to discuss is Irish Times Consumer Journalist, Conor Pope, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association and listeners.

Sep 15, 2025 • 11min
Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen
Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Sep 15, 2025 • 9min
How do you make a good apology?
A recent study claims that longer apologies are perceived as more sincere. Guests discuss the tendency for women to over-apologize while preferences for simpler, direct apologies emerge. Corporate apologies often feel hollow, especially when they lack accountability. The discussion highlights the importance of ownership and genuine efforts in making amends. Additionally, insincere celebrity apologies face criticism for being crafted by PR teams. The conversation sheds light on cultural nuances that affect the effectiveness of apologies.


