
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
Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live Highlights 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'
Latest episodes

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!

Apr 4, 2025 • 9min
Wish Week: Emma’s Story
This week is Wish Week on Newstalk, and right across the station we have been hearing about the amazing families who have had their wishes granted with the charity.Emma Preston was 15 when she had her wish granted.Emma’s mother Edel joins Andrea to discuss what that experience was like, and how important it was for her daughter.Let’s make 2025 the biggest Wish Week yet. Every cent matters. Donate online atmakeawish.ie/donate!

Apr 4, 2025 • 14min
Should rich people be taxed for flying?
Rich people should cut back on flying and allow poorer families to take the form of travel, all with the intention of cutting overall emissions globally.That’s according to Emma Pinchbeck of the Climate Change Committee.What do you think? Is this unreasonable or would it make sense in the big picture?Andrea is joined by Climate Journalist, John Gibbons as well as listeners to discuss.

Apr 4, 2025 • 12min
Are we too obsessed with self help?
We live in a world of self-help and healing, but what happens when it goes too far? That’s what happened with Andrea’s guest who once struggled with an obsession for self-help, but managed to overcome it…Writer Hannah Ewens joins to discuss.

Apr 4, 2025 • 11min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
From Waterford blaas to sextuplet lambs, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.