Lunchtime Live

Leon Dwyer, an Irish Breakdancer, has just finished in the top 4 in the World Breakdancing Championships. But, how did he get this achievement, and how do you judge breakdancing?He joins Andrea to discuss!

According to the HSE, around 450,000 people have doctor-diagnosed asthma in Ireland. In 2022, 87 people in Ireland died from asthma, that is a 36% increase on the average of the previous two years…The UK’s National Review of Asthma deaths found that over two thirds of asthma deaths involved potentially avoidable factors. While Ireland has not yet conducted a comparable national review, many of the same system-level failures are likely at play.Mold and dampness in homes not only affect those with asthma, but it can cause other illnesses. Could our homes be causing us to get sick?Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor Marcus Butler, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, Siobhan O'Neill White from mams.ie, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, Eilís Ní Chaithnía and more.

A South Dublin all-girls school has welcomed boys to the classroom for the first time since opening 70 years ago…But, should all schools be co-ed?Are single-sex schools an outdated concept?Andrea is joined by Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents Podcast’, Jen Hogan, as well as listeners, to discuss.

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 Dermot O’ Brien, Chief Executive at the Contract Bridge Association, to discuss all things bridge!

Bob Geldof is the latest name to hit the Presidential rumour mill today.It makes one wonder: what is it we want from a Presidency?Does a background in politics matter? Or would we prefer someone who can bring the charisma and weight of ‘celebrity’?Which attributes matter when it comes to the role?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe, as well as listeners.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Fear of flying is a common phobia that can hold people back from travel and new experiences.But, how does one overcome this fear?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr John Francis Leader, Psychologist from Fear of Flying Ireland, to understand what causes this fear and explore practical, proven strategies to overcome it.

Electric Picnic is over for another year. With headline acts as big as Hozier, Chappel Ronan and Kings of Leon taking to the main stage. The most talked about and in demand act of the weekend, Kneecap, took to the stage at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon.Many festival goers weren’t happy with their time slot, but the afternoon didn’t seem to be an issue for the Irish rappers, and has been deemed a family favorite for all.How are the band keeping young people politically engaged, and what did you make of them at Electric Picnic?Joining Andrea to discuss is Journalist with the Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanley, as well as listeners who were there.

Over 50% of adults believe that children should start receiving pocket money by the age of nine, that’s according to a research study commissioned by Royal London Ireland.But, are children entitled to pocket money, or should they have to earn it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Bethan O’Riordan, Psychotherapist from the Calm Parenting Community, John Lowe from moneydoctors.ie and listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Jess Kelly and Neil Kavanagh join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle’!Image: BBC