

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

May 22, 2025 • 13min
The Home Squad: Building your home office
Working from home is still alive and well years after covid lockdown, so why not try and make your space the best it can be?The Home Squad are here to talk about building your home office!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan former ‘Home of the Year’ winners who is on Instagram as @workerscottage and Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

May 22, 2025 • 10min
How has the word ‘Queer’ evolved?
On Tuesday’s show Andrea was joined by Roscommon Poet Jane Clarke, who talked about her experience of being gay, and the importance of the marriage referendum.Jane referred to herself as queer several times, and it got quite a bit of a reaction – some people confused by it, and some dead against it.So, we wanted to have a conversation about it, when it’s okay to use, and by whom…Listener Claire and Drag Performer and Host of the ‘Poz Vibes’ Podcast Veda join Andrea to discuss.

May 22, 2025 • 17min
Is there a problem with teacher absenteeism?
Recently on the show was the topic of school absenteeism, where students would spend too much time out of school. But, is there a problem with teacher absenteeism?What causes it, and how does it impact students and schools?Joining Andrea to discuss is Kieran Christie, General Secretary of the ASTI and listeners.

May 22, 2025 • 11min
Is Ozempic killing the hospitality sector?
Are desserts becoming a thing of the past? The restaurant industry is noticing a shift, with fewer customers ordering that sweet treat to finish off their meal. But, is the rise of Ozempic to blame?Joining Andrea to discuss is Paul Knapp, the Firefighting Chef, Dee Laffan, Food Writer and Adrian Martin, Owner of Wildflower Restaurant in Blackrock.

May 22, 2025 • 9min
The Making of The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the band really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk us through the iconic Beach Boys album: ‘Pet Sounds’…

May 22, 2025 • 16min
Would you buy a standing seat on a plane?
Would you stand on a flight to save money?It’s been spoken about before, but it seems to be one step closer to reality.New rollercoaster style standing seats could be ready as soon as 2026.So, how much comfort are we willing to lose to save cash?Joining Andrea to discuss is Managing Director of Freedom Travel & Solo Travel Ciara Mooney, Ariana Dunne from Irish Country Magazine, Senior aviation analyst Simon Daly and more.

May 21, 2025 • 12min
What are the biggest glam mistakes brides make on the big day?
It’s your big day, the dress is perfect, the flowers are blooming, and all eyes are on you... but, wait, what happened to your hair?! Or your makeup by mid-ceremony?Joining Andrea to discuss the biggest glam mistakes brides can make on their big day is Tara Fay, Wedding Planner, Laura Lou Kearney, Luxury Bridal Hair Stylist and Michelle Regazzaoli Stone, Makeup Artist.

May 21, 2025 • 12min
Reasons to be Happy: Marriage Referendum, Movie Soundtracks, Pasta
Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

May 21, 2025 • 16min
Are concerts and festivals prohibitively expensive?
As we approach summer, many are considering the costs of a festival-filled season. With soaring ticket prices, are young people finding themselves adjusting their budgets, cutting back on clubbing nights to save for festival tickets? Could the cost of attending a major festival now rival that of a week-long holiday abroad?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ashley Chadomoyo Malone, Dublin DJ and young festival-goer, Daniel Browne, one of the Founders & Owners of Sea Sessions, Gareth Dunleavy, Curator of the ‘Oasis WTS’, Nick McKay from the ‘Roll With It’ Oasis tribute act and more.

May 21, 2025 • 12min
Making Babies: Issues you can face during pregnancy
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss any issues you might face during pregnancy…