

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

Jul 1, 2025 • 9min
Six Traits That Define If You’re Cool
Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Lunchtime Live to break down the science of being cool.Things like comfortability in oneself, style and sense of humour are top of the list, find out what else by listening here.

Jul 1, 2025 • 18min
Is It Too Hot to Travel?
Dr Akshay Deoras, research scientist at the University of Reading, joins Lunchtime Live to explain what’s behind Europe’s latest heatwave and what, exactly, is a 'heatdome.'We also hear from listeners and travellers across the continent to hear if the heat is putting people off their Summer holidays.Listen here.

Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
Dublin Bus Records 1,000 Incidents of Antisocial Behaviour
Blake Boland from Dublin Bus joins Lunchtime Live to explain the nature of this antisocial abuse and behaviour across the Dublin Bus network. Suzanne O’Connor from SIPTU’s Respect Transport Workers programme also discusses the toll it’s taking on drivers and staff.Listen here.

Jul 1, 2025 • 10min
How I Live Well: Roller Derby
Elaine Snowden and Melissa “Argie Bargie” join Andrea to talk about the culture, community and sport of roller derby.Listen here to hear all about the make-up of the game, where it's at in Ireland and how to play.

Jul 1, 2025 • 20min
Voluntary Contributions in Schools
Seamus Mulconry from the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association speaks to Lunchtime Live about rising “voluntary” school contributions as inflation hits budgets. Listeners share their experience on the rising impact of school costs.From technology costs to school meals; are schools putting the squeeze on parents with voluntary contributions?Listen here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 14min
Ask the GP
Dr Louise Fitzgerald of Grafton Medical joins Lunchtime Live to answer listeners’ medical queries — from Summer allergies to prescription side effects and general health advice.Listen here

Jun 30, 2025 • 8min
Are Left-Handed People More Creative?
A recent study has shown that only 10% of the country is left-handed. But are Ciotog’s really smarter and more creative? Margaret Leahy from Fable Tours joins Andrea to discuss her experience growing up left-handed and to dispel some of those myths around ciotogs.Listen here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 20min
The BBC Says It Regrets Not Pulling Bob Vylan Set
The BBC has said it regrets not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, during which a band member shouted "death to the IDF" - as Ofcom said the broadcaster has "questions to answer". A spokesperson for the corporation said the remarks by frontman Bobby Vylan were antisemetic and "utterly unacceptable", and the performance should have been taken off air. Andrea is joined by guests and attendees for Bob Vylan's set to discuss if this statement has gone too far.

Jun 30, 2025 • 5min
On Stage with Alanis Morissette
Imagine what it would be like to sing Ironic, on stage, with Alanis Morissette.Well, Andrea is joined by one woman who had such a privelege Grainne Gillespie from Donegal.Listen to what that experience was like here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 7min
Is Cutting the Grass an Outdated Concept?
Brian Burke, Naturalist and Founder of the Micro Wild biodiversity project in Blessington and Fiann Ó Nualláin, The Holistic Gardener, join Lunchtime Live to debate whether the tidy lawn is falling out of favour. Is a bit of wildness better for biodiversity — or does it just look lazy?Listen here.


