

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

Jun 23, 2025 • 11min
The Pod Squad: Ireland Said Yes
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and host of the ‘For Tech's Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke join guest host Adrian Kennedy to review ‘Ireland Said Yes’!Image: Onic

Jun 23, 2025 • 22min
Are summer camps being used as babysitters?
As schools are coming to a close for summer holidays, summer camps are becoming a necessity for parents. Like a ticketed event, many working parents are in a race against time to book their child in from one camp to the next. What does this mean for these camps and are they being used as a babysitting service?Guest host Adrian Kenendy is joined by Child Development Expert and Founder of GOGNI Kids, Ollwyn Moran, as well as listeners to discuss.

Jun 20, 2025 • 12min
Summer Memories with Sonya Lennon
Our summer memories series is back!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Sonya Lennon joins Andrea to reminisce!

Jun 20, 2025 • 19min
Why is everything in Ireland so expensive?
Ireland ranks as the second most expensive country in the EU, just behind Denmark. The cost of living is driven primarily by steep prices in alcohol and tobacco where Ireland tops the EU charts followed closely by food, which is also significantly above the European average.But, what’s behind these high prices, and do they align with the average person’s income?Joining Andrea to discuss is Michelle Lawlor, owner of The Nude Wine Company, Claire Nash, owner of Nash 19 restaurant, Dylan Bradshaw, owner and Creative Director of Dylan Bradshaw Salon and Averil Sheehan from Care-A-Lot Childcare in Cork.

Jun 20, 2025 • 10min
Do Irish women forget to look after themselves?
Do Irish women tend to put others in front of their own needs? Whether it be a friend, husband or child, what is the right balance so you’re not looking after others to the point of hurting your own needs?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Eva Orsmond Founder of the Natural Women’s Council, Jana Landen and Siobhan O’Neill-White from mams.ie.

Jun 20, 2025 • 12min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
From free repairs to therapy dogs, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Jun 20, 2025 • 21min
Should jury duty expenses be paid?
Being called for jury duty means making significant adjustments to daily life, taking time off work, arranging childcare, covering travel and meal costs all to carry out an important civic responsibility. But, for many people, these disruptions come at a personal and financial cost.Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Justice, Home and Current Affairs, and Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Matt Carthy is calling for jurors’ expenses to be fully covered.He joins Andrea, along with listeners, to discuss.

Jun 19, 2025 • 15min
The Home Squad: Estimating the cost of jobs
When you need a bit of work done to your home, how can you guess how much a job should cost?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about estimating costs!Joining Andrea to discuss is Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power and Sarah Carroll from @sand.and.deliver on instagram.

Jun 19, 2025 • 10min
Are people still using sunbeds?
Despite widespread efforts to discourage the use of sunbeds for achieving a bronzed tan, tanning salons continue to emerge nationwide, with many people still choosing to use their services.What are the reasons behind the ongoing popularity of sunbeds, and what draws people to them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor Niki Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatologists and listeners.

Jun 19, 2025 • 14min
The impact of large classes on young students
Parents at a school in Clontarf have been given some unsettling news: starting in September, their senior infants' classes will be merged from three into two. The Department of Education has informed the school that this change is necessary due to a reduction in teaching resources available to them.What does this mean for the young students at this school, and how will it impact them?Joining Andrea to discuss is one of the parents at Belgrove Infant Girls School in Clontarf, Eamonn Broderick, Noel Loftus, Principal, St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas.


