

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.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2025 • 11min
Would maternity care be better if men gave birth?
“If men gave birth, maternity hospitals would be palaces and we’d get three years off. And there’d be an awful lot greater attention on maternal care.”So says Aodhán O’Riordán, Labour TD and MEP, after welcoming his premature daughter into the world.He joins Andrea to discuss…

Dec 19, 2025 • 12min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Dec 19, 2025 • 19min
Should eating peanuts in public be banned?
Should peanuts be banned from enclosed spaces? A listener got in touch with his experience at a gig last night.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Journalist Joe McNamee, Ruth Charles, Founder of the Irish Food Allergy Network, Aoife Quinn, Register Dietician and more.

Dec 18, 2025 • 12min
The Home Squad: Presents for a home lover!
With Christmas only a week away, you may have not gotten every present just yet. So, what are the best gifts for a home lover?Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss the best presents!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O’Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

Dec 18, 2025 • 13min
Highlighting Pieta’s counselling services
Christmas is a time of huge joy, but it can also be tough for some people, especially for those who have lost someone.If you find yourself in that situation, help is available.Andrea is joined by the CEO of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan and Laura Hallinan, who availed of Pieta’s bereavement counselling services, to discuss.Pieta’s 24-Hour Crisis Helpline & Text Service: 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444.If you wish to donate, you can do so at www.pieta.ie.

Dec 18, 2025 • 19min
Is it acceptable to park in parent and baby spaces without a child?
Many car parks across the country have allocated parent and baby spaces for parents with young children. These spaces are bigger than the average car parking space, and are usually located close to the front door of the shop.The reason for this is so parents have enough room to get their child in and out of the car seat as well as having space for their buggy.With many people parking in these spaces who do not have children, should we be calling them out, or should these spaces be available for parents only?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast, Jen Hogan, Off The Ball’s Adrian Barry, as well as listeners.

Dec 18, 2025 • 10min
Listener whose car was stolen left waiting by insurance company
Dealing with companies about complaints can be incredibly frustrating at the best of times.But what about when it’s putting you massively out of pocket?That's what happened to Andrea’s guest Aisling. She joins to explain her situation, and Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert & Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins as well to discuss…

Dec 18, 2025 • 14min
The Making of Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists 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 through Marvin Gaye’s album ‘What’s Going On’!

Dec 18, 2025 • 20min
Should we have anti-misogyny classes for boys?
The UK Labour Party is to roll out a scheme introducing anti-misogyny classes for boys aged 11.The programme is aimed at young boys who display “worrying behaviour” who can then be sent onto courses to teach them about consent, the dangers of sharing intimate images and challenging unhealthy myths about women and girls.Should Ireland follow suit in this effort to prevent the radicalisation of young men?Andrea is joined by Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly, as well as listeners, to discuss…

Dec 17, 2025 • 12min
Why does this football club have no facilities for girls?
Girls playing for Kilmore Celtic Football Club are having to knock on houses and ask to use the toilet because there are no facilities for them at their pitch. How is this still going on?Dean Russell is the Club Chairman, and joins Andrea to discuss, as well as some of those affected.


