

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 27, 2025 • 11min
Could you marry into farming?
Ever wondered what it would be like to marry into a farming family when you’re not from that world? How quickly could you embrace the 4am starts and early morning milking sessions?Do you think you’d be able to do it?Andrea is joined by listeners who made that jump to discuss.

May 27, 2025 • 8min
How I Live Well: Tufting
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 Ellen Webb, General Manager of Dublin Tufting to discuss tufting, and what separates it from other kinds of rug-making.

May 27, 2025 • 21min
Tragedy at Liverpool victory parade
You have probably heard about the tragedy that took place in Liverpool yesterday.Four children are among almost 50 people injured. 27 people were taken to hospital, and two suffered serious injuries…The car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool FC's victory parade yesterday evening.A 53-year-old white British man has been arrested, and the incident is not being treated as terrorism.Andrea is joined by some people who were at the parade to discuss.

May 26, 2025 • 12min
Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen
Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

May 26, 2025 • 9min
Should you travel Europe by train?
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your summer holidays – have you ever considered travelling Europe by train?It’s a slightly slower journey but the sights to see along the way are apparently stunning.Joining Andrea to discuss is Travel Journalist Andrew Eames and Melanie May, Travel Writer and Broadcaster.

May 26, 2025 • 23min
Are children encouraged to be outside enough?
A new outdoor primary school is opening in Wicklow, offering a unique learning experience set across 52 acres of nature.With a custom curriculum, outdoor classrooms, and even a chef preparing meals, this school is redefining education.Joining Andrea to discuss this exciting project is Principal Louise Nelson, and joining to discuss why children should be encouraged to be outside more is Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Independent, Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland Teresa Heeney and more.

May 26, 2025 • 10min
Do you check your email on holiday?
Do you struggle to stop yourself checking your emails when you’re off work?Despite our best intentions, apparently half of us cannot switch off on holiday.So, why do we do it? And how do we stop?Joining Andrea to discuss is Larissa Feeney, Founder and CEO of Kinore, Life Coach Mark Fennell and listeners.

May 26, 2025 • 8min
The Pod Squad: In Bits
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Ciaran Bradley from Newstalk’s Digital Team, and Elaine Burke, Host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast join Andrea to review ‘In Bits’!Image: IADT

May 26, 2025 • 22min
Should we return to 100% mortgages?
The possible return of 100% mortgages for first-time buyers in Ireland could be a controversial idea.With these loans making a comeback in the UK, one Irish party says it’s time we follow suit to help renters become homeowners, but critics warn it could drive up house prices and lead to another financial mess.So, is this a solution to the housing crisis or a step back to the mistakes of the past?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ken O’Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central, John Lowe, Founder of the Money Doctor, Jason Cullen from the Dublin Commuter Coalition and listeners.

May 23, 2025 • 13min
Ask Me Anything: Paranormal Investigator
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Paranormal Investigator Ann Massey McElroy joins Andrea to answer any of your spooky, haunted or otherwise questions!


