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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 15, 2025 • 8min
The Making of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’
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 Fleetwood Mac album Rumours…

May 15, 2025 • 16min
Are you disappointed in Ireland for going to Eurovision?
RTÉ’s Eurovision Head of Delegation Michael Kealy has said it “feels wrong” when others suggest the broadcaster boycott the Eurovision Song Contest.There has been controversy over Israel’s participation in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, with many calls for RTÉ to pull out of the event.That obviously hasn’t happened and Ireland is competing tonight, along with Israel.Are you disappointed that we are going ahead with the song contest?Andrea is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean reporting from Basel, Frank Dermody, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club, Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and more to discuss.

May 14, 2025 • 13min
Dublin taxi drivers are using a loophole in Drogheda
Some Dublin taxi drivers are operating a loophole to take fares in Drogheda, and local taxi drivers are not happy…Andrea is joined by taxi drivers to discuss what is going on.

May 14, 2025 • 9min
Reasons to be Happy: BBQ Weather, Taco Bell, Soap Crossover
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 14, 2025 • 17min
Is the Government failing when it comes to childcare costs?
Despite efforts to reduce childcare costs, many Irish families continue to face significant financial burdens. Recent reports highlight that families paying up to €1,138 monthly for childcare receive a subsidy of €414, leaving them with a €724 out-of-pocket expense.To achieve the Government’s target of €200 monthly childcare costs, an additional €524 per child per month would be required.So, is the Government dropping the ball here?Joining Andrea to discuss is Siobhan O’Neill-White from mams.ie, as well as listeners.

May 14, 2025 • 12min
Making Babies: Weeks 9-12 of 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 the 9 to 12 of pregnancy, the end of the first trimester…

May 14, 2025 • 9min
Do you have what it takes to be on Big Brother?
Big Brother is back, and this year, they want you! Big Brother bosses are keen for Irish contestants to apply. If you’ve got a big personality and aren’t afraid to be watched 24/7, this could be your moment.Andrea is joined by Ray Shah, former Big Brother Contestant, to discuss the application process, and what it’s really like inside the house.

May 14, 2025 • 19min
Should we all return to the office?
Businessman Denis O’Brien has blasted working from home as “...a load of nonsense”.He claimed Ireland’s reputation as a place to do business is at risk, and working from home is now a threat to the economy, because it has caused a loss of competitiveness, energy, creativity and ideas.What do you think? Should we all be returning to the office?Joining Andrea to discuss is Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Larissa Feeney, CEO of Kinore.

May 13, 2025 • 20min
Why thousands of children may have had unnecessary hip surgery
An investigation has found that many children in Ireland may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries at Children's Health Ireland…The probe could stretch back 15 years, raising serious questions about oversight, ethics, and patient safety.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín and some of those affected.

May 13, 2025 • 9min
Ask the Expert: Tongue Tie
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dr. Justin Roche, Consultant Paediatrician at The National Tongue Tie Centre, to explain what tongue tie is, how it affects babies, and what can be done about it.


