
Lunchtime Live Highlights
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com
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Latest episodes

Apr 1, 2025 • 8min
Is Chappell Roan right about having kids?
On the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, Chappell Roan says having kids is hellish — and not all parents are upset about it.Is she right?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Katie Makk from the ‘Opinions Matter’ podcast and Amy Shanahan, owner of Amy Michelle Hairdressing in Cork City.Image: Island Records

Apr 1, 2025 • 21min
Are Irish roads too dangerous?
The Irish Road Haulage Association has voiced growing concerns around bad driving behavior on the roads. From distracted driving to aggressive road habits, what can be done to address dangerous driving?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Apr 1, 2025 • 10min
Lesser-known holiday destinations!
You only have to look out your window to see that summer is nearly upon us!A lot of people are now looking to book their summer trips away, but what if you are looking for an alternative to some of the more popular tourist destinations?What are some of the overlooked gems? The areas that are maybe slightly off the beaten track?Andrea is joined by Sarah Slattery, Founder of the travelexpert.ie, Melanie May, Solo Travel Writer & ‘Talk Travel’ Presenter on Dublin City FM and Ed Finn, award-winning Travel Journalist to give their recommendations!

Apr 1, 2025 • 11min
How I Live Well: Men’s Retreats
It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Diarmuid Lyng, Co-Founder of Nature of Man to discuss the benefits to be gained from a men’s retreat!

Apr 1, 2025 • 22min
Should Adolescence be shown in schools?
The Netflix drama ‘Adolescence’, which has sparked conversation around toxic online content and youth violence, will be screened in UK secondary schools, Keir Starmer has announced.The UK Prime Minister said he wanted to talk about "what can we do as a society to stop and prevent young boys being dragged into this whirlpool of hatred and misogyny".What do you think about this idea?Is it something that we should do here?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Tara Duggan from Newstalk’s Newsroom, Alex Cooney, CEO of Cyber Safe Kids and more.Image: Netflix

Mar 31, 2025 • 14min
Ask the GP with Dr John Flanagan
Dr John Flanagan, GP at Suffolk Street Surgery joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Mar 31, 2025 • 7min
Why you should take a sabbatical!
Sabbaticals offer significant benefits for both employees and organizations. For employees, they provide an opportunity to recharge, pursue personal interests, and reduce burnout, leading to improved mental health, creativity, and job satisfaction. For organisations, sabbaticals help retain talent, reduce turnover, and foster a culture of trust and loyalty.So, should we be taking more sabbaticals?Joining Andrea to discuss is Wellness Coach and Author, Sinead Kennedy.

Mar 31, 2025 • 20min
Influencers could face wrath of consumer watchdog
Influencers have been warned that they will face action from the consumer watchdog if they are found to be in breach of commercial content laws.Last week, we heard that former Ireland rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll had fallen foul of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)...He was one of 26 social media influencers taken to task for alleged breaches.Are you happy that the CCPC are taking a stronger hand with influencers around labelling paid posts and content?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Mandy Maher, Owner of The Platform - an agency that represents Social Media Influencers & Content Creators, Dr Irene McCormick, Senior Lecturer in Media SETU Carlow & Course Director of BA Content Creation and Social Media and Sinead O'Moore, Host of the Stretchmarks Podcast.

Mar 31, 2025 • 13min
Do planning regulations need to be relaxed?
Planning permission issues in Ireland are a growing concern due to challenges in balancing urban development with environmental and regulatory restrictions. Delays, inconsistencies, and complex zoning rules often frustrate homeowners and developers.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Martin Kelly, Planning Consultant and Martin Linnane, Farmer in Kinvara and more.

Mar 31, 2025 • 12min
The Pod Squad: Hooligans
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review the BBC’s ‘Hooligans’!Image: BBC
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