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
Jul 2, 2025 • 9min
Calls for Greater Funding for Community Cafés
Andrea speaks to Mary Fogarty and Leoni Maher from The Cottage café in Loughmore, Co. Tipperary, who were in Leinster House campaigning for long-term government support for Ireland’s community cafés. They’re joined by café managers Louise Lawlor from the community café in Portland Row and Amy from the Priory Café and The Edge Community Café, who share how important a role these cafés play.Listen here.
Jul 2, 2025 • 11min
Reasons to be Happy
98FM's Cathal O’Sullivan joins Andrea for a look at some of the good news stories of the week, including Luas 2050 plans, a crisp festival, the Devil Wears Prada sequel and where is the most popular spot to get down on one knee.Listen here.
Jul 2, 2025 • 21min
Should RTÉ Broadcast Electric Picnic?
RTE have confirmed that they won’t be broadcasting any of Electric Picnic this year. They used to have live coverage and highlights from it for several years but stopped in 2017. It's Ireland’s largest music festival -- so, should they? Listen here.
Jul 2, 2025 • 15min
Making Babies: Your Questions
Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, joins Andrea in studio to answer listeners’ questions about pregnancy, fertility and maternal care in Ireland.Listen here.
Jul 2, 2025 • 7min
Should Flight Check-ins Be Scrapped?
Simon Calder, Travel Editor at The Independent (UK), joins Lunchtime Live to make the case for abolishing traditional airline check-ins—and what it would mean for future travel.Listen here.
Jul 2, 2025 • 7min
Is the Modern Irish Diet to Blame for Rising Allergies?
Andrea speaks to consultant allergist Dr Ranbir Kaulsay about changing food habits in Ireland and the possible links to increasing allergy rates.The rising trend of mediterranean diets and other seed focused diets may lead to a rise in allergies, and potentially serious health impacts.For more listen here.
Jul 2, 2025 • 16min
Are Water Charges the Only Way to Ensure Sustainable Water Use?
Andrea hears from listeners across the country on whether reintroducing water charges would help cut down on waste. Colin O’Byrne from VOICE Ireland joins to highlight the urgent need to fix Ireland’s water infrastructure.We also hear listener opinions, as temperatures increase and data centres contribute to overconsumption.Listen here.
Jul 1, 2025 • 14min
Ask the Expert: Divorce
Michelle Browne, divorce consultant, mediator, and author of Scars of Divorce, joins Lunchtime Live to answer listener questions about separation, legal planning, and financial issues arising from divorce.Listen here
Jul 1, 2025 • 9min
Six Traits That Define If You’re Cool
Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Lunchtime Live to break down the science of being cool.Things like comfortability in oneself, style and sense of humour are top of the list, find out what else by listening here.
Jul 1, 2025 • 18min
Is It Too Hot to Travel?
Dr Akshay Deoras, research scientist at the University of Reading, joins Lunchtime Live to explain what’s behind Europe’s latest heatwave and what, exactly, is a 'heatdome.'We also hear from listeners and travellers across the continent to hear if the heat is putting people off their Summer holidays.Listen here.
