

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

Apr 23, 2025 • 7min
Why is Ireland experiencing a gold rush?
Ireland is seeing a surge in gold investment, driven by economic uncertainty, inflation fears, and a growing desire for financial security.Andrea is joined by David Higgins, Head of Trading at Merrion Vaults, to find out what’s behind this gold rush, why more Irish people are turning to precious metals, and what it means for investors today…

Apr 23, 2025 • 21min
Do we want celebrities to make political statements?
Sharon Osbourne has called for Kneecap’s US work visas to be revoked…At the end of their Coachella set, they put pro-Palestinian messages up on the big screen behind them.Sharon Osborne has said they took their performance to a different level by incorporating “aggressive” political statements.She said - after witnessing their performance during the first weekend, that allowing them to perform again the following weekend suggests support for their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence.Are artists and celebrities free to make political statements? Or, are they meant to entertain, and nothing else?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley, the Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Journalist Saoirse Hanley, John Brereton, Grand Social PR Manager & Director of the Dublin Bowie festival and listeners.Image: @KNEECAPCEOL on Twitter

Apr 22, 2025 • 12min
Ask the Expert: Tattoos & Tattoo Removal
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Adam Buckley, Tattoo Artist in Wildcat Tattoos and Matt Noble, Senior Laser Technician at Dundrum Cosmetic Clinic to answer any of your questions on tattoos, as well as tattoo removal!

Apr 22, 2025 • 7min
What to do with leftover Easter chocolate
If you’re like Andrea and somehow have a lot of leftover Easter chocolate in the house – we're here to help!What recipes can you make out of them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Baker Graham Herterich, ‘The Cupcake Bloke’.Image: Hamiltons Chocolates

Apr 22, 2025 • 17min
Is Ireland still a Catholic country?
With the recent death of Pope Francis, we're asking: does it still matter to people in Ireland — and is Ireland still a Catholic country?Whether it is your faith or identity, how much has really changed?Joining Andrea to discuss is Father Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Ballinakill, John Hamill, from the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and listeners.

Apr 22, 2025 • 12min
How water-saving devices can also save you money!
According to new research, making changes to conserve water will lessen those energy bills...Fitting water-saving devices in your home could save you up to €300 a year!Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor John Gallagher from Trinity College Dublin, who co-wrote this report, Pete the Builder and Research & Policy Lead with the National Water Forum, Dr Triona McGrath.

Apr 22, 2025 • 10min
How I Live Well: Reflexology
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 Trish Greene, the Dublin Reflexologist to talk all things reflexology!

Apr 22, 2025 • 21min
Are you worried about safety on buses?
Dublin Bus services have been withdrawn from the Mountjoy Square area of Dublin after a bus driver was threatened by a man holding what appeared to be a gun.SIPTU has instructed its member drivers to withdraw services until union representatives meet with management to agree actions to improve safety. Are you worried about safety on buses?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Apr 17, 2025 • 13min
The Home Squad: Summer-ready gardens!
With the weather (sometimes!) improving, you will probably be looking to get your garden summer-ready.Well, the Home Squad are here to help you regain that green thumb!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Brian Burke, Woodie's DIY & Garden Expert and RTÉ Super Garden judge to discuss.

Apr 17, 2025 • 9min
Can we actually change our personality?
Can we actually change who we are? Is it possible to reshape your personality?Psychologist Dr. Brent Roberts is known for his research on personality change, and joins Andrea to discuss.


