

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 14, 2025 • 11min
The Pod Squad: When Banksy Comes to Town
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Host of the ‘No Encore’ Music Podcast Dave Hanratty join Andrea to review ‘The Banksy Story Presents: When Banksy Comes to Town’!Image: BBC

Apr 14, 2025 • 20min
Should we be embracing public social spaces?
There has been plenty of talk over the last number of weeks about people socialising on Drury Street.But, should we be embracing this sort of socialising rather than condemning it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, owner of Drury Buildings Ronan Rogerson, Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael John Crowe, Newstalk’s own Katie Gallagher and more.

Apr 11, 2025 • 13min
Ask Me Anything: Superbike Champion
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Kevin Keyes, Irish & British Superbike Champion, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to being a motorbike racer!

Apr 11, 2025 • 9min
Do you have a social media account for your dog?
Today marks World Pet Day, and surprisingly, one in ten Irish dogs have a social media account…Do you have one?Joining Andrea to discuss is 98fm Producer Russel Alford, father to Hamilton the Frenchie (@hammyfrenchie on Instagram) and Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service.

Apr 11, 2025 • 15min
Should cinema entry and age ratings get more strict?
According to the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), they have received complaints of children as young as three being admitted to movies in Limerick and Dublin that featured 'beheadings and throat-cutting'. Where does the responsibility lie? Is it up to the cinema to enforce the classification, or the parent / guardian who's in charge?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr. Ciaran Kissane, Director of Film Classification in the Irish Film Classification Office, Mark Anderson, Director of the Omniplex Cinema Group, Ollwyn Moran Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids as well as listeners.

Apr 11, 2025 • 11min
Is Ryanair’s baggage policy deceptive?
Ryanair’s baggage policy has long been a point of contention for travelers across Europe. With strict limits on free carry-on items and added fees for larger bags, the airline says it’s keeping costs low and flights on time.But, critics argue it’s confusing and costly for passengers.So, what are Ryanair’s baggage rules? Do they work, why are they in place, and what do they mean for travelers?Joining Andrea to discuss is frequent flyer Conor Wilkinson, Ciara Mooney, frequent flyer and Travel Agent and Travel Blogger Tara Povey.

Apr 11, 2025 • 10min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
From a budgie in a beer garden to Turkey hotel heroics, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Apr 11, 2025 • 20min
Young people opting to apply for social housing - what can be done?
Apparently, young people think they’ve more hope of getting a council house, than ever being able to afford one themselves.How has the housing situation gotten this bad?What can we do to help young people?Joining Andrea to discuss is Charlie Weston, Irish Independent Personal Finance Editor, Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte, Clement Herron from Clement Herron Real Estate as well as listeners.

Apr 10, 2025 • 15min
The Home Squad: Estimating Costs
When you’re looking to buy a home, how can you estimate what the costs will be to do it up during a viewing?Well, the Home Squad are here to help you train that eye!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power to discuss.

Apr 10, 2025 • 9min
Do girls trips always end in drama?
When you go on a girls-only trip, is it incident free? Or, just like the three women in ‘The White Lotus’, does it descend into drama and disaster? To talk about friendships ‘on holiday’, Andrea is joined by Chrissie Russell, Features Writer with the Irish Independent and Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor at DMG Media.Image: HBO


