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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

Apr 10, 2025 • 19min
Should we have open access to university?
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy has suggested that there should be open access to university.That means that he wants degrees to be made freely available to all, with none or limited points restrictions.What do you think about this idea? Is it something you would support?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Mooney, Guidance Counsellor and Irish Times Columnist, Architect Roisin Murphy, Dr. Ellen Howley, Assistant Professor at DCU’s School of English as well as listeners.Image: UCD

Apr 10, 2025 • 12min
Ireland to have its first Fashion Week!
Move over Paris and Milan, it’s Ireland’s turn!This October, the very first Irish Fashion Week takes place.Coming from the mind of Irish entrepreneur Ashley McDonnell, Ireland Fashion Week will be a nationwide effort and take place from October 6-10th 2025. It may be the first, but we’ve long had a healthy supply of world-class talent when it comes to fashion design…Joining Andrea to discuss the event is Ashley McDonnell, Emma Manley, Creative Director of Manley Irish womenswear fashion brand, Lia Cowan, Fashion Designer and Celia Holman-Lee, Model Agent.Image: @irelandfashionweek on Instagram

Apr 10, 2025 • 9min
What (not) to do at an office meeting
The Chief Executive of JP Morgan has ordered his staff to stop reading emails when other people are talking…It is something we have all experienced – you're talking in a meeting and look down to a sea of faces scrolling on their phones...Should we all put a stop to it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Business Coach, Mentor and author Padraic O'Maille and Aisling Owens Nash, Head Networking Leader for Ireland at Mums in Business International.

Apr 10, 2025 • 19min
Is ADHD being overdiagnosed?
With rising diagnosis rates, there’s growing debate about whether ADHD is being accurately identified or misdiagnosed in Ireland.Minister Mary Butler claims this is driving spiraling waiting list numbers…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Dr. Sarah Carty, GP, Sarah Kelly, SpeakEasy Speech and Language Therapist as well as listeners.

Apr 9, 2025 • 13min
How to make the most out of your barbeque!
This good weather has us naturally excited for the summer, and although we’re not quite there yet, it's not too premature to get the barbecues out!With their tips and recipes, Andrea is joined by Chef Dylan McGrath and Catherine Fulvio, owner of Ballyknocken House & Cookery School.

Apr 9, 2025 • 9min
Reasons to be Happy: Riverdance, Cinema Tickets, Fashion Week
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…

Apr 9, 2025 • 7min
Why do we love celebrity feuds?
Good news this week for all of us that have been worried - Madonna has said she and Sir Elton John have "buried the hatchet" and put an end to their decades-long feud.Apparently, they’ve been beefing since the early 2000’s.It may have been keeping you awake at night, but there’s no doubt that there is some fascination to be had with these celebrity feuds.Joining Andrea to discuss some more examples is Sinead Dalton, Editor of Evoke.ie.Image: Reuters

Apr 9, 2025 • 9min
How did Ryanair lose a wheelchair?
Listener Aine got in touch with the show about an issue she is dealing with.Ryanair has supposedly lost her nephew’s wheelchair. He is paralyzed from the chest down, and because of that he is stuck in bed on their holiday in Portugal.Aine joins Andrea to discuss more.

Apr 9, 2025 • 13min
Making Babies: Ovulation and Sex
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 ovulation and sex.

Apr 9, 2025 • 10min
Should there be separate bathing areas for men and women?
In the good weather, the question can pop up: is there a need for separate mens and womens bathing areas outdoors?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciara Treacy from Newstalk’s Digital Team, Cllr. Donna Cooney, Deputy Lord Mayor and swimmer with Dollymount Dames and Jono Griffin from The Wild and Free Adventure Company in Donegal.


