Lunchtime Live

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. Ciara Treacy from the Newstalk Digital Team joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces!

This week, Andrea has been speaking to listeners about widowhood, and what it’s like to continue without their loved one. Today, that continues, and she is joined by more listeners to hear their experiences…

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies. Andrea will be joined by an expert 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, Andrea is joined by Community Midwife Jean Kavanagh to discuss everything you need to know about the Domino scheme.

Barcelona has banned tourist tat; no more billboard menus on the street to attract tourists, pestering waiters and all outdoor furniture needs to look the same. So, is this a good thing? And should we follow suit in Ireland? Joining Andrea to discuss is Frank McDonald, Dublin author and Journalist.

It’s Wish Week here on Newstalk, and we are highlighting the incredible work Make-A-Wish does in helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses… Andrea is joined by Abi Buckley, who was 17 when her wish was granted… Let’s make 2026 the biggest Wish Week yet! Every cent matters. Donate online at makeawish.ie/donate .

With the furor of the past few weeks, a 10 cent excise cut on fuel took effect at midnight last night. Will the government’s supports have an impact, and is there faith that anything will really change? Andrea is joined by Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator, as well as listeners, to discuss.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with the DAA, to answer any of your questions about navigating Dublin Airport!

Duncan Tout, a carpenter, has given up his job to become his dog’s social media manager. Yes, you heard that correctly! Duncan joins Andrea to talk about TJ the French Bulldog.

Based on yesterday’s conversation on the show about widowhood, and the different experiences of it, Andrea is joined by more listeners to hear their stories…

Moya Brennan, best known as the lead singer of the Grammy and BAFTA-winning group Clannad, passed away yesterday at the age of 73… Joining Andrea to look back on her legacy is Sean from Leo’s Tavern in Donegal Musician Brian Kennedy, Noel Cunningham, former Donegal Person of the Year and Kathryn Mason, Publicist for Moya’s first two solo albums.

Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week! Image: A24

Sinn Féin has called for a vote of no confidence in response to the government’s handling of the ongoing fuel crisis. With growing criticism over official statements about the protests, many people across Ireland feel their concerns are not being fully heard or addressed by those in power. So, do you support the current government’s approach, or do you agree with Sinn Féin’s call for a vote of no...

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Does your email address make you cringe? Or have you abandoned your teenage hotmail account in favour of a more professional gmail one? Well, Gmail has announced a new feature allowing people to finally change their email address. Elaine Burke, host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast joins Andrea to discuss!

“I loved my hus­band dearly, but I admit what few dare to: I’m hap­pier as a widow” - a strong statement from Psychologist, author and speaker Tabby Kerwin. She joins Andrea to share her experience of widowhood, as well as Venita Quick, Broadcaster and host of the ‘Grief Pod’ podcast and Kathie Stritch, Founder of Grief Ireland.

After a worrying day on Saturday, Rory McIlroy held his nerve to retain the green jacket at Augusta! Fionn Davenport, Presenter of Golf weekly on Off the Ball joins Andrea to discuss the win, as well as David O'Donovan, General Manager with County Sligo Golf Club and Anne Marie Kennedy, High Performance Psychologist. Image: Reuters

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom and Newstalk’s Rory Galvin join Andrea Gilligan to review the new Serial series: ‘The Idiot’! Image: New York Times

With more of the fuel protests winding down around the country, whether peacefully or through Garda intervention - are you satisfied with the new Government package of measures? Or, is there more needed? Joining Andrea to discuss is Farmer and President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Denis Drennan, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Genealogist and Census Expert Fiona Fitzsimons joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Paddy Smyth who you might know as ‘My Disabled Life’ on social media joins Andrea to share a shocking story, where someone accused him of faking his disability…

It is day four of the nationwide fuel protests - and it looks like things are holding firm. How have you been impacted, what is traffic like, and do you agree with the protestors? Andrea is joined by business owners, listeners and more to discuss. Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe also joins to discuss what we know ahead of today’s meetings between protest representatives and the Gover...

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.

As we are in the third day of the national fuel protests, and disruptions continue across the country: do you support what’s happening? Has your opinion changed since it started? Andrea is joined by listeners to get their thoughts…

From putting them up to how you dress them - what’s the best way to handle shelves in your home? The Home Squad are here to discuss all things shelving! Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Eoin Kavanagh from the DIY Academy.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them. What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from? Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the Talking Heads concert film ‘Stop Making Sense’!