Lunchtime Live

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, award-winning Cartoonist Niall O’Loughlin joins Andrea to answer any of your cartoon, animation and caricature questions!

 A survey from Bulmers reveals that one third of Irish adults don’t celebrate their achievements… Are we as Irish people bad at celebrating our achievements? Is there something to our society that keeps us from sharing our wins in life? Professor of Psychiatry at TCD Brendan Kelly and Broadcaster Meghan Scully join Andrea to discuss.

Lisa O’Connor has been campaigning to change the laws surrounding pet theft, and has stressed the importance of her petition as she stated, “behind every stolen dog is a broken family.” As it stands, while pet theft is considered a serious crime, it falls under ‘stolen property’ with Lisa stating that pets are not stolen property, but companions and part of people’s families. Lisa joins Andrea, as...

From gigantic catches to marathon unmatchedness, Alex Rowley from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

Two weeks ago, Paula Crotty joined Andrea to share her story of her daughter who suffered from an eating disorder. She joins Andrea again to delve deeper into this, alongside Angela, who also has experience as a family member of someone with disordered eating.

Donald Trump has made it clear that he thinks he should be the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming that he has been instrumental in stopping multiple awards. He didn’t win it this year, but should he? Joining Andrea to discuss is Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad, Patti Shields, Executive Director, Irish Cultural Centre and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts Jerry McDermott and l...

One listener got in touch with the show with a paint-related question… To answer this and discuss the importance of good paint, the Home Squad are here to discuss picking the right paint! Joining Andrea to discuss is Painter Oisin Butler and Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

The much expected guest announcement for next year’s Slane Castle gig is Luke Combs. Some of you may be surprised, because he has seemingly slipped under the radar in Ireland. So, who is he? Joining Andrea to discuss is Host of Today FM Country Hits on Wednesday nights, Clodagh Lawlor.

Earlier this morning, Post-Doctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin, Clare Moriarty spoke with Newstalk Breakfast about the experience she faced when going through a miscarriage. Many women who experience pregnancy loss have spoken about the deep emotional pain of being surrounded by expectant mothers and the cries of newborn babies while they grieve. In these moments of heartbreak, the hospi...

Victoria Beckham's brand new documentary premiered today. The three-part series offers an in-depth look at her life, career, family and success. With this vulnerable look at Victoria's life and place in the Beckham family, it made us think of this wider idea of the ‘Beckham Brand’, and how they have built themselves to be one of the most recognizable names in the world. But, are they as big as the...

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 Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Tracy Chapman’s debut album ‘Tracy Chapman’!

Tensions remain high as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Doha, Qatar. Israeli officials say a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza is possible, but may take more time to finalise. The proposed ceasefire includes phased hostage releases and Israeli troop withdrawals, but significant hurdles remain - particularly around humanitarian aid access. Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy...

This morning on Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman, they spoke about bringing your children to the pub. It's a topic that gathers a lot of mixed reviews amongst people. So, the question is: would you bring your kids to the pub? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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…

Mandy Kelly has been doing everything in her power for the last three years to get her kids back, after their father abducted them in Egypt. News this week has the Government hoping to get an international arrest Red Notice warrant issued for their father soon. Mandy joins Andrea to discuss…

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 debunk myths surrounding autism and pregnancy, and answer...

More young people than ever have been trading and investing in stocks. Revolut reported a 17% surge in young investors across the Irish market. But, why has there been this shift? Joining Andrea to discuss is Emer Walsh, Business Journalist for the Irish Examiner, Senan Delargy, the CEO of the Trinity Student Managed Fund, Mihaela Borta, President of UCD’s Investor and Entrepreneurs' Society and C...

Yesterday, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe delivered his statement for Budget 2026 to the Dáil. The reaction by most was one of little surprise, with the budget having little to no effect on the working-class person's day-to-day life. Those who are seeking to buy a house or keep their children in affordable childcare are no better off with little to no incentives to improve the housing ma...

Andrea is joined by the incredible Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter RuthAnne! RuthAnne has been on the show a few times, usually about her experience with endometriosis and her campaigning for better healthcare. But today, she joins Andrea to talk about not only her new album, but also her new book!

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 Aislinn Horgan (@ byaislinn.ie on Instagram), who specialises in medical tattoos, to talk all about the practice.

Budget 2026 comes out today. One thing that is known ahead of the full announcement is that Ministers are taking the first step towards ending the means test for carers… The Carer’s Allowance means test will increase by €200 to €825 a month for a single person and by €400 to €1,650 a month for a couple. What do carers think of the change? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

Big news broke last night in the race for the Áras: Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin has withdrawn from the Presidential election, following controversy over an unregistered tenancy linked to his past. It’s a major blow to the party and a shake-up in the race just weeks out from polling day… Joining Andrea to discuss the fallout and what it means for the campaign ahead is Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for...

Drogheda campaigners are launching a film today to showcase why they believe Drogheda should be made a city. Drogheda City Status Group has said "Unprecedented residential development in Drogheda and its hinterland means that city status has become an absolute necessity." Achieving city status can unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including increased funding for infrastructure and programs. Thi...

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘Therapy Crouch’! Image: Acast