Lunchtime Live

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 the best advice for the early stages of pregnancy...

Video games are the world's most valuable entertainment industry, estimated to be worth more than $220 billion, twice as much as films and recorded music, combined! So, it’s no surprise that films based on games are replacing superhero blockbusters… Joining Andrea to discuss this new big screen trend is Padraig Ryan from Geek Ireland and Movie Critic Brian Lloyd. Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Bars will be closed at David Gray’s upcoming concert at the 3Arena this weekend. The 3Arena shared a post on social media saying: ‘Once David Gray goes on stage, all bars will close and will remain closed for the duration of the show…’ It follows complaints of a raucous crowd constantly coming and going from the bar in the 3Arena during his performance there earlier this month. What do you think?...

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by top Irish skin expert Eavanna Breen, who shares her insights on caring for pale or sensitive skin, tackling rosacea, and what really works when it comes to treatments like laser.

We’re on a mission to find Ireland’s Best Lollipop Person - the everyday heroes keeping our children safe on the school run! What does the job involve, and what makes someone truly stand out? Sinéad Crowther, Founder of Tonstix, Search for Ireland's Best Lollipop’s Person joins Andrea to discuss.

New research shows that being shouted at by parents can reshape a child’s brain, raising the risk of mental health issues and social difficulties. So, is it ok to shout at your children? Joining Andrea to discuss is Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids and listeners.

Are we (literally) lost without our phones? Are we relying too much on Google Maps to get us from A to B in the car; which doesn't always bring us the best way? Two weeks ago, Mountain Rescue England and Wales published figures showing a record number of annual callouts; are we lost in every sense of the word without access to GPS? Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor at completecar.ie , Shane O’Do...

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 Knitting Teacher from ‘Knit with Helen’, Helen Crawford, to talk about all the benefits to gain from knitting!

Kneecap have apologised to the families of two former British MPs who were murdered in recent years, and said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, after videos from past gigs came to the attention of police and politicians. The Belfast rap group released a statement after a video appeared to show a member shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”, while the other appeared to show a member saying: “The...

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

He may be legally and constitutionally barred from serving a third term in office, but that hasn't stopped Donald Trump putting ‘TRUMP 2028’ red caps on sale. His online store crashed due to the demand. Will the power of merchandising shape the narrative, and no matter how impossible, will TRUMP 2028 be an inescapable force for the next few years? Joining Andrea to discuss is Lorraine Carter from...

As rail fare and zonal adjustments come into effect today from Irish Rail, including Leap Cards becoming available over a wider area, we’re asking the question: should we be trialing free travel?   Joining Andrea to discuss is Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councilor for Ballymun-Finglas, Gary Marshall, Committee Member of Dublin Commuters, Lochlann Gallagher, Chair of Galway Commuter...

Clare and Limerick are teaming up in a bid to host EuroPride, Europe's most significant LGBT+ event, in 2028. If they are successful, Ireland would play host to the international event for the first time, which attracts around 100,000 visitors from around the world. Amongst those steering the West of Ireland bid for EuroPride 2028 is Bernie O’Gorman, Chair of QuareClare, Lisa Daly from Limerick Pr...

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. Today FM’s Shelly Gray and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea to review ‘Good Hang’! Image: The Ringer

Should Gardaí receive financial assistance to purchase homes given the current housing crisis? Members of the Gardaí Representative Association at their annual conference today will debate a motion to call on the Government to introduce an “enhanced scheme” to allow Gardaí to purchase homes using State assistance. What do you think about this idea? Could it help with recruitment and retention of r...

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Philip Thornton from the DCU Caving Club joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to being a caver!

Plans have been unveiled for a winter sports arena in South Dublin. The proposed €190 million development in Cherrywood will include two Olympic-sized ice rinks; a 5,000-seat indoor arena and a training centre. Joining Andrea to discuss is Raymond Hegarty, Chair of Seamrog Ice Skating Club, Cllr Jim O’Leary from Fine Gael and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as well as listeners.

For most brides-to-be, hair and make-up is a big part of the preparation before walking down the aisle. One American woman recently caused a bit of a stir on social media last month when she revealed she decided to go make-up free on her wedding day, going on to amass 30 million views with opinions split down the middle. So, should you wear make-up on your wedding day? And is a completely natural...

International accountancy firm Forvis Mazars has announced a new course in social skills for its Gen Z employees, which will simulate client meetings and offer training for speaking on the phone. At the same time, students in three of Manchester’s universities in the UK will be taught empathy, active listening, conflict resolution and time management. Are Gen Z lacking when it comes to ‘soft skill...

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Nearly 300,000 hospital appointments were cancelled across the country last year – an average of more than 772 every day. That number is growing, even as the state makes efforts to cut waiting lists. Have you been affected? Has one of your appointments been cancelled? And what are your thoughts on the health system at the moment? Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Matthew Sadlier, Chair of the IMO Co...

It’s Home Squad time, and today we’re talking paint with Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Designs & & Jennifer Sheahan, @workerscottage on Instagram and Former Winner of ‘Home of the Year’

The Government is set to crack down on customers using supermarket loyalty cards to get discounts on alcohol.  While existing laws ban customers using loyalty card points to purchase alcohol some supermarkets do allow customers to buy items – including alcohol – at a reduced price if they use their loyalty card. Callers join Andrea to discuss the issue.

Sinn Féin is calling for a dedicated treatment centre for endometriosis, a condition that impacts 1 in 10 women. Andrea speaks to Senator Maria McCormack, a leading voice on women’s health. 

Are you a people pleaser at the expense of your own happiness and wellbeing? Andrea speaks to Brendan Kelly, Psychiatrist and others about the phenomenon.