Lunchtime Live

Why do we eat turkey and ham at Christmas, and what is behind some of the other common goodies we have? Food Writer Dee Laffan and TV Chef & Lecturer from South East Technological University Edward Hayden join Andrea to discuss the history of Christmas dinner!

How do you dodge the family feuds at Christmas? Sometimes, when you’re all bunched up for that amount of time, it can feel inevitable… There’s no need to worry! Andrea is joined by Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of ‘The Science of Happiness’ Brendan Kelly to discuss how you can survive around this time of year!

Nearly 2 million people are travelling through Dublin Airport over Christmas. Henry McKean is live from Dublin Airport in Terminal 2, and joins Andrea to share what he’s seeing!

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

From banging pots and pans at midnight to sweeping the old year out the door - what are some of the weird and wonderful New Years traditions here in Ireland? Author and content creator of Weird Ireland, Brinsley McNamara, joins Andrea to discuss!

Sarah Ryan’s former partner Nathan Grant McNulty has been jailed for eight years for the rape and coercive control of Sarah. Sarah wanted to share her story, and joins Andrea to discuss… If any of these issues discussed impacted you, you can reach Women’s Aid 24 hours a day on: 1800 341 900.

2025 was another great year for entertainment. We have had celebrities going to space, TikTok trends going to new levels, and one of the world's most famous galleries robbed. As we come to the end of the year, we will be looking back at some of 2025’s most iconic entertainment moments. Are there any that stand out to you? Joining Andrea to discuss it all is Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd and...

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. Newstalk’s Ellen Butler and Rory Galvin join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘The Rest is Science’! Image: Goalhanger

With Christmas fast approaching, people will soon be making their way home to spend time with family and friends. What was once a staple of the festive season, attending Christmas Mass is no longer a priority for many. As traditions continue to evolve, we want to know: is going to Mass still part of your Christmas tradition? Joining Andrea to discuss is Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Bal...

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, former Detective Garda and host of the ‘Lines of Enquiry’ podcast John Sweetman joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Surfers from around the world gathered in Sigo for some of the best surfing conditions seen in years. So what makes the Irish seas so special? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

WhatsApp groups have become a common part of family and school life, offering parents a quick and convenient way to stay informed and connected. However, as groups multiply, the benefits can be outweighed by constant notifications, off-topic messages and pressure to stay engaged. For teachers, these chats can be particularly challenging, often blurring professional boundaries and creating expectat...

“If men gave birth, maternity hospitals would be palaces and we’d get three years off. And there’d be an awful lot greater attention on maternal care.” So says Aodhán O’Riordán, Labour TD and MEP, after welcoming his premature daughter into the world. He joins Andrea to discuss…

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

Should peanuts be banned from enclosed spaces? A listener got in touch with his experience at a gig last night. Joining Andrea to discuss this is Journalist Joe McNamee, Ruth Charles, Founder of the Irish Food Allergy Network, Aoife Quinn, Register Dietician and more.

With Christmas only a week away, you may have not gotten every present just yet. So, what are the best gifts for a home lover? Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss the best presents! Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O’Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

Christmas is a time of huge joy, but it can also be tough for some people, especially for those who have lost someone. If you find yourself in that situation, help is available. Andrea is joined by the CEO of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan and Laura Hallinan, who availed of Pieta’s bereavement counselling services, to discuss. Pieta’s 24-Hour Crisis Helpline & Text Service: 1800 247 247 or text ‘HEL...

Many car parks across the country have allocated parent and baby spaces for parents with young children. These spaces are bigger than the average car parking space, and are usually located close to the front door of the shop. The reason for this is so parents have enough room to get their child in and out of the car seat as well as having space for their buggy. With many people parking in these sp...

Dealing with companies about complaints can be incredibly frustrating at the best of times. But what about when it’s putting you massively out of pocket? That's what happened to Andrea’s guest Aisling. She joins to explain her situation, and Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert & Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins as well to discuss…

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 Marvin Gaye’s album ‘What’s Going On’!

The UK Labour Party is to roll out a scheme introducing anti-misogyny classes for boys aged 11. The programme is aimed at young boys who display “worrying behaviour” who can then be sent onto courses to teach them about consent, the dangers of sharing intimate images and challenging unhealthy myths about women and girls. Should Ireland follow suit in this effort to prevent the radicalisation of yo...

Girls playing for Kilmore Celtic Football Club are having to knock on houses and ask to use the toilet because there are no facilities for them at their pitch. How is this still going on? Dean Russell is the Club Chairman, and joins Andrea to discuss, as well as some of those affected.

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…

A bride in Monaghan missed out on having her two brothers at her wedding due to the county final. For a part of the wedding, the bride and groom were not the center of attention as all eyes were on the big screen to see if the Scotstown boys would be county champions. Would you be annoyed if your wedding was overshadowed by sports or does it add some extra entertainment to an already special day?...

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 ‘free birthing’ movement, and why you might...