Lunchtime Live

Almost 10% of adults in Ireland have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot within the last 12 months, new research shows. But, how do these relationships work, and are they really a substitute for genuine connections? Andrea is joined by Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent and Tara Logan Buckley, Chartered Clinical Psychologist 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 Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’!

Megan Slough Royal and her family are dealing with a tough situation: her mother went to undergo an assisted suicide in Switzerland. The catch? The family weren’t informed ahead of time, and were told that their mother was deceased over Whatsapp… Megan joins Andrea to discuss. If any of these issues have affected you, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123.

With the school holidays soon coming to a close, many parents are facing the dreaded back to school costs. Uniforms, electronics and voluntary contributions are just some of the expenses that spring to mind this time of year. A recent survey carried out by Barnardos has highlighted just how expensive Ireland’s free education system is… Joining Andrea to discuss this is CEO of Barnardos, Suzanne Co...

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…

Many racially motivated attacks have been happening across the country. Some are so bad that young children are being verbally and physically abused. Why is this happening - and what can be done to stop it? Today, Andrea is joined by members of the Indian and Pakistani community who have been victims of these attacks to discuss, including Dr Santosh Yadav - who was left with a broken cheekbone aft...

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 male infertility, and answer listener questions.

Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance at an Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford town yesterday. He played at the well-known Sky & The Ground pub. Massive crowds gathered on the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of him. He was joined by members of the Irish bands Biird and Amble and performed a number of his original songs, as well as traditional Irish trad tunes. To discuss the surprise, Andrea is joined...

Should restaurants and shops be adding a ‘carbon free’ fee to bills? A London restaurant has sparked outrage by adding the extra charge to diners' bills. One customer who visited The Pig And Butcher in Islington, UK highlighted a discretionary £1.23 'carbon free' fee that had been added to the total price of their meal. Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Michelle Lawlor from the Nude Wine Company to answer all of your wine-related questions!

A test of ten electric cars has revealed the majority charge slower than advertised, causing waits at charging stations... Joining Andrea to discuss this is Shane O’ Donoghue, Editor of CompleteCar.ie and Derek Reilly from Nevo, a company who helps people transition to EVs.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said "no stone" will be left unturned to secure the release of an Irish woman, who was kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti yesterday. Gena Heraty, a native of Westport in Co Mayo, who is in her mid-50s, oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital, Port...

1 in every 7 women will develop breast cancer in the course of their lifetime. And only 5%-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. So, more research is needed, and more help is needed. The Very Pink Run is one way to get that help.

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 Debbie Brown, Multi-Raquet Coach to discuss the benefits of pickleball!

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers confirmed in a Dáil statement that there are no plans to alter the tax treatment of tips. It comes after TD Ken O’Flynn accused the Government of penalising low-income workers for doing their jobs well. Do you think there should be a tax on tips for people working in the hospitality sector, or should they be scrapped altogether? Joining Andrea to discuss i...

It’s time for some summer memories! We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days. Chef Derry Clarke joins Andrea to reminisce!

A recent survey has determined that over 40% of people adhere to the ‘one month's salary’ when buying an engagement ring. What was once a tough, costly decision has now led to a cheaper alternative, with many people buying token rings or even going abroad to get them at a cheaper price. Have people become stingy when buying an engagement ring? Joining Andrea to discuss is Margaret Brennan of Aidan...

We heard a few weeks ago about the unprovoked attack of an Indian man in Ireland, and that the entire community was feeling it. Since then, listener Faizan got in touch with the show with his feelings on the situation, and joins Andrea to discuss…

Despite the long weekend coming up, you may already be dreading going back to work on Tuesday, including those with “fun jobs.” Andrea is joined by Comedian Julie Jay, Restaurant Critic Katy McGuinness, and DJ Marty Guilfoyle to talk about the perks and downsides of their jobs, and if their work is as glamorous as it sometimes appears. Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley also joins to discuss...

35% of men have delayed or avoided speaking to a healthcare professional about potential prostate issues, according to a study by Vista Health in the UK. 16% of men who had put off a doctor’s visit did so out of embarrassment, and the poll also found that 27% of men can name more Formula 1 World Champions than signs of prostate issues… Joining Andrea to discuss why men may be embarrassed to talk a...

From misbehaving toilets to Braveheart 30th celebrations, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

DIY can be intimidating at the best of times - and of course, there’s the time needed to get certain projects done. Well, the Home Squad are here about jobs you can do in a weekend! Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Natasha Rocca Devine, Interior Designer.

A 2019 survey found that about 35% of Irish people had tattoos, and that number has most likely increased in the past six years. The appeal of getting inked transcends demographics like age and gender, but is there still some stigma surrounding tattoos? Andrea is joined by tattoo artists and listeners to discuss.

Is the current school transport system fit for purpose? Listener Eleanor has gotten in touch with the show to share her frustrations while trying to get a ticket for her child… She joins Andrea, along with other listeners impacted, to discuss.

We all may be guilty of stalking people online, perhaps a new person is starting work or your friend has a new guy on the scene… But, what constitutes cyberstalking? According to a study in the UK, cyberstalking has surged by 70% since 2012... Catherine O’Sullivan Senior Lecturer in Law in UCC and Eve McDowell, Co-Founder of Stalking in Ireland join Andrea to discuss.