Lunchtime Live

RTE have confirmed that they won’t be broadcasting any of Electric Picnic this year.  They used to have live coverage and highlights from it for several years but stopped in 2017.  It's Ireland’s largest music festival -- so, should they?  Listen here.

Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, joins Andrea in studio to answer listeners’ questions about pregnancy, fertility and maternal care in Ireland. Listen here.

Simon Calder, Travel Editor at The Independent (UK), joins Lunchtime Live to make the case for abolishing traditional airline check-ins—and what it would mean for future travel. Listen here.

Andrea speaks to consultant allergist Dr Ranbir Kaulsay about changing food habits in Ireland and the possible links to increasing allergy rates. The rising trend of mediterranean diets and other seed focused diets may lead to a rise in allergies, and potentially serious health impacts. For more listen here.

Andrea hears from listeners across the country on whether reintroducing water charges would help cut down on waste. Colin O’Byrne from VOICE Ireland joins to highlight the urgent need to fix Ireland’s water infrastructure. We also hear listener opinions, as temperatures increase and data centres contribute to overconsumption. Listen here.

Michelle Browne, divorce consultant, mediator, and author of Scars of Divorce, joins Lunchtime Live to answer listener questions about separation, legal planning, and financial issues arising from divorce. Listen here

Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Lunchtime Live to break down the science of being cool. Things like comfortability in oneself, style and sense of humour are top of the list, find out what else by listening here.

Dr Akshay Deoras, research scientist at the University of Reading, joins Lunchtime Live to explain what’s behind Europe’s latest heatwave and what, exactly, is a 'heatdome.' We also hear from listeners and travellers across the continent to hear if the heat is putting people off their Summer holidays. Listen here.

Blake Boland from Dublin Bus joins Lunchtime Live to explain the nature of this antisocial abuse and behaviour across the Dublin Bus network. Suzanne O’Connor from SIPTU’s Respect Transport Workers programme also discusses the toll it’s taking on drivers and staff. Listen here.

Elaine Snowden and Melissa “Argie Bargie” join Andrea to talk about the culture, community and sport of roller derby. Listen here to hear all about the make-up of the game, where it's at in Ireland and how to play.

Seamus Mulconry from the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association speaks to Lunchtime Live about rising “voluntary” school contributions as inflation hits budgets. Listeners share their experience on the rising impact of school costs. From technology costs to school meals; are schools putting the squeeze on parents with voluntary contributions? Listen here.

Dr Louise Fitzgerald of Grafton Medical joins Lunchtime Live to answer listeners’ medical queries — from Summer allergies to prescription side effects and general health advice. Listen here

A recent study has shown that only 10% of the country is left-handed.  But are Ciotog’s really smarter and more creative?   Margaret Leahy from Fable Tours joins Andrea to discuss her experience growing up left-handed and to dispel some of those myths around ciotogs. Listen here.

The BBC has said it regrets not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, during which a band member shouted "death to the IDF" - as Ofcom said the broadcaster has "questions to answer".  A spokesperson for the corporation said the remarks by frontman Bobby Vylan were antisemetic and "utterly unacceptable", and the performance should have been taken off air.  Andrea is join...

Imagine what it would be like to sing Ironic, on stage, with Alanis Morissette. Well, Andrea is joined by one woman who had such a privelege Grainne Gillespie from Donegal. Listen to what that experience was like here.

Brian Burke, Naturalist and Founder of the Micro Wild biodiversity project in Blessington and Fiann Ó Nualláin, The Holistic Gardener, join Lunchtime Live to debate whether the tidy lawn is falling out of favour. Is a bit of wildness better for biodiversity — or does it just look lazy? Listen here.

Today FM's Cathal Minogue and Elaine Burke from the For Tech's Sake Podcast join Lunchtime Live to review the podcast Stalked, how a relentless campaign of online abuse derailed one woman’s life. Listen here.

Parts of the country are at risk of becoming GP blackspots as family doctors retire, according to a new report for the Department of Health. The report calls for better succession planning and more incentives for GPs in areas under most pressure. Andrea takes calls from listeners impacted by the rural decline of GP practivies. Listen here.

Designer Helen Steele joins Andrea in studio to reflect on her favourite summer memories — from holidays and music to summer jobs and more. Listen here

Mary D’Arcy, Financial Crime Lead with FraudSMART, joins Lunchtime Live following comedian Joanne McNally’s revelation that she lost thousands in a Glastonbury ticket scam. Mary shares all the best practical advice on how to avoid getting conned while buying tickets for gigs and festivals. Listen here

Stella O’Malley, psychotherapist and parenting author, joins Andrea alongside Irish Times journalist and mother of seven Jen Hogan, and Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney, to discuss how and when to start talking to your kids about sex — and why it should be an ongoing conversation, not a one-time lecture. Listen here

Chef Holly Dalton and Machaela O’Leary of the app Too Good To Go join Lunchtime Live to unpack why the average Irish household throws away €660 worth of food each year — and what simple steps we can take to cut down on waste, save money, and even shop smarter. Listen here

From Palestinian GAA clubs touring the country, to all the great gigs across the island. Shane Beaty joins Lunchtime Live to go through the regional round-up. Listen here.

Long Covid continues to impact the lives of many across the country. It was recently announced that those eligible for the Long COVID Support Scheme will now have until the end of the year to access this benefit. Originally set to end this month, the scheme has been extended by six months. While this extension is welcome, it raises important questions about the future of support for those affected...

For The Home Squad this week we look at some of the biggest trends in interior design with Jenny Sheahan, former Home of the Year winner and creator of the ‘workers cottage’ Instagram account, and Sarah Twigg Doyle, interior stylist and design colour consultant. From 'intentional clutter' to a brighter home, get all the best tips here.