Lunchtime Live

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers. This week, Andrea was joined by Ray Cooke from Ray Cookes Auctioneers to find out what it’s like to be an estate agent and property auctioneer.

The Dublin Marathon is taking place this Sunday, October 27th for its 43rd year. All the planning and preparation has been done, with over 20,000 people now waiting to take part this weekend. To chat about preparing for marathons, Andrea is joined by Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy and Newstalk’s own Aaron Jordan. John has run multiple marathons, and this will be Aaron’s first!

Should there be signs in men's bathrooms asking: 'Are you a sexual predator?' Sarah Harte in the Irish Examiner recently wrote “...we are always telling women to mind their drink and change their behaviour, why aren’t we doing it with men instead?” What do you think? To discuss, Andrea is joined by Sean Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of the Men’s Development Network, Dr Michelle Walsh, CEO of MOVE...

Today is World Opera Day! Seán Boylan, who will be appearing as Marullo in RIGOLETTO at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from December 1 - 7, joins Andrea in the studio to give us the history of Opera, and attempt to coach her on how to sing like an opera singer!

From a brand new social media influencer degree to a spook-tacular house transformation, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with his stories from across the country!

Stephen Mooney, owner of The Ginger Man on Dublin’s Fenian Street has said that the airport passenger cap is going to negatively affect tourism, and therefore hurt his business. He, alongside Eugene Garrihy from Dublin Bay Cruises and Michael Coyne, from Coyne's GastroPub in Connemara join Andrea to discuss.

From the bathtub to open fires, there are many things in your home that you may be considering removing, but should they stay or should they go? Well, the Home Squad are here to give their thoughts! Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty to discuss.

Is staying in the new going out? Well, according to a new study, it is when you reach the age of 29. This change in social habits aligns with advice from specialists who suggest that endorphins, or 'indoorphins' as they're being called, are boosted by simply enjoying time at home. A significant 93 percent of people polled hold the view that home life is essential for their wellbeing. What do you t...

Bad news for drivers, as tolls are set to rise on some roads once again next year. The fee for the Dublin Port Tunnel heading southbound at peak morning times is increasing from €12 to €13. On the M50, cars, buses and lighter goods vehicles that do not have a tag or video account will be paying an extra 10c. Heavy Goods Vehicles with tag and video accounts are facing a 10c increase on the M50, whi...

UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said that she believes “prison isn’t working” for women. She points out how, after serving a short custodial sentence, a woman is “significantly more likely” to reoffend than one given a non-custodial sentence. So, if that is the case in the UK, is prison working for women in Ireland? Andrea is joined by Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Penal...

From ‘1,000 songs in your pocket’ to “I’ll be back” – 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor has plenty to chat about on this week’s throwback Thursday. Image: Apple

The Dáil has voted in favour of a report into assisted dying.  The report, which called for assisted dying be made legal in limited circumstances, does not progress the issue in law. It is, however, an indication that a majority within the current Dáil favour introducing ‘dying with dignity’ laws in Ireland. Where do you stand? To discuss, Andrea is joined by Ian O’Doherty, Opinion Columnist...

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Feeding Therapist Teresa Foley to find out how to deal with fussy eaters!

It’s sometimes hard to see somebody living a dream job, but that’s exactly what Stefan Bruderer is doing. He’s a Lindt Master Chocolatier, and joins Andrea to discuss his day-to-day.

Dozens of pupils who have been unable to find places in mainstream schools since last September are being taught at home, it has been revealed. Department of Education data shows that some pupils without school places are being taught at home under a home tuition scheme aimed at providing a compensatory education service. Under the scheme, families receive a grant to employ a qualified tutor to pr...

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. Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces… Image: Discover Ireland

This week, Kathleen Correia waived her right to anonymity after a high profile court case that saw her former husband jailed for eight years for rape and coercively control. Kathleen joins Andrea to share her story. If you were affected by this segment, or feel like you are in a similar situation, don't hesitate to reach out: Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900 Dublin Rap...

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to. Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke and Entertainment Journalist Rory Cashin joined Andrea to review ‘Bad Dates’! Image: Smartless Media

Listener Karl got in touch with the show with an issue he has. After a mysterious €18 charge to his account, he has seemingly been signed up to some subscription service with a monthly direct debit. What should be done in this situation? And is it a scam? Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert and host of The Home Show on Newstalk joins Andrea and Karl to discuss.

A survey has found that 88% of parents say that social media has made playdate hosting even more competitive. Parents now feel they have to ditch the fizzy drinks and choc-ices in favour of smoothies and veggie crisps. 78% agree that the idea of having a few friends over for nuggets and a movie is no longer considered good enough, as the expectation is for better-quality and more nutritious food -...

According to a HSE National Ambulance Service report, bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increased by 25% between 2012 and 2023. Around 70% of people will do CPR to someone they know, whilst 60% of CPR instances will happen in the home. Owner of First Aid for Everyone, Siobhan Butler, joins Andrea to discuss the do’s and don’ts when carrying out CPR.

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier. This week, Andrea is joined by Brigid O’Hora, author of ‘The Home Sommelier’ to discuss how you can pick out the perfect bottle of wine in a supermarket!

Unemployed people who refuse to engage with social welfare ­employment services will see their Jobseeker’s Benefit cut by €90 under a plan quietly signed off by the Government after the Budget. At the moment,  people who refused to engage with department officials or ­return-to-work schemes would see their payments cut €44 a week. If a person re-engages with welfare services, their full jobse...

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

Do you have any ‘vampire friends’? The friends that absolutely suck the life out of you, maybe with negativity, or they just leave you feeling drained after a catch up? How do you spot them, and more importantly, how do you deal with them? Mark Fennell, Life Coach, Speaker and Author joins Andrea to discuss.