Lunchtime Live

A plan to introduce “speed awareness” courses in lieu of penalty points is to be put forward to government by the Road Safety Authority.  Would courses like this help to reduce road deaths?  Photo by JESHOOTS.com

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Monica Loughman, Ballerina, Ballet Director and founder of Monica Loughman Elite Ballet joins Andrea to answer any of your ballet-related questions!

For anybody that suffers with IBS – you know how much a scourge it can be. But, what foods can help it, and what should you avoid? Registered Dietitian Orla Walsh joins Andrea to discuss.

‘And there’s one for everyone in the audience!’ is the line that will be heard through houses across the country this evening as the Late Late Toy Show returns for another year of festive fun. But, is the Toy Show really for kids anymore? Or is it just a chance for adults to indulge in nostalgia? Andrea is joined by Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Writer, Maura Connolly, Gay Byrne’s Right-Hand Woman, Jo...

Life as a cancer ‘wingman’ – is it talked about enough? Writing in the Irish Times, Clíodna O’Carolan reflects on her husband Enda’s fight against cancer - and her efforts to support him. But, do cancer ‘Wingmen’ get enough support? Clíodna joins Andrea to discuss.

From stick libraries to snooker prodigies - Newstalk’s Eamonn Torsney has the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week.

Children who attend mixed schools have more friends, according to the latest results from a landmark study, Children’s School Lives, from UCD’s School of Education. Should all of our education be mixed? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

How can you spruce up your bathroom on a budget? Our home squad are here to help. Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year & Roisin Lafferty - Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty is here too.  Photo by Christa Grover

New mothers with mental health needs are apparently being “failed” by the State. Maternity care services typically end six weeks after having a baby and it's assumed that health concerns are all looked after by then. But some mental health worries can actually increase several months after labour according to a new study.  Photo by Pixabay

The family home of Kildare county councillor, Bill Clear, was targeted when vandals through a rock through one of his windows while his family were asleep upstairs. He tells Andrea that the problem lies with candidates running in elections having to declare their address. Should candidates have to share their home address when running for election?

While Christmas can be a magical time – creating memories with family and friends – it can come at a pretty hefty financial cost.  How do you make the most of Christmas on a budget?  Photo by Brett Sayles

From the PlayStation to the Irish Free State, 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joins Andrea with plenty to chat about on this week’s throwback Thursday! Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Leaving Cert students will be permitted to use AI tools when preparing research projects next year.  This has prompted an angry response from some teachers who say it will undermine the integrity of the Leaving Cert. What do you think about students being allowed to use Artificial Intelligence for some school work?   Photo by Matheus Bertelli

Andrea is joined by John and Edward Grimes, better known as Jedward, to discuss life and their new Christmas single: ‘LOVEmas’!

Christmas ads are almost as big a part of Christmas as Santa Claus these days! And now, Irish pubs are getting in on the action... From drunk Santas to heartbreak, they’re covering it all. Joining Andrea to discuss why they made their own Christmas advertisements is Ger Hough, owner of Hough's Pub in Bangher, Co. Offaly and Una Burns, co-owner of Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen.

Is there a magic to living with friends, and is it something that the younger generation are going to miss out on? Writing in today’s Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanly is getting set to leave a share-home with her friends, and take the plunge into living with her partner. Saoirse, along with Ciara Treacy, Newstalk Digital Content Creator and Barrister Aileen Hickie join Andrea to discuss.

What is it like to find out that you were conceived from a sperm donor? Anne Crossey joins Andrea to share her story.

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…

The Irish Parking Association say that they have been excluded from the Mobility and Public Realm Committee - formed to shape transport policy for Dublin City. They believe the committee is excluding motorists’ views. What do you think? Are cars being pushed out of cities? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to. This week, Today FM’s Shelly Grey and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea to review ‘Who Killed the Video Star: The Story of MTV’. Image: Audacy

The face of rural farming is changing – and it’s down to ‘Girls Who Farm’. That’s the hashtag used on TikTok and Instagram to show what the farming life is like for young women. So, what’s it all about? Andrea is joined by some of the people using that hashtag to discuss, as well as Rachel Donovan, News Correspondent at the Irish Farmers Journal.

Mary Regan passed away on November 29th at the Hillview Nursing Home in Carlow. A statement on Death Notices Carlow said that after Mr Lang passed away, Ms Regan did not have many visitors to her nursing home and has no next of kin. An appeal from the Funeral Director said “Let’s not send Mary off from Carlow alone”. Rory Healy, Funeral Director for Healy Funeral Directors joins Andrea to discuss...

The Transition Year has garnered the interest of the international media, as a formative experience for young students. With Oscar winner Cillian Murphy giving his support also to the programme, offering an oasis between junior and senior exam cycles. But, particularly where expense is concerned, has it become too much? Is the cost of another school year worth it? Or should the programme be centra...

Over the next few weeks Andrea will be talking to Irish producers across the country about the wonderful things they have on offer, and why it’s important to buy Irish for Christmas! Today, she is joined by Ruth Cahill from Duck Blue, Jill Duggan from Fiesta Designs and Nicola McGuinness from Rowan Beg Designs to talk all things decorations.

It’s How I Live Well time: where we learn how to live a little better from someone who has mastered it! Paddy Joe Burke, Age Friendly Roscommon Ambassador joins Andrea to discuss why exercise is vital as we get older.