

Lunchtime Live
Newstalk
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 24, 2026 • 10min
Before We Die Campaign to make presentation in the Dáil tomorrow
Tony Murray from the Before We Die Campaign, set up to support parents with adult children with intellectual disabilities, will be going to Dáil Éireann tomorrow with a group of parents to make a presentation to politicians.He joins Andrea to discuss the plan, and give updates on the campaign.

Feb 24, 2026 • 20min
Why is the divorce process so difficult in Ireland?
Many people enter marriage with hope, but not all marriages last. For some couples, divorce becomes the only realistic option. During such an emotional time, the legal process can add further stress through court procedures, costs, waiting periods, and complex requirements.While these safeguards aim to ensure fairness and protect children, they can also make the process longer and more difficult, especially for those facing financial hardship or unhealthy relationships.Simplifying procedures, reducing costs, and expanding mediation could make divorce more accessible. At the same time, reducing social stigma would help make it more acceptable when it is truly necessary.So, how can things be improved, or should they be left as is?Joining Andrea to discuss is Liz Dwyer, Journalist and Founder of the Fertility Show, Clinical Physiotherapist, Stephanie Reegan and listeners.

Feb 24, 2026 • 9min
Does social media make luxury hotel breaks seem normal?
Have you ever posted a picture on social media of a getaway at a five star hotel?One Irish Tiktoker has gone viral after posting that this shouldn’t be normalised, and most of us have no business spending a month’s wages on a luxury hotel break...So, how does social media feed into the pressure?Anne Sheeran, who posted the TikTok, as well as Travel Journalist Nicola Brady join Andrea to discuss.

Feb 24, 2026 • 8min
How I Live Well: What type of therapy is right for you?
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 Psychologist Dr Malie Coyne to discuss the different kinds of therapy, and how to find out which one is right for you.

Feb 24, 2026 • 7min
Band has their instruments stolen in Dublin over the weekend
Over the weekend, following a gig in Dublin, an unfortunate incident took place.Max Oliver from the band Legss joins Andrea to discuss what happened…

Feb 24, 2026 • 20min
Increased M50 tolls did nothing to congestion - are we surprised?
According to new data, a toll increase on the M50 in January did nothing to combat congestion on the motorway - but are we surprised about this?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor with Completecar.ie, Shane O’Donoghue, Jamie Groom, CEO and Co-Founder of Rent a Recruiter and listeners.

Feb 23, 2026 • 11min
Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes
Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Feb 23, 2026 • 17min
Influencer Rebecca Rose on abuse she has received
Rebecca Rose is an influencer from Dublin. She’s 19 and started her social media presence in earnest last year.Already, she has over 30 thousand followers between Instagram and TikTok.Earlier this month Rebecca was out in Dublin City Centre at night and was recognized by a group of young men. She says they threatened her and assaulted her friend…She joins Andrea, along with Jule Haynes, known as Twins_and_me on Instagram to discuss what happened.

Feb 23, 2026 • 14min
How important is the college experience?
Third-level colleges will be asked by the Government to look at reducing the number of days students must be on campus for lectures to limit commuting and pressure on student accommodation.Will this move work? Or will the college experience change for the worse for students?Joining Andrea to discuss is Lauren Joyce, Deputy President of the DCU Students Union, Maisie Hall, President of Galway University Students Union, Grace McNally, President of Trinity College Dublin Students' Union, English student Jane Cowan and more.

Feb 23, 2026 • 13min
Did you get tickets to Foo Fighters?
American rock legends Foo Fighters thrilled Irish fans with two surprise intimate gigs this week. One special performance took place at St James’ Church in Kerry, creating a unique and atmospheric setting, while another show will be held tonight at The Academy in Dublin.Tickets for the Dublin gig went on sale at the 3Olympia Theatre box office on Dame Street, priced at €99, and sold out within minutes as fans rushed to secure a spot at the highly anticipated show.Were you one of the lucky ones to get your hands on these tickets?Joining Andrea to discuss is Stuart Clarke from Hot-Press Magazine, Other Voices Promoter Philip King and listeners.


