

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 10, 2026 • 10min
How I Live Well: Walking
We’ve been breaking down all the most instrumental elements of exercise over the last few weeks- and how sometimes embracing simple things can be the most important.This week, we’re looking at walking – often overlooked and probably underrated- should we embrace it more?Joining Andrea was John Belton, Head coach and owner of No.17 Training who brought in a walking pad for Andrea to try.

Feb 10, 2026 • 9min
Has TikTok replaced cookery books?
We all need a bit of inspiration in the kitchen, but have we moved away from the traditional cookbook altogether, with TikTok changing our food habits once and for all? Joining Andrea was Chef Daniel Lambert, Keith Grant Master Butchers in Roundwood, Wicklow and Aileen Cox Blundell Nutritionist, and known on Instagram as @babyledfeeding

Feb 10, 2026 • 18min
High-risk offenders being granted Bail, Are stricter legal measures needed?
linked to murder, attempted murder, or serious threats of violence.In response, advocacy groups and political leaders have warned that repeat offending while on bail exposes deep systemic failures, including weak enforcement, prolonged court delays, and chronic under-resourcing within the justice system.This has raised pressing questions about why high-risk offenders are being granted bail in the first place, and whether stricter legal measures are necessary to better protect the public and prevent further crimes.Andrea was joined by One of the founders of SAVE action group – the sentencing and victim equality group, Kathleen Chada, Shane Gleeson who runs five Spar shops in Limerick city, aswell as callers who voiced their opinions.

Feb 9, 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 9, 2026 • 29min
Continued: Adults fear for disabled children they care for after they die. More families get in touch as issue raised in the Dáil
Over the last week we have been speaking to the parents of adult children with disabilities about their worries about what will happen to the children they care for full-time, after they die...This issue was brought up in the Dail and we are continuing to be inundated with families contacting us to share their stories.Andrea was joined again by Tony Murray of the Before We Die Campaign, Jill O'Brien and Newstalk's Ciaran Bradley to reflect on the difference between the UK and Irelands model of care.

Feb 9, 2026 • 11min
The South Dublin Rugby Fan Stereotype: Is it unfair?
Do rugby fans get a bad name?And is the South County Dublin stereotype unfair to put on fans going out to watch the games?Gerry Thornley, Mick in Tralee and GAA fan Tony joined Andrea to discuss

Feb 9, 2026 • 9min
The Pod Squad:Camp Swamp Road
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Tom Douglas & Sarah-Jayne Tobin joined Andrea to give their reviewImage: Wall Street Journal

Feb 9, 2026 • 23min
Bidding wars: Is more regulation needed over the property buying process?
Across Ireland, many people are struggling to buy homes due to a severe housing shortage and soaring property prices. Even buyers who have secured mortgage approval face daily frustration as they are drawn into competitive bidding wars.As bids continue to rise, homes are frequently selling far above their asking prices, pushing homeownership further out of reach for many people.What causes a bidding war and does we need to get rid of them completely to make housing more affordable? Joining Andrea was Hunters MD estate agent, Rowena Quinn, Newstalk’s own, Barry Whyte and listeners who have first hand experience of bidding wars.

Feb 6, 2026 • 10min
Ask Me Anything: Ambassador
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Andrea was joined by Former Ambassador Bobby McDonagh to answer any of your questions!

Feb 6, 2026 • 8min
Do you have a tattoo that you regret?
Tattoo regrets, have you a tattoo that you wish you hadn’t got? Have you had one removed?Brooklyn Beckham has apparently removed one of his tattoos which had the word ‘Dad’, in the latest carry on in their feud.Joining Andrea was Aidan O’Connell – Owner of Fade Laser Studio and Holly Carpenter


