Lunchtime Live

Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you. And it all kicks off on February 3rd.Follow The Claire Byrne Show on the GoLoud app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

You spend a lot of your life on one, so how do you know if you’re sleeping on the right mattress for you?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss all things paintingJoining Andrea to discuss is  Jenny Sheahan -Home Squad Regular and ‘workers cottage’ on instagram  and Painter Oisin Butler from oisinbutler.ie

Oh what a beautiful morning! One of the most beloved musical songs from Oklahoma!Stephen Faloon -  The general Manager Of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and Producer of the show joined andrea to talk about the musical coming to Dublin and as they are in the middle of auditions who they are looking for as part of the show.

The World Health Organisation has warned that Ireland is on track to become Europe’s most obese nation, yet this warning may impact some more than others.  Research has shown that body weight and health behaviors follow a pattern – one with a clear social gradient.  As Danielle Barron, Health and Medical Journalist, writes: “when worrying about bills or rent, you’re not in salad mode.”  She joined Andrea to explain her argument aswell as John Loy, Consultant Surgeon Head of Bariatric Unit at Auralia, Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas  and listeners giving their opinion on the matter.

The BBC has received complaints after it started airing the Irish version of The Traitors, with viewers appalled by the language used by competitors!With swearing being commonplace among the contestants in the Irish version of the show last year.So do we have a tendency to curse a bit to much, and is it a problem ?To discuss, Andrea was joined by Eamon O Keeffe – Irish Traitor, Esther McCarthy - Irish Examiner Life/Style Editor and Chris a English Listener who lives in Ireland.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through The making of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’

For decades, voters have flocked to local national schools on polling days. From general and presidential elections to local and European contests, the use of school buildings as polling stations has become routine—much to the delight of pupils and teachers who often enjoy a day off as a result.However, concerns are now being raised in Cork about the disruption caused to early education. The county sheriff is being urged to identify alternative polling venues, as an inordinate number of national schools continue to be used for voting purposes.Andrea was joined by Joel Loftus, Principal of St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon, Siobhan O’Neill Whyte from Mams.ie, Fine Gael councillor representing the Carrigaline LEA in Cork and teacher, Una McCarth aswell as listeners to discuss whether schools should still be used as polling stations

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.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

An inquest has found that heading the football likely contributed to Gordon McQueen’s brain disease. The footballer died in 2023 aged 70, having been diagnosed with vascular dementia.Studies have also shown that footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative disease than the general public, which often stem from trauma received during childhood while playing the sport.  This begs the question – should heading be banned from football?  Andrea was joined by Dr Lisa Ryan, Head of School of Health, sports science and nutrition at Atlantic Technological University, David Wilson from off the ball and Jen Hogan  features journalist with the Irish Times

Many parts of the country have been impacted by heavy rainfall after Storm Chandra hit the East of the Country this week.  With many parts of Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow being some of the places most impacted, Andrea chatted  to some of the people whose homes and businesses have been badly impacted. And to ask what needs to change to prevent flooding in the country?