Lunchtime Live

Sex and intimacy are a big part of our lives, but for many people, they’re also a source of worry, confusion, or silence, especially after having a baby.  Andrea was joined by Psychosexual Therapist, Meg Fitzgerald, to talk about psychosexual therapy—what it is, who it’s for, and how it helps people navigate sexual and relationship difficulties in a safe, supportive way.

“I won’t lie. It was a relief when Mum finally went into a nursing home. There’s such joy in simply visiting her now, for a cup of tea and a chat.”  So writes Sinead Ryan, Host of The Home Show here on Newstalk and journalist with the Independent and Sunday Independent.  She joined Andrea to explain the relief she felt when her mother moved into a care home. And how after exploring many different care options, she found a care home was best suited to her needs.

A survey carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has found that 9 in 10 consumers tip sometimes, but two-thirds believe tipping in Ireland is becoming less voluntary, with 3 in 4 believing opting out of tipping should be made easier.The CCPC has issued new guidelines for businesses on tipping, including tipping terminals being easily avoidable at checkout by being kept separate and being clearly labelled. The new guidelines come as nearly half a million euro is spent every year on accidental tips paid through contactless payments.Andrea spoke to CEO of Dublin Barista School James McCormack,  James Fahy, Co-Founder of JustTip, Hairdressing Group Owner Terence, Olivia, who has worked in hospitality and  Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent whether they feel pressured to tip.

It’s time for Ask the Expert – and today we’re talking Mortgages...Tara Duggan in for Andrea, was joined by Trevor Grant, Chairperson, Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors

Centra sold nearly 10 million chicken fillet rolls last year, helping to increase sales by 4.6 per cent to a record 2.2 billion euro.A survey last year also found that the delicacy is Ireland’s favourite lunch on the go.  So, why is it such a coveted meal? Russell Alford from 98FM & and GastroGays joined Tara Duggan in for Andrea to explain.  

A new ‘rejuvenation’ plan has been submitted for the Stephen’s Green shopping centre, after a previous plan was rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála last summer.The proposals include expanding the building to eight storeys, adding office space, hospitality outlets, and cinema screens.  The plans not only reconfigure the inside of the building, but would completely alter the outside facade, removing the dome architecture and steel lattice work.  The proposal has prompted outcry from many locals and architecture studentsTara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Marta, architect and PhD candidate as well as the co-founder and coordinator of the Save Stephen’s Green Campaign,  Roisin Murphy, Lecturer in Architecture and Interior Architecture, Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor aswell as callers giving their opnion on the plan.

France’s new child-free train carriages divide opinion.France’s state train operator SNCF rolled out a new carriage on its high-speed trains which provides a ‘quiet journey that’s ideal for working or relaxing’, the reason it’s quiet- there’s no children allowed.  To discuss whether its an idea we should consider in Ireland Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Comedian Jim Elliot, Katie Makk from the Opinion Matter Podcast and Tina in Wicklow.

Therapy, I’m sure, could be good for all of us.But when you’re seeking help, where do you begin? It’s an incredibly daunting thing to face into, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable.Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Michelle Flynn – psychotherapist from An Croí Beag to discuss how to choose the right therapist

Nationwide status yellow wind warnings are in force as Storm Chandra hits the country with flooding an issue in many counties.  Tara Duggan in for Andrea spoke to  Anna Daly, Jane Creegan Communications manager with Iarnrod Eireann, Wicklow County Councillor Melanie Corrigan And listeners up and down the country who are dealing with flooding today.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.