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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

Jan 26, 2026 • 9min
What’s the point of a run if you didn’t tell the world about it?
If you didn't tell Strava, did you even go for a run? That’s the question posed by Journalist Colin Sheridan. Is he right?Have we become obsessed with telling the world about our run?Joining Andrea to discuss is Colin Sheridan, as well as Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

Jan 26, 2026 • 21min
Should members of An Garda Síochána be drug tested?
In March 2021, the use of illegal drugs among members of An Garda Síochána was acknowledged as a serious concern. At the time, it was announced that drug testing of Garda personnel would be introduced to prevent and deter substance misuse, with the scheme expected to come into force within six months.Five years later, routine drug testing has still not been implemented.Should members of An Garda Síochána be subject to regular drug testing?Joining Andrea to discuss is former Assistant Governor of Wheatfield Prison, Niall Spellman, former Detective Garda, John Sweetman and listeners.

Jan 26, 2026 • 13min
Is there too much sex on TV?
A study from UCLA has found that almost half of Gen Z believe that there is “...too much sex and sexual content in TV and movies.”In line with this, actor and director Olivia Wilde has stated that they want to see less sex on their screens, as they “don’t want to see in-authenticity anymore…”So, is it true, is there too much sex on TV?Joining Andrea to discuss is Entertainment Journalist Sarina Bellisimo, Journalist Sarina Hanley and listeners.

Jan 26, 2026 • 9min
The Pod Squad: Wanging On
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Laura Donnelly and Journalist & Stylist Laura Mullet join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Wanging On with Graham Norton and Maria McErlane’!Image: Listen

Jan 26, 2026 • 22min
Is a board game on the Troubles acceptable?
Word of a planned boardgame on the Troubles has prompted outcry in Northern Ireland.The game, ‘The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland 1964-1998’, is currently under development, and will not be made available for several years.The proposed game allows players to play as members of different factions from the conflict, such as the IRA and the RUC, where they can plant bombs and make political deals.The company’s founder has said that the aim of the game is to educate and promote history, yet victim’s rights groups have criticized it, saying it oversimplifies a complex issue.So, is this type of game acceptable?Joining Andrea to discuss is Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, Journalist and Author Aoife Grace Moore, Writer and Political Commentator Emma De Souza and more.Image: Compass Games

Jan 23, 2026 • 14min
Ask Me Anything: Beekeeper
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Stephen Gallagher, Beekeeper and Founder of Swarms.ie joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your questions!

Jan 23, 2026 • 10min
Toxic shock syndrome - do we need more awareness around tampon use?
Doctors have issued an urgent warning about tampon use after a teenager in Drogheda was admitted to hospital suffering from toxic shock syndrome and organ failure during her period.In Ireland, 50% of girls aged between 12 and 19 in Ireland report occasional period poverty, where financial constraints limit access to menstrual hygiene products. As a result of this, many young women do not have sufficient education on how to use sanitary products in the correct way.What do we need to look out for to prevent this happening to more women?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr Eleanor Galvin from Rosemount Family Doctors.

Jan 23, 2026 • 16min
Should duvet days be allowed for your child’s mental health?
Now, it’s time to chat about duvet days - taking a day off, even if you aren’t strictly under the weather, whether that be from work or school.Is offering children the occasional day off a restorative act that could benefit their mental health or a big no no?This is the question posed by Freelance Journalist and mother Niamh O’Reilly, who joins guest host Anna Daly, alongside Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry in TCD, Siobhan O’Neill White of Mams.ie and more to discuss.

Jan 23, 2026 • 8min
Harry Styles returns! Are you excited?
It’s an exciting day for Harry Styles fans today, as his new single ‘Aperture’ was released at midnight last night.Not only that, he also announced his 2026 tour, ‘Together Together’, last night - with shows in Amsterdam, New York, Mexico City and London.Guest host Anna Daly is joined by three of his enthusiasts, Newstalk’s own Niamh Dunne, Cathal Minogue of Today FM and Jane Cowan, Irish Examiner Columnist to share in the excitement!

Jan 23, 2026 • 14min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!


