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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 19, 2026 • 20min
Do we need more regulations around botox?
As the trend for “Baby Botox” continues to rise, unregulated black-market injections are putting teenagers at serious risk, including blindness and permanent tissue damage.Increasing numbers of young people, some as young as 16, are turning to these illegal treatments in an attempt to improve their skin and appear “younger.”Health experts are now calling for stronger legislation to protect vulnerable young people, curb this growing epidemic, and prevent further harm to children and teenagers.So, do we need more regulation around this?Joining Andrea to discuss is Jack Kelly, Professor with Galway University Hospital and founder of the Kelly Clinic, Kerry Hanaphy, Clinic Owner for Kerry Hanaphy Aesthetic Clinic, Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy and listeners.

Jan 16, 2026 • 11min
Ask Me Anything: Embalmer
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Declan Finnegan, Funeral Director and Embalmer, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Jan 16, 2026 • 12min
East Belfast woman on how hormone disorder was misdiagnosed as bipolar
Misdiagnosed as bipolar, 32-year-old Katie Watson spent years seeking answers to why every month, just before her period, she’d suffer crippling depression and anxiety.Katie joins Andrea to discuss Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

Jan 16, 2026 • 19min
Are bad road markings impacting driving tests?
Have the markings on Irish roads gotten too bad?Apparently people are failing driving tests because of faded white lines and stop signs.Is this something you’ve noticed?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clodagh Branagan, Director of Ladybird Driving School, Driving Instructor Brendan Tierney and listeners.

Jan 16, 2026 • 10min
Entertainment News: Harry Styles, Rihanna, Love Island
From good news for Harry Styles fans to ‘The Only Girl in the World’ making a comeback- a lot is going on in the entertainment world.SPIN 1038’s Katie Gallagher and Bauer’s Entertainment Reporter Shannon Keenan join Andrea to run through the biggest entertainment stories of the week!

Jan 16, 2026 • 11min
Regional Roundup with Eamonn Torsney
Newstalk News Anchor Eamonn Torsney joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Jan 16, 2026 • 20min
Should pubs stay open later if Ireland qualifies for the World Cup?
Ireland’s chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup are just two games away. The boys in green will play Czechia in late March, with the winner of that match facing either North Macedonia or Denmark to secure a place in the finals.If Ireland are successful in making it to the World Cup, they will be heading to the US in the summer.Independent TD Barry Heneghan has called for Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to temporarily extend pub licensing hours to provide a place for fans to safely watch the matches together.So, would you like to see the pubs open late to watch the World Cup?Joining Andrea to discuss is Cameron Hill from Off the Ball, as well as listeners.

Jan 15, 2026 • 13min
The Home Squad: Restyling without buying
In a very January way to make an impact, how do you make your home look good without buying new things?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss restyling without buying!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Interior Stylist Sarah Doyle.

Jan 15, 2026 • 7min
Why is Google emailing 13-year-olds to turn off parental controls?
Google is apparently emailing thirteen year olds to tell them how to turn off parental controls on their accounts...Joining Andrea to explain more is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly…

Jan 15, 2026 • 19min
Is the current healthcare system fit for purpose?
When it comes to healthcare, half of the population pays twice – surely it’s time for a rethink? So writes Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care.What needs to change in the system?Joining Andrea to discuss is Suzanne Crowe, Dr Brian Turner, Health Economist in Cork University Business School in UCC and listeners.


