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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 15, 2026 • 12min
Is there still a stigma around going bald?
Men under 35 are now the most worried generation about hair loss, fuelling a £6 billion hair treatment global market.But how do men feel about going bald? Is there still a stigma about it, or getting hair transplants?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciaran Bradley from the Newstalk Digital Team, Dr Maurice Collins, Medical Director & Founder of HRBR, as well as listeners.

Jan 15, 2026 • 10min
The Making of Thin Lizzy’s ‘Jailbreak’
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 Thin Lizzy’s album ‘Jailbreak’!

Jan 15, 2026 • 17min
Will you watch the Irish Open despite Trump?
As the Irish Open is set to take place in The Trump Hotel in Doonbeg later this year, many people will flock to West Clare to see the sport in action.Donald Trump however has caused a lot of tension over recent years with many people strongly disagreeing with some of his actions.Can we put our personal feelings for Trump aside in the name of sport?Joining Andrea to discuss is Fionn Davenport, Journalist and presenter of the ‘Golf Weekly’ podcast, Professional Golfer Damien McGrane and listeners.

Jan 14, 2026 • 10min
How hard is it to be granted Power of Attorney?
Listener Clíodhna emailed the show with an issue she is dealing with.She joins Andrea to discuss the difficulty she is facing with getting Power of Attorney. Just how hard is it? Also joining to discuss is Áine Hynes, Senior Counsel Solicitor at St. John Solicitors and Chair of the Law Society Task Force for Mental Health Law and Capacity Law.

Jan 14, 2026 • 12min
Reasons to be Happy: Cycling to Everest, Heated Rivalry, Spice Girls
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…

Jan 14, 2026 • 20min
Should illegal dumpers be made to clean up litter?
North-Cork Councillors are calling for those convicted of illegal dumping to complete community service litter clean-ups.Could this effectively tackle the problem?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ian Doyle, Fianna Fáil Councillor for North Cork, Noel McCarthy, TD for Cork East and Chairman of Fermoy Tidy Towns and listeners.

Jan 14, 2026 • 11min
Making Babies: Pelvic Girdle Pain
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and how you can manage it if you come across it during your pregnancy.

Jan 14, 2026 • 11min
Fundraising for treatment abroad to help child walk
Dan McDermott got in touch with the show because of his daughter Eve. Eve has had Cerebral Palsy since she was 9 weeks old, and her family are fighting to give her the treatment to help her walk.Dan joins Andrea to discuss Eve’s life, and the fundraising effort they are making.If you would like to donate, you can visit https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SupportEvesDreamtoWalk

Jan 14, 2026 • 22min
Is the Irish dental scheme falling apart?
The Irish dental scheme is currently facing a serious crisis, with many medical card holders unable to access dental treatment. Fewer than 600 dentists nationwide are now operating under the scheme, leaving thousands of people struggling to secure appointments. As a result, many are going for years without seeing a dentist, leading to worsening oral health.Have you been affected by this?Andrea is joined by Irish Dental Association President Will Ryme, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Jan 13, 2026 • 13min
Ask the Expert: Home insurance
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Managing Director ofInsuremyhouse.ie, Jonathan Hehir, to answer any of your questions around home insurance!


