Lunchtime Live

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 entertainment

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Thursday · 8 min
Do we need ‘zombie’ crosswalks?
Do you walk along while looking at your phone? We’re all guilty of being distracted, but because of people’s smart phone dependency now further measures are being implemented to add new ground level traffic lights at zebra crossings. So, is this really what’s needed to deal with distracted pedestrians? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Colin Baker, Managing Director of Back from the Future tech support and listeners.
Thursday · 15 min
What is the impact of lower organ transplant levels?
A report has shown that transplants have fallen significantly, having failed to return to pre-pandemic levels. So, what impact does this have on those on the transplant list? Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Maureen O'Donnell, CEO of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association, Colin White, National Advocacy Manager with the Irish Kidney Association and listeners.
Thursday · 11 min
How important are online reviews?
How important are reviews to you when choosing a restaurant or any form of accommodation? Do you swear by reviews you read online? What impact do they have on businesses and should we monitor them more closely to ensure the information given is accurate and fair? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Barry Duff from Lock & Brew café and restaurant and Food Writer Dee Laffan.
Thursday · 8 min
The Making of Van Morrison!
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 guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of Van Morrison!
Thursday · 16 min
Should the Gardaí bring back retired members?
The former General Secretary of AGSI is calling for retired Gardaí to return on a voluntary basis to help tackle the force’s soaring overtime bill, which rose from €97m in 2020 to €197m in 2024. Could bringing experienced retired members back help ease pressure on serving Gardaí and increase their presence on Irish streets? Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.
Wednesday · 15 min
Reasons to be Happy: Electric Picnic, Rain, Dog Day
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 guest host Clare McKenna in the studio to put a smile on your faces…
Wednesday · 19 min
Do men not talk about their weight with friends?
Do you talk about your weight with your friends? A survey reveals that men are typically embarrassed and feel stigma opening up about their weight and trying to lose it among their pals. Joining Clare McKenna to discuss this is Michael O’Malley, Podcast Producer and content creator, as well as listeners.
Wednesday · 11 min
Making Babies: Physical Symptoms After Birth
For this week’s Making Babies, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Advanced Midwife Practitioner from the National Maternity Hospital Caroline Brophy to discuss ongoing physical symptoms or complications after childbirth.
Wednesday · 11 min
Aisling Sharkey on her Ted Lasso experience!
Irish actress Aisling Sharkey has recently joined the cast of the two-time Emmy Award-winning comedy series Ted Lasso, where she plays footballer Niamh Harrigan, who finds herself under the management of the charismatic American coach Ted Lasso. She joins Clare McKenna to discuss the experience! Image: Apple TV
Wednesday · 20 min
Are we in a college accommodation crisis?
CAO offers are out today, which officially ushers in the new academic year. However, while new or returning students should be excited, many are stressed as they struggle to secure accommodation… Listeners join guest host Clare McKenna to share their experiences.
August 25 · 14 min
Ask the Expert: Dublin Airport ins and outs
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with the DAA, to answer any of your questions about Dublin Airport!
August 25 · 15 min
How to fill the lunchbox for fussy eaters!
Back to school time is upon us, but how do you deal with lunchboxes when it comes to fussy eaters? Louise Lennox, Children’s Feeding Therapist and Aileen Cox Blundell, Nutritionist & author join Clare McKenna to give their tips!
August 25 · 13 min
HSE approves offer on Skyclarys drug for Friedreich's Ataxia patients
The HSE today has approved a new offer from drug firm Biogen over ‘Skyclarys’, which will now be available with reimbursement to Friedreich’s Ataxia patients. This comes after mounting pressure, and months of campaigning… Joining Clare McKenna to discuss this is Teresa Kane, a mother of two children with Friedreich’s Ataxia and Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, who lives with Friedrich’s Ataxia…
August 25 · 11 min
The danger of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services
“I’ll just Klarna it”. Have you gotten into the habit of using ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services? And from big ticket items to takeaways, just why are these services so popular, and do people realise they are actually getting into debt? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Dr Shane Timmons, Senior Research Officer with the ESRI’s Behavioral Research Unit and Laura Jordan, Founder of Style Savvy.
August 25 · 12 min
Don’t Miss: Don’t Say Good Luck, Love is Blind UK, Electric Picnic
Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins guest host Clare McKenna with the things you don’t want to miss this week! Image: Netflix
August 25 · 18 min
Does Ireland need an ice hockey arena?
The company behind the Sphere in Las Vegas, Yankee Stadium in New York and the Aviva Stadium has released computer-generated images of its proposed events arena in Cherrywood, south Dublin. The Prime Arena is planned as the home of a professional ice hockey team, while also hosting concerts, winter sports and a wide range of other events. The venue would feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks and an 8,000-capacity arena, expandable to 10,500 for major events and concerts. It is projected to attract more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Could a project like this be a major boost for sport and entertainment in Ireland? Should we be encouraging more large-scale sports facilities, or do you think this is an unnecessary use of money and resources? Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss. Image: Prime Arena Holdings
August 24 · 8 min
The Health Reset: Managing Stress
We all say we’re going to eat better, get more active or finally get around to those health checks, but too often, we put it off. Irish Life Health gives you practical ways to act today, from a wide range of digital health services to access to ExpressCare Clinics in Dublin and Cork. For more information, see irishlifehealth.ie. For this week’s Health Reset, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Dr Heather McKee Behaviour Change Specialist and Irish Life Ambassador to discuss managing stress at this stage of the year!
August 24 · 11 min
Should you have to pay for your children's holidays?
We're nearing the end of summer, and thus the end of the first holidays without mum or dad for many young people. A survey done in Britain claims one-third of young people think their mum and dad should never stop footing the bill for the family holiday. But, is this really feasible, should you have to pay for your children's holidays? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Anne Marie Macken, Founder and Director of Money Coaching Ireland, Broadcaster Claire Ronan and content creator Holli Breslin.
August 24 · 22 min
Is childcare too expensive for the average household?
For many working parents, finding affordable childcare has become one of the biggest barriers to returning to work. A recent Irish Independent survey found that 117 of 142 creches had waiting lists of at least a year, while the average monthly fee was €845 before State subsidies. For families needing full-time care, the cost can feel like a second mortgage, while the lack of available places leaves many with few options. If we want to support working parents and keep people in the workforce, the Government needs to do more to make childcare both affordable and accessible, while providing greater support to the childcare sector to increase capacity. What is your experience? Joining Clare McKenna to discuss owner & Director of Mary Geary Childcare, Ollie Sheehan, new mum and founder of Clarico Coaching, Sorcha Keogh, Journalist & Broadcaster Dominique McMullan and listeners.
August 24 · 9 min
Opening up about men’s mental health struggles
Opening up about your mental health struggles is not easy, and many men in particular suffer in silence. Fitness coach Domhall Hyland is 30 and has been sharing about his own experience of OCD, anxiety and depression. He joins guest host Clare McKenna to discuss.

Showing 21–40 of 91 episodes