Highlights from Lunchtime Live

For this week's Ask Me Anything, former Detective Garda and host of the ‘Lines of Enquiry' podcast John Sweetman joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Surfers from around the world gathered in Sigo for some of the best surfing conditions seen in years.So what makes the Irish seas so special?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

WhatsApp groups have become a common part of family and school life, offering parents a quick and convenient way to stay informed and connected.However, as groups multiply, the benefits can be outweighed by constant notifications, off-topic messages and pressure to stay engaged. For teachers, these chats can be particularly challenging, often blurring professional boundaries and creating expectations of constant availability.We want to know, how beneficial are these group chats? Are they helpful or are they a hindrance?Joining Andrea to discuss is Native Editor of DMG Media, Sarah-Jayne Tobin, as well as listeners.

“If men gave birth, maternity hospitals would be palaces and we'd get three years off. And there'd be an awful lot greater attention on maternal care.”So says Aodhán O'Riordán, Labour TD and MEP, after welcoming his premature daughter into the world.He joins Andrea to discuss…

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Should peanuts be banned from enclosed spaces? A listener got in touch with his experience at a gig last night.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Journalist Joe McNamee, Ruth Charles, Founder of the Irish Food Allergy Network, Aoife Quinn, Register Dietician and more.

With Christmas only a week away, you may have not gotten every present just yet. So, what are the best gifts for a home lover?Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss the best presents!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year' (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O'Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

Christmas is a time of huge joy, but it can also be tough for some people, especially for those who have lost someone.If you find yourself in that situation, help is available.Andrea is joined by the CEO of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan and Laura Hallinan, who availed of Pieta's bereavement counselling services, to discuss.Pieta's 24-Hour Crisis Helpline & Text Service: 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP' to 51444.If you wish to donate, you can do so at www.pieta.ie.

Many car parks across the country have allocated parent and baby spaces for parents with young children. These spaces are bigger than the average car parking space, and are usually located close to the front door of the shop.The reason for this is so parents have enough room to get their child in and out of the car seat as well as having space for their buggy.With many people parking in these spaces who do not have children, should we be calling them out, or should these spaces be available for parents only?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents' podcast, Jen Hogan, Off The Ball's Adrian Barry, as well as listeners.

Dealing with companies about complaints can be incredibly frustrating at the best of times.But what about when it's putting you massively out of pocket?That's what happened to Andrea's guest Aisling. She joins to explain her situation, and Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert & Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins as well to discuss…

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 Marvin Gaye's album ‘What's Going On'!

The UK Labour Party is to roll out a scheme introducing anti-misogyny classes for boys aged 11.The programme is aimed at young boys who display “worrying behaviour” who can then be sent onto courses to teach them about consent, the dangers of sharing intimate images and challenging unhealthy myths about women and girls.Should Ireland follow suit in this effort to prevent the radicalisation of young men?Andrea is joined by Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly, as well as listeners, to discuss…

Girls playing for Kilmore Celtic Football Club are having to knock on houses and ask to use the toilet because there are no facilities for them at their pitch. How is this still going on?Dean Russell is the Club Chairman, and joins Andrea to discuss, as well as some of those affected.

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…

A bride in Monaghan missed out on having her two brothers at her wedding due to the county final. For a part of the wedding, the bride and groom were not the center of attention as all eyes were on the big screen to see if the Scotstown boys would be county champions.Would you be annoyed if your wedding was overshadowed by sports or does it add some extra entertainment to an already special day?Joining Andrea to discuss is Wedding Photographer, Katie Kavanagh, Eoin Sheahan from Off the Ball, Hotelier and bar owner, Eoin Doyle and more.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we'll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, 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 the ‘free birthing' movement, and why you might be hearing a lot about it.

Where do you fall on matching pyjamas on Christmas Day? Is it something the whole family should get in on, or is it cringeworthy beyond imagination?Joining Andrea to discuss is Joey Donnelly, owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin, Columnist with the Independent, Mary McCarthy, Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast and Newstalk's Henry McKean!Image: Very Ireland

Following on from yesterday's piece with Aoife about the responses her friend received from a Spunout Chat service, Andrea is joined by a woman who used to volunteer with them.

For this week's Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Chef Conor Spacey to talk about all things Christmas dinner, and how you can navigate it!

A youth movement against tech giants is on the rise in Europe, calling for a focus on digital justice.So, why is this happening, and why are the first generation to be raised with social media rebelling against it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent and Andy O'Donoghue, Tech Journalist.

Is Spunout's chat service powered by AI?After a very strange interaction, listener Aoife joins Andrea to discuss what happened to her friend…Helplines:Samaritans - Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.iePieta - Call 1800 247 247

Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape it all…From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we're counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years.You, the listener, have been voting for who you think are the most influential people that moved us and inspired us as part of Newstalk's 25 of 25!Joining Andrea to discuss the best musicians to come out of Ireland over the past 25 years is Newstalk's Tom Dunne and Today FM's Alison Curtis!

It's How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Nutritionist Aileen Cox Blundell to discuss looking after yourself when you'll inevitably want to indulge over Christmas!

Ambulance services nationwide are increasingly strained by calls that are not genuine medical emergencies. Some individuals misuse ambulances as a free taxi service, calling for transport after a night out and leaving the hospital without treatment.This abuse diverts critical resources, delays responses to real emergencies, and places additional pressure on paramedics, affecting their ability to provide timely and effective care.What needs to be done to tackle this, and how does this impact paramedics trying to do their job?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Angie Baily, Councillor in Tralee, David Hall, CEO of Lifeline Ambulance, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients' Association and more.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

The world is still coming to terms with the shock of the shooting in Bondi Beach yesterday.A father and son killed 15 people after opening fire on a Hanukkah celebration at the beach…The older man died at the scene, while his son is in a critical condition in hospital.Joining Andrea to discuss their experiences of being nearby the shooting is Craig and TV Presenter Michelle Doherty. Later, listeners, including those in the Jewish community, join to give their reactions.Image: Reuters

Christmas is only ten days away! Lunchtime Live is going to be highlighting some great Irish businesses that you can support this festive season.One of the most important aspects of Christmas has to be dinner - so why not line the table with products from Irish brands?Joining Andrea to discuss is Caterer Sally-Ann, Aisling Kelly Hunter from the Silgo Oyster Experience, Vicki Baird, ‘Bosslady' of Stillgarden Distillery and John Hempenstall, Founder of Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and Newstalk's Rory Galvin join Andrea to review ‘Lines of Enquiry'.Image: GoLoud

For this week's Ask Me Anything, writer, performer and escort activist Kate McGrew joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

It's a sad day for Daniel O'Donnell fans as he's announced the end of his long running fan club.Daniel joins Andrea to discuss why…

The long-awaited World Darts Championship kicked off last night in the infamous Alexandra Palace, with Luke Littler beginning the defense of his title with a win.Darts has long been a bone of contention in the debate around what constitutes a sport, with some claiming it's just a pub game, but what do you think? Is it a sport?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sports Journalist Conan Doherty, Comedian Jim Elliott, Richie Walsh from 501 Darts supply store in Trim and listeners.

Do you let your dog lick your face? For some, it's a simple way to bond with your pet, for others, it's completely disgusting, and out of the question!Joining Andrea to discuss is dog lover and Journalist Andrea Smith, Laoise Downes, Owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service and Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Under recommendations from the Department of Transport, roadside memorials to crash victims will be banned.Pre-existing memorials will not be automatically removed, but tributes will no longer be allowed on motorways, dual carriageways, regional or local roads with a speed limit of over 60 kilometers an hour.The move has sparked criticism from families who have lost loved ones on Irish roads, and road crash victims' groups.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Sean Canney. Minister of State for Transport & Independent TD for Galway East, Susan Grey of PARK Road Safety Advocacy Group and listeners.

Around Christmastime, the odds are you will be hosting friends and family for a few days. So, how do you squeeze more people in without making a mess of the place, and what should you bring if you're a guest?Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss hosting Christmas!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year' (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Sarah Carroll (@sand.and.deliver on Instagram).

Yesterday on the show we spoke about the UK's efforts to extend bereavement leave after the loss of a family member…It spoke to a lot of people, and a huge amount reached out to share their own stories.One of those was Peter Shelly, and she joins Andrea to discuss.

The Olympics of food is coming to Ireland next February when the Michelin Awards hit our shores - but is enough fuss being made out of it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Food Writer, Corinna Hardgrave, Michelin-starred Chef JP McMahon and Jacinta Dalton, Head of Culinary Arts in ATU Galway.

Are babysitters becoming a thing of the past? Are parents too precious, or are they too costly?Joining Andrea to discuss is Journalist Niamh O'Reilly, Katie Makk from the ‘Opinions Matter' Podcast and listeners.

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 The Cranberries album ‘Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?'.

In September, Irish businessman Paul Anthony Walsh was shocked to find that thousands had been stolen from his Revolut account.He has now been told by Revolut that he is not entitled to a reimbursement.He joins Andrea to discuss what exactly happened. Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk and Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent, Sinead Ryan also joins to discuss how to avoid these types of scams.

Should terms like ‘burger' and ‘sausage' be reserved for real meat?EU Countries and lawmakers are meeting today to decide whether plant based foods should be allowed to call their products burgers.What do you think?Joining Andrea to discuss is Denis Drennan, Farmer and President of the Irish Creamery Association, as well as listeners.

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…