Highlights from Lunchtime Live

For this week's Ask Me Anything, Stunt Coordinator with Total Stunts Joe Condren joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your stunt-related questions!

Today is World Television Day, a chance to celebrate the shows, characters and moments that have shaped our lives. From comfort-watch favourites to the series that changed how we see the world, TV continues to influence culture in powerful ways. So what makes a show truly unforgettable, and why does television still matter in the streaming age?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss the shows that shaped them is Newstalk's Ellen Kenny and TV and Movie Critic, Brian Llyod.

Gender reveal celebrations have become more popular than ever. Whether it's cutting into a cake or popping a balloon, everyone waits for that exciting moment to see pink or blue. But, what happens when the color revealed isn't the one someone was hoping for?And is it okay to feel disappointed to not have the gender you hoped for?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Clinical and Health Psychologist, Dr Bronagh Fitzpatrick, Columnist with the Irish Independent, Tanya Sweeney, Editor of Cork Beo, Joe O'Shea and Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram).

A Chinese start-up has claimed to have developed a pill in the lab that could potentially extend human life to 150 years.This begs the question, even if we could, would you like to live to 150 years of age?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Terry Prone, Columnist with The Irish Examiner and Chairman of the Communications Clinic and Liam Collins, Columnist with The Irish Independent.

From €80 t-shirts to a record wool map of Ireland, Alex Rowley from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Anna Daly with stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

Fingal County Council has approved plans to introduce paid parking at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, despite growing local protests. The new system, proposed by the centre's owners, aims to improve traffic flow, but residents, workers and public representatives say it will place extra costs on staff and undermine what has long been a key community space in Dublin 15.So, is parking getting too expensive? And have you ever decided not to go somewhere simply because the parking charges put you off?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

Anna's guest has launched a petition calling for a once-off national holiday on March 27th, 2026: the day after Ireland's World Cup playoff semi-final. The aim is to give the whole country the chance to come together and support the team during what could be a rare and historic moment for Irish football…If Ireland reaches the final, the petition also calls for March 31st and April 1st to be declared once-off holidays too. Supporters are encouraged to sign - and remember to verify their signature so it counts.Brion Kennedy, Irish Football Fan and Petition Founder and Daniel Hussey, Freelance Sports Journalist.

Many people living with conditions such as IBS and Crohn's disease can be left in distressing situations when they suddenly need to use the toilet. For them, this isn't a matter of convenience - it's a medical necessity.Yet, many bars and restaurants restrict toilet access to paying customers. So, what does that mean for those living with long-term digestive conditions, and how can society better support them?Anna Daly's guest is calling for the introduction of a ‘bowel card' - giving people immediate access to toilet facilities when they need it most, helping to remove anxiety, uncertainty and embarrassment.Maria Crowe joins to discuss, as well as Mark Wall, Labour Party TD for Kildare South and Emily Larkin, Founder of Invisible Disability Ireland.

Gen Z are accused of many things: that they're chronically online, surgically attached to their phones, avoidant of eye contact and allergic to small talk.They are, we're told, the loneliest generation, and supposedly the one least able to hold a conversation with a stranger…So, it may come as a surprise to learn that they, not the extroverted, freewheeling generations before them, are the ones bringing back communal dining!Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss this is Leslie Shoemaker, Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin and Gráinne O'Higgins & Dearbhaile Gaffney, organisers of Mingle Meets Supper Club.

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 Amy Winehouse's album ‘Back to Black'!

Dublin's MetroLink project is expected to need around 8,000 construction workers.Programme Director Sean Sweeney has said Ireland may have to recruit many from abroad to meet that demand.But, with construction already facing labour shortages and workers continuing to emigrate due to high living costs and the housing crisis, serious questions are being raised about how the State can attract and house the workforce needed to deliver the project.Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Cllr Feljin Jose, Spokesperson for Transport for the Green Party, Architect, Rósín Murphy, Iarnród Éireann's Apprentice Training Manager, Conor Doolin and more.

If you have a lack of confidence in yourself, how likely is that going to be carried over to your children? And, what should be done about it?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Personal Trainer and mam Georgy Dillion and Life Coach Mark Fennell.

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 Anna Daly in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Image: Universal Pictures

Defibrillators when used are often lifesaving. With many registered defibrillators provided in towns and villages, they are a great resource.While registered, however, it can often be hard to locate. By adding these to Google Maps, residents and visitors will be able to find the nearest defibrillators in the event of an emergency…Do you think Google should make defibrillators available on Google Maps? And if so, how do we use them when needed?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Patrick Higgins, who called on the HSE and Google to work together, David Hall, CEO of Lifeline Ambulance and listeners.

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 guest host Anna Daly to discuss your birthing options when the time comes…

According to a recent survey, 62% of men believe that “women have too many expectations of how men should be in relationships these days”.44% say they would have to change too much about themselves in order to make a serious relationship work long-term…Not very romantic, is it? It begs the question: is dating dead? And if it is, who, or what is killing it?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is SPIN1038's Katie Gallagher, Newstalk's Ciara Treacy and more.

Health insurance costs are set to rise again as the HIA plans a 10% increase in the levy that funds subsidies for older and higher-risk customers.With premiums already climbing, we ask: what will this mean for the 2.5 million people with cover, and is the system fair?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dermot Goode, Health Insurance Expert with Health Insurance Ireland, as well as listeners.

For this week's Ask the Expert, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Audiologist Frank McGrath, to answer any of your hearing and tinnitus-related questions!

Christmas parties are starting, group dinners are being planned, the shopping has already started…It can be easier to feel overwhelmed in the run up to Christmas, so how do you avoid feeling burned out?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Siobhan Murray, Psychotherapist and Expert on Burnout Management.

If you or someone you know has had or is having a baby, chances are you've talked about the idea of ‘bouncing back'.It's the idea that women should ‘recover' as quickly and seamlessly as possible, even though pregnancy and birth are major, sometimes traumatic, medical events.Niamh O'Sullivan is an influencer and a new mother, and she recently posted about this, writing that she looks the same at 14 and a half weeks post-partum as she did at 20 weeks pregnant.She said even though this is “fine”, she's jealous of women who can “bounce back” more easily.She joins guest host Anna Daly to discuss, as well as Maria O'Sullivan, Certified lactation consultant and member of Association for Improvements in Maternity Services in Ireland and listeners.

It's How I live well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life...This week, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Aileen Cox Blundell, Nutritionist, to talk all things Vitamin D!

We've all heard the stories - you ace the first interview, then the next, then another, and you're still not sure if you'll get the job! It seems more and more Irish jobseekers are being asked to jump through hoop after hoop to secure roles, but is all this really helping companies, or just putting great candidates off?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Tracey Keevans, Global FDI Director at Morgan McKinley, Pat McDonagh, owner of Supermacs, Moira Grassick, COO of Peninsula Ireland HR and listeners.

After a very tragic accident occurred in Dundalk at the weekend, many people are saddened and worried by the danger of Irish roads.One listener got in touch to discuss his frustration and upset at the lack of Garda checkpoints on Irish roads, despite plenty being in place during the lockdown…How do you feel? Are there enough checkpoints, or do we need to see more to prevent further accidents from occurring?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Spokesperson for the LOVE30 Campaign, Mairead Forsythe, Editor with Completecar.ie, Shane O'Donoghue and listeners.

Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Anna Daly to answer your questions.

There's a lot of research to say that what you are called impacts the kind of life you will lead, especially if you have an unusual name.Over the last few years, there has been a rise in ‘uncommon' names with people calling their kids Apple, North, and Peach, even!But does having a strange name have any impact on your life ?Joining Anna Daly in for Andrea was Baby Name Expert & Celebrity Name Consultant, SJ Strum, Broadcaster and podcast host, Venetia Quick, Day Magee And Matthew Matthews from Spin 1038

Miriam is a 69-year-old wheelchair user. She got in touch with Lunchtime Live to tell the current issues she is facing with her accommodation. As a wheelchair user, her Dublin City Council apartment fails to meet her disability needs, making her housebound. She joined Anna Daly in for Andrea to discuss the impact the issue is having on her life.

It's a moment we'll be ‘parroting' about for many years to come – Ireland's World Cup dream kept alive, with Troy Parrot sealing victory in the sixth-minute of injury-time, scoring a hat-trick and securing the comeback win against Hungary, 3-2 the final score.Where were you when the goal was scored, and is this up there with Ireland's greatest ever sporting moments?Joining Lunchtime Live were Irish football fans on where they were when that last-minute goal went in.

On Friday, families across Ireland received school place offers. In many areas in the country where acute population growth has been recorded, many families struggle to secure school places for their children. Despite a pilot scheme being rolled out to remove the need to apply for schools individually in towns facing shortages. Louise in Greystones joined Lunchtime live to discuss her challenges in securing a place for her child. Louise was also joined by other listeners with similar stories and Aontú Education Spokesperson and Assistant Principal in a Secondary School in Limerick.

It's time for the Pod Squad.Today Anna Daly in for Andrea was joined by Host of the ‘For Techs Sake' podcast Elaine Burke and Newstalk's Neil Kavanagh… To review the ‘What Went Wrong'. A podcast that explores the Troubled production histories of both good and bad films.

For this week's Ask Me Anything, David Tighe, CEO of CRITICAL Emergency Medical Response joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your emergency response questions.

Last night, the Christmas lights on Grafton Street flickered to life, officially ushering in the festive season. And with so many of us already getting into the Christmas spirit, it's the perfect time to talk about one of the highlights of this time of year: the magical Christmas markets across Europe!From historic town squares to sparkling winter wonderlands, we're taking a look at some of the very best destinations for a festive getaway.Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Joan Scales, Travel Writer and Broadcaster.

Social media has played a huge part in putting Irish food and restaurants on the map, thanks to Instagrammable dishes, viral TikToks, and positive word of mouth.Many Irish restaurants depend on this free publicity to reach new diners, but growing numbers now report influencer behaviour that can disrupt service or other guests.As Irish restaurants, cafés, and markets ride the social media wave for publicity, some worry about disruption, loss of control, and whether it's time for new rules on filming and sharing food experiences…In the age of everyone being a ‘reviewer' - should anyone be able to record and post their experience or do venues need more control? And what is the fallout from a negative review shared online?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Eadaoin Fitzmaurice, Food Content Creator, Ciaran Kavanagh, Head Chef at Gravediggers Pub, Keelan Higgs, owner & Chef at Variety Jones and JP McMahon, Chef, Restaurateur and author.

In a spectacular show last night, the Republic of Ireland faced Portugal at Lansdowne Road. We needed to win to stay in the mix for a play-off spot for the World Cup…And win we did! It was a game full of drama, ending with 2 nil to Ireland, both goals scored by Troy Parrott, and of course, Ronaldo getting the red card.Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to get their reactions to the match.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

For expectant parents, there's already so much to think about without adding parking to the list. Unfortunately, for many families, hospital parking becomes an unexpected source of stress that they're forced to factor into their birthing plans.Across the country, many maternity hospitals either offer limited parking, or none at all, and even when parking is available, finding a space can take far longer than it should, especially in urgent situations...Have you had a difficult experience with hospital parking when having a baby?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Journalist and mum, Aideen Finnegan, Dr Krysia Lynch, Chairperson for the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services in Ireland, Katie Makk from the ‘Opinions Matter' podcast and Aidan Loughnane, Content Creator and Mental Health Advocate.

With the weather getting colder and colder, there are some things you might want to look out for when getting your home winter-ready.This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss prepping the house for winter!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).

Listener Mary got in touch with the show about an issue she has with Bord Gáis. She joins Andrea to discuss more.

The Office of Public Works yesterday announced that ‘Christmas at the Castle' will not be returning this year or next due to Government business, and the upcoming EU presidency.Does this leave a hole in your Christmas calendar, and should we have more of an offering in the city during the festive period? Are we as a capital city lagging behind our European neighbours and even other cities in the country?And, what are some of the experiences you are looking forward to in the lead up to Christmas?Andrea is joined by Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram), Trevor Darmody, Director of Winterval Festival in Waterford and listeners to discuss.

All this week, Lunchtime Live has been focusing on the renting situation around Ireland.Today, we want to look at a slightly different angle: what is the current situation for landlords in this country?Andrea is joined by Maurice Deverell, Private landlord and Member of Irish Property Owners Association and listeners to hear their experiences.

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 Billy Joel's album, ‘The Stranger'!

The Government has confirmed it will launch a statutory inquiry into the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida at Children's Health Ireland.The announcement follows months of emotional campaigning by parents, including the family of Harvey Sherratt, who tragically passed away in July.Families have long called for answers about the treatment, and today's decision marks a significant step toward accountability.Andrea is joined by Advocate with Access for All Ireland, Bernard Mulvany, Core member of the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, Orlaith Maher Lalor and listeners to discuss…

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…Image: Disney