Highlights From Lunchtime Live

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…

Good news this week for all of us that have been worried - Madonna has said she and Sir Elton John have "buried the hatchet" and put an end to their decades-long feud.Apparently, they’ve been beefing since the early 2000’s.It may have been keeping you awake at night, but there’s no doubt that there is some fascination to be had with these celebrity feuds.Joining Andrea to discuss some more examples is Sinead Dalton, Editor of Evoke.ie.Image: Reuters

Listener Aine got in touch with the show about an issue she is dealing with.Ryanair has supposedly lost her nephew’s wheelchair. He is paralyzed from the chest down, and because of that he is stuck in bed on their holiday in Portugal.Aine joins Andrea to discuss 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 ovulation and sex.

In the good weather, the question can pop up: is there a need for separate mens and womens bathing areas outdoors?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciara Treacy from Newstalk’s Digital Team, Cllr. Donna Cooney, Deputy Lord Mayor and swimmer with Dollymount Dames and Jono Griffin from The Wild and Free Adventure Company in Donegal.

New laws to crack down on Airbnb-style accommodation have been delayed after a pushback from a number of Kerry ministers.They argue that the proposal - which would effectively ban the long-term tourist rental of homes in large towns and cities - would have a knock on effect on the tourism industry.What do you think? Will an Airbnb crackdown hurt tourism?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Breakups are worthy of celebrating...That is according to Journalist and author Rebecca Reid, who joins guest host Anna Daly to discuss how she came to that conclusion. Also joining to discuss is Claire Auchmuty, Divorce and Relationship Coach.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Podiatrist Niall Donohoe to answer any of your foot-related questions, and discuss how to look after your feet after a marathon.

A drug designed to slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s, Kisunla, has so far been turned down for approval by the EU.This has led to huge frustration amongst Alzheimer’s experts that hailed the drug as a game-changer.Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr. Laura O’Philbin, Research and Policy Manager at the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Professor Sean Kennelly, Clinical Director of the Institute of Memory and Cognition in Tallaght University Hospital and listeners who have been personally impacted by the disease.Image: Eli Lilly

Scientists have brought back Dire Wolves from the dead in the world's first-ever de-extinction project…Dire Wolves were large, white-coated canines that disappeared 13,000 years ago, but now three pups have been born back into the world.The mixed DNA was transferred into donor egg cells, and the embryos put into a surrogate mother. She birthed the three healthy pups in October 2024.To discuss the news, and whether or not it’s a good idea, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Emma Teeling, Full Professor of Zoology at UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science and Collie Ennis, Zoology Research Associate at Trinity College Dublin.Image: HBO

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 John O’Leary from the Carrickmines Equestrian Centre to talk all things horse riding!

Concerns about overcharging or issues with fares accounted for more than half of all complaints involving taxis to the National Transport Authority last year.Frustrated customers called out cabbies’ refusal or inability to accept a cashless payment, adding a charge for a cashless payment and the taxi meter not working or not being used…Other common issues among the over 1,700 complaints to the NTA included driver behaviour, inappropriate route selection and refusal to take short journeys.So, what is your experience of taxis in Ireland?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

An early Medieval brooch-pin, dating from the 8th or 9th century, was discovered during the beginning phases of the Adare Bypass construction last year. It, along with other amazing finds will soon go on display to the public. But, how often do these discoveries happen? And what should you do if you think you’ve found something on your land?Maeve Sikora, Archaeologist and Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland joins Andrea to discuss.

Sophie Brady and her sister’s abusers recently heard their sentencing after subjecting the two sisters to horrific abuse when they were children.David and Jonathan Hamilton were handed over 7 years and 3 years respectively.Sophie took to social media to call the sentencing ‘a slap in the face’.She joins Andrea to discuss…The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre can be reached on 1800 778 888.

We’re well aware of the difficulties and many hurdles it can take to become a homeowner. The average age for first time buyers is now 36. But, for one Cork teenager, he set his sights on having his own property, and began the chase at the age of 13.Now 19, Sean O’Shea can proudly say he is a homeowner. He, along with Frank Conway, Founder of Money Whizz and Personal Finance Commentator join Andrea to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Pádraig Wilson McCarthy and Laura Mullet, Journalist and Stylist join Andrea to review ‘Icebergs with Kemah Bob’!Image: Keep it Light Media

“Children as young as six have been exposed to porn and they’ll never be the same. Those kids become a lot more aggressive to other kids in school.”That is according to Cyber-Security Expert Aoife Noone. She visits schools to educate children on how to be safe online with the Think Smart Cyber Safety and Mindset Programme.Aoife joins Andrea to discuss, along with Eoin Daly, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Gina Dermody, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Adolescence and Beyond, Noel Loftus, Principal at St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and more.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Sue Leonard, Ghost Writer and Author, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

This week is Wish Week on Newstalk, and right across the station we have been hearing about the amazing families who have had their wishes granted with the charity.Emma Preston was 15 when she had her wish granted.Emma’s mother Edel joins Andrea to discuss what that experience was like, and how important it was for her daughter.Let’s make 2025 the biggest Wish Week yet. Every cent matters. Donate online atmakeawish.ie/donate!