Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Andrea is joined by David Dunlea to learn more about being a Jehovah’s Witness.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea to look back on the year that was 2003!

You often hear the adage “comparison is the thief of joy”, but do you find that you are comparing yourself constantly to others online?And, where does that leave us? Does social media make our victories seem small?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and co-host of the Tough Love Podcast, Keith Russell, Blogger, Podcaster & Mental Health Advocate, Alex Rowley from Newstalk’s Newsroom and more to discuss.

As part of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Andrea is joined by Dr Bart Kuczera, Deputy Medical Director and Fertility Consultant at Beacon CARE Fertility, to discuss how the condition can impact your fertility, and answer your questions.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.This is something that’s been highlighted for a few years on the show, and we intend to keep making it a priority.But, so much of it is still misunderstood…Joining Andrea to discuss and give an overview of the condition is Aoife O’Neill, Consultant Obstetrician and Yvonne Counihan, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Endometriosis.Also joining to share their personal stories is Doireann Barrett, who runs Cneasú Community and listeners Ali and Leona…

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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

More than half of Irish adults say that they gift €50 or more to a niece or nephew for their communion / confirmation.So, what is the going rate for a communion present?Andrea is joined by Tanya Sweeney, Columnist with the Irish Independent as well as listeners to discuss.

Should we go ahead with plans for a Dublin Metro?Yesterday, it emerged that Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has been formally warned that the cost could exceed €23 billion. That is about five times the cost on which approval was originally sought by the National Transport Authority.So, should we put a stop to Metro plans before the price balloons out of control?Andrea is joined by Broadcaster and Architect, Duncan Stewart, as well as listeners, to discuss…

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.98fm’s Russell Alford and Tom Douglas from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘The Scam Factory’!Image: Wondery

Irish people who worked in the UK could be entitled to a generous state pension pay out, but the April 5th deadline is looming...Do you qualify for it?Andrea is joined by John Ring from XtraPension Ltd to answer listener questions.

Around one in twenty children are now being diagnosed with autism.That is a three times increase in the amount of diagnoses ten years ago.So, where has this increase come from?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Eleanor McSherry, former Head of Autism Studies in UCC, Chair of Involve Autism, Miriam Kenny and more.

A ghost busting team has been investigating paranormal activity at the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford.It’s after numerous reports from staff and trades workers claiming to have seen reflections of children in the glass…It begs the question: do you believe in ghosts?Andrea is joined by Laura Nugent, Tour Guide at Wake Museum Waterford, Cliona Purcell, Museum Curator also at the Wake Museum and Anthony Kerrigan, Paranormal Researcher with GhostÉire to discuss.

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 Nurse Helen Tuffy to discuss hot and cold therapy!

Should households receive charges for excessive water use?Would it encourage those to fix leaks on their property and other preventable causes of wasting water?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Do characters like Elon Musk and Donald Trump have you swearing off social media? Listener Carol got in touch with the show about a Facebook boycott she took part in, and joins Andrea along with listener Aisling to discuss.

Should learner drivers only be allowed four consecutive learner permits if they do not pass their driving test?The Department of Transport has suggested plans which would mean after six years the driver would have to begin the process of retaking the theory test…What do you think?Andrea is joined by Brenda Bolger, Driving Instructor at Bolger’s Driving School, as well as listeners, to discuss.

About 2,300 people living in and around Cappamore, a small village about 20 minutes outside Limerick City, have been without drinking water since September 2023.Why is this happening? And is it an issue elsewhere around the country?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Principal of Scoil Chaitríona, Nicola Blake, John Hayes, owner of Haye’s Bar and Restaurant Cappamore and Councillor Martin Ryan.

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!Adrian Martin, owner of Luigi Malones Temple Bar and the Wildflower Restaurant in Dublin joins Andrea this week to discuss ‘dump bags’, and why they’re more appealing than that name sounds!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is coming face to face with US President Donald Trump for the annual St Patrick’s Day meeting next week.With all the talks of tariffs and international security, there is arguably more riding on this yearly tradition than ever before…As we saw from Trump’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - it can go one way or another...How does Micheál Martin approach a character like Donald Trump?Joining Andrea to discuss is Political Commentator and former Senior Government Advisor Gerard Howlin, Patti Shields from Democrats Abroad and Larry G. Maguire, Work Psychologist in Dublin.Image: Reuters