Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you. And it all kicks off on February 3rd.Follow The Claire Byrne Show on the GoLoud app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

You spend a lot of your life on one, so how do you know if you’re sleeping on the right mattress for you?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss all things mattresses!Joining Andrea to discuss is  Jenny Sheahan -Home Squad Regular and ‘workers cottage’ on instagram  and Painter Oisin Butler from oisinbutler.ie

Oh what a beautiful morning! One of the most beloved musical songs from Oklahoma!Stephen Faloon -  The general Manager Of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and Producer of the show joined andrea to talk about the musical coming to Dublin and as they are in the middle of auditions who they are looking for as part of the show.

The World Health Organisation has warned that Ireland is on track to become Europe’s most obese nation, yet this warning may impact some more than others.  Research has shown that body weight and health behaviors follow a pattern – one with a clear social gradient.  As Danielle Barron, Health and Medical Journalist, writes: “when worrying about bills or rent, you’re not in salad mode.”  She joined Andrea to explain her argument aswell as John Loy, Consultant Surgeon Head of Bariatric Unit at Auralia, Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas  and listeners giving their opinion on the matter.

The BBC has received complaints after it started airing the Irish version of The Traitors, with viewers appalled by the language used by competitors!With swearing being commonplace among the contestants in the Irish version of the show last year.So do we have a tendency to curse a bit to much, and is it a problem ?To discuss, Andrea was joined by Eamon O Keeffe – Irish Traitor, Esther McCarthy - Irish Examiner Life/Style Editor and Chris a English Listener who lives in Ireland.

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 making of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’

For decades, voters have flocked to local national schools on polling days. From general and presidential elections to local and European contests, the use of school buildings as polling stations has become routine—much to the delight of pupils and teachers who often enjoy a day off as a result.However, concerns are now being raised in Cork about the disruption caused to early education. The county sheriff is being urged to identify alternative polling venues, as an inordinate number of national schools continue to be used for voting purposes.Andrea was joined by Joel Loftus, Principal of St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon, Siobhan O’Neill Whyte from Mams.ie, Fine Gael councillor representing the Carrigaline LEA in Cork and teacher, Una McCarth aswell as listeners to discuss whether schools should still be used as polling stations

An inquest has found that heading the football likely contributed to Gordon McQueen’s brain disease. The footballer died in 2023 aged 70, having been diagnosed with vascular dementia.Studies have also shown that footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative disease than the general public, which often stem from trauma received during childhood while playing the sport.  This begs the question – should heading be banned from football?  Andrea was joined by Dr Lisa Ryan, Head of School of Health, sports science and nutrition at Atlantic Technological University, David Wilson from off the ball and Jen Hogan  features journalist with the Irish Times

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…

Many parts of the country have been impacted by heavy rainfall after Storm Chandra hit the East of the Country this week.  With many parts of Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow being some of the places most impacted, Andrea chatted  to some of the people whose homes and businesses have been badly impacted. And to ask what needs to change to prevent flooding in the country?  

Sex and intimacy are a big part of our lives, but for many people, they’re also a source of worry, confusion, or silence, especially after having a baby.  Andrea was joined by Psychosexual Therapist, Meg Fitzgerald, to talk about psychosexual therapy—what it is, who it’s for, and how it helps people navigate sexual and relationship difficulties in a safe, supportive way.

“I won’t lie. It was a relief when Mum finally went into a nursing home. There’s such joy in simply visiting her now, for a cup of tea and a chat.”  So writes Sinead Ryan, Host of The Home Show here on Newstalk and journalist with the Independent and Sunday Independent.  She joined Andrea to explain the relief she felt when her mother moved into a care home. And how after exploring many different care options, she found a care home was best suited to her needs.

A survey carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has found that 9 in 10 consumers tip sometimes, but two-thirds believe tipping in Ireland is becoming less voluntary, with 3 in 4 believing opting out of tipping should be made easier.The CCPC has issued new guidelines for businesses on tipping, including tipping terminals being easily avoidable at checkout by being kept separate and being clearly labelled. The new guidelines come as nearly half a million euro is spent every year on accidental tips paid through contactless payments.Andrea spoke to CEO of Dublin Barista School James McCormack,  James Fahy, Co-Founder of JustTip, Hairdressing Group Owner Terence, Olivia, who has worked in hospitality and  Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent whether they feel pressured to tip.

It’s time for Ask the Expert – and today we’re talking Mortgages...Tara Duggan in for Andrea, was joined by Trevor Grant, Chairperson, Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors

Centra sold nearly 10 million chicken fillet rolls last year, helping to increase sales by 4.6 per cent to a record 2.2 billion euro.A survey last year also found that the delicacy is Ireland’s favourite lunch on the go.  So, why is it such a coveted meal? Russell Alford from 98FM & and GastroGays joined Tara Duggan in for Andrea to explain.  

A new ‘rejuvenation’ plan has been submitted for the Stephen’s Green shopping centre, after a previous plan was rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála last summer.The proposals include expanding the building to eight storeys, adding office space, hospitality outlets, and cinema screens.  The plans not only reconfigure the inside of the building, but would completely alter the outside facade, removing the dome architecture and steel lattice work.  The proposal has prompted outcry from many locals and architecture studentsTara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Marta, architect and PhD candidate as well as the co-founder and coordinator of the Save Stephen’s Green Campaign,  Roisin Murphy, Lecturer in Architecture and Interior Architecture, Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor aswell as callers giving their opnion on the plan.

France’s new child-free train carriages divide opinion.France’s state train operator SNCF rolled out a new carriage on its high-speed trains which provides a ‘quiet journey that’s ideal for working or relaxing’, the reason it’s quiet- there’s no children allowed.  To discuss whether its an idea we should consider in Ireland Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Comedian Jim Elliot, Katie Makk from the Opinion Matter Podcast and Tina in Wicklow.

Therapy, I’m sure, could be good for all of us.But when you’re seeking help, where do you begin? It’s an incredibly daunting thing to face into, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable.Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Michelle Flynn – psychotherapist from An Croí Beag to discuss how to choose the right therapist

Nationwide status yellow wind warnings are in force as Storm Chandra hits the country with flooding an issue in many counties.  Tara Duggan in for Andrea spoke to  Anna Daly, Jane Creegan Communications manager with Iarnrod Eireann, Wicklow County Councillor Melanie Corrigan And listeners up and down the country who are dealing with flooding today.

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