Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Is fat shaming still common in society? Singer Cliff Richard was on ITV's This Morning yesterday and came out a story in which he commented on Elvis Presley's weight.Is it ever ok to comment on somebody’s weight? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

We are very nearly in the festive season – the Late Late Toy Show is on this Friday and next week we are into December. But, have you found yourself dreading the rush into Christmas? Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed with the obligation to meet friends and family and to go to work functions?  Has a holiday - which is meant to be a relaxing time - turned into a time endless plans and obligations and in which you have no free time?  Andrea was joined by Tara O'Connor from The Designed Table and listeners to discuss...

One listener Raymond got in touch with Lunchtime Live because of a situation he’s dealing with in the house he shares...

A legal loophole in the Road Traffic Act means some drivers have been able to avoid penalty points if they just get a disqualification from driving for one day. Some drivers have even been allowed to pick the day themselves. So for example could chose a Sunday – when they’re not working and don’t need to car. The Taoiseach has said he’s going to close all these loopholes. Do we take road safety seriously enough in this country? Andrea was joined by Evan O’Dwyer is a Solicitor specialising in road traffic law, Susan Grey, Founder of the Road Safety Group PARC and more to discuss...

Listeners joined Andrea Gilligan last week on Lunchtime Live to discuss eating disorder services in Ireland. On Friday, parents of children dealing with eating disorders staged a peaceful protest and march at the Department of Health, calling for eating disorder services reform. Today, Andrea was joined by Seán and Dee to discuss their experiences...

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills.Cut-the-Cost will offer tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts.Barry Whyte, Newstalk's Chief Reporter has done the hard work and sourced the best deals for your banking...

Is there stigma around being an only child?  Writer and commentator Barbara Neeson talked about her experiences of growing up as an only child in Belfast in the 1980s on Newstalk Breakfast. Are you an only child or do you have an only child?  Today FM presenter Alison Curtis joined Andrea to discuss…

Should Airbnbs be allowed have cameras? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Ian, who recently had an experience where he noticed security cameras inside his Airbnb.Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air & Travel Magazine and Liz Early, Airbnb host also joined the conversation...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit Antarctica? How about to live in the coldest place on Earth for an extended period? What is life like as you near the South Pole? Today on Lunchtime Live’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ Andrea was joined by Gerard Ryan from Limerick, who spent three months stationed there back in 2017.  

A survey by the Irish Council for International Students on the impact of the housing crisis on International Students has revealed some stark results.  More than 1 in 10 students said that they have been a victim of an accommodation scam while 5% of those asked had either been directly offered a room in exchange for sex or seen an ad for a room in exchange for sex. Maura, a student from Bolivia joined Andrea Gilligan to discuss...

Parents of children dealing with eating disorders are taking to the streets of Dublin today for a peaceful protest and march, calling for eating disorder services reform. Newstalk's own Sheila Naughton and others in attendance joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss...  

Queen’s 'I Want to Break Free' has been voted the best song to clean your house to. The 1984 track has claimed the crown as the ultimate cleaning song, followed by the likes of 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor, and Cyndi Lauper’s 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun.'The song famously has an accompanying video with Freddie Mercury vacuuming in drag – which may have helped! Andrea Gilligan was joined by Scientist, Phil Smyth, Siobhan Byrne Director and owner of Body Byrne Training and Emma Maclean, Owns Macleans Cleaning Service

Is rural Ireland disadvantaged? Delivering for rural Ireland is the main focus of Fine Gael’s Special Conference tomorrow. Newstalk's Shane Coleman doesn’t think rural Ireland is disadvantaged.Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners to discuss...

We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk’s Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie. This week we put our focus on festive decorations with Andrea chatting to Meadows & Byrne, ChristmasTree.ie, the Irish Handmade Glass Company & MaraBay Deco #GetTheGUnderTheTree

Róisín Tracey, who is a Sinn Féin Candidate for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh, told Lunchtime Live presenter Andrea Gilligan that she is already began receiving abuse on social media, before she’s ever even gotten a seat.

Seagulls should be put on the pill to stop them destroying towns  according to former politician Frank Godfrey in Drogheda. He says that the birds are causing absolute chaos and a contraceptive in their food is the only way of reducing their population.

The Office for National Statistics says the average age for new fathers is now 33.7 years – the highest since data collection for paternal age began in 1964. Newspaper columnist and political commentator, Alex Kane, who had his child Indy at age 62, spoke to Andrea.

Storm Debi caused much disruption yesterday as it swept across the country.  Red weather warnings were put in place for 10 counties which played havoc with public transport and school openings.  David Quinn, columnist and Iona Institute CEO, told Andrea how he thinks Met Eireann are too quick to issue red warnings. Andrea also spoke to Alan O’Reilly, of Carlow Weather and callers.

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney says that the hair transplant industry needs to stop portraying baldness as a condition that needs to be cured 

That time of week when you have the chance to put your questions to the GP. Dr Nina Byrnes joined Jess to discuss the benefits of data in medicine as well as tackling a wide range of medical queries.