Highlights From Lunchtime Live

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 Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ - ahead of their performance at All Together Now!

€66.7 million worth of cans and plastic bottles were not reclaimed by the public last year as part of the Deposit Return Scheme. The scheme, which was set up to encourage people to recycle with the incentive to make money back from their cans and bottles has shown that people are maybe not so inclined to return their plastic.A spokesperson for Re-Turn has said that the €66.7 million not reclaimed is due to people still forming these return habits.We want to know, do you use this scheme and if you don’t, why not?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

England footballer Lucy Bronze has admitted that she played six matches with a fractured tibia. Lucy is not the only athlete who pushed herself in order to succeed, with a lot of us being guilty of this.But, how far is too far when a person has an injury?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clinical Lead with BTL in the UK and Ireland and Chartered Physio, Karl Fullam, former Professional Tennis player Jenny Claffey and Content Creator & Personal Trainer Nathalie Lennon.

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…

If an expensive treatment is available to help save a baby – should the Government be obliged to pay for it?That’s the issue facing one family. Lucy Gavin joins Andrea to discuss…

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 endometriosis, as well as immune testing after two listeners got in touch with their questions…

People across Ireland are being encouraged to buy curtains for their homes to reduce night-time light pollution. It comes after a study at the University of Galway determined that private windows are the biggest culprit of emitting light after dark, with street lightning coming in second.What does light pollution mean for our environment, and who does it affect?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, David Moore and Climate and Environmental Journalist, John Gibbons.

Figures released by Fáilte Ireland show a decline of 18% in tourists from all major overseas markets between January and April this year versus last year…But, what is causing the decline in tourism?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Flanagan, owner of Silken Thomas Hotel & Restaurant in Kildare Town, Nuala Mulqueeny is the Managing Director, Aillwee Burren Experience, Michael Lennon owner of the Westport Woods Hotel & the Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Alison Byrne, Dream Interpreter and Holistic Therapist to answer all of your dream-related questions!

A listener got in touch last week to tell us about her difficulties trying to get a solicitor - can it really be that hard?Angela in Cork City joins Andrea to discuss, as does Elaine Byrne from Elaine Byrne Solicitors in Athyboy, Meath.

The struggle to find childcare is something often heard on this show. And if you manage to find it, the cost of it can be astronomical…So, with many parents struggling to afford childcare, an army of grandparents have stepped up.But, are we too reliant on grandparents to plug the gaps?Joining Andrea to discuss is Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast, Averil Sheenan from Care-a-lot Childcare in Cork and listeners.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has announced the new Garda Commissioner replacing Drew Harris: Justin Kelly.How significant is this appointment, and what do people want to see from the new Commissioner?Crime Correspondent with the Irish Times, Conor Gallagher and listeners join Andrea to discuss.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Suzanne Rice, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator to discuss the benefits of equine or horse therapy!

A four-week public consultation begins today on proposed planning permission exemptions aimed at easing the housing crisis. The changes would allow certain small-scale projects—like attic conversions and garden cabins—without formal approval, giving homeowners more flexibility and expanding housing options.Do you think this planning permission should be scrapped?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, Peter Finn AKA Pete the Builder and listeners.

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

David and Paudie Clifford won their second All-Ireland together this weekend. The Kerry players are a formidable family dynasty, but they’re not the only ones.Sporting talent seems to run in families. Whether you subscribe to the ‘nurture or nature’ theory, some of the greatest players of all time happen to be related.Andrea is joined by Off the Ball’s Nathan Murphy to discuss.

Donald Trump's US Tariffs could see a rise in EU pharma imports into the US from zero to 15%.The tariffs which have been discussed between the US and the EU pose major hikes to multiple suppliers. We want to know who will be most impacted by these tariff hikes?Joining Andrea to discuss is Simon McKeever, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association, Carol Lynch, Customs and Trade partner with BDO Ireland, Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan Cream Liqueur and more.Image: Reuters

Apparently, the Irish are the biggest per-capita users of fake tan in the world!So, do you love it or loathe it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Noelle O’Connor, CEO of the Kind Brand Company, Off the Ball’s Kathleen McNamee, Michelle Ragazzoli Stone, AKA Mrs Makeup and more.Image: NBC

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘The Ex Files’!Image: Global

A listener has reached out to the show to express their frustration over ongoing delays to the move-in date for a newly purchased home in Sligo. Their experience raises questions about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, such as ESB, Irish Water, developers and estate agents in setting, and repeatedly missing, realistic delivery timelines…Peter and Fiona join Andrea to discuss.