Highlights From Lunchtime Live

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Chef Derry Clarke joins Andrea to reminisce!

A recent survey has determined that over 40% of people adhere to the ‘one month's salary’ when buying an engagement ring. What was once a tough, costly decision has now led to a cheaper alternative, with many people buying token rings or even going abroad to get them at a cheaper price.Have people become stingy when buying an engagement ring?Joining Andrea to discuss is Margaret Brennan of Aidan Brennan Jewellers in Dundalk, Sarah Kennedy, Wedding Expert from ‘The Aisle’ Blog and listeners.

We heard a few weeks ago about the unprovoked attack of an Indian man in Ireland, and that the entire community was feeling it.Since then, listener Faizan got in touch with the show with his feelings on the situation, and joins Andrea to discuss…

Despite the long weekend coming up, you may already be dreading going back to work on Tuesday, including those with “fun jobs.”Andrea is joined by Comedian Julie Jay, Restaurant Critic Katy McGuinness, and DJ Marty Guilfoyle to talk about the perks and downsides of their jobs, and if their work is as glamorous as it sometimes appears.Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley also joins to discuss why we feel the way we feel about our jobs, and how to shift our perception toward the positive.

35% of men have delayed or avoided speaking to a healthcare professional about potential prostate issues, according to a study by Vista Health in the UK.16% of men who had put off a doctor’s visit did so out of embarrassment, and the poll also found that 27% of men can name more Formula 1 World Champions than signs of prostate issues…Joining Andrea to discuss why men may be embarrassed to talk about their health problems is Dr Maire Finn, GP from Ennis Centric Health, Keith Russell, Blogger, Podcaster & Mental Health Advocate and listeners.

From misbehaving toilets to Braveheart 30th celebrations, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

DIY can be intimidating at the best of times - and of course, there’s the time needed to get certain projects done.Well, the Home Squad are here about jobs you can do in a weekend!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Natasha Rocca Devine, Interior Designer.

A 2019 survey found that about 35% of Irish people had tattoos, and that number has most likely increased in the past six years. The appeal of getting inked transcends demographics like age and gender, but is there still some stigma surrounding tattoos?Andrea is joined by tattoo artists and listeners to discuss.

Is the current school transport system fit for purpose? Listener Eleanor has gotten in touch with the show to share her frustrations while trying to get a ticket for her child…She joins Andrea, along with other listeners impacted, to discuss.

We all may be guilty of stalking people online, perhaps a new person is starting work or your friend has a new guy on the scene…But, what constitutes cyberstalking? According to a study in the UK, cyberstalking has surged by 70% since 2012...Catherine O’Sullivan Senior Lecturer in Law in UCC and Eve McDowell, Co-Founder of Stalking in Ireland join Andrea to discuss.

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.