Highlights From Lunchtime Live

The popularity of shows such as ‘The White Lotus’, which is in its third season set in Thailand, may be contributing to an increase in travel to Asia.Or, is it simply that travel in Europe has become too expensive?Andrea is joined by Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel & Solo Travel to discuss.

International students are being offered rent-free accommodation in exchange for sex and bed-shares with strangers.One in seven people have been offered rentals where they share a room – and sleep in the same bed – with people they do not know. One in 20 have been offered sex-for-rent arrangements.That’s according to a new report from the Irish Council for International students…To discuss, Andrea is joined by Senator and CEO of the Irish Council for International Students, Laura Harmon as well as one student, Darling.

Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh has called for cancer survivors to be treated fairly when accessing financial products such as mortgages, health insurance, and travel insurance.But, do all of us, regardless of the type of illness, have the right to be forgotten?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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…

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that we shouldn’t jail shoplifters and other non-violent offenders – and should use community sanctions to ease prison overcrowding…So, should we consider community service over prison?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss, including John Lonergan, former Mountjoy Governor.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Today FM’s Shelly Grey and Host of the ‘No Encore Music’ Podcast Dave Hanratty joined Andrea to review ‘Peak Danger’!Image: BBC

If you have an EV charger at home and you’re looking for a little side hustle – this could be good news for you. Homeowners will be able to rent out their EV chargers through an app, for people who don’t have one.It also means that if you’re thinking of getting an EV, but don’t have a charger – you might now be able to use your neighbours.So, is this good news?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

A tourist tax is being explored by the Government as a method to raise tax for local councils.Venice and Lisbon are just a few of the European cities which already impose such a levy.Would you be in support?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Niall O’Callaghan, Independent Councillor in Killarney and Hotelier, Micheal Lennon, Director of the Skylon Hotel in Dublin, Melanie May, Solo Travel Blogger and more.

Would you support the idea of health warning labels on alcohol bottles, like those on cigarettes?From May next year, Ireland will be the first country in the world to make cancer warnings on alcohol bottles mandatory.Joining Andrea to discuss is Cathal McHugh, Chair of the National Off-Licence Association, Cathal O’Donoghue from Rascals Brewery, Dean McGuinness, Managing Director of Premier International Beers, Shane Boyce, from wine distributor Liberty Wines and Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.

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 Gut Health Dietician and operator of the Gut Health Clinic in Blackrock Clinic, Lorraine Cooney, to learn all about maintaining a healthy gut!

Is there a baptism barrier for admission into schools in Ireland?Dublin listener Natalia got in touch with the show as she says her two boys are at the bottom of a secondary school’s waiting list - because they are not baptised…She joins Andrea to discuss.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

You probably heard the shocking news over the weekend that 34 year old Quham Babatunde was fatally stabbed in Dublin City Centre…It begs the question: is Dublin a violent city?Andrea is joined by Ellen Fitzpatrick, News Reporter with The Sun, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean was at the Baftas last night - where Kneecap won 1 award out of its 6 nominations and Warwick Davis recieved a Fellowship award! But, there was surprise when Mikey Madison beat Demi Moore for Leading Actress...He joins Andrea to discuss!

Are people ignorant of Ireland’s national anthem? Listener Claire was watching the Dublin-Kerry match on Saturday, and noticed that many of the players seemingly didn’t know the words to Amrhán na bhFiann!She joins Andrea, along with other listeners, to discuss…

There was a time that you would pop to the corner shop for some essential items.However, small retailers are now being decimated by bigger chains and are struggling to compete…Andrea is joined by Martin Mulligan, President of the Federation of Independent Retailers as well as shop owners to discuss.

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!This week, Paul Knapp, aka @official_firefightingchef on Instagram, joins Andrea to discuss some protein-rich vegetarian recipes!

The Government is planning a new crackdown on Airbnbs to help with housing.They’re saying it could bring roughly 12,000 short-term lets back on to the long-term rental market.The new laws would mean that landlords will have to register their short stay accommodation or face being fined up to €5,000.What do you think? Would you want a crackdown on Airbnbs?Andrea is joined by Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast as well as listeners to discuss.

Last night a brand new Irish dark comedy drama on Sky called 'Small Town Big Story' by Chris O'Dowd premiered at the IFI. Henry McKean was there and met the star of the new series, actress Christina Hendricks, best known for Mad Men.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Michael McQuillan, CEO & Founder of Pulse Security joins Andrea in studio to answer you questions about being a professional bodyguard