Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Ever dreamed of running away with the circus? David Duffy, Ring Master with Tom Duffy’s Circus gave Andrea some insight into what life on the road with the circus is like.

The Department of Social Protection has told staff that from February, personnel will have to spend a minimum of two days per week in the workplace.  Up to now staff in the department had to work a minimum of one day per week in the office. Is it fair to insist people can only work from home 2 to 3 days a week? Andrea hears from callers.

Parents have gathered outside Rainbow Community Playgroup in Stoneybatter to protest a significant reduction in childcare services. Andrea speaks to some of the parents involved.

Starting tomorrow fines of up to 2,500 euro will come into play for owners of the XL bully type breed. This follows a ban that came into play last October regarding, the breeding and rehoming of the dog breed. Now owners who don’t hold a certificate of exemption could face fines, seeing their dog euthanised or even find themselves in jail for three months. Some animal welfare groups have taken to the high court to appeal the ban – stating that the Minister for Rural and Community Development had failed to publish the reasons why the breed is a danger to the public. Andrea hears the thoughts of callers on the ban.

Our experts answer all your questions this week on laundry rooms. 

A search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River in Washington today after a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter in mid-air.  What happened?Andrea speaks to people on the ground in Washington DC as well as members of the aviation industry.

Following yesterdays reaction to our segment on how Storm Eowyn has impacted people across the country, we follow up with more callers to see how they have been impacted.

We’ve been taking a deep-dive into the varying religions that help make up Irish society in 2025 and today were joined by Ben O’Farrell, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Registered Dietician Ciara McNulty to answer any of your dieting questions!

Height can be a sensitive issue for men, especially when many women claim they only date men who are north of 6ft.But, are short men the last minority group that people can openly make fun of?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jockey Leigh Roche as well as listener Andy to discuss.

Comedian Dara Ó Briain has said he wanted to find his birth mother to tell her “it worked out OK” in his life after being adopted as a child. He also spoke about how it was kind of awkward at times…The Irish stand-up, 52, spoke about his experience of searching and finding his birth parents in his previous comedy tour ‘So Where Were We’?So, what is it like meeting your birth parents?Andrea is joined by Clodagh Malone from the Coalition of Mother and Baby Home Survivors, Iseult White, Psychotherapist and author as well as listeners.

A new documentary focusing on the behind the scenes of Boyzone will be released on the 2nd of February, but Andrea got to see the premier of its first episode last night and loved it!Will you be watching?TV Producer Bill Hughes and Today FM Producer Shauna O’Reilly join Andrea to discuss.Image: Sky

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…

We have heard from people over the last number of days that have been affected in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.Around 142,000 homes, farms and businesses are still without power, while Uisce Éireann says over 6,000 premises still have no water supply.Many of the people that have been worst affected – many of whom have spoken on the show – live in rural areas.Is Storm Éowyn proof that rural Ireland is forgotten?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, Michael Fitzmaurice, Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon / Galway as well as listeners to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.This week, Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor of rollercoaster.ie and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea to review ‘The Curious History Of Your Home’!Image: Noiser

Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to homes last week…But, what repairs can you do at home?Peter Finn, better known as Pete the Builder from the Home Rescue TV show, joins Andrea to discuss what you can do yourself!

New data reveals that over three quarters of women have been labelled as emotional in performance reviews, compared to just 11% of men…  So, are women actually more emotional in the workplace, or is there a gender bias?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Caroline Reidy, Director of the HR Suite, Hannah Quinn Mulligan is a Journalist and Farmer, Nadia Adan is the owner of Ashford Motors and Nora Casey, businesswoman and Broadcaster.

Are the Irish good at dealing with death - you may have heard people say that we “do death well”, but is that really true?This week is National Grief Awareness Week, and Andrea is joined by Bereavement Coordinator with Our Ladies Hospice, Ann D’Arcy, to discuss.

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 Clare McKenna, Presenter of Alive and Kicking on Newstalk, to discuss why we should prioritise rest more in our lives!

Up to 100,000 homes and businesses are likely to be without power for the rest of the week in the aftermath of last week’s storm, and some will be cut off from the grid until the end of next week.Brian Tapley, ESB Networks Regional Manager, gave Newstalk an update earlier this morning...Meanwhile, the Government has said that they have no plans to recall the Dail early to tackle the fallout from Storm Eowyn.Has the Government’s response been good enough?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.