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…

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Today, we're talking about something many people experience, but rarely discuss: the guilt that comes with moving away from home. Whether it’s for college, work, or a fresh start, leaving family behind can bring a mix of freedom and emotional weight.

Joining Andrea to discuss is Manon Gilbart, Journalist with the Irish Examiner and listeners who have left the country.

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 what the steps are if you are having difficulty conceiving.

Do we shower enough? One Spanish TikToker who spent time living in Ireland was astonished at how little we bathe our children and ourselves!

Nacho Barrueco told his followers he had noticed that Irish people seemed to bathe less in comparison to those in Spain...

“The kids came to class dirty, with the paint from the day before, with two band-aids on their heads… and I thought, damn, it seems they don't bathe!’’

So, is he right?

To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jen Hogan, Journalist with the Irish Times and Aesthetician Eavanna Breen.

From next year, a new EU directive on pay transparency is set to come into force in June, where employers will no longer be able to ask job candidates about their current salary.

And, when advertising job vacancies, employers will have to give a range.

Is this a step in the right direction?

Do we need greater pay transparency?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Columnist with the Irish independent Mary McCarthy, Louisa Meehan from Woodview HRM, Professor of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin Richard Layte and listeners.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects around 1 in 4 people in Ireland: roughly 1.25 million individuals, including many children. With symptoms peaking from spring through late summer, it can seriously impact daily life, especially in urban areas where pollution may worsen reactions.

So, how does hay fever affect people in Ireland and what can be done to manage it better?

Joining Andrea to answer your questions for this week’s Ask the Expertis Joyce Clegg, CEO at The Allergy Clinic…

How much fun do you inject into your life?

Apparently 89% of Irish people feel they are just “going through the motions”.

Joining Andrea to discuss how they have fun is Today FM Presenter, Alison Curtis and Stylist Laura Mullet.

Women using HRT won’t be reimbursed despite the fact that the medication was supposed to be made ‘free’.

Free HRT was supposed to come into effect on January 1st, but it has been delayed in a row between the Government and pharmacists. Today, a new date of the 1st of June was announced.

Joining Andrea to discuss this is Loretta Dignam, Founder & CEO of The Menopause Hub, Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacy Owner and Health Advocate at WonderCare.ie and Catherine O’Keeffe, Menopause Workplace Consultant.

A Senator in Limerick is calling for consumer protection for concert tickets if an artist fails to fulfill their onstage commitments.

Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne joins Andrea to discuss, along with listeners.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…

Pinball has seen a passionate revival in recent years, and at the heart of this resurgence are community-driven clubs keeping the silver ball spirit alive. Andrea is joined by Donovan Delaney, Founder of Pinbaile: a pinball club that’s become a hub for players of all ages and skill levels!

Image: @pinbaile on Instagram