Lunchtime Live

Welcome to The Pod Squad!

We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.

Newstalk’s Laura Donnelly and Journalist & Stylist Laura Mullet join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Wanging On with Graham Norton and Maria McErlane’!

Image: Listen

Word of a planned boardgame on the Troubles has prompted outcry in Northern Ireland.

The game, ‘The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland 1964-1998’, is currently under development, and will not be made available for several years.

The proposed game allows players to play as members of different factions from the conflict, such as the IRA and the RUC, where they can plant bombs and make political deals.

The company’s founder has said that the aim of the game is to educate and promote history, yet victim’s rights groups have criticized it, saying it oversimplifies a complex issue.

So, is this type of game acceptable?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, Journalist and Author Aoife Grace Moore, Writer and Political Commentator Emma De Souza and more.

Image: Compass Games

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Stephen Gallagher, Beekeeper and Founder of Swarms.ie joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your questions!

Doctors have issued an urgent warning about tampon use after a teenager in Drogheda was admitted to hospital suffering from toxic shock syndrome and organ failure during her period.

In Ireland, 50% of girls aged between 12 and 19 in Ireland report occasional period poverty, where financial constraints limit access to menstrual hygiene products. As a result of this, many young women do not have sufficient education on how to use sanitary products in the correct way.

What do we need to look out for to prevent this happening to more women?

Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr Eleanor Galvin from Rosemount Family Doctors.

Now, it’s time to chat about duvet days - taking a day off, even if you aren’t strictly under the weather, whether that be from work or school.

Is offering children the occasional day off a restorative act that could benefit their mental health or a big no no?

This is the question posed by Freelance Journalist and mother Niamh O’Reilly, who joins guest host Anna Daly, alongside Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry in TCD, Siobhan O’Neill White of Mams.ie and more to discuss.

It’s an exciting day for Harry Styles fans today, as his new single ‘Aperture’ was released at midnight last night.

Not only that, he also announced his 2026 tour, ‘Together Together’, last night - with shows in Amsterdam, New York, Mexico City and London.

Guest host Anna Daly is joined by three of his enthusiasts, Newstalk’s own Niamh Dunne, Cathal Minogue of Today FM and Jane Cowan, Irish Examiner Columnist to share in the excitement!

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Irish dancing is known for its high kicks, intricate footwork, and iconic curly hair, but at its core it demands years of training and dedication. As competitions become more frequent, some believe the growing focus on appearance and glamour may be overshadowing true talent.

Registered Orthopedic and Strength and Conditioning Specialist Peter O’Grady warns that the modern image of an Irish dancer is becoming increasingly costly for families, and may shift attention away from skill and technique…

What do you think? Should we focus more on dancing and less on the dancer's appearance?

Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Peter O'Grady, Registered Orthopedic and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Irish Dance Professional. World Champion & Teacher, Ciara Sexton, Patrick O'Mahony, Designer and Digitizer for dresses, CEO of Riverdance Patrick Moyles and more.

You spend a lot of your life on one, so how do you know if you’re sleeping on the right mattress for you?

This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss all things mattresses!

Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O’Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

Collagen banking is the newest anti-aging skincare trend, but what exactly is it, and how does it work?

Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at Institute of Dermatologists and Blackrock Clinic joins Andrea to discuss.