Lunchtime Live

Welcome to The Pod Squad!

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

This week, Today FM’s Shelly Grey and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea to review ‘Who Killed the Video Star: The Story of MTV’.

Image: Audacy

The face of rural farming is changing – and it’s down to ‘Girls Who Farm’.

That’s the hashtag used on TikTok and Instagram to show what the farming life is like for young women.

So, what’s it all about?

Andrea is joined by some of the people using that hashtag to discuss, as well as Rachel Donovan, News Correspondent at the Irish Farmers Journal.

Mary Regan passed away on November 29th at the Hillview Nursing Home in Carlow.

A statement on Death Notices Carlow said that after Mr Lang passed away, Ms Regan did not have many visitors to her nursing home and has no next of kin. An appeal from the Funeral Director said “Let’s not send Mary off from Carlow alone”.

Rory Healy, Funeral Director for Healy Funeral Directors joins Andrea to discuss why he made the appeal, and what the result was like.

The Transition Year has garnered the interest of the international media, as a formative experience for young students. With Oscar winner Cillian Murphy giving his support also to the programme, offering an oasis between junior and senior exam cycles.

But, particularly where expense is concerned, has it become too much?

Is the cost of another school year worth it? Or should the programme be centrally funded before it properly earns the nickname of a ‘doss year’?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Kevin Shortall, Principal of St. Aidan’s Community School, Tallaght, Barbara Ennis, Principal of Alexandra College Dublin and more to discuss.

Over the next few weeks Andrea will be talking to Irish producers across the country about the wonderful things they have on offer, and why it’s important to buy Irish for Christmas!

Today, she is joined by Ruth Cahill from Duck Blue, Jill Duggan from Fiesta Designs and Nicola McGuinness from Rowan Beg Designs to talk all things decorations.

It’s How I Live Well time: where we learn how to live a little better from someone who has mastered it!

Paddy Joe Burke, Age Friendly Roscommon Ambassador joins Andrea to discuss why exercise is vital as we get older.

Fifth of Irish people think women make up or exaggerate claims of abuse or rape.

That is according to a study published by the European Commission on attitudes towards violence against women.

It also found that one in seven Irish people believe women are partially responsible for sexual violence if influenced by drugs or alcohol.

Why do so many people hold these beliefs?

Andrea is joined by Dr Michelle Walsh, CEO of MOVE Ireland, Vera O'Leary, Manager of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre and more to discuss.

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

A new survey has found that one in three people suffer from feelings of self-doubt about their skills. This is also known as ‘impostor syndrome’.

Brendan Kelly Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin joins Andrea to discuss.

The votes are still being counted across the country, but a clear picture of the General Election results is starting to form.

So, who were the biggest winners and losers this time around?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Barry Heneghan, Independent TD in Dublin Bay North, Barry Heneghan, Aisling Dempsey, Fianna Fáil TD for Meath West, Shay Brennan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Rathdown, Ciarán Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South-West, Paul Lawless, Mayo TD for Aontú and Grace Boland, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal West.