Lunchtime Live

Judges will be able to recommend minimum prison terms of 25, 30 years or longer for the worst crimes under new proposals to be published today. 

However, the judge’s recommendation will be non-binding. Does this go far enough?

To discuss, Andrea is joined by Kathleen Chada, Founder of SAVE Action Group,

Ruth Maxwell, survivor of a violent attack and Noeline Blackwell, Human Rights Lawyer.

Andrea Gilligan is taking a boat from Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday and, through her research, she was wondering whether we do enough to promote our waterways for holidaying in Ireland.
To discuss, she is joined by Kay Baxter, President of Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, Mike Clinton, Marine Engineer & boat owner on the Shannon and Denis Baker, IWAI Royal Canal Branch Chairman.

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…

Have Irish people begun to take a sense of pride in their achievements?

When it comes to recent achievements in this year's Olympics, Ireland’s most successful one yet, it appears to be a great example of how Irish attitudes have changed when it comes to honouring our wins.

To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jon Rudd, Swimming Coach, James O'Callaghan. Performance Director with Irish Sailing, Coach Tadhg Leader and Performance Coach Gerry Hussey.

Welcome to The Pod Squad! 

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

This week, Andrea was joined by Entertainment and Culture Journalist, Rory Cashin and Laura Donnelly from Newstalk’s Newsroom to review ‘Ghost in the Machine’.

Image: Stak

Do you lie? Many of us are told as children to never lie, but researchers believe there is a lot we get wrong about dishonesty.

Instead, they believe we should be teaching our kids, students and employees when and how to lie.

So, is lying sometimes necessary? And where should you draw the line?

Andrea is joined by Terry Prone from the Communications Clinic, Jason O’Callaghan, Mindfulness Expert and Psychologist and more to discuss.

Andrea Gilligan is on the second week of her vegan challenge. It was a challenging long weekend for her – especially as she went home to see her friends.

And the idea of going to eat got her thinking – why don’t more places cater for vegans?

Andrea is joined by vegan listeners as well as Sandra Higgins, Director of Go Vegan World, to discuss.

This year, Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! 

Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well.

This week, she was joined by Jane Gormley, from Craicly Stories, to learn all about the value to be gained from storytelling!

Taoiseach Simon Harris had voiced his 'disgust' at the tricolour being flown at the Belfast protests.  

Between this, and the use of it by Irish far right supporters- has the good gone out of the tricolour?

To discuss, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Independent TD Michael Healy Rae, Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo, Michael Murphy, former Lieutenant Colonel and Shelly Cotter, spokesperson for WPDF (Wives and Partners of the Defence Forces).

With the school holidays truly underway, parents might be looking for ways to take a break with their families - but what are the best and most economical last-minute travel ideas?

Guest host Adrian Kennedy was joined by Sarah Slattery, Owner of The Travel Expert to discuss.