Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Seamus Mulconry from the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association speaks to Lunchtime Live about rising “voluntary” school contributions as inflation hits budgets. Listeners share their experience on the rising impact of school costs.From technology costs to school meals; are schools putting the squeeze on parents with voluntary contributions?Listen here.

Dr Louise Fitzgerald of Grafton Medical joins Lunchtime Live to answer listeners’ medical queries — from Summer allergies to prescription side effects and general health advice.Listen here

A recent study has shown that only 10% of the country is left-handed. But are Ciotog’s really smarter and more creative?  Margaret Leahy from Fable Tours joins Andrea to discuss her experience growing up left-handed and to dispel some of those myths around ciotogs.Listen here.

The BBC has said it regrets not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, during which a band member shouted "death to the IDF" - as Ofcom said the broadcaster has "questions to answer". A spokesperson for the corporation said the remarks by frontman Bobby Vylan were antisemetic and "utterly unacceptable", and the performance should have been taken off air. Andrea is joined by guests and attendees for Bob Vylan's set to discuss if this statement has gone too far.

Imagine what it would be like to sing Ironic, on stage, with Alanis Morissette.Well, Andrea is joined by one woman who had such a privelege Grainne Gillespie from Donegal.Listen to what that experience was like here.

Brian Burke, Naturalist and Founder of the Micro Wild biodiversity project in Blessington and Fiann Ó Nualláin, The Holistic Gardener, join Lunchtime Live to debate whether the tidy lawn is falling out of favour. Is a bit of wildness better for biodiversity — or does it just look lazy?Listen here.

Today FM's Cathal Minogue and Elaine Burke from the For Tech's Sake Podcast join Lunchtime Live to review the podcast Stalked, how a relentless campaign of online abuse derailed one woman’s life.Listen here.

Parts of the country are at risk of becoming GP blackspots as family doctors retire, according to a new report for the Department of Health.The report calls for better succession planning and more incentives for GPs in areas under most pressure.Andrea takes calls from listeners impacted by the rural decline of GP practivies.Listen here.

Designer Helen Steele joins Andrea in studio to reflect on her favourite summer memories — from holidays and music to summer jobs and more.Listen here

Mary D’Arcy, Financial Crime Lead with FraudSMART, joins Lunchtime Live following comedian Joanne McNally’s revelation that she lost thousands in a Glastonbury ticket scam. Mary shares all the best practical advice on how to avoid getting conned while buying tickets for gigs and festivals.Listen here

Stella O’Malley, psychotherapist and parenting author, joins Andrea alongside Irish Times journalist and mother of seven Jen Hogan, and Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney, to discuss how and when to start talking to your kids about sex — and why it should be an ongoing conversation, not a one-time lecture.Listen here

Chef Holly Dalton and Machaela O’Leary of the app Too Good To Go join Lunchtime Live to unpack why the average Irish household throws away €660 worth of food each year — and what simple steps we can take to cut down on waste, save money, and even shop smarter.Listen here

From Palestinian GAA clubs touring the country, to all the great gigs across the island.Shane Beaty joins Lunchtime Live to go through the regional round-up.Listen here.

Long Covid continues to impact the lives of many across the country.It was recently announced that those eligible for the Long COVID Support Scheme will now have until the end of the year to access this benefit.Originally set to end this month, the scheme has been extended by six months. While this extension is welcome, it raises important questions about the future of support for those affected. Andrea speaks to those still suffering and with Professor Jack Lambert from the UCD School of Medicine.Listen here.

For The Home Squad this week we look at some of the biggest trends in interior design with Jenny Sheahan, former Home of the Year winner and creator of the ‘workers cottage’ Instagram account, and Sarah Twigg Doyle, interior stylist and design colour consultant.From 'intentional clutter' to a brighter home, get all the best tips here.

Sleep expert, Erica Hargaden, joins Andrea to offer advice on how to sleep well during summer heat — from managing body temperature with warm showers to choosing breathable bedding and even keeping the room well aired all day.Listen here for more.

Tadgh Kennedy, owner of Ballinapark and Jack Whites Pub in Brittas Bay, joins Lunchtime Live to discuss why he added motorhome facilities to his venue.He’s joined by Peter Kavanagh from Motorhome Enthusiasts Ireland, Aaron Birchill from the ‘Charlie and Me’ YouTube channel, and Jason Carmody, chair of the Irish Motorhome Working Group, to explore whether Ireland is doing enough to support domestic and international campervan tourism.Listen here

Monica and Daniela Venturi — better known as The Two Nonnas — join Lunchtime Live in studio to share their kitchen wisdom, family recipes, and tips for how to bring authentic Italian flavour to your home cooking.Listen here

Alan Buckley, head tour guide at the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience, joins Lunchtime Live to explain how U2 created the ever legendary The Joshua Tree, why it remains iconic, and how the album's legacy lives on in Dublin’s music scene.Listen here

Andrea is joined by guests to discuss the state of Ireland's roads.This comes after there has been a massive jump in complaints about potholes right across the country in the past three years, according to figures obtained by Newstalk.Listen here.