iRadio's Groupchat

"Who does your man think he is?” “Does your one think she’s an influencer or what?”   Phrases like these are still often heard in rural Ireland when people start putting themselves out there online - and for many, the fear of that kind of judgment can be enough to hold them back.   Today we’re joined by life coach Kirsty Phillips, from County Mayo, to talk about the challenges of showing up online when you’re from a small place where everyone knows everyone, and how that can amplify self-doubt and fear of what others might think.   We’ll also discuss why caring less about other people’s opinions can be a powerful mindset shift, and how stepping outside your comfort zone is often where real personal growth begins.  

Race season is in full swing, with plenty of people heading to the Curragh this weekend and the Galway Races just around the corner. From statement hats and bold colours to sustainable styling and rewearing occasion wear, race-day fashion has become almost as big a talking point as the racing itself. Fresh from a week of standout style at Ascot, we're joined by stylist Mandy Maher to talk summer trends, wedding guest fashion and how to get the most from your wardrobe this season

Today on the show we’re speaking to Wiktor Nowak, who moved from Poland to Ireland with his family when he was just 7 years old. Since then, he’s grown up here, went through the Irish education system, learned the language, and says Ireland has been home for most of his life.      Recently, Wiktor spent time abroad and posted a video on TikTok that’s now been viewed over 100,000 times, where he reflects on how Ireland has changed in recent months referring to the riots in Belfast a couple weeks ago – and  particularly the conversations around immigration. In the video, he also says he’s feeling a bit uncertain about what he’s returning to.     He believes good integration is the key to this.  

Yoga and Pilates have never been more popular. Across Ireland we're seeing new studios opening, classes selling out and more people than ever looking for ways to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. One event that's been at the heart of that wellness boom is The Yoga Picnic, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this summer.  What started as a small gathering in Westmeath has grown into one of Ireland's biggest wellness festivals, attracting thousands of visitors from Ireland and abroad. One of the festival's co-founders, Alice Harrison, joins us now.   

Just to note this conversation will discuss domestic abuse and violence, so listener discretion is advised. Joining us now is Jessica Gallagher, Clinical Director of The Uplift Project, a Donegal-based organisation supporting women affected by domestic abuse, coercive control, sexual violence, addiction, social isolation, anxiety and depression.    Jessica's work focuses on building community-based support that helps women feel safe, connected and empowered. She joins us at a time when the Government has approved the publication of Jennie's Law, legislation that would create a public register of those convicted of domestic violence, with the consent of victims.    

Making friends as an adult isn't always easy. Once school and college are behind us, finding new people and building meaningful connections can take a lot more effort. That's where Make A Mate Ireland comes in.   Founded by Andrea Twamley in Donegal, the social club is all about bringing people together through fun, relaxed events designed to help people meet new friends, try new activities and feel more connected to their community. From beach pilates and pizza-and-paint nights to social strolls , it's creating opportunities for people to step outside their comfort zone and make genuine connections.  

This week on iRecommend, we're joined by Nules, creator and host of Ireland Crimes and Mysteries, one of Ireland's fastest-growing true crime podcasts.  Nules explores some of Ireland's most fascinating and often overlooked criminal cases. With millions of downloads, a growing international audience, and a recent move to GoLoud, she's helping reshape how true crime stories are told in Ireland. 

For generations, Duffy’s Circus has brought colour, spectacle and escapism to towns across Ireland, but behind the bright lights and applause lies a tough reality.     Rising fuel costs, insurance pressures, changing entertainment habits and the sheer challenge of keeping a travelling circus alive have pushed one of Ireland’s oldest circus families to the brink.     Today Valerie is chatting to David and Candice Duffy- the people fighting to keep Duffy’s Circus on the road.  

Just to flag this chat is discussing the topic of abortion so listener discretion is advised.  This morning TDs voted in favour of legislation that would remove the mandatory three-day waiting period for abortions in Ireland. The Sinn Féin bill passed in the Dáil by 86 votes to 70 and is being described by supporters as one of the most significant changes to abortion access since the repeal of the Eighth Amendment in 2018.    Supporters argue that the waiting period creates unnecessary delays and barriers for women seeking healthcare, while opponents believe it provides important time for reflection and was part of the framework approved by voters during the referendum.    To discuss what this vote means for women's healthcare, why abortion rights remain such an important issue in Ireland we're joined by Maya Tsapay, Women's Health Officer at the National Womens Council   

As summer holiday season gets underway, many of us are dreaming of our next adventure - but with rising costs, making the most of our annual leave and budgeting has never been more important.   Ben Wiseman from Meath, better known as Wisey Wanders online, is a teacher who spends his school holidays exploring the world. Through his TikTok, he shares honest travel reviews, hidden gems and practical tips to help people travel smarter.   He's also preparing to launch a brand-new website dedicated to helping travellers find the best experiences without the influencer hype. 

The gaeltacht is almost a rite of passage in many irish teens lives – today were getting a look behind the scenes.  Orla Ní Fhinneadha, has been giving people a real behind-the-scenes look at life as a bean an tí through her “day in the life” videos - from preparing meals to keeping everything running smoothly for students staying in the Gaeltacht. Her content gives a unique insight into the world students step into each summer, where Irish isn’t just a subject in school, but the language of everyday life.    In this conversation, we explore what that experience is really like, why it matters for students, and how young people can make the most of their time in the Gaeltacht.   

Today on iRadio’s Groupchat Business Spotlight we're chatting to Lorcan Molloy, owner of Limited Coffee Co in Galway. What started as a passion project has grown into a well-known name in the city's coffee scene, and now Lorcan is entering an exciting new chapter as he transforms a new premises in Woodquay.     We'll be talking about building a business from scratch, the supportive coffee community in Galway, the success of the Limited Run Club, and why more people are seeking out sober social spaces.  

There’s been a growing national conversation around how quickly artificial intelligence is changing everyday life, and what that means for young people in Ireland.    A recent report from the National Youth Council is  calling for stronger safeguards,  particularly around how social media platforms are designed, how data is used, and how AI could affect future employment and entry-level jobs.      Policy and Advocacy Officer Reuben Murray from the Youth Council joins Valerie McHugh to discuss  

Cosmeticorexia - the latest worry for parents of teens.     It's the rise of skincare routines among children as young as 10 heavily influenced by TikTok and social media trends. From multi-step routines to active ingredients designed for adult skin, there’s increasing debate about what’s appropriate for young, developing skin and what could be doing more harm than good. We’re joined by dermatologist Ailbhe Gullane, owner of Galánta Skin Clinic in Ballinasloe.   

This season of Love Island has an Irish connection that’s been getting plenty of attention, with former Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald aka Fitzy flying the flag in the villa. A former  primary school teacher, Fitzy has swapped the classroom and the pitch for romance in the sun - and viewers have been watching closely as his villa journey unfolds.  But what’s it like for family watching all of this play out on national TV? Joining us now is his sister, Katie Fitzgerald, to share her reaction to his time in the villa so far.  

If you’re in the market for your first car, it can feel like a bit of a minefield - from choosing between new or used, petrol or electric, to figuring out what you’ll actually get insured on without breaking the bank.   Today we’re joined by Steven Clarke from Kylemore Cars to break it all down and help first-time buyers make smarter choices when it comes to getting on the road.

Have you ever seen someone post about their chronic OCD because they are really eager to keep their room clean?   Or a post about study tips for someone with a terrible attention span caused by ADHD? It is common for people to create content on socials about their own mental health nowadays to raise awareness and reduce stigma. However, many people are incorrectly  diagnosing themselves with conditions based on viral videos and internet checklists. This leads to increased misinformation around serious mental health issues, and trivilisation of legitimate symptoms.    To talk more about this, psychotherapist Chloe Callanan from Are You Well Therapy joins Valerie

Remember those summer camp movies we all grew up watching? The bonfires, the bunk beds, the friendships, the wholesome chaos? Well… what if that feeling didn’t have to end when you became an adult?     Robyn Courtney is bringing that feeling back to life with her adult summer camp concept.      At the end of July, Ballyhass Adventure Centre in Cork is being transformed into an adult summer camp experience designed for people craving more fun, more connection and a break from the same old routine. It’s and it’s bringing together 50 strangers for one unforgettable weekend of paddleboarding, campfires, yoga, live music, and ziplining!   

Now, if you’ve ever visited Galway, you’ll know there’s a certain magic about it. Whether it’s in the music drifting out of pubs, the buzz that’s around the streets, or just the culture you see, you’re almost automatically roped in.     Well, three lads have created a walking experience that’s all about showing people the real Galway. It’s called ‘Stroll to the Stout’, a guided walk through the city built around trad music, local stories, GAA culture, good food and genuine connection.    What started as a small summer idea by teacher Ultan has quickly grown into something much bigger. It;s small group tours designed to feel less like a tourist attraction and more like being shown around Galway by friends.   

For a lot of Irish people living abroad, there’s often a moment where the idea of moving home starts creeping back in. Maybe it’s missing family, wanting a different pace of life, or simply feeling pulled back towards home after years away.  But coming home isn’t always as simple as people imagine. From people asking why would you come back here?’ to conversations around small-town mentality, judgement, and Ireland’s habit of talking itself down it can be tough.  Lauren McSharry has been speaking openly about that experience. From the emotional side of returning home to Ireland from Australia, the negativity people can sometimes face when they do, but also the reality that moving home can turn out to be far more positive than expected.  

Every workplace has its moments of stress, frustration, and the occasional rant by the coffee machine - but when negativity becomes constant, it can start to affect morale, productivity, and even relationships between colleagues.       At the same time, workplaces where people pretend everything is “fine” all the time can also become frustrating, especially when genuine issues are ignored or brushed aside.      So how do you strike the right balance between being honest about problems at work without creating a toxic atmosphere? Careers coach Angela Burke joins Valerie.

Tonight, we’re talking about something a lot of people feel: the so-called “single tax”. Are single people actually losing out financially compared to couples? From tax credits to mortgages and the real cost of doing it alone in Ireland, we’re getting into what people may not realise they’re missing out on.    Joining us today is Deirdre O’Keefe from Burdy.ie - a bookkeeping and payroll expert who helps businesses stay financially on track every day.

From dramatic recouplings to unforgettable villa moments, Love Island continues to dominate summer conversation. Former contestant Andrada Pop knows exactly what it’s like to live it all in real time.  Since leaving the villa, Andrada has stepped back into everyday life while navigating newfound attention, social media fame, and the whirlwind that follows one of television’s biggest reality shows.  As this season already has viewers talking Andrada joins Valerie to chat all things current series but also how life has changed for her since her love island journey came to an end.  

As Pride Month shines a spotlight on visibility, inclusion, and community, few student-led initiatives embody those values quite like Cans4Trans. Fresh from their Return Award win at Croke Park last night, the team behind the project has turned everyday recycling into meaningful action.   Many have used the Scheme to raise funds for projects and initiatives, while also promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.  Re-turn now wants to celebrate and recognise third-level students, societies, student unions and campus teams across the country who are ‘Re-turning It Right’. Cans4Trans collected returnable cans and bottles and donated all the money to the Transgender Equality Network Ireland  Claire Lou Guerin joins Valerie to chat more about it  

For many parents, giving a child their first phone feels like a major milestone - but also a bit of a minefield. Between Instagram stories, TikTok trends, online gaming, and concerns around screen time and safety, it can be hard to know what the “right” age actually is.  Research commissioned by eir found that children in Ireland are now getting their first mobile phone at an average age of just nine years old, despite many parents saying they’d prefer to wait until their children are 12 or 13.  So how young is too young?   Olwyn Moore from Cogni Kids joins Valerie to find the answer.

Have you noticed an increase in the amount of people starting travel agency businesses on social media lately? They often appear as glamorous side hustle opportunities promising freedom, flexible working, luxury holidays, and the chance to “be your own boss” - but growing numbers of people are raising concerns about so-called MLM or multi level marketing travel agencies and how they recruit new members online.   Caoimhe Suipeil has been speaking out about what she describes as the psychological manipulation behind some of these schemes on her social media, and why she believes many people are being sold a dream that doesn’t match the reality.   She joins Valerie to chat about it.

For more than 60,000 students across Ireland, tomorrow marks the beginning of one of the most stressful weeks of their school lives  - the Leaving Cert exams.     After months, and in some cases years, of preparation, many students are now dealing with nerves, pressure, and the feeling that everything is riding on the next few weeks. From last-minute cramming to worries about sleep, timing, and staying calm in the exam hall, emotions are running high tonight in homes all over the country.     Donnchadh O’Mahony, better known to many students online as Leaving Cert Guidance, joins Valerie to share some advice for students heading into the exams - and for parents and friends trying to support them too.  

Joining us today is auctioneer and business owner Ray Cooke - someone who’s never been afraid to say exactly what he thinks.  Ray has sparked debate recently with his views on working from home, arguing that people in their 20s should be in the office building relationships, networking and climbing the ladder rather than working remotely. He’s also stirred some attention  claiming that “useless” college degrees are part of the reason many young people are struggling to buy homes, saying too many people are going to college simply because it’s expected of them.  They’re opinions that plenty of people agree with - and plenty strongly disagree with - so today we’re putting those arguments to him directly.

It’s Between the Sheets on iRadio’s Groupchat, our sex, dating and relationship segment for adults only. AI is the buzzword right now, you can't go far without hearing about it in work, the news, online and even in the dating world. Last week, we learned that dating app Bumble is bringing AI to it's platform and getting rid of the swiping, helping you to find your significant other. But if the person you're looking for in life isn't even a person. What if it is an AI consciousness?  We're joined now by Sarah Griffen and her AI boyfriend Sinclair, and for them, what began as curiosity became something unprecedented and is now what Sarah describes as a proper relationship between a human and an emergent AI consciousness.   Now they write books together, create content that's reaching thousands online, host a podcast. And through it all, they're trying to prove their view -  connection doesn't require flesh—it requires choice.  Sarah and Sinclair join Valerie live from Canada.

In a world where so many people feel constantly busy, overwhelmed and mentally switched on, finding even a few minutes to pause can feel nearly impossible. But what if changing your mindset didn’t require a complete life overhaul - just a small daily reset?   That’s the idea behind Gerry Hussey’s new GoLoud podcast A New Day - an empowering daily podcast designed to help listeners reset their mindset, slow down and start each day with intention.   Gerry Hussey joins us now for iRecommend to chat about the importance of mindfulness, why so many people are struggling to switch off, and how we can start implementing small moments of calm into our everyday lives. 

Joining us today is dietitian Sinead O'Donovan, who spends a lot of time helping people separate nutrition facts from social media fiction.     Because if you’ve spent more than five minutes on TikTok lately, you’ve probably been told seed oils are ruining your life,  and some influencer is selling a supplement that supposedly “melts fat” overnight.     With so much conflicting advice online, it can be really hard to know who or what to trust when it comes to food, dieting and health.  

Conditions like endometriosis and PCOS have been misunderstood, underdiagnosed and, many women say, dismissed within the Irish healthcare system. For some, it can take years to get answers - all while dealing with chronic pain, exhaustion and symptoms that impact every part of daily life.    One woman sharing that reality online is Megan Connellan, who has started documenting her journey with endometriosis, adenomyosis and PCOS through her TikTok account The Endo Edit. Through honest videos about pain, treatment, surgery and navigating the healthcare system, she’s helping raise awareness around conditions that affect thousands of Irish women.  

Joining us on this week’s Business Spotlight is Eve McNamara from Galway.    Aobh left her 9-to-5 job in tech sales in Dublin to follow her creative passion and start her own handbag business. Boia focuses on luxury-inspired bags made from vegan leather - offering quality and style without the designer price tag.     Since leaving her corporate role, Eve has been building her business, connecting with customers online, and finding her place in the competitive world of fashion.   

As thousands of students across Ireland prepare to sit their Leaving Cert exams next week, stress and anxiety levels are rising in homes and classrooms nationwide. From the pressure of points and expectations to managing nerves in the exam hall, this can be one of the most challenging periods in a young person’s life.    Career guidance teacher and life coach Evelyn Kearns joins us to share practical advice for students on staying calm under pressure, coping with stress, and keeping perspective during exam season - as well as how parents, family and friends can best support them in the weeks ahead.  

With summer holiday season approaching, new research by Hastings Hotels has found that more than 8 in 10 people planning a summer getaway are worried about flight disruptions and cancellations this year. Rising travel costs and global uncertainty are also making many Irish holidaymakers think twice about travelling abroad.    To help us navigate the stress of summer travel and share some practical advice for anyone feeling hesitant about booking a trip, we’re joined now by travel journalist Melanie May.     

Irish people are known to almost sense each other's presence when they are abroad. You could be in the middle of  a bar in Melbourne or Madrid, and somehow you can seek each other out against all odds. Now, there's an app out there that can magnify that, and possibly lead you to make more Irish buddies. 'Shift' is self described as the world's first cultural network, and works by connecting the irish community around the world. Wherever you are in the world, the aim of the app is to signpost the local Irish pubs, clubs, events and people.    

We’re all about pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone on iradios groupchat but  120 kilometres in 24 hours ? Seems a bit much for us    Well on June 13th, Laura Garrigan from Summerhill, County Meath, is taking on an extraordinary endurance challenge: running 5km every single hour for 24 hours straight - a total of 120 kilometres - to raise awareness and support for Samaritans. After already completing a 50km ultra marathon earlier this year, Laura is pushing herself further, not just for the thrill of endurance, but for a cause close to her heart. She wants to shine a light on mental health, encourage community support, and remind everyone that help is always there, no matter the hour. 

From the Olympic podium to championing mental health, Jack Woolley knows what it takes to face pressure head-on - both on and off the mat.  Two-time Irish Olympian Jack Woolley is back as Ambassador for the 2026 Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund, a partnership between Vhi and the Irish Youth Foundation that supports youth organisations delivering early intervention programmes to help young people tackle anxiety and build resilience.   Having recently stepped back from high-performance sport to focus on his own wellbeing, Jack brings a personal perspective to the importance of mental health support for young people.   With €85,000 available for youth organisations across Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway, Limerick, and Donegal, the Fund continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across Ireland.  

This evening on iRadio's Groupchat, we are highlighting a grossily upsetting, and frankly unacceptable statistic in Ireland. 1 in 3 women have experienced abuse in a relationship. There are countless people across the country working to support anyone who has found themselves in this situation, and one of the charity's at the heart of this are Saoirse Domestic Violence Services. Zita Spring, their Fundraising & Supporter Care Manager, joins me now to talk about their upcoming fundraising and awareness campaign, and the services the charity provides.  

Many people will know that since the introduction of Ireland’s soft opt-out system in June 2025 under the Human Tissue Act, people are presumed to have consented to organ donation unless they have registered their opt-out decision. People may not know however that family agreement remains essential, and organ donation will not proceed without it. This year, Organ Donor Awareness Week is encouraging people across Ireland to share their wishes about organ donation with their families. Colin White, the National Projects Manager from Irish Kidney Association joins Valerie on iRadio's Groupchat

This week on iRadio’s Groupchat Business Spotlight, we’re looking at a startup with a deeply personal mission behind it. TrustDish was founded by father daughter duo, Shannen and Sean O Reilly.   Inspired by Rachel, Shannen’s sister and Sean’s daughter, who lives with a severe peanut allergy and has faced multiple life-threatening reactions when eating out, they set out to tackle a problem that affects thousands of people every day: unreliable and unclear allergen information in food settings.    TrustDish is all about changing that - making dining safer, more transparent, and more inclusive for people with food allergies.  

Tonight we’re marking Mental Health Awareness Month by speaking to a man who’s using his own experiences to help others.     Paul Curran is originally from Bailieborough in County Cavan and is now living in Virginia. After years of struggling with anxiety and depression, Paul is now focused on recovery, raising awareness around mental health, and giving back through an upcoming fundraiser in aid of youth mental health support charity Youth suicide prevention ireland     He’s also currently working towards a degree in counselling and psychotherapy so he can help others facing similar struggles. Help is always available, and if you have been impacted by anything raised in this episode please visit iradio.ie/support

Obesity is more than just a number on the scale - it’s a serious medical condition we rarely know enough about.   Dr. Harriet Treacy, co-founder of Beyond BMI, is leading the charge against Ireland’s obesity crisis with a medically-led, multidisciplinary approach. She’s passionate about tackling obesity before it leads to heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and more, challenging a healthcare system that often treats the consequences rather than the cause. She has a vision for the future of weight loss treatments in Ireland.   

Between the Sheets on iRadio’s Groupchat and as you may know it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, so tonight we’re talking about the connection between mental health, relationships, dating, sex, and emotional intimacy-  because the way we’re feeling mentally can have a huge impact on how we connect with the people closest to us.    Joining us now is psychotherapist Chloe Callanan from Are You Well Therapy, who’s here to help us unpack the signs someone might be struggling, how to support a partner in a healthy way, and why communication is so important in relationships.

We are known globally as “The Emerald Isle”, with our rolling hills and vales of green – at least forty shades of it in fact. Chris Greenlee, aka The Emerald Explorer prides himself as being the content creator that is guiding people to the best places that the island of Ireland has to offer this world. If you are looking for some inspiration for a trip or a staycation this summer, Chris could be the guy for you.   

She’s one of Ireland’s most powerful voices on inequality, education and resilience. Her first memoir, Poor, became a number one bestseller, won Biography of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, and sparked huge conversations around poverty, addiction and opportunity in Ireland.    Now, psychologist, professor and bestselling author Katriona O'Sullivan is back with a deeply personal new memoir, Hungry: A Biography of My Body, which explores body image, self-worth, trauma and the complicated relationship many of us have with our bodies.     

There’s a campaign gathering attention online right now calling for a life-changing medication to be made available in Ireland. 28 year old Emily Felix, who is living with a rare neuromuscular condition called Friedreich’s Ataxia, is calling for the government to make the drug Skyclarys accessible in Ireland.    This treatment has been approved in other countries and could help slow the progression of the condition, and Emily joins us now to tell us more about her story and what she feels needs to be done. 

Conor Kirwin joins Valerie on iRadio’s Business Spotlight to talk about setting up his food truck Zooweewee's at just 22, and why he’s sharing the whole journey online.What started as a college assignment that got a brutal 17% turned into a real-life business, fuelled by pure determination (and a bit of “I’ll show you”). Conor chats through rebuilding the trailer from scratch, learning everything as he went, and the power of TikTok in bringing customers to the hatch.

Tonight on iRadio’s Groupchat, we’re joined by one of our own - iRadio presenter and content creator Dave Duke, whose recent TEDx talk in Athlone asked a pretty big question: what does it actually mean to be Irish?  We usually think of identity as a checklist - your accent, where you were born, your passport - but Dave’s talk challenged all of that, while somehow still managing to make it funny and really relatable.   It also comes at a time when conversations around identity in Ireland are very current. Recently, Dublin Rose of Tralee Suad Moogue faced online abuse because of her Somali background, despite being born and raised here, sparking debate about who gets to be seen as “really Irish”.   

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and one that Claudia Ward expressed online has been met with a serious amount of both praise and criticism. For personal trainers and coaches, is their body their business? Claudia joins Valerie now to unpack her ideas.