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Showbiz and pop culture journalist Lottie Hulme has been keeping thousands of fans up to speed every single day, breaking down the biggest moments, decoding villa dynamics, and giving her hot takes across social media. Before we crown this year's winners, Leah catches up with Lottie to get her verdict on the series, the biggest talking points, and what happens once the Islanders return to the real world.  

Mayo fever has well and truly taken over, and  there are people all over the county calling in sick or not showing up to work today .Should the GAA move the senior All-Ireland finals to a Bank Holiday weekend?Leah spoke to Valerie live from MacHale Park in Castlebar in Mayo.

A campaign born from unimaginable grief has changed the law in Ireland. Jennie's Law, named after Jennifer Poole, creates a public register of people convicted of domestic violence against a current or former partner, giving victims access to information that could help them make safer choices. Jennifer Poole was murdered in 2021 by her former partner, Gavin Murphy. Now, Her brother, Jason Poole, has turned his family's grief into a campaign for change, he's determined that Jennifer's death will not be in vain. He joins me now on iRadio's Groupchat to talk about the campaign, the impact of Jennie's Law, and what Jennifer's legacy means to him. If you've been impacted by this conversation iradio.ie/support

Joining us on Between the Sheets today is someone who knows exactly what it’s like to find love in one of the most famous villas in the world. Conor Phillips stepped into the Love Island villa and not only found himself at the centre of the action, but also met Megan Forte Clarke - and the pair have gone on to become one of Ireland’s favourite Love Island couples.   Since leaving the villa, life has changed massively for Conor and Megan. They’re now splitting their time between Ireland and London, building careers, taking on new opportunities, and navigating life in the public eye.  

The countdown is on to another huge weekend of GAA action, with the men’s All-Ireland football final just around the corner. Last weekend, ahead of the All-Ireland hurling final, content creator and Irish history, language and culture enthusiast Leon Brown was outside Croke Park encouraging supporters to use a cúpla focal in a series of vox pops.    Leon joins Valerie to chat about why keeping the Irish language alive matters, the unique role the GAA plays in our culture and history, and whether this could finally be the year Mayo put the famous "curse" to rest.  

In May, Kieran O’Malley lost his wife, Liz Kavanagh, after her courageous battle with colon cancer. In this emotional chat with Valerie McHugh, he remembers Liz as the warm, genuine person so many people came to know and love, both offline and through the way she documented her journey.Kieran also shares the symptoms Liz urged people not to ignore, why she always pushed for tests and honest conversations with your doctor, and how keeping notes helped.He reflects on the incredible compassion of Galway Hospice, and explains the “Walk in Green” on August 13th (Liz’s birthday), with all funds going to Galway Hospice.

Cosmetic dental surgeon Dr. Bronagh Keane - better known online as Ireland’s Tooth Fairy – joins Valerie McHugh on iRadio’s Groupchat to bust the biggest dental myths and share simple, practical oral health advice.From why bleeding gums are a red flag, to why you shouldn’t wait until you’re in pain to see a dentist, Bronagh explains what actually matters in your daily routine.They also dive into teeth whitening do’s and don’ts, the problem with black-market and over-the-counter products, and the everyday foods and drinks that stain your teeth.

Cathal Cully and Rebecca Wilson are both autistic, and they’re currently in the early stages of planning their wedding - but they want to do things a little differently. They’re hoping to make their day as autism-friendly and accessible as possible, taking into account sensory needs and making sure everyone feels comfortable and welcome.   They’re also passionate about raising awareness, challenging misconceptions around autism, and creating better understanding of what being autistic actually means.  

Pilates and yoga are everywhere right now - from beach sessions to lunchtime reformer classes – but what’s behind the boom, and why are so many young people getting into it?Saoirse O’Dowd, founder of Freedom Flow Wellness in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, joins iRadio’s Groupchat to chat about how a few pop-up beach classes turned into a proper wellness community – originally sparked by loneliness in rural Ireland.She explains why Pilates isn’t “just a trend”, the mental switch-off people are craving, and how she’s juggling a full-time career while renovating her first Freedom Flow studio, with plenty of real behind-the-scenes honesty along the way.

28-year-old Emily Felix joins Valerie on iRadio’s Groupchat after another crushing delay in the decision to fund Skyclarys for people living with Friedreich’s ataxia.Emily explains what happened on July 14th, why campaigners travelled to the Dáil, and how they ended up finding out the “not yes, not no” outcome through social media, with no formal communication since.She speaks about the irreversible impact of waiting with a progressive condition, why Skyclarys is already approved and reimbursed in other countries, and the frustration around transparency as the case moves to another review committee.

Galway footballer and primary school teacher Sean “Fitzy” Fitzgerald joins Producer Leah on iRadio’s Groupchat to spill how a TikTok piss-take turned into a fast-track ticket to the Love Island villa - and why he felt pure imposter syndrome walking in.He chats about breaking the news to his manager and family, the “should teachers go on Love Island?” debate, and the hilarious support from his class.Fitzy also opens up about finding a real connection with Lola, dealing with online rumours and hate, teaching the villa a few Irish phrases, and what’s next - from Galway nights out to travel plans and who he wants to win.

With summer comes a lot of things we love - longer evenings, holidays, days at the beach - but it can also bring extra pressure around how we look and feel in our bodies.  Megan Wrenn is a yoga and meditation teacher and content creator who shares messages of body positivity online, encouraging people to embrace themselves exactly as they are.    But with a public platform comes negative comments too, and today we're chatting about confidence, online criticism, and why warmer weather can often make body image struggles feel even stronger.    

Charlene joins Producer Leah on iRadio’s Groupchat to chat about going into the Love Island villa as the “most hyped” Irish islander ever, and how that hype brought both support and pressure.She opens up about why she really went in (not just a career move), how tough modern dating feels, and what it’s like being vulnerable on camera.Charlene also talks tarot, getting her phone back to a massive follower jump, and the support from welfare and producers behind the scenes.Plus: thoughts on Kavan and Jasmine, pitting women against each other online, All Stars, who could be dumped next, and who she thinks will win it all.

Every family has its own story, and our next guest has been sharing hers with thousands of people online. Maria Merriman was adopted from Guatemala in 1997 and raised here in Ireland.  Through her TikTok videos, she's been opening up about growing up adopted, the questions she was asked as a child, exploring her Guatemalan heritage as an adult, and the realities of adoption in Ireland today.   Maria joins us now to talk about her own experience, what she's learned along the way, and why these conversations matter.  

If you've found yourself talking about Love Island contestants as if they're your own friends - or arguing online over people you've never actually met - you're definitely not alone. It's something psychologists call a parasocial relationship: a one-sided emotional connection we develop with public figures, influencers or reality TV stars.   But when does harmless entertainment become something more? And are these relationships affecting the way we connect with the people in our own lives?   Joining us now is Chloe Callanan, physcotherapist and owner of Are You Well Therapy, to chat about why we're so invested in people we've never met, the risks of parasocial relationships, and why nurturing our real-life friendships is more important than ever.  

Ireland is famous for its live music scene, but behind the scenes, booking musicians is often still done through texts, phone calls and spreadsheets. A new Irish start-up wants to change that.   CeolConnect is launching later this month with the aim of making it easier for venues to find, book and pay musicians - all in one place. Joining us now on iRadios Groupchat is one of the co-founders, Eoghan Matthews.   

For a lot of people, job hunting has changed massively. It’s no longer just about sending off a CV and hoping for the best - employers can now get a glimpse of who you are before you ever walk into an interview.   From LinkedIn profiles to TikTok, Instagram, online portfolios and personal projects, your digital presence can become part of your professional identity.   But how much does it actually matter? Can a strong personal brand help you land your dream job? And can a bad online presence hold you back?   We’re joined by careers coach Angela Burke to chat about building your personal brand, showcasing your skills online, and how to make yourself stand out in a competitive job market.  

I'm joined now by Clodagh McCahey who goes by CaintLeClo on Tiktok. Every day she's encouraging people to use a little more Irish in their everyday lives by teaching a new word or phrase in a fun and accessible way.   What's really interesting is that Clodagh isn't from a Gaeltacht area. She's originally from Dublin and now lives in Athlone, so her passion for the language didn't come from growing up surrounded by Irish every day. Yet she's building an online community showing that you don't have to be fluent to start using cúpla focal.  

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has brought renewed attention to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA, after revealing that her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were born with SMA Type 1.  She's now campaigning for the condition to be included in the UK's newborn heel prick screening programme.   Here in Ireland, that became a reality in April, with SMA added to the national newborn screening programme after years of campaigning by SMA Ireland. Joining me now is Jonathan O'Grady, who founded the organisation in 2019 after being diagnosed with SMA Type II  in 1982, to talk about how far treatment has come and what still needs to be done.  

Ever wonder what its like to be a reality tv star? We’re joined by someone who knows exactly what it’s like to have your every conversation, connection and awkward moment watched by millions.   Robyn Langton was one of this year’s youngest Love islanders, entering the villa at just 21. Outside of the show, she’s a quantity surveyor and DJ from Liverpool, but after weeks of sun, drama and romance, her life has changed quite a bit. 

The sun is shining, the long evenings are here, and suddenly everyone is looking at their bank account wondering... how can I actually get away this summer without spending a fortune?   Whether you’re planning a romantic break, a weekend away with friends, a family staycation, or just looking for an affordable escape, Ireland has plenty to offer -from scenic road trips and hidden gems to camping spots and adventure-filled getaways.   Travel journalist Melanie May joins me now 

If you're looking for your next great read, or you've been meaning to join a book club but never quite got around to it, our latest iRecommend might be just what you're after.   Content creator Eimear Geraghty recently shared a TikTok with a simple idea – creating a book club dedicated entirely to Irish books and Irish authors. Since moving to Inis Meáin, Eimear says she's been thinking more about the importance of community and connecting with people through shared hobbies.   She's now asking people what they'd like to see from an Irish book club, with a survey gathering ideas from readers across the country.  

If your social media feed has been full of wedding content this week, you're not alone.   From reports surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's hugely anticipated 4th of July  celebration in Madison Square Garden to the height of wedding season here in Ireland, weddings are very much in the spotlight.   But while celebrity weddings grab the headlines, the reality for most couples is balancing dream days with very real budgets.  So what are the biggest wedding trends in 2026? Are lavish celebrations back, or are couples keeping things smaller and more personal? And has the pressure around wedding gifts become greater than ever?   Joining us is Róisín Finan, founder of wedding planning company Clover Roe. Originally from Ireland and now based in Boston, Róisín has planned weddings on both sides of the Atlantic and has worked with couples celebrating in some of Ireland's most beautiful venues.  

Every Tuesday on iRadio's Groupchat, we shine a spotlight on inspiring Irish businesses, and this week we're chatting to someone who's proving age is just a number when it comes to entrepreneurship.    At just 16 years old, Cathal Sweeney from Mungret Community College in Limerick has invented the Glo Ball – a glow-in-the-dark sliotar designed to help hurlers train during dark winter evenings. The idea has already generated over €40,000 in sales in just four months and recently won the top prize at the Student Enterprise National Finals.    

Cosmetic treatments are more popular than ever, with more people choosing everything from non-surgical procedures like Botox and fillers to cosmetic surgery.   At the same time, the industry is changing. Clinics are seeing new trends emerge, influenced by everything from social media and changing beauty standards to the growing use of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.   One clinic that's been tracking these changes is Auralia. Dr Salman says his team has noticed some fascinating shifts in the types of procedures people are requesting, who's getting them, and what's driving those decisions.  

Burnout is a word we hear all the time, but do we actually know what it is? Is it just feeling stressed and exhausted, or is there something more happening in our brains? And what if what we think is burnout is actually something as simple as not getting enough quality sleep?   Joining us now is Liam Gildea, author and wellness speaker, to unpack the neuroscience behind burnout, explain the warning signs we shouldn't ignore, and share practical ways to protect our wellbeing and improve our performance through better sleep.  

Actor and writer Ali Hardiman is bringing her brand-new short film "That's So Feis" to this year's Galway Film Fleadh. Ali not only wrote the film but also stars in it as Gemma, a woman whose perfectly planned life is turned upside down when her fiancé leaves her. In an attempt to rebuild herself, she finds herself back in the world of Irish dancing, where she's reminded that sometimes the people with the biggest lessons to teach us are the youngest.  

As temperatures rise and many people head off on holidays, it's a good time to think about staying safe in the sun and managing the heat. While most of us know the basics of sunscreen and hydration, many people don't realise that certain mental health medications can affect how the body regulates temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.   To help us understand what to watch out for and how to stay safe this summer, we're joined by Dr Brian Higgins from Galway Primary Care Centre and The Galway Skin Clinic.  

It's something that has become all too common in the age of smartphones. A serious road traffic collision happens, and before emergency services have even finished their work, photos and videos from the scene are already circulating on social media and messaging apps.   In the North of Ireland, there's growing support for 'Caoimhé's Law', named in memory of 23-year-old Caoimhé O'Brien, who tragically lost her life in a road traffic collision in 2016. The proposed legislation would make it a criminal offence to record or share images or videos of victims at the scene of a fatal or critical crash without lawful authority or the family's consent. It would also make it an offence to circulate that content before loved ones have even been officially informed.   Joining Valerie is Debbie Mullan, Chairperson of Road Victim Support Northern Ireland and Donegal and a counsellor who has worked with families affected by road tragedies.  

If you're always on the lookout for your next podcast obsession, this week's irecommend is one for music lovers. The Greenlight Podcast, hosted by Dara Quilty, is your backstage pass to the biggest gigs, festivals and artists shaping the Irish and international music scene.   Every week, Dara sits down with musicians for honest conversations, behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of laughs. New episodes are available every week on the GoLoud app and wherever you get your podcasts.  

Love Island might be all about finding love, but in 2026 it's also one of the biggest career opportunities in entertainment. From fashion deals and beauty campaigns to TV presenting and brand partnerships, the right contestant can leave the villa with an entirely new career.   Joining us today is Sarah Lowe, Senior Talent Manager at Icon Management, one of Ireland's biggest talent agencies. Sarah manages some of Ireland's top creators, including this year's Love Island contestant Charleen Murphy, and she's giving us an insight into what really happens behind the scenes before, during and after the villa.

Have you ever found yourself apologising for things that aren't your fault, worrying you've upset someone over a simple text, or constantly seeking reassurance that you've done the "right" thing? It's something so many people experience, and it's often linked to what's become known as "Good Girl Syndrome" – the pressure to people-please, avoid conflict and chase approval.   Joining us today is physiotherapist Caoimhe Gibney, known online as The Mindful Physio. She's here to explain why so many of us live with this fear of getting into trouble, how our nervous system plays a role, and most importantly, some techniques we can use to create a greater sense of calm and stop relying on external validation.  

This week on iRadio's Groupchat Business Spotlight, we're shining a light on an Irish business that's helping people protect their skin every single day.   Solas Skin was founded by Amelia Slattery with a simple mission – to make wearing SPF an easy, everyday habit rather than something we only think about on sunny holidays.   Amelia joins Valerie to chat about her entrepreneurial journey, building Solas Skin, and why she believes there really are no days off when it comes to protecting your skin.  

Teaching has always been a demanding profession, but research suggests the pressures on educators have reached worrying levels.  The latest Teacher Occupational Wellbeing Research from DCU found that more than 85% of teachers surveyed reported moderate to high levels of burnout, with workload, unrealistic expectations and increasing demands all playing a role.   Joining us today is Seamus Burns, a teacher of 10 years and the creator behind Well2Teach. Through his social media platforms, Seamus shares practical advice on teacher wellbeing, preventing burnout and creating healthier habits for educators.  

Eva Nunn, who many people will know online as The Positive Tribes, joins Valerie on iRadio's Groupchat!  Eva has been reading tarot for over seven years, helping clients all over the world, but recently she's found herself at the centre of a story that's got everyone talking. She accurately predicted that Charleen Murphy was heading for Love Island weeks before it became public - and before Charleen herself even knew for certain!How far does she predict that Charleen will go in the show...

"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.  

Ireland's love affair with preloved fashion is showing no signs of slowing down, and one event leading the charge is Reruns, one of Ireland's fastest-growing preloved fashion sales. Returning to Dublin's David Marshall Salon on Fade Street from June 27th to 29th, the event celebrates one year since its first pop-up and a remarkable milestone – more than 5,000 preloved fashion items sold that may otherwise have ended up in landfill.Combining designer bargains, sustainable shopping and support for Irish charities through ticket sales, Reruns is helping shoppers rethink the way they buy fashion.Joining us now is model, stylist and Reruns ambassador Rosalind Lipsett to chat about how to shop smarter, build a more sustainable wardrobe, and why the thrill of finding a one-of-a-kind bargain is bringing people back to real-life shopping experiences.

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.