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Today we're talking about something every parent, young person, carer, teacher and anyone working with children should know about - “Think Type 1 Diabetes. Think Test.”  Type 1 diabetes can develop in children and young people, sometimes surprisingly quickly. And because some of the early symptoms - like being really thirsty, going to the toilet a lot or feeling completely wiped out - can seem like everyday things, they can be easy to brush off.  But recognising those signs early and getting a simple test can make a really important difference.  So, what should we actually be looking out for? And when is it time to get a child checked?  We're joined now by Professor Edna Roche, Principal Investigator and Lead of the Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register.  For more, you can visit the Diabetes Ireland website.

On iRecommend, we are chatting all things 'The Traitors Ireland' with a fan-favourite. Sam Omukoro from Westmeath became one of the standout characters of this year's series, navigating suspicion, alliances, friendships and the constant pressure of trying to work out who you could trust.  His departure was an emotional one, particularly for Pete, who described Sam as being “like a son” to him - a reflection of just how deep some of those relationships became during the game. Sam joined Valerie on iRadio's Groupchat to reflect on his journey, give his predictions and weigh in on the actions of the current traitors in the game.

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode we’re shining a light on ovarian cancer - what it is, who it can affect, and why knowing your “normal” matters.Valerie is joined by Michelle Lonergan, Cancer Awareness Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, who explains why ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and easily dismissed, and shares the key warning signs to look out for - including the BEAT symptoms (bloating, eating, appetite, tiredness), plus bowel and urinary changes.They also discuss diagnosis and treatment options, fertility questions for younger women, and the supports available through the Irish Cancer Society, including the free Support Line on 1800 200 700.

Long queues can ruin a great night out - and Daniel Cohen knows that pain first-hand after spending nearly an hour waiting for a drink at a festival and missing acts he came to see.In this Business Spotlight, Daniel (founder and CEO of Skippio) chats about how that frustration turned into a tech solution designed to help fans order drinks faster, and what it really took to go from idea to live events - including early pivots, New Frontiers support, and doing the hard research before going all-in.He also shares the “baptism of fire” first big test, lessons from scaling, and Scipio’s big global ambitions.

This conversation includes discussion of mental health and suicide, listener discretion is advised.  OCD is often talked about in terms of intrusive thoughts and compulsions – but not enough about the toll it can take on someone’s mental health, and why suicide prevention has to be part of the conversation too.Valerie is joined by Lucy, OCD advocate behind Your OCD Sister, who opens up about developing OCD suddenly, the years of panic and fear that followed, and how recovery can be possible – even when you feel deep in the trenches.Plus, Lucy shares details of an upcoming OCD community weekend event in Cork this November with OCD Ireland and OCD Game Changers.

If the words investing, pensions, and financial planning make your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you.Valerie is joined by Caoimhe (the Irish Numbers Girl), a qualified accountant and accounting lecturer who’s built a following by making money talk feel a lot less intimidating. They break down why investing can seem so complicated in Ireland , and what you actually need in place first — like an emergency fund and clearing expensive debt.

Forget the dating apps for a minute - because love might be waiting in the fields at the National Ploughing Championships.Valerie is joined by matchmaker Mairead Lockman from Love HQ, who’s bringing her “The Farmer Wants a Wife” matchmaking service to the ploughing, welcoming everyone from male and female farmers to gay farmers, and anyone curious about rural life.They chat about what actually makes people compatible (lifestyle, mindset, animals, outdoors), what Mairead asks clients when they’re serious about finding long-term love, and how careers, long hours and the cost of living can shape dating in Ireland.

If you ever get into trouble on a mountain, a remote trail, or somewhere hard to reach, Galway Mountain Rescue could be the team that comes looking for you. They’re on call 24/7 - and they do it all as volunteers.Valerie is joined by team member Hannah Gibney to explain what call-outs can look like across Galway and North Clare, from injured hikers to missing people caught out after dark (and the odd four-legged rescue too).Hannah talks training, specialist equipment, and the reality of mobilising at the drop of a hat.Plus, details of their annual fundraiser Howl at the Moon on 26th September - with 9k and 17k walks in the Galway Wind Park - and how you can support or get involved.

Heart disease and stroke don’t always come with warning signs - which is why prevention matters. Valerie is joined by Aisling Harris, cardiac and weight management dietician with Croí, to break down the simple checks that can make a real difference.They chat about knowing your numbers (blood pressure and cholesterol), understanding your family history, and why heart health isn’t something to park until you’re older - it’s the habits in your 20s and 30s that add up.Aisling shares practical, non-overwhelming ways to start: move more in ways you enjoy, tweak your diet, manage stress, sleep better, and take it one step at a time - with extra supports available through Croí.Get involved in the Croí Night Run by visiting https://croinightrun.ie/

If you’ve been watching The Traitors Ireland, you’ll know the castle has been full of twists, suspicion and backstabbing - and this week one GAA contestant’s journey came to an end.Valerie is joined by Saoirse Joyce, who went in as a Faithful and found herself banished after weeks of trying to figure out who she could actually trust.Saoirse chats through the casting process (TikTok application, Zoom rounds, in-person interviews and psychometric tests), the reality of life inside the castle with cameras always rolling, and the chaos of keeping it all secret from friends and family.

Starting college can feel like a high at first - CAO night, the debs, graduation, freshers week — and then the comedown hits. Valerie is joined by Craig to talk about that sudden loneliness that can creep in when everything finally goes quiet.Craig opens up about commuting alone for the first time, how even small changes can mess with your head, and why staying busy didn’t actually fix what he was feeling.They also chat clubs and societies, the pressure of “everyone’s grand” on social media, and what colleges and students’ unions could do to change how we talk about loneliness - even when you’re surrounded by people.

As students across Ireland get ready to head back to college, the accommodation scramble is back – and for many, it’s reached crisis point. Valerie is joined by Daniel Walsh, President of USI, to explain just how serious things are, and why some students are giving up before they even start looking.Daniel breaks down what he says is a lack of state investment in purpose-built student housing, the reliance on private developers, and why the government’s “digs” push feels like an admission of defeat.They also dive into the wider cost-of-college squeeze: rising commuting costs, the end of once-off supports, and what students can do next – from contacting their students’ union to joining a national protest on October 1st.

Caitlin Lowry from Longford is on a mission to change Ireland’s education system. After leaving school at 14 due to severe anxiety, she taught herself the Leaving Cert curriculum independently, all while grieving the loss of her father - and has just received her results.She joins iRadio’s Groupchat to explain why self-taught students are being left behind, especially when it comes to project work that can make up 20-40% of grades.Caitlin also breaks down her Hear The Stars campaign: book donations, free notes, volunteer teaching videos on YouTube, and an app in the works - plus her bigger goal of building a school that supports students who don’t fit the traditional system.

From a TY Mini Company project to an AI-powered study app with an ambitious plan to raise €500,000, Sean Cahill and Paddy Corcoran are taking StudyTok way beyond the classroom.They tell Valerie how the idea was born while they were meant to be studying for the Junior Cert… and ended up doom-scrolling instead. That “TikTok but for study” concept turned into an app that hit tens of thousands of downloads after one viral video.They also break down how StudyTok keeps content accurate using past exam papers and notes, what makes it different (scrollable feed + adaptive learning), and what it’s like building a business while sitting the Leaving Cert.

Heading back to college can mean fresh starts, new people… and messy love lives. From long-distance relationships to first dates, breakups, hookups and everything in between, it’s a lot to navigate.Valerie is joined by psychologist and relationship therapist Louise Carroll to talk about how to actually make long distance work (without living in “when we see each other again” limbo), and how to deal with jealousy when your partner is meeting a whole new crowd.They also unpack “red flags” vs normal human messiness, why feeling confused can be a big signal, and how to survive situationships when expectations don’t match.

Childhood is changing fast - and so is the way kids play, cope and communicate. Valerie is joined by Robin Burns from Robyn’s Nest Play Therapy in Loughrea, Co. Galway to unpack why play isn’t “just for fun”, but a child’s natural language.Robyn explains what play therapy is (and who it can support), from anxiety and low self-esteem to bereavement, trauma and parental separation.They also talk about the power of letting kids be bored, how to respond without instantly reaching for screens, and the impact too much screen time can have on development.

Feeling stuck in your job, tempted by a career change, or just wondering if a degree matters as much as it used to? Leah is joined by careers coach Angela Burke to break down what’s really happening in today’s job market - and why “experience is the new degree” can be true (with a few important exceptions).Angela shares practical ways to identify your transferable skills, stop underselling yourself on your CV, and bring your strengths to life with real evidence and outcomes.Plus, they tackle a listener question on how to job hunt while working full-time, what motivates change, and how long finding a new role can realistically take.

Social media star Andrea Woods joins Leah on iRadio’s Groupchat to talk about taking the leap from TikTok to stand-up, and why she’s putting her energy into her comedy career, Crack with Andrea.Andrea chats about starting content during COVID after moving home from London, the one video that sparked it all, and what it’s like building a community of hundreds of thousands online.She also opens up about dealing with trolls, not giving negative comments power, and how she’s learned to turn tough experiences into something positive.Plus, Andrea previews her brand new show Notions at the Auld Shebeen in Moate on October 30th — expect a wild, funny, interactive night.

Leaving Cert season can make it feel like points and college are the only way forward - but they’re not. Leah is talking apprenticeships on iRadio’s Groupchat, and why earning while you learn can be the right fit for so many people.Katie O’Connell from Cavan breaks down what a metal fabrication apprenticeship actually involves, from reading engineering drawings and cutting steel to bending, shaping and welding finished components - and what a typical 9-to-5 day looks like on the job.She also opens up about being the only girl on the floor, the college phases of an apprenticeship, and why the “second choice” stigma is seriously outdated.

The taxi industry is booming, with almost 1,900 new licences issued last year – and now there’s a new Irish-owned app aiming to change how we book and pay for taxis.Leah chats to Abi Mar, a taxi driver who’s just launched Cabi, a cashless taxi app connecting passengers with vetted independent drivers, with options like pet-friendly and 6- and 8-seaters. Abby explains what was missing from the market, why Cabi’s fees are designed to be fairer, and how the app adds a sense of safety for both drivers and customers.They also get into what it’s really like being a young woman in a male-dominated industry, the SPSV test process, and why rural towns still struggle for taxis.

September can feel strange - summer’s fading, the evenings are getting darker, and after Electric Picnic a lot of people are hit with those post-festival blues. But if that low mood is sticking around, it could be something more.Leah is joined on iRadio’s Groupchat by therapist and mindset coach Lynda Duffy to chat about seasonal affective disorder (SAD), why reduced daylight affects our sleep, energy and motivation, and the signs it’s time to take things seriously.

September has that “fresh start” energy - back to school, back to college, back to routine - but when it comes to food, it can quickly turn into pressure to change everything at once.Leah is joined on iRadio’s Groupchat by registered dietitian and performance nutritionist Sinead O’Donovan with simple, realistic tips to get your eating habits back on track without the all-or-nothing mindset.They chat balanced meals (what to add, not what to cut), quick breakfast ideas like overnight oats and smoothies, and how to eat well on a budget with frozen fruit, tinned foods and own-brand staples.For more advice you can visit www.sineadodonovan.com

Electric Picnic is almost here - tents packed, people on the road to Stradbally, and the excitement of a weekend of music, mates and freedom. But festivals can be intense too: big crowds, broken routines, little sleep, and for some, alcohol and other substances.Valerie is joined by Mick Ledden from PsyCare Ireland to share practical, no-nonsense ways to mind your head at a festival - from what to pack for comfort and sleep, to making a simple safety plan with friends when phones die and coverage drops.

According to new research teachers are under more pressure than ever - and the Teachers Union of Ireland says keeping them in the job is now as big a challenge as recruiting them. Valerie is joined by Seamus from Well to Teach to unpack what’s really driving burnout, from workload and paperwork to “initiative overload” and constant new curriculum changes.Seamus also explains why so many teachers are struggling to secure stable contracts, the impact of housing and cost-of-living, and why some feel pushed towards teaching abroad.

Sober social activities are on the rise, and Valerie McHugh is joined by Kate Duggan, founder of Elevate FitFest, to chat about why more people are looking for great days out without alcohol being the centre of it all.Kate explains what Elevate FitFest is really like: a two-day health, wellness and lifestyle festival at the stunning Shanbally House and Gardens in Nenagh (September 5th and 6th), packed with classes, talks, workshops and cooking demos.They also get into the “no intimidation” vibe for beginners, what’s new this year (spinning and floating sound baths on the lake), and the real behind-the-scenes challenge of building a festival with a tiny team.

The Chase has been on in nearly every Irish house at some stage - and this week Valerie McHugh is joined by one of its newest fan favourites, Irish Chaser Darragh “The Menace” Ennis, ahead of his Irish quiz tour this September.Darragh chats about the surreal moment you realise you’re a “household name” and the mad backstory of how he went from contestant to Chaser… all because he needed money for a new front door.Plus: what filming The Chase is really like, how he keeps his knowledge sharp.

This week on iRadio Groupchat Business Spotlight, chatting to Donna Bergin, founder of Solace Skincare - and she’s just taken a huge step, opening her very first physical shop in the Craft Village in Spiddal.Donna explains what “solid skincare” actually is, why organic Irish beef tallow is her hero ingredient, and how it can help dry, reactive and sensitive skin - without that “beefy” smell people might expect.She also shares how she went from markets and online orders to big growth through TikTok, the importance of simple ingredients and transparency, and what it means to build a brand rooted in nature, community, and the Gaeltacht.

Leaving Cert results are in, and now all eyes are on CAO Round 1 offers - landing tomorrow at 2pm for thousands of students.Valerie McHugh is joined by guidance expert Niamh Dwyer from My Career Plan to break down what “grade deflation” actually means, how CAO points are shaped by supply and demand, and why this year feels especially uncertain with more students in the mix.They also chat through the biggest trends in course choices - from health and teaching to journalism, the environment, maths and AI - plus what to do if you don’t get your first choice, from appeals and available places to PLCs, apprenticeships and studying abroad.And for parents and supporters: how to stay calm, where to get reliable advice, and the national helpline number (1800 265 165).

Solo travel can feel totally different for women - especially when it comes to hotel stays and that constant “what if?” in the back of your mind.Valerie McHugh is joined by Irish content creator I am Fiaya to chat about the safety tips she shares online, from not giving strangers your information to avoiding lifts with people you don’t know.They also get into what hotels could be doing better - key-card-only elevator access, cameras on every floor, security on the door at night, and even the idea of women-only floors.

It all comes down to tomorrow for people living with Friedreich’s ataxia, as the HSE decision on funding Skyclarys is due.Valerie McHugh is joined by 28-year-old trainee solicitor and campaigner Emily Felix, who speaks honestly about the nerves, the hope, and the exhaustion after months of fighting for a drug patients say is life-changing — and already approved in 11 other European countries.Emily also explains what day-to-day life with Friedreich’s ataxia can look like as it progresses, and why the “cost” conversation feels so dehumanising.

The Irish Farmers Calendar is back – and this year it’s levelling up with a brand-new Tradesman special.Shauna Byrne, creative director and owner, joins the show to chat about how the calendar became such a hit in Ireland and abroad, why the humour and “tongue-in-cheek” vibe keeps people coming back, and how the lads don’t just show up, take the photos and disappear.They also get into the balance between fun and objectification, the “real bodies” approach, and whether the calendar has ever sparked actual romance.

From hard hats to high heels, Rachel Foley is fresh off a huge win in the Bahamas – bringing the Miss Galaxy International crown home to Ireland for the first time.Rachel joins iRadio’s Groupchat to talk about the moment her name was called, why it still hasn’t fully sunk in, and how she’s using her new platform for more than just pageantry.Working in construction as a health and safety officer, she opens up about proving herself in a male-dominated industry, building respect on site, and why she wants more young women to go for it.They also unpack what people get wrong about pageants, the reality behind the scenes, body confidence, and the charity work that comes with the crown.

Alex is in for Valerie this week, and he’s joined by movie reviewer Amy Prendergast (AreYouBuzzin) to break down two of the biggest films of the summer: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.They chat about why The Odyssey is getting so much hype, what makes Nolan’s 70mm IMAX experience so different, and where in Ireland you can actually see it the way it was intended.Then it’s on to Brand New Day - why it works even if you’re not a hardcore Marvel fan, how it brings Spider-Man back to his roots, and Amy’s ratings...

Leaving Cert results are almost here – and with a record 71,698 students opening envelopes, it’s no surprise the nerves are kicking in.Alex is joined by guidance counsellor and Leaving Cert Guidance creator Donnchadh O’Mahony to talk through what results day can feel like, and why it’s not the be-all and end-all, even if it feels huge right now.They break down what to do if you don’t get the points or the course you wanted, the options people often forget (PLCs, apprenticeships, studying abroad, available places, gap years), and what happens if you miss a minimum entry requirement.

Valerie is joined on iRadio’s Groupchat Business Spotlight by Garreth O’Sullivan from Athlone, who’s taken a huge leap: swapping a secure career in An Garda Síochána for entrepreneurship.Garreth breaks down DockHive, his power bank rental company, and how it works in real life – tap your card or scan a QR code, grab a power bank with multiple cables, and drop it back to any DockHive point around Ireland.He also chats about building the software in Ireland with privacy in mind, the surprising challenges behind the scenes, and why you don’t need a business degree to back yourself and go for it.

Leah Cahill joins Valerie McHugh ahead of an incredibly emotional trip: travelling back to China to meet her birth parents for the very first time.Adopted at 18 months and raised in Trim, Co. Meath, Leah opens up about growing up knowing she was adopted, the teen years where she just wanted to “fit in”, and the complicated feelings that came with being Chinese in Ireland.She also shares how she found her birth family far quicker than she ever expected, the nerves around translation and first meetings, and why she’s documenting it all online - plus her honest advice for anyone considering searching themselves.

There are still so many misconceptions about what it means to live with HIV – and those outdated ideas continue to fuel stigma.Valerie is joined by 23-year-old community advocate Adrian Duggan from PozVibe Tribe. Diagnosed at 17, Adrian shares what he thought HIV meant at the time, what the diagnosis process was like, and how quickly treatment begins today.They also break down what HIV actually does in the body, explain the life-changing reality of U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable), and why support – from family, friends, and peer communities – can make all the difference.

What would you do if your partner called off your destination wedding just seven days before you were meant to say “I do”? Cancel everything, or still get on the plane?Valerie is joined by Katherine Jones, who made the jaw-dropping decision to go to her luxury Italian wedding anyway - just without the groom. Catherine opens up about the shock of the breakup after six and a half years together, the absolute chaos of ringing venues and guests, and why she refused to beg him to change his mind.She also chats about documenting it all on social media, the highs and lows of the trip, and what healing looks like next.

From navigating the modern dating scene to figuring out what makes a relationship healthy, happy and fulfilling, there’s a lot to get your head around. And when it comes to sex and relationships, knowing what you want -  and feeling comfortable communicating it can make all the difference.   This week on Between the sheets Valerie is chatting with sex, relationships and dating coach Shannen Tara about everything from spotting red flags in toxic relationships and setting healthy boundaries to becoming more confident when dating and exploring your sexuality. Whether you’re single, coupled up or somewhere in between, Shannen has some advice worth hearing. 

With so many people now feeling more comfortable putting themselves out there and talking to camera on social media, could it be time to turn that confidence into a career - or even a side hustle?   Casting Director Shauna Griffith has been using TikTok to put out casting calls through her company, SGCASTING, giving performers the chance to hear about roles and opportunities online. So, what does it take to turn your social media presence, personality or performance skills into something more? And could there be opportunities in the world of casting for people who have never considered it before?  

With Electric Picnic just around the corner, who better to get festival-ready advice from than content creator and festival enthusiast Robyn McManus? From packing the absolute essentials to navigating your first Electric Picnic, Robyn knows how to make the most of a festival weekend - and hopefully avoid some of the classic mistakes along the way. 

We're shining a light on inclusion, representation, and why every voice deserves to be heard.We’re joined by Izzie Schon, a 16-year-old podcaster and author from Sligo. Izzie is visually impaired and has autism, and she’s using her own experience to create a more inclusive world through her podcast, The Way It Unfolded, where she gives a platform to neurodivergent people and stories that often go unheard.Izzy also chats about her sensory-friendly colouring book, accessibility on social media, and her petition to make mock exams more accessible for visually impaired students.

Leaving Cert results are nearly here, but for thousands of students the excitement of college is being overshadowed by one big worry: where will they live?We’re joined by Seán DeBurca, incoming Students’ Union President at the University of Galway, to break down just how bad the accommodation situation is in Galway – from soaring rents and purpose-built “student” blocks priced like luxury, to five-day digs and students commuting for hours just to make lectures.Seán also explains what he wants to see from government, why SUSI isn’t keeping up with real student costs, and his advice for first years trying to find their community.

This week on iRadio's Groupchat Business Spotlight, we're chatting to Cian Kirby, co-founder of Perfect Scent 4 U. What started as an idea between three friends who were tired of carrying around bulky fragrance bottles has grown into a successful Irish business that's building a loyal following online and at markets across the country. 

Today we’re talking about a topic that has been at the forefront of every showbiz headline and social post for the past number of weeks. Pop star Ariana Grande has received heavy backlash for her appearance while on her Eternal Sunshine tour, with thousands of people around the world commenting and shaming her body size. We’re joined by Conor Nolan, who has recently joined them as a Youth Development Officer.  Conor's here to talk about the damage body shaming can do, given the abuse Ariana Grande has endured, and also highlights the signs that someone you are close with is struggling with body image issues.  If you've been affected by the issues raised in this discussion, support is available at www.bodywhys.ie. You can call it's National Helpline on 01-2107906 or email [email protected]

IVF is something more and more families in Ireland are experiencing, but it's still a journey many people don't talk openly about. It can be emotionally draining, physically demanding and, for many, financially overwhelming. My next guest knows that journey all too well. Charlotte Wright from Roscommon and her fiancé Damien are currently expecting their second child after successful IVF treatment through the HSE's publicly funded fertility scheme. While their daughter Pippa was conceived naturally after a two-year wait, Charlotte's PCOS and endometriosis meant trying for another baby wasn't straightforward. She told us her story on iRadio's Groupchat.

Money can be one of the biggest sources of tension in a relationship, but it's also one of the topics couples are often most reluctant to talk about. From awkward conversations about who pays on a first date to deciding whether to merge finances after marriage, navigating money together isn't always straightforward. This week on Between the Sheets, Leah is joined by Máiread Loughman, matchmaker and founder of Love HQ, to talk about the financial side of modern relationships. 

The way we build careers is changing, and Gen Z seems to be rewriting the rulebook. From "lily padding"  - to investing hundreds or even thousands of euro in career coaches, younger workers are taking a very different approach to work than previous generations.  But are these trends actually paying off? Is job loyalty becoming a thing of the past? And why are so many young professionals turning to career coaches for guidance?  Joining Leah is careers coach Angela Burke, who works with people at every stage of their careers and has seen these changing workplace trends first-hand.  

Despite being more digitally connected than ever, we're living through a loneliness epidemic. Sarah Quinn is tackling it in a refreshingly simple way: starting conversations with strangers. A mindset and movement coach, Sarah has built a platform around the power of kindness and human connection. Her videos, where she asks strangers, "Do you want to chat?", have resonated with thousands, reminding people of the impact of feeling seen and heard. Today, we explore what she's learned from hundreds of conversations, the stories that have stayed with her, and why kindness might be one of the most powerful forces we have.  

This week on iRecommend, Leah's chatting to wellness coach, author and podcast host Nathalie Lennon, whose new podcast Shake the Ground is all about the moments that change us. From career pivots and relationship lessons to confidence, resilience and personal growth, the series explores the decisions that push us outside our comfort zones and the breakthroughs that often follow.