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Last month saw the launch of a new Garda Schools Programme lesson dedicated to ‘Coco’s Law’. Developed in partnership with Webwise, the lesson is available now to be delivered in secondary schools nationwide.    Coco's law is aimed at tackling online harassment and the circulation of intimate images, and Mary Hayes who is the Coordinator for Too Into You with Wom...

If you’ve ever thought “why is dating in Ireland actually this bad?”-you’re not alone. Our next guest has been very real about the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of the dating scene, and you might recognise her from First Dates Ireland.    It’s Tipperary content creator Cloda Scanlon, and she’s here to share her experience.

Joining us today on iRecommend the man behind the podcast I Said What I Said, Shane McCarthy! Shane has been making waves with his hilarious, takes on life, love, and everything in between - his tiktoks have us in stitches and now you can listen to him in long form.      We’ll be talking about how the podcast journey has evolved, what’s coming up for hi...

In mid-March, a meningitis outbreak was reported at the University of Kent, involving the Meningitis B strain. Since then, a huge amount of information and misinformation has been circulating on social media, leaving many people feeling anxious about their risk.  To help us separate fact from fear and better understand the symptoms, risks, and protections, Valerie is joined now by Irish GP Dr...

He’s the Cork barber making waves far beyond the chair, turning a simple idea into a nationwide movement. “Pints and Ponytails” is the feel-good event helping dads level up their hair-styling skills while bonding with their daughters - and it’s only getting bigger.      With his third event landing in the coming weeks, and a side gig grooming Ireland’s international footba...

Help us, Make Some Noise, for Focus Ireland, and raise vital funds to end child homelessness.   A staggering statistic , there are currently over 5,000 children in Ireland without a home and we want YOU to make a difference.   If you’re a musician, in a band, a DJ, or fantastic event organiser, you can get involved &am...

Making friends as an adult - it sounds simple, but anyone who’s moved to a new city knows how tough it can actually be. Leaving behind your usual circle and trying to build connections from scratch isn’t always easy. Well, one woman who knows that feeling all too well is Caitlín Connolly.   Originally from Sligo and now based in Galway, she’s the driving force behind Affinity Social Even...

Heartbreak - it’s something nearly all of us go through, but it can feel incredibly isolating when you’re in the middle of it. Well, one Dublin woman is hoping to change that. Amy Hallahan is creating a brand new app designed specifically for people going through breakups - a safe, private space where you can connect with others who actually get what you’re feeling.   

Today on Trade Secrets, we’re talking about choosing apprenticeships over university - and why more young people are rethinking the traditional route.  Our guest today is John Hartley, John originally planned to study business, but halfway through his Leaving Cert maths exam he realised university wasn’t the path for him. Instead, he began an apprenticeship with Suir Engineering - a...

Most of the time we are so focused on work deadlines, stress from school or so caught up in our careers to focus on the little things in life. Often, it’s hard to find the joy in little things like going for a walk, grabbing a coffee with a friend, or even playing music in the car.     Today on iRecommend Valerie is joined by Rachel from the Happy Days Podcast to chat all about...

Are you a musician? Or someone who is brilliant at organising an event.    Well - Help us, Make Some Noise, for Focus Ireland, and raise vital funds to end child homelessness.   A staggering statistic , there are currently over 5,000 children in Ireland without a home and we want YOU to make a difference.   If you’re a musician, in a band, a DJ, or fantastic even...

Children’s Hospice Week just around the corner, we’re turning our attention to a cause that’s making a real difference to families across Ireland.    LauraLynn Children’s Hospice provides vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families and this year, they’re going bigger than ever with their brand new 24-Hour Challenge fundraiser.  &nbsp...

A trend this is making a storm this year is simply just Irishness. Irish brands are becoming increasingly popular with brands being seen on celebrities like CMAT and Nicola Coughlan!      Today I’m catching up with Megan Nolan from Irish fashion brand MNW Design. Megan has shaken up Irish fashion with handcrafted pieces that blends heritage and with club energy.

Have you ever been in a relationship and caught yourself thinking, what if I was single again? Maybe it’s imagining total freedom, meeting new people, or just having space to focus on yourself. It’s a surprisingly common thought - but it can also feel confusing or even guilt-inducing when you’re with someone you care about.     So when is it just harmless curiosity, and when co...

Everyone wants to capture moments - whether it’s a football match, a festival, or just time spent with friends. But turning those moments into something cinematic is a real skill. Videographer Ronan O’Donnell knows exactly how to do that.     From filming at Electric Picnic to Hyrox events, Ronan is the creative eye behind the camera, capturing content that stands out...

The Irish surfing scene is well and truly alive, and for iRecommend this week, we are diving into a whole new potential hobby for you. Today Valerie is joined by Surfála founder Emily Gibbon to chat all things surf trips, surf inspired clothing and spending time in the sea. 

This month marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and today on iRadio’s Groupchat, we’re joined by someone whose life changed in an instant. At just 32 years old, Claire Fagan  was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.   In the space of a moment, her world was turned completely upside down. Since then, Claire has been navigating the realities of diagnosis, treatment, and learning how to...

One thing a lot of people have in common has to be the love of chocolate. It’s a sweet treat nearly everyone enjoys and with Easter coming up, it’s all over the shelves, and our own cupboards too as we wait to dig into a sweet treat ourselves or gift it to someone else.    If you’re a fan of Easter Eggs I’m catching up with the founder of Grá Chocolates and pastry che...

Smartphones, social media, and constant connection - for young people today, being online isn’t just part of life, it is life. But as screen time rises, so too do concerns about its impact on mental health, attention, sleep, and even how young brains develop.   New research suggests many children are spending hours a day on devices - often late into the night - while more...

It’s that time of year when salary reviews are happening, and for a lot of people the idea of asking for a pay rise can feel like an awkward, daunting conversation. Careers coach Angela Burke joins Valerie with practical advice on how to prepare properly, why “I deserve it” (or personal money pressures) isn’t the best approach, and how to use market data to back yourself up. They also talk timing,...

The Leaving Cert is often described as one of the most intense periods in a young person’s life. Long hours of study, constant pressure, and the weight of future plans can take a toll. But for some students, that experience is made even more challenging by personal circumstances beyond their control.     Caoimhe Graham sat her Leaving Cert while dealing with deep personal loss...

Ireland play one of their biggest games of all time this evening. We’re up against Czechia in Prague, and the winner of that game is going to progress to face either Denmark or North Macedonia, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.  Now there’s every likelihood you have heard people going on about this for weeks and months, but if you want the cheat sheet on all you need to know you’r...

If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok lately, you might’ve seen one video in particular that has got people seriously talking and debating about money, lifestyle, and what we can actually afford.  Anne Sheeran, a mum who works in marketing, went viral after sharing her thoughts on spending and living within your means. But while the video sparked huge attention, not all of it was positive. Vale...

This week Valerie is joined by Hermione Reid AKA Bookworm Herm, who has got a book for every situation! She recommends some of her favourite books, genres and way to read!

Starting a business is one thing, but building a brand with a message at its heart is something else entirely.   Our next guest is Sallyann Concannon, founder of the Irish jewellery brand Mettle & Bloom.  Today we’ll be talking about how the brand started - from market stalls to major retailers, and the message behind jewellery that’s designed to not just look beautiful, but to...