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Starting a business takes courage - but doing it at just 23 years old takes something extra.     Adam Murray is the man behind Biddos Street Food in Drogheda. Two years ago he took a chance on himself and opened a Mexican food truck, bringing something a little different to the local food scene. Since then, he’s been documenting the entire journey online - the wins, and th...

Cooking can feel like a bit of a chore sometimes especially after a long day  and ordering a takeaway often feels like the easy option… even if it comes with a bit of guilt.   But should we actually feel guilty about it?   Well, today on Trade Secrets I’m joined by food stylist and food content creator Michaela Lowe, who quite literally makes food look irresistible. F...

ADHD is something we’re hearing about more than ever right now - from social media to workplaces to classrooms, it feels like everyone is talking about it. Diagnoses have surged in recent years, with more adults in particular beginning to question whether they might have ADHD.   But with that rise has come a lot of confusion too - around what ADHD actually is, how it’s diagnosed, and why...

Relationships are often described as one of the most important parts of our lives, but they can also be one of the most confusing. How do you know if you’re truly in the right relationship, or in one that just feels comfortable? And when it comes to age gaps, where is the line between a healthy difference and a potential imbalance?    Today psychotherapist Chloe Callanan joins Valer...

Tomorrow marks Daffodil Day, a hugely important moment in Ireland’s calendar when people across the country come together to support those affected by cancer. Every donation helps fund expert cancer nurses, groundbreaking research, and vital services that guide patients and families through incredibly difficult journeys.   Today, we’re joined by Alanna Kells, who at just 27 years old is...

Running has absolutely taken off in recent years - from couch-to-5Ks to full marathons, more and more people are getting involved and embracing the running culture.   Now, a marathon might sound like a big challenge… but imagine running the entire length of Ireland.   Well, that’s exactly what one group is taking on. Valerie is delighted to be joined by Shane Bisto Kelly f...

March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, and today we’re shining a light on a condition that many people may have heard of, but might not fully understand.   Joining us now is Caoilfhinn Ní Chaoiligh, who has been sharing her personal journey with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Through her honest and empowering videos on TikTok, Caoilfhinn has been helping t...

Irish pops up everywhere lately – a cúpla focal on the radio, a sign in town, or the sudden urge to order your coffee as Gaeilge. But how do we actually bring the language into daily life in 2026? In this iRadio Groupchat special, Valerie McHugh explores the rise of “GaelTok” and the new wave of creators making Gaeilge feel natural, fun, and accessible. Laura Pakenham (Barbie na Gaeilge) chats abo...

Robert Wallace or its donkey boy as you may know him online has been sharing his journey learning the Irish language.    He’s been inspiring people across Ireland with his posts, videos, and tips about learning Gaeilge - and showing that the language can bring people together across communities.    He joins Valerie now as we celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge

There’s a campaign gathering attention online right now calling for a life-changing medication to be made available in Ireland. Aoife Quinn from Galway who is living with a rare condition called Friedreich’s Ataxia, has started a petition asking the government to make the drug Skyclarys accessible here for patients who need it.   The treatment is already approved in other countries and could...

This week on Between the Sheets we’re talking about STI’s.  More than 1,600 cases of sexually transmitted infections were recorded in Ireland in just the first four weeks of this year - that’s around 61 cases every single day.  With cases rising, especially among young people, it’s important to understand what’s going on - and more importantly, what we can actually do about it.  To...

Dara Padden from Mayo has been using social media to openly share his journey through addiction and recovery. After struggling with alcohol and substance use, he made the decision to get sober and has been documenting the ups and downs of that process online.   Through honesty about the challenges he’s faced, Dara has built a supportive community and is showing how recovery is possible. A hug...

Do you have a list at home that just keeps getting longer?  A wall that needs painting… a shelf that’s still sitting in the box… a lightbulb you’ve been meaning to change for weeks?  Maybe you’ve put it off because you’re not sure how to do it - or hiring someone just feels too expensive right now. Not to mention finding someone to do it!  Well, Declan Buggy is hoping to change that...

2026 is already shaping up to be a big year for cinema. With major releases hitting the big screen and Irish actors and actresses making waves internationally, it feels like more people are heading back to the cinema again.  This evening on iRecommend were gonna be talkingabout some of the biggest films out right now for – and the ones you should keep an eye on – Valerie is joined by movie cr...

Following on from International Women’s Day we’re highlighting some of the incredible women across Ireland who are making waves in their fields - and our next guest is doing just that in the world of technology and engineering.  Originally from Louth, she’s currently studying Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Galway, has been named on Ireland’s 30 Under 30 list, and is...

With the Cheltenham Festival happening this week, there’s a huge buzz around horse racing and betting - and it can feel like gambling ads are everywhere.   But gambling can come with serious risks if it isn’t approached carefully. Former Armagh footballer and recovery advocate Oisín McConville knows that better than most. After struggling with a gambling addiction earlier in his lif...

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating women’s achievements - but it’s also about looking ahead and asking how we can better support the next generation.   Across Ireland, young girls are growing up in a world shaped by social media, comparison culture, academic pressure and changing expectations. So how do we help them build confidence, resilience and real self-belief?&...

This month is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and we’re also marking International Women’s Day, so today we’re talking about a condition that affects 10% of women and girls in Ireland - but is still widely misunderstood.   Endometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, severe pain and sometimes years of d...

It’s Seachtain na Gaeilge - and tonight on Between the Sheets, we’re proving that Irish isn’t just for the classroom… it can be for the bedroom too.    Joining Valerie is Cian Griffin, better known as Gaylgeori on TikTok - the man who’s made Gaeilge cool again for a whole new generation online.   But tonight, we’re putting a sli...

Money - we all need it, we all worry about it, and no matter how much we earn, it often feels like it disappears just as quickly.    With rising rents, higher living costs, and more pressure than ever to save for a home, a lot of adults are asking the same question: Where is my money actually going - and how do I get ahead?   To help us break it all down, from the best pra...

It can be hard to find the time or the place to meet people or try something new.     Sometimes it feels like the only solution is spending money to go out and socialise in bars or expensive events. Clodagh Mc Keon saw an opportunity to create a space where girls can attend affordable events, whether it be run or a walk, grabbing a coffee, or even Pilates!    Thi...

The UK government has just announced plans to introduce anti-misogyny education for boys in schools across England.  It’s part of a wider strategy aiming to cut violence against women and girls in half over the next ten years.  The proposals include specialist teacher training to spot and challenge misogynistic behaviour in classrooms, lessons on consent and healthy relationships, behavi...

At this time of year, most Leaving Cert students are feeling the pressure - between school, study, and mock exams, stress levels are high. Now imagine balancing all of that while also running your own business.     Today on iRadio’s Business Spotlight , I’m joined by 17-year-old Cathal O Brien, founder and owner of OB Sports, to chat about how he’s managing the Leavin...

Have you ever received a call from an unknown number or tried to buy something online and suddenly wondered, “Could this be a scam?”    It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell what’s genuine and what’s fraudulent. Scammers are now highly skilled at impersonating legitimate businesses and websites, leading to a growing number of victims.     Today, I’m joined...

Careers coach Angela Burke joins Valerie, Angela helps people navigate career crossroads, burnout, and those big “what am I doing with my life?” moments.     From feeling stuck in a stable job to wondering if a gap year at 29 is reckless or refreshing, Angela is here to answer your questions and help us figure out whether feeling lost might actually be the first step towar...