iRadio's Groupchat

The world is anxiously watching the developments from the conflict in the middle east right now. Travel to many middle eastern regions has been suspended, and Editor of Travel Extra, Eoghan Corry joins Valerie now to weigh in on it all.  

Ever wondered if your TikTok obsession could actually pay your bills?    Well for many people it does, one person who’s helping people start their content journey is Taylor Murray, she's the founder of 14 Social Lane.   She joins Valerie to talk all things content creation, turning passion into careers and the creator society event 

Today we’re joined by Emma and Ethen Armstrong, a couple in their 20s from Northern Ireland whose story will resonate with so many young families.     Like a lot of young people here, they faced the big question - stay and try to build a future at home, or take a leap abroad. Ethen made the move to Australia, hoping to lay the foundations for a new life for Emma and their child...

Tonight on iRadio’s Group Chat, we’re talking about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves - the rising rate of female homelessness and addiction in Ireland.   An Oireachtas committee recently heard that more women are sleeping rough, and that demand for female beds in the homeless system is growing. Behind those statistics are real people, real fear, and real storie...

You don't need to be fluent to appreciate the Irish language, and if you are looking for an injection of gaeilge into your life, this week's iRecommend is for you. iRadio alum Laura Pakenham's new book "Irish History & Culture Through Language" is set to be officially released in Ireland tomorrow. You may know Laura from her work with us, she's also renowned for h...

Today, Valerie is joined by Emirates air hostess Doireann Sloyan. She’s originally from Kilkenny, but these days she’s based in Dubai, flying all over the world with Emirates - and she actually made the leap from a corporate job to life in the sky.     Even better? Her sister works there too.     Doireann’s here to spill the trade secrets of cabin crew life...

Now for today’s Business Spotlight, we’re heading to Castlebar to talk spuds . A simple idea that’s turned into a big hit locally, Spud Hut Castlebar is serving up baked potatoes loaded with toppings every weekend.     It’s run by James Basquille and Conal Murray , who took a classic comfort food and turned it into a business. They’re with us now to chat about how it started, what it cos...

Okay, if your group chat isn’t already screaming about this band, it’s about to be.   Seven members. Fourteen instruments between them. Formed in front of the nation on Netflix’s Simon Cowell: The Next Act - and now officially ushering in what they’re calling the return of the boyband era.   December 10 are Cruz, Danny, Hendrick, John, Josh, Nicolas and our very own Dubliner Se...

Just a quick note to our listeners – this conversation will include mentions of eating disorders – we understand this can be difficult for some listeners so please take care while listening.    This week marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week - a time to have open, honest conversations about mental health, body image, and the pressures so many people are facing quietly.   Jo...

Today we’re joined by Ellen Dundon, someone who speaks about sobriety with a rare mix of honesty, humor, and depth.     Her journey isn’t just about giving something up, it’s about gaining clarity, self-trust, and a more intentional way of living. Ellen has been open about the messy, challenging, and surprisingly beautiful parts of choosing sobriety, and she brings a persp...

Today we’re joined by Wellness by D, led by Donna Murray, who is a passionate holistic therapist specialising in Reiki and sound healing.   In a world where stress and burnout have become the norm, Donna helps people slow down and reset through energy-based therapies. From easing anxiety to improving sleep her work is all about reconnecting mind, body and energy.    We’re...

Leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind isn’t always easy, but for some, it’s exactly what they need.  Today Leah is joined by Martha Gilheaney , who has relocated from O’Connell Street in Dublin to rural County Leitrim. She’s embracing the slower pace of life while taking on the challenge of renovating a 100-year-old farmhouse.  They talk about why she chose the countrysi...

On this weeks Business Spotlight we’re highlighting Melody's Mayo, its a coffee trailer and a wellness community bringing people together in West Mayo. Nicole O’Malley is the founder of Melody’s, which creates outdoor events and sober social meet-ups for young people in the area. From sea swims and sauna sessions to hikes, she’s proving you don’t need a night out to have a great time.  And as...

A quick note for our listeners — today’s conversation will include discussions around eating disorders and body image. We understand this topic can be triggering for some people.   Leah is joined by Jenny Percy , a holistic health coach who has been open about her own struggles with eating disorders growing up. Jenny now uses both her professional training and lived experience to support othe...

Learner drivers here are facing long waits and rising frustration, while Northern Ireland is rolling out graduated driving licences with some new restrictions for newly qualified drivers.   To help Leah make sense of what’s changing, whether it would work here in the Republic, and what actually needs fixing when it comes to driving test wait times, she's joined by driving instructor Lara...

Our doom scrolling habit’s are getting out of hand, but is it really our fault?      Joining us now is Ian Croft, a counsellor with D9 Therapy. Ian works with people around mental health and behaviour, and today he’s here to help us understand why apps like TikTok can be so addictive and what that means for our wellbeing.  

It’s between the sheets on iradio – for adult ears only... AI is everywhere at the minute. I’m sure you’ve seen or heard specualtion about it taking over our jobs sometime soon. There doesn’t seem to be an industry where the influx of artificial intelligence isn’t a concern.    AI can now generate pornographic images, videos, and even virtual companions, raising big questions about money...

if your group chat has been taken over by Love Island All Stars, you are not alone. This season has people absolutely hooked - from familiar faces coming back into the villa, to unexpected tears, and plenty of messy drama. Joining us now for iRecommend is our pop culture fanatic Reece Creed to break it all down 

What will the fashion of the future look like?   Entrepreneur Ashley McDonnell who is the founder of Ireland Fashion Week and Tech Powered Luxury is one you’d probably want to hear some answers from.    Ireland has joined some of the worlds fashion leaders on the fashion week stage. In 2025, Ashley staged Ireland’s First Fashion week, and the prep is already underway for t...

Today is National Safer Internet Day, and this year’s theme is “AI Aware: Safe, Smart, and in Control.”     With AI now shaping everything from our social media feeds to how young people learn and communicate online, this year is all about helping children and young people develop the skills they need to think critically, protect their privacy, and stay in control of their digi...

On this weeks business spotlight we’re highlighting a social group called Gloway   Making friends as an adult can be surprisingly hard - especially if you’ve moved to a new city.  Galway is known for its buzz and its community, but even still, putting yourself out there and meeting new people isn’t always easy.    Kelly Lim and Dixie Chai moved to Galway and deci...

when does silence become strength? If someone’s being two-faced, talking behind your back, or stirring drama in the group chat, is calling it out always the right move - or are you giving away your power? High performance coach Mark Fennell joins us to break down why “doing nothing” can sometimes be the smartest response, especially when jealousy, envy, or comparison is the real driver. We also ge...

Survivor and campaigner Sophie Brady joins Valerieto speak bravely about her experience of child sexual abuse, and how the justice system in Ireland left her feeling unheard and unsupported from the very first statement right through to court. Sophie explains why she’s calling for tougher sentences for sexual violence, and why she believes counselling notes should be completely protected from bein...

For this weeks business spotlight we’re heading to Sligo. Breanna Spollen is the owner of Sonas Prints, a side hustle she runs after her 9-to-5.  Her designs often feature iconic Irish symbols, from Claddagh rings to Celtic patterns, celebrating heritage in a modern, wearable way.   Breanna started Sonas Prints in her final year of college, and since then, she’s been growi...

It’s time for Trade Secrets on iRadio’s Groupchat, where we break down how people actually get into the careers you’re curious about. Today we’re joined by Ruth Guest, who’s got one of the most fascinating career combos out there. She’s a professional photographer and a cyberpsychologist.   From life behind the lens to how the digital world shapes how we think and behave, Ruth’s here to...