iRadio's Groupchat

This iRadio's Groupchat Special is an introduction to Creative Arts Therapies, and the practice of healing through artistic means. It centers on the Irish Association of Creative Art Therapies (IACAT) and the services they provide. For more, you can visit iacat.ie

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are enjoying nights out, festive food, and a break from routine - and that can sometimes bring a bit of guilt with it. To remind us how to enjoy the season without the stress, and how to get back on track in a realistic way in the New Year, we’re joined by personal trainer Conor McCreash.

Now, with a new year just around the corner, a lot of us are thinking about fresh starts - whether that’s finding motivation again, dealing with burnout, or finally taking the next step in our career.    So we’ve brought in someone who knows exactly how to guide people through all of that. Angela Burke is a careers coach and motivation mentor, helping people get clarity, set realist...

For our Between the Sheets segment today, we’re diving into a topic that lives somewhere between fantasy, curiosity and real-life complexity - threesomes and polyamory. To help us unpack the allure, the psychology, and the realities, we’re joined by Aoife Drury, a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist with a doctorate in Psychotherapy.    Aoife works with individuals and couples a...

Harry Greaney is a 22 year old from Galway, Harry bravely fought off cancer multiple times and just 5 months ago he got his arm amputated, now he’s back, powerlifting, training hard  and helping others as a personal trainer. Harry shares his emotional journey through diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance. He opens up about the mental hurdles he faced and how overcoming them has given him a ren...

Gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing issues in Ireland today, and conversations around prevention are becoming more urgent. One of the voices contributing to that conversation is Molly Smyth, host of the Healing Gals podcast.    Through honest, thoughtful discussions on healing and lived experience, Molly has built a platform that connects with listeners across Ireland....

Christmas is often a time of happiness, but for many young people it can amplify loneliness, stress and anxiety.     Mike Mansfield, Communications Manager at Jigsaw joins Valerie to chat about why young people are turning to technology, the risks involved, and how human-led support can make a difference this Christmas and beyond. 

Niamh Flynn, founder of Irish Travel Gang shares her journey from being a nervous solo traveler to hosting unforgettable group adventures across the globe. Niamh chats about their upcoming trip to Japan, featuring vibrant cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, along with wildlife experiences and cultural highlights. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a newbie, this episode is brimming with insights on ma...

This week on our Business Spotlight, we’re highlighting a small Irish businessthat has been built on creativity, care, and cosy moments. James McCudden is the mind behind Blackthorn Candles - a hand-poured candle brand based in Galway.    Originally from Monaghan, James creates natural soy candles and wax melts in small batches, handling everything himself from design to delive...

Today we’re joined Zen Appleby from Galway City. Zen is the founder of Mall le brí, a new arts and culture magazine that’s proudly slow, thoughtful, and rooted in the local creative scene in Galway. Born out of a frustration with modern media, the magazine champions traditional storytelling at a time when content is faster than ever.    Mall le Brí is stocked onl...

Valerie sits down with James Boyle, a dedicated Samaritans volunteer who knows firsthand the transformative power of support. James shares his personal journey, detailing his struggles with mental health as a teenager and how reaching out to the Samaritans provided him with the strength to seek help. As Christmas approaches, the conversation turns to the pressures faced by young people during the...

We're diving deep into the challenging topics of body image, mental health, and eating disorders. Join Valerie as she chat with Conor Nolan, a courageous software engineer from Cavan who, at just 13, was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Conor shares his personal journey and his pivotal role in the Inside Out programme, a new Body Wise initiative aimed at educating secondary school students about e...

On this week's iRecommend Content Creator and Wicked fan Reece Creed dives into Wicked: For Good. Reece shares his thoughts on the recent double feature of Wicked films, discussing how they delve deeper into the complex stories of Elphaba and Glinda. With both lead actors, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, recently nominated for Golden Globes, they reflect on their dynamic friendship and how it res...

Sharenting has become a huge talking point online this week - especially when it comes to influencers and family content creators. More and more people are questioning whether kids are being overexposed on social media, with this new viral campaign warning about the long-term risks of posting children’s lives for everyone to see.    From baby pictures to daily routines, a lot of thi...

Today we’re joined by Shauna Burke who’s the creator and owner of Croía Jewellery, a brand that has quickly built a reputation for elegant, expressive pieces that feel as personal as they are stylish. Shauna talks through the growth of her business with Valerie

In this episode of Trade Secrets, Valerie sits down with former Galway Rose Clare Anne Irwin, who shares her remarkable career transition from teaching to funeral directing and embalming. With a unique insight into a profession that many overlook, Clare Anne opens up about the compassion and organisation required in her role, and the profound lessons she has learned along the way.

Valerie welcomes Mandy Maher, a longstanding figure in the Irish fashion and modelling scene. As the owner of Catwalk Modelling Agency and The Platform by MM, Mandy has dedicated her career to discovering and nurturing talent across Ireland. They explore the evolution of the Irish modelling industry and the ongoing conversation around body diversity. Mandy shares her insights on representation, th...

Valerie sits down with Jessica Punch, a content creator who's captured the hearts of many with her candid breakup journey. After a 12-year relationship came to an end, Jessica took to TikTok to share her healing process.

Cheryl from the The Her Voice Project, a vital organisation amplifying the voices of those battling endometriosis joins Valerie to chat about this often misunderstood condition. Cheryl shares her personal experience with endometriosis and discusses the upcoming protest in Dublin on December 6th, where advocates and patients will rally for improved healthcare and support.

Valerie chats with Sorcha Killian, co-founder of Hygiene Hub Ireland, a national movement born from the need to tackle hygiene poverty. What started in 2019 with a small donation has grown into a network of over 80 volunteers, distributing more than 80,000 kg of essential hygiene products across Ireland. Sorcha shares her journey from seeing firsthand the struggles of those without access to basic...

On iRecommend this week we dive deep into the world of "Stranger Things" season five, which has taken Netflix by storm. Join Valerie and the ultimate superfan, Matthew Matthews, as they unpack the latest revelations and plot twists that everyone is buzzing about. With Hawkins under lockdown and the squad uniting against Vecna, the conversation flows from Matthew's marathon watch experience to favo...

In this episode of Trade Secrets, we chat with the inspiring Ryan Mangan, who is on the path to achieving his dream of becoming a doctor. Growing up in County Galway, Ryan faced setbacks when he didn’t get the points in his Leaving Cert for Medicine. But rather than giving up, he took a winding route that led him to a science degree and a wealth of experiences that helped shape his journey. Ryan s...

On today's Business Spotlight, we shine a light on young entrepreneur Chloe Gardiner, who proves that age is no barrier to turning a simple idea into a thriving business. At just 15, Chloe began knitting quirky characters for a school project, and that spark of creativity has now blossomed into the successful venture known as Wonky Woollens. Chloe shares her incredible journey - from the challenge...

As we move deeper into the winter months, road conditions across the country are becoming increasingly unpredictable - and increasingly dangerous. Already this year, 165 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, a stark reminder of just how critical road safety is for all of us.      Someone who knows the impact of road tragedy all too well is journalist and road-safety...

December is supposed to be a time of connection and celebration, but for many people, the social side of work - Secret Santa, team lunches, holiday gatherings - can bring up feelings of discomfort, isolation, or even hurt. And when the workplace culture is already a bit strained, this season can really highlight the cracks.    To help us make sense of it all, we’re joined by careers...