iRadio's Groupchat

There are still so many misconceptions about what it means to live with HIV – and those outdated ideas continue to fuel stigma.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.