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There’s been a growing national conversation around how quickly artificial intelligence is changing everyday life, and what that means for young people in Ireland.   

 A recent report from the National Youth Council is  calling for stronger safeguards,  particularly around how social media platforms are designed, how data is used, and how AI could affect future employment and entry-level jobs.   

   Policy and Advocacy Officer Reuben Murray from the Youth Council joins Valerie McHugh to discuss  

Cosmeticorexia - the latest worry for parents of teens.    

 It's the rise of skincare routines among children as young as 10 heavily influenced by TikTok and social media trends. From multi-step routines to active ingredients designed for adult skin, there’s increasing debate about what’s appropriate for young, developing skin and what could be doing more harm than good. 

We’re joined by dermatologist Ailbhe Gullane, owner of Galánta Skin Clinic in Ballinasloe.   

This season of Love Island has an Irish connection that’s been getting plenty of attention, with former Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald aka Fitzy flying the flag in the villa. A former  primary school teacher, Fitzy has swapped the classroom and the pitch for romance in the sun - and viewers have been watching closely as his villa journey unfolds.  

But what’s it like for family watching all of this play out on national TV? Joining us now is his sister, Katie Fitzgerald, to share her reaction to his time in the villa so far.  

If you’re in the market for your first car, it can feel like a bit of a minefield - from choosing between new or used, petrol or electric, to figuring out what you’ll actually get insured on without breaking the bank.  

 Today we’re joined by Steven Clarke from Kylemore Cars to break it all down and help first-time buyers make smarter choices when it comes to getting on the road.

Have you ever seen someone post about their chronic OCD because they are really eager to keep their room clean?  

 Or a post about study tips for someone with a terrible attention span caused by ADHD?

It is common for people to create content on socials about their own mental health nowadays to raise awareness and reduce stigma. However, many people are incorrectly  diagnosing themselves with conditions based on viral videos and internet checklists. This leads to increased misinformation around serious mental health issues, and trivilisation of legitimate symptoms.  

To talk more about this, psychotherapist Chloe Callanan from Are You Well Therapy joins Valerie

Remember those summer camp movies we all grew up watching? The bonfires, the bunk beds, the friendships, the wholesome chaos? Well… what if that feeling didn’t have to end when you became an adult?   

  Robyn Courtney is bringing that feeling back to life with her adult summer camp concept.    

  At the end of July, Ballyhass Adventure Centre in Cork is being transformed into an adult summer camp experience designed for people craving more fun, more connection and a break from the same old routine. It’s and it’s bringing together 50 strangers for one unforgettable weekend of paddleboarding, campfires, yoga, live music, and ziplining!   

Now, if you’ve ever visited Galway, you’ll know there’s a certain magic about it. Whether it’s in the music drifting out of pubs, the buzz that’s around the streets, or just the culture you see, you’re almost automatically roped in.   

  Well, three lads have created a walking experience that’s all about showing people the real Galway. It’s called ‘Stroll to the Stout’, a guided walk through the city built around trad music, local stories, GAA culture, good food and genuine connection.   

 What started as a small summer idea by teacher Ultan has quickly grown into something much bigger. It;s small group tours designed to feel less like a tourist attraction and more like being shown around Galway by friends.   

For a lot of Irish people living abroad, there’s often a moment where the idea of moving home starts creeping back in. Maybe it’s missing family, wanting a different pace of life, or simply feeling pulled back towards home after years away.  

But coming home isn’t always as simple as people imagine. From people asking why would you come back here?’ to conversations around small-town mentality, judgement, and Ireland’s habit of talking itself down it can be tough.  

Lauren McSharry has been speaking openly about that experience. From the emotional side of returning home to Ireland from Australia, the negativity people can sometimes face when they do, but also the reality that moving home can turn out to be far more positive than expected.  

Every workplace has its moments of stress, frustration, and the occasional rant by the coffee machine - but when negativity becomes constant, it can start to affect morale, productivity, and even relationships between colleagues.   

    At the same time, workplaces where people pretend everything is “fine” all the time can also become frustrating, especially when genuine issues are ignored or brushed aside.   

   So how do you strike the right balance between being honest about problems at work without creating a toxic atmosphere? Careers coach Angela Burke joins Valerie.

Tonight, we’re talking about something a lot of people feel: the so-called “single tax”. Are single people actually losing out financially compared to couples? From tax credits to mortgages and the real cost of doing it alone in Ireland, we’re getting into what people may not realise they’re missing out on.  

  Joining us today is Deirdre O’Keefe from Burdy.ie - a bookkeeping and payroll expert who helps businesses stay financially on track every day.