Race season is in full swing, with plenty of people heading to the Curragh this weekend and the Galway Races just around the corner. From statement hats and bold colours to sustainable styling and rewearing occasion wear, race-day fashion has become almost as big a talking point as the racing itself. Fresh from a week of standout style at Ascot, we're joined by stylist Mandy Maher to talk summer trends, wedding guest fashion and how to get the most from your wardrobe this season

Today on the show we’re speaking to Wiktor Nowak, who moved from Poland to Ireland with his family when he was just 7 years old. Since then, he’s grown up here, went through the Irish education system, learned the language, and says Ireland has been home for most of his life.    

  Recently, Wiktor spent time abroad and posted a video on TikTok that’s now been viewed over 100,000 times, where he reflects on how Ireland has changed in recent months referring to the riots in Belfast a couple weeks ago – and  particularly the conversations around immigration. In the video, he also says he’s feeling a bit uncertain about what he’s returning to.    

 He believes good integration is the key to this.  

Yoga and Pilates have never been more popular. Across Ireland we're seeing new studios opening, classes selling out and more people than ever looking for ways to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. One event that's been at the heart of that wellness boom is The Yoga Picnic, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this summer. 

 What started as a small gathering in Westmeath has grown into one of Ireland's biggest wellness festivals, attracting thousands of visitors from Ireland and abroad. One of the festival's co-founders, Alice Harrison, joins us now.  

Just to note this conversation will discuss domestic abuse and violence, so listener discretion is advised. Joining us now is Jessica Gallagher, Clinical Director of The Uplift Project, a Donegal-based organisation supporting women affected by domestic abuse, coercive control, sexual violence, addiction, social isolation, anxiety and depression.   

 Jessica's work focuses on building community-based support that helps women feel safe, connected and empowered. She joins us at a time when the Government has approved the publication of Jennie's Law, legislation that would create a public register of those convicted of domestic violence, with the consent of victims.    

Making friends as an adult isn't always easy. Once school and college are behind us, finding new people and building meaningful connections can take a lot more effort. That's where Make A Mate Ireland comes in.  

 Founded by Andrea Twamley in Donegal, the social club is all about bringing people together through fun, relaxed events designed to help people meet new friends, try new activities and feel more connected to their community. From beach pilates and pizza-and-paint nights to social strolls , it's creating opportunities for people to step outside their comfort zone and make genuine connections.  

This week on iRecommend, we're joined by Nules, creator and host of Ireland Crimes and Mysteries, one of Ireland's fastest-growing true crime podcasts.  

Nules explores some of Ireland's most fascinating and often overlooked criminal cases. With millions of downloads, a growing international audience, and a recent move to GoLoud, she's helping reshape how true crime stories are told in Ireland. 

For generations, Duffy’s Circus has brought colour, spectacle and escapism to towns across Ireland, but behind the bright lights and applause lies a tough reality.   

  Rising fuel costs, insurance pressures, changing entertainment habits and the sheer challenge of keeping a travelling circus alive have pushed one of Ireland’s oldest circus families to the brink.   

  Today Valerie is chatting to David and Candice Duffy- the people fighting to keep Duffy’s Circus on the road.  

Just to flag this chat is discussing the topic of abortion so listener discretion is advised.  This morning TDs voted in favour of legislation that would remove the mandatory three-day waiting period for abortions in Ireland. The Sinn Féin bill passed in the Dáil by 86 votes to 70 and is being described by supporters as one of the most significant changes to abortion access since the repeal of the Eighth Amendment in 2018.   

 Supporters argue that the waiting period creates unnecessary delays and barriers for women seeking healthcare, while opponents believe it provides important time for reflection and was part of the framework approved by voters during the referendum.   

 To discuss what this vote means for women's healthcare, why abortion rights remain such an important issue in Ireland we're joined by Maya Tsapay, Women's Health Officer at the National Womens Council   

As summer holiday season gets underway, many of us are dreaming of our next adventure - but with rising costs, making the most of our annual leave and budgeting has never been more important.  

 Ben Wiseman from Meath, better known as Wisey Wanders online, is a teacher who spends his school holidays exploring the world. Through his TikTok, he shares honest travel reviews, hidden gems and practical tips to help people travel smarter.  

 He's also preparing to launch a brand-new website dedicated to helping travellers find the best experiences without the influencer hype. 

The gaeltacht is almost a rite of passage in many irish teens lives – today were getting a look behind the scenes.  Orla Ní Fhinneadha, has been giving people a real behind-the-scenes look at life as a bean an tí through her “day in the life” videos - from preparing meals to keeping everything running smoothly for students staying in the Gaeltacht. Her content gives a unique insight into the world students step into each summer, where Irish isn’t just a subject in school, but the language of everyday life.   

 In this conversation, we explore what that experience is really like, why it matters for students, and how young people can make the most of their time in the Gaeltacht.