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This weekend thousands of people right across the country will be taking part in Darkness Into Light - a really powerful event that brings people together to support mental health and remind us that no one has to go through things alone.   

Valerie is joined by Irish fitness influencer, content creator and Darkness Into Light Ambassador Jay Kavanagh, who’s been using his platform not just for fitness and laughs, but also to speak honestly about mental health and his own experiences.

It’s time for Trade Secrets on iRadio’s  Groupchat, where we dive into interesting careers. Today we’re joined by Chef Jonathan Keane - the executive head chef at The Lodge at Ashford Castle.   

   Originally from Connemara, Jonathan’s journey started at just 15 years old washing pots in his local pub. By 21, he was already a head chef in a busy tourist hotspot, and since then he’s gone on to be named Best Chef in Ireland by the Good Eating Guide.  

Have you ever just felt like a game of tip the can – as an adult of course. 

 Today we’re chatting with Brian Butler, the driving force behind Cara Community Ireland - a growing movement that’s bringing adults together through shared adventures all across the country.  

 From games of tip, to hiking trails, surfing sessions, mountain biking, and even taking on challenges like Hell & Back, Cara Community is all about connection through activity. At a time when many people feel more disconnected than ever, Brian is on a mission to rebuild real-life community in a fun, inclusive way.  

With major changes coming to Ireland’s driving test system this November, learner drivers are in a panic to get their tests sat before then. New rules will limit how often you can renew your learner permit - and could make it much tougher to stay on the road without passing your test.  

   More than 140,000 learner drivers are already on at least their second permit, with nearly 69,000 on their third or more without passing. On top of that, over 9,000 people didn’t show up for their driving test last year - blocking thousands of appointments for others.  

   So, with the next six months being described as critical, we’re joined by driving instructor Lara Lewis to break down what this all means - and how learners can get ahead of the changes.  

Traditionally, sports kits have been tailored to male athletes, which has led to some female players feeling uncomfortable in their sportswear – possibly even a bit exposed.   

  On the Business Spotlight this week Valerie's joined by Margaret Walsh who is the founder of 'Féirla' which is the first Irish sportswear brand that is designed specifically for girls.   

The big day has arrived, listener Nollaig in Mayo has decided that Dave has to get 'Mayo 4 Sam' tattooed on his ass (for real!)

All in aid of a great cause, thank you to everyone who donated to Focus Ireland to help make this happen.

There’s a big stigma around men’s mental health both at home and abroad, and there have been so many people trying to change the narrative for the better. Rickey Nesbitt from Dundalk is one of those people. 

 He has founded the organisation ‘Second Round’ which helps men through fitness , support and routine in weekly outdoor sessions. You can go along, do some boxing and then stay for a chat afterwards. 

Tonight on Between the Sheets, we’re getting into one of the most confusing times for your love life - the post-breakup,  summer glow-up era. You know the vibe: “hot girl summer,” “hot boy summer,” living your best life… but are you actually moving on, or just masking the heartbreak? 

To help us unpack it all, we’re joined by breakup empowerment coach Kelly Hunt, who helps people rebuild confidence, set boundaries, and actually heal after a relationship ends -not just distract themselves from it. 

This week on iRecommend, Valerie is joined by Jenny Claffey, who is a podcast host and creator of Red Room.   

 The show is known for going down ‘rabbit holes’ of True Crime, Conspiracy & Unsolved Mysteries.   

 Alongside the podcast, she also runs  book and film clubs!   

In a world where there is so much going on and some people say organic content is dying, Jenny is keeping it well and truly alive with all of her creative outlets.

OCD is one of those conditions that almost everyone thinks they understand, but most people only really know the stereotype.  Whether it's a stereotype we picked up in pop culture or social media, it's one of the most misunderstood conditions.  

Valerie is joined by Lucy Shiel to unpack what OCD actually looks like behind the labels, the jokes, and the misconceptions people hear every day.