iRadio's Groupchat

It can be hard to find the time or the place to meet people or try something new.   

 Sometimes it feels like the only solution is spending money to go out and socialise in bars or expensive events. Clodagh Mc Keon saw an opportunity to create a space where girls can attend affordable events, whether it be run or a walk, grabbing a coffee, or even Pilates!   

This is a space where likeminded women can build friendships and try out activities while keeping the price low, and today on iRecommend Valerie catches up with Clodagh to see where her vision for social events page - @justthegirls came from!    

At this time of year, most Leaving Cert students are feeling the pressure - between school, study, and mock exams, stress levels are high. Now imagine balancing all of that while also running your own business.   

 Today on iRadio’s Business Spotlight , I’m joined by 17-year-old Cathal O Brien, founder and owner of OB Sports, to chat about how he’s managing the Leaving Cert alongside building a successful sports brand.   

Have you ever received a call from an unknown number or tried to buy something online and suddenly wondered, “Could this be a scam?”   

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell what’s genuine and what’s fraudulent. Scammers are now highly skilled at impersonating legitimate businesses and websites, leading to a growing number of victims.   

 Today, I’m joined by Digital Marketing Consultant Muriel Foley, whose “17 Days of Scams” series on TikTok highlights the online scams currently circulating in Ireland.  

Careers coach Angela Burke joins Valerie, Angela helps people navigate career crossroads, burnout, and those big “what am I doing with my life?” moments.   

 From feeling stuck in a stable job to wondering if a gap year at 29 is reckless or refreshing, Angela is here to answer your questions and help us figure out whether feeling lost might actually be the first step toward finding the right path.    

The world is anxiously watching the developments from the conflict in the middle east right now. Travel to many middle eastern regions has been suspended, and Editor of Travel Extra, Eoghan Corry joins Valerie now to weigh in on it all.  

Ever wondered if your TikTok obsession could actually pay your bills?   

Well for many people it does, one person who’s helping people start their content journey is Taylor Murray, she's the founder of 14 Social Lane.  

She joins Valerie to talk all things content creation, turning passion into careers and the creator society event 

Today we’re joined by Emma and Ethen Armstrong, a couple in their 20s from Northern Ireland whose story will resonate with so many young families.   

 Like a lot of young people here, they faced the big question - stay and try to build a future at home, or take a leap abroad. Ethen made the move to Australia, hoping to lay the foundations for a new life for Emma and their child, with plans for them to follow once he was settled. But as many emigrants discover, the reality can be very different from the dream.   

Now back home in Northern Ireland, they’re rebuilding - not just their life together, but also growing Mayes Media and trying to create opportunities for themselves here.  

Tonight on iRadio’s Group Chat, we’re talking about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves - the rising rate of female homelessness and addiction in Ireland.  

An Oireachtas committee recently heard that more women are sleeping rough, and that demand for female beds in the homeless system is growing. Behind those statistics are real people, real fear, and real stories.  

One of those voices is someone many of you may know. Former radio DJ Nikki Hayes has spoken publicly about how her struggle with alcoholism led to her losing her home and spending three and a half months sleeping rough in Dublin.  

You don't need to be fluent to appreciate the Irish language, and if you are looking for an injection of gaeilge into your life, this week's iRecommend is for you. iRadio alum Laura Pakenham's new book "Irish History & Culture Through Language" is set to be officially released in Ireland tomorrow.

You may know Laura from her work with us, she's also renowned for her work with TG4 and Nuacht Cúla4. You may have also encountered her over on TikTok/GaelTok queen, her account Barbie na Gaeilge has reached many corners of the world, and that notoriety has led her to a book deal with Simon and Schuster. 

Today, Valerie is joined by Emirates air hostess Doireann Sloyan. She’s originally from Kilkenny, but these days she’s based in Dubai, flying all over the world with Emirates - and she actually made the leap from a corporate job to life in the sky.   

 Even better? Her sister works there too.   

 Doireann’s here to spill the trade secrets of cabin crew life - what the training is really like, the biggest myths about the job, and what it’s like swapping home in Ireland for international layovers…