iRadio's Groupchat

Our doom scrolling habit’s are getting out of hand, but is it really our fault?  
  
Joining us now is Ian Croft, a counsellor with D9 Therapy. Ian works with people around mental health and behaviour, and today he’s here to help us understand why apps like TikTok can be so addictive and what that means for our wellbeing.  

if your group chat has been taken over by Love Island All Stars, you are not alone. This season has people absolutely hooked - from familiar faces coming back into the villa, to unexpected tears, and plenty of messy drama. Joining us now for iRecommend is our pop culture fanatic Reece Creed to break it all down 

What will the fashion of the future look like? 
 Entrepreneur Ashley McDonnell who is the founder of Ireland Fashion Week and Tech Powered Luxury is one you’d probably want to hear some answers from.  

 Ireland has joined some of the worlds fashion leaders on the fashion week stage. In 2025, Ashley staged Ireland’s First Fashion week, and the prep is already underway for this year’s. 

 This week she will be sharing her blueprint to success at TED X Athlone...

Today is National Safer Internet Day, and this year’s theme is “AI Aware: Safe, Smart, and in Control.”   

 With AI now shaping everything from our social media feeds to how young people learn and communicate online, this year is all about helping children and young people develop the skills they need to think critically, protect their privacy, and stay in control of their digital lives.   

 To talk us through what that really means - and how parents, schools, and young people can navigate the benefits and risks of AI - we’re delighted to be joined by Jane McGarrigle, National Coordinator of Webwise.    

On this weeks business spotlight we’re highlighting a social group called Gloway 

 Making friends as an adult can be surprisingly hard - especially if you’ve moved to a new city.  Galway is known for its buzz and its community, but even still, putting yourself out there and meeting new people isn’t always easy.   

Kelly Lim and Dixie Chai moved to Galway and decided to do something about it, creating a social group that brings like-minded people together through events like Pilates mornings, paint and prosecco nights, brunches and vision boarding sessions.   

 They’ve built a really lovely community, and their next event is a Galentine’s-themed night.

Survivor and campaigner Sophie Brady joins Valerieto speak bravely about her experience of child sexual abuse, and how the justice system in Ireland left her feeling unheard and unsupported from the very first statement right through to court.

Sophie explains why she’s calling for tougher sentences for sexual violence, and why she believes counselling notes should be completely protected from being used in court. She breaks down how the current system can re-traumatise victims, and how fear of therapy records being reviewed can stop survivors from getting the help they need.

If you are affected by anything in this episode, help is available at iradio.ie/support

when does silence become strength? If someone’s being two-faced, talking behind your back, or stirring drama in the group chat, is calling it out always the right move - or are you giving away your power?

High performance coach Mark Fennell joins us to break down why “doing nothing” can sometimes be the smartest response, especially when jealousy, envy, or comparison is the real driver.

We also get into the difference between constructive feedback and negativity with an agenda, plus practical ways to build resilience and protect your peace - online and offline.

For this weeks business spotlight we’re heading to Sligo. Breanna Spollen is the owner of Sonas Prints, a side hustle she runs after her 9-to-5. 

Her designs often feature iconic Irish symbols, from Claddagh rings to Celtic patterns, celebrating heritage in a modern, wearable way.  

Breanna started Sonas Prints in her final year of college, and since then, she’s been growing a business that blends passion, creativity, and culture. We’re chatting with her about her journey, why handmade crafts matter, and what the future holds for Sonas Prints. 

It’s time for Trade Secrets on iRadio’s Groupchat, where we break down how people actually get into the careers you’re curious about. Today we’re joined by Ruth Guest, who’s got one of the most fascinating career combos out there. She’s a professional photographer and a cyberpsychologist.  

From life behind the lens to how the digital world shapes how we think and behave, Ruth’s here to spill the secrets on what her job really looks like - and how you could follow a similar path  

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re still looking for love - or have a single mate who definitely is dating – there's an app on the market and it’s shaking things up.    

 Katch is a personality-first dating platform, and their latest offering, “Buy a Date for a Mate,” lets you gift a fully arranged date to a single friend. DO you fancy leaving your dating life in the hands of someone else? 

Paul Numan, founder of Katch discusses the inspiration with Valerie...