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Gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing issues in Ireland today, and conversations around prevention are becoming more urgent. One of the voices contributing to that conversation is Molly Smyth, host of the Healing Gals podcast.   

Through honest, thoughtful discussions on healing and lived experience, Molly has built a platform that connects with listeners across Ireland. She recently shared a TikTok exploring how technology could be used to make prevention of gender-based violence a reality.

Support is available, you can call Women’s  Aid on  1800 341 900 and Men’s Aid on 01 554 3811. 

Niamh Flynn, founder of Irish Travel Gang shares her journey from being a nervous solo traveler to hosting unforgettable group adventures across the globe. Niamh chats about their upcoming trip to Japan, featuring vibrant cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, along with wildlife experiences and cultural highlights. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a newbie, this episode is brimming with insights on making connections, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing the spirit of adventure.

This week on our Business Spotlight, we’re highlighting a small Irish businessthat has been built on creativity, care, and cosy moments. James McCudden is the mind behind Blackthorn Candles - a hand-poured candle brand based in Galway.  

 Originally from Monaghan, James creates natural soy candles and wax melts in small batches, handling everything himself from design to delivery. He shares his business journey with Valerie.

Today we’re joined Zen Appleby from Galway City. Zen is the founder of Mall le brí, a new arts and culture magazine that’s proudly slow, thoughtful, and rooted in the local creative scene in Galway. Born out of a frustration with modern media, the magazine champions traditional storytelling at a time when content is faster than ever.  

 Mall le Brí is stocked online and in local Galway shops, and submissions are currently open for creatives who want their work seen and read.

Valerie sits down with James Boyle, a dedicated Samaritans volunteer who knows firsthand the transformative power of support. James shares his personal journey, detailing his struggles with mental health as a teenager and how reaching out to the Samaritans provided him with the strength to seek help.

As Christmas approaches, the conversation turns to the pressures faced by young people during the holiday season. James emphasises the importance of being there for one another and highlights the 24/7 availability of the Samaritans. With practical advice on how to reach out for support, this episode reminds us that no one has to face their struggles alone.

We're diving deep into the challenging topics of body image, mental health, and eating disorders. Join Valerie as she chat with Conor Nolan, a courageous software engineer from Cavan who, at just 13, was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

Conor shares his personal journey and his pivotal role in the Inside Out programme, a new Body Wise initiative aimed at educating secondary school students about eating disorders and body image. With insights on the importance of open conversations and support, this episode highlights the power of recovery and the role of community in healing.

On this week's iRecommend Content Creator and Wicked fan Reece Creed dives into Wicked: For Good. Reece shares his thoughts on the recent double feature of Wicked films, discussing how they delve deeper into the complex stories of Elphaba and Glinda. With both lead actors, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, recently nominated for Golden Globes, they reflect on their dynamic friendship and how it resonates with fans.

Sharenting has become a huge talking point online this week - especially when it comes to influencers and family content creators. More and more people are questioning whether kids are being overexposed on social media, with this new viral campaign warning about the long-term risks of posting children’s lives for everyone to see.  

 From baby pictures to daily routines, a lot of this content gets shared without the child ever having a say - and in the influencer world, it can even become part of a brand.  

 To help us understand the concerns behind all this, we’re joined by Olwyn Beresford from CyberSafeKids, who specialises in the research and policy side of children’s digital safety.  

Today we’re joined by Shauna Burke who’s the creator and owner of Croía Jewellery, a brand that has quickly built a reputation for elegant, expressive pieces that feel as personal as they are stylish. Shauna talks through the growth of her business with Valerie

In this episode of Trade Secrets, Valerie sits down with former Galway Rose Clare Anne Irwin, who shares her remarkable career transition from teaching to funeral directing and embalming. With a unique insight into a profession that many overlook, Clare Anne opens up about the compassion and organisation required in her role, and the profound lessons she has learned along the way.