iRadio's Groupchat

Valerie welcomes Mandy Maher, a longstanding figure in the Irish fashion and modelling scene. As the owner of Catwalk Modelling Agency and The Platform by MM, Mandy has dedicated her career to discovering and nurturing talent across Ireland. They explore the evolution of the Irish modelling industry and the ongoing conversation around body diversity. Mandy shares her insights on representation, the changing demands of clients, and her vision for a more inclusive future in fashion

Valerie sits down with Jessica Punch, a content creator who's captured the hearts of many with her candid breakup journey. After a 12-year relationship came to an end, Jessica took to TikTok to share her healing process.

Cheryl from the The Her Voice Project, a vital organisation amplifying the voices of those battling endometriosis joins Valerie to chat about this often misunderstood condition.

Cheryl shares her personal experience with endometriosis and discusses the upcoming protest in Dublin on December 6th, where advocates and patients will rally for improved healthcare and support.

Valerie chats with Sorcha Killian, co-founder of Hygiene Hub Ireland, a national movement born from the need to tackle hygiene poverty. What started in 2019 with a small donation has grown into a network of over 80 volunteers, distributing more than 80,000 kg of essential hygiene products across Ireland.

Sorcha shares her journey from seeing firsthand the struggles of those without access to basic hygiene items to establishing a thriving organization that addresses these critical needs. Discover how the Hygiene Hub empowers communities, the impact of their work, and how you can get involved this holiday season with their "It's in the Bag" campaign. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the importance of dignity and access for all!

On iRecommend this week we dive deep into the world of "Stranger Things" season five, which has taken Netflix by storm. Join Valerie and the ultimate superfan, Matthew Matthews, as they unpack the latest revelations and plot twists that everyone is buzzing about. With Hawkins under lockdown and the squad uniting against Vecna, the conversation flows from Matthew's marathon watch experience to favorite and least favorite episodes. They explore theories about Will's evolving powers and who might meet a tragic end in the series finale....

In this episode of Trade Secrets, we chat with the inspiring Ryan Mangan, who is on the path to achieving his dream of becoming a doctor. Growing up in County Galway, Ryan faced setbacks when he didn’t get the points in his Leaving Cert for Medicine. But rather than giving up, he took a winding route that led him to a science degree and a wealth of experiences that helped shape his journey.

Ryan shares his story of resilience, the lessons learned along the way, and how he balanced his love for medicine with his passion for food and creativity as The Food Anatomist. Join us for a conversation about perseverance, passion, and the unexpected paths to success!

On today's Business Spotlight, we shine a light on young entrepreneur Chloe Gardiner, who proves that age is no barrier to turning a simple idea into a thriving business. At just 15, Chloe began knitting quirky characters for a school project, and that spark of creativity has now blossomed into the successful venture known as Wonky Woollens.

Chloe shares her incredible journey - from the challenges of being a young entrepreneur to the joys of building a brand that brings community and sustainability to the forefront. Discover how she’s creating heirloom-quality toys that not only bring joy but also empower women across the globe.

As we move deeper into the winter months, road conditions across the country are becoming increasingly unpredictable - and increasingly dangerous. Already this year, 165 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, a stark reminder of just how critical road safety is for all of us.   

  Someone who knows the impact of road tragedy all too well is journalist and road-safety advocate Meghann Scully, who has spoken openly about losing her brother in a road accident. She joins us today to talk about the biggest risks facing drivers this winter and the steps we can all take to stay safe on the roads.

December is supposed to be a time of connection and celebration, but for many people, the social side of work - Secret Santa, team lunches, holiday gatherings - can bring up feelings of discomfort, isolation, or even hurt. And when the workplace culture is already a bit strained, this season can really highlight the cracks.  

 To help us make sense of it all, we’re joined by careers coach Angela Burke. Angela specialises in workplace dynamics, confidence-building, and helping people find clarity in their professional lives, especially when things get messy or emotionally challenging at work.  

This week on Between the Sheets, we tackle the viral Vogue article claiming that having a boyfriend is “embarrassing.” Join us as we dive into the heated debates that this bold statement has stirred up about independence, identity, and the evolving views on romantic relationships.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kelly Hunt, a breakup empowerment and self-discovery coach, to help unpack the cultural shifts illustrated in the article. Kelly shares insights on how societal perceptions of being single have transformed, and she provides valuable advice for maintaining one's identity while in a relationship.

Whether you're finding strength in singlehood or navigating the complexities of commitment, this episode is packed with empowering truths and thought-provoking discussions! Tune in for a fresh perspective on love and self-discovery.