iRadio's Groupchat

Could the government become the new Cupid? Singapore has rolled out a matchmaking service for government workers aged 21–35, using a Nobel Prize-winning algorithm to pair people based on interests, habits and values - with one date at a time and no endless swiping.Valerie asks: could something like this work in Ireland, and would you trust the government to find you a partner? Matchmaker Mairead Loughman from Love HQ joins the chat with a surprisingly optimistic take, unpacking loneliness, “time wasters”, and why a human element still matters alongside AI.They also dig into what really drives compatibility, the realities of dating expectations, and whether birth-rate motivation changes the whole conversation.

Ireland’s public IVF scheme is finally here, but what’s it actually like trying to access fertility treatment through the state?Valerie is joined by Eilbhe Kennedy, who recently featured on RTÉ Investigates with her husband Lee, as they shared the reality of secondary infertility, “normal” test results, and living cycle-to-cycle for years.Elva opens up about being refused the HSE scheme at first due to eligibility criteria like BMI and secondary infertility, the emotional and financial toll of private treatment abroad, and what changed when she was eventually accepted.They also talk regulation, “add-on” treatments, and why fertility hubs based in maternity hospitals can be so triggering for patients.

We’re talking about something we all have to navigate at some point: how to look after your health and get the most out of a GP appointment - especially when you’ve only got 10–15 minutes.GP Dr. Clodagh Gallagher (The Anú Clinic, Moycullen, Co. Galway) joins Valerie with practical tips on going in prepared: bringing urine samples if needed, having photos ready, noting key dates, and writing your questions down - plus the two big questions to ask before you leave so you actually understand the plan.With winter on the way, they also break down colds vs flu, when to call the doctor, vaccine reminders, and what “normal bloods” really means if you still feel unwell.

A new school-based programme is creating non-judgmental spaces for young boys to be honest about how they’re really doing. In this episode, Programme Director Donal Kearney joins Valerie to talk about Mark, the Shona Project’s latest initiative - and why the call for something like this came from the girls themselves asking, “what about the boys?”Donald explains how the 90-minute workshops work, what lads are saying in feedback (including that 94% felt safe in the space), and what the latest “Perfect Storm” research reveals about stress, school pressure, sport, social media, and why so few boys feel they can ask for mental health support.Find out how schools can get involved at thisismark.ie

This week on iRadio’s iRecommend, we’re leaning all the way into spooky season — stepping into a world of ghosts, ancient magic, witches, folklore and mysterious stone circles.Valerie’s featured read is Girl of Darkness, the brand new YA urban fantasy from Swedish-born, Ireland-based author Kristina Dowling. Think eerie vibes, secret brotherhoods, a scarred stranger, a sealed grimoire… and a slowburn romance.Kristina tells the story behind the book’s first spark (a haunted vicarage in Sweden), how Sweden, Ireland and Romanian folklore shaped the series, and why she loves mixing history, mystery and the supernatural.