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Parenting Out Loud

Parenting Out Loud

Your weekly dose of culture-savvy conversation parents actually want. We break down the latest from the zeitgeist, news cycle and trending MumTok conversations, with smart takes and zero sugar-coating. 

Sharp, funny, never sanctimonious: if parents are thinking it, we’re talking about it.. Hit play and join the group chat.

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mamamia.com.au/podcasts/parenting-out-loud/

Episodes

Rent-A-Nana & Can Meghan Rebrand Motherhood?

Would you rent a nanna? One Australian grandma has built a business on what so many exhausted parents are missing. Take our money, Nanna. 

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle has been dubbed a submarine parent. Is she really doing anything different from a FIFO dad or does it get complicated when motherhood and domesticity are also part of your brand?

Plus, should we stop telling our kids they’re amazing at everything? Raygun, North West and one brutally honest dad have us asking whether endless praise is actually doing kids any favours.

Also: the deeply bleak world of AI slop for kids, Matty J is officially Dad Of The Year, and the school photo privacy story that might make you look very differently at your childcare app.

Reccos:

Stacey recommends these Tik Tok ridiculously easy banana pancakes.

Monz recommends the $20 Silent Basketball from Rebel Sport. Same bouncing. None of the indoor ball noise rage

Amelia recommends Poster Children by Christine Kenneally in The Monthly

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Where Have All The Rissoles Gone & “Who’s Your Least Favourite Relative?" What's Wrong With A Wine Playground & Is The Oreo Mum Even Real? Radical Irwin Parenting, Bluey's Glow-Up & The Lindsay Clancy Trial The Worst-First Theory and Do Babies Belong In Business Class? The Class Photo Ban & The D*ckhead Dad Rebrand The Text You Need To Stop Sending Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What To Read Next: 

King Charles just released a pointed letter about Harry and Meghan. It makes one thing very clear. Meghan Markle has only just arrived in Australia, but the most damning story about her has already been written. 'I confess: I'm a helicopter parent. And I bet you are too.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @parentingoutloud

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Video Editor: Artemi Kokkaris

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-09-11
Link to episode

Where Have All The Rissoles Gone & โ€œWhoโ€™s Your Least Favourite Relative?"

1980's dinners are back. One mum got so sick of weeknight dinners, she went back to cooking only the simple meals of her childhood. Fish fingers. Meat and potatoes. And we love it more than Fritz and Sauce in a bowl (whatever the heck that is).  

Also, a viral series where adults talk like kids has us wondering whether we're lost the art of great convos. Should we skip straight to: “Who’s your least favourite relative?”

We have a five-minute explainer on the big changes coming for kids and families accessing the NDIS, and why the new Thriving Kids system has parents and disability advocates nervous.

Plus, Michelle Obama's honest take on life after kids, the classroom fart corner, and the Plush Toy of the year that you should pop on your Christmas shopping list.  That is, if you're like Monz and already have one. Ugh. 

And Happy Fathers Day to all the good Dads of the show! 

Reccos:

Grace recommends telling your kids educators how great they are for World Educators Day this week

Monz recommends Scruff-a-Luvs, the $25 toy your kids need to wash and rescue. 

Amelia recommends Robo Raven, the free eSafety game teaching kids about cyberbullying, media literacy and online safety.

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud What's Wrong With A Wine Playground & Is The Oreo Mum Even Real? Radical Irwin Parenting, Bluey's Glow-Up & The Lindsay Clancy Trial The Worst-First Theory and Do Babies Belong In Business Class? The Class Photo Ban & The D*ckhead Dad Rebrand The Text You Need To Stop Sending The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What To Read Next: 

'I stunned politicians into silence with my story. They're changing the NDIS anyway.' 'I want my daughter to build solid friendships, and the best idea I've found takes one hour a week.' 'I went to a really dark place.' Jessie Stephens on the six months nobody saw. What the Mamamia team is actually cooking for dinner lately.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @parentingoutloud

CREDITS:

Hosts: Grace Rouvray, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Video Editor: Artemi Kokkaris

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-09-04
Link to episode

What's Wrong With A Wine Playground & Is The Oreo Mum Even Real?

Grace Rouvray is back this week, alongside Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester as we remember Dolly Parton and consider the roles 'favourite aunts' have in our child's lives. 

Plus, Stacey takes us deep into the viral 'Oreo-gate' drama to reveal why the internet’s favourite mum group feud is almost certainly fake.

And, we’re rating two new playgrounds — including a wine-barrel setup and a slide that simulates the sinking Titanic. What could go wrong? 

Right now, every Mamamia subscriber is automatically entered to win a $5,000 Dreamworld holiday for four; flights, accommodation, express passes and more included. Subscribe here to enter. T&Cs apply.

Reccos:

Stacey recommends Sterling Point on Prime Video, a witty Gen Z coming-of-age series with an elite love triangle.

Amelia recommends A Loo Of One’s Own by Eleri Harris, a brilliant Australian picture book about parliamentary history and women's rights hiding behind toilet humour.

Grace recommends the Lamaze 8pc Pile & Play Stacking Cups for keeping little hands endlessly entertained.

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Radical Irwin Parenting, Bluey's Glow-Up & The Lindsay Clancy Trial The Worst-First Theory and Do Babies Belong In Business Class? The Class Photo Ban & The D*ckhead Dad Rebrand The Text You Need To Stop Sending The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What To Read Next: 

Legendary country singer Dolly Parton has died, aged 80. 'The world feels a lot less sparkly': All the celebrities paying tribute to Dolly Parton. The Sydney Swans and the 4 words we can't escape. Five Sydney Swans players have been stood down for the season. They've just spoken out.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @parentingoutloud

CREDITS:

Hosts: Grace Rouvray, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-08-28
Link to episode

Radical Irwin Parenting, Bluey's Glow-Up & The Lindsay Clancy Trial

Bluey’s had a Hollywood glow-up and some don't love the 3D fur on Australia's best dogs. But are we all just terrible at change?

The Lindsay Clancy trial has become the case mothers can’t stop talking about. Why has this horrific story captivated so many? (Skip ahead to 26 minutes if you this isn't for you.) 

Also, Sarah Abo brought her four-week-old baby onto breakfast TV. A gorgeous “meet the baby” moment… or a tiny glimpse of the pressure women feel to prove they’re still at work while on maternity leave?

And Australia could have a parenting expert hiding in plain, khaki sight. Having raised two functional, wholesome, well adjusted and impressive young adults, is Terri Irwin the parenting expert 2026 needs?

Right now, every Mamamia subscriber is automatically entered to win a $5,000 Dreamworld holiday for four; flights, accommodation, express passes and more included. Subscribe here to enter. T&Cs apply.

Reccos:

Stacey recommends The Five-Star Weekend on Binge: Jennifer Garner, female friendship and gorgeous views. 

Amelia recommends The Listies Make You LOLcast, a kids’ comedy podcast involving slapstick, fart jokes and something called Madison Oblong Garden.

Monz recommends springing into spring with the Mel Robbins podcast episode Organize Your Life & Home: The Simple System That Gives You More Time, Energy & Control. 

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Worst-First Theory and Do Babies Belong In Business Class? The Class Photo Ban & The D*ckhead Dad Rebrand The Text You Need To Stop Sending The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

For more on Lindsay Clancy

Lindsay Clancy on Mamamia LISTEN: Your AM Headlines + The Lindsay Clancy Trial: Everything You Need To Know READ:Lindsay Clancy's defence is calling witnesses. They paint a picture of the months before the killings. READ: A black belt and anti-snitch tattoo: Everything to know about Lindsay Clancy's lawyer Kevin Reddington. READ: We're watching the 'world's saddest murder trial' unfold. It feels startlingly familiar.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @parentingoutloud

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-08-21
Link to episode

Mamamia Out Loud: The Lindsay Clancy Conversation

This is a heavy one, and an episode we wish we didn’t have to record.

Today, we're sharing a story that has broken hearts globally: the Lindsay Clancy trial currently taking place in the US.

Mia Freedman is joined by The Quicky journalists, Tamsin Rose and Georgie Page, to unpack the details of this incredibly distressing case. We’ve kept this as a standalone episode so you can choose if, and when, you’re ready to listen.

Please look after yourselves.

RESOURCES:

If you or anyone you know needs to speak with an expert, please contact your GP or in Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), all of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7.

If you or anyone you know needs to speak with an expert after welcoming a child, please contact the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) Helpline on 1300 726 306.

If you or anyone you know needs expert help, please contact Bravehearts.

For more on Lindsay Clancy

Lindsay Clancy on Mamamia LISTEN: Your AM Headlines + The Lindsay Clancy Trial: Everything You Need To Know READ:Lindsay Clancy's defence is calling witnesses. They paint a picture of the months before the killings. READ: A black belt and anti-snitch tattoo: Everything to know about Lindsay Clancy's lawyer Kevin Reddington. READ: We're watching the 'world's saddest murder trial' unfold. It feels startlingly familiar.

Check out the Mamamia Out Loud newsletter.

SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media 

GET IN TOUCH:

Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message.

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-08-20
Link to episode

The Worst-First Theory and Do Babies Belong In Business Class?

Would you let your five-year-old go to the park alone? One mum did, and the internet went straight to abduction, neglect and worst-case scenarios. So… have parents become addicted to imagining the worst? And what’s all that fear doing to our kids?

A baby cried in business class and another passenger decided that was simply not part of the premium experience. Anne Hathaway showed off a very normal, very pregnant belly and the internet promptly accused her of faking it. 

And in wholesome dads of the internet, a Melbourne dad started a walking group for dads, and nobody turned up. But wholesome Dads don't stay down for long, and what happened next was very wholesome. 

Also, what do you want your kids to be when they grow up? The jobs we were told were “safe” suddenly aren’t looking very safe at all. Trades are booming, AI is coming for white-collar work and there is now an actual university degree in Influencing.

And… rack off. Sucked in ya mole. We’re bringing back the Australian schoolyard slang that the 6/7 generation could never understand

Plus, our reccomendations this week:

Monz the Organize Your Life and Home episode on The Mel Robbins Podcast, the ultimate decluttering guide to reset your space without losing your sanity.

Amelia is loving The Listies Make U LolCast, a hilarious slapstick podcast by two Melbourne comedians that will have your primary schoolers (and you) belly laughing.

And Stacey recommends The Five Star Weekend on Binge, an eight-episode drama set in Nantucket that feels like a Nancy Meyers movie mixed with Big Little Lies.

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Class Photo Ban & The D*ckhead Dad Rebrand The Text You Need To Stop Sending The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule A Celebrity’s Secret Children & The Dark Side Of An 'It' Toy The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

Oh look, people are saying their inside thoughts out loud again. CLARE STEPHENS: A rude stranger, a note from a neighbour and the age of utter intolerance. 'A stranger told my crying baby to 'shut up' in business class. I didn't expect the debate that followed.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-08-14
Link to episode

"You've Only Got Eighteen Summersโ€ & The Case For Cancelling Book Week

You're bleeding, leaking, sleep deprived. There is a lot of crying; mostly yours but also the baby. You can't remember what day it is, when you last showered, or even your own name. But hold on - are you soaking it up, mama? Because you should be!

This week, the relentless pressure to enjoy every second of motherhood while you’re still very much surviving it. Because apparently we only get 18 summers, every cuddle could be the last cuddle, and we’re all meant to feel nostalgic in real time. Ok? 

Then, should Book Week be cancelled? There’s a very fair argument that it piles pressure onto already-stretched families. Which is fair. But if sports get a whole day dedicated to it...can't books too? 

Plus, the Dishwasher Dad theory, and why a night alone in a hotel might be the best money a tired mum ever spends.

Reccos:

Monz recommends Ted Lasso S4 on Apple Tv

Amelia likes this sleep spray from The Goodnight Co for people who scroll too much before bed 

And Grace recommends a night in a hotel, because what price can you put on a 2 cups of tea uninterrupted, TV in bed, and a full nights sleep? 

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Class Photo Ban & The D*ckhead Dad Rebrand The Text You Need To Stop Sending The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule A Celebrity’s Secret Children & The Dark Side Of An 'It' Toy The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'Book Week accidentally drove me to petty crime.' The 5 unwritten rules of Book Week (because your survival is important to us). 'Everything that made my first few months with a fussy newborn easier.' 'I was ready to hate Ted Lasso Season 4. I've never been so happy to be wrong.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Grace Rouvray

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-08-07
Link to episode

The Class Photo Ban & The D*ckhead Dad Rebrand

Suri Cruise has dropped her megastar dad’s surname and it’s starting to look less like celebrity gossip and more like a new wave of family estrangement.

We unpack why the adult children of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise are making their distance official, the PR strategy that helped both men quietly sidestep the conversation, and why mothers are still so often blamed when children cut contact with their fathers.

Plus, a genuinely chilling warning about school photos, AI deepfakes and the new risks of sharing children’s images online. Is this the moment schools and childcare centres start going analogue?

Also, a 13-year-old Australian piano prodigy, Meghan Markle’s dessert rule and Monz solves dinner with four life-changing words: Chook. In. A. Bag.

Reccos:

Monz recommends Chicken In A Bag for dinner 

Amelia recommends Just Crazy by Andy Griffiths, and DEAR: Drop Everything And Read.

Stacey Natasha Sholl’s beautiful Mamamia essay, A Letter To The Siblings Of Kids With Additional Needs.

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%

The Out Loud hosts have handpicked their all-time favourite reads and one subscriber is winning the entire 12-book stack. Subscribe to Mamamia to be automatically entered to win. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Text You Need To Stop Sending The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule A Celebrity’s Secret Children & The Dark Side Of An 'It' Toy The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I quit teaching after 15 years. What I witnessed should worry every Australian parent.' 'I've been a teacher for 15 years. This is why every good one is leaving.' We need to talk about the siblings of kids with additional needs. This week, two daughters have dropped their famous fathers' last names. The response is predictable. Another of Brad Pitt's children has filed to drop the Pitt name. Angelina Jolie's response says it all.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-07-31
Link to episode

The Text You Need To Stop Sending

There’s a birthday party ritual that has snuck into the modern parenting mental load - so we’re calling for a national amnesty. 

Meanwhile, the Ashley Tisdale has turned her toxic-mum-group drama into a TV show and Stacey is cancelling all plans to watch.

A Wall Street Journal feature on “CEO parenting” blew up the internet this week. With wealthy parents detailing the tasks they outsource - everything from clipping toenails to riding bikes - we unpack the very charged response.

And a former teacher and principal makes the case that schools aren’t there to teach your kids every single life skill. Plus the reason every kid is now singing about Eastern Rosellas (and you will be too). Spare a thought for the Western Rosellas, won’t you. They were there. 

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%.

Reccos: 

Amelia recommends the New York Times Magazine article My Relationship With My Brother Was Fraught. Could Sibling Therapy Help Us?

Stacey reccomends jojoba oil as a deeply affordable hair treatment for dry, brittle ends.

and Monz recommends Alone Australia Season 4 on SBS — now in the Arctic Circle, with an excellent cast and maximum heated-blanket viewing conditions.

The Out Loud hosts have handpicked their all-time favourite reads and one subscriber is winning the entire 12-book stack. Subscribe to Mamamia to be automatically entered to win. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule A Celebrity’s Secret Children & The Dark Side Of An 'It' Toy The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I quit teaching after 15 years. What I witnessed should worry every Australian parent.' 'I've been a teacher for 15 years. This is why every good one is leaving.' TEACHER'S OPINION: We're teaching kids to read the wrong way. It needs to change. 'How I'm trying to teach my son to be a good bloke when the internet wants him to be the opposite.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-07-24
Link to episode

The Hit Show Making A Case For 'Best Friend' Parenting

The biggest show on TV right now - Amazon Prime's Elle -  is making best friend parenting look deeply aspirational. Monz wants in. Amelia absolutely does not, and Stacey is blaming Gilmore Girls for making the whole thing look normal.

Then, is reading really dying, or are kids just consuming words in completely different ways? Amelia brings the panic, Monique brings the Australian research, and Stacey wonders whether asking children to read every night is accidentally killing the joy.

Plus, the World Cup dad who blamed the referee, the post-birth meals that tasted better than anything before or since, and one extremely committed recommendation for a futuristic apple.

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%.

Reccos: 

Amelia wants you to readThe Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins.

Stacey wants you to sink your teeth into Cosmic Crisp Apples.

and Monz reckons ABC Kids Listen’s Story Salad is the listen of the week.

The Out Loud hosts have handpicked their all-time favourite reads and one subscriber is winning the entire 12-book stack. Subscribe to Mamamia to be automatically entered to win. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule A Celebrity’s Secret Children & The Dark Side Of An 'It' Toy The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I thought the Legally Blonde prequel was a terrible idea. I was wrong.' OPINION: People say parents shouldn't be best friends with their kids. I think they're wrong. TEACHER'S OPINION: We're teaching kids to read the wrong way. It needs to change. 'No one is reading bedtime stories to their kids anymore and I know exactly why.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-07-17
Link to episode

Your Most Urgent Perimenopause Questions, Answered By 25 Leading Experts

You hot? Same. Grab a fan, because Very Peri is officially here. Created by Mamamia, we’ve sorted through the noise to answer your most urgent perimenopause questions.

There is no shortage of perimenopause information out there. In fact, there is too much and most of it is unregulated, incomplete or contradictory. Consider Very peri your single trusted source, built purely around your needs.

Get instant access to over 20 on-demand videos featuring 25 leading perimenopause experts from Australia and around the world, including Australia's most trusted medical voice Dr Ginni Mansberg, New York Times bestselling author and internationally renowned gynecologist Dr Jen Gunter, acclaimed neuropsychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni and leading menopause dietician Nigel Denby.

Together, they deliver trusted, up-to-date advice on HRT, periods, weight gain, skin, insomnia, brain fog and so much more, alongside the Mamamia women you already know and love, including Out Loud's Holly Wainwright and Amelia Lester, You Beauty's Leigh Campbell and Unleashed's Cath Mahoney.

Best of all, you get six months of flexible access to watch entirely at your own pace, whether that's from your couch at 11pm, at your desk during your lunch break or in the kitchen while you try to remember why you walked in there in the first place... because you know, brain fog.

LAUNCH OFFER: Get your all-access pass for just $59 for a limited time only. That’s 40% off.

Head to veryperi.com.au today.

Disclaimer: The information provided through Very Peri, including video interviews, panel discussions and digital downloads, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your general practitioner (GP) or another qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment pathway.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

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2026-07-12
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Where Has All The Swearing Gone & The Bush Wee Rule

The sibling gold standard has officially been set by Harry Styles and his sister Gemma, but it’s giving Stacey some serious 'parent of one' guilt. Plus, the Australian schools that are handing out codes of conduct to an unlikely group — the parents. 

Plus, in the celebrity world, can motherhood be used as a strategic 180 to swing public perception, or do we just inherently view mothers differently? And, how old is too old for a bush wee? 

Also, the study that nobody knew existed has confirmed explicit songs are on decline and yet kids are somehow swearing more than ever. But is that such a bad thing? Monz and Amelia aren't too sure.

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Reccos: 

Amelia recommends sitting on the floor AKA the newsletter How to Move by Anna Maltby.

Monz recommends Child's Play - 60 Years of Play School on Australian Story.

Stacey is doubling down on Amelia's previous recommendation; Micador Colour and Learn tablecloth for $25 — they also have placemats. 

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud A Celebrity’s Secret Children & The Dark Side Of An 'It' Toy The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? 'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

‘It becomes a power struggle’: How private schools are taking on entitled parents Sam Kerr and the big problem with 'reverse racism'. 'I spent 2 years thinking my son was just 'behind' at school. Then I found the real problem.' 'I'm both a teacher and a parent. And I'm scared for both sides.' Australian parents are pulling kids out of school in record numbers. One reason dominates.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-07-10
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A Celebrityโ€™s Secret Children & The Dark Side Of An 'It' Toy

Can a celebrity really keep their family a secret in 2026? One very famous parent is believed to have two children that most people don't even know exist, or do they?

Plus, it's school holidays, which means one thing: Dad-cation season. But after we witnessed one father do absolutely nothing on a long-haul flight while his partner did everything, we need to ask... are we still having the same parenting conversation?

And finally, remember all the dumb things you said before you had kids? Turns out, pre-parenthood you was absolutely delusional. 

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Reccos: 

Amelia recommends saying Mens World Cup instead of The World Cup 

Monz recommends her own Letters and Numbers Game

Grace recommends Mini Zali Bags

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? 'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I thought Toy Story 5 would be an easy family watch. It's a gut punch.' 'I've finally cracked the code to screen time, and it only took this one thing.' Think of the parents: 3 reasons taking your kid to playgrounds is an adult's worst nightmare. CLARE STEPHENS: A rude stranger, a note from a neighbour and the age of utter intolerance.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Grace Rouvray

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-07-03
Link to episode

Our Honest Toy Story Review & The Case For Child Free Spaces

Fun playground or toddler emergency room invitation? Melbourne parents are fiercely divided over a controversial new playground featuring... checks notes... giant rocks. Is this brilliant independent play, or have we officially reached peak chaotic parenting? We have thoughts.

Plus, Monz and Stacey ran to see Toy Story 5 and what they witnessed was a brutal gut punch. Pixar took our greatest screen-time guilt and put it on a 90-minute tear that has us questioning how imagination can possibly coexist with addictive tech.

Also, as some Australians demand child-free flights and resorts, Amelia asks the question: Is this really so bad?

Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30.

Reccos: 

Stacey is loving America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix. 

Amelia recommends the Finlay bedazzle kit, a incredibly soothing $40 craft pack featuring 24 sparkle colours that you can use to transform sunglasses and notebooks with your child. 

Monz recommends dump bags, the ultimate dietitian-approved meal-prepping hack where you freeze all your raw ingredients in one Ziploc bag so you can just dump it straight into the slow cooker midweek.

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? 'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I thought Toy Story 5 would be an easy family watch. It's a gut punch.' 'I've finally cracked the code to screen time, and it only took this one thing.' Think of the parents: 3 reasons taking your kid to playgrounds is an adult's worst nightmare. CLARE STEPHENS: A rude stranger, a note from a neighbour and the age of utter intolerance.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-06-26
Link to episode

The Birthday Post That Sparked A Sharenting Debate

Japan’s national soccer team and their supporters have gone viral following their World Cup match after leaving the stadium and their locker room absolutely spotless. We want to know how we can get our kids to follow suit.

Influencer and Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague has stepped out 10 days postpartum in a white dress and everyone has lost their minds, but not for the reason you’d think. 

Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30.

Plus, from Meghan and Harry to your next-door neighbor, everyone is suddenly adopting a millennial social media trend that's sparked a debate about 'sharenting'.

And, have parent-teacher dynamics turned into a customer service nightmare? We discuss why every playground incident now seems to require an email trail and a call to management.

Reccos: 

Stacey: Breakfast Sprinkle Muffins packed with banana, oats and honey.

Monique: L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil. 

Amelia's reccommendation is for private schools with sporting facilities to open their grounds up to the public.

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? 'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I'm both a teacher and a parent. And I'm scared for both sides.' 'I'm a psychologist. I need you to stop saying this one common phrase to your kids.' 'I asked other toddler parents what they'd tell a first-timer. Here's the shortlist. 

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-06-19
Link to episode

Buddy & Jesinta's Free-Range Flex & Are You A Relay Parent?

Have you ever dreamt of packing up your family and escaping to the country? Former AFL player Buddy Franklin and his wife Jesinta have ditched the big city for something a little... quieter. Monz, Amelia and Stacey are unpacking whether it’s possible to completely reinvent your family life. Plus, Stacey explains her 'Florist Theory.’

Also, there’s a new solution for parenting exhaustion that involves dividing household duties differently, and we’re trying to decide if it’s genius, or not all it’s cracked up to be. And, what about the ‘double drop-off’?

First it was ponytails and pints and now it’s pints and periods. British dads are going to the pub to learn more about periods and how to show up for their daughters. Monz has thoughts, but honestly? We think it’s kind of wholesome. 

Reccos:

Stacey is loving Office Romance on Netflix.

Amelia recommends the Micador Junior Colour Wash Repeat Tablecloth, a $27 lifesaver that keeps kids calm and centred during family dinners or chaotic parties.

Monique is loving buying cheap silicone ear putty from the chemist to turn down the volume on sensory overload at deafening basketball stadiums and supermarkets.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? 'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I'm a psychologist. I need you to stop saying this one common phrase to your kids.' 'I asked other toddler parents what they'd tell a first-timer. Here's the shortlist. 

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-06-12
Link to episode

The Royal School Run Is Just Like Yours & What Kids Think We Do All Day

Future King Prince William claims his morning school run is actually just as chaotic and messy as ours. We’re trying to decide whether or not we believe him.

From a cryptic countdown to 13 clouds on a billboard. Taylor and Toy Story have officially collabbed. We’re breaking down all the Easter eggs and whether she might be attempting to reach EGOT status with her new song 'I Knew It, I Knew You.'

Plus, what do your kids think you do all day? We discuss the hilarious reality of trying to explain our jobs to our children. 

Also, if you think boarding school in Australia is strictly a status symbol for the ultra-wealthy, this might completely change your perspective.

And, is it okay to post pictures of your kids online? Comedian Tanya Hennessy wants to know.

Reccos:

Stacey is loving friend of the pod, Bandit Heeler’s parenting hack to get the kids out of the door.

Amelia recommends the Mimi Haircare’s Brisbane-designed hair wash system to tackle delicate, tangled kids curls without the extra conditioner fuss.

Monique is loving little lights. At 6pm, turn off all of your big lights and put the lamps on — that's it.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Listen to No Filter: Tanya Hennessy: The Story of Her Daughter Scottie Started Here The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'? 'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'Everyone thinks boarding school is for rich kids. Where I live, it's survival.' 'Are you posh?' The 7 things people always ask me about going to boarding school. Everything to know about Taylor Swift's new Toy Story song and gloriously unhinged announcement rollout. Tanya Hennessy bought a baby Christmas stocking 9 years ago. This year, she finally got to use it.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-06-05
Link to episode

The One Word You Need To Stop Saying & Were 90s Mums 'All That'?

Are Australian parents okay? If you're finding parenting deeply exhausting, a study has found you're not the only one. Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks are unpacking why parents are feeling so stressed out. Plus, Stacey has a theory that might just be genius.

Also, are you constantly saying sorry for your kids just being...kids? We're discussing why we feel the need to apologise all the time and what it might actually be teaching them. 

Plus, whimsical grandparent names. Everyone is now 'Mimi' and 'Zaza' instead of 'Nanna' and 'Pop'. We discuss whether this new trend is just an act of rebellion from Baby Boomers who flatly refuse to grow old.

Reccos:

Stacey is loving Sea Monkeys, bringing back pure 90s nostalgia for an entry-level pet experiment.

Amelia recommends The Kids Book of Paper Love, a stationery-stuffed Amazon find perfect for kids to build scissor skills.

Monique is loving Danny Go on YouTube, his joyful dances that support a grieving family.

New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe.

Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code. T&C's apply.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud 'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

Hannah Waddingham is known for Ted Lasso. But she's done so much more than that... 'Life goes tits-up... but I love it.' This nana's advice for new grandparents. "To all of you who help us raise our kids, thank you": An ode to grandparents. 'I've been a therapist for 25 years. Every parent asks the same question, but it's the wrong one.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-05-29
Link to episode

'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag

Sienna Miller and Laura Henshaw are presenting two very different versions of new motherhood in our feeds — so why is the internet upset with both of them? Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks dive into the unrealistic expectations on new mums and how there might be no right answer.

Also, Mandy Moore has officially entered the chat over Ashley Tisdale’s viral ‘toxic’ mum group essay back in January, and suddnely it feels like we're back in high school.

Plus, Japan's late-night ‘crying cafes’ offer the ultimate sanctuary for exhausted mothers, and it’s made us think about the other midnight hotlines we absolutely need right now.

And, a grandmother's dilemma goes viral after she joins her grandchildren's PTA without asking. We unpack the unwritten rules of family boundaries and why tension is the price we pay for a village.

New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe.

Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code. T&C's apply.

Reccos

Amelia recommends Evil Witches, an irreverent email newsletter that perfectly captures the reality of family holidays.

Monz is loving Unleashed, a hilarious podcast delivering an honest truth bomb about long weekends after divorce.

Stacey recommends Off Campus on Amazon Prime, a hot and deliciously cliché college hockey romance.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I joined a mother’s group for parenting tips. What I found was something darker.' The Ashley Tisdale and Hilary Duff mum group fallout, explained from the very start. HOLLY WAINWRIGHT: 'This is what 43 looks like now: 23 and pregnant.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Assistant Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-05-22
Link to episode

Signs Youโ€™re A Beta Mum & How To โ€˜Bounce Backโ€™

How soon is too soon to return to work after having a baby? Netballer Paige Hadley was back on the court ten weeks postpartum — and the internet had thoughts. Monique, Amelia, and Clare unpack why we all have so much to say about other women's postpartum choices.

If you've ever given up on pairing the kids' sock or let them quit that extracurricular activity — you might be a 'Beta Mum'. We dive into why mums are rejecting the optimised parenting grind and whether it's a feminist revolution or just collective burnout.

Plus, the low-key genius parenting hacks hiding in a Reddit thread, and this week's recommendations.

Reccos

Amelia recommends Celeste Barber's BOOIE Excellent BB Cream. And right now, it's $40 at Woolies.

Monz is loving Bad Company on the ABC, if you love Fisk, Utopia or Australian comedy, this is your show. 

Clare recommends Smocks by Little Chomps to protect your little one's clothes every meal time.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

You're not a hot mess. You're just a Type C parent. 10 parents told us the best hacks guaranteed to halve your mental load. 'Balance doesn't exist': 12 women on what they wish they knew about going back to work after maternity leave. 7 (totally non HR-approved) tips for your first day of work after maternity leave.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Clare Stephens

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-05-15
Link to episode

The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up

Naming a person is a challenge—but one Melbourne family has made their relatives compete for the privilege of a surname. This week Monz, Stacey and Amelia are talking about the Melbourne couple who settled their surname debate with a best-of-three rock-paper-scissors showdown. So, should we be making all family decisions via a game of competitive Jenga from now on?

Plus, the school holiday rule that has parents feeling like they’re back in detention. Amelia shares the enormous effort she poured into an official essay just to take her kids overseas, as we debate if ‘world schooling’ is a genius move or just a recipe for burnout.

Also, it’s the show that saved our collective sanity, but behind the scenes, Bluey is the focus of a billion-dollar financial mess. We dive into the trending story and explain the details the internet seems to be missing.

And, why does Mother’s Day feel a little bit… off? We’re looking into the unexpected history of the holiday and why it’s okay if you’re feeling more ‘complicated’ than ‘celebratory’ this Sunday.

Reccos

Amelia recommends Caper Crew; as if The InBESTigators was directed by Wes Anderson.

Monz is loving the ‘Parental Path’ video hack to capture your kids’ little voices before they grow up, plus it's a great last-minute Mother's Day gift. 

Stacey recommends the ‘Do It For Dolly’ campaign and the 13-DOLLY support line for any families navigating the gut-punch of school bullying.

If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs to speak with an expert, please contact your GP or in Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), all of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'My daughter was 8 when she was tied up and left in a bin. The words that came next still haunt me.' 'The 'boring' parent is the unsung hero': 5 things Bluey has taught me about parenting. 'My husband made me cry every Mother's Day. I know I'm not alone.' 'There are 3 reasons my son took my wife's surname. It should be the norm.' A brutally honest review of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a movie that breaks everything.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-05-08
Link to episode

The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled

Have school photos become redundant? This week, Monz, Stacey and Amelia are unpacking the $180 million industry that's preys on nostalgia, guilt and the trust that no parent wants to be the one to opt out, despite their phones overflowing with perfectly good pictures of their kids. 

Plus, an Aussie influencer sparked a firestorm after leaving her baby in a hotel room to grab a quick massage, baby monitor in hand. Was the ensuing internet pile-on a genuine act of concern, or just a new way to pass around the "Bad Mother" baton?

And, party bags are officially cancelled, you're welcome. Why Stacey wants us all to call time on the noisy sh*t and sugar spikes that mark the end of a birthday party. 

Finally, science says telling your kids your "family lore" helps them build resilience, so is it time to spill the tea on your grumpy relatives? We unpack.

Reccos

Stacey recommends Everything Under the Sun by Molly Oldfield for the perfect gift. 

Amelia recommends the Substack, Gen Z Parents Don’t Hate Books by Rachel Bachman. To 

Monz recommends a DVD player: and getting DVDs from the library to make AN EVENT of your movie.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'My phone addiction was genuinely taking over my life. This is the only thing that fixed it.' Modern Etiquette: The 19 rules we all need to agree on for kids' parties and playdates. In the age of iPhones do we really need to be forking out for overpriced school photos? The Madeleine McCann investigation stalled for years. Then police found eight buried hard drives. Andy Lee on the joy of not having kids.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-05-01
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So, Are You A Popcorn Mum?

This week, Monz, Amelia and Stacey explore the ‘performance’ of public parenting, inspired by Elin Strong’s viral article. So, are you actually parenting for the other people at the park? If the answer is yes, you might be a popcorn mum.

The swaddling fail by TV’s favourite doctor has ignited a firestorm amongst fans of medical drama The Pitt and we have thoughts. Also, we discuss Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy’s controversial take on planes and babies, and why even most parents are onboard.

Plus, Prince Harry and Hamish Blake are opening up about men’s mental health postpartum. It has us asking, who’s looking after the dads?

Also, Amelia has a new slang term for us that you’ll ‘low-kenuinely’ love. And, Stacey shows us what’s inside her smug ‘analogue bag’.

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Reccos:

Stacey has an ‘anti-recco’. Stop doing your nails. Reclaim your time and money by embracing the nude nail flex. Amelia recommends: Secrets of The Bees on Disney+. A stunning, intergenerational documentary featuring smart bees and 'family-friendly soft swinging'. (It's not what you think). Monique recommends: Jettproof Sensory Socks. A total game-changer for kids who struggle with seams. Also, don't forget to bake some of Monz's famous Anzac Biscuits this weekend.

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What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

Check out Monz's ANZAC biscuit recipe: How to bake the best (and easiest) ANZAC biscuits known to humankind. 'My phone addiction was genuinely taking over my life. This is the only thing that fixed it.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-04-24
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The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube

This week, Monique, Amelia, and Stacey are discussing the ‘Jessica’ hack gone slightly awry. We talked about it. Our listeners tried it, and some of the results were…spooky. So, why has even Jessica Biel weighed in on this viral trend?

Also, we unpack the YouTube-ification of Netflix and why Danny Goh and Miss Rachel are suddenly taking over our Netflix profiles. We dive into the ‘Wild West’ of YouTube and why it’s banned in Monz’s house after a Peppa Pig incident.

Plus, we talk about the list of things you must be able to perform to be considered a fully-fledged ‘Supreme Adult’. From public speaking to calling the doctor yourself, what exactly is a normal sleep pattern when you have small humans anyway?

And, we discuss ‘The Lunchbox Theory’ and why we collectively need to lower the bar and become ‘underachieving’ parents.

The Recommendations

Stacey: The Swan Princess (1994) – Now on Netflix! It features a French frog voiced by John Cleese and a princess who demands more than just 'you're pretty'. Amelia: Taco Goat Cheese Pizza – A $15 card game that actually makes teenagers laugh. Monique: Biozet Attack – The supermarket laundry detergent with the magic enzyme that actually gets the 'funk' out of bed-wetting accidents.

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What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I'm the breadwinner, and my husband stays home. Stop asking this one question.' 'I thought training for a marathon meant weeks of mum guilt. This one moment changed everything.' 'I thought I was raising my son right. Then he made one comment.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-04-17
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The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack

This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack the 'max 3-hour mum' theory. That’s how long Skims co-founder and Kardashian-adjacent CEO Emma Grede thinks women should spend with their kids each day on weekends. We discuss whetther the mother of four's ‘quality over quantity’  approach is genius - or missing the point.

Also, is kids’ sport officially broken? From private strength sessions for 8-year-olds to parents getting red-carded on the sidelines, we ask when sport stopped being about 'having a go' and started being a ‘gateway to success’.

Plus, what exactly is the 'Jessica' hack? We discuss the viral TikTok trick that could snap your child out of a spiral.

And, in our modern screen age, is there any merit to the old-school rule that children should be ‘seen and not heard’?

RECCOMMENDATIONS:

Monz recommends: The Art Gallery (it’s free!), beach patrol (also free!) and the ultimate school holiday hack - a trip to Bunnings.

Amelia recommends: The Brinkley Yearbooks Series by Sarah Sax 

Stacey recommends: Age of Attraction on Netflix and Harry Styles’ YouTube cover of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I'm the breadwinner, and my husband stays home. Stop asking this one question.' 'I thought training for a marathon meant weeks of mum guilt. This one moment changed everything.' 'I thought I was raising my son right. Then he made one comment.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-04-10
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Golden Retriever Dads & The โ€˜You Come Lastโ€™ Rule

We’re unpacking the 'parenting rule' that blew up the comments section this week: While the kids are awake, you come last. The Internet had thoughts and so do Monique Bowley, Clare Stephens and Amelia Lester. So, does putting yourself first actually make you a better parent?

Plus, we look at the the Barbie Dream Fest — or as the internet is calling it, Fyre Festival for toddlers. Imagine paying $190 USD for an ‘immersive experience’ only to find a warehouse, a concrete floor and a cardboard box with a pink blanket. 

Also, Parks and Recreation actor Chris Pratt's wife Katherine Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to him on social media, calling him a 'Golden Retriever Husband', after he built their daughters a doll house. So why is the Internet still so annoyed with him over an Instagram caption from 2021 about opening a jar of pickles?

And, we explore why a Sydney school’s experiment to ditch school uniforms was ulimately an epic fail.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ€ Monz is loving the Noisy by Nature podcast on the ABC Kids Listen app — think David Attenborough meets The Wiggles.

๐Ÿ“– Clare recommends the Houdini Stop from Big W to stop your toddler’s great car seat escape.

๐Ÿงด Amelia is loving Brain Quest Smart Cards for screen-free fun at cafes

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-04-03
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The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect

Have you ever seen a video online that made you feel like you were failing at a job you didn't even apply for? Welcome to parenting in 2026.

This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and special guest, Clare Stephens, are diving into a viral trend romanticising the bond between young siblings—and it's left some only-child parents feeling a little judged.

Plus, we discuss the basketball coach who went viral for screaming in a player's face. Was it ‘toxic’ or exactly the kind of high-stakes motivation our ‘gentle parenting’ era is missing?

And, if your child throws a tantrum in the middle of a busy shopping centre or sticks their fingers in someone else's birthday cake, they may have a fan in award-winning actress Viola Davis. We explain why.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ€ Monz is loving this Amazon Lock Phone Box.

๐Ÿ“– Clare recommends midwife Jen on Instagram @_jen_hamilton_

๐Ÿงด Stacey is loving the COSRX Snail mucin power essence.

SUBSCRIBE here to get 25% off an $89 annual subscription PLUS 25% off Nala. Your Mamamia discount will be applied at checkout. Then find your Nala code in the Subscriber Hub immediately after joining. Ends 1st April.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'My mum and dad had 8 kids. Here's the most important lesson I learned growing up in a big family.' OPINION: 'You're not gentle parenting, you're Instagram parenting.' "I'm 34 with three kids. My expectations of friendship have completely changed." 'My best friends ghosted me after I had a baby. It taught me a lesson I didn't expect.' Flakiness is out of control at the moment.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-03-27
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The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of โ€˜Bagsingโ€™ The Playground

Today, the rise of the Gen Alpha CEO is officially in full swing as Victoria Beckham’s daughter, Harper Seven, launches a beauty brand at 13. Monz, Stacey and Amelia ask at what point we decided teenagers need a corner office and a dedicated PR team instead of just... a hobby.

Plus, is ‘bagsing’ a spot in the playground slide queue ever acceptable, or have we officially lost our collective marbles? We unpack the world of park politics, optimisation and whether it’s just another form of snow-plough parenting.

Also, is it time to start running your home like a large corporation? We’re diving into the ‘family AGM’ trend and why the shareholders in one host’s house are very unhappy.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿฅž Stacey is loving the viral ‘potcake’ hack from TikTok, which involves flipping a whole saucepan to create the perfect pancake stack.

๐Ÿ“– Monz recommends Meltdown by Lauren Novak, a well-researched deep dive into ‘mum rage’ that makes every burnt-out parent feel seen.

๐Ÿ“บ Amelia recommends SNL's MAHAspital, a comedic take on The Pitt, describing the medical drama as ‘competency porn’ for those who love watching experts excel at their jobs.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

Someone needs to gently tell Harper Beckham this is a bad idea. 'I watch TV for a living. These are the 13 best shows of 2025.' What the hell has happened to the school Easter bonnet parade? The bleak reason smoking is 'back' has zero to do with cool.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-03-20
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New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand

Move over "conscious uncoupling". Divorce is getting a rebrand. This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack Hollywood Actor Lake Bell’s unconventional approach to explaining her split to her kids. So, why is she banning the word ‘but,’ and is she onto something?

Plus, Australian influencer Indy Clinton has gone viral for struggling with her sons kindergarten times tables, and honestly? Same. So, is homework still a thing in 2026 or is it time to let kids just be kids?

And, a viral post by Jana Barrett has the internet talking about the invisible labor behind every successful man. He got the trophy, she got the school run. It has us asking, do we all deserve a medal for carrying the mental load?

And our very own Jessie Stevens and Luca Lavigne are officially parents of three after twins Harry and Margot came into the world slightly earlier than planned.  Luca checks in from the NICU 'baby bubble' to tell us how they’re navigating life as a family of five.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ’‡‍โ™€๏ธ Stacey is obsessed with The Wavytalk thermal blow dry brush for a smooth, salon-style finish. 

๐Ÿ“š Amelia recommends the Babysitter’s Little Sister graphic novels.

๐Ÿ“ Monz has been hit hard by Darragh Fleming’s poem ‘If I Ever Have Boys’.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'As a teacher of 20 years, I’ve seen what homework can do to a student.' Indy Clinton was determined to unmask her trolls. She's just been handed a 64-page report. The 2026 BAFTA nominations are out, and Aussies are making their mark. 'I can't stop Googling my ex from 7 years ago. It has nothing to do with missing him.' 'The perks of divorce nobody talks about. But everyone should hear.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-03-13
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Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test

Young Millennials and Gen Z are currently spiralling over the ultimate 'Why Now?' question: To procreate, or not to procreate? To help, they’ve resurrected an unlikely guru from the 1980s — Merle Bombardieri — whose decades-old 'Rocking Chair Test' is currently trending as the ultimate fix for biological-clock-induced brain rot. We unpack whether a 40-year-old therapy book can actually solve the most high-stakes dilemma of our lives.

Plus, Amelia Lester, Monique Bowley, and Stacey Hicks are diving into the rise of the 'Empty Parenting Weekend'. And, from Matt Damon’s viral 'don’t blink' dad take, to the obsession with Paul Mescal’s mum, we’re asking: Why is Hollywood parenting suddenly so wholesome?

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ๏ธ Stacey recommends Survivor season 50 on Stan, an all stars season that spans 25 years of the show's iconic winner. 

๐Ÿƒ‍โ™€๏ธ Amelia recommends trading the solo gym sessions for rugby preseason drills with the kids.

๐ŸŒ™ Monz recommends ‘Mummy Mondays’, her ritual for getting kids to open up about their worries by simply looking at the ceiling in the dark

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

There's a new parenting trend, and it's basically the excuse we've been waiting for. 'It's never the big stuff that derails our family trips. It's... everything else.' 'Australian Survivor has restored my faith in reality TV men.' 'I help women decide whether or not to have kids with these 5 questions.' 'I'm child-free by choice. But when my friend told me she was pregnant, I felt grief.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-03-06
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Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?

Parents of children who are 'short sleepers' — kids genetically programmed to survive on four hours of rest (and pure chaos) — we see you. We unpack the science on Parenting Out Loud this week of why some kids are simply 'built different'... and why the rest of us are drowning in caffeine.

Plus, we need to talk about the fetishisation of the 'Involved Father'. From Chris Hemsworth’s commemorative tattoos to the rise of the ‘Swiftie Dad,’ why does society throw a parade when a man does the bare minimum, yet side-eye Bobby Cannavale for skipping the Golden Globes to go to a reptile expo? (Justice for Bobby, tbh).

And, ex-One Directioner Zayn Malik is single-handedly causing Tooth Fairy inflation, but the real digital horror story is the school Facebook group. Is opting out of the 'digital footprint' a smart move, or does it just make you the ‘weird’ privacy parent who everyone is accidentally tagging anyway?

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ’„ Stacey recommends the Mecca Max Vol. Tubing Mascara for the ultimate ‘lash socks’ that actually come off without a fight.

๐Ÿ“• Amelia could not put down I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, a comic masterpiece that’s a fascinating, heartbreaking glimpse into Hollywood.

๐Ÿฃ Monz recommends the $10 Kmart sushi maker to save your bank account from the ‘chicken nugget’ of the 2020s.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling? The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I'm raising my daughter with a single mum I met online. I'll never live with a man again.' MIA FREEDMAN: 'What the Taylor concert was really like.' This is why celebrities are boring now.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-02-27
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The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'

This week, Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester, and guest host Clare Stephens are diving into the 'beige food' epidemic and why modern snack culture might be to blame for your toddler’s refusal to eat anything that isn’t plain pasta or chicken nuggets.

And we discuss the the emotional cost of being an 'easy kid'. If you were the child who always got a gold star, never made a fuss, and now find yourself over-apologising to your barista, this one is for you. We talk about why we might actually want our kids to be a little bit... difficult.

Plus, a heated debate over 'fart-proud' vs. 'fart-shame' households and why there's now official permission to stop feeling guilty about letting your kids watch TV.

Our Recommendations:

โ›ธ๏ธ Stacey recommends getting your kids to record vlog style videos when FaceTiming the relatives gets too boring. 

๐ŸŽ Amelia is obsessed with The Sound of Music. Yes, the classic movie from 1965. 

๐ŸŽง Clare recommends The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling? The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

The emotional cost of being the 'easy child'. 'You either grew up in a "fart-proud" or "fart-shame" household. It tells me everything.' We need to talk about farting in relationships and the narrative that 'girls don't s**t'. 'I've cut my kids' screen time without them even noticing using these 3 simple swaps.' 'I've finally cracked the code to screen time, and it only took this one thing.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Clare Stephens

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-02-20
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FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House

This week on Parenting Out Loud, we're joined again by Luca Lavigne, so of course things went off without a hitch. ๐Ÿ‘€

Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester and Luca are here to unpack the rise of 'Trimester Zero,' and why the over-optimisation of parenting our kids is officially getting out of hand. 

Plus, is the art of 'gathering' officially dead? Are we too scared of judgement, toddler tantrums and messy living rooms to accept anyone into our home? And at what point did hosting become synonymous with performing? 

And, the 'creepy' parenting rituals we all have to try to hold on to time, and why sushi in our kids' lunchboxes is the latest humble brag.

Our Recommendations:

โ›ธ๏ธ Stacey is obsessed with Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing on Netflix. 

๐ŸŽ Amelia recommends All Her Fault on Binge and horse riding (sort of).

๐ŸŽง Luca is loving the Spotify DJ, the AI playlist that can get you out of that listening rut.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling? The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

9 things I wish I knew before my first trimester of pregnancy. 5 parenting hacks to instantly elevate your daily routine. 17 women on the tips and tricks that helped them most with a toddler. A complete guide on how to not lose your s**t at family gatherings.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Luca Lavigne

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-02-13
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So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo

Is a mum's job ever done? That's the question that's come off the back of a viral moment from the Wuthering Heights press tour after its star Jacob Elordi was spotted doing something that has everyone talking. Monz, Stacey, and special guest Luca Lavigne debate whether this red carpet incident was a sweet moment for Jacob and his mum or... totally gross. 

Plus, Claire Danes just said the quiet part out loud about what's being touted as the very last parenting taboo. So, how would you feel about a surprise pregnancy at 44? The internet has its opinions — and so do our hosts. 

And, is a clear bench top the only thing standing between you and a cortisol spike? From 'CleanTok' to 'Sunday Reset', domestic drudgery on social media is undergoing a rebrand with a surprising cohort leading the charge. 

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ’† Stacey is obsessed with @toupeequeen. A new TikTok niche she's discovered of Toupee application videos. 

๐ŸŽจ Monz recommends creating 'something crap' in front of your kids to break the cycle of perfectionism and celebrate the power of making mistakes.

๐Ÿงš Luca is loving the dummy fairy, as the ultimate strategic ally for transitioning toddlers away from their pacifiers.

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What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling? The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition The Precise Reason We Need To Reverse The Parent-Child Hierarchy A Genius Mental Health Pyramid & Our Dirty Little Parenting Secrets No-Hugs Christmas & Where Are All The Weird Kids? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'Trust me, this cleaning routine will save you hours each week.' Claire Danes should have been happy to fall pregnant at 44. She felt something else entirely. 'Trust me, these 3 hacks will make your home feel instantly cleaner.' 'The world is choosing daughters, but here is my case for the "boy mum".'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Luca Lavigne

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-02-06
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Michelle Obamaโ€™s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers

Michelle Obama spoke about a very specific kind of reality check on the Call Her Daddy podcast: the exact moment you realise you’re no longer the main character in your child’s life. Monz is feeling this deeply and Amelia and Stacey unpack precisely why it hits so hard.

Plus, a viral video of an airport lounge meltdown has us asking whether we've lost the ability to handle conflict without reaching for our phone. We dive into the rise of "public shaming" and whether we’re all just one bad day away from being filmed giving someone the finger. 

And, move over “rawdogging boredom”, is “slow vacuuming” the new mindfulness trend? Monz is deep into this one but Amelia and Stacey remain firmly unconvinced.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Stacey is obsessed with the renter-friendly Smarty Pals magnetic wall decals.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Monz is loving the Marion's Kitchen Green Thai Curry It comes in a box with instructions even a 5 year old could follow.

๐ŸŽพAmelia is loving backyard tennis from KMART for some family totem tennis with a serve of nostalgia.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling? The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition The Precise Reason We Need To Reverse The Parent-Child Hierarchy A Genius Mental Health Pyramid & Our Dirty Little Parenting Secrets No-Hugs Christmas & Where Are All The Weird Kids? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'I have 50-50 custody and nobody talks about the silent micro-grief.' 'I'm raising my daughter with a single mum I met online. I'll never live with a man again.' "I'm not just mummy. I'm also me." When Sally became a mother, she lost her sense of self. CLARE STEPHENS: A rude stranger, a note from a neighbour and the age of utter intolerance.

MOVE by Mamamia is the app that helps you fit movement into your every day. Whether you have 10 minutes, or 45, we've got the workout that fits your time, space and body. Get $20 off an annual subscription until the end of January when you use code PARENTING at checkout. Start your free trial today.

HUGGIES ULTRA DRY NAPPY PANTS: *BABY MILK BOTTLE 250ML

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-01-30
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The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?

The Brooklyn Beckham family drama that's been all over the news and in our group chats this week has us questioning where 'doing your best' ends and maternal control begins. We unpack the power dynamics of the family unit and why the internet is obsessed with a 26-year-old finally finding his voice.

Plus, from "Make Whole Milk Great Again" to the sudden arrival of Autistic Barbie, we’re looking at the  intersection of politics, branding, and... kids' lunchboxes.

Also, a GP’s five-month suspension has raised some questions we need to unpack.

And, some fabulous reccos to make life easier, more interesting and fun. Get it while it's hot.

Our Recommendations:

โ˜• Amelia is all about Temple Trap a game for the kids and its associated app Playroom.

๐Ÿฐ Stacey wants you to watch Heated Rivalry on HBO.

๐Ÿ“บ Monz wants you to watch Ballkids on Netflix.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition The Precise Reason We Need To Reverse The Parent-Child Hierarchy A Genius Mental Health Pyramid & Our Dirty Little Parenting Secrets No-Hugs Christmas & Where Are All The Weird Kids? Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'As a boy mum, the Beckham scandal is my literal nightmare.' CLARE STEPHENS: 'This is where Brooklyn got tired.' A very honest play-by-play of Brooklyn Beckham's viral statement. A minute-by-minute breakdown of Brooklyn and Victoria Beckham's wedding dance. 'Heated Rivalry forced me to ask myself a fundamental question. You're thinking it, too.' 'Millions of people are watching Heated Rivalry. It's the hottest TV show I've seen all year.' 'I've officially cracked the "cool mum" uniform with these 7 specific pieces.'

We’re giving away a Your Reformer Pilates bed (worth $3,400) Subscribe to enter

MOVE by Mamamia is the app that helps you fit movement into your every day. Whether you have 10 minutes, or 45, we've got the workout that fits your time, space and body. Get $20 off an annual subscription until the end of January when you use code PARENTING at checkout. Start your free trial today.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-01-23
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The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight

Are you an intensive millennial parent who feels stressed and burnt out? This week, we introduce the “Click Test,” which Amelia claims will change parenting for the better. Meanwhile, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are taking an unconventional approach — why they are raising their children to be "intentionally disrespectful". 

Plus, Monz had a park fight with a man who told her to "get some f***ing control" because her kids were being, well, kids. We debate society's growing intolerance for children in public and ask 'Who's The Asshole?'

And finally, we’re checking on our parents. Why are the older generation spending half their waking hours staring at screens, and why are they the most vulnerable group for online scams?

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ’ Stacey is obsessed with a charm necklace from Gimme.

๐Ÿ’ธ Monz recommends the K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Amelia is loving her free calendar from the chemist, which helps her and her kids to visualise their holiday plans.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

There's a new parenting trend, and it's basically the excuse we've been waiting for. 'Other people's parenting nearly ruined my holiday. So now I'm a half-arsed parent.' 'I've finally cracked the code to screen time, and it only took this one thing.' CLARE STEPHENS: A rude stranger, a note from a neighbour and the age of utter intolerance. It's time we stopped putting ourselves first.

MOVE by Mamamia is the app that helps you fit movement into your every day. Whether you have 10 minutes, or 45, we've got the workout that fits your time, space and body. Get $20 off an annual subscription until the end of January when you use code PARENTING at checkout. Start your free trial today.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-01-16
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Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition

Parenting comes with big ideas, cultural moments and the occasional guilty pleasure, and this week we’re unpacking all three.

Are fancy lollies the new Labubus? Stacey thinks this might be another sign adults are craving whimsy.

Plus, Amelia has declared Bluey’s dad Bandit a certified DILF, and we dig into why hot dads are suddenly everywhere.

And finally, Monz asks the hard question: has kids sport officially got out of control? Between fees, uniforms and weekend travel, is the cost of competition the newest victim of cozzie livs?

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿš˜ Stacey recommends the Kmart portable folding lap desk for just $13, a road trip game-changer with a built-in storage lid.

โœ‹ Monz wants you to try a specific greeting when you bump into other mums on a walk or run — a free, instant mood booster! (Guess which host is rolling her eyes)

 ๐Ÿ‘œ Amelia is loving the Project Ten Beach Bag; a recycled plastic tote from a small Geelong business, which is perfect for Summer!

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

What to read: 

Why grown adults are obsessed with toothy little monsters called Labubus. The rise of the teddy bear adult. 'The 'boring' parent is the unsung hero': 5 things Bluey has taught me about parenting. Good dads get more sex. It's official. And not even a little bit surprising. 10 realities of kids’ sport that every parent understands.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-01-09
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The Precise Reason We Need To Reverse The Parent-Child Hierarchy

Friends, do you too have a box of keepsakes? Perhaps teeny tiny socks, some pre-school era artworks, maybe even some old baby teeth or twenty? Well your parents might have been a collector and we pitch that perhaps there’s some truth to this form of maximalism. 

Plus, are we rushing kids out of childhood? Experts are saying that to delay delay delay when it comes to kids’ first years of school but there are some serious things missing from that theory which we’re going to talk about. 

And, why we might just need to reverse the parent/child hierarchy and force our kids to fit into our schedules. Monz, Stacey and Amelia make the argument that our friend catch ups and our schedules are JUST as important as Timmy’s 3 hour soccer practice. 

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ’Œ Stacey recommends a Meghan-esque parenting hack to capture the moments you might otherwise forget. 

๐Ÿ“š Amelia recommends The Crucial Years to help guide those tricky conversations about sex and puberty with your kids.

๐Ÿ’„ Monz is all about the lanoplips 12 hr overnight lip mask.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

What to read: 

'I'm being told to delay my son's start at school, so I went and got the facts.' Meghan Markle writes a letter every night. They won't be opened for years. Exactly how much it costs to put kids through school in 2025. 'I got a small pay rise at work. Our childcare fees are now crippling us.' 'I've cracked the childcare code during the school holidays (and no, it's not vacation care).' Does it still take a village to raise a child? We asked 20 mums. 'Say goodbye to your Saturday mornings!' 7 parents and an expert on kids' extracurriculars.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-01-02
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A Genius Mental Health Pyramid & Our Dirty Little Parenting Secrets

Happy Holidays Parents! Are you having fun, are you a bit sweaty, dehydrated? Well don’t be, because today we're going to talk about:

The mental health pyramid for both kids and adults that is both genius and incredibly simple. Plus, should you be able to choose who you sit next to on a flight and if so, would you ever sit next to a stranger’s baby again? And, do you have shameful little secrets? For some it’s Diet Coke, others the Real Housewives… Amelia it’s a rather quaint delicacy. We talk about the silly habits that get us through the motherhood trenches. 

Our Recommendations:

๐ŸŽ’ Stacey recommends a car hack that will stop you foraging for all your sh*t and ensure you're never out of tampons again. 

๐Ÿ“บ Amelia is all for ABC Cartoon Live Stream. Sometimes newer just isn’t better. 

๐Ÿฅฌ Monz has got the best food hack you’ll ever hear, the Too Good To Go App is Uber Eats for restaurants/cafes fighting food waste. Want $30 assorted things from Bakers Delight for $10 - this is the place.

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What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

What to read: 

HOLLY WAINWRIGHT: The details that make Nicole and Keith's split kind of about us. The 5 'rules' for reclining your seat on a plane. The ripple effect of mental illness no one warned us about, and what actually helps. In defence of Diet Coke.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-12-26
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No-Hugs Christmas & Where Are All The Weird Kids?

The Christmas rush has officially brought a new generational conflict: Grandparenting on Eggshells. We unpack the tension between teaching kids bodily autonomy and avoiding the Grandma guilt trip.

Plus, where did all the weird kids go? Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks blame late-stage capitalism, social media surveillance, and a collective fear of deviance for the new conformity epidemic.

And, we've had a few epiphanies this week. Between sending your kids on an errand and rewatching a Christmas classic, we're realising just how much the mental load has increased for parents. 

Our Recommendations:

โ˜• Amelia is all about sending kids to get a coffee. Empowering your little ones with a simple errand.

๐Ÿฐ Stacey recommends making a fruit cake; it's showy, it's healthy and it's waaay easier than actually baking.

๐Ÿ“บ Monz wants you to rewatch Home Alone as an adult.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Gentle Parenting Just Got Flipped Off & This Season's Ultimate Flex Is This Our “Seatbelt Moment” & The Royal Christmas Spiral A Wicked Elephant In The Room & The Science Behind The Perfect Age Gap The Exact Reason We Stopped Getting Naked The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

Baby names, and the trap millennial women are falling into. 'Apparently, all kids need to hear these four words. Turns out, so do I.' 'Every parent has an ‘I Don’t’ list at Christmas time. Here’s exactly what’s on mine.' Conspiracies, real spiders and potato snow: 25 things you might not know about Home Alone.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-12-19
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Gentle Parenting Just Got Flipped Off & This Season's Ultimate Flex

Is the ultimate parenting flex actually… no gifts at all? Because according to The Cut, Millennial parents now fall into two dramatic camps:
Camp Maximalist: “Here’s every toy that's ever been produced.”
Camp Minimalist: “Your present is… presence.”

Meanwhile, gentle parenting has officially been cancelled. After a viral post dragged the whole “boundary-less vibes only” approach, we’re gathered here today to mount a defence before it’s declared emotionally supportive manslaughter.

And in other critical news, the internet is deep into an investigation of the gossip going on about the Millennial mum group — Ashley Tisdale, Mandy Moore, and Hilary Duff — basically the Avengers of wholesome parenting. What are they hiding? PTA secrets? Matching snack schedules? We will, of course, be looking into it with the seriousness it deserves… which is none.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ•บStacey is all about jumping up and down 50 times a day. Fear not, she does explain why.

๐Ÿ“– Monz recommends The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage.

๐ŸนAmelia recommends cordial. Retro but brilliant. 

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Is This Our “Seatbelt Moment” & The Royal Christmas Spiral A Wicked Elephant In The Room & The Science Behind The Perfect Age Gap The Exact Reason We Stopped Getting Naked The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

Gentle parenting is all over Instagram. But it's not always gentle on parents. OPINION: 'You're not gentle parenting, you're Instagram parenting.' 'I'm a parenting expert and there's a new parenting trend that could do more harm than good.' 'I was in the 'cool gang' of Mother's Group. I didn't like the person I became.' 'I joined a mother’s group for parenting tips. What I found was something darker.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-12-12
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Is This Our โ€œSeatbelt Momentโ€ & The Royal Christmas Spiral

Uh-oh. The Wiggles are in hot water after popping up in a video with some 'unusual' lyrics — and it’s forcing us to ask what we really expect from children’s entertainers.

We’re also calling out the new under-16 social media laws as this generation’s 'seatbelt moment': a long-overdue, system-wide safeguard for kids’ developing brains.

Plus, the problem with nostalgia. The 'last time' TikTok trend might look wholesome, but it could be quietly distracting us from the moments we’re actually living.

And finally: how does your family decorate for Christmas? We’re diving into a certain Royal Family’s festive… enthusiasm. ๐Ÿ‘€

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ’… Stacey is obsessed with Sally Hansen instant nail polish remover.  

๐ŸŽจ Monz recommends the Cricut machine.

๐Ÿฅฆ Amelia recommends 'crunch plates' to get the kids munching.

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud A Wicked Elephant In The Room & The Science Behind The Perfect Age Gap The Exact Reason We Stopped Getting Naked The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

We break down everything you need to know about Australia's under-16 social media ban. Details on how Australia's social media ban for under-16s will work are finally becoming clear. 'The 6 answers I needed about the social media age restriction that's coming.' 'What's your favourite nostalgic Christmas tradition? Your answer tells me everything.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-12-05
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A Wicked Elephant In The Room & The Science Behind The Perfect Age Gap

Science has finally established the perfect age gap for siblings, but who is this helping? One of our hosts hates it more than others. 

And it's the Wicked elephant in the room: Hollywood's return to extreme thinness is prompting us to question what's being modelled to our sons and daughters.

Also, the rising trend of kindymoons. What are they? Who's taking them and why? We discuss.

Plus, we deep-dive into the multi-billion dollar trend of matching Christmas pyjamas and whether this consumer identity is really for the kids, or just for the 'gram. Monique, Stacey and Amelia share where they stand. 

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ“บ Stacey wants you to watch The Celebrity Traitors UK on Tenplay.

๐ŸŽ„ Monz recommends the Lions Christmas Fruit Cake.

๐ŸŽจ Amelia is obsessed with Posca Paint Markers.

For help and support for eating disorders, contact the Butterfly Foundation’s National Support line and online service on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673).

$21 off - Mamamia’s massive Black Friday Deal.Get an all access pass to Mamamia for just $48. Enjoy $21 off a yearly subscription, ends 1 December 2025!

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Exact Reason We Stopped Getting Naked The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

‘I was exhausted by parenting alone. Now my best mate and her two kids live with me.’ 'My mum friends whispered their summer plans like secrets. Then I realised what we were doing.' A brutally honest review of the new Wicked movie. Okay, it's time we talk about the thing we're all too scared to talk about. 'This is the worst reality show I've ever watched. I never want it to end.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-11-28
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The Exact Reason We Stopped Getting Naked

The new trend of 'underconsumption core' is taking on Black Friday, but is this thrifty, anti-consumerist vibe even achievable for parents who are the ultimate victims of the 'stuff' economy? Special guest host Luca Lavigne joins Stacey Hicks and Monique Bowley to unpack.

Plus, casual nudity is slowly disappearing from the public pool and gym change rooms but what does this mean for our kids? Welcome to the era of physical prudes but emotional nudists. 

And, we're stumbling into Spotify Wrapped season, the annual moment of profound parental shame. We unpack the need for a 'Parent Incognito Mode' that censors results because nobody wants their friends seeing 9,000 hours of Chicken Boonana or KPop Demon Hunters.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ‘• Stacey wants you to try a clever laundry hack.

๐Ÿ’ธ Monz recommends the instagram account Two Broke Chicks for all the Black Friday deals. 

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Luca is obsessed with the app Shopback to get some money back on the purchases you're planning. 

And an extra recommendation, to watch Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy on Netflix. 

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

Spotify Wrapped is here. Here's what you need to know. 'K-Pop Demon Hunters is breaking records on Netflix. Here's why I'm obsessed with it.' As Black Friday sales kick off, these are the dodgy sales tactics to look out for. 'I’m teaching my daughter to love her body. But I hate my own.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Luca Lavigne

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-11-21
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The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds

Shay Mitchell's skincare line for toddlers is here. So, are sheet masks for your three-year-old just some harmless fun, or the latest commodification of girlhood?

And, everyone says “it takes a village”, but we beg to differ. Monique, Stacey and Amelia unpack why community is harder than ever to build, and whether we even want a village at all.

Plus, we have a new term for you: 'Hub-Sons' (aka 'Trad sons'). These stay-at-home sons are  causing quite a stir amongst a particular group who are not very happy about this new breed of men.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿฅ— Stacey recommends the Tik Tok famous, zero-cook 'Dense Bean Salad'.

๐ŸŽ„ Monz recommends um... 'wanking your tree' — bear with us here — it's the simple hack of making your budget friendly Christmas Tree feel a little more elevated. 

๐Ÿค“ Amelia is obsessed with Hard Quiz Kids, the trivia show that has her entire family invested. 

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

'"Trad sons" are the new breed of men. And I'm not mad about it.' The Princess of Wales has released her first statement since announcing her cancer diagnosis. This 15-year-old launched her skincare line at Sephora. Kids as young as 8 attended. 'My 9-year-old asked to borrow my skincare. What she said next floored me.' Does it still take a village to raise a child? We asked 20 mums.

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-11-14
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The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy

Call it what you like — sleep deprivation/sleep recession/The Exhaustion Economy —but when you're not getting enough sleep as a parent, it's sheer torture. And when actor Keira Knightley named it for the hell it is, every parent felt it in their (tired) bones. This week, we’re unpacking the long-haul burnout that comes with parenting — and the societal shrug that keeps it invisible.

Meanwhile, if you think your parenting Group Chats are delivering chaos, you're not alone. Amelia (ever the secret Nicole) has three golden rules to survive them, while Monz is rolling out the five parent archetypes you’ll absolutely recognise. ๐Ÿ‘€

And finally — the Melbourne Cup. Should the 'race that stops a nation' have stopped your daycare too? For some kids, it did this year. We’re asking if early exposure to The Cup is normalising gambling way too young.

Our Recommendations:

๐ŸŽถ Stacey is obsessed with Yoto, the screen free audio players for stories, music and podcasts. 

โ˜€๏ธ Monz recommends Whipscreen, a sunscreen which might help sensory-sensitive kids. 

๐Ÿ“• Amelia recommends The First Six Weeks by Cathryn Curtin, for any parents of freshly-hatched little ones. 

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

We asked mums for the sleep advice they wish they knew. They all said these 3 things. There are 7 types of rest, and only one involves a good night's sleep. The art of functioning on broken sleep. 'Gambling addiction started as a slow burn. Soon it was all consuming.'

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-11-07
Link to episode

The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard

Did you grow up in a home with a favourite child? Do you secretly favour one of your own kids? We unpack the expert opinions and whether or not parental favouritism actually matters in the long run. 

Plus, we deep-dive into Jennifer Lawrence's recent The New Yorker profile where she shares what her life looks like postpartum and how returning to work has left her feeling like a fundamentally different person. Relate, much?

And, from Jennifer Aniston opening up about adoption to Hailey Bieber sharing the secret that helps her raise her son, it seems like the A-listers are finally peeling back the curtain on the unvarnished truth about having kids.

Our Recommendations:

๐Ÿ“บ Stacey is obsessed with the new show Building The Band. 

๐ŸŽฒ Monz recommends the simple but powerful children's game Spot It! — a secret weapon of OTs and speech therapists for motor skills and focus.

๐Ÿ“ฐ Amelia is desperate for you to read the Jennifer Lawrence Profile so you too can join the conversation.

For support for perinatal & postnatal depression and anxiety please reach out to the Gidget Foundation.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next: 

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

What to read: 

11 years ago, Jennifer Lawrence predicted her future with freakish accuracy. 'When I was a teen, I overheard my mum say who her favourite child was. It wasn't me.' The Password Child: The new way of knowing if you have a favourite child. I have a favourite child. Here's why. We need to debrief about the first year of motherhood.

THE END BITS: 

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton 

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-10-31
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Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies

Parenting can involve big ideas, public debates and the odd festive guilt trip - and this week, we’re tackling all three.

The man who created Adolescence has a new idea for how dads can connect with their sons - it’s beautiful, but one of us hates it.

Plus, Amelia dives into the kids party photo that’s divided Australia: can you really “bags” a park table?

And finally, it’s Elf O’Clock. Monz realises she’s the last mum on earth without a tiny spy living in her house, and wonders aloud if there are some traditions that should just be left alone.

Our recommendations: 

๐Ÿ’„Stacey recommends you treat yourself to a $150 Mecca makeup lesson (redeemable on product) where you learn game-changing tips.

โค๏ธ‍๐Ÿฉน Monz wants you to check out A Year of Healing by Lucy Ormonde on Substack, a brilliant guide to showing up for a friend going through cancer.

โฐ Amelia is recommending Dr Dan Shapiro’s idea of time-ins: five minutes of phone-free, one-on-one time fully led by your child.

Support independent women's media

WHAT TO LISTEN TO:

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

WHAT TO READ: 

So your friend's been diagnosed with breast cancer. Here's how you can help. No Elf on the Shelf or Santa photos: The 6 Christmas traditions I'm cancelling this year. 'My daughter found out the Elf on the Shelf isn't real because of an article I wrote.' There's one question we're all asking since watching Adolescence. An expert just answered it. 'As a mum of teen boys, Adolescence was a sobering watch.' 'I had breast cancer and I'd love for my story to scare the s**t out of you.'

THE END BITS: 

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton 

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-10-24
Link to episode

The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate

Spooky season is just about to hit and we’re asking: what’s the point of Halloween, anyway? And are Australians missing one crucial trick about it that could change... everything? Monz unpacks.

Then, Amelia makes a bold claim — some nepo babies are better than others. But why do some rise while others flop, even within the same famous family?

And in a twist no one saw coming, Hailey Bieber just became our accidental parenting guru. Yep, that wasn't on our bingo card for 2025 either. Stacey has feelings. Big feelings. 

Grab your headphones and join the conversation. 

Our recommendations:

๐ŸŽจ Stacey is a fan of the Hey Doodle drawing mats for the creative kiddos AND the podcast She Built That.

๐ŸŒŒ Amelia loves the app Stellarium, for all your stargazing needs. 

๐Ÿ“• And Monz wants you to read 'the best children's book ever'. Hunwick's Egg by Mem Fox.  

Support independent women's media

WHAT TO LISTEN TO:

Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Prince William Flips The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy The 'Normal' We Need To Interrogate & The Father's Day Rethink The Third Kid Dessert Analogy & FFS, Stop With The Texts Dr Becky's DFK Theory & The Great Trampoline Debate Check out She Built That Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

WHAT TO READ: 

From Double Nepo to Semi-Nepo: The nepo baby universe has expanded. The rise of the nepo babies 2.0. Victoria Beckham shared her makeup 'rules' for Harper. Here's what 7 mums had to say about theirs. 13 whimsical and spooky Halloween movies for cowards. The Hailey Bieber 'documentary' everyone’s talking about, and everything that happened since.

THE END BITS: 

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton 

GET IN TOUCH:

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

CREDITS:

Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-10-17
Link to episode
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