The Well: Recent Episodes

Mamamia Podcasts

Want to live a happier, healthier life, without the woo-woo, the hours of meditation, or adult colouring-in books? Join radio and TV host Robin Bailey and author Rebecca Sparrow as they roadtest techniques for a better, happier, and more meaningful life. Whether it's relationships, work, families, exercise or your life admin that needs a lift, learn the habits, tips and tricks to make your life happier and more meaningful, day to day.

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Ready for your weekly dose of unfiltered women's health? From awkward body quirks to the latest health headlines, nothing is off-limits. Dr Ginni Mansberg and Cath Mahoney tackle why you should think twice before trying injectable peptides, whether the shingles vaccine could actually lower your risk of dementia, and if the viral rebounding trend is worth jumping up and down over.

In Are You Well? they shed light on two surprisingly common issues: why we get haemorrhoids (and whether you should actually be shoving them back up), and how to tell if your nipple hair is totally normal or a sign of something else.

Plus, in Asking for a Friend, Dr Ginni answers your real-life anonymous health questions, from what’s really driving recurrent UTIs to why you’re suddenly passing way more wind in public.

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Leave us an 'Asking for a Friend' voice note here.

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Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series is here! 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, instant access. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.

CREDITS

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Cath Mahoney

Senior Producer: Tina Matolov

Executive Producer: CourtneyAmmenhauser

Audio Producer: Tina Matolov

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this episode of Well, Dr. Ginni Mansberg and Cath Mahoney dive into the health headlines, from the truth about flavanols to the reality of IUD insertion pain and the viral ear-seeding trend.

They unpack why so many of us join the "3 AM Club". Learn actionable sleep-hygiene strategies to break the middle-of-the-night waking cycle without reaching for your phone.

And, they tackle listener health questions. Dr Ginni breaks down what actually causes late-afternoon belly bloating and explains why sudden rogue chin hairs might point to hormonal shifts like PCOS or perimenopause.

GET IN TOUCH

Leave us an 'Asking for a Friend' voice note here.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series is here! 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, instant access. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.

CREDITS

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Cath Mahoney

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Simone Skinner-Smith

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Dr Ginni Mansberg and Cath Mahoney separate health fact from fiction, unpacking a promising breakthrough in cancer prevention, what your grip strength really says about your health, and whether bone broth and olive oil deserve their wellness halo.

Then, they reveal why midlife belly fat is different, what really drives hormonal migraines, and why sleep, stress, and strength training matter more than you think.

Plus, in Asking for a Friend, Dr Ginni answers two questions women ask all the time: are bladder leaks ever normal, and why are you still exhausted after eight hours of sleep?

GET IN TOUCH

Leave us an 'Asking for a Friend' voice note here.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series is here! 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, instant access. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.

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.

CREDITS

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Cath Mahoney

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Simone Skinner-Smith

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Missed your weekly dose of health news? In What The Health, GP Dr Ginni Mansberg and comedian Cath Mahoney are unpacking the stories everyone’s talking about—from why HRT patches are still hard to find and what alternatives are finally arriving, to the simple strength training “sweet spot” linked to a longer, healthier life.

They’re also getting to the bottom of a viral TikTok trend: can testosterone cream really give you better skin, or is it a recipe for breakouts and unwanted hair?

In Are You Well?, Dr Ginni reveals how much water women actually need, why dehydration can leave you feeling flat and foggy, and the warning signs of pre-diabetes that many people miss.

And in Asking for a Friend, she answers your real-life questions—from spotting with Mirena to unexpected odours and whether perimenopausal brain fog is normal or something more serious.

GET IN TOUCH

Leave us an 'Asking for a Friend' voice note here.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series is here! 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, instant access. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.

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.

CREDITS

Hosts: Dr Ginni Mansberg & Cath Mahoney

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Simone Skinner-Smith

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Social Producers: Elly Moore & Marlena Cacciotti

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 dietitian 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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Dr Stacy Sims knows more about women's fitness than pretty much anyone we've ever spoken to.

She's the exercise expert who went viral for her breakfast routine, but that's just the beginning. Dr Sims is an exercise physiologist and nutritional scientist who's become the go-to authority for grown-up women navigating fitness in 2025.

In this conversation, Stacey shares why so much mainstream fitness advice is complete bullshit for women. She explains how ice baths, fasting, and soul-crushing cardio weren't designed for female bodies, and why "shrinking and pinking" men's advice doesn't serve us.

You're going to hear about the surprising differences between male and female physiology, why women aren't just "small men" when it comes to health, and what we actually need to feel vibrant and strong. Plus, yes, she'll reveal that famous breakfast that caught the internet's attention.

You can follow Dr Stacy Sims here and find out more about her work here.

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CREDITS:

Guest: Dr Stacy Sims

Host: Holly Wainwright

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Tina Matolov

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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What does it actually look like to live, heal, and thrive when your physical health has been pushed to the absolute limit?

In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Morrisby, who shares her extraordinary, radical journey of body survival and transformation. Born with a rare condition that left her missing the vital ganglion cells in her digestive tract, Aimee spent her entire childhood navigating severe medical trauma, culminating in a major surgery that left her with a permanent ileostomy and just 60 centimetres of small bowel.

Aimee opens up about the deep emotional realities of her fertility journey, the profound gift of sisterly surrogacy that brought her healthy daughter into the world, and the terrifying moment she decided to walk away from her career, go cold turkey on chronic pain medications, and radically rewrite her own health from the inside out.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

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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.

CREDITS

Host: Grace Rouvray

Guest: Aimee Morrisby

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Is your skincare routine actually working against you?

In this episode of Well, we dive into the fascinating world of the gut-skin axis - the very real internal superhighway connecting your microbiome straight to your face. Dr Mariam breaks down the actual science of probiotics, explaining why grabbing whatever is on special at the chemist won't fix targeted skin issues.

Plus, they are joined by functional medicine practitioner Victoria Pavasovic to discuss why your skin might literally be "screaming" at you. Victoria reveals the major mistakes we are all making when it comes to overtreating our skin clinics, why drinking litres of water without electrolytes is a myth, and the simple "three questions" you need to ask yourself before every single meal to heal your body from the inside out.

You can find Victoria at Gut Skin Clinic in Neutral Bay, Sydney, or on her website here.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

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.

CREDITS

Hosts: Grace Rouvray & Dr Mariam

Guests: Victoria Pavasovic

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Can your genes influence what you eat, how your gut works, and even why coriander tastes like soap to some people? This week on Well, food and nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett cuts through the noise around gut health and explains what the science actually says.

From probiotics and Greek yoghurt to taste receptors hidden throughout your gut, we unpack the surprising ways genetics shape our relationship with food. Dr Beckett reveals why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesn't work, what the microbiome can (and can't) tell us about health, and why the wellness industry's obsession with gut hacks may be missing the point.

Plus, Dr Mariam answers a listener's question about constipation, ageing and menopause, and explains why some gut symptoms deserve a closer look.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

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.

CREDITS

Hosts: Grace Rouvray & Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Emma Beckett

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What if the plastic container you're heating your leftover lunch in is actively rewriting your hormones?

Environmental chemist Dr Paul Harvey unpacks the terrifying reality of microplastics, explaining how these tiny particles act like "micro knives," physically scratching our delicate gut lining and leaching creepy, hormone-disrupting chemicals into our system. Food scientist Dr Emma Beckett also weighs in, offering a much-needed reality check on balancing plastic panic with actual food safety.

Then, we dive into "matressence," the massive, identity-shifting transition into motherhood. It turns out "baby brain" isn't a myth or a social media trend; real neuroimaging shows a mother's brain structurally prunes its grey matter to specialise for a baby, right as estrogen and progesterone drop off a perimenopause-level cliff.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

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.

CREDITS

Hosts: Grace Rouvray & Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Paul Harvey & Dr Emma Beckett

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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

Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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At just 26 years old, Emily Harrison Suhr found a lump in the shower and within weeks was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Nearly a decade later, she is living with metastatic breast cancer and confronting the realities of a terminal illness that few people talk about openly.

In this episode, Emily shares the truth about what cancer has taken from her, and what it hasn't. From early menopause and financial stress to intimacy, marriage and navigating other people's expectations, she speaks candidly about the challenges of living with a disease that has no cure.

Emily is breaking down misconceptions and creating space for honest conversations about mortality, relationships and resilience. This is a powerful discussion about life, love and finding joy in the face of uncertainty.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Host: Dr Mariam

Guest: Emily Harrison-Suhr

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on.Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What if the biggest barrier to better sex isn’t your body, your partner, or your libido, but the shame and silence surrounding it?

In this episode, Dr Mariam sits down with Australia’s go-to sexologist, Chantelle Otten, for a candid, practical and deeply reassuring conversation about sex, intimacy and why so many of us are still too embarrassed to talk about what’s happening in the bedroom.

From mismatched libidos and postpartum desire dips to painful sex, vaginismus and the mental load that can kill the mood before anyone even makes it to bed, Chantelle explains why great sex isn’t about performance, it’s about curiosity, communication and giving yourself permission to change the rules.

Plus, she answers your anonymous listener questions: Why can you orgasm alone but not with a partner? Is it normal to lose all desire after kids? And what should you know before going to your first sex party?

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

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.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Chantelle Otten

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Why does sex sometimes feel like a chore or worse, a pain? And does your GP really care what your "down there" looks like during a pap smear?

In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr. Mariam dive deep into the complexities of sexual health and pelvic wellness. They are joined by sexual medicine consultant Dr. Karen Freilich to break down the science of dyspareunia (painful intercourse). From the "Car Alarm" theory of pain to the "Accelerator and Brake" model of desire, we explore why your body might be tensing up and how to hit the reset button.

Plus, in Med School, we tackle a viral TikTok myth: Is women's saliva more acidic than men's, and does that mean we're doomed to more cavities? We look at the research (or lack thereof) and why "pink" toothpaste isn't a thing.

And, in the Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam answers Kayla’s burning question: When you're in the stirrups for a cervical screening, can the doctor see your butthole? (Hint: They’re more worried about their laundry than your anatomy).

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

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.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr. Karen Freilich

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Can an infection from the 1800s really be trebling in Australia right now? Is there actually a cell in the human body large enough to see without a microscope? And how do you protect your gut microbiome?

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire speak to Dr Melanie Besser, a Sexual Health Physician, to unpack why 'old-school' infections like syphilis and gonorrhoea are surging across the country. They discuss the rise of antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs', the "Great Mimic" rash you shouldn't ignore, and why the 1980s Grim Reaper campaign might have left us more traumatised than protected.

We also talk about why Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is now being viewed through a lens of sexual transmission and how treating a male partner might be the key to stopping the cycle of recurrence. Plus, we look at the new "foxy" pathogens like Mycoplasma genitalium that are being talked about on TikTok and why they're often mistaken for a standard UTI.

In Med School, we discover the powerhouse of the human body: the egg. And, in the Quick Consult, we explain how microbiome shifts after major surgery.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Melanie Besser

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Why do women in long-term relationships often lose their 'spark' while men seem to have an on-off switch? Is your hair dryer actually causing your colour to fade? And, can you get a medical 'crystal ball' to tell you exactly how many eggs you have left?

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire speak to Dr Eva Jackson, a Sexual Health Physician, to unpack the complex world of female desire. They discuss the difference between 'spontaneous' and 'reactive' arousal, why the word 'libido' might be outdated, and the medical reasons - from antidepressants to hormonal shifts - that might be stalling your sex life.

Plus, inMed School, Claire and Dr Mariam look at the science of hair health. We reveal the research-backed way to dry your hair to prevent cuticle damage (hint: it involves a ruler and a blast of cold air) and why leaving your hair to air-dry might actually be doing more harm than good.

And, in the Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Catherine’s question about 'ticking clock' anxiety. We break down what tests like AMH levels can actually tell you about your fertility at 27, why your partner’s health is just as important in the equation, and why a preconception screen is the best first step for peace of mind.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Doctor Eva Jackson

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

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TRANSCRIPT

You're listening to a Mamamia podcast.

Mariam, what gets you going sexually?

00:10Speaker 2

It is when my husband shows up, just appears. When he does, like, things without me asking, right, So, my goodness, Like he's packed the kids their lunches, he's taken a bit of my mental load. He's done a bit of cleaning. Men do not understand.

00:31Speaker 1

Okay, men do not understand me. Take a little bit of mental load, it is so hot

00:38Speaker 2

So hot,

00:46Speaker 1

Hi there, welcome to Well your Full Body Health Check. I'm Claire Murphy.

00:50Speaker 2

And I'm doctor Mariam.

00:51Speaker 1

And today we're talking about Libido time to get spicy. There is always a lot of comparisons about how women's health issues have been overlooked while men get pills for a rectile dysfunction, But there are actually pills for women's desire too, which we will discuss. But we'll also touch on what it is about us that so many of us do seem to lose spark over time. We'll also have a quick consult for Catherine today. She's got a ticking clock issue and she wants to know how to maybe quieten it down just a little bit. But next mariam are you a blow dry girl, after you wash your hair or do you let it just do its thing and air dry.

01:33Speaker 2

I'm gonna be honest. I actually wash my hair every seven to ten days. I know, I know, you know why. I have so much hair, So I have to blow dry my hair after I've had to wash. But I do it in segments because there's so much and it takes so long.

01:50Speaker 1

Oh, this is me crying you tears of sadness for your I have so much glorious flowing hair that it takes me hours to dry, so much work.

02:00Speaker 2

I actually get like I sweat, it's like almost need to shower again. So I'll do like a light blow dry to start with, and then I'll do like a quarter and proper and then I'll just take a couple of hours off and then revisit.

02:13Speaker 1

Over two days, just take breaks between.

02:16Speaker 2

It hurts my arms so painful.

02:19Speaker 1

Rip your hairdresser. Okay, Well, next in med school, I'm gonna reveal which one to blow dry or not to blow dry is actually better for your hair.

Welcome to med school.

Is it better for your hair to leave it to dry naturally or use a blow dry? I unlike you with your glorious tresses have very fine hair, not a lot of it, so I almost have to race from the shower to the hair dry before it starts drying by itself.

02:47Speaker 2

What happens if it dries.

02:48Speaker 1

If it dries naturally by itself, it ends up in weird shapes. Okay, so it's naturally straight, so I don't straighten it. But if I don't blow dried, it's almost stuck to my scalp and it's very flat, so it needs some kind of air in there for vol But if you've ever visited a hairdresser, they will have different opinions, which is funny because they'll tell you you need to put stuff on your hair to protect it from any heat, and we use a lot of heat with curlers or straighteners or hair dryers whilst they simultaneously fry your hair as they blow right from the roots right. But here's the thing. Your hair can absorb about thirty percent of its weight when it's wet, so it soaks up the water and swells from the inside. So what that means is it's stretching your hair's outer layer or cuticle, and that puts pressure on the cell membrane complex. That's the glue that holds all those cuticles together and forms the length of your hair. So if you leave it wet, it stays in that vulnerable swollen state for longer, and then cracks can form due to that swelling. That is what then causes damage to the cuticle itself, and sometimes it can also cause your colour to fade because the color is absorbed in them. And then if you leave it wet and out to dry naturally, can crack that and make the colour stuff to go right, So, what is the best option for hair health? According to research. Yes, research has been done on this. Blow drying on medium heat from fifteen centimeters away fifteen fifteen Oh jeez, I know.

04:17Speaker 2

It's it's fair ways away from your head. That's more arm work.

04:21Speaker 1

It is more arm work. You can get bigger by steps, keep the dryer moving so it doesn't heat up one area for too long, and then drying it till it's just about eighty percent and then leaving the rest to dry naturally. Okay, that apparently causes less damage than just doing nothing. So little bit of heat not too much. So apparently then too, you should finish off with a bit of a cool blast of air because it helps seal the cuticle part of it and also stops the residual heat.

04:50Speaker 2

And it holds its shape longer.

04:52Speaker 1

Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, So just measure fifteen to get a ruler. Jeez, measure fifteen centimeters away from you head.

05:00Speaker 2

Yeah, it's going to be a little bit hard work. Sorry about that.

05:04Speaker 1

On the way, today's check up, where we are off in search of all of our lost libidos,

or never found? Where did they go?

05:15Speaker 3

It's time for the checkup?

05:18Speaker 1

Mariam? What gets you going sexually?

05:20Speaker 2

Well, okay, if you ask me, ten years ago been very different, right, what is it today?

today? It is when my husband shows up, just appears, when he does like things without me asking, right, So, my goodness, Like he's packed the kids their lunches, he's taken a bit of my mental load, he's done a bit of cleaning.

05:44Speaker 1

Men do not understand. Okay, men do not understand me take a little bit of mental load. Is so hot?

05:54Speaker 2

It is so hot, so hot.

05:56Speaker 1

Yeah. But Mariam, do many women speak to you about not being motivated to have sex anymore?

06:01Speaker 4

Okay?

06:02Speaker 2

So women will often say I just don't feel like having sex anymore, and it's kind of like, oh, this is the status quo. I've accepted it, and it's not something they generally come to me with, so.

06:15Speaker 1

That's always they've already accepted this.

06:16Speaker 2

Yeah, that's where they're at, and it's like the norm and it's acceptable, and sometimes they don't offer that information. I as a GP like to cover a lot of sexual health in my consultations, and a lot of the time that I will get, is something wrong with me? And I want to say, nothing is wrong with you. You're not broken, and you're definitely not the only one feeling this way. Three of us in the room have put our hands up. In fact, Australian research shows that one in three women will experience low sexual desire at some point in their life, so that's a third of us. So if you're nodding along right now, you're in good company. And what's interesting, it's rarely about not wanting sex. Sometimes it's medical, sometimes emotion. On a lot of the time it's both. So let's start with the medical side of things. So a lot of the time there's a hormonal issue at play. You may have just had a baby, you might be going through perimenopause or menopause, and we know a lot of medications to side effect can be loss of libido. Then there's low iron, thyroid issues, chronic pain, endometriosis. They all can play a role as well, So before you start blaming yourself or your relationship, it's worth getting a checkup. Then there's the emotional and relationship side. So when you're juggling work, especially as a female, you've got your family, You've got the mental and emotional load, and that invisible to do list that just never ends. Your brain's just in this survival mode, and a brain that's trying to get through the day isn't exactly thinking, yes, let's get it on tonight, I really want some penis.

07:51Speaker 1

And there's something about like, you know, you might even be in a great frame of mind and thinking, yeah, I am feeling turned on right now, and then your partner will be like, where's my shoes and you're like, oh yeah, oh now, I'm just dealing with another child, and it's like that switches off immediately, right, So it doesn't take much to turn off. And we're not always visual creatures either. Women. We are very much in our heads and we like to be turned on in different ways, not just like and I know I've had conversations with my friends and one of my friends said, have any of your husbands just like pulled it out and said, hey, let's go, And we've all kind of gone yeah, and they're like, did that work for any of you? And one of our friends has got like quite a high libido and she's like, Yep, I'm ready to go anytime of the day or night, and that works for her. But for the rest of us, we were like, no, it does not work for me. But when I asked, have any of you talked to your husbands about that? And they're like, yeah, we tried to say something like that doesn't work, but none of us said what would work? Yeah, so the communication wasn't great with that either.

08:58Speaker 2

I always tell my husband's sex starts before the bedroom, and I know it's hard with kids, liked you kind of have to book in that intimacy.

09:05Speaker 1

Yep, and then there's always that paranoid that they're gonna wake up and walk in or whatever

09:09Speaker 2

But it's just like when it becomes schedule, it's just loses it. It just loses it. But yeah, for me, definitely sex starts before the bedroom. I'm not someone who's just going to be aroused because you've flopped out your penis. That doesn't talk for me, buddy, Yes.

09:24Speaker 1

It doesn't work. I mean for some it does like it just doesn't.

09:27Speaker 2

It's just doing that. It's just like this thing that's just like flopping there. It's just doesn't do it.

09:33Speaker 1

My friend said to me, your husband came up and said, hey, baby, have you seen this lately? And she said, yeah, I see it all the time. What? Come on, you can do better than that.

09:43Speaker 2

Pack it away, buddy,.

09:45Speaker 1

Put a little bit more effort in. But if someone is struggling to have this discussion with a medical professional, like if they feel like they've done what they can on their own and they want a bit of extra help, what do you suggest they do to get the ball rolling.

09:58Speaker 2

I would suggest if you want to speak to your GP about it, finding maybe like a woman's health GP to start with. A lot of unfortunately, gps aren't really comfortable with having this conversation. I've seen a lot of patients say, tried to bring this up in the past and I didn't really get much answers or help, and that kind of shut them down or made them feel embarrassed. So I think having that conversation with someone who has experience in the area is going to make you feel a lot more comfortable and you're going to get the results that you want. So I would start by finding a GP with experience and then just letting them know I'm not feeling myself, I'm not feeling connected, I don't feel like having sex anymore. Is there something medically happening, and then the doctor will just take it from there. They'll ask you all the questions and they will guide the consultation based on what they think is appropriate. A good GP will make you feel comfortable, ask the right questions, and give you the support that you need.

10:58Speaker 1

Yeah. WhenI started researching libido. I actually realized that I don't know what it is. We talk about it like it's a physical thing in our bodies. Yeah that you can like point to, yeah, point of like that's where my libido lives. But yeah, so really I don't know what it is other than it's the urge to have sex. But it is a lot more than that. We are pretty complicated beings us, ladies, and can I also say too that, like, if you don't want to have sex anymore and you're very comfortable with that like,

Thats fine!

There is no one telling you that you have to have sex to be you know, I don't know, af functioning human, Like, you can live without it if that's your choice, and you're very happy.

11:32Speaker 2

With that too, And a lot of people are and choose to them.

11:36Speaker 1

Yeah, exactly, like and that's totally fine. But like, can I say for my LGBTQI mates, And this is not saying that they are all like this, because we're all different, but they seem to be a lot better at engaging in sex but also just talking about it with each other, like grown ass humans who have once and needs and they're happy to like discuss that and put it out there.

11:58Speaker 2

I don't know whether that's it is a thing I don't definitely see. Like I find with a lot of my heterosexual female friends that sex often feels transactional. It's like, oh, it's just another to do this job to do it's like a job something get over with, all right done? You know, Yeah, that's amazing, jeez, Claire your winning. What we actually crave is that engagement, that emotional foreplay, that communication and touch that isn't really goal driven or like a tick off the list. And you're right, because a lot of the lgbtqi I folk. They seem to have more open conversations about sex, not because they're magically better at it, they probably are.

12:41Speaker 3

But.

12:43Speaker 2

Because their relationships often require more conscious communication from the start, and they've had to define what intimacy means to them rather than just following a script. And that's something I guess everyone can learn from, like having those open, honest conversations saying this is what it looks like for me.

13:02Speaker 1

I guess too when we're talking about libido in women. When we talk about men, for example, and we know that there are, you know, medical interventions for them, like rectile dysfunction pills, but there's this idea that if a man loses his ability to get or maintain an erection, that there is a problem, that there is a medical issue, and so him not being able to get an erection is an issue. But for women, we don't have that equivalent. So, like, I wonder, what are the medical benefits for us to have our libidos fully functioning? Like I know that there was some research recently that suggested that masturbation was good for you when you're in menopause, that it had benefits, But I'm not sure if we have an equivalent of a erectile dysfunction relating to a man being physically healthy as opposed to us not having a libido and not being physically healthy.

13:53Speaker 2

We have that hyperactive sexual desire disorder. So there is a term HSDD, and there is treatment for that for females who have low libido if they meet the criteria. But I don't know whether or not as females there is that added benefit medically from orgasms. I'm sure in the moment there is maybe mental health. Maybe mental health. Yeah, we'll have to look into that. It's interesting, definitely worth a chat.

14:21Speaker 1

Yeah. Next, doctor Eva Jackson's going to tell us more about where a libido actually lives, how to wake it up if it's been snooz’in a while, and what things we know about both medical and non medical approaches to help.

Okay, today's expert is doctor Eva Jackson. She is a sexual health physician, and we started our chat by asking her what even is a libido?

Now, Eva, I think we want to start off by at first kind of establishing what a libido even is, because, like, if there's something going on with our bodies, often we can point to the spot and go right, that is where the problem is. But when we talk about issues with our libido, we might think it might be in our vagina, but a lot of it's in our head. And so I wanted to just get a definition from you before we go any further. What is our libido? Does it exist as a physical structure, like what is it?

15:19Speaker 3

I guess in medicine, libido is something that we can divide into two parts. So we've got desire, so the one thing to have sex, and then there's the arousal part, and that's the physical part where you know, you get your palpitations, you get the tingling in your vagina, you get the wetness, and they can come together, but they can be separate issues as well too, And libido can be a little bit difficult to, you know, to understand, and often when I've got someone in front of me, I've got to actually ask them, well, what are you missing? I think it's different for everybody when you're talking about libido, and it's really important to really pin down what the problem is because it can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, and in the end, the whole full definition, you know, doesn't really apply to that individual person.

16:10Speaker 1

Well, can we even talk about using the word libido, because that word was coined quite a long time ago by Sigmund Freud, and many people now say that perhaps it's a little oversimplified, It ignores a lot of societal things, cultural factors, it lacks a fair bit of scientific evidence as well, and that it might sort of overemphasize sex itself in all of this rather than the desire part of it. Would you say that maybe it's time to rethink even using the word libido.

16:38Speaker 3

Yeah, before you mentioned it to me earlier, I sort of thought, well, libido is a word that I see, but we tend not to use a lot of. The original Freudian libido was based on sex, was that the motivation to have sex. But I think Freud sort of expanded his definition somewhat for just the motivation for life and general happiness. I think sometimes men, when they come in and they say they've got low libido, they tend to have a lot more problems with motivation for other things as well, not just libido. But when women come in and specifically say I've lost my libido, got low libidio, they really are talking about just lacking the motivation to want to have sex. So libido I don't like pure definitions. It doesn't work for me, especially now being such a multicultural community. You know, you can sit down with somebody and they use the word because they hear it, but they haven't quite understood it, and it's really what that means to you. Like I said, I prefer to use the word desire because that has connotations of want as opposed to a whole lot of other things libido might encompass. People might think it's sex, people might just think it's dysfunction and in some other way.

17:58Speaker 1

What can we talk about finding issues that we would then take to our doctor and say that I've lost my libido or I've got an issue with my libido. When someone comes in and says those things, are there tests that come to mind that can help people understand where they are physiologically or is this more of a something for our therapist to talk through, Like what sort of tests or medical intervention do we look at when someone comes in and says, I've got a problem with my libido?

18:26Speaker 3

So I guess we're really talking here about cis women. A lot of women when they come in saying you know, they've got a lot of libido, is that they actually don't feel like sex with their partner. And then it's understanding what's going on. There's certainly you want to ask a lot about what's happening sexually, what's happening about their relationship, work, you know, things that are going on around them, and then of course those physical issues as well. Is there genital pain, deep pain? Is there, you know, a lack of lubrication, what's actually going on? Depending on what the actual issue is, there may be tests. A lot of women go directly to hormones, especially if they're older. So am I sort of premenopausal? Am my menopausal? Is that going to affect me? And that might be worth some investigations, And of course if there's pain and other physical issues there may also be some investigations for that as well too. And of course if there are some sort of chronic diseases that may affect particularly arousal, so arousal being usually whilst women will define their arousal as really not lubricating very much, it's a bit more difficult to have sex. But often there are a lot of things going on around that don't have anything to do with a physical problem and then maybe it's more sort of talking it through.

19:51Speaker 1

What would you say the most common reasons are for women to either lose interest in that desire or to have issues with desiring sex.

20:02Speaker 3

I think the most common reason is being in a long term relationship. So the longer you're with a partner, the less spontaneous desire that you know, women tend to have. And I think it's that sort of Hollywood kind of sex sort of coming through in that when we first meet someone, that's all very exciting and there's a lot of chemicals going around us that sort of allows spontaneous desire just oh my god, I want it now, you know, and let's do it. It all works. So the thing is the longer you're with somebody that doesn't happen as much. It holds true for men. Men are a bit simpler in that respect, I guess is that there have an on off switch and that arousal is spontaneous. But for women there's a lot of, can be, a lot of other things that have to be right, you know, before they have spontaneous desire or not even spontaneous sort of a desire that's brought on that actually tells you, yeah, sex would be really nice right now. And I think a lot of people still believe that if they love someone, if they in the presence of someone they enjoy, that they should just have that arousal in them and that desire for them, which doesn't necessarily hold true.

21:16Speaker 1

Well, can we talk about that, because you've mentioned spontaneous desire a few times, and that is if you could explain what spontaneous desire is and then how there's this idea that maybe women are more reactive desire based rather than spontaneous.

21:31Speaker 3

So a spontaneous desire is just that you look at your partner or a someone, I want to have sex, and you've got the physical feelings on the inside that say, yes, let's do this now. And I think the longer you are with someone that doesn't necessarily hold true. It's just some spontaneous desire is really just looking and saying, yeah, that would be nice. And I think a lot of women would like to be more like men in that sort of way, Like.

21:58Speaker 1

It sounds easier, does a bit.

22:01Speaker 3

Yeah. The problem is I think in the beginning it's cultural. You know, once upon a time, you know, we weren't meant to have a libido women one hundred years ago. It's like that was women are meant to want to have sex, So now you're normal, but now we're supposed to want to have it, and suddenly you're not normal when you don't want to have it. So yeah, it is very culturally defined what's normal and what's not, and there's not as far as I'm concerned, really there's not an abnormal. It's really what you need right now and how can we make that better for you.

22:35Speaker 1

I wanted to speak to you too about the fact that there seems to be a lot of people in our social media feeds that claim they have the answer to fixing our libidos. That could be anything from acupuncture, pressure points, nasal sprays. We see the Kardashians have, you know, got lines of things that they are promoting as being libido fixes. What should we be aware of when it comes to looking at helping our sexual desires and a lot of the things that are maybe being marketed at us as solutions.

23:06Speaker 3

First thing is safety. You want to know if you're get to take a product, at least it's safe. If it doesn't do anything, you want it to be safe. There's a lot of placeebo. In these things, you buy something, it works initially because you believe it's going to work, and then it doesn't. Belief is really important when it comes to something like libido. I think like a lot of libido really has to do with communication. If you're in a long term monogamous relationship, if that's what we're talking about here, a lot of it is to do with the communication with your partner. Testosterone is usually the thing that women talk to me a lot about, which is a possibility in older women who have hit menopaude, and that's available for women if you know that you have a sort of what we call a hypo desire sort of disorder. It's not really appropriate for younger women, and it really is. Again, it's really communication and understanding what you need to improve your libido.

24:07Speaker 1

Well, can we talk about one thing. I saw a neuroscientist on my social media feed claiming that women getting just one extra hour of sleep a night increases her libido by fourteen percent. Now I do not know on what research he has based this claim on, but would you say that women getting more sleep does in fact help libido?

24:30Speaker 3

So I had a look at that and it comes from it. I think it was twenty fourteen or twenty eighteen paper. Well, extra sleep would help a lot of things. It certainly helps your energy levels and just your ability to do a lot of things during that day. So I certainly agree if you get good sleep, it was going to help.

24:50Speaker 1

There are lots of women online now who seem very concerned that maybe the oral contraceptive pill might be interrupting their libido. Do we have any research that proves that or disproves that?

25:02Speaker 3

Yeah, yeah, so there is there is research. The thing about the oral contraceptive pill is that it increases something called serum hormone binding globulin in your body. And as the name suggests, it binds hormone and so therefore your hormone is not available to you, and in particular, it binds testosterone. Women only have a tiny amount of testosterone. So for example, we say women normal amounts of testosterone is less than two for women, whereas men, you know, you're upwards of ten to ten to thirty, right, So we have tiny amounts. So for some women who have particular receptor types need more testosterone than others to get all of the testosterone functioning. Cells working, So that is true.

25:56Speaker 1

So you've mentioned a few times that a lot of the issues that you encounter with patients is probably a lack of communication, and that does often spring from being in a long term relationship. So would you say that therapy can actually help libido?

26:13Speaker 3

Yes, it can, and I think therapy with the partner is really important. You have a lot of women coming in who want to work on it alone because they believe it's their problem. The thing is, it's a couple's issue. The thing that reduces women's libido or desire the most is actually a long term relationship. So the easiest way to increase your desire is to get a new partner, and that's not really, it might be for some women they may actually need a new partner, but for a lot of women that's not an option. You need your partner to be involved to understand what's going on, because you know, people don't talk about sex very often, and so you go into a relationship it's all good sexually, you have your spontaneous arousal and fireworks go. But you're together for a while and it's not spontaneous anymore, and then it's the understanding of what she has to understand what she needs. That's hard enough as it is, let alone trying to communicate that to a partner, and we fall into these sexual scripts where we tend to do the same thing sort of every time, and it's very hard to get out of that. So, for example, you know, like I said, men often have more spontaneous arousal. They'll get home from work and partner is there and hey, she's pretty, let's do it. Whereas for her, it's not quite like that. In a lot of circumstances, and women may have spontaneous desire, but a lot of women may actually start their their sexual encounter somewhere else. Some women need emotional intimacy, you know, so they need shells of love and encouragement to get into that cycle. Some women just need to be touched, right, and maybe he's learned to touch her and ways that are really counter productive for her. But it's too hard to say otherwise and to sort of redirect the touching to what she prefers. And some women actually will start at orgasm before they have any spontaneous arousal kind of I'm difficult to understand if you're not one of those women. But you know, there's some women who will say, Okay, we'll just get into it, because I know once I get going, I have my orgasms. Then yeah, okay, I'm feeling it now, let's do this again. And of course there's those usual things of time factors, stress, children, needing a quiet space, needing to wind down.

28:40Speaker 1

What would you say to someone who is listening to this right now and thinks, yeah, I'm really struggling with this. What are the first steps that she can take? And when should she look at getting professional medical help with libido?

28:54Speaker 3

I think if she's got chronic disease, diseases on medication, it's worthwhile talking to the doctor. You know, is there a medication I'm on that's not helping. Often the main culprit can be antidepressants, you know, SSRIs that tends to reduce your desire, and if for a lot of women that can really produce an orgasmia of difficulty reaching orgasm, or not reaching orgasm at all, because it blocks a lot of pathways in that respect. Might be something as simple as changing medication perhaps, but if you’re otherwise fit and healthy, I think if you can actually talk to your partner, that's a really good start. And that's a really difficult, difficult conversation to have. And of course we're really talking about relationships that are respectful and loving as well. If you're talking about relationships that are coercive or violent or just have some bad history, I think that's another sort of route of counseling as well.

30:02Speaker 1

So Mariam does seem that communication seems to be the key here if your lack of libido or desire is not influenced by a chronic disease. But why is this so scary to talk about? Do you think?

30:13Speaker 2

I think as we were never taught how so, like most of us grew up with silence around sex and intimacy. Maybe we had some anatomy classes in school, maybe a warning about pregnancy or but there was never any teaching about pleasure connection or emotional intimacy. So when we try to talk about it as adults, it feels like we're vulnerable and we're exposing something deeply personal. Maybe we should be ashamed about it, maybe it will be judged for it And there's that fear of rejection or am I going to hurt this person's feelings because they're not providing for me the way that I want them too.

30:51Speaker 1

What if they like something that I don't like, is that going to be a deal breaker?

30:54Speaker 2

But the irony is as we try to avoid it, the bigger that gap comes. And the couples who thrive aren't the ones to have perfect sex lives. They're the ones who can talk about it without that shame or that fear of judgment. So I would just start small, sit down and say, hey, we need to talk about sex, or you can start with hay, I miss feeling close to Can we try something different, Keep it curious, not critical, because at the end of the day, communication is foreplay. Well it is for me anyway. Yeah, and in my limited experience, it is how desire grows.

31:30Speaker 1

Yeah, okay, yeah, let's start talking friends. You never know what the outcome might be. Might be something might be an orgasm, might be an orgasm, and that would be fabulous.

31:38Speaker 2

That would be fabulous.

31:40Speaker 1

Next, Catherine isn't ready for babies like situationally or financially, but she cannot stop thinking about it. We’ll get some help for her next.

Okay, doc, do you think it's quick consult time? The doctor will see you now. Just through here to consult room one.

32:03Speaker 2

Thanks for waiting. How can I help you?

32:05Speaker 1

Remember. If you want to get a question to the good doctor here, you can do it by sending us an email well at Mamamia dot com dot AU. You can do what Catherine did and hit us up on our Instagram DMS, or you can do it by the waiting room. It's an online form that you can find the link to in our show notes. Very easy. I get Catherine's filling that clock a tick in want some advice on what to do to drown it out for a bit. Here we go, she wrote.

32:26Speaker 4

I'm twenty seven and my partner is thirty seven. We're just about to finish building our first home together and are wanting to start a family in the near future. However, the prospect of not being able to get pregnant gives me great anxiety almost daily. I have no family history of trouble getting pregnant or any reason to be concerned, but it hangs over my head most days. I'm almost tempted to start trying straight away, even though we ideally would like to wait a few years to settle ourselves financially, simply just to know one way or the other if I can or can't get pregnant. My partner suggested maybe it's worth speaking to my doctor and getting some tests done to find out if we do have anything to be concerned about. My question is what should I be asking to get tested for to understand my fertility? And is it just me that should be getting tests done or should my partner also be looking into it?

33:12Speaker 2

Okay, First of all, you are not alone in this sphere. I see so many women in their twenties. We're thinking about babies one day, not right now, but the what if I can't get pregnant voices living rent free in their brain, And it makes sense. Fertility is one of those topics that gets whispered about. It's rarely explained properly, and the horror stories always travel further than the normal ones. Here's the deal. You're twenty seven. You've got no red flags from what you've told me, medically, no family history suggesting issues, so on paper, your body's not secretly plotting against you. But anxiety we know it doesn't care about logic. So I always tell people preconception screens. You know, whether it's a year or two or three prior is always a good idea. Baseline tests might help settle your mind and that's completely reasonable. For you,hat generally means a general health a reproductive screen. We'll look at your ovulation patterns, and sometimes we may do an AMH level, which gives a rough idea of your ovarian reserve. Saying that it's rough because it's not a crystal ball.

34:21Speaker 1

No one goes into one, two, three, four, how many eggs are in this.

34:26Speaker 2

It doesn't tell us if you can or can't get pregnant. It just gives context. So you could have really high numbers and still have issues with fertility. You can have really small numbers and have really great egg quality. And fertility is a team sport. I need to say it takes two to tango. If you're exploring this early, it absolutely makes sense for your partner to be included. A simple Semon analysis is cheap, quick and gives a lot of great information, and also a general health check with your partner is also required. Men's age does matter as well. We pretend sperm stays young forever, but as men get older, motility, shape and DNA quality can dip a bit. Your partner is thirty seven, still very much in the fertile age range, but if you're doing checks he definitely needs to be part of the picture too. Most importantly, I would say, don't feel pressured to start trying just because you're ready to silence the What if at twenty seven you're biologically in a really favorable window. If some basic tests give you peace of mind, fantastic, go ahead and do them, but bring your partner into that conversation o future parenthood is a joint project, it's not solo investigation. And remember, worrying about fertility doesn't mean something is wrong. It means you're human. You're planning a life chapter and your brain's trying to get ahead of the story. So chat with your GP. But if you feel like this anxiety's just kind of popping up day to day, I think that's also worth exploring with your doctor.

35:55Speaker 1

Yeah, maybe doing some tests will put your mind at ease, but bear in mind too that sometimes doing those tests might increase your anxiety.

36:04Speaker 2

Yeah, especially if you know we uncover something.

36:06Speaker 1

Yeah, yeah, so you might want to just factor that in yeah too. All right, Catherine, Hopefully that has answered your question today. But remember we love that you spend time with us here on well and we love getting all your advice. But it is general. The info you've heard here today is general, not specific. For you. Make sure you learn from it. Use it for the list of questions you take to your own doctors to sort out what's right for you.

Next week, Mariam, some ye oldie worldy STIs are making a very uncomfortable comeback and we apparently do not care enough about it. So we're going to get all down and dirty in the sexually transmitted infections of the past and now sadly our present. But also a quick ask, would you mind rating and reviewing us in your podcast app It helps us out a lot more than you know.

Please please, please, thank you very much and we'll catch you for your appointment next week. Bye Bye

Well is produced by me Claire Murphy and our senior producer Sally Best, with audio production by Scott Stronach, video production by Julian Rosario, and social production by Elly Moore.

Mammamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land. We've 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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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For more than twenty-five years, Grace Lam lived and breathed the rarefied air of high fashion as a Vogue editor. Everything was going according to plan for the talented, organised, focused Grace until hormones entirely upended her tidy world.

In this episode that from our sister podcast MID, Holly Wainwright and Grace Lam talk about what happened when they each started experience perimenopause. Grace has become a loud and important voice for women being messed with by their hormones. She’s just appeared before the Western Australian Senate Public Hearing on issues related to peri/menopause, presenting the practical changes we need our medical and government institutions to make to catch up with what we need.

Grace is sharp and funny and honest and no bullshit. OH, and she’s sweary.

Grace is also generous - and has opened up her Instagram Rolodex with some links to follow for more information and inspiration about perimenopause & menopause. As always - please do your own research, but this could be a good place to start.

You can follow Grace here. and listen to Unleashed here

Grace’s Suggestions Below:

  • @peripausers
  • @heramenopause
  • @menopause_doctor
  • @samtalkssex
  • @doctorginni
  • @rhitrition
  • @dr_naomipotter
  • @glucosegoddess
  • @drjengunter
  • @physicalkitchness
  • @menopausepilates
  • @dremilyleeming

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Can your birth control really shrink your clitoris by 20%? Why do surgeons need to tilt you like a Cirque du Soleil performer during a hysterectomy? And is sleeping on your left side actually better for your heart and digestion?

In this episode, we talk about the latest news surrounding the hormonal birth control pill. In local updates, the Victorian government’s decision to allow pharmacists to prescribe the pill is sparking a massive debate among doctors. Dr Mariam explains the risks of removing clinical oversight, why the pill isn't a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. And in fake news, the viral ‘clit-bait’ headlines claiming hormonal contraception reduces the size of your most pleasurable body part. We look at why these scary claims are often based on flawed science and why they fit into a broader, more dangerous political agenda aimed at eroding reproductive autonomy.

Plus in Med School, Claire shares what she learned from watching a laparoscopic hysterectomy, revealing why internal organs look less like a neat textbook diagram and more like a ‘meat tray’.

And in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Lorraine’s question about sleep positions. We break down the guidelines for side-sleeping during pregnancy, why heart patients might prefer the right side, and why the best position is ultimately whichever one lets you get some rest.

This episode discusses recent changes to pharmacy access for some contraceptive options in Victoria. These changes form part of evolving state-based healthcare access models and have been the subject of discussion among clinicians, pharmacists and policymakers.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

Read The Vagenda by Dr Jen Gunter

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Is the secret to “optimising” your body hidden in an unregulated, experimental peptide cocktail? Spoiler: it’s not.

In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam discuss the peptide boom. A rising biohacking trend fuelled by social media influencers and a growing distrust of traditional medical systems. From claims that peptides support your naturally occurring hormones, to weight-loss injections and “internal tanning” sprays, the hosts break down what peptides actually are, and the significant health and legal risks associated with using unregulated substances sourced from the “grey market.”

Plus, in Med School, we take a deep dive into the viral TikTok trend claiming sanitary pads contain green and black mould.

And in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps a patient, who’s dealing with incredible pain potentially caused by long hair. We’re myth-busting whether “butt crack” hair is the culprit.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What do you do when your body starts changing at just ten years old?

Harnaam Kaur was waxing her face to avoid schoolyard bullies before she even hit her teens. Today, she’s a Guinness World Record holder and one of the most recognisable voices challenging global beauty standards.

In this episode, Claire sits down with Harnaam to unpack her journey after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at just ten. She opens up about years of bullying, the toll on her mental health, and the pivotal moment that led her to stop hiding and start embracing who she is.

They also explore what it means to live with a condition that challenges traditional ideas of femininity, Harnaam’s evolution from religious motivations to personal liberation, and her reflections on the future of her advocacy.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If this episode has raised concerns for you, the following resources are available:

  • Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.
  • Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.
  • Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.

And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

  • MOVE by Mamamia
  • Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

THE END BITS

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Host: Claire Murphy

Guest: Harnaam Kaur

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Why do some girls start their periods as early as eight years old?

In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam take us on a lifetime hormonal tour. We track the journey from the ‘magic and mayhem’ of puberty to the ‘window of chaos’ that is perimenopause, exploring how these changing hormones reshape our bodies, our brains, and our moods at every life stage.

We talk to obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ginny Foo about why periods are starting earlier and what level of pain is actually ‘normal.’ We also speak with endocrinologist Dr Isabelle Smith about the hormone ‘dump’ after childbirth, the myth of the testosterone cure-all for libido, and why your ‘stress cup’ might be overflowing.

Plus, gynaecologist Dr Natasha Andreas joins us to unpack life over 50. We discuss the ‘second puberty’, why oestrogen is the ultimate protector of your heart and bones, and the essential health checks every woman needs to stay ahead of the game as her hormones settle into a new normal.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If this episode has raised concerns for you regarding body image, eating disorders, or chronic illness support, the following resources are available:

  • Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.
  • Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.
  • Diabetes Australia: Information on pre-diabetes management and support.
  • Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.

And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

  • MOVE by Mamamia
  • Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

THE END BITS

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Jinny Foo, Dr Natasha Andreadis and Dr Isobelle Smith

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Can the right exercise really 'age-proof' your body? Could you really lower your risk of ovarian cancer by asking your surgeon to remove your fallopian tubes while they’re already performing another routine procedure? And what do you do when decades of dieting have left you with what feels like weight-loss PTSD?

In this episode, we talk to Professor Jeff Coombes from the University of Queensland to find out why 'high-intensity' doesn't have to be terrifying and which specific exercise actually drops your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

We also talk about why the fallopian tubes - not the ovaries - might be the true starting point for some ovarian cancers and how 'opportunistic' surgery could save lives.

Plus, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps Carolyn, who is 40 and struggling with the mental and physical burnout of PCOS and weight-loss plateaus. We explain why ‘calories in, calories out’ is a toxic myth and how to rebuild trust with a body you feel has betrayed you.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If this episode has raised concerns for you regarding body image, eating disorders, or chronic illness support, the following resources are available:

  • Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.
  • Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.
  • Diabetes Australia: Information on pre-diabetes management and support.
  • Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.

And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

  • MOVE by Mamamia
  • Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

THE END BITS

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

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.

CURRENT SUBSCRIBERS:
Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click here to get your code. Ends 1st April.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Jeff Coombes

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

A professional athlete often comes with the assumption of a perfectly healthy mind and body. Endlessly fit, resilient, and immune to the pressures of everyday life. But in this episode of Well, former professional surfer and seven times world champion, Layne Beachley challenges that idea.

In this conversation, Layne reflects on her experience as a chronic “yes” person, and what it took to finally start saying no. She opens up about navigating chronic fatigue, learning to recognise her limits, and the moment she realised she had to stop pushing through and start listening to her body.

Layne unpacks her evolving relationship with food and exercise, and why what works for a pre-menopausal body doesn’t always work post-menopause. She shares the surprising truth she had to learn the hard way that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do for your body is nothing at all.

And in a full-circle moment, she reflects on the pride she now feels watching the next generation of surfers surpass her, proving she’s not just one of the greatest athletes of all time, but a true champion of women in sport.

This episode contains discussion of suicidal ideation, body image concerns, and dieting. Please take care while listening.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings and if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

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.

CURRENT SUBSCRIBERS:
Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click here to get your code. Ends 1st April.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Layne Beachley

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Can you actually "reset" your brain chemicals with a five-minute walk? Can a newborn really weigh as much as a standard toddler? And if you had a hysterectomy decades ago, why is your pelvis still throbbing in pain?

In this episode, we talk to Professor Simon Rosenbaum, a researcher and exercise psychologist at UNSW Sydney, to find out why "lifestyle change" is now considered a first-line treatment for depression in Australia. We unpack the science of the "brain reset", why the best workout for your mental health is simply the one you don’t hate, and how movement can be a secret superpower for your resilience.

Plus, in Med School, we take a deep dive into the world of "giant babies”. From the TikTok trend of "chonky bubbas" to the world record holder who gave birth to a nearly 10kg infant (yes, you read that right), we celebrate the incredible, superhero feats of the female body.

And, in our Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam helps Linda, a 70-year-old listener dealing with chronic pelvic pain 30 years post-hysterectomy. She explains the reality of internal scar tissue, why "zero" is the only normal amount of pain regardless of your age, and the team of experts you need to reclaim your quality of life.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

  • MOVE by Mamamia
  • Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Simon Rosenbaum

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Today, we are bringing you a live episode recorded in Sydney that celebrates the strength, resilience and brilliance of women everywhere. This conversation is our tribute to that journey and a vital call to action to finally close the gender pain gap.

Why are women consistently told that pain is "part and parcel" of the female experience? Following our chat with Kate Walsh, her and Claire are joined on the sofa for a panel discussion with four leading experts;

PROFESSOR CAROLINE GARGETT:

A world-leading reproductive and stem cell science researcher and Group Head of Endometrial Stem Cell Biology Laboratory with 28 years research experience in gynaecological research with a focus on endometriosis and developing a cell based therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

THEA BAKER:

Thea has treated women with complex trauma and co-morbid pain conditions as a Psychotherapist in Australia for over 10 years. She also has her own lived experience of chronic pain herself from endometriosis and osteoarthritis

A/ PROFESSOR SUSAN EVANS:

A specialist, researcher, educator, innovator, advocate and CEO in pelvic pain for over 20 years. As a gynaecologist, laparoscopic surgeon and pain physician, A/Prof Susan Evans Co-founded the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia, co-developed the Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Schools Program, and is now working with Alyra Biotech developing innovative new treatments for pelvic pain.

PROFESSOR MARIA FIATARONE SINGH:

A geriatrician whose research, clinical, and teaching career has focused on the integration of medicine, exercise physiology, and nutrition as a means to improve health status and quality of life across the lifespan. (Physical & Metabolic Longevity)

We dive deep into why women’s symptoms are still frequently dismissed as psychological, the revolutionary potential of menstrual fluid in diagnostics and why "looking normal" on a scan doesn't mean the pain isn't real.

From the first period to the complexities of ageing, our experts provide a roadmap for women to reclaim their health and advocate for their own bodies. We explore the "Pain Scale Paradox", revealing why the traditional 1-10 measurement fails those with chronic conditions, while unpacking the biological "amplifier" that predisposes women to persistent pain.

It’s time to strip away the historical stigma of "hysteria" and replace it with a medical system that finally validates the female experience!

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on topics discussed, please find the resources below:

  • Bridging the Gender Pain Gap - The Inquiry into Women's Pain Report 2025
  • Australasian Menopausal Society
  • Endocrine Society
  • The International Menopause Society
  • Jean Hailes For Women’s Health

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy

Guest: Kate Walsh, Professor Caroline Gargett, Thea Baker, A/Professor Susan Evans, Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Glenn Urquhart

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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. Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Kate Walsh has spent over a decade playing the legendary, world-class neonatal surgeon Dr. Addison Montgomery, but in 2015, she faced a terrifying medical crisis that required a neurosurgeon of her own.

In this very special live episode recorded in Sydney, we celebrate the official launch of Season 2 of Well with a conversation that is as glamorous as it is raw and revealing.

Host Claire Murphy is joined on stage by Kate to peel back the curtain on the woman behind the scrubs. While the world knows her as the formidable lead of Private Practice and the woman who made the most famous entrance in Grey’s Anatomy history, Kate joins us to share the deeply personal story of the year she became the patient.

From the "menopause-like" symptoms that masked a life-threatening condition, to the frustrating reality of being dismissed by specialists, Kate discusses the 2015 diagnosis of a 5cm brain tumour. She recalls her diagnosis, the "gnarly" recovery that followed and her ongoing journey navigating early menopause and ageing in the spotlight.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on perimenopause and menopause, navigate to the Australasian Menopausal Society, the Endocrine Society, the International Menopause Society and Jean Hailes For Women’s Health.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy

Guest: Kate Walsh

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Glenn Urquhart

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Is it really possible to have an “acidic vagina” from taking too many probiotics? Why are we often sold a “Barbie doll” version of what our anatomy “should” look like? And, how do you actually start exercising as a self-proclaimed “lazy girl”?

In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam speak to Dr Mandy Hagstrom, an accredited exercise scientist and Associate Professor at UNSW, to find out how to get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to exercise. They discuss the “weekend warrior” approach, why women might need less exercise than men to see the same longevity benefits and they explore cardio vs weight training.

They also talk about why your exercise timing doesn't actually matter, debunking the social media myth that fasted morning workouts are the magic pill for fat loss.

Plus, in Med School, we dive into the world of "spicy" vaginas. We look at the viral claim of "acidic vagina" syndrome, whether you can actually overdose on probiotics and why your lady parts are essentially a self-cleaning oven that doesn't need micromanaging.

And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Amelia’s question about whether it’s normal for her vulva to be wrinkly or discoloured. We strip away the expectations and celebrate the "50 shades of beige, pink and purple" that make up real, healthy anatomy.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

  • The Vulva Gallery: An educational platform and community celebrating vulva diversity.
  • MOVE by Mamamia
  • Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines
  • NSFW: Here's what a vagina actually looks like
  • Flip Through My Flaps

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Mandy Hagstrom

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The symptoms started in kindergarten: Profuse vomiting, unexplained stomach issues and a sense of utter panic that no one could explain. For Katlyn Brooks, this wasn't just a ‘childhood phase’ - it was the beginning of a terrifying 20-year medical mystery….

The search for a physical cause turned into a mental health one, where therapy and antidepressants became the default solution. But, despite medication and regular therapy sessions, Katlyn's suffering only intensified. By high school, she knew the truth: this wasn't in her head. But realising that was one thing; getting the medical world to believe her was another.

By April 2024, Katlyn’s body reached breaking point. Weighing just 40kg, and vomiting nonstop, she was admitted to hospital. There, she was eventually diagnosed with three conditions, including Craniocervical Instability (CCI). This structural failure left her just 2mm away from "internal decapitation",a condition with a 70% mortality rate.

Today, Katlyn joins us to walk through her journey of medical mystery to the life-saving surgery that literally bolted her head back onto her spine. She discusses the "dark cloud" that lifted the moment her vagus nerve was decompressed and the reality of living with more than $1,000,000 of medical debt.

THE END BITS

Read more about Katlyn's story here.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings and if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

To find out more about Katlyn's conditions, check out the resources below:

  • The Ehlers-Danlos Society
  • EDS GP Toolkit
  • The Mast Cell Disease Society (TMS)
  • Mast Cell Action
  • CCI Foundation
  • The Bobby Jones CSF

To support Katlyn’s ongoing recovery and help manage the significant medical debt incurred during her 20-year journey, visit Katlyn’s GoFundMe.

Visit Katlyn's Facebook page.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Katlyn Brooks

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Happy New Year Well friends - how are you going so far in 2026? Did you survive the silly season? Did you make any “new year, new me” resolutions?

Maybe you’re one of the many people who chose to get through the holidays sober…or maybe you enjoyed some Christmas tipple but now you’re feeling sober-curious. Wherever you might be on the mocktail to cocktail spectrum - this conversation is for you because our guest, author and health & wellbeing coach, Sarah Rusbatch, has lived it all.

She has written a book called Beyond Booze, How to Create A Life You Love Alcohol Free’ - Sarah lived through what she describes as her own “dysfunctional relationship with alcohol” but - as you’ll hear - she’s not at all preachy, she just happens to know a lot about how hard it can be to be sober, but how good it can be on the other side.

You can follow Sarah on Instagram here. And to join Sarah’s free Facebook community please click here. The Facebook community encourages women who want support, a safe space where women are talking about booze and sobriety and how to step into their best lives.

Everything you need to know about Sarah’s book and work is here.

THE END BITS:

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.

CREDITS:

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How do you support someone you love through the chaos of addiction without losing yourself in the process? Why have women been expected to give birth lying flat on their backs for centuries, and is there a better way? And, is a hysterectomy a “magic fix” for endometriosis?

In this episode, we speak to Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Xavier Mulenga, to navigate the heartbreaking reality of supporting a loved one with an addiction. We discuss the thin line between helping and enabling, how to handle the inevitable cycle of relapse, and why setting firm boundaries isn’t the same as abandonment.

Plus, in Med School, Claire and Dr Mariam look at the history of birthing positions; they discuss “vertical birthing rooms” and explore why gravity might be your best friend in the delivery room.

And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Kara’s question about whether a hysterectomy is a potential avenue to end her debilitating 26-day periods. We break down the pros and cons of this major surgery, the reality of “surgical menopause” and explain why removing the uterus isn’t always a guaranteed cure for endometriosis.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If this episode has raised concerns for you, or if you are considering your own substance use, the following resources are available for confidential support:

  • Counselling Online: The recommended first port of call for those questioning their drug use or looking for help. It features a Self-Assessment Quiz, a national directory and 24/7 access to online chat or telephone-based support.
  • Family Drug Support (FDS): Provides a 24/7 support line for families affected by drug and alcohol use. Call 1300 368 186
  • National Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Hotline: For free and confidential advice, call 1800 250 015.
  • SMART Recovery Australia: A network of evidence-based support meetings for people seeking recovery.
  • Al-Anon Family Groups: Support and resources specifically for the friends and families of alcoholics.
  • Quit: Whether you're quitting smoking or vaping, Quit offers tailored support and expert tips.
  • And if this episode triggered anything for you and you need someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Xavier Mulenga

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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You know him as the voice of Australian radio, the man dominating stand-up stages across the country and one of Australia's most loved comedians: Hughesy. He’s filled our households with laughter for decades, but today we meet the man behind the comedy curtain.

In this deeply personal conversation, Dave opens up about his decision to quit alcohol cold turkey at the young age of 21 - long before he became a household name. He shares the raw reality of his “blackout” drinking, how seeing his father’s struggles with alcohol influenced his path, and his more recent battles with nicotine and workaholism.

We delve into the "nature vs. nurture" debate as he navigates parenting his own children, the generational cycle of alcohol in Australian culture and how to authentically talk to young people about addiction.

This isn't just a story about quitting; it’s a masterclass in self-awareness, ego-dissolution and finding joy in the simple act of breathing.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

If this episode has raised concerns for you, or if you are considering your own substance use, the following resources are available for confidential support:

  • Counselling Online: The recommended first port of call for those questioning their drug use or looking for help. It features a Self-Assessment Quiz, a national directory and 24/7 access to online chat or telephone-based support.
  • National Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Hotline: For free and confidential advice, call 1800 250 015.
  • SMART Recovery Australia: A network of evidence-based support meetings for people seeking recovery.
  • Quit: Whether you're quitting smoking or vaping, Quit offers tailored support and expert tips.
  • And if this episode triggered anything for you and you need someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: David 'Hughesy' Hughes

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What is the deadliest item in London’s Vagina Museum? Why are drug addiction rates in Australia spiking by over 30% post-pandemic? And if you’ve already had two surgeries for inherited bunions, is “third time’s a charm" actually possible?

What makes a substance addictive, and why is it so hard to just "quit"? In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr. Mariam dive into the complexities of drug addiction in Australia, from the alarming rise of vaping among teens, to the shifting chemistry of the brain.

We are joined by Dr. Shalini Arunogiri, an addiction psychiatrist, Associate Professor at Monash University and Clinical Director at Turning Point. She breaks down the "reward" chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that hook us, the reality of relapse, and why alcohol remains the most harmful drug from a population health perspective. Dr. Shalini also addresses the cannabis debate - exploring the link between high-potency use and psychosis - and why the term "addict" is being replaced by more empathetic, health-centered language.

But first, we take a field trip to London’s Vagina Museum to look at its deadliest item…We discuss the history of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), the biology of the vaginal wall and why "retained tampon smell" is a more common clinic visit than you’d think.

And, in our Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam helps listener Simone navigate the tricky world of "inherited bunions".

EPISODE RESOURCES:

If this episode has raised concerns for you, or if you are considering your own substance use, the following resources are available for confidential support:

  • Counselling Online: The recommended first port of call for those questioning their drug use or looking for help. It features a Self-Assessment Quiz, a national directory and 24/7 access to online chat or telephone-based support.
  • National Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Hotline: For free and confidential advice, call 1800 250 015.
  • SMART Recovery Australia: A network of evidence-based support meetings for people seeking recovery.
  • Turning Point
  • Hamilton Care
  • And if this episode triggered anything for you and you need someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr. Shalini Arunogiri

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Why are women less likely to receive CPR than men? Is your drinking a problem? And why can you sometimes feel which ovary you’re ovulating from?

We've returned to usual programming and are bringing you fresh content to kick-start your new year.

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire speak to Professor Kate Conigrave, an Addiction Medicine Specialist and Public Health Physician, to unpack the reality of Australia’s relationship with alcohol. They discuss how to identify if you have an alcohol dependency, the link between mental health and drinking, and the physical impact alcohol has on the brain and body.

Plus, we look at the gender gap in cardiac arrest survival rates. We explain why bystanders are hesitant to perform CPR on women, the fear of "inappropriate touching" and why training mannequins need an update.

And, in the quick consult, we drop into the Doctor's Office to answer Nadia’s question about why her ovaries feel like they are "kicking her in the guts". We explain 'Mittelschmerz' (ovulation pain), why it happens and when pain levels signal a need for further investigation into conditions like endometriosis.

If this episode raised any concerns for you, you can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

And if this episode triggered anything for you and you need someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Kate Conigrave

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

It started with clumsiness at high jump. Then, midway through Year 12, Deanna Renee woke up partially blind in one eye. At just 17, she was diagnosed with *Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Her classmates shunned her, convinced MS was a contagious STI. The internet told her she’d be in a wheelchair by 25. Today, she is a viral content creator, proving them all wrong.

In this raw and often hilarious episode of the Well Summer Series, Claire Murphy sits down with Deanna to discuss the reality of growing up with a chronic neurological condition. They cover the isolation of high school, the darkness of her early 20s and the "bohemian doctor" who finally gave her hope.

Deanna also opens up about the unique challenges of living with an invisible disability - from being "uninvited" to Schoolies to battling "Karens" in car parks who don't believe she's sick enough to park in disabled spots. Plus, we learn how she turned her MRI scans into art and became a viral advocate on TikTok.

Get ready to have your perceptions challenged by a woman who refuses to let a diagnosis define her future.

**MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 and, in Australia, affects three times more women than men. As yet, there is no cure. There is no known single cause of MS, but many genetic and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to its development. In MS, the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the fatty material – called myelin – around the nerves. This results in a range of symptoms, but no two people experience MS in the same way.

***Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles.

If you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews there’s something for everyone, explore here. We’ll be back to regular programming Thursday15th January.

THE END BITS

If this episode has raised any issues for you, or if you just need someone to talk to, please reach out to:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Follow Deanna Renee:

  • Instagram
  • TikTok

Learn more about MS: Visit MS Australia for resources and the wellness guide mentioned in this episode.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Deanna Renee

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Welcome to another episode of your Well Summer Series! We know that "relaxing" over the holidays is not always the reality, and that your calendar is probably bursting at the seams. So, we've condensed the show into bite-sized episodes - perfect for a quick drive to the shops or a 20-minute breather from the chaos.

In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam are back at Med School to investigate why one drink may sometimes send you over the edge while other times you can drink all night without feeling it. (Hint, it could be to do with where you are in your cycle...)

And in the Quick Consult, Mariam answers a listener's question about a rarely discussed issue: The "never-ending" wipe and suggests simple bowel habits to fix this. If you find yourself wiping a dozen times or discovering "skid marks" later in the day, this episode is for you!

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews there’s something for everyone, explore here. We’ll be back to regular programming Thursday15th January. GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2026 with a story that will squeeze your heart in more ways than one.

Imagine welcoming a perfectly healthy baby boy, only to be told ten days later that he has suffered heart failure after catching a common virus. That was the reality for Catie. Her son, Tom, was just a precious little newborn when an infection left him fighting for his life.

The trauma that this caused to his heart meant he had to be kept alive for months by a huge 160kg machine known as a Berlin Heart while they waited for the impossible: A donor match.

But waiting for a heart transplant is a unique kind of limbo. You are waiting for a miracle for your own child, while knowing another family has to face tragedy for it to happen.

In an emotional episode of our Well Summer Series, Catie joins us to share the harrowing harrowing yet incredibly hopeful journey of the boy that they call Tiger Tom, the life-saving reality of organ donation, and what life looks like now for this precocious nine year old boy.

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews there’s something for everyone, explore here. We’ll be back to regular programming Thursday15th January. GET IN TOUCH

Register to be a donor at DonateLife.org.au

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Catie Eccleston

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Welcome to another episode in your Well Summer Series! We've been escaping our usual programming for a little summer fling and keeping things short, fun, and fast. We know you’re juggling a lot right now, so these bite-sized episodes are designed to give you a 20-minute breather from the chaos, whether you're in the car or just need a moment to yourself.

In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam (who drops a big gender reveal!) head to Med School to discuss "Poophoria," i.e. that feeling of pure bliss after a bowel movement - and the scientific reason behind it! They also discuss "Defecation Syncope", which is exactly as dangerous as it sounds...

In the Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers a listeners question about the unwanted guest at every Christmas party: Heartburn. She explains why "Gout and Reflux Season" is a real medical phenomenon and gives you the strategy to stop the burn without skipping the buffet.

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews there’s something for everyone, explore here. We’ll be back to regular programming Thursday15th January. GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Imagine breaking a world record at the Commonwealth Games. It should be the single greatest moment of your life. But instead of wearing your gold medal, celebrating with your teammates, you are curled up in a hotel bed, alone and unable to move.

That was the reality for Katja Dedekind, an Australian Paralympic Swimmer. Katja is visually impaired, but for her, that disability pales in comparison to the chronic condition she has been battling behind the scenes for years: Endometriosis.

In this awakening episode of the Well Summer Series, Katja (and her emotional support dog, Duke), joins Claire Murphy to share her story of sheer resilience. From getting her period at age nine, to bleeding through her race suit during a gold-medal swim, Katja reveals the physical toll of elite sport when your body is fighting against you.

They discuss the long wait times many Australian women face for a diagnosis, and Katja opens up about the life-altering decision she made to undergo a hysterectomy at 2.

Join us for a story in pain, resilience and the tough choices female athletes have to make when their health is on the line.

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews there’s something for everyone, explore here. We’ll be back to regular programming Thursday15th January. GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

For more information on endometriosis, visit Endometriosis Australia.

For more information on periods and a pain and symptom diary, Dr Mariam recommends the Jean Hailes website.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Katja Dedekind

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This episode of MID is all about our relationship with our faces and what the treatments and tweakments out there are doing to our faces. Our guest is the perfect person to guide us through this minefield: Dr Naomi, a doctor who's been refreshingly honest about her own facial work and runs a clinic offering all kinds of beauty treatments.

The dilemmas that Dr Naomi & Holly tackle in this episode are:

  • I am very tempted to fix some of the things that are making me sad when I look in the mirror. How much do anti-aging procedures cost? Can I justify the money?
  • I want to get tweaks, but my partner would be so disappointed in me if I did. Is it okay to hide it from my partner?
  • My partner is 10 years younger than me, and I look SO much older than him. What are the most effective, not too obvious procedures to "freshen me up"?

You can follow Dr Naomi here and find out more about her clinic work here.

THE END BITS:

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au

Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.

CREDITS:

Guest: Dr Naomi McCullum

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Welcome to the Well Summer Series! We know the holidays are busy - whether you're working, travelling, or hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace - so we're keeping these episodes short, sharp and shiny!

In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam head to Med School to debunk "cortisol detox" trends. They explain the science behind why a messy house stresses women out more than it does men and they talk about how venting to your girlfriends could be good for your health in more ways than one.

Plus, in our Quick Consult, we tackle a listener's dilemma about "emotional regression" and explore why we turn into moody teenagers the second we step back into our parents' house? Dr. Maryam explains the psychology behind this emotional regression and gives you a toolkit to survive the family holidays without a fight...

And if you’re looking for more to listen to - every Mamamia podcast is curating your summer listening right across our network from pop culture to beauty to powerful interviews there’s something for everyone, explore here. We’ll be back to regular programming Thursday15th January. GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest:

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode of Well, Claire and Dr Mariam sit down with writer, speaker, visibility activist and influencer Carly Findlay to talk about her inflammatory skin condition, Ichthyosis.

For years, we've watched her deal with the pain and frustration through the low moments and quite a few lovely highs too - always with a fabulous outfit. Through it all, she has been educating, entertaining and allowing us into her space so that we might learn how to help those around us with visible conditions.

From the exhaustion of constantly educating strangers to the sheer joy of reclaiming her narrative through fashion, Carly has reminded us of the great lesson that we don’t have to hide away just to make others feel comfortable!

In this candid conversation, Carly discusses the intersection of rare disease and the medical system, navigating a cancer diagnosis while managing a complex skin condition, and why - even when experiencing chronic pain or a scary diagnosis - we all deserve to feel f*cking fabulous. So wear the bright dress and take up space!

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out. The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Carly Findlay

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Does having darker skin really protect you from skin cancer? Can you imagine getting a Pap smear every single day for 21 years just to help your husband’s research? And, what do you do if your vagina involuntarily “clenches” during sex.

In this episode, we speak to Professor Georgina Long, Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) and 2024 Australian of the Year, to decode Australia’s complicated relationship with the sun.

We talk about the "ABCDE" rule for checking your moles, whether darker skin tones are at less risk of melanoma and why you should be taking photos of your skin spots.

Plus, in Med School, Claire and Dr Mariam pay tribute to the unsung heroines of medical history - from the wife of Dr. Papanicolaou (who underwent daily pap smears for 21 years ) to Anarcha Westcott, the enslaved woman known as the 'mother of modern gynecology', who endured 30 experimental surgeries without anaesthesia.

And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps a listener named Sarah who is struggling with Vaginismus. We break down exactly what this condition is, why it is a physical reflex rather than "just in your head" and the multidisciplinary team you need to help reclaim your sex life.
THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

If you've been putting off a skin check, this is your sign to book it. For more information on sun safety, visit the Cancer Council.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out. The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

For more specific information on the topics we discussed today, organisations like the Cancer Council, the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) provide dedicated advocacy, education and community support for patients impacted by all forms of skin cancer.

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Georgina Long

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Why does your dermatologist want you to throw out your doona immediately? Why do nurses desperately need you to stop lying about how that foreign object got stuck inside you? And, what is the real reason for your recurrent vaginal infections?

In this episode, we speak to Rodney Sinclair, Professor of Dermatology at The University of Melbourne, to tackle the confusion between dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. He explains the genetic origins of eczema, why most people stop their treatment too soon and he shares his theory on why your choice of bed cover might be aggravating your itchy skin.

We cover everything from if it is really possible to “grow out” of eczema, the difference between treating a flare-up and maintaining remission and why five-minute lukewarm showers are a non-negotiable.

Plus, Dr Mariam and Claire deliver a crucial PSA on behalf of nurses and doctors everywhere regarding foreign objects being put where the sun doesn’t shine.

And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers a frustrated listener’s question about recurrent thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) - and if their partner could be unknowingly reinfecting them…
THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Rodney Sinclair

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

When do ‘preventative’ injections cross the line and start making you look older? Can wearing a bra to bed really prevent sagging? And do you need to see a gynaecologist if you've never had sex?

In this episode, we speak to Consultant Dermatologist and Specialist Cosmetic Injector, Dr Cara McDonald to get the truth about anti-ageing, skincare ingredients and cosmetic procedures. She gives her expert rating (out of 10) for the most popular skincare ingredients - from your hyaluronic acids to your retinoids - and if they’re really that great in the fight against ageing.

We cover everything from why the operator is more important than the device, the dangers of over-filling and when removing all movement from your face can actually backfire…

Dr Mariam breaks down the serious risks of ‘cosmetic tourism’, the differences between a ‘Plastic Surgeon’ and ‘cosmetic surgeon’ and how to identify a properly credentialed practitioner.

Plus, we settle the "to bra in bed or not to bra in bed" debate, and whether it has any proven impact on sagging.

And, in our quick consult, Dr Mariam answers a listener’s question about whether you still need to see that doctor if you've never done the deed.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Cara McDonald

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

On this episode of No Filter, Kate Langbroek sits down with Mel Robbins, the woman who has turned life advice into a global movement. Mel’s journey from nearly losing everything to becoming one of the most influential voices in self-help is nothing short of remarkable. She’s built a brand, a business, and a worldwide following—and she’s here to share the lessons that could help you take control of your own life.

Mel opens up about the struggles that shaped her biggest insights, explains her ‘Let Them’ theory and how it can change the way you approach your life, and shares how she transformed advice into a business and a global movement. She also reveals practical tips to stop overthinking and start living, and exclusively for Australian and New Zealand fans, Mel shares some huge news you won’t want to miss.

If your life feels messy, chaotic, or overwhelming, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you get out of chaos mode—and start living on your terms.

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Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

CREDITS:

Guest: Mel Robbins

Host: Kate Langbroek

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Bree Player

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Video Producer: Josh Green

GET IN TOUCH:

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

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.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

From post-menopausal spotting to at-home bowel tests. HPV to painful boobs. Ask us anything about cancer, we’ve got you covered!

In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam tackle your most pressing questions about some of the most common cancers affecting women, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, breast and bowel.

They talk to the experts to answer all your questions including what it means if you test positive for HPV and whether you still need a cervical screen if you’re in a same-sex relationship or have already had the vaccine.

Plus, they dive into your breast cancer concerns, addressing whether to get the BRCA gene test, if the age your mum was diagnosed with breast cancer matters and what to do about your random breast pain.

They also demystify those intimidating doctor's visits (no, your doctor won't remember your butt), the accuracy of the at-home bowel tests and finding the appropriate support.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out. The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

Dr Mariam recommends The Bottom Line Podcast and the film A Little Bit of Heaven.

For more specific information on the topics we discussed today, organisations like:

  • Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation
  • Ovarian Cancer Australia
  • Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation
  • National Breast Cancer Foundation
  • Breast Cancer Network Australia
  • iPrevent
  • McGrath Foundation
  • Bowel Cancer Australia
  • Cancer Council

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Clare Scott, Dr Belinda Yeo, Dr. Penelope De Lacavalerie

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

How important is being breast self-aware, and how do we know when a lump is a lump? Did men really invent the female vibrator to treat female “hysteria”? And what does it mean when your eczema suddenly appears on your face?

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Belinda Yeo, a medical oncologist and clinician scientist, to find out why Australia has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the world. She explains why the vast majority of cases are not genetic, debunks the myth that mammograms cause cancer and explains what to do if you find a lump (and why it’s not your job to diagnose it).

We cover everything from what it means to have dense breasts, why breast changes happen across your cycle, how to use lifetime risk assessment tests and if the headlines about using honey bee venom or the mucus of axolotls to treat breast cancer has any truth.

Plus, we dive into the fascinating medical history of how and why doctors invented the vibrator to induce “hysterical paroxysms” (and save their tired fingers).

And, Dr Mariam answers a listener’s question about why her eczema has suddenly migrated to her face and what might be the real culprit…

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out.

Breast Cancer Network Australia has a helpline you can call on 1800 500 258. They also have resources to support patients at every stage of their breast cancer experience.

The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

For more specific information on the topics we discussed today, organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the McGrath Foundation and the Cancer Council provide incredible support and resources. You can also learn more about the work of Dr Belinda Yeo at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.

Dr Belinda Yeo recommends BCNA podcast Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don't Know Until You Do.

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Belinda Yeo

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Why is bowel cancer on the rise in younger Australians and what are the five key symptoms we’re dismissing? Is it actually better for your vaginal health to sleep without underwear? And can you use an online doctor as your regular GP if you live in a regional area?

In this episode, we talk to colorectal surgeon Dr. Penelope De Lacavalerie about why bowel cancer is no longer an ‘older person’s disease’. She breaks down five crucial symptoms to remember, using the acronym B.O.W.E.L. And, she explains the dietary and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to this rise in young people.

We also settle the debate on whether it’s healthier to sleep commando and if there’s any science behind letting the girl breathe.

Plus, Dr Mariam answers a listener's question about the pros and cons of using a telehealth doctor as your primary GP.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more specific information on the topics we discussed today, Dr. Penelope De Lacavalerie recommends resources available on Bowel Cancer Australia.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out. The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr. Penelope De Lacavalerie

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

When you build your brand on the sun-kissed Gold Coast lifestyle, in some ways, the sun is your business partner. For global icon and fitness entrepreneur Tammy Hembrow, spending her life at the beach without ever wearing sunscreen was the norm. She thought she “never burned” and was convinced she was “immune” to the dangers of the sun.

At 28, that all changed. A tiny, harmless-looking freckle on the back of her leg led to a shocking melanoma diagnosis.

In this raw and honest interview, Tammy Hembrow sits down with Claire Murphy and shares her story of the skin cancer diagnosis that blindsided her. She reveals how she cancelled her skin check appointment "about five times" before her assistant finally made her go, the shock of learning the freckle was melanoma, and the surprising reality of the surgery that left a large "permanent reminder" on her leg.

Tammy opens up about the "rebellious" teenage attitude that made her ignore her dad's advice, and her new perspective on tanning, and the message she’s desperate to share with the millions of young people who follow her.

This is a powerful wake-up call about the real, and often hidden, dangers of Australia's sun-loving culture.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

If you've been putting off a skin check, this is your sign to book it. For more information on sun safety, visit the Cancer Council.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out. The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

For more specific information on the topics we discussed today, organisations like the Cancer Council, the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) provide dedicated advocacy, education and community support for patients impacted by all forms of skin cancer.

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Tammy Hembrow

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What are the subtle signs of gynae cancers we might be dismissing as something else? Could the type of pan you cook with help your iron deficiency? And are your allergy medications causing dryness... down there?

We know hearing the word 'cancer' can be a frightening experience. But facing that fear with facts is the first step. We’re here to arm you with the information you need – from spotting subtle symptoms to understanding risk factors – so you can feel empowered to advocate for your own health and persist in getting the answers you deserve.

In this episode, we talk to medical oncologist Professor Clare Scott, Chair of Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group and one of Australia’s leading cancer researchers and clinicians. We discuss the three major types of gynae cancers: ovarian, endometrial and cervical, why your endo and PCOS aren’t cause for cancer concern and the effect of ovarian cancer on your fertility.

We also talk about why you might be iron deficient and the simple kitchen tools that could help boost your iron levels, especially if you don't eat a lot of red meat.

Plus, Dr. Mariam explains misconceptions around the HPV virus and the importance of self-collected HPV testing in Australia's mission to eliminate cervical cancer.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

We understand that conversations about cancer can be difficult, whether you're navigating your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone you've lost.

If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings, please reach out. The Cancer Council offers a confidential support line staffed by specialist nurses, and you can call them on 13 11 20.

For more specific information on the topics we discussed today, organisations like Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Australia and the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation provide incredible support and resources for patients and their families.

And if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Clare Scott

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

When we talk about menopause, we often leave out the stories of women in their 20s and 30s who are experiencing it prematurely.

We're sharing a conversation from Mamamia's daily news podcast, The Quicky. They speak to Jess Westcott, a young woman whose breast cancer treatment triggered early menopause. And, they unpack why this medical anomaly is so difficult to navigate.

You'll also hear from Dr. Kelly Teagle, founder of the WellFemme Telehealth Menopause Clinic, who provides a clear medical explanation of what early menopause is, its causes, its long-term health implications and how it differs from a natural transition.

This is a must listen for understanding the profound impact of premature hormonal changes on a woman's life and health.

THE END BITS

Support independent women's media

Check out The Quicky Instagram here

Listen to Morning Tea celebrity headlines here

GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

CREDITS

Host: Taylah Strano & Ailish Delaney

Guest: Jess Westcott

Dr Kelly Teagle, Founder & Director WellFemme Menopausal Telehealth Clinic

Audio Producer: Lu Hill

GET IN TOUCH:

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

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.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Over the last four weeks on Well, we've explored all things peri and menopause. We've looked at the science and the symptoms and done some HRT/ MHT myth busting, alongside answering loads of questions from you in the Well community.

We hear from Naomi Watts, one of the most iconic and accomplished actors of her generation. She's starring in a new role…the role of author and advocate and innovator for menopausal women.

She’s written an incredible new book, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause. But before she could write it - she had to wrestle with the strong sense of shame she carried around her own experiences - which she shares with Mia Freedman in this special conversation.

You can find Naomi’s book, Dare I Say It, here.

You can follow Naomi on Instagram, here.

THE END BITS:

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

GET IN TOUCH:

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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TMI? We don’t know her…! Welcome to the sh*t show! In this peri special episode, our host Claire Murphy sits down with journalist, author and your ‘Peri Godmother’ Shelly Horton to gossip about perimenopause. So, if this topic is lighting up your group chats, you’re in the right place…

Shelly shares her unfiltered and raw story of being completely blindsided by perimenopause, from debilitating depression and anxiety to the armageddon period of all periods where she bled for 42 weeks of the year.

Claire and Shelly play a round of "symptom bingo," and discuss Shelly’s harrowing story of how peri unleashed a crisis of confidence that went far beyond imposter syndrome. She tells all about this period of feeling her professional identity crumble while battling brain fog, anxiety and exhaustion.

They also explore the crucial need for workplace education and the frustrating experience of being dismissed by doctors. AND they share how to find your "menopausal zest"—that incredible, freeing feeling that comes from joining the "we do not care club" and refusing to become invisible.

This is a must-listen for evidence-based information wrapped in a story of resilience, humour, and the power of the sisterhood.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

You can follow Shelly on Instagram and find out more about her book, I'm Your Peri Godmother: A happily-ever-after guide to kicking perimenopause in the ovaries.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy

Guest: Shelly Horton

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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From hot flushes to brain fog. Hormones to headaches. Ask us anything. We’ve got you covered.

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire Murphy tackle your most pressing questions about the menopausal transition. They begin by reframing this stage of life and looking at how other cultures (even some of the animal kingdom) view post-reproductive years as a time of renewal, leadership, wisdom and strength.

They talk to the experts to answer questions about whether it's ever too late to start MHT, if those hot flushes in your 30s could be a sign of perimenopause, and what to do if you’re worried your brain fog is actually dementia.

They also discuss peri-anxiety. Why you might be losing your hair in your 40s. And, what is the correct way to apply estrogen gel?

Plus, can you still get pregnant during perimenopause, and is MHT the same as birth control?

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For information on brain fog, Dr Sonia Davison recommends Memory Wise by Dr Anne Unkenstein. For information on patterned hair loss she recommends the Better Health Channel patterned hair loss information sheet.

For more information on perimenopause and menopause, navigate to the Australasian Menopausal Society, the Endocrine Society, the International Menopause Society and Jean Hailes For Women’s Health.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Sonia Davison; Professor Rodney Baber

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Does your endometriosis put you at a higher risk of early menopause? Did a pig castrator really perform the first-ever C-section? And if you've had a hysterectomy, do you still need to see a gynaecologist?

In this episode, we talk to Professor Susan Davis AO, Director of the Women's Health Research Program at Monash University, to find out what's fact and what's fiction when it comes to the science of perimenopause.

We unravel common myths, including “disappearing labia” and talk about why some things you're being sold on social media - like weighted vests and special supplements - may not be as miraculous as they might seem.

Plus, we talk about the latest research on delaying the onset of menopause and why it might not be a good idea for everybody.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on perimenopause and menopause, Professor Susan Davis and Dr Mariam recommend the Australasian Menopausal Society, the Endocrine Society, the International Menopause Society and Jean Hailes For Women’s Health.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Susan Davis

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What do we now know about HRT and is it a safe way to manage peri/menopause symptoms? We go to Med School to find out if an ear piercing could help to relieve migraines. And in our Quick Consult, we help listener Meg with her ‘bleedy bottom’ haemorrhoid problem.

In this episode, we talk to Professor Rodney Baber, to unpack the myths and misinformation around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), now commonly referred to as MHT (Menopause Hormonal Therapy).

We discuss the infamous Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) 2002 study, which caused widespread fear around HRT/MHT and breast cancer, and explore what we know now about the safety of HRT/MHT.

Plus, why Gen X and Millennial women are approaching menopause differently from previous generations.

THE END BITS

Started HRT and felt worse? It's not in your head. Check out this Instagram reel.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on perimenopause and menopause, Dr Mariam recommends the Australian Menopause Society website. You can download their symptom score sheet here.

You can also find information relating to the topics discussed in this episode at the Endocrine Society and the International Menopause Society.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Rodney Baber

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy, Sasha Tannock and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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After US President Donald Trump and his Health Secretary RFJ Jnr announced that women shouldn't take Tylenol as it has been linked with increase in children being diagnosed with autism diagnosis, women all of a sudden had a new thing to be worried about.

But when you look at the actual science these claims are made on, you'll feel much better, because the studies show that this in't the case.

THE END BITS

Support independent women's media

Check out The Quicky Instagram here

Listen to Morning Tea celebrity headlines here

GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au

CREDITS

Host: Claire Murphy

Guest: Dr Scott White

Audio Producer: Lu Hill

GET IN TOUCH:

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

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.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Is perimenopause more than hot flushes and night sweats? We go to Med School to find out if your breasts are not the only place that you can lactate from. And in our Quick Consult, why do we keep falling for the “sweet trap” of late-night junk food?

In this episode, we talk to Dr Sonia Davison, an endocrinologist at the Jean Hailes Medical Centre and Past President of the Australian Menopause Society, to explore the long and unusual list of perimenopause symptoms - from dry vaginas, irritating itchiness and UTIs to vertigo and that pesky chin hair growth.

We also discuss why doctors don’t rely on hormone tests to diagnose perimenopause and what’s really happening in your body during this ‘period of chaos’.

Plus, why perimenopause can put a huge strain on relationships and how our partners can support us with open conversations about intimacy and emotional closeness.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on bone density Dr Sonia Davison recommends: Healthy Bones Australia

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Sonia Davison

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy, Sasha Tannock and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Do you find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m? Ever wondered what it’s really like to live with chronic insomnia? Then this episode is for you...

This week, in our Well special episode, we sit down with our Mamamia colleague Annaliese Todd, who shares her deeply personal and decades-long struggle with sleep.

From pregnancy-induced insomnia, to the crippling sleep deprivation that accompanied her diagnosis with depression, Annaliese opens up about the raw reality of chasing sleep every single night.

She discusses how insomnia has impacted her mental health, her parenting and her daily life, describing the feeling of being detatched from her own body and the world around her.

Annaliese also explores the treatments she’s tried—from meditation music to medication—and the constant fear of the long-term health consequences of sleep deprivation.

And, she gives all our fellow listeners her straight-talking advice of when to seek help with your sleep.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy

Guest: Annaliese Todd

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

When you’re feeling exhausted - like so many of us are - what do you do? Most of us think we need more sleep. But, it turns out, sleep and rest are not the same thing. In fact, we can be tired in different ways, and each one of those ways requires a different kind of rest.

In this episode of No Filter, Mia talks to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith about the 7 different kinds of rest that will prevent you from burning out and help you show up to your life with all the energy you need.

Take Saundra’s Free Rest Quiz here.

Saundra’s book “Sacred Rest: is available here.

THE END BITS:
Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.

CREDITS:
Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Producers: Kimberley Braddish & Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Leah Porges

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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

From sleep deprivation to sleep eating. Napping to teeth grinding. Ask us anything. We’ve got you covered.

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire Murphy answer all your questions about sleep and go through the four stages. They discuss what sleep deprivation does to you physically and mentally and how changing hormones can stop you getting a good night’s rest.

They talk to the experts to answer questions about how to conquer insomnia without drugs, how to fall asleep and stay asleep and whether not being able to sleep is inevitable as you get older.

They also discuss whether teeth grinding impacts your sleep quality, why you do that weird jump thing when you’re dozing off and how exactly to let thoughts ‘pass you by’ when trying to meditate.

Also, how common is sleep eating and is sexsomnia actually a real thing?

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on sleep including a list of providers of CBTi:

Sleep Health Foundation

Sleep Central

For more information on meditation and mindfulness:

Headspace

Smiling Mind

Calm

The Happier App

MOVE by Mamamia has guided mindfulness and meditations

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Kathleen Maddison; Dr Jen Walsh; Dr Richard Chambers;

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What is mindfulness and is it different to meditation? We go to Med School to find out what a clitoral hood is and what it does. And in our Quick Consult, we find out what actually happens when you skip your period?

In this episode, Dr Richard Chambers discusses the different types of meditation and how it can help both your physical and mental health.

We ask whether meditation and mindfulness offer the same benefits as physical rest and talk about the impact they have on your parasympathetic nervous system.

We also talk about how to calm your mind if you wake up in the night and stay awake staring at the ceiling, as well as how to be more present and mindful in your everyday life. And, how just ten minutes of meditation a day can make a real difference.

So, how do you start? We have a one minute guided meditation for you.

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on meditation and mindfulness:

Headspace

Smiling Mind

Calm

The Happier App

MOVE by Mamamia has guided mindfulness and meditations

Dr Richard Chambers has more guided meditations

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Richard Chambers

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What is sleep hygiene and will it help you get some sleep? In Med School, can you imagine having two vaginas? And in our Quick Consult, what to do if dizziness has you in a spin.

In this episode, Dr Jen Walsh discusses how important a regular wake up time is when it comes to sleep and how exposure to bright light during the day can help.

We also talk about napping, exercise and why separate doonas might be the key to getting a good night’s rest.

Plus, are phones before bed really as bad as we think? And, does mouth taping work? Also, should you have a TV in the bedroom?

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on sleep:

Sleep Health Foundation

Sleep Central

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Jen Walsh

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What are some of the most common sleep disorders? We go to Med School to find out whether owning a dog can reduce your risk of dementia. And in our Quick Consult, should you be scared if you’ve put off your health checks for far too long?

In this episode, Dr Kathleen Maddison discusses the most common causes of insomnia in women and whether our hormones play a role. We also talk about sleepwalking, narcolepsy and sleep apnoea and find out how much sleep we really need,

And, what is the “3P model” when it comes to insomnia and do non-drug treatments actually work?

Plus, why do we wake up at 3:00am and how can we make it stop?

THE END BITS

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on sleep including a list of providers of CBTi, Dr Kathleen Maddison recommends:

Sleep Health Foundation

Sleep Central

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Kathleen Maddison

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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For the first 37 years of her life, Liz Ellis never planned on having kids.

The former Australian Netball captain met her husband, rugby union player Matthew Stocks, when she was in her early 20s. After the birth of her first daughter, Evelyn, Liz knew instantly she wanted more kids. But the next chapter of her life was not going to be easy.

For 5 years, Liz suffered from secondary infertility. Now she has written a book filled with expert information called If At First You Don’t Conceive to help other families going through what she went through...

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

With thanks to special guest Liz Ellis. Buy her book at any good bookstore.

Producer: Elissa Ratliff

GET IN TOUCH:

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriberMamamia 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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

From IVF rounds to stretch marks. Prolapse to leaking boobs. Ask us anything. We’ve got you covered.

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire answer all your questions about making babies and talk about how women are welcomed to motherhood in different cultures.

They also talk to the experts to answer questions about fertility, pregnancy and giving birth including; When is the best time to do your IVF rounds? How to deal with the monthly disappointment of not being pregnant? And, can you be a surrogate for a friend?

They also discuss whether it’s normal for your feet to get bigger when you’re pregnant. What to do about varicose veins. And, how does your BO help you bond with your baby?

We also have some important conversations around miscarriage, postnatal depression and how to cope if your baby doesn’t make it into the world.

THE END BITS

If you're pregnant or want to learn more about pregnancy, check out Mamamia's pregnancy podcast Hello Bump.

For information on food safety Dr Mariam recommends NSW Food Authority Guide.

For support for perinatal & postnatal depression and anxiety: Gidget Foundation.

For support following miscarriage & early pregnancy loss: The Pink Elephants Support Network.

For support following pregnancy & infant loss: Bears of Hope and Red Nose.

If you or anyone you know would like to speak with an expert about child loss, miscarriage or stillbirth, please contact the SANDS Australia 24-Hour Support Line (1300 072 637).

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriberCREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guests:

Dr Justin Tucker

Professor Kirsten Palmer

Dr Nargis Noori & Midwife Betty Holland

Dr Erin Seeto - Gidget Foundation

Samantha Payne - The Pink Elephants Support Network

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What are the stages of birth and what actually happens when you go into labour? We go to Med School to find out what a decidual cast is and what happens when it falls out of your uterus. And in our Quick Consult, could your menstrual cup be causing UTIs?

In this episode, we talk to Obstetrician & Advanced Gynaecological Surgeon Dr Nargis Noori and Clinical Midwifery Specialist Betty Holland who discuss home versus hospital birth, vaginal versus caesarean and what happens if you have an induction. They also talk about pain relief, what’s involved in an episiotomy, breastfeeding and baby brain.

Plus, how to advocate for yourself in the delivery room.

And, what if your baby doesn’t get the memo about your birth plan?

THE END BITS

For information on breastfeeding: Australian Breastfeeding Association

If you're pregnant or want to learn more about pregnancy, check out Mamamia's pregnancy podcast: Hello Bump.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guests: Dr Nargis Noori & Midwife Betty Holland

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

How do you find a good OBGYN when you’re pregnant? Ever felt a sharp pain in the butt during your period? And what role does testosterone play in perimenopause?

In this episode, we talk to Kirsten Palmer, Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with Monash University to find out what’s happening throughout your pregnancy including morning sickness (just why?), preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, food safety, immunisations, and what impact being pregnant may have on your prescription medication. Plus, why do you fill up with fluid?

We also talk about why you’re so tired in the first trimester and whether to announce your pregnancy before 12 weeks so you get the support you need.

Plus, Mariam talks about why new national guidelines that redefine what we call 'recurrent miscarriage' really matter.

THE END BITS

For information on food safety Dr Mariam recommends NSW Food Authority Guide.

If you're pregnant or want to learn more about pregnancy, check out Mamamia's pregnancy podcast Hello Bump.

For information on perimenopause and menopause Dr Mariam recommends the Australasian Menopausal Society.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Kirsten Palmer

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

When is your fertile window and how much does stress play a role in infertility? What could a crease in your earlobe tell you about your heart? And could your anxiety, teeth and nails point to a problem with your gut?

In this episode, Obstetrician and fertility specialist Dr. Justin Tucker talks about how long it usually takes to conceive and whether wearing polyester pants actually impacts your fertility. He also discusses age and egg quality, egg freezing, IVF and genetic screening.

Plus, we also talk about the risks of the oral contraceptive pill and why you should never tell a woman trying to fall pregnant to “just relax”.

You can also see Mariam's Mother's Day post here

THE END BITS

If you're pregnant or want to learn more about pregnancy, check out Mamamia's pregnancy podcast Hello Bump.

GET IN TOUCH

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Justin Tucker

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producers: Scott Stronach and Jacob Round

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Protein, weights, sleep, oh my.

Does it feel like you hit a certain birthday with a zero and everyone started yelling at you about chicken breast and dumbbells?

For this last episode of MID for Season 5, we wanted to ask someone smart to tell us exactly why that is. And so we found a woman called Louisa Nicola, an Australian neurophysiologist and human performance coach based in the US - and got her to tell us - what's important in the space of midlife health, and what's just noise.

And what she tells us about the three things to prioritise to live better longer is a surprise.

Seriously Important note: The information discussed in this episode is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Supplement availability, safety, and regulation vary between countries, including Australia. Always seek guidance from your GP or pharmacist, and ensure any therapeutic goods are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

You can follow Louisa Nicola and learn more about her work, here: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/

CREDITS:

Host: Holly Wainwright

Guest: Louisa Nicola

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

From weight medication side effects to the best exercises to build muscle as you age. Ask us anything. We’ve got you covered

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire Murphy answer all your questions about the body. From whether the BMI is bullshit to knowing what a healthy weight range is. Plus, what’s the right age to start getting bone density checks?

They also talk to the experts to answer questions about whether genetics impact your weight and whether you need a special diet and exercise plan if you’re prescribed weight loss medication.

They also discuss what kinds of health issues can be reversed if you lose weight and how we reframe conversations about our body.

THE END BITS

For more information on bone density: Healthy Bones Australia

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

Subscribe to MOVE here.

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Isobelle Smith

Guest: Dr Jessica McEwan

Guest: Dr Sonia Davison

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What do Zumba and Greek dancing have to do with bone density? Why should you shave first and soak later? And who gets to decide whether you can have a hysterectomy for health reasons if you haven’t had kids yet?

In this episode, Endocrinologist Dr Sonia Davison from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health talks about whether diet and exercise can prevent dementia and what waist circumference has to do with healthy ageing. She also discusses how stomping, sleeping and strength training should all be part of the puzzle as you get older.

We also talk about intermittent fasting and how cups of tea with your girlfriends could be just what the doctor ordered.

And, is it possible to delay your ‘hormone window of chaos’?

THE END BITS

For more information on bone density Dr Sonia Davison recommends: Healthy Bones Australia

For more information on fibroids Dr Mariam recommends: ask4ufe

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guest: Dr Sonia Davison
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

How do weight loss injections work and does the weight pile on again when you stop them? You’ve heard about your G-spot but what about your A-spot and your O-spot ? And how to deal with a phobia of needles.

In this episode,Bariatrician GP Dr Jessica McEwan talks about the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1 agonists including what happens if you take too much. We also discuss how to talk to your GP to find out if you meet the appropriate guidelines for prescription and how lifestyle changes including diet and exercise are crucial to their success.

Also, we talk about how the food industry is trying to make ultra-processed foods even more addictive to override the effects of these drugs.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can email well@mamamia.com.au, send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Jessica McEwan

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Can you actually be healthy at any weight? What do leeches have to do with gynaecological issues? And what to do if you keep getting styes in your eye.

In this episode, we have an important conversation about weight. Endocrinologist Dr Isobelle Smith talks about whether weight loss is more than just calories in and calories out, how to downsize fat not muscle and what your hormones have to do with your weight.

We also discuss whether BMI is still a valid measure and how focusing on your health, rather than your weight may be the key. Also, is a “weight set point” actually a thing?

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can email well@mamamia.com.au, send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Dr Isobelle Smith

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton. Visit fentonandfenton.com.au

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.Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Over the last four weeks on Well, we've explored everything there is to know about the mind. We've delved into ADHD, anxiety & depression and burnout and answered your questions from the The Waiting Room.

But what's it like to receive an ADHD diagnosis at 49? Mia Freedman shares her story with Claire Murphy on a very different No Filter…

THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS

Host: Claire Murphy

With thanks to Mia Freedman. You can find Mia on Instagram here.

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.Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Do you ever get stuck asking yourself a bunch of hypothetical, “what if” questions that make you more and more stressed, even though the situation isn’t actually happening? You've probably found yourself in a stress spiral. In this episode of But Are You Happy, Dr. Anastasia Hronis will teach you the 5-minute method to stop a stress spiral in its tracks. You will also learn:

  • The difference between a panic attack and stress
  • When to seek help, and how.
  • Why anxiety isn’t always a bad thing - and what it’s trying to teach us
  • Why we worry and stress so much in the first place

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support.

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Our studio is styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton visit.

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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

From eye twitching to emotional dysregulation. Ask us anything. We’ve got you covered.

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire Murphy answer all your questions about the mind. From fingernail biting to post-diagnosis grief. Plus, is rage a symptom of burnout and does sleep deprivation actually kill off brain cells?

They also talk to the experts to answer questions about ADHD, anxiety & depression and burnout, including could your addiction be linked to your ADHD, should you stay on anxiety or depression meds and are supplements safe to take with other medications?

Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can email well@mamamia.com.au, send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.
THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

To find a psychologist, Dr Mariam recommends psychology.org.au

If you need mental health support, contact:

Lifeline or call 13 11 14

SANE Australia or call 1800 187 263

Beyond Blue or call 1300 224 636

Black Dog Institute

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guests: Dr Kieran Kennedy; Dr Carly Dober; Shuktika Bose
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.

Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What’s the difference between burnout and extreme tiredness? Have you heard Gen Alpha’s adorable period slang? And why does my foot feel like it’s ringing?

In this episode, clinical psychologist Shuktika Bose talks about how to identify, treat and recover from burnout. We also discuss rejuvenating rest versus doomscrolling, the need to set better boundaries at work and why it’s important to complete your stress cycle.

Also, why do women burnout faster? Raise your hand if you identify with “Human Giver Syndrome”.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

To find a psychologist, Dr Mariam recommends psychology.org.au

If you need mental health support, contact:

Lifeline or call 13 11 14

SANE Australia or call 1800 187 263

Beyond Blue or call 1300 224 636

Black Dog Institute

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guest: Shuktika Bose
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

What’s the difference between anxiety and depression and what are the common triggers? What happens if your pet licks your HRT gel? And what to look for in a vibrator.

In this episode, psychologist Carly Dober talks about the different types of therapy and how lifestyle changes can make a real difference. And, what are the signs you need to seek immediate help?

Also, do you need one of Dr Mariam’s TIT sessions? We talk about how important it is to find the right therapist at the right time.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

To find a psychologist, Dr Mariam recommends psychology.org.au

If you need mental health support, contact:

Lifeline or call 13 11 14

SANE Australia or call 1800 187 263

Beyond Blue or call 1300 224 636

Black Dog Institute

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guest: Carly Dober
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Why are so many women being diagnosed with ADHD later in life? What does your partner’s penis have to do with your bacterial vaginosis diagnosis? And when to worry about a lumpy boob.

In this episode, psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr Kieran Kennedy discusses how women often experience more inattentive features of ADHD and why they may try to mask the symptoms. We also talk about time blindness, memory issues and emotional dysregulation.

And is ADHD making you feel more sensitive to rejection? We discuss a condition called rejection sensitive dysphoria.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on breast checks go to How To Check Your Breasts

To find out where you can have a breast screen contact: BreastScreen Australia.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber
CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guest: Dr Kieran Kennedy
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock Audio Producers: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Over the last four weeks on Well, we've explored everything there is to know about having a vagina and a pelvis. We've done some period mythbusting, delved into endo, PCOS and answered some of your burning questions.

But what's it like to make the life-changing decision to remove your reproductive organs in your your 20s?

Mia Freedman sits down with reality TV star Erin Barnett, who shares how she landed on the decision to get a hysterectomy at 28 and why so many doctors tried to change her mind.

Erin became a public figure after starring on Love Island Australia, and surviving the jungle on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here, sharing her difficult journey with Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with her thousands of adoring fans.

THE END BITS:

With thanks to Erin Barnett - grab a copy of her book Endo Unfiltered

Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au

Need more lols, info, and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here.

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman. You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Producers: Cassie Merritt & Emeline Gazilas

Executive Producer: Elissa Ratliff

Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou

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.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

From labias to latex allergies. Ask us anything, We’ve got you covered.

In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire are answering all your “down there” questions. From your pelvic floor to period syncing, smelly wee to yeast infections. They also talk about tampons, herpes, clotting, excision surgery for endo, STIs and what exactly is safe to put in your vagina.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

THE END BITSFollow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on periods and a pain and symptom diary, Dr Mariam recommends the Jean Hailes website.

For more information on endometriosis, visit Endometriosis Australia.

For more information on PCOS check out the AskPCOS app.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITSHosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock
Audio Producers: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Does PCOS have an identity crisis? What does your weight have to do with the morning after pill? And do vaginas and sharks have something in common?

In this episode we talk to global PCOS expert Professor Helena Teede from Monash University about how PCOS is misnamed and often misunderstood. We learn about the criteria used to diagnose PCOS, whether weight loss injections are a valid treatment and why PCOS could be in for a name change.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

THE END BITSFollow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on PCOS check out the AskPCOS app.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITSHosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Guest: Professor Helena Teede
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock
Audio Producers: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Where's the strangest place you can find endo? Can you make more money when you're ovulating? And is it heartburn or a heart attack?

In this episode we talk to gynaecological surgeon and endometriosis specialist, Dr Amani Harris and learn the telltale signs of a female heart attack.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

THE END BITS

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on endometriosis, visit Endometriosis Australia.

For more information on periods and a pain and symptom diary, Dr Mariam recommends the Jean Hailes website.

For more on heart attack signs and symptoms in women, visit the Heart Foundation.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITSGuest: Dr Amani Harris
Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock
Audio Producers: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How much period pain is normal? Does my weight impact my cycle? And why oh why do we get period poos?!

In Mamamia’s brand new podcast Well, co-hosts Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam discuss everything you need to know about periods and bust a few myths along the way. Plus you’ll learn about the existence of a sperm graveyard and whether there is a ‘right’ way for your vagina to smell.

Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

THE END BITSFollow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
All your health information is in the Well Hub.

For more information on periods and a pain and symptom diary, Dr Mariam recommends the Jean Hailes website.

Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

CREDITSHosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam
Senior Producer: Claire Murphy and Sasha Tannock
Audio Producers: Scott Stronach and Jacob Round
Video Producer: Julian Rosario

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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary.

We cover the concerns you’re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia.

Well is a full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam.

Welcome to your full body health check. Coming March 27.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How do you start your life over again? We've launched a new show with Madeleine West and we want you to hear it. If you like it, make sure to subscribe to Restart wherever you get your podcasts.

From the outside, Madeleine West had it all. A successful acting career, six beautiful kids, a life in Melbourne and a marriage of 15 years. Until a conversation about placemats made her question, 'Is this really what I want?'.

It was in this moment that, Madeleine West chose to press 'Restart' on her life. It was hard- really hard in fact. So has it all been worth it?

On the first episode of Restart, Madeleine explores something almost half of all Australian adults will go through at some point in their lives: divorce. Madeleine speaks to Divorce Coach & Legal and Separation Strategist (and divorcee) Nikki Parkinson, about the reality of a separation.

PLUS has a truly heartbreaking and hilarious chat with comedian and podcast host Helen Thorne, who marriage became immediately unraveled after she found a love note in her husbands jacket pocket...that wasn't from her.

No stone will be left unturned as Madeleine West explores what it is really like to restart your life.

THE END BITS

Buy Get Divorced, Be Happy by Helen Thorn and listen to her podcast Scummy Mummies.

Learn about The Divorce and Separation Hub.

GET IN TOUCH

Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.

CREDITS

Host:Madeleine West

Producers: Emmeline Peterson

Executive Producers: Tia Ucich, Elissa Ratliff & Holly Wainwright 

Audio Production: Madeline Joannou

Guests: Nikki Parkinson and Helen Thorn.

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.

Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more at mamamia.com.au 

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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We're dropping into your feed to share an awesome episode of our new podcast, What I Eat When, with you: https://omny.fm/shows/what-i-eat-when/playlists/what-i-eat-when 

What do you eat when... you're alone? You're homesick? You're celebrating?

What you eat when says a lot about you, about your culture, your taste, your family, and what matters to you. Food is so much more than just fuel, it’s an excuse to express who we are and what connects us.

What I Eat When is a Mamamia podcast that’s all about meals, moments, and memories. And on our first episode host Silvia Colloca is joined by self-confessed 'Crap Housewife' Jessica Rowe. 

So what does Jess eat when she's on holiday? Or when she's pregnant?

And why does she match her hats with the dinner she's making? 

Although she doesn't like cooking, as she explains to Silvia, she still likes eating. And food holds a lot of memories for her. As you're about to find out...

CREDITS 

Host: Silvia Colloca

Guest: Jessica Rowe 

Executive Producers: Zoe Ferguson and Elissa Ratliff 

CONTACT US

If you want to send us feedback or a picture of your take on today's recipe, then send us an email at podcast@mamamia.com.au 

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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It seems everyone has a horror story of a relative who ruins family functions and leaves them feeling uncomfortable. But those family ties make it hard to walk away. We don’t get to choose our families – but we CAN choose how we respond. Chocked full of listener experiences and sage advice from Therapist Cynthia Morton on how to deal with the drama, this episode of The Well is for everyone who’s ever cried out ‘I can’t believe I’m related to them!’.

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.Thanks to Therapist Cynthia Morton   The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Are we losing the art of listening? Is our addiction to our smart phones and social media making us rude? Why is it so hard to RSVP? Be on time? Or just say thank you? Whether you're at home at the dinner table, or out in the big bad world on public transport, we need a masterclass in etiquette for adults. So mind your P's’s and Q’s people - it's time to reclaim the lost art of manners.

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas. The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Life is short. Far too short for many. Don’t wait for something to bring you to your knees to remind you that each day is precious. Now is the time to learn the lessons of the dying and make joy in our lives a priority, right here, right now. In this very special episode of The Well we remember dear friends who have passed and the lessons that they have shared with us that will live forever. It might be too exhausting to live everyday as if it’s your last but what if there was a simple trick you could do every time you’re at a traffic light that could change your life? Why is it so important to take just 5 mins today to think about your own funeral? And why we should never, ever take aging for granted…

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Emma Betts - Dear Melanoma

Brownie Ware - The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying 

John Kralik - 365 Thank You Notes The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Have you ever felt like you're too old to follow your dream? Well, it's time to put the excuses away and get down to business! This is a very special episode of The Well – featuring three amazing women who didn’t let the big 4-0 (and beyond!) stop them, picked themselves up, took control of their lives and achieved amazing things. Featuring insights from George McEncroe - founder of female ride share company Shebah, Author Kate Hunter and Creator of Fashion Brand White Label Noba Tracey Watkins you will be amazed at how three very different roads led these three very different women to realise their dreams. So why not you? And why not now?  

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.With thanks to George McEncroe, Kate Hunter and Tracey Watkins The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In the future, employers won’t even search for resumes – they’ll look at what you post online which will tell them all they need to know about who you are as a person and what you stand for. So who are you online? And who are your kids growing up to be in this digital world? Before you hit send, join us for this episode of The Well – packed with social media tips for parents, tweens and families. We explore how to work out who you want to engage with online, what your values are and how to stop smart phones and social media white anting your family’s life! 

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas. Links: https://www.thinkuknow.org.au The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How much of your life do you love? And how much of it actually doesn’t work for you anymore? It’s time to clean house on your life and stop doing things because you “should” – and that includes the things you “should” enjoy. Join us as we discover the Magic Art of Not Giving a “Truck” – how to work out what you want, how to get it without being a jerk and how to let go of the need to be liked.

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.Watch Sarah Knight's The Magic Art of Not Giving a F**K here And Sarah Knight's TED Talk here The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Is your Mother the mothering type? Are you? Did you learn your style of mothering on your Mother's knee or are you actively parenting in opposition to how you were raised? If the mother you got was not the mother you needed how do you deal with that? This episode of The Well is all about the complicated relationships that we have with our Mother's – what we’ve learnt from them, what we need to learn from them and what we are mindful to pass down the line to our children.

Robin and Bec are the first to admit that they’re not 'Super Mums' - if you can’t cook or sew on a button or wonder if you’re the only Mum who feels isolated and behind the 8 ball then this ones for you.

With a bonus challenge to help disarm the cliques at the school gate, this episode of The Well really is “The Mother” of all episodes…

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Nikki Gemmell’s book is called After 

The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What’s your relationship like with your dad? Does it affect who you are today, how confident you feel in yourself, in your relationships to others? Did you become like him or seek him out in other ways? Did you marry him, as they say? 

Our relationships with our parents are our first important relationships and can set the tone for how we relate to the world… and it’s not always an easy beginning. 

Robin’s Dad passed away when she was just 11 and without a male role model validating her as she transitioned from a girl to a woman, her relationships with her body, food and others were affected. Bec’s Dad is her hero and challenged and inspired her as she grew up. 

With sage advice from Psychiatrist Dr Judith Martin on how to heal the wounds today if you didn’t have the father you needed in childhood, this episode of The Well is about how we’re all our father’s daughters – for better or for worse.

Show notes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Thanks to Psychiatrist Dr Judith Martin

Steve Biddulph's '10 Things Girls Need Most' - http://www.stevebiddulph.com

The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How much super do you have?  Do you know how much money is coming in and going out of your household? Do you own your credit card or does it own you? Money. It’s not a dirty word. But it can be a scary one - which is why this episode of The Well is all about money, money, money. When Robin became a single mother she took on whole new worlds overnight – and one of them was the family finances. She shares her story of how she went from paralyzing overwhelm to working through the anxiety – and the paperwork – bit by bit. Bec shares a stack of money smart ideas on how to shape up our finances now and for our future. So, grab a cuppa and joins us for The Well, this episode could just be worth its weight in gold… 

Shownotes:

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Money Smart Website: https://www.moneysmart.gov.au

Financial Basics Foundation's Essi Money: http://financialbasics.org.au/essi-money/about-register.aspx

The Richest Man in Babylon: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/294317/the-richest-man-in-babylon-by-george-s-clason/

The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Bec’s parents have been married for 52 years. 52 years! So how do they make it work? Bec’s dad said it’s not just about love - it’s about commitment. With the divorce rate these days sitting at around 42% do we just not have the staying power that some of our folks did? Or is the idea of lifelong marriage just not as realistic now in this day and age? Bec’s a romantic and likes to think that love can be enduring for a lifetime – if you work at it. Robin thinks love is for a time and that people change…We know partnerships aren’t all love and rainbows – so what do you do when you’re stuck in a rut but want to make it through to the other side together? Firstly it helps if you’re speaking the same language – love language that is. Robin takes us through the concept of the 5 Love Languages and explains how they’ve helped her in all kinds of relationships. Bec brings to the table a wealth of tips for when you’re in the trenches and your relationship has gone to the bottom of the list.  Along the way Robin and Bec share the war stories of their first marriages and the roads to where they are now. Join us as we traverse the wonderful world of relationships - for better or worse!

Shownotes

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Find your love language here: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/

And Cynthia Morton's Daily Word Vitamins here: https://cynthiamorton.com/category/daily-word-vitamins/

The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Are you overwhelmed by fashion? Does the thought of a shopping centre stylist have you running for the hills? What’s your relationship like with the clothes you already own? Are they a creative expression of your inner self or just something functional? Robin Bailey has 400 pairs of shoes. Bec Sparrow has about 14. Robin Bailey cares deeply about clothes. Bec Sparrow doesn't "get" fashion. So what happens when your most honest friend thinks you need a clothing intervention?

Join us as we traverse the wonderful world of clothes, our tricky relationship with them, and how to navigate fashion when you’re just too busy to care.  And for anyone needing a spruce up with minimal cost and effort, stylist Sarah Elizabeth Turner has the best advice.

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey.

With thanks to stylist from StyleVice Sarah Elizabeth Turner

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

The EP of Podcasts at Mamamia is Monique Bowley

And the Head of Entertainment is Holly Wainwright.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Remember when everyone was glad to put 2016 behind them?  If 2017 hasn't quite been the 'Happy New Year' you were hoping for, welcome. Around here it's disease, death, and divorce....of our jobs. Bec’s family were felled by Dengue Fever, Robin was sacked from her radio gig and producer Ruth was made redundant from the same show. So what do you do when life pulls the rug out from under you? How do you snap yourself out of it and recover from a false start? Can you build resilience as an adult? And do we need rituals around the ugly parts of life?  We discuss surviving unemployment - the shock, the fears, the unknowns, and the upsides. Chock full of survival tips for life's unexpectedly hairy moments, it's the glorious return of The Well.

It's hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey,  .  

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Season Two of The Well drops May 21st.

Join Robin Bailey and Rebecca Sparrow as they bring you ways to live a happier, healthier, more manageable life. 

Subscribe, and refresh your feed so you don't miss an ep!

Brought to you by the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How do you define success? Is it a big pay check and a house with a picket fence? Or is it about loving what you do? If you've found something you're good at AND enjoy, congratulations, you've hit the jackpot. We spend a third of our lives working, but that doesn't mean we can forget about those virtues that aren't found on a resume.  This is a case for living your eulogy values, the things people will say about you at your funeral.

Also, according to Elizabeth Gilbert, there are four words we need to know: hobby, job, career and vocation. But the only one you really need is a job, and it doesn't have to be soul-fulfilling. 

The Well is the show that explores the head, the heart and the happiness of life.

It's hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host  Robin Bailey,  .  

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What's your relationship to food? Would you rather eat cake or be healthy? At the end of an out of control day, do you hide in the pantry snacking? Or is saying no to that giant slice of chocolate cake more of a reward? Food is our life source and we all have to eat, but our relationships with food are far from simple. Bec Sparrow is an emotional eater, prone to grazing on her kids leftovers. Robin Bailey likes to be in control of what she puts in her mouth, and she's never ordered a three course meal.

The Well is the show that explores the head, the heart and the happiness of life.

It's hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host  Robin Bailey,  .  

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Bec Sparrow wants to raise her children to be kind and empathetic and realise the value in giving and not just receiving. But in a world where you can have whatever you want, whenever you want - how can you raise your children to be grateful? Is it about giving them more of your time, and less of everything else? Kids aren't born grateful, so how do we teach them? It's a conversation that will have every parent nodding along... 

The Well is the show that explores the head, the heart and the happiness of life.

It's hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host r Robin Bailey,  .  

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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It’s the topic that no-one really wants to talk about, but almost all of us will experience at some time or another. We still don’t know how to deal with it properly, or what to do when it comes our way. 

And for hosts Rebecca Sparrow and Robin Bailey it is the elephant in the room - Grief.

Robin and Bec both have the unfortunate distinction of having spent plenty of time with grief. And for this episode, they decided to pool their experiences with loss to help others. You will cry, you will laugh and you will most definitely learn something.

The Well is the show that explores the head, the heart and the happiness of life.

It's hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey,  .  

This show was produced by Ruth De Glas.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Life admin can weigh you down. Paperwork and emails and forms and housework can make you feel out of control. So imagine how it would feel if you were on top of it all? If you had a system for all the paperwork and the emails and the clothes on the floor and the dishes in the sink? Can anyone ever reach the mythical "Inbox zero"?

Bec Sparrow shares all the tips she's learned for dealing with Life Admin and never-ending emails, while her co-host Robin Bailey buries her head in the sand and pretends she doesn't have a problem. 

The Well is hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and Triple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey, The Well is the show that explores the head, the heart and the happiness of life.  

This show was produced by Ruth De Glass.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Are you one of those smug happy people, or do you need a nudge in the right direction? This week it's everything we've learned in the last five weeks. What's the ideal time for an effective nap? Can a fitbit fad last? And forget Denmark, because we just found Australia's happiest place to live. Plus, Bec finds the tools she needs to kick the disease to please, and even Robin has changed the way she exercises. Consider this your happiness checkup.

Show notes

Find out more about Never Forgotten: Mamamia’s Pregnancy Loss Awareness Week here, or join the Facebook group.  

Hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow andTriple M Breakfast Host Robin Bailey, The Well is the show that explores the head, the heart and the happiness of life.  

This show was produced by Ruth De Glass.

Contact the show on the Facebook page, via email, or call the Pod Phone on 02 8999 9386.

Please subscribe to this show in iTunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Do you find it hard to say no to others? Do you try to please everyone else at the expense of what's best for you? And are you constantly doing things out of guilt or obligation? You need some boundaries. This episode we look at the drawbacks of being too nice, how to say no without feeling guilty about it, and how to break all those patterns to ensure you stop putting yourself last. 

Hosted by author and columnist Rebecca "No Boundaries" Sparrow and radio presenter Robin ""Former People Pleaser" Bailey, it's the show that explores the head, heart and happiness of life. 

Contact the show via the facebook page,

Email thewell@mamamia.com.au

Rebecca Sparrow is an author who's now committing to saying no.

And Robin Bailey used to be a pleaser. Now she's quite good at knowing what she wants, hear her on Triple M Breakfast 

Thanks to psychiatrist Judith Martin 

Please subscribe to this show in itunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Do you bound out of bed for a run? Or does your self-loathing prevent you? Many of us have a love/hate relationship with exercise, but the health benefits can't be ignored. So what makes good exercise? We look at how the "fitspiration" movement can do more harm than good, why our notions of exercise revolve around body image, and how to ignore all that and make exercise habits that work for you...no matter your size, shape, fitness level or what you look like in activewear. 

Hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and radio presenter Robin Bailey, it's the show that explores the head, heart and happiness of life. 

Contact the show via the facebook page,

Email thewell@mamamia.com.au

Rebecca Sparrow is an author who's now committing to 10,000 steps a day. 

And Robin Bailey is a runner who is on Triple M Breakfast

Please subscribe to this show in itunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong, said Gandhi. But what if you're not Gandhi? What if you're just a regular person, badly betrayed by a friend? Robin Bailey is that woman, burned by someone close to her, and she can't let it go. So is it ever ok not to forgive? Does forgiving someone make you a doormat, or excuse the terrible behaviour of the transgressor? And why is there cultural pressure to forgive when sometimes you just don't want to? Plus, have you been living like the Danes? We check in on your Hygge homework.

Hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and radio presenter Robin Bailey, it's the show that explores the head, heart and happiness of life. 

Contact the show via the facebook page,

Email thewell@mamamia.com.au

Rebecca Sparrow is an author and self-help book reader.

And Robin Bailey is on Triple M Breakfast 

Please subscribe to this show in itunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

Thanks to Cetaphil for sponsoring this show. 

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Denmark is officially the happiest place in the world. So what exactly are they doing differently over there? We take a look at where the Danes get it right, and how we might just benefit from living a little more Danishly ourselves. Plus, we check in on how your sleep homework is going. And, there's a new challenge for the week that will bring you closer to your community. 

Hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and 97.3 radio presenter Robin Bailey, it's the show that explores the head, heart and happiness of life. 

Contact the show via the facebook page,

Email thewell@mamamia.com.au

Rebecca Sparrow is an author, columnist and self-help book reader.

And Robin Bailey is on Robin, Terry and Bob on Brisbane's 97.3fm

Please subscribe to this show in itunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

Thanks to Cetaphil for sponsoring this show. 

This show is produced by Ruth De Glas and is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How much sleep do you get? 

The Well's Robin Bailey gets four hours a night. It's not enough, and her co-host Bec Sparrow has decided that it's time for an intervention. 

Because how much sleep you have, just like what you eat and how much exercise you do, impacts you in ways you might never have imagined. But with everyone living insanely busy lives and connected to our phones until we close our eyes, how do we get more?

This is an episode worth staying awake for.

Hosted by author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow and radio presenter Robin Bailey, it's the show that explores the head, heart and happiness of life. 

Contact the show via the facebook page,

Email thewell@mamamia.com.au

Rebecca Sparrow is an author and self-help book reader.

And Robin Bailey is on Triple M Breakfast 

Please subscribe to this show in itunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

Thanks to Cetaphil for sponsoring this show. 

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Friends are the sunshine of life. But like sunshine, they can either radiate their goodness on you, or burn the crap out of you if you're not careful.

With everyone craving quality connections, how do you find new friends? Can you pick them up in a playground or bar? And how should you approach this delicate dance?

Do we need to look at the way kids make friends, and follow their lead?

We roadtest the theory that friendships only last 7 years before you rotate into new ones.

And how do you let go of a friend who makes you feel crap?

The Well has practical tips to be a better real-world friend in an age where everyone is glued to their devices.

Hosted by Rebecca Sparrow and radio presenter Robin Bailey, it's the show that explores the head, heart and happiness of life. 

Contact the show via the facebook page,

Email thewell@mamamia.com.au

Rebecca Sparrow is an author and self-help book reader.

And Robin Bailey is a Triple M Breakfast Host

Please subscribe to this show in itunes, and if you have a moment, rate and review the show!

This is another podcast from the Mamamia Podcast Network.

Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.