The MAFS Addict Podcast: Recent Episodes
Flora
Honest and on-point episode recaps of the 2022 season of Married at First Sight Australia by a Brisbane-based psych student with a self-confessed MAFS addiction.
It's the most dramatic reunion episode yet, and there is SO much controversy. Here I do my best to unpack it in a somewhat balanced way.
It's the buck's/hen's party ep, and it includes the first 1.5 weddings as well! I'm surprised already by how things are turning out so I'm sure there'll be even more twists to come in the final wedding ep next week.
It's the final ep before weddings and some of these couples are having a rollercoaster of a time.
A fresh triad of episodes has been released and it begins at 10 days until weddings! The couples keep meeting friends and family and having talks together to work out whether they're ready for a lifelong commitment.
The drama is definitely back - and so is Andrew! It's the "bar gathering" episode and whilst the couples start off trying to be a strong unit, the episode definitely doesn't end that way for all.
Tbh this episode is less "commentary" and more "recap" because the drama has a (brief) break as the couples go back to boring reality after the holiday. They finally have some serious conversations about life decisions moving forward, and start to meet each others' loved ones.
My fresh rambling thoughts on the newly-uploaded episode and the actions of certain very non-reassuring men.
So much drama in this ep - I thought it was going to be a short one but I had THOUGHTS and had to reel myself in at one point.
Ep 4 is the final episode currently available on Netflix, with a week break before the future episodes will be released, but they look intense.
Feel free to slide into the insta DMs at @themafsaddictpodcast to tell me your take on the controversies of this episode!
Featuring a full recap of what appears to be known on TikTok as "the cringiest moment of this season".
This season is definitely not disappointing with the drama. Tune in for my comments on Netflix's new season of Love is Blind.
It's back baby! I discuss my reactions to the new season and its most notable moments. Whether you're a fan of LIB or simply want something light to listen to on your commute, tune in to our podcast for some (hopefully balanced!) perspectives on Netflix's most popular relationship show.
In the season finale, we see the aftermath of Keller's drunk night out; the couples considering the red flags they've seen in their partners, and then coming together with the experts to make their final decision on continuing the relationship.
In the penultimate episode of the season, the couples have some more serious discussions, meet family/friends, and start considering the big questions they'll need to settle before making their decision in the finale.
The couples finally meet in the DINNER PARTY episode! There are some big clashes but also some great moments.
The Proffitt Podcast
The podcast that shows you tips & strategies to create content with confidence!
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The couples finish off the honeymoons and move in together. We also see the aftermath of last episode's drama for the couples experiencing major issues.
Women in Tech Podcast
Inspiring women in tech share their stories on how they got to where they are today.
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We see some very opposite honeymoon behaviours in this episode: some couples are so into each other it seems too good; meanwhile others are doing solo video diaries and making decisions about the marriage without even giving their partner a heads up on what they're thinking. Communicate people!
Smart Passive Income Podcast
Weekly interviews, strategy, and advice for building your online business the smart way.
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In this episode, we see Michael and Bella's high-chemistry wedding reception, Dave and Bella's awkward-at-first first day together, and Craig and Andy's rollercoaster of a wedding. I also discuss my thoughts on Indian Matchmaking after season 2 was recently released on Netflix.
Women in Tech Podcast
Inspiring women in tech share their stories on how they got to where they are today.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
This episode we meet 3 new couples - vivacious Jess and confident Dave; organised Andy and passionate Craig (the Australian show's first same-sex couple); and jewellery designer Michael and radio host Bella.
Do you want to change the world?
Insight Out reveals transformational insights that can change your life and the world!
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In the MAFS AU Season 3 pilot, we meet tattooed sweetheart Keller and teacher Nicole, whose dad is Thoroughly Unimpressed by the guy at the end of the aisle. Meanwhile, fitness enthusiast and comic book collector Mark is paired with Monica with a great sense of humour (super generic comment I know, but they haven't told us much about her personality or interests at this point).
Reality Life with Kate Casey
Three times a week I interview directors, producers, and stars from unscripted television.
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I actually loved this episode - from a fun reunion with a mass makeover reveal to the final exciting challenge, finishing with heartfelt speeches and votes for the winners, it kept a great pace. I finish the episode with some reflections on this season as a whole.
This ep features post-makeover geeks trying their hand at speed dating, geeky girl trivia masters, cute final dates, and the last elimination challenge of the season.
I loved the retro diner music video challenge in this episode, and 4 makeovers in one had me so keen for this one. I'd like to have seen a different order of the makeovers being revealed because there was a little disappointment but ultimately everyone looks good and had a great time.
I loved the activities this time - they had to make "viral" TikToks in 10 minutes which seems like a bit of an ask, and unsurprisingly I was obsessed with the MAFS crossover (complete with a so-called expert and the iconic decision cards). Another couple got eliminated but it is the final week after all.
Today I discuss my take on reality stars leveraging their fame for media content such as launching podcasts doling out relationship advice. I also deliver my FAVE podcast recommendations and finish with my perspective on the trending but highly controversial Netflix adaptation of Persuasion.
Cash vs Trash
Join us as we look at the number 1 movie and a box office bomb from 1970 to 2021!
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I decided to recap 2 eps today I discuss the duelling challenge, a paint and sip date, the elimination, and the life swap episode. I also add a quick Love Island recap on the end for my fellow fans or people who want to know where the show is at now.
StoryCraft
A show about the art and science of storytelling.
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A dog obstacle course, a romantic dinner date and a great makeover - this episode of BATG ticks all the boxes.
It's a flight/school-themed episode, with a flight simulator challenge, an indoor skydiving first date for one of my fave couples, and a mixer with strong classroom vibes.
This ep of Beauty and the Geek Australia 2022 featured the error-laden Anchorman challenge, a beautiful date for my fave couple, an amazing makeover, and the first elimination challenge.
The couples participate in a high-end fashion shoot for this episode's challenge, with a well-deserved date for the winning couple, and it's nice to see that gentlemen still exist. There's also a saloon-themed mixer where the final pairings are made.
Back with a recap of ep 2 of the 2022 season. To win a date, the couples have to work in pairs to complete an acting/stunt-filled challenge; later, they let out their inner party animals at a nightclub-style mixer.
For something a bit different, I record my thoughts on Beauty and the Geek having NEVER seen it before - just based on the trailer. I then come back after watching the first episode and give a full recap of my thoughts on meeting the first few characters and seeing how the show is set up initially. It's definitely a bit different to what I expected but I'm hooked already!
The couples separate, reflect, and come back together for decision day. We then catch up with them all 2 months down the line to find out how things have been going since the experiment, and I summarise my thoughts on the season overall.
Sex, Love, & Couples Therapy
Everyone wants to be loved, that’s a universal desire. But sometimes our relationships...
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The couples return home from the Blue Mountains holiday and each have to deal with their own hurdles - including meeting each other's families. Simone unintentionally offends possibly every viewer of the show with her opinions on the lifestyle of spending every weeknight eating dinner at home, watching TV and going to bed.
Sex, Love, & Couples Therapy
Everyone wants to be loved, that’s a universal desire. But sometimes our relationships...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
In this episode, we see the aftermath of Jonno's big move and we come to my favourite episode of the season: the dinner party!
Sex, Love, & Couples Therapy
Everyone wants to be loved, that’s a universal desire. But sometimes our relationships...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
In this episode, we see the aftermath of Jonno's big move and we come to my favourite episode of the season: the dinner party!
The couples move in together and we see the impact of work stresses and lifestyle differences on each of the relationships.
The 4 MAFS couples get to know each other on their honeymoons through deep conversations, adventure activities, and first kisses for some.
In part 2 of this podcast ep, I give my quick mid-season thoughts on the Love Island UK couples for those of you who are also following it at the moment!
We meet deep, highly-organised Simone and gym bro Xavier; as well as fun-loving Clare and casual but slightly superficial Jonno. Two very different first impressions between the couples - it'll be interesting to see how these relationships progress.
I'm back again for season 2! In this episode we meet doesn't-have-a-filter Erin and quiet, laid-back Bryce; as well as wants-a-spark DJ Christie and sweet class clown Mark. Both brides start off quite stressed and it's interesting to see what each groom does with that first impression.
After never having seen Love Island before and going back and forth on whether I want to get into it, I've finally jumped on the bandwagon this season and have been watching the current UK season daily (yes, we're 19 episodes in and I'm officially addicted!)
In this episode I go in-depth on analysing the advantages and disadvantages of the Love Island format compared to that of Married at First Sight, and then make my final (surprising) decision on which one is more conducive to finding a successful relationship.
In the final episode of season 1, we see couples wrapping up their time together, separating for a week, and delivering their final decisions in the presence of the experts. We also check in with the couples two months later to see where they're at (as this was before the days of the infamous reunion dinner parties).
There's a week left in the experiment and arguments abound. We see family visits and couple drama, but my favourite part has got to be my girl Zoe taking a day of annual leave just to cook a roast for her husband. Can we please normalise not being expected to work AND prepare dinner on the same day? What a legend.
In this episode we see the couples meet for the first ever dinner party, which is much more like a real dinner party than any we see in the recent seasons - complete with BYO wine and someone crying in the bathroom.
The couples move in together and we see them struggle with dinner routines, changed commutes, juggling schedules, and buying furniture together. This episode also features some good one-liners and my fave friend consultation in all of MAFS.
In this episode we meet and witness the weddings of career-driven Zoe and plumber Alex, as well as Michelle and James, the couple we learn possibly the least about in the history of this show.
As requested, I'm going back to past seasons for some more MAFS recaps!
In this episode, we meet Clare (the "fiesty" bride who loves theatre) and her new husband Lachlan (the easy-going farmer with a good sense of humour) as well as the highly social and confident Roni and her match, Michael (who shows very little personality so far). They're matched by experts John Aiken, Trish, and the one who gets completely forgotten after this season.
Bet you thought I was gone until next year but I'm just too addicted! Here's my quick announcement on my next chunk of recap episodes coming very soon. I can't wait!
In this episode I explain why I love The Single Wives (available on Netflix) and why I think you will too!
In this bonus episode, I list things I love about a popular character (Ella) AND an unpopular character (Olivia) from the Married at First Sight Australia 2022 season.
Well they certainly threw a few curveballs at us! In my recap of the season 1 finale of the new Netflix show The Ultimatum, I share my reactions to the full cast reunion and the many changes that have occurred since they made their final decisions.
It's D-Day! Finally we get to see the decisions we've all been waiting for. There were definitely a few unexpected twists here but I wish them all the best.
In tonight's episode, I answer the question that no-one asked (you're welcome): if I worked for MAFS AU, which pairing combinations would I have chosen for the 2022 cast members and why?
In the last episode before final decisions, we see some unexpected premature outcomes and my new favourite character as she takes a stand and finally sees things clearly. I also give my predictions for everyone's final decision.
This episode begins with an unexpected bachelorette party and features a winery road trip, improved communication (for some, not all couples), and some slightly disturbing security footage.
Couples reunite with their original partners and as expected, this brings plenty of jealousy, requests for improvement, and arguments. The good thing is that people are being a little more open about what they want - but have they been as open about what they've been up to? A couple of the ladies do some detective work of their own and don't like what they discover.
In this episode, we see the aftermath of the girls' and boys' night, including angry walkouts and a jealous ex breaking the rules. We also see how each couple handles their last night in their first trial marriage.
In episode 3 of Netflix's new show, we see the rest of the decisions being made, with some twists along the way. Complete with arguments and tears, it's a bit of a disaster but we definitely get some answers to the remaining questions on who'll be matched with whom in the next stage of the experiment.
In this episode, we see a scorned woman making things awkward, more dating around, difficult conversations between exes, and some big decisions being made at the Choice Dinner.
In this episode we see new partners being introduced to friends and family, with varying reactions. There's also an incredibly uncomfortable girls' night (and a similar event for the boys) in which very specific and personal details are shared openly between the participants about their partners/exes.
In my first non-MAFS recap, I discuss the pilot episode of the brand new Netflix show The Ultimatum, which introduces us to a group of couples all dealing with the same problem. It's hard to know exactly where this show will go but I think there's a lot of heartbreak in store. One thing's for sure: it's going to make for some riveting television!
P.S. Apologies for getting some of the character names mixed up here - I improve on this in the future episodes!
In this super-quick episode, I announce the next show I'll be recapping. I think you're going to love it!
The MAFS AU 2022 season has finished but that doesn't mean I'm going anywhere! In today's episode, I list 8 reasons why we love MAFS for those of us who feel judged for enjoying it (and to set a few things straight for those doing the judging!)
Well it happened - the episode we've been awaiting all season. Tonight I recap the final instalment of the 2022 season, which was complete with a surprise breakup and the group's reactions to the cheating and glass smashing footage.
Thankfully this isn't my final podcast episode, so stay tuned for what I have in store next to fill the MAFS-sized hole in our lives!
It's the MAFS family reunion - and as with any such event, there was plenty of drama to unfold, secrets to unearth, and unnecessary but illuminating commentary between the participants. Complete with a Lizzie McGuire reference and some hope for my favourite couple, my recap of tonight's episode has plenty of unfiltered reflections on the events of the evening.
Tonight we saw the "final" Final Vows, where the many ups and downs for Selina/Cody, Mitch/Ella, and Jack/Dom came to their conclusion and we got to see if it was all worth it and where they'll go from here. I was genuinely unsure about some of these decisions heading in and I had a strong reaction to the one that surprised me the most - I think I've found my new least favourite character.
Tonight we saw some final goodbyes as couples head home separately to contemplate their futures, and the beginning of final vows. It also ended in a gloriously-satisfying act of closure for one participant in particular.
In tonight's episode, we saw the last dinner party before final vows - which means exhausted couples and some very valuable honesty box confessions.
Tonight's episode featured the annual boys' and girls' night at the end of the experiment, where old participants return and rehash drama yet again. But things have been so intense lately that even this group doesn't want to get into it again, which is saying something. Selin, Daniel and Carolina cause a stir and Tamara and Dion have some strong opinions to share.
Tonight's final dates feature unhappy wives made to feel bad for asking for the bare minimum from their partners; a classic Brent and Tamara clash; and on a positive note, some Italian romance that is nothing short of inspiring.
The Reflection Week tasks bring pleasant wedding day memories for some whilst stirring difficult emotions for Selina and Olivia. In this recap I deliver my take on Cody's approach, Olivia's lack of self-awareness and Mitch's firm commitment to the privacy of his enormous ex-lover-filled spank bank.
In tonight's final commitment ceremony ep of the year, we saw the aftermath of the photo scandal ambush. In my recap I discuss my perspective on certain couples' decisions to stay or leave for the final week and the mixed success of attempts to get some sort of clarity on what was done to Dom. I also offer my two cents on certain behaviour we've been seeing from fans of the show and why it's not just "cringe", but problematic.
Tonight's dinner party episode focused on Domenica being notified about Olivia (who continues to insist she doesn't care about Dom) having googled Dom and shared a nude photo of her with the group. As usual, we see zero remorse from Olivia and Dom is, understandably, not thrilled with how it all went down.
The homestays continued in tonight's episode, which featured a prank gone wrong and a couple of husbands finally listening to some sage wisdom from the fam-bam. We're also treated to more unfair judgement of Jackson's hobby.
In tonight's MAFS episode, we began the homestays, which feature family get-togethers, light 'kidding-but-not-really' criticisms of each other's homes, and a couple of wives very reluctantly agreeing to activity proposals from the husbands.
It's the first commitment ceremony since the retreat and we get to see a bit of everything - couples who have been brought together, couples who have grown apart, and the drama caused by split decisions on staying and leaving. This episode also contained a whole extra half hour dedicated to the big scandal they've been building towards all season - in this recap, I discuss the 3 big questions it presented (and answered) and my ultimate opinion on how it all went down.
Thankfully, this year's nightmare of a retreat is over, and the couples go back to their apartments. Tonight I recap the dinner party where Olivia insists she's just chill, Carolina says she's not going to engage in drama...and then they both spend the evening criticising Domenica and engaging in more drama.
It's International Women's Day, which made it all the more embarrassing seeing how much better the men's behaviour was in this episode compared to the women's. However, it was nice to see some positive examples of supportive male partners as we don't see enough of it on this show (or anywhere tbh).
Tonight I share some very in-depth thoughts on each part of this hectic episode, and a special theory/rant at the end on the Domenica vs Olivia situation.
Wow. They promised us drama and they're certainly delivering. Tonight I recap the beginning of the Married at First Sight Australia couple's retreat, wherein arguments escalate quickly after Jack overhears Domenica's comments about him and several brides clash at the annual girl's night.
Unlike Kate, the experts have finally realised they need to at least pretend to put in effort for this show, and it comes in the form of them taking actual notes during the dinner party and bringing some feedback to the commitment ceremony. Good for them.
Tonight I recap the Married at First Sight Australia episode from 6 March 2022, which contained a lot of honest feedback and established a solid foundation for some mid-week Domenica/Olivia beef.
My thoughts on the 2 March episode of MAFS AU - including Carolina's frustrating attempts to justify her behaviour to the group, Kate's negativity, and Al's endearing but slightly worrying cluelessness.
My recap of tonight's (1 Mar) episode of MAFS AU, where we meet the rest of the parents and see couples struggle to describe what they have in common. Honestly, "tanning at the beach" and "going to the gym"? You can do better than this.
Tonight I recap the 28 Feb episode of MAFS AU, wherein the couples begin to have those weird cinema-family-Zoom-meetings (it's like the opposite of Netflix and chill!). Meanwhile, Mitch scathingly tells a TV show audience that he doesn't want to discuss his TV relationship with a TV audience or with his co-participants (aka "those idiots") - and as always, I have some things to say about it.
We received some very mixed messages in the 27 Feb commitment ceremony episode. Since when does Jess have "nothing bad to say about Daniel"? Why was Mel so intent on getting Selina to admit culpability for their problems? And don't even get me started on Mitch tonight. Listen now for my honest opinions on all this and more.
In the 23 Feb episode, we welcomed the new couples to their first dinner party and they're already arguing and flirting inappropriately with the other couples / each other.
In tonight's episode (22/2/22) we were treated to some unusual but interesting "behind the scenes" clips of the new couples interspersed with the more "official" footage, as well as the kind of classic Honeymoon-Box-related drama we've come to expect from this horribly addictive trainwreck of a show that we can't seem to look away from.
Recap of the Intruder Wedding episode of Married at First Sight Australia from 21 Feb 2022. Tonight we saw some positive progress with current couples, met unpromising intruder couples, and witnessed the traditional dirty-laundry-airing-with-the-newbies that we've come to expect from this show.
Recap of the Commitment Ceremony episode of Married at First Sight Australia from 20 Feb 2022. Holly's last hurrah and my views on Selin, Olivia, and Holly's actions, amongst others.
Recap of the 16 Feb 2022 episode of Married at First Sight Australia, i.e. the dinner party where Andrew received an unnerving amount of sympathy. And who would have thought Selin and Anthony would be a united front against the debacle that is Andrew and Holly's marriage?
Recap of the 15 Feb 2022 episode of Married at First Sight Australia, which is full of more questionable attempts at intimacy like good old "non-jealous" questioning about exes, ironic accusations of narcissism, and some free waxing/tanning services for a couple of lucky husbands.
Recap of the 13 Feb 2022 episode of Married at First Sight Australia, when all the couples began to air out their drama at the first commitment ceremony of the season.
Recap of the 9 Feb 2022 episode of Married at First Sight Australia, which was complete with pressured sex, repetitive gaslighting from Selin, and a hard-to-watch conversation over arguably the two most sensitive issues to discuss with your partner (race and attractiveness :O). I would label it The Problematic Episode but I'm afraid it may turn out not to be unique in that quality.
Confession week is back, which means so is That Horrible Ranking Task. Tonight I recap the 8 Feb 2022 episode of Married at First Sight Australia and the customary problems that it brings. But I'm not going to blame confession week for Andrew's behaviour - that's all on him, no matter how much he tries to tell us it's not.
Here I recap the 7 Feb 2022 episode of Married at First Sight Australia, including the constructive and not-so-constructive conversations between spouses that come to the surface surrounding the first dinner party of the season.
I recap the Olivia/Jackson and Sam/Al wedding episode of Married at First Sight Australia 2022 (aired 6 Feb), describing my first impressions of each couple, how they compare with past couples, and my predictions for the future of their relationship. (Bear with me as I was pretty tired/congested when recording this!)
I have so many opinions on this season's most problematic episode yet! (Commentary on 3 Feb 2022 episode of Married at First Sight Australia).
My opinions on the Holly/Andrew and Selina/Cody weddings from episode 3 of Married at First Sight Australia (aired 2 Feb 2022).
A snappy commentary providing my impressions of the 2nd episode (1 Feb 2022) of MAFS Australia - the Ella/Mitch and Domenica/Jack weddings.
MAFS is back! The podcast begins with an excited and observation-packed recap of the 31 Jan 2022 first episode of Married at First Sight Australia.