Reality TV: Wild West or Ongoing Harm?

It’s the season to blame Tyra. Netflix’s new America’s Next Top Model doco has us spiraling back to 2003. It shows us the size-zero era through a 2026 lens, when Tyra Banks was breaking barriers while also showcasing some of the show's seriously batshit behaviour —from models posing as murder victims to 'makeovers' that involved pulling teeth. Now we’re in the MAFS era Clare Stephens wants to know: is every generation’s reality TV show of choice just programmed to prompt outrage? 

Also, today is Jessie’s last day before she goes off on maternity leave. But not before a chaotic handover to her twin, Clare. As Clare prepares to take the seat, she’s re-learning the 'rules' of being an Out Loud host. 

In other business, does your personality need a mini-makeover of its own? We’re talking 'micro-reinvention' — not big deals like quitting your job; more small shifts like adopting a signature condiment or finally becoming a 'Pilates person'. Holly, for instance, is wearing brown. Big deal. Huge. 

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Recommendations

Clare recommends the "Brick"—a physical device that locks you out of your apps to fight phone addiction.

Jessie recommends L’Occitane Osmanthus Abricot shower gel or DedCool Taunt Hand and Body Wash for the ultimate vibe shift.

Holly recommends Eric Dane: Famous Last Words on Netflix—a raw interview with a man who has nothing left to lose.

What To Listen To Next: 

• Listen to our latest episode: Oh Sh*t. We Let Creeps Decide Our Beauty Standards
• Listen: "I'm A Working Mum & I Just Want To Quit"
• Listen: Mia & Amelia On CBK: The Clothes, The Curse, The Love Story
• Listen: Prince William Has Entered The Chat
• Listen: The New Dating Rule That Blew Up A Comments Section
• Listen: 'Prince' Andrew's Arrest Is Not What You Think It Is
• Listen: Angelina Jolie & The Existential Threat Of Desirable Older Women
• Listen: MAFS & The Specific Cruelty of the ‘Sexual Chemistry’ Question
• Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts.

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What to read: 

• Carly Jacob's Substack: 17 micro-reinventions to try (full rebrand not required)
• 'I was raised on America's Next Top Model. The new Netflix documentary is deeply disturbing.'
• Shandi was part of the biggest cheating scandal on ANTM. The truth was far worse than what we saw.
• Amanda Ware won Australia's Next Top Model after TV's most awkward mix-up. This is her life now.
• JESSIE STEPHENS: On being pregnant with twins. As a twin. With twin brothers.

THE END BITS: 

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Clare Stephens, Jessie Stephens & Holly Wainwright

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Video Producer: Josh Green

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

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