Mamamia Out Loud

They dissect an Australian outback crime novel full of small-town secrets, missing Indigenous women and corrupt cops. Conversation spotlights a brilliant Indigenous protagonist and vivid sense of place. They debate a divisive twist, pacing and the plausibility of a decades-long disappearance. There are tense racial dynamics, 1960s storylines and even a surprisingly funny deep dive about chickens.

Explore the intriguing rise of MM queer romance books and why straight women are their biggest fans. The hosts dive into how streaming shows cater to distracted viewers and the nuances of effective pacing. They analyze the successful appeal of male-male romance and its liberation for female audiences. A lively debate unfolds on whether venting with friends is harmful or beneficial, alongside tips for healthy venting practices. Plus, get recommendations for binge-worthy shows and quirky essentials like fresh underwear!

Victoria Beckham's family drama takes center stage, filled with trademark secrets and wedding dance controversies. A spate of shark attacks in New South Wales raises questions about safety and education. The hosts grapple with how environmental issues contribute to shark behavior. Meanwhile, the concept of age-gap friendships between 20-somethings and 40-somethings sparks a lively discussion on the value of cross-generational connections. Naomi Osaka's striking entrance at the Australian Open adds flair to the conversation.

The discussion dives into the complex issue of Greenland's geopolitical significance and why it has caught Trump's eye. Meanwhile, a popular podcaster faces accusations of 'red-pilling' his audience, sparking debates about responsibility and controversial engagement. JLo's seemingly rude red carpet moment ignites a conversation on celebrity etiquette and society's expectations of women to perform niceness. The hosts connect personal experiences about the pressures girls face to be pleasant, adding depth to the celebrity narrative.

Could you have guests over without cleaning all the way up? What about turning off the GPS when you're driving? How about not tracking your kids and partner, no matter what? This year, it's all about friction-maxxing. Learning to live without a few of the conveniences that have become crutches, all in the pursuit of becoming - no big deal - more human. Em is horrified and Jessie is inspired by this essay in The Cut by Kathryn Jezer-Morton.  Also, Holly's favourite Dax Shepard says that he will pay for his daughter to freeze her eggs when she turns 18. Is this genius, generous parenting, or snow-plough dadding in action?  And, is everyone brushing their faces now?  Plus, our recommendations include something glowy for your face, the best coffee pot in the world, and a book Jessie cannot stop thinking about.  SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media  Recommendations Em recommends a Moka Coffee Pot  Jessie recommends Heart the Lover by Lily King. Holly recommends the L’Oreal Lumi Glotion.  What To Listen To Next:  Listen to our latest episode: Our Best Heated Rivalry Theory & Taylor Swift's Mum Listen: A Spectacular Writers' Festival Collapse & The Jennifer Lawrence Dog Drama Listen: Why Mia Really Left... And Why She's Back Listen: Our Notes On The Golden Globes & Hollywood's 'Toxic Mums' Group Listen: One Of Us Has No Charisma & The New Dating Vocabulary Listen: The Fingering Renaissance Listen: Summer Book Club: Great Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  MOVE by Mamamia is the app that helps you fit movement into your every day. Whether you have 10 minutes, or 45, we've got the workout that fits your time, space and body. Get $20 off an annual subscription until the end of January when you use code OUTLOUD at checkout. Start your free trial today. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media  Watch Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube 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. What to read:  'My word for 2026 is "discomfort." Without it, we're unravelling.' Kristen Bell, a bad joke, and the age of 'moral ammunition'. Why people are face brushing for better skin. Yes, face brushing. THE END BITS:  Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud CREDITS: Hosts: Emily Vernem, 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 KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since when did cosy chats about books suck up quite so many headlines? Adelaide Writers' Week is the longest-running literary event in Australia and this week it collapsed under the weight of its own controversy. So, Em asks Holly and Jessie, what are writers' festivals for, anyway? Jennifer Lawrence re-homed her dogs after she had a baby and Jessie wants to know why nobody warned her that talking about that will ruin her life. And Jessie would know.   When does a situationship become a boy/girlfriend? And when does a boy/girlfriend become a partner? And does anyone (apart from Raye) like the word husband? Thanks to Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, we have a new commitment ladder for relationships in 2026. Also, the job choice that can predict your age and stage.  And the new endo test that could change everything for women tired of waiting for an answer about why they're in agony.  Oh, and did Holly just get fleeced by Harry Styles?  SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media  What To Listen To Next:  Listen to our latest episode: Why Mia Really Left... And Why She's Back Listen: Our Notes On The Golden Globes & Hollywood's 'Toxic Mums' Group Listen: One Of Us Has No Charisma & The New Dating Vocabulary Listen: The Fingering Renaissance Listen: Mel Robbins Knows Exactly What's Wrong With You & The Exact Science To Keep You Enjoying Your Job Listen: The Six Roles In Every Family. Which One Are You? Listen: Ugly Female Friendships & There's A Reason You're Stuck Listen: Is It OK To Flirt Outside Of Your Relationship? 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. MOVE by Mamamia is the app that helps you fit movement into your every day. Whether you have 10 minutes, or 45, we've got the workout that fits your time, space and body. Get $20 off an annual subscription until the end of January when you use code OUTLOUD at checkout. Start your free trial today. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media  Watch Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube What to read:  'It makes zero sense on paper. But I've finally figured out why Kylie and Timothée work.' Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson's movie is torture to watch. That's the point. Timothée Chalamet, Taylor Swift, and the age of the ego. Hey, didn't we already have the debate about working from home? THE END BITS:  Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloudBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Golden Globes day and Mia Freedman is joining Holly, Jessie and Em to talk about frocks that landed and jokes that didn't. We're not mad, we'll just wait for our podcast category invite next year.  When a former Disney star decides to put her mothers' group on blast, famous faces included, what could make it worse? Only a defensive Dad entering the chat. Yes, we're unpacking Ashley Tisdale's viral "toxic mums" essay. Also, the Beckhams' family estrangement gets brutal - thanks to a recipe for roast chicken. Plus an explainer on Trump's Venezuela and why the food pyramid looking upside down is bad news for cows.  Yes, Mamamia Out Loud is back from Summer break and Holly Wainwright, Jessie Stephens and Emily Vernem have a LOT to tell you.  SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media  What To Listen To Next:  Listen to our latest episode: One Of Us Has No Charisma & The New Dating Vocabulary Listen: The Fingering Renaissance Listen: Mel Robbins Knows Exactly What's Wrong With You & The Exact Science To Keep You Enjoying Your Job Listen: The Six Roles In Every Family. Which One Are You? Listen: Ugly Female Friendships & There's A Reason You're Stuck Listen: Is It OK To Flirt Outside Of Your Relationship? 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. MOVE by Mamamia is the app that helps you fit movement into your every day. Whether you have 10 minutes, or 45, we've got the workout that fits your time, space and body. Get $20 off an annual subscription until the end of January when you use code OUTLOUD at checkout. Start your free trial today. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media  Watch Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube What to read:  The Ashley Tisdale and Hilary Duff mum group fallout, explained from the very start. As the Beckham family feud gets ugly, Nicola Peltz has made her biggest statement yet. Over 80 babies dead and food fast running out: The Venezuela crisis explained. Every celebrity Nikki Glaser mercilessly roasted in her Golden Globes monologue. Every single look from the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet. THE END BITS:  Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloudBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's January 1 and Outlouders know what that means. For almost a decade, on the first day of every year Mia Freedman, Jessie Stephens and Holly Wainwright have shared the single word that they hope will define the year ahead.  Last year, they picked: Creativity, Nup, and, um, Let Them. But did they live by them? And what about Amelia Lester and Emily Vernem and the wider Outlouder family? It's time to find out, and to pick our words for 2026. Let's just say, some lessons have been learned.  Outlouders, you might hear your words on this special episode. And please, if you don't, run to the Facebook group and tell us what you chose.  Support independent women's media  Don't miss an episode of Mamamia Out Loud 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. Watch Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube What to read:  Mel Robbins told us her advice for getting everything you want in life. It's surprisingly simple. The 'let them' theory has changed more than 2 million people's lives. HOLLY WAINWRIGHT: 'Embrace your final quarter "nup" energy.' JESSIE STEPHENS: On being pregnant with twins. As a twin. With twin brothers. THE END BITS:  Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloudBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover must-watch recommendations like the addictive Celebrity Traitors UK and the satirical gem The Studio. Dive into book picks, including the compelling Ask Not about the Kennedy women and the witty Lonely Mouth. Beauty mavens will love the tips on dark lip liners and versatile products like La Roche-Posay’s multipurpose balm. For some fun, try the analog bag concept for offline activities, or catch up on music with Lily Allen’s latest. Plus, relax with Japanese self-heating eye masks to unwind!

Dive into the whimsical world of Emily Henry’s latest book, where joy and existential musings collide. The hosts explore the charm of summer reading, unpack romantic tropes with a lovable 'cinnamon roll' hero, and debate the authenticity of a bubbly journalist. They delve into complex family dynamics and the realism of modern relationships, revealing layers of love and loss. The conversation spirals into the ethical dilemmas faced by characters, leading to a verdict on whether this book is a fulfilling escape. Prepare for lively discussions!