The Quicky

At the start of the pandemic few of us knew anyone who had actually contracted Coronavirus, but now we're in our third year of dealing with Covid, and living with Omicron, it feels almost inevitable that we'll all end up in isolation eventually (if you haven't already). Advice on how to cope from experts is great, but sometimes you just want to hear from real women who've been there about their experiences because it just feels much more relatable. The Quicky speaks to five women, all in different circumstances and with various living arrangements to find out what their experience of home iso was like, and their best advice for if and when you find yourself shut in for those seven days (or more). Support Services: If you're experiencing anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue, you can contact Beyond Blue free of charge, any time of day or night on: 1300 22 46 36 If you're in need of crisis support, feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, you can contact Lifeline's is free, confidential one-to-one support line on: 13 11 14 CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Laura Jackel - Parenting Contributor at Mamamia who decided not to separate herself from her husband and four-year-old son during her isolation period Shannen Findlay - News Writer for Mamamia who shared the experience of home iso with a group of housemates and their two cats Lily Allsep - Audience Development Manager at Mamamia who went through isolation at home staying separate from her partner with their pet cat and dog as go-betweens Rach Smith - Sales Manager at Mamamia who went through isolation living alone Gemma Bath - Mamamia's News Editor who had to self-isolate in her apartment while trying not to infect her fiancé Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, there was public outrage after it emerged that Citipointe Christian College in Brisbane sent a lengthy contract to parents demanding that their children denounce homosexuality and follow 'traditional' gender roles. The school subsequently withdrew the contract, but it has left many of us asking how this kind of overt discrimination is even legal in Australia? The Quicky speaks to three expert advocates for equality to find out what if any laws exist to protect all Australians from discrimination of any kind, and how the Government's controversial Religious Discrimination Bill could make the situation much worse. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Rodney Croome AM - LGBTQIA+ equality advocate and spokesperson for Just.Equal Steph Lentz - English teacher who worked at a Christian school in Sydney until she came out as gay at which point she was told she wouldn't be going to heaven and was fired Christian Hull - Australian Comedian, Creator, host of the Complete Drivel podcast who recently wrote an article for Mamamia about his own experience at a Christian school Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday marked the start of the new Lunar New Year celebrations for 2022, and so you might be wondering what the year of the Water Tiger has in store for you as we transition away from the year of the Ox. The Quicky speaks to an expert in Chinese astrology and an expert in cultural exchange to find out not just what lies ahead, but also why some are saying the Tiger could be just what we need to bring about the beginning of the end of the pandemic. You can find out more about your fortune in the Lunar New Year of the Tiger here. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Dr Nicholas Ng - Professional composer and ethnomusicologist specialising in Australia-China musical exchange, based at the Institute for Australian and Chinese Arts and Culture at Western Sydney University.  Dr Wang Pan - Senior Lecturer in Chinese and Asian Studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past couple of weeks, speculation and fear has been growing that Russia could be about to invade Ukraine once again, especially after more than 100,000 Russian troops were seen amassing with a hefty arsenal at the border, but why now? The Quicky looks at the long history of tensions between Russia and Ukraine and speaks to an international security expert to find out what Vladimir Putin is up to, and whether Australia could be dragged into the conflict. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Professor John Blaxland - Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies at the Australian National University's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre in Canberra Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has one of the highest death tolls from Coronavirus in the entire world, which has seen the British people live through some of the harshest and longest lockdowns over the past two years. Despite the many restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his colleagues have been outed for having allegedly dozens of illegal parties while members of the public, and even the Queen suffered and remained isolated as their family members died. The Quicky looks into just how many social gatherings happened at 10 Downing Street since 2020, and speaks to an expert in British politics to find out whether Mr Johnson will survive the findings of both an internal and police inquiry into the boozy events. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Dr Ben Wellings - Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations at Monash University, and an expert on Brexit and the politics of nationalism and Euroscepticism in contemporary Europe Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, on the eve of January 26, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that $20 million dollars had been spent to 'free' the Aboriginal flag from a previous deal that had seen a non-indigenous company retain a hold over who could use the iconic image. But not everyone is convinced that the red, yellow and black flag is in the rights hands now, and instead argue that ownership should have been transferred to First Nations people, not the Commonwealth Government. The Quicky speaks to a proud First Nations woman and Senator to find out why so many people are angry about the deal, and what could and should have been done instead to uphold the autonomy and self-determination of Australia's first peoples. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Senator Lidia Thorpe - Australian Greens Senator for Victoria, and Co-Founder of the Australian Greens First Nations Network, a proud Gunnai Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman, and lifelong activist and fighter for human rights, social justice and the environment Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the Novavax vaccine for use in people aged 18 or over, becoming the fourth brand of COVID-19 jab that is being deployed in Australia to fight the ongoing pandemic. But why do we need another vaccine, how does it differ to the ones we already have, and why are some people saying it could convince anti-vaxxers to finally get inoculated? The Quicky speaks to an expert in immunology to answer these questions and find out everything you need you know about Novavax. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Professor Cassandra Berry - Professor of Immunology at Murdoch University in Western Australia Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given how much more time we've all been spending at home lately, it's perhaps not surprising that many of us have developed a new passion for plants.  The number of varieties on offer can be quite overwhelming, so how do you know where to start if you've never had a green thumb in your life? The Quicky speaks to an expert horticulturist, a green space designer, and one of our very own self-proclaimed 'plant ladies' to find out how you can transform your home into a private oasis whether it's an inner-city unit, or a rural retreat. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Laura Brodnik - Mamamia's Entertainment Editor, Co-Host of The Spill and self-confessed plant lady. You can read Laura's article about discovering she was a plant lady here Jenna Holmes, aka the 'Plant Mama' - Founder and creative director of P Mami Industries, which includes Plant Mama, a plant styling studio who specialises in residential & commercial plant design and installations Millie Ross - Presenter and Head of Research at the ABC's Gardening Australia, and also a professional horticulturist, garden designer, writer and broadcaster Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might have recently heard a lot of people talking about face masks, as concerns have been raised that our sustainable cloth masks may not actually be that useful when it comes to protecting ourselves against Covid-19.  But what about other types, like surgical, N95, P20, KN95, KF94 - what's the difference and how do you know which one is best for you and your family? The Quicky speaks to a GP and face mask expert to find out what is really the best product to keep potentially dangerous droplets away from your nose and mouth, or to stop your infection from being transferred to others. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy With thanks to:  Dr Imaan Joshi - Sydney-based GP and a specialist in Aesthetic medicine Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mamamia only refers to January 26 by its date, to acknowledge that it is not a day of celebration for all Australians.  Instead of publishing an episode of The Quicky today, Host Claire Murphy provides some recommendations for some excellent First Nations content and brands (see links below) for you to explore. If you want to be an ally this January 26, we urge you to send your MP a letter about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which calls for constitutional change and structural reform that recognises the sacred, ancient spiritual link Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to their land. You can use this letter template to email your MP. Claire's Recommendations First Nations Fashion: Clothing The Gaps - A fresh and dynamic fashion label managed by health professionals that celebrates Aboriginal people and culture. Clothing The Gaps is a play on the words "Closing the Gap", which is an Australian Government health initiative to help close the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal people and non-Indigenous Australians.  Trading Blak - Sells fashion, wellbeing and food products from businesses that are First Nations owned and led. It is also a safe and transparent space to educate, inform and support not only Indigenous owned and run businesses but also those who wish to support Blak businesses whether that be economically or through engagement.  Kirrikin - Luxury resortwear, featuring the artwork of contemporary indigenous artists from around the country. The stunning artwork is digitally printed onto sustainable fabrics to create unique, luxurious, and ethically made garments. First Nations Fashion + Design - A national voice representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. Creating ongoing access to opportunities, skill development, and industry engagement. Working towards a self-sustaining ecosystem of Aboriginal fashion designers, textile artists, jewellery designers, photographers, models, hair + make up artist, stylist, curators + Fashion Industry Professionals.  Media: Indigenous X - A 100% Indigenous owned and operated media, consultancy and training organisation. They have an excellent Twitter account which is run by a different person each week so you can hear a host of Indigenous voices throughout the year. Indigenous X also features many excellent articles on their website concerning a range of First Nations issues and views. Podcasts: Pretty For An Aboriginal - Nakkiah and Miranda have conversations Australia is uncomfortable having - about sex, relationships, dating, power, and, most difficult of all, race. Coming Out Blak - Hosts Matika Little and Courtney Hagen are dedicated to supporting and celebrating First Nations mob in the LGBTQ+ community. Follow @comingoutblak on instagram to connect. Unapologetically Blak - A project that has been developed by two Australian Indigenous women, Ginny and AJ, to offer an insight into the personal lives and distinctive sisterhood that Blak Australia exists within. ⠀ Books: Growing Up Aboriginal In Australia, by Professor Anita Hess - Anita is a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation of central New South Wales, but was born in Gadigal Country and has spent much of her life on Dharawal land near La Perouse. She is one of Australia’s most prolific and well-known authors publishing across genres including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction, and children’s novels.  Blackfulla Bookclub - An initiative by Teela Reid, a proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer and storyteller born and raised in Gilgandra western NSW, and Merinda Dutton, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Barkindji woman and also a lawyer. Together they share book recommendations and stories to heal our nation. CREDITS  Host: Claire Murphy Producer: Claire Murphy Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/ CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.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. Just by reading or listening to our content, 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 our aim is to get to 1,000. Find out more about Mamamia at mamamia.com.au Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.