Episodes

  • The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’

    The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’
    Mar 20 2026

    Today, the rise of the Gen Alpha CEO is officially in full swing as Victoria Beckham’s daughter, Harper Seven, launches a beauty brand at 13. Monz, Stacey and Amelia ask at what point we decided teenagers need a corner office and a dedicated PR team instead of just... a hobby.

    Plus, is ‘bagsing’ a spot in the playground slide queue ever acceptable, or have we officially lost our collective marbles? We unpack the world of park politics, optimisation and whether it’s just another form of snow-plough parenting.

    Also, is it time to start running your home like a large corporation? We’re diving into the ‘family AGM’ trend and why the shareholders in one host’s house are very unhappy.

    Our Recommendations:

    🥞 Stacey is loving the viral ‘potcake’ hack from TikTok, which involves flipping a whole saucepan to create the perfect pancake stack.

    📖 Monz recommends Meltdown by Lauren Novak, a well-researched deep dive into ‘mum rage’ that makes every burnt-out parent feel seen.

    📺 Amelia recommends SNL's MAHAspital, a comedic take on The Pitt, describing the medical drama as ‘competency porn’ for those who love watching experts excel at their jobs.

    Support independent women's media

    What To Listen To Next:

    • Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
    • New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand
    • Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
    • Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
    • The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
    • FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
    • So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo
    • Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

    What to read:

    • Someone needs to gently tell Harper Beckham this is a bad idea.
    • 'I watch TV for a living. These are the 13 best shows of 2025.'
    • What the hell has happened to the school Easter bonnet parade?
    • The bleak reason smoking is 'back' has zero to do with cool.

    GET IN TOUCH:

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

    Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

    Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

    CREDITS:

    Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley

    Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

    Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

    Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

    Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand

    New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand
    Mar 13 2026
    Move over "conscious uncoupling". Divorce is getting a rebrand. This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack Hollywood Actor Lake Bell’s unconventional approach to explaining her split to her kids. So, why is she banning the word ‘but,’ and is she onto something? Plus, Australian influencer Indy Clinton has gone viral for struggling with her sons kindergarten times tables, and honestly? Same. So, is homework still a thing in 2026 or is it time to let kids just be kids? And, a viral post by Jana Barrett has the internet talking about the invisible labor behind every successful man. He got the trophy, she got the school run. It has us asking, do we all deserve a medal for carrying the mental load? And our very own Jessie Stevens and Luca Lavigne are officially parents of three after twins Harry and Margot came into the world slightly earlier than planned. Luca checks in from the NICU 'baby bubble' to tell us how they’re navigating life as a family of five. Our Recommendations: 💇‍♀️ Stacey is obsessed with The Wavytalk thermal blow dry brush for a smooth, salon-style finish. 📚 Amelia recommends the Babysitter’s Little Sister graphic novels. 📝 Monz has been hit hard by Darragh Fleming’s poem ‘If I Ever Have Boys’. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out LoudEmpty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair TestWait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy HouseSo, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting TabooMichelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To MothersThe Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'As a teacher of 20 years, I’ve seen what homework can do to a student.'Indy Clinton was determined to unmask her trolls. She's just been handed a 64-page report.The 2026 BAFTA nominations are out, and Aussies are making their mark.'I can't stop Googling my ex from 7 years ago. It has nothing to do with missing him.''The perks of divorce nobody talks about. But everyone should hear.' GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    39 mins
  • Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test

    Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test
    Mar 6 2026
    Young Millennials and Gen Z are currently spiralling over the ultimate 'Why Now?' question: To procreate, or not to procreate? To help, they’ve resurrected an unlikely guru from the 1980s — Merle Bombardieri — whose decades-old 'Rocking Chair Test' is currently trending as the ultimate fix for biological-clock-induced brain rot. We unpack whether a 40-year-old therapy book can actually solve the most high-stakes dilemma of our lives. Plus, Amelia Lester, Monique Bowley, and Stacey Hicks are diving into the rise of the 'Empty Parenting Weekend'. And, from Matt Damon’s viral 'don’t blink' dad take, to the obsession with Paul Mescal’s mum, we’re asking: Why is Hollywood parenting suddenly so wholesome? Our Recommendations: 🏝️ Stacey recommends Survivor season 50 on Stan, an all stars season that spans 25 years of the show's iconic winner. 🏃‍♀️ Amelia recommends trading the solo gym sessions for rugby preseason drills with the kids. 🌙 Monz recommends ‘Mummy Mondays’, her ritual for getting kids to open up about their worries by simply looking at the ceiling in the dark Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out LoudWait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy HouseSo, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting TabooMichelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To MothersThe Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: There's a new parenting trend, and it's basically the excuse we've been waiting for.'It's never the big stuff that derails our family trips. It's... everything else.''Australian Survivor has restored my faith in reality TV men.''I help women decide whether or not to have kids with these 5 questions.''I'm child-free by choice. But when my friend told me she was pregnant, I felt grief.' GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    36 mins
  • Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?

    Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin?
    Feb 27 2026
    Parents of children who are 'short sleepers' — kids genetically programmed to survive on four hours of rest (and pure chaos) — we see you. We unpack the science on Parenting Out Loud this week of why some kids are simply 'built different'... and why the rest of us are drowning in caffeine. Plus, we need to talk about the fetishisation of the 'Involved Father'. From Chris Hemsworth’s commemorative tattoos to the rise of the ‘Swiftie Dad,’ why does society throw a parade when a man does the bare minimum, yet side-eye Bobby Cannavale for skipping the Golden Globes to go to a reptile expo? (Justice for Bobby, tbh). And, ex-One Directioner Zayn Malik is single-handedly causing Tooth Fairy inflation, but the real digital horror story is the school Facebook group. Is opting out of the 'digital footprint' a smart move, or does it just make you the ‘weird’ privacy parent who everyone is accidentally tagging anyway? Our Recommendations: 💄 Stacey recommends the Mecca Max Vol. Tubing Mascara for the ultimate ‘lash socks’ that actually come off without a fight. 📕 Amelia could not put down I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, a comic masterpiece that’s a fascinating, heartbreaking glimpse into Hollywood. 🍣 Monz recommends the $10 Kmart sushi maker to save your bank account from the ‘chicken nugget’ of the 2020s. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out LoudThe Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy HouseSo, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting TabooMichelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To MothersThe Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park FightBluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of CompetitionConnect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'I'm raising my daughter with a single mum I met online. I'll never live with a man again.'MIA FREEDMAN: 'What the Taylor concert was really like.'This is why celebrities are boring now. GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'

    The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid'
    Feb 20 2026
    This week, Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester, and guest host Clare Stephens are diving into the 'beige food' epidemic and why modern snack culture might be to blame for your toddler’s refusal to eat anything that isn’t plain pasta or chicken nuggets. And we discuss the the emotional cost of being an 'easy kid'. If you were the child who always got a gold star, never made a fuss, and now find yourself over-apologising to your barista, this one is for you. We talk about why we might actually want our kids to be a little bit... difficult. Plus, a heated debate over 'fart-proud' vs. 'fart-shame' households and why there's now official permission to stop feeling guilty about letting your kids watch TV. Our Recommendations: ⛸️ Stacey recommends getting your kids to record vlog style videos when FaceTiming the relatives gets too boring. 🐎 Amelia is obsessed with The Sound of Music. Yes, the classic movie from 1965. 🎧 Clare recommends The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out LoudFFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy HouseSo, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting TabooMichelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To MothersThe Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park FightBluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of CompetitionConnect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: The emotional cost of being the 'easy child'.'You either grew up in a "fart-proud" or "fart-shame" household. It tells me everything.'We need to talk about farting in relationships and the narrative that 'girls don't s**t'.'I've cut my kids' screen time without them even noticing using these 3 simple swaps.''I've finally cracked the code to screen time, and it only took this one thing.' GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Clare Stephens Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    33 mins
  • FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House

    FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House
    Feb 13 2026

    This week on Parenting Out Loud, we're joined again by Luca Lavigne, so of course things went off without a hitch. 👀

    Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester and Luca are here to unpack the rise of 'Trimester Zero,' and why the over-optimisation of parenting our kids is officially getting out of hand.

    Plus, is the art of 'gathering' officially dead? Are we too scared of judgement, toddler tantrums and messy living rooms to accept anyone into our home? And at what point did hosting become synonymous with performing?

    And, the 'creepy' parenting rituals we all have to try to hold on to time, and why sushi in our kids' lunchboxes is the latest humble brag.

    Our Recommendations:

    ⛸️ Stacey is obsessed with Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing on Netflix.

    🐎 Amelia recommends All Her Fault on Binge and horse riding (sort of).

    🎧 Luca is loving the Spotify DJ, the AI playlist that can get you out of that listening rut.

    Support independent women's media

    What To Listen To Next:

    • Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
    • So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo
    • Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers
    • The Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?
    • The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park Fight
    • Bluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of Competition
    • Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

    What to read:

    • 9 things I wish I knew before my first trimester of pregnancy.
    • 5 parenting hacks to instantly elevate your daily routine.
    • 17 women on the tips and tricks that helped them most with a toddler.
    • A complete guide on how to not lose your s**t at family gatherings.

    GET IN TOUCH:

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

    Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show.

    Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family

    CREDITS:

    Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Luca Lavigne

    Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

    Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

    Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges

    Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo

    So, Yeah. Turns Out THIS Is The Very Last Parenting Taboo
    Feb 6 2026
    Is a mum's job ever done? That's the question that's come off the back of a viral moment from the Wuthering Heights press tour after its star Jacob Elordi was spotted doing something that has everyone talking. Monz, Stacey, and special guest Luca Lavigne debate whether this red carpet incident was a sweet moment for Jacob and his mum or... totally gross. Plus, Claire Danes just said the quiet part out loud about what's being touted as the very last parenting taboo. So, how would you feel about a surprise pregnancy at 44? The internet has its opinions — and so do our hosts. And, is a clear bench top the only thing standing between you and a cortisol spike? From 'CleanTok' to 'Sunday Reset', domestic drudgery on social media is undergoing a rebrand with a surprising cohort leading the charge. Our Recommendations: 💆 Stacey is obsessed with @toupeequeen. A new TikTok niche she's discovered of Toupee application videos. 🎨 Monz recommends creating 'something crap' in front of your kids to break the cycle of perfectionism and celebrate the power of making mistakes. 🧚 Luca is loving the dummy fairy, as the ultimate strategic ally for transitioning toddlers away from their pacifiers. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out LoudMichelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To MothersThe Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park FightBluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of CompetitionThe Precise Reason We Need To Reverse The Parent-Child HierarchyA Genius Mental Health Pyramid & Our Dirty Little Parenting SecretsNo-Hugs Christmas & Where Are All The Weird Kids?Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'Trust me, this cleaning routine will save you hours each week.'Claire Danes should have been happy to fall pregnant at 44. She felt something else entirely.'Trust me, these 3 hacks will make your home feel instantly cleaner.''The world is choosing daughters, but here is my case for the "boy mum".' GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Luca Lavigne Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    40 mins
  • Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers

    Michelle Obama’s Parenting Truth Bomb & A Middle Finger To Mothers
    Jan 30 2026
    Michelle Obama spoke about a very specific kind of reality check on the Call Her Daddy podcast: the exact moment you realise you’re no longer the main character in your child’s life. Monz is feeling this deeply and Amelia and Stacey unpack precisely why it hits so hard. Plus, a viral video of an airport lounge meltdown has us asking whether we've lost the ability to handle conflict without reaching for our phone. We dive into the rise of "public shaming" and whether we’re all just one bad day away from being filmed giving someone the finger. And, move over “rawdogging boredom”, is “slow vacuuming” the new mindfulness trend? Monz is deep into this one but Amelia and Stacey remain firmly unconvinced. Our Recommendations: 🖼️ Stacey is obsessed with the renter-friendly Smarty Pals magnetic wall decals. 🍽️ Monz is loving the Marion's Kitchen Green Thai Curry It comes in a box with instructions even a 5 year old could follow. 🎾Amelia is loving backyard tennis from KMART for some family totem tennis with a serve of nostalgia. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out LoudThe Beckham Family Estrangement: When Does Control Become Controlling?The Clicker Test That Changes Everything & Our 'Public Nuisance' Park FightBluey's Hottest Character & The Out-Of-Control Cost of CompetitionThe Precise Reason We Need To Reverse The Parent-Child HierarchyA Genius Mental Health Pyramid & Our Dirty Little Parenting SecretsNo-Hugs Christmas & Where Are All The Weird Kids?Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'I have 50-50 custody and nobody talks about the silent micro-grief.''I'm raising my daughter with a single mum I met online. I'll never live with a man again.'"I'm not just mummy. I'm also me." When Sally became a mother, she lost her sense of self.CLARE STEPHENS: A rude stranger, a note from a neighbour and the age of utter intolerance. 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 PARENTING at checkout. Start your free trial today. HUGGIES ULTRA DRY NAPPY PANTS: *BABY MILK BOTTLE 250ML GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    37 mins