No Filter

In this special episode of No Filter, Mia Freedman shares a story about a very vulnerable time in her life...when she was dealing with big life challenges around marriage and fertility and career...and what happened when the place she went for help turned out to be, well, a cult.  THE END BITS: Subscribe to Mamamia Join the Month of MOVEGet $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39. Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[Part 1 of 2] One day, Ariane Beeston looked at her newborn baby, Henry, and saw a dragon. And not a cute, happy dragon - but an upset, red-faced dragon. At that moment, Ariane knew something was very wrong. Other very wrong, very scary things were happening too. A few months later, Ariane would be diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. But a diagnosis was only the beginning of her odyssey - one that would see her hospitalised twice, convinced that she didn’t exist, and worried that she might never be herself again. This is a crucial story about maternal mental health and finding your way out of the darkness - and one that Ariane shares with Mia in this special two-part episode. You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here.  You can follow Ariane on Instagram here. You can buy Ariane’s book “Because I’m Not Myself, You See” here. LINKS: If you or someone you know needs help, Ariane has provided these links to services: COPE Website eCOPE Directory of national supports and services Ready to COPE app PANDA Helpline THE END BITS: Join the Month of MOVEGet $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39. Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Mia speaks to Jackie O, the equal highest paid person in the media industry in Australia. After working together for 23 years, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie completely dominate breakfast radio.  She talks to Mia about the long recovery from divorce, co-parenting, being on Hinge, the media being obsessed with her weight and behind the scenes of negotiating a huge radio contract.  You can hear the second half of Mia's conversation with Jackie O here.THE END BITS: Subscribe to MamamiaFollow Jackie on Instagram here.  Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info, and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman. You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Kimberley Braddish  Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou 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.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie O was deep into a years-long addiction to pills and alcohol until one phone call changed her life. There’s a reason Jackie O kept her addiction to pain medication and alcohol a secret for so long: shame. But now, she wants to share her story of recovery and healing with the world and to help other people get the help they need - and so she’s sharing the hard truths of the years she spent struggling. Jackie and her best friend Gemma sit down for a searingly honest conversation with Mia Freedman about how Jackie found herself at her low point and finally had to admit her addiction to Gemma - and how Gemma got Jackie to rehab without the press finding out. This is a story about addiction and recovery, but it’s also a story of the life-saving quality of friendship. You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here.  Jackie is donating the proceeds from the sale of her memoir to Odyssey House - you can learn more about them here. You can find Jackie O’s memoir, The Whole Truth, here. You can learn more about Besties - Jackie & Gemma’s project - here. And if this episode triggered anything for you and you need someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  THE END BITS: Join the Month of MOVEGet $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39. Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion  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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support independent women's mediaBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Larsson is a former male escort with stories you would not expect from someone who was paid for sex. If you haven't heard this conversation before, it's worth the listen!Mitch was a lawyer and stay at home dad but decided he wanted to change careers. And at first, his wife was supportive.In this episode he tells Mia about the time a client’s mum walked in on them, a lady in her 70’s who booked him regularly, a woman trying to get over a cheating ex and the woman who broke his heart wide open. You can hear the second half of Mia's conversation with Mitch here.You can get Dan/Mitch's book Time For Her - a Memoir of True Romance here. THE END BITS: Subscribe to Mamamia Follow Dan/Mitch on Instagram here.  Dan is taking on new clients, including men looking to become a companion for women and also women who want advice on how to navigate their emotions once they've seen a male escort - see his coaching page here. Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info, and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman. You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Kimberley Braddish  Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou 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.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[Part 1 of 2] Anna Grosman is a Melbourne-based mother of two and staunch advocate for women’s sensual empowerment. She’s recently launched Her Confidant - an elite male escort service that aims to satisfy a woman’s libido, body and mind. Anna believes that putting a male escort on retainer will be one of the new trends of 2025 - as more and more women decide to go #boysober - rejecting the dating apps and more traditional methods of meeting a sexual partner - which all too often prove to be unsafe and unpredictable. The men who work for her - who she calls ‘companions’ are rigorously vetted to ensure that her female clients have a safe, respectful and tailored experience. In this taboo-smashing episode of No Filter, Mia Freedman asks every question you’d want to ask Anna - who sees herself as a feminist madam - and she also speaks with ‘Alexandria’ - one of Anna’s very satisfied customers. You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here.  Follow Anna on Instagram here. You can find Anna Grosman & Her Confidant here. BONUS - Want To Know What Beauty Products Mia Uses? Listen to You Beauty here. THE END BITS: Join the Month of MOVEGet $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39. Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion  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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, you’re going to hear a conversation about vulvas. And it’s not something we speak about often. But our guest today has made a living out of photographing them. Ellie Sedgwick is a body-positive, nude photographer who founded Comfortable In My Skin, a movement empowering people to love the skin they’re in. But, Ellie hasn’t always felt comfortable with her own vulva - she’s gone from being scared to wear swimmers… to considering labiaplasty… to driving around the country to photograph other women’s vulvas for her book, ‘Flip Through My Flaps’. Listen to the second part of this interview here. With thanks to Ellie Sedgwick. Follow her at Comfortable In My Skin here.  Want more with Ellie? Find her extra No Filter episode here. Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion  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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[Part 1 of 2] Bethany Joy Lenz has been in two cults. The first is the cult-classic TV series, One Tree Hill, where she played the role of Haley for ten years, alongside cast members Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray. Yet, what few people knew is that the entire time she was on the iconic show, she was in another kind of cult - the dangerous, isolating, manipulative kind. In this Australian exclusive, she shares her story with Mia Freedman and explains how she found herself in a cult to begin with, what it cost her - literally and figuratively - and what finally helped her find the courage to leave. Bethany Joy Lenz has written an incredible memoir about her experience, Dinner For Vampires - you can find it here. You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here. Follow Bethany Joy Lenz here. THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion  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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring you an episode of CANCELLED, which is all about Ballerina Farm. Today we are diving into the world of ‘Trad Wives’ and more specifically the world of Ballerina Farm which is both a brand and a woman. Hannah Neeleman is a mumfluencer, a mother of eight children and has amassed a huge 10 million followers on Instagram who follow her literally churning butter and collecting eggs from her chickens. Seems wholesome right? Wrong (kinda).Her charges include competing in a beauty pageant just two weeks postpartum, pretending to be poor but owning a $30,000 stove and a birthday present which is the stuff of nightmares (but that was technically her husband’s fault). We unpack all. Plus, more of your lazy gewl stories. ENTER LAZY GEWL GIVEAWAYS HERE! A LIST OF EVERYONE WE'VE CANCELLED ALONG THE WAY:The O.C: Seth's Behind The Scenes Antics & The Issue With Marissa7th “Stop Trying To Be The Bible” HeavenTimothée ChalametThe “Ryan Gosling’s Face Is Too Hot” NotebookThe OlympicsDrew BarrymoreIt Ends With Us DramaBenniferLady Gaga Listen to Mia's No Filter episode about Ballerina Farm with journalist Megan Agnew here. Listen to Mamamia's twice-daily news podcast The Quicky: I'm A Feminist, But Do I Secretly Wanna Be A Tradwife? here. SEND US YOUR LAZY GEWL STORIES:podcast@mamamia.com.au END BITS: If you’re looking for something else to listen to why not check out our hilarious and seriously unhelpful podcast The Baby Bubble hosted by Clare and Jessie Stephens.Or click here to listen to But Are You Happy, hosted by Clare Stephens.Or click here to listen to the hosts of Mamamia Out Loud open up about creativity and how they stay inspired. CREDITS:Hosts: Clare and Jessie Stephens Executive Producer: Kimberley Braddish Audio Producer: Leah Porges 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.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trad Wives like Hannah Neeleman and her Ballerina Farm empire have captured our imagination - and divided our opinions. Trad Wives are an Instagram phenomenon using highly-produced content to promote traditional family values - specifically, the idea that women would be happier if they stayed home and served their husbands and children, trading in a life of career-focused grind culture for a life of content domesticity - and nobody sells this idea better than Hannah Neeleman. Megan Agnew is a journalist for the Times UK and she managed to spend a day with Hannah, her husband Daniel and their eight children on the notoriously hard to penetrate Ballerina Farm - she saw behind the scenes…and what she saw is very different than what we see on Instagram. Megan Agnew’s article went viral and sparked a million think pieces and spurred some very strong reactions…including from the Neelemans themselves. So what is behind the Trad Wife movement - and is it just harmless entrepreneurship, or is there a darker, more serious ideology behind it? You can follow Megan Agnew here. You can listen to our episode with Tia Levings - who barely escaped her trad wife life, here. THE END BITS:You can listen to Mamamia's comedy podcast Cancelled here: Ballerina Farm: A Secret Epidural And A Shit Birthday Present. Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Leah Porges & Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young love. Remember that?! Meeting someone at your part time hospo job where you’re together every night, you start making eyes at each other and one thing leads to another - soon, you’re spending the night at their family home and having dinner with their parents. Well that’s exactly how Emily met Josh. And when you meet so young, it really only goes one of two ways. You either grow up and apart, or you grow together. Like Emily and Josh. After seven years, they knew each other like the back of their own hands and trusted each other implicitly. At not even 30 years old, life was only just beginning. Or was it more a case of it being the beginning of the end? END BITS: Got a crazy, wild story about an ex? We want to hear about it. Email  podcast@mamamia.com.au  Check out Everyone Has An Ex on Spotify or Apple Podcasts CREDITS:Host: Georgia Love Producer: Linda ScottAudio Producer: Scott StronachSUBSCRIBE: Become a Mamamia Subscriber here 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.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[Part 1 of 2] This episode is going to help you have better relationships - and understand the bad ones you’ve had in the past - or might still be having.Because the origin of every relationship we have is our attachment style, and knowing what yours is and how that affects the way you interact with people and the romantic partners you choose can be a game-changer.Mia talks to clinical psychologist and attachment theory expert, Dr. Morgan Anderson, about all things attachment styles and so much more, like: what exactly is the “ick”, what is breadcrumbing, and why do we tend to be attracted to people who may not be so good for us. You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here.  You can follow Dr. Morgan here. THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Leah Porges & Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, a story can save a life. This is one of those stories. Anna Martin is a recovering gambling addict who, as you’ll hear, almost lost her life to this insidious industry. Anna gambled in the shadows. She didn’t want anyone to know about her gambling habits, or the risks she was taking, or just how bad it got…to the point where she almost lost her life. Shame and secrecy are killers. And gambling is shrouded in shame and secrecy. So it’s no small thing for Anna to share her story with No Filter. Anna has turned her experience into action to help others through the Untangled Project - you can find out more about them here: Instagram: @theuntangleprojectaus If you or someone you know needs help - the following organisations are a good place to start: GHLEE (Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts) If you would like more information about research into the current state of gambling in Australia including how gambling is affecting women today, start here: The Grattan report: how Australia should prevent gambling harm https://grattan.edu.au/report/a-better-bet-how-australia-should-prevent-gambling-harm/ And if you need mental health support, please reach out to Lifeline: 13 11 14 THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2000, Ada Nicodemou joined the cast of Home and Away, Australia’s second longest-running soap opera, after Neighbours. She signed on for a 6-month contract to play the role of Leah Patterson-Baker. But 21 years, and a few near-death experiences and a few husbands (Leah’s had way more husbands than Ada who has only had one) one of Australia’s best-known and most-loved actors is still at Summer Bay.  On this episode of No Filter, Ada and Mia discuss everything from love, to loss, to loyalty…. You can follow Ada on Instagram here. You can listen to our most recent episode with Ada here.  THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can hear part two of Mia's conversation with Ada here.  Ada Nicodemou is in love again…with her longtime co-star and on-screen husband, James Stewart. Ada Nicodemou has played the character of Leah Patterson on our screens for 24 years as one of the most iconic stars of Home & Away. In this exclusive interview, Ada tells Mia how the last few years have seen her choose herself after a lifetime of choosing others. They discuss the complexities of ending relationships and blended families, of dealing with paparazzi and tabloid culture, of ageing and beauty standards for women in the public eye, and…what it’s like to kiss your on-screen partner off screen for the first time… Ada also shares her dreams and ambitions for the future…in so many ways, she’s just getting started. You can follow Ada on Instagram here. You can listen to our 2018 conversation with Ada here. THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can hear the second half of Mia's conversation with Suzanne here. When Suzanne Heywood and her little brother were told by their parents that they’d be leaving the UK, leaving school, leaving their friends and their dog to go and sail around the world for three years…Suzanne had her doubts - but like so many little girls, she trusted her father - he was her hero. But as you’ll hear in this captivating story, there is a fine line between adventure and survival. Between an extended family holiday and being held captive…by your parents. What was supposed to be a three year journey turned into a ten year odyssey where Suzanne was severely injured, put in very unsafe environments as a teenage girl, and ultimately abandoned. This story is kind of like a Greek Myth or an Action-Adventure complete with shipwrecks and desert islands…but for Suzanne, it was her life. And it’s her story. Listen now only on No Filter with Mia Freedman. You can find Suzanne’s memoir here. And, follow her on social media here. THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many years Paulina Porizkova was the most recognized face in fashion & beauty - from her iconic Sports Illustrated cover to being the face of Estee Lauder. When she married rock star Ric Ocastek from the iconic band, The Cars. From the outside looking in, it seemed like she was living the dream. To look at her, she really did seem like the woman who had it all. But while Paulina was as visible as you could be…she didn’t feel like she was being heard. Not by the photographers and fashion people, not by producers and directors, and not by her husband, Ric. But then, during COVID, she became known to a whole new generation of women for an unlikely reason…crying on Instagram. And as you’re about to hear - Paulina had a lot of really good reasons to cry. (But, she also gets the last laugh). When Paulina hit her low point, she shared her grief and pain - and tears - with Instagram. As you’ll hear, Paulina had a lot of reasons to cry (and a lot of new reasons to laugh). You can follow Paulina on Instagram here. You can order Paulina’s book, No Filter, here. THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.auShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugo and Spencer live with their loving parents, Michelle and Jono, and are surrounded by extended family, including their grandmother Jasmina and their Auntie Sophie. But how Hugo and Spencer came to be in the world is a very unique and unusual story: their grandmother Jasmina and their aunt Sophie were actually - also - their surrogate mothers. Why did Jasmina decide to be a surrogate for her daughter…at 52 years old? And how did her pregnancy go? How did she feel about the baby? How does it work now? What will they tell the boys when they're older? And - how did this decision come about to begin with? This is a story about the great love that can emerge from great loss, and of great sacrifice and generosity, of motherhood and grandmotherhood - really, this is a love story like no other we’ve heard before. You can find Michelle on Instagram here & Jasmina on Instagram here.  THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.auShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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 culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe to Mamamia Writer and activist, Africa Brooke, used to call people out on the internet all the time - because this is what the culture wars told her she needed to do.  Until one day - she suddenly stopped.  In 2021, Africa wrote an open letter and posted it online. She called it: “Why I’m Leaving the Cult of Wokeness” and it immediately went viral. The letter changed her life, but not in the way she expected it to.  So what did she write in that letter? And how did she become unafraid? Was she cancelled? In this bold and timely interview - Africa Brooke and Mia Freedman discuss the pressures, expectations and risks of living in the Age of Intolerance. You can find out more about Africa Brooke here. You can follow Africa on Instagram here. THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Listen to Mamamia’s satirical podcast, Cancelled, here.Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.auShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.   CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here. Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.