Mamamia Out Loud

Australia’s #1 podcast for women is where inquisitive minds come for great conversation — with an occasional side serve of chaos. Covering news, pop culture, and big ideas, plus the small stuff that matters, Mamamia Out Loud features a rotating panel of hosts, including Mia Freedman, Jessie Stephens, Holly Wainwright, Clare Stephens, Amelia Lester, and Em Vernem. It’s your daily dose of conversation that feels like catching up with your funniest and sharpest friends in the group chat. It’s conversation at its most addictive.

Latest Episodes:

NEW: Our Words Of The Year For 2026 Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

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.

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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:

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're Not Done Yet. Our Best Reccos 2025 — Part 2 Dec 28, 2025

Show notes

Celebrity Traitors UK. Adolescence. The Studio. Lily Allen. A matte primer and a Japanese eye mask.

What's worth your time, your attention and your money this year according to Mamamia Out Loud?

These are just some of the recommendations Amelia Lester, Emily Vernem, Jessie Stephens and Holly Wainwright are pulling out from the very long list of recommendations they made in 2025 for the second half of their comprehensive list of how to spend your holiday. Feel free to add to it.

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TV & Movie Recommendations

Holly recommends The Celebrity Traitors UK and The Four Seasons

Jessie recommends We Live In Time

Amelia recommends The Beast In Me

Em recommends The Studio and One Of Them Days

Book Recommendations

Holly recommends Lonely Mouth by Jacqueline Maley

Jessie recommends The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Amelia recommends Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan

Em recommends A Court of Thorns and Roses and the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas

Beauty Recommendations

Holly recommends La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

Jessie recommends the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating

Amelia recommendsthe Bobbi Brown Lip Liner in Rum Raisin

Em recommends the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Best Random Reccos

Holly recommends Lily Allen's West End Girl and CMAT's EURO-COUNTRY Album

Jessie recommends giving blood and levelling up your smoothie.

Amelia recommendsusing the MegRhythm Gentle Steam Eye Mask by Kao

Em recommends the analog bag.

What To Listen To Next:

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

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer Book Club: Great Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

It’s the second episode of our Summer Book Club and this time, we’re diving headfirst into Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.

So then, it was the book that promised joy, mess, meaning and maybe a mild existential spiral — did it deliver? 👀

In this episode, Em V, Jessie and Holly unpack:

Why this story hits differently when you read it in summer
The characters we wanted to hug… and the ones we wanted to gently shake
Big love, big choices and the pressure to live a 'beautiful' life
Whether this book is hopeful escapism or a mirror held a little too close
And the one question it leaves you asking long after the last page

It’s warm, emotional, occasionally unhinged (in a good way) and exactly the kind of book you want to argue about with friends.

Read it. Feel things. Then come scream about it with us.

Summer Book Club Episode 3 drops on January 25 when we'll be discussing the Melaleuca by Angie Faye Martin.

📚 Outlouders, we know how many of you love these special episodes so... would you like us to keep the MMOL Book Club going? Let us know by emailing outloud@mamamia.com.au.

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 Loudon YouTube

What To Listen To Next:

Listen: Summer Book Club: All Fours - Miranda July
Listen: Summer Book Club: Melaleuca — Angie Faye Martin

What to read:

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Reccos That Made 2025 — Part 1 Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

What's worth your time, your attention and your money this year according to Mamamia Out Loud?
So glad you asked.

Well... Sinners. Blusher. Chalamet. Bed Hair. Eyeliner, and a 40-year-old book. These are just some of the recommendations Amelia Lester, Emily Vernem, Jessie Stephens and Holly Wainwright are pulling out from the very long list of reccos they made in 2025 for the first half of their comprehensive list. Feel free to give feedback. It's a gift, you know.

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Movie & TV Recommendations

Holly recommends A Real Pain and Sinners

Jessie recommends Titan: The Oceangate Submersible Disaster

Amelia recommends A Complete Unknown and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Em recommends Sinners too and Superman

Book Recommendations

Holly recommends One Hundred Years of Betty by Debra Oswald

Jessie recommends The Elements by John Boyne

Amelia recommends Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld

Em recommends How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Beauty Recommendations

Holly recommends Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation

Jessie recommends Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair and the Baies Room Spray

Amelia recommendsthe Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid eyeliner

Em recommends the Sephora Collection New Cream Lip Stain in Naughty Burgundy

Best Hacks & Random Reccos

Holly recommends Virginia Trioli’s green beans and RecipeTin Eats mango pancakes

Jessie recommends using Depop or Facebook Marketplace.

Amelia recommendsgetting the newspaper delivered.

Em recommends a cleanser hack where she sits in front of the TV massaging her oil cleanser in for 20 minutes.

What To Listen To Next:

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

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katy’s Baby & A ‘Divisive’ Wedding Dress: 2026 Predictions Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Which of your festive traditions are just plain 'tacky'? Emily Vernem has a list, and you're probably on it. Holly Wainwright and Jessie Stephens certainly are.

This is the last 'normal programming' show for 2025, and we're leaning into comfort and joy. We're bringing all our predictions for 2026 including the fate of some celebrity relationships, the details of the most famous woman in the world's wedding dress, and whether or not it will be the Year Of The Unusual Face. We also revisit what we said would happen in 2025. Some of us were more right than others.

Plus, the letter you should absolutely write yourself before the year is out, and recommendations.

Also: Here is the essay, by Maggie Alderson, that inspired our 'letter' chat: https://www.mamamia.com.au/december-letter-to-self/

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Recommendations

Em recommends Heated Rivalry for all your steamy, hockey playing TV needs.

Jessie recommends Anatomy of a Cancellation on ABC.

Holly recommends the Beth's Dead podcast.

What To Listen To Next:

Listen to our latest episode: Our Glimmers of 2025
Listen: The Bondi Stories We’ll Never Forget & How To Be A Good Guest
Listen: The Unspoken Etiquette Of Friendship
Listen: A Sunday Evening At Bondi Beach
Listen: The Rudest Question You've Definitely Asked This Week
Listen: Jessie's Twin Pregnancy Update: They're Doing What Now?
Listen: The Performers Who Have Had Enough Of Australia
Listen: Things You Fantasise About When You're Single
Listen: The Most Surprising Relationship Red Flag
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.

Watch Mamamia Out Loud:

Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read:

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.

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 Kotowicz

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bondi Stories We’ll Never Forget & How To Be A Good Guest Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

There are names we will never forget from the Bondi attacks. On today's show, Jessie, Holly and Amelia want to honour just a few of the many heroes who risked — and in some cases lost — their lives trying to save others in the worst terror attack ever to happen on Australia's soil. And we want to tell you a little bit about what it feels like in Sydney, and at Bondi at the moment.

Not everyone is able to turn their attention elsewhere this week, but for those who can and want to, we're having some other conversations, too. Like, Taylor Swift, Timothee Chalamet and the era of being able to say, "Yeah, I'm pretty good at this" without cringe.

And, the power of gathering. Being together has never felt more urgent, but at whose house, and who's bringing the cake? Even if you hate hosting, it's hard to avoid at this time of year and you know what makes it better? Good guests. We tell you how to be one, and Amelia shares a thank-you note rule that impressed us all.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact help is available:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Transcultural Mental Health Line 1800 648 911

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next:

Listen to our latest episode: The Unspoken Etiquette Of Friendship
Listen: A Sunday Evening At Bondi Beach
Listen: The Rudest Question You've Definitely Asked This Week
Listen: Jessie's Twin Pregnancy Update: They're Doing What Now?
Listen: The Performers Who Have Had Enough Of Australia
Listen: Things You Fantasise About When You're Single
Listen: The Most Surprising Relationship Red Flag
Listen: The Seven Year Friendship Rule
Listen: The 6 Different Types Of People Pleasers
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.

Watch Mamamia Out Loud:

Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read:

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sunday Evening At Bondi Beach Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

It's not a usual show today, because it's not a usual day.

At sunset on Sunday, at Australia's most famous beach, Australia experienced the worst act of terrorism ever to take place on our soil. As the local Jewish community celebrated the beginning of Chanukah, families gathered around food, face-painting and even a petting zoo for an 'everyone is welcome' opening to the Festival Of Lights. And two men opened fire.

Some Outlouders will be directly affected by what happened on Sunday. Others will be far removed but asking how this could happen here in Australia, and what they can do to help. Some will just want to talk it over. Today Mia Freedman, Jessie Stephens, Holly Wainwright and Amelia Lester are here to do exactly that.

Resources:

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next:

Listen to our latest episode: The Rudest Question You've Definitely Asked This Week
Listen: Jessie's Twin Pregnancy Update: They're Doing What Now?
Listen: The Performers Who Have Had Enough Of Australia
Listen: Things You Fantasise About When You're Single
Listen: The Most Surprising Relationship Red Flag
Listen: The Seven Year Friendship Rule
Listen: The 6 Different Types Of People Pleasers
Listen: The Thing You Can’t Say About Having Kids
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.

Watch Mamamia Out Loud:

Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read:

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rudest Question You've Definitely Asked This Week Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

It's the time of the year when you have to rub up against other people in all kinds of ways. And so obviously Jessie, Holly and Em needed to bring an updated etiquette guide. So, what's a great question, what's a rude one and do you always, always need to give a gift receipt?

And, are you struggling to make a big decision about the new year? Of course you are. We have a new framework to help: Is this a Hat, Haircut or Tattoo problem?

Plus, a dilemma for the ages: Is a straight man cheating if he continually 'likes' another woman’s Instagram posts? Thankfully, a court has cleared this up.

And of course, recommendations: Something to make life easier, something to make yourself smell lovely and something to make the Gen Xers feel smug.

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Em recommendsthe Ouai hair and body mist in the scent St Barts

Jessie recommends the Dinner Ladies Christmas dishes

Holly recommends the essay in the New York Times, Is Gen X Actually the Greatest Generation? and creating a lucky dip of loved Christmas movies using an empty jar.

What To Listen To Next:

Listen to our latest episode: Jessie's Twin Pregnancy Update: They're Doing What Now?
Listen: The Performers Who Have Had Enough Of Australia
Listen: Things You Fantasise About When You're Single
Listen: The Most Surprising Relationship Red Flag
Listen: The Seven Year Friendship Rule
Listen: The 6 Different Types Of People Pleasers
Listen: The Thing You Can’t Say About Having Kids
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.

Watch Mamamia Out Loud:

Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read:

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.

CREDITS:

Hosts: Em 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 Kotowicz

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seasonal Scams, Bonnie Blue & Pop Star Tantrums Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Performers are totally over it, and their end-of-year burnout is highly relatable content. But also, are we, the crowds, worse than we've ever been? This week a 90s rock legend ripped into a concert-goer at a Melbourne show and we want to know — do any of us know how to behave any more?

And, in what seems like very unsurprising news, adult content creator Bonnie Blue has been arrested in Bali. But why did she take her 'bang bus' there in the first place?

Plus, scams. Amelia has a scam story that will make your hair stand on end, Holly says fears of being ripped-off make holiday shopping harder than battling traffic at the carpark and Jessie wonders what living in an era of mass distrust is doing to us all.

Also, Pammy and Liam, Katy and Justin, Kylie and Timmmeeee — we're bringing you the celebrity romance and fauxmance updates not one of us asked for.

Oh, and bananas.

Support independent women's media

What To Listen To Next:

Listen to our latest episode: Things You Fantasise About When You're Single
Listen: The Most Surprising Relationship Red Flag
Listen: The Seven Year Friendship Rule
Listen: The 6 Different Types Of People Pleasers
Listen: The Thing You Can’t Say About Having Kids
Listen: The Good Guest's Guide To Wedding Etiquette
Listen: The Woman Who 'Caused' Family Estrangement
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.

Watch Mamamia Out Loud:

Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read:

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Most Surprising Relationship Red Flag Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift never fight. Nor do George and Amal Clooney. Not about work, money, cleaning, travel or whose turn it is to feed the dog (sorry, cats.) An aspirational relationship goal? Or a flashing red flag?

Also, this week the whole world is looking at Australia as our world-first social media delay kicks in on Wednesday, December 10. So, what are we to make of the poll that says only a third of Aussie parents are actually going to enforce the ban that experts are calling "a mothers' revolution"?

Plus, Oprah Winfrey is in Australia and drawing huge crowds with her trademark a-ha moments. So why is Oprah still so interesting to Aussie women in 2025?

And, there's a very relevant Word of The Year, and a very intimidating Colour Of The Year, and Amelia, Jessie and Holly have a theory that they're linked.

Support independent women's media

Friends, what’s your Word of the Year for 2026, and why? Please let us know by emailing: outloud@mamamia.com.au or, even better, by leaving us a voice note.

What To Listen To Next:

Listen to our latest episode: The Seven Year Friendship Rule
Listen: The 6 Different Types Of People Pleasers
Listen: The Thing You Can’t Say About Having Kids
Listen: The Good Guest's Guide To Wedding Etiquette
Listen: The Woman Who 'Caused' Family Estrangement
Listen: All The Things We Didn’t Need To Know About The Sex Scandal Of The Year
Listen: So, Are You Rude With Money?
Listen: The Women Quietly Quitting Their Husbands & Your High School Ghost
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.

Watch Mamamia Out Loud:

Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read:

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.