MID

Personal Journals
**MID**

Welcome to MID – the grown-up conversations women deserve.

Ever wondered what to do when your ducks don’t all fit neatly into the row they’re supposed to?

Each episode we bring you handpicked compelling stories discussing relationships and wellness.

Fun, frank wisdom from an impressive line up of well loved names, in the second act of life who share it all.

MID goes deep on self-care with zero shame and rich experiences you can cherry-pick for wisdom to share, changes to make and attitude we can borrow.

In MID… we’re anything but.

Latest Episodes:

Paula Joye Knows There Are Two Types Of People. One Has Lost A Parent. Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

You know Paula Joye as someone who ran Australia’s biggest women’s magazines—and as the expert in skincare, style, and wellness that she undoubtedly is. But today? We're not talking about glossy covers or celebrity interviews. Today, Paula is sharing the story that breaks us all open - losing your mum.

Two years ago, an ordinary Tuesday night became the night that split Paula's life into 'before' and 'after'. In this conversation, she's opening up about that phone call, the impossible reality of learning to exist without the person who literally made you, and why grief feels different when you're stuck in the middle - caring for everyone else while falling apart yourself.

This is about the messy, complicated reality of mourning whilst keeping your public face on. About how loss completely rewrites your priorities. And how Paula found the strength she didn't even know existed.

You can follow Paula Joye on Instagram and find her beauty book Glow Up here.

THE END BITS:

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Paula Joye

Host: Holly Wainwright

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Tina Matolov

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Stacy Sims Knows What Gen X Should Be Eating, Lifting & Feeling Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Dr Stacy Sims knows more about women's fitness than pretty much anyone we've ever spoken to.

She's the exercise expert who went viral for her breakfast routine, but that's just the beginning. Dr Sims is an exercise physiologist and nutritional scientist who's become the go-to authority for grown-up women navigating fitness in 2025.

In this conversation, Stacey shares why so much mainstream fitness advice is complete bullshit for women. She explains how ice baths, fasting, and soul-crushing cardio weren't designed for female bodies, and why "shrinking and pinking" men's advice doesn't serve us.

You're going to hear about the surprising differences between male and female physiology, why women aren't just "small men" when it comes to health, and what we actually need to feel vibrant and strong. Plus, yes, she'll reveal that famous breakfast that caught the internet's attention.

You can follow Dr Stacy Sims here and find out more about her work here.

THE END BITS:

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Dr Stacy Sims

Host: Holly Wainwright

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Tina Matolov

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FROM HOLLY: 'A love letter to my toxic friend' Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

And Just Like That… it's over.

Welcome to the MID view of the end of the Sex and the City universe — forever.

She's been our problematic friend for 27 years now, hasn't she? Carrie Bradshaw, with her impossible shoes and even more impossible romantic choices.

But the truth we always knew? Carrie was never meant to be aspirational. She was meant to be us. Messy, self-absorbed, making terrible decisions in great outfits. She mirrored our romantic disasters, our ambition, our fear of aging — and somehow made it all look glamorous.

But now? It’s time to put down the mirror and walk away.

This special drop is inspired by a story by Holly Wainwright on Mamamia

THE END BITS:

Want to win a $10 e-gift card AND a Mamamia subscription FREE for 1 month? Fill out this short survey. T&Cs apply.

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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

CREDITS:

Host: Holly Wainwright

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Can I Get Back Together With My Ex Best Friend?" Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us.

This episode is all about midlife friendships—how to navigate both new and old ones. Our guest, psychologist Clare Rowe, has plenty of experience dealing with the complexities of friendships. She's got a story about an experience with a friendship breakup—one you’ll be glad didn’t happen to you.

The dilemmas that Clare & Holly tackle in this episode are:

One of my good friends has started being awful, but she says Perimenopause is the reason for all her outbursts. Do I believe her and work through it, or do I walk away?
My ex-best friend and I drifted apart 10 years ago, but I find myself missing her a lot. Should I accept this friendship is in the past or try to reconnect?
I can't stand my friend's political opinions. Do I distance myself from the whole group? Or do I say we just can’t talk politics?

Find out more about Clare's work here.

THE END BITS:

Want to win a $10 e-gift card AND a Mamamia subscription FREE for 1 month? Fill out this short survey. T&Cs apply.

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Clare Rowe

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I Want A Divorce But I Can't Afford It" Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us.

This episode is all about divorce and separation—when it might be the right choice, what typically leads to it, and how to navigate it in the healthiest way possible. Our guest, Nikki Parkinson, has been through a divorce herself—an especially unique one—and now dedicates her work to helping others through their own journeys.

The dilemmas that Nikki & Holly tackle in this episode are:

I have fallen out of love with my husband, but I don't know if I can afford life without him. What do I do?
I’ve been divorced for almost two years, and my ex wants to introduce his new partner to our children. I think it's too soon, but he thinks I'm being jealous. Should he respect my wishes?
I’m having an affair with someone I met at work, and the sex is amazing. Do I have to tell my husband?
How do I know it’s really over with my partner of six years—my first same-sex relationship—when she says she’s unsure, has moved out, but still calls and comes back?

You can find out more about The Divorce and Separation Hub at the links below.

THE END BITS:

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Nikki Parkinson

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can I Pay $500 For A New Face Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us.

This episode is all about our relationship with our faces and what the treatments and tweakments out there are doing to our faces. Our guest is the perfect person to guide us through this minefield: Dr Naomi, a doctor who's been refreshingly honest about her own facial work and runs a clinic offering all kinds of beauty treatments.

The dilemmas that Dr Naomi & Holly tackle in this episode are:

I am very tempted to fix some of the things that are making me sad when I look in the mirror. How much do anti-aging procedures cost? Can I justify the money?
I want to get tweaks, but my partner would be so disappointed in me if I did. Is it okay to hide it from my partner?
My partner is 10 years younger than me, and I look SO much older than him. What are the most effective, not too obvious procedures to "freshen me up"?

You can follow Dr Naomi here and find out more about her clinic work here.

THE END BITS:

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Dr Naomi McCullum

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tantalising Temptation Of My Facebook Ex Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us.

This episode is all about the excitement, fear, insecurity and orgasmic joy of MID dating. Who better to enlist to answer your questions than the very funny and very smart Cath Mahoney, who herself is currently ‘between boyfriends’ - so trust us, she knows the good, bad and ugly (and the great) about all things dating.

The dilemmas that Cath & Holly tackle in this episode are:

I’ve reconnected with my Facebook ex - he’s not NOT married - and I’m feeling like maybe he’s the one that got away…but my best friend is telling me to let it go.
I’m on the apps…and I’m thinking about dating younger men. Do I? Should I? How?
I’ve been having the best sex of my life since my divorce…but now my ex wants me back - I’m tempted - but I don’t want to give up the hot sex!
Is it bad to want to date someone with money?

You can follow Cath here and get her book here.

THE END BITS:

Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Cath Mahoney

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My Daughter-In-Law Won’t Even Join The Group Chat Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us. This episode is all about families - the messy, the heartbreaking and the scary. To answer your questions, Holly has enlisted the woman known as the Friendly Psychologist, Jacqui Manning, who has over 25 years of clinical experience.

The dilemmas Jacqui and Holly tackle in this episode are:

I want to be friends with my daughter-in-law, but she won’t even join the group chat.
My mother is dying, but we still don’t get along.
My daughter won’t speak to me because of my younger boyfriend.

Find out more about Jacqui's work as The Friendly Psychologist here.

Do you have a dilemma you'd like to send us? You can find us on helpme@mamamia.com.au

THE END BITS:

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Jacqui Manning

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm Afraid Of The Weight Loss Jabs Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us. This episode is all about our MID relationship with our bodies, and Holly has enlisted one of Australia's foremost nutritionists and dietitians, Susie Burrell.

The dilemmas Susie and Holly tackle in this episode are:

My friends are telling me to get weight loss jabs...but I don't want to remove the pleasure of eating from my life.
My daughter is obsessed with "clean eating" - should I be worried?
My body is changing so much in midlife...the exercise and diet that used to work for me isn't working anymore...help!

Do you have a dilemma you'd like to send us? You can find us on helpme@mamamia.com.au

To listen to Susie's weekly podcast, which covers all areas of nutrition: http://www.thenutritioncouch.com

For her evidence-based supplements: http://www.designedbydietitians.com

Or to find a dietitian who specialises in Women & Peri: www.daa.asn.au

THE END BITS:

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

CREDITS:

Guest: Susie Burrell

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Season Of MID Is Coming... All About YOU. Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

A brand new season of MID is on its way to you on the 15th of July and we are bringing you the answers to the dilemmas that YOU, our listeners, have sent us.Dilemmas include: