All The Things We Didn’t Need To Know About The Sex Scandal Of The Year

Nov 27, 2025

Dive into the juicy Olivia Nuzzi scandal involving politicians and ethics in journalism. The hosts dissect the scandal's impact on credibility and public intrigue. Explore real-life witches’ reactions to the musical Wicked and ponder the commercialization of magic. Plus, a lively discussion on rising female desire, internet boyfriends, and smutty books reveals uncharted territory in women's libido. Recommendations include insightful books, an F1 race, and a premium hairbrush for self-care lovers.

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ANECDOTE

Journalist Romance Turned Public Scandal

Jessie recounts Olivia Nuzzi's rise and relationships with powerful journalists and politicians, framing it as workplace romance turned scandal.
She explains how the affair with RFK Jr. and subsequent discoveries led to job loss and a broken engagement with Ryan Lizza.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Ex-Fiancé Publishes His Version

Jessie and Em summarise Ryan Lizza publishing his Substack piece and releasing alleged texts and a poem from RFK Jr. to Nuzzi.
They describe Lizza's claim that Nuzzi had other affairs and his decision to publish his perspective behind a paywall.

insights

INSIGHT

Scandal Feeds Gendered Narratives

Em and Jessie note public fascination centres on a 'woman-sleeps-her-way-to-the-top' trope and appetite for juicy scandal.
They argue the story taps cultural bias about female journalists and sexual behaviour influencing credibility.

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Weekend catch-up and jam discovery

00:29 • 2min

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Episode overview and Wicked movie talk

02:14 • 5min

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Real-life witches on Wicked

07:01 • 40sec

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Gossip kickoff: The Olivia Nuzzi scandal

07:41 • 59sec

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Nuzzi, RFK Jr. and the digital relationship

08:40 • 3min

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Lizza's Substack and new allegations

11:34 • 3min

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Public reaction and newsroom fallout

15:00 • 5min

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Should Lizza have published his account?

19:43 • 2min

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Listener dilemma: Divorced parents and Christmas

22:04 • 4min

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Internet boyfriends and rising female desire

Why watch the Qatar F1 race

39:00 • 5min

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The Mushroom Tapes book recommendation

44:20 • 5min

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Essay and hairbrush recos

48:59 • 2min

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Black Friday Mamamia subscription offer

Conversations on a triple murder trial

Sarah Krasnostein

Chloe Hooper

Helen Garner

The Mushroom Tapes explores the Erin Patterson case through the voices of three acclaimed writers, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, and Sarah Krasnostein. It delves into the trial of Erin Patterson, accused of murdering her family with poisoned mushrooms. The authors dissect various aspects of the case, including feminism, religion, and the dynamics of the Patterson family. The book reflects on their experiences covering the trial amidst intense media scrutiny. Through recorded conversations and personal insights, the authors offer a meta-analysis of true crime reporting and its impact.

The trauma cleaner

Sarah Krasnostein

The Trauma Cleaner tells the story of Sandra Pankhurst, a transgender woman who runs a trauma cleaning business in Melbourne. Sarah Krasnostein delves into Sandra's complex life, marked by abuse, abandonment, and resilience. The book explores themes of identity, trauma, and the human capacity for empathy. Through intimate interviews and vivid storytelling, Krasnostein reveals the hidden worlds Sandra encounters while cleaning crime scenes and hoarding houses. The Trauma Cleaner is a moving portrait of a woman who finds purpose in restoring order to the lives of others.

The tall man

Chloe Hooper

The Tall Man investigates the death of Cameron Doomadgee on Palm Island in 2004, focusing on the perspectives of both the Aboriginal community and the police. Chloe Hooper delves into the complexities of race relations and the criminal justice system in Australia. The book explores the cultural clashes and systemic issues that contributed to the tragic event. Through meticulous research and interviews, Hooper provides a nuanced account of the aftermath and the pursuit of justice. The Tall Man is a powerful examination of grief, accountability, and the search for truth in a divided society.

This House of Grief is a masterful work of literary journalism that explores the trial of Robert Farquharson, who was accused of intentionally driving his car into a dam, resulting in the deaths of his three sons. The book delves into the complexities of the trial, the emotional toll on those involved, and the broader societal implications. Garner's writing provides a detailed and empathetic account of the case, capturing the nuances of human behavior and the legal system.

#1429

• Mentioned in 23 episodes

All Fours

Miranda July

Miranda July's "All Fours" is a poignant and unconventional novel that explores themes of aging, mortality, and the complexities of human connection. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of an unnamed narrator grappling with her changing body and relationships. July's writing style is characterized by its intimate and often humorous approach to profound subjects. The book delves into the challenges of intergenerational friendships and the societal obsession with youth. Ultimately, "All Fours" offers a reflective and empathetic portrayal of the human experience.

#720

• Mentioned in 37 episodes

Notes on Being a Man

Scott Galloway

So. Everyone says your fiancée cheated on you with a big-wig politician (or two). After you break up, you're sitting on a whole lot of juicy, icky, sexy detail from messages and emails that you KNOW the world is going to be into. Do you release them? Well, of course you do. And welcome to the sex scandal that's consuming America right now - the Olivia Nuzzi affair. So, do YOU want to hear all about it?

Also, what do real-life witches think of Wicked, For Good?

And, women have never been hornier. At least, that's what our obsession with internet boyfriends, smutty books and libido-boosting supplements tells us. So Em, Holly and Jessie discuss: Is it power, or pressure?

Plus, recommendations and Em's F1 obsession.

$21 off - Mamamia’s massive Black Friday Deal.Get an all access pass to Mamamia for just $48. Enjoy $21 off a yearly subscription, ends 1 December 2025!

Recommendations

Em recommends getting up at 3am on Monday to watch the QATAR F1 Race on Foxtel or Kayo.

Jessie recommends A Battle with My Blood by Tatiana Schlossberg about her terminal cancer diagnosis. And the Brushology Premium Boar Bristle Hairbrush.

Holly recommends The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a triple murder trial, a book by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein

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