Angelina Jolie, a renowned actress and filmmaker, talks candidly about her lack of friendships and the struggles of trust following personal betrayals. She explores how these experiences impact not only herself but also her family dynamics. The conversation also touches on the controversy around the Australian census and the representation of gender and sexuality. Additionally, they discuss the return of a famous calendar and its implications in the post-Me Too era, reflecting on media, empowerment, and the evolving narratives of women's representation.
Angelina Jolie's reflections on her lack of close friendships reveal her struggles with betrayal and societal expectations for women in Hollywood.
The debate over including LGBTQI+ questions in the census highlights ongoing tensions regarding visibility, representation, and privacy in society.
Deep dives
Ahmed Kelly's Paralympic Journey
Ahmed Kelly's emotional journey at the Paralympics highlights his remarkable resilience. After a disqualification in the heat of the 150-meter medley, he unexpectedly won a silver medal, demonstrating his determination to succeed despite setbacks. The disqualification puzzled many, including commentators, as it was unclear why it occurred, but following appeals, he was reinstated. Kelly's background is equally inspiring; having spent the first seven years of his life in an orphanage in Baghdad, he overcame numerous challenges to compete at the highest level in swimming.
Angelina Jolie's Complex Relationships
Angelina Jolie's reflections on her friendships reveal a complex and sometimes isolating personal life. In recent interviews, she admitted to lacking close relationships and questioned her ability to have meaningful connections, attributing this to experiences of betrayal and loss. This candid acknowledgment contrasts sharply with societal expectations of women maintaining strong social networks, especially in Hollywood, where comparisons to other female celebrities are frequent. Jolie's life choices, including raising her six children largely alone, have arguably shaped her preferences for solitude over traditional friendship dynamics.
The Census Controversy in Australia
In Australia, a contentious debate emerged surrounding the inclusion of LGBTQI+ questions in the 2026 census. Initially rejected by government leaders to avoid divisive discussions, the decision was met with backlash from activists who argued it marginalized these communities. After pushback, it was announced that a question about sexual preference would be included, although concerns remain regarding the omission of inquiries relating to trans and intersex identities. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle for visibility and representation in official data collection, reflecting broader societal tensions over identities and privacy.
Backlash to the Pirelli Calendar
The reintroduction of a traditionally sexy Pirelli calendar has sparked discussions about the implications for the Me Too movement. While the calendar, known for featuring nude women, returns to a more classic format, critics argue this undermines the progress made regarding women's representation and agency. Proponents assert that women now have more control over how they present themselves in media, contrasting past treatment in the industry. This cyclical nature of trends raises questions about whether we are regressing in terms of empowerment and respect for women's choices.
Angelina Jolie has no friends. Is that a problem? We unpack a recent interview that Jolie did while promoting her new film Maria, and how our friendships impact not just you, but also the family unit.
Plus, why everywhere you look, there’s a row going on about how much the government should know about your sexuality… We’re explaining the census fuss.
And, a very famous sexy calendar is back, after taking a break in respect for #metoo. We have some thoughts.
Hosts: Holly Wainwright, Mia Freedman & Jessie Stephens
Executive Producer: Ruth Devine
Senior Producer: Emeline Gazilas
Audio Production: 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.