

Help! I Have A Teenager
Mamamia Podcasts
Being a teenager has changed. A lot. There’s TikTok, vaping, d*ck pics, there are Snap maps, selfies and filters...and it's all a potential battlefield for parents where the stakes feel impossibly high. So welcome to some real parenting talk. As both clinicians and parents, Dr. Ginni Mansberg and clinical psychologist Jo Lamble know first-hand how challenging it can be to raise adolescents. This is why they're bringing their common-sense expertise to Mamamia’s Help! I Have A Teenager. Every week Dr. Ginni and Jo will be answering your questions, and you can submit them at podcast@mamamia.com.au
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 24, 2025 • 43min
SUMMER LISTENING: Ms Rachel Controversy & The Kids Vs Friendships Debate
This summer we've curated your Help I Have A Teenager playlist with a healthy dose of culture-savvy conversation parents actually want - Parenting Out Loud. Another week, another Parenting Out Loud episode where if parents are thinking about it, we're talking about it. On today's show, Jessie Stephens and Amelia Lester are joined by friend of the pod, and Mamamia's Deputy Editor, Stacey Hicks to discuss whether or not kids ruin your adult friendships. Also, to what extent should children's entertainment figures be apolitical, and why is YouTube's Ms Rachel so controversial right now? Plus, the dumb phone. Between landlines, 'brick' phones and a yearning for the '90s, it seems nostalgia is the newest tech trend for parents. And, in this week’s reccos: Amelia wants you to try a special storytelling collection, Jessie is recommending daycare with a twist and Stacey is all over Dolly Parton's 'imagination' library. Support independent women's media Want more Parenting Out Loud? Click here. WHAT TO READ: Rachel Accurso's son struggled with a speech delay, so she started making videos online. ‘I was a total a**hole’. An open letter to the women who became mums before me. 'I didn't know how to keep my kids safe on their phones, until an expert shared these three hacks.' 'I'm a psychologist. This hidden phone setting kills your endless scrolling addiction.' Worried about what your kids see online? These 5 tips make digital parenting easier. 'I don't have a kid, but I told my workplace I do.' 'Why I refuse to use a smartphone.' 2006 called and it wants you to buy your kid a dumb phone. THE END BITS: Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family 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.

Dec 23, 2025 • 31min
SUMMER LISTENING: A New Co-Parenting Rule & The 100% Work Dilemma
This summer we've curated your Help I Have A Teenager playlist with a healthy dose of culture-savvy conversation parents actually want - Parenting Out Loud. Should partners (and exes) automatically be each other’s parenting hype squad? We all know relationships are... complex and the answer to this question isn't straightforward — as Jessie Stephens and Amelia Lester discover on this week's show. Plus, the Ellen Pompeo quote that made our hosts seriously question if mums can ever give 100% at work. And, is letting your kid play with makeup a feminist failure... or just a rainy day win? This week’s reccos: Amelia's kids are obsessed with a paper magazine (yes, they still exist) and Jessie’s found a genius fix for toddler meltdowns that doesn't require wine or Wi-Fi. Support independent women's media Want more Parenting Out Loud? Click here. WHAT TO READ: 9 celeb parents on what it's like co-parenting with a famous ex. Victoria Beckham shared her makeup 'rules' for Harper. Here's what 7 mums had to say about theirs. Makeup at four, pierced ears at five: Parents share their ‘age rules’ for their kids. Kim Kardashian West has shared her two makeup rules for daughter North West and... what. "There will always be something left to do." What no one tells you about being a working mother. Ellen Pompeo is one of TV's best-paid actors. Here's what her life away from the spotlight looks like. 'Joshua Jackson spoke about the difficulty of co-parenting. I have feedback.' THE END BITS: Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family 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.

Dec 22, 2025 • 39min
SUMMER LISTENING: The Death Of The Dining Table & 'Outdated' Schooling
This summer we've curated your Help I Have A Teenager playlist with a healthy dose of culture-savvy conversation parents actually want - Parenting Out Loud. Is the family dinner really just a guilt trip with cutlery? One of the most pervasive pieces of parenting advice is making everyone feel bad about themselves. Jessie Stephens and Amelia Lester unpack the pressure to sit and eat at a dining table together—even when that table (if you have actually have room for one) is buried under laundry and unopened mail. Also, Kourtney Kardashian says school is outdated. With homeschooling on the rise, is she actually onto something?Plus, the model who makes money from encouraging women and girls to live a 'skinny' lifestyle. Different generation, different platform, same disturbing message. We discuss. And in our reccos this week: Amelia's got a brilliantly grim podcast that both you and your kid will love. Jessie shares her sneaky hack to score all the toys—no meltdown required. Come join the conversation. New eps drop Saturdays. No shoulder spit-ups required. Support independent women's media Want more Parenting Out Loud? Click here. WHAT TO READ: 'I'm an organisational expert, and the "drop zone" hack is all you need to beat clutter.' 'My house was full of clutter, until I learnt about the "reach" theory.' STEPH CLAIRE SMITH: 'Your whole family will love these 20-minute dinner recipes.' LYNDI COHEN: 'The simple recipe I recommend everyone makes for a family dinner.' "It sucks if you have carpet." 6 things no one told me about feeding a baby. THE END BITS: Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family 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.

Dec 21, 2025 • 36min
SUMMER LISTENING: Grandparents - It's Time For Your Performance Review
Big news, friends. Jessie Stephens and Amelia Lester are bringing a whole new vibe to parenting podcasts... introducing: Parenting Out Loud. If you're deep in the trenches, Parenting Out Loud will help make your world feel just that little bit bigger with the week's hot topics explored, examined and digested. Because if parents are thinking about it, we're talking about it. This summer we've curated your Help I Have A Teenager playlist with a healthy dose of culture-savvy conversation parents actually want - Parenting Out Loud. On this week's episode, grandparents get a long overdue performance review, we unpack the article that stopped us in our tracks, take a deep dive into Mormon Wives (and mothers), and investigate the playroom that got Amelia all riled up. Plus, recommendations: A fool-proof recipe, a genius toy to get kids off screens and a book that shines a light on sibling relationships. Support independent women's media Want more Parenting Out Loud? Click here. Recommendations Jessie wants you to bake these oat bars and recommends the toy, Tonies. Amelia wants you to read Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family 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.

Apr 21, 2025 • 32min
Cathrine Mahoney On The Teen Years And The Parenting 'Lasts' You Don't See Coming
On today’s episode, writer, comedian and host of Mamamia's 456 Club podcast, Cathrine Mahoney joins us to share her unfiltered experience of parenting a teenager. With her trademark humour, Cathrine Mahoney offers hilarious reality checks about what's coming in the teenage years from endless food bills to impossible-to-wake mornings, and the unexpected melancholy of the parenting moments you don't realise will be your last. Whether you're in the trenches with little ones, or watching your teenager pull away, this episode offers the perfect blend of practical wisdom and emotional validation about the parenting journey that passes all too quickly, reminding us to treasure even the challenging parts of parenting. THE END BITS WIN $10k to use towards a cleaner* Visit nestlebabyandme.com.au/pausethechores to enter!*Promotion starts between 24/03/25 (AEDT) – 31/07/25 (AEST). AU residents 18+. Max 1 entry p/person. Draw: Unit 3/2 Cross St, Brookvale NSW 2100 at 10am AEST on 05/08/25. Prize: $10,000 transferred to winner’s bank account. Winner notified and published on nestle.com.au/productnews/winners by 12/8/25. Claim prize by 5pm AEDT on 12/11/25. Unclaimed prize draw occurs 13/11/25. Promoter: Nestle Australia Ltd. Full T&Cs at www.nestlebabyandme.com.au/pausethechores. Permit No's: ACT TP 25/00355 & SA T25/260. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39. and use the code MONTHOFTGM We’re listening! Send us a voice message, email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list. CREDITS: Host: Tegan Natoli, Annaliese Todd With thanks to Cathrine Mahoney Producer: Tina Matolov Audio Producer: Jacob Round 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.

Jan 9, 2025 • 25min
This Glorious Mess: The Cupcake Fraud
A parent keeps a close eye on the gifts coming into the house—it might feel like extra admin, but it's undeniably clever. Speaking of clever, one mum has cracked the code for those insufferable "home-baked treats" requests at school fetes. And, in an impressive feat, a couple transforms into wizard-like time lords to carve out more alone time. You can share your best worst parenting stories by leaving us a voice note, email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form. THE END BITS Listen to more "This Glorious Mess" HERE We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list. CREDITS: Host: Annaliese Todd & Stacey Hicks Producer: Grace Rouvray Audio Producer: Lu Hill 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.

Jan 8, 2025 • 20min
Little Love Stories: Libby Trickett’s Hardest Day Wasn’t In The Pool
What comes to mind when you hear 'strong'? Maybe muscles or physical strength? But, what about mental strength and resilience? You may know Olympian Libby Trickett as Libby Lenton. She became a house hold name in the early 2000s swimming for Australia. Libby wasn’t prepared for a different type of strength she would need once she’d retire from swimming. Like many new parents, Libby's world was turned upside down by the arrival of her first baby, Poppy. You can read Libby's full little love story here. Listen to more "This Glorious Mess" HERE THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list. CREDITS: Host & Producer: Grace Rouvray Guest: Libby Trickett Audio Producer: Lu Hill 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.

Jan 7, 2025 • 17min
This Glorious Mess - The Ambulance That Didn’t Need To Be Called
On this weeks episode of Parents Anonymous, a gushy Facebook post has a parent questioning their entire existence. Bribery is ALWAYS in the parenting toolkit. Plus a PA theme has started to emerge with parents ringing the emergency services, possibly wasting their time. Much to unpack. Please share your shameful secrets by leaving us a voice note, email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form. THE END BITS Listen to more This Glorious Mess HERE Subscribe to Mamamia We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list. CREDITS: Host: Annaliese Todd & Stacey Hicks Producer: Grace Rouvray Audio Producer: Lu Hill 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.

Jan 6, 2025 • 22min
Little Love Stories: Three Daughters, One Bond
Parenthood is life-changing, but for today’s guest, Anna Water-Massey, it came with both joy and deep loss. At 30, Anna became a mother to Cleo, and a year later, she lost her own mother to cancer. Despite the heartbreak, Anna shares the incredible bond she’s built with Cleo—a connection that continues to grow, especially now that Cleo has become a mother herself to baby Indigo. In this episode of Little Love Stories, Anna reflects on the powerful ties between mothers, daughters, and granddaughters, and how love can transcend even the hardest of times. You can read Anna's full little Love Story here. THE END BITS Listen to more "This Glorious Mess" HERE Subscribe to Mamamia We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list. CREDITS: Host & Producer: Grace Rouvray Guest: Anna Waters-Massey Anna's menopause skit here You can watch the viral TikTok pregnancy announcement here 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.

Jan 5, 2025 • 20min
Parents Anonymous: Baby Proof… And Also Adult Proof
Today's Parents Anonymous dives into another three deliciously embarrassing confessions: a baby locked in the car sparks a lasting daycare shame, one parent confesses to dodging one-on-one time with their child, and childproofing materials prove smarter than the adults trying to navigate them. You can share your best worst parenting stories by leaving us a voice note, email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form. THE END BITS Listen to more "This Glorious Mess" HERE We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list. CREDITS: Host: Annaliese Todd & Stacey Hicks Producer: Grace Rouvray Audio Producer: Lu Hill 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.


