Mardi Gras celebrations kick off in Australia this weekend - so whether it’s the parade, hooking up at after-parties, or finding your people - here’s everything you need to know about the LGBTQIA+ protest/celebration with author and psychologist Dr Chris Cheers. SHOW NOTES:Sydney Mardi Gras detailsDM us your thoughts, questions, topics, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup on IG or email us: thehookup@abc.net.auThe Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

Have you ever set your friends up on a date? 89% of you would rather meet people this way than use dating apps, but there are some rules you gotta know before you play matchmaker. We hear your stories, advice and tips for setting up mates.DM us your thoughts, questions, topics, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup on IG or email us: thehookup@abc.net.auThe Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

In our last ep, we spoke about how young people are the most politically divided generation ever. So why are guys turning to the right and becoming more traditional? And if progressive feminist women are choosing to be single is that even a bad thing? In this episode, Dee unpacks what's going on for men with Clinical Psych Dr Zac Seidler.SHOW NOTES:Last year's ep with Zac: How To Date In The Current Gender Violence Crisis DM us your thoughts, questions, topics, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup on IG or email us: thehookup@abc.net.auThe Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

Research shows that women are getting more progressive and men are becoming more conservative - so how is this growing political divide affecting your love life? We hear your experiences of right-wing dudes wokefishing on dates, and your takes on how the algorithm is making you want to quit dating altogether - and if going boy sober is a bad thing.SHOW NOTES:Research on gender divide in politics:https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/australia-s-gender-divide-why-young-men-and-women-are-pulling-apart-20241120-p5ks5zhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/14/us-election-donald-trump-voters-gender-race-datahttps://www.ft.com/content/29fd9b5c-2f35-41bf-9d4c-994db4e12998Research on algorithms and toxic content: https://www.dcu.ie/humanities-and-social-sciences/news/2024/apr/new-research-shows-how-tiktok-and-youtube-shorts-areArticles of demise of dating/relationships:https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/12/4b-sex-strike-american-dating/680770/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/09/were-in-a-relationship-recession-and-a-lot-of-women-are-absolutely-fine-with-thatDM us your thoughts, questions, topics, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup on IG or email us: thehookup@abc.net.auThe Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

Lucille Shackleton, a relationship therapist and sexologist known for her book 'All In', shares insights on healthy conflict in relationships. She dispels the myth that arguing is a sign of trouble, revealing that respectful disagreements can enhance intimacy. Lucille discusses the importance of 'clean fights', effective communication, and emotional validation. She highlights how accountability and understanding different repair styles can lead to constructive resolutions. Ultimately, she encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation for lasting relationship harmony.

‘Micro cheating’ is the new trend online, and everyone’s got a hot take on what it looks like. So what do you consider ‘micro cheating’? And is it worth ending a relationship over?DM us your thoughts, questions, topics, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup on IG or email us: thehookup@abc.net.auThe Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

A lot of the time if we’re struggling in our love lives, whether that’s attracting the wrong people, or ending up in bad relationships, we usually blame the other person/people. But sometimes it has a lot to do with ourselves. In this episode relationship therapist and sexologist Lucille Shackleton chats to Dee about the ways we can unpack our bad dating habits and create the safe and healthy love we deserve. SHOW NOTES: Lucille Shackleton Instagram: @lucille.shackleton DM us your thoughts, questions, topics, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup on IG or email us: thehookup@abc.net.auThe Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

Dive into the thrilling world of dirty talk, where moaning and fantasies ignite intimacy. Explore the fine balance between excitement and awkwardness, as hosts share tips to level up bedroom banter. Discover how romantic languages can enhance emotional connections, and the crucial role of communication and consent in sexual encounters. Packed with personal anecdotes, poll results, and the impact of social media, this conversation shines a light on fostering better connections by understanding preferences and fostering open dialogue.

The hosts share wild stories and secrets from their summer adventures, blending humor with personal growth. A yoga retreat in Thailand contrasts with chaos back home, setting the stage for laughter. Comedic house-sitting mishaps lead to unexpected romantic encounters. The conversation takes a turn to the relatable topic of faking intimacy, sparking hilarious reflections. They reminisce about their MySpace-era relationships while inviting listener feedback and experiences. A perfect mix of fun and reflection!

A lot of you told us that you think you either have sexual chemistry with someone from the beginning or you don’t. So if you’re dating/sleeping with someone and you feel like the spark just isn’t there, is it worth sticking around? Sex coach Georgia Grace has A LOT to tell you.Plus, he gives us a spicy hot take and sings some original songs for you. cs, or to just vent at @triplejthehookup or email us: thehookup@abc.net.auThe Hook Up is an ABC podcast, produced by triple j. It is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.