

Parenting Out Loud
Mamamia Podcasts
Your weekly dose of culture-savvy conversation parents actually want. We break down the latest from the zeitgeist, news cycle and trending MumTok conversations, with smart takes and zero sugar-coating.
Sharp, funny, never sanctimonious: if parents are thinking it, we’re talking about it.. Hit play and join the group chat.
Sharp, funny, never sanctimonious: if parents are thinking it, we’re talking about it.. Hit play and join the group chat.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 21, 2025 • 44min
The Exact Reason We Stopped Getting Naked
The new trend of 'underconsumption core' is taking on Black Friday, but is this thrifty, anti-consumerist vibe even achievable for parents who are the ultimate victims of the 'stuff' economy? Special guest host Luca Lavigne joins Stacey Hicks and Monique Bowley to unpack. Plus, casual nudity is slowly disappearing from the public pool and gym change rooms but what does this mean for our kids? Welcome to the era of physical prudes but emotional nudists. And, we're stumbling into Spotify Wrapped season, the annual moment of profound parental shame. We unpack the need for a 'Parent Incognito Mode' that censors results because nobody wants their friends seeing 9,000 hours of Chicken Boonana or KPop Demon Hunters. Our Recommendations: 👕 Stacey wants you to try a clever laundry hack. 💸 Monz recommends the instagram account Two Broke Chicks for all the Black Friday deals. 🛍️ Luca is obsessed with the app Shopback to get some money back on the purchases you're planning. And an extra recommendation, to watch Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy on Netflix. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: Spotify Wrapped is here. Here's what you need to know. 'K-Pop Demon Hunters is breaking records on Netflix. Here's why I'm obsessed with it.' As Black Friday sales kick off, these are the dodgy sales tactics to look out for. 'I’m teaching my daughter to love her body. But I hate my own.' 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 CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Luca Lavigne Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 2025 • 36min
The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds
Shay Mitchell's skincare line for toddlers is here. So, are sheet masks for your three-year-old just some harmless fun, or the latest commodification of girlhood? And, everyone says “it takes a village”, but we beg to differ. Monique, Stacey and Amelia unpack why community is harder than ever to build, and whether we even want a village at all. Plus, we have a new term for you: 'Hub-Sons' (aka 'Trad sons'). These stay-at-home sons are causing quite a stir amongst a particular group who are not very happy about this new breed of men. Our Recommendations: 🥗 Stacey recommends the Tik Tok famous, zero-cook 'Dense Bean Salad'. 🎄 Monz recommends um... 'wanking your tree' — bear with us here — it's the simple hack of making your budget friendly Christmas Tree feel a little more elevated. 🤓 Amelia is obsessed with Hard Quiz Kids, the trivia show that has her entire family invested. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: '"Trad sons" are the new breed of men. And I'm not mad about it.' The Princess of Wales has released her first statement since announcing her cancer diagnosis. This 15-year-old launched her skincare line at Sephora. Kids as young as 8 attended. 'My 9-year-old asked to borrow my skincare. What she said next floored me.' Does it still take a village to raise a child? We asked 20 mums. 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 CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa KotowiczBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 7, 2025 • 40min
The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy
Parenting sleep deprivation gets real as the hosts react to Keira Knightley's candid remarks. They explore the toll of chronic fatigue and its dismissal by society. Chaos ensues in parenting group chats, where the trio shares survival tips and identifies five relatable parent archetypes. Controversy arises over the Melbourne Cup's influence on young kids and early gambling exposure. Plus, some useful recommendations for screen-free audio players and effective sunscreens are shared, making this a lively and insightful discussion.

13 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 34min
The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard
The podcast delves into the taboo of parental favoritism, exploring its long-term effects on children and families. It highlights celebrity confessions, featuring Jennifer Lawrence’s honest reflections on postpartum life and career shifts. The discussion also touches on Jennifer Aniston’s thoughts on adoption and Hailey Bieber's insights on seeking help as a parent. Plus, the hosts share uplifting stories of kids making a difference and recommend helpful resources for parenting, proving that even in the world of fame, parenting struggles are universal.

Oct 24, 2025 • 39min
Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies
Parenting can involve big ideas, public debates and the odd festive guilt trip - and this week, we’re tackling all three. The man who created Adolescence has a new idea for how dads can connect with their sons - it’s beautiful, but one of us hates it. Plus, Amelia dives into the kids party photo that’s divided Australia: can you really “bags” a park table? And finally, it’s Elf O’Clock. Monz realises she’s the last mum on earth without a tiny spy living in her house, and wonders aloud if there are some traditions that should just be left alone. Our recommendations: 💄Stacey recommends you treat yourself to a $150 Mecca makeup lesson (redeemable on product) where you learn game-changing tips. ❤️🩹 Monz wants you to check out A Year of Healing by Lucy Ormonde on Substack, a brilliant guide to showing up for a friend going through cancer. ⏰ Amelia is recommending Dr Dan Shapiro’s idea of time-ins: five minutes of phone-free, one-on-one time fully led by your child. Support independent women's media WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts WHAT TO READ: So your friend's been diagnosed with breast cancer. Here's how you can help. No Elf on the Shelf or Santa photos: The 6 Christmas traditions I'm cancelling this year. 'My daughter found out the Elf on the Shelf isn't real because of an article I wrote.' There's one question we're all asking since watching Adolescence. An expert just answered it. 'As a mum of teen boys, Adolescence was a sobering watch.' 'I had breast cancer and I'd love for my story to scare the s**t out of you.' 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 CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz 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.

Oct 17, 2025 • 39min
The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate
Spooky season is just about to hit and we’re asking: what’s the point of Halloween, anyway? And are Australians missing one crucial trick about it that could change... everything? Monz unpacks. Then, Amelia makes a bold claim — some nepo babies are better than others. But why do some rise while others flop, even within the same famous family? And in a twist no one saw coming, Hailey Bieber just became our accidental parenting guru. Yep, that wasn't on our bingo card for 2025 either. Stacey has feelings. Big feelings. Grab your headphones and join the conversation. Our recommendations: 🎨 Stacey is a fan of the Hey Doodle drawing mats for the creative kiddos AND the podcast She Built That. 🌌 Amelia loves the app Stellarium, for all your stargazing needs. 📕 And Monz wants you to read 'the best children's book ever'. Hunwick's Egg by Mem Fox. Support independent women's media WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Prince William Flips The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze' So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy The 'Normal' We Need To Interrogate & The Father's Day Rethink The Third Kid Dessert Analogy & FFS, Stop With The Texts Dr Becky's DFK Theory & The Great Trampoline Debate Check out She Built That Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts WHAT TO READ: From Double Nepo to Semi-Nepo: The nepo baby universe has expanded. The rise of the nepo babies 2.0. Victoria Beckham shared her makeup 'rules' for Harper. Here's what 7 mums had to say about theirs. 13 whimsical and spooky Halloween movies for cowards. The Hailey Bieber 'documentary' everyone’s talking about, and everything that happened since. 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 CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz 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.

Oct 10, 2025 • 31min
The Royal Who Flipped The Script On Dads & The Unholy Truth About 'The Squeeze'
Your weekend sanity check has arrived. A new episode of Parenting Out Loud is here with all the conversations you need - because if parents are thinking about it, we're talking about it. Are you feeling ‘The Squeeze’? The daily chaos of modern parenting is real. We unpack why you’re feeling maxed out and overwhelmed and talk about whether there’s actually anything you can do about it. Plus, are you raising readers or just scrollers? And in today’s digital world, is it even important? We discuss whether it’s possible to get over your scrolling addiction and get you (and your kids) back into books. And, the dads are in their feelings this week, and we’re here for it. George Clooney reflects on the sacrifices he’s made for success, while Prince William reveals how even Royal dads can feel overwhelmed when it comes to raising tiny humans. Our recommendations: 💄 Stacey is recommending the Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip in the shade Newsfeed to achieve her iconic lip look. 🪨 Amelia is recommending Rock Painting, and now we all know what we're getting in the office Kris Kringle this year. 🎧 And Monz wants you to listen to the Paul Field episode of the podcast Conversations, for his deeply moving, heartfelt story. A trigger warning for anyone who has experienced the loss of a child. Support independent women's media WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy The 'Normal' We Need To Interrogate & The Father's Day Rethink The Third Kid Dessert Analogy & FFS, Stop With The Texts Dr Becky's DFK Theory & The Great Trampoline Debate Check out She Built That Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts WHAT TO READ: Prince William just gave his most candid interview. One comment lands like a message to his brother. 'My life changed.' A look into George Clooney's family life with 7-year-old twins. 'I'm a new mum who read 60 books last year. This is how I actually did it.' 'I was reading bedtime stories with a glass of wine. A question from my son stopped me in my tracks.' 'No one is reading bedtime stories to their kids anymore and I know exactly why.' 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 CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz 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.

Oct 3, 2025 • 35min
So That's Why Magicians Are Back & The Eldest Daughter Theory
The kids are at home, the holiday activities are seemingly endless and you probably need a break. So welcome back to the podcast that's not just any parenting podcast. On the show today: You're officially excused from ever attending your child's sport practice. Don't believe us? Just ask the professional soccer player Abby Wambach. Plus, are you an eldest daughter? Well, so is Taylor Swift and the birth order theory might explain a lot. And, magicians are having a moment. But this time it's not just for the kids. So get the girls over, put the kids to bed and enjoy some whimsy. And our recommendations: 🗞️ Stacey wants you to check out this great opinion piece on the Australian divorce story to end all Australian divorce stories. 📺 Amelia is recommending The Assembly on ABC IVIEW. 🎄 And Monz (in true eldest daughter fashion) is recommending the Christmas Mums Facebook page for Chrissy inspiration, wholesomeness and some early planning. Support independent women's media WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy The 'Normal' We Need To Interrogate & The Father's Day Rethink The Third Kid Dessert Analogy & FFS, Stop With The Texts Dr Becky's DFK Theory & The Great Trampoline Debate Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts WHAT TO READ: OPINION: 'Everyone's saying the same thing about Nicole and Keith's divorce. They're wrong.' Forget attachment styles, Birth Order Theory is the new personality reading trend. Someone check on the eldest daughters this Christmas. 'As the eldest daughter, I felt the most pressure.' 'I have a sibling age gap of almost 5 years. Here's why it's so much better.' 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 CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior/Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz 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.

Sep 26, 2025 • 36min
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 'Love Junk' Rebrand & The TikTok Training Camp
As school holidays kick in, hosts share chaotic yet funny parenting stories and dive into the idea of 'Social Media Prep School' for kids. They explore the clutter rebranding trend inspired by celebs like A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, questioning what kids will truly value from their parents' pasts. A controversial childcare proposal sparks a debate on the balance between home care and structured education for little ones. Plus, practical snack hacks for hangry kids and a playlist of mood-boosting tunes are shared.

Sep 19, 2025 • 43min
Stealth Mums, The Roblox Controversy & A Tiny Internet Feud
Welcome back to Parenting Out Loud where we've got a brand new episode to start your weekend off right. On the show this week: The rise of the stealth mum. From Margot Robbie's press tour to your work colleague who's never mentioned having kids, we're exploring why hiding motherhood has become the new cultural currency. Plus, praising your child is a fraught business. Do you compliment their efforts, their appearance, their creations? Perhaps millennial parents are overthinking things... again. We discuss. And, there's a tiny internet feud happening on Facebook that we need to talk about. Plus, our recommendations: 📺 Stacey wants you to watch Unknown Number: The High School Catfish on Netflix 🗞️ Amelia recommends getting back into reading an oldschool newspaper. 🍽️ And Monz has got a viral two ingredient recipe she needs you to try. Just some beef bolar blade (a cut of beef), some char siu sauce. Turn on the slow cooker and chuck it all in there-the entire jar and everything. Put the lid on, turn it on low for 8-10 hours and you've got a succulent Chinese meal. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Unpacking The KPop Demon Hunters Obsession & A Tracking Tool Controversy The 'Normal' We Need To Interrogate & The Father's Day Rethink The Third Kid Dessert Analogy & FFS, Stop With The Texts Sleep Divorce, 'Hopeless' Dads & Goodnight To The Bedtime Story Dr Becky's DFK Theory & The Great Trampoline Debate MMOL: A Breast Pump, An Airport Lounge & The Detail You Probably Missed MMOL: Every Thought We Had After Watching Netflix's 'Unknown Number' Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: MADELEINE WEST: 'I speak to kids in schools every week. There's one thing they all keep from their parents.' Worried about what your kids see online? These 5 tips make digital parenting easier. ‘I thought I was protecting my daughter online. This was the day I was proven wrong.' Margot Robbie has welcomed her first baby with husband Tom Ackerley. Netflix's Catfish doco shocked the world. Here's where the Licari family are now. 'How could someone do that?': Why everyone's talking about Netflix's new doco, The High School Catfish. 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 CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks & Amelia Lester Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Senior Audio Producer: Leah Porges Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz 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.


