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Sometimes, a pivot isn’t triggered by a failure.Sometimes, it happens because you keep looking for a way to make the world a little bit fairer. Anne Aly was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and moved to Australia when she was just two years old. Her parents worked hard in factory jobs to give their family a foothold here - and those early experiences of displacement, resilience and possibility stayed with her. By her late twenties, Anne was a single working mother raising two young boys in Perth on the minimum wage. She knew what it meant to juggle life’s demands with no safety net - and she used that as fuel to keep pushing forward.  She went back to study - and then studied some more, earning a Master’s and a PhD focused on countering violent extremism. From there, Anne became a globally recognised expert in her field - advising the United Nations, publishing hundreds of academic works, and even being the only Australian invited to speak at President Obama’s White House summit on countering violent extremism.  But academia was never where her story stopped. In 2016, Anne took another monumental pivot - into politics. She was elected as the Federal Member for Cowan, becoming the first Muslim woman in the Australian Parliament, and then a minister in federal government, shaping policy on multicultural affairs, small business and international development.  Along the way, she has championed issues close to her heart - from community safety to meaningful support for domestic and family violence survivors, turning her own life experience into public purpose. In this episode, Anne talks about how she navigated seismic life shifts with grit, compassion, and that same drive to make space for voices too often overlooked - and how she keeps pivoting even when the stakes are high. THE END BITS: Want more from Sarah Davidson? Check out her podcast Seize The Yay. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: [email protected]  Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Anne Aly  Host: Sarah Davidson Executive Producer: Courtney Ammenhauser Senior Producer: Sally Best This show was brought to you in partnership with Charles Sturt University. Australia's largest and most experienced online uni. Take the next step. Search Charles Sturt University online. Complete our short survey about education for for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw! https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8467038/Ch 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma & Sam have been together for many years, raising four kids in a blended family. With the last teenager about to move out of house, Emma & Sam are looking down the barrel of an empty nest, with only the two of them. But, Emma isn't sure if Sam wants the same future as she does, and he's already shown signs of drifting away, leaving Emma to wonder if they'd both be happier apart.  Listen to Part 2 of Sam & Emma's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when your entire identity is built on being the best in the world? For Jana Pittman, one of Australia's most famous athletes, the singular goal of Olympic gold was repeatedly torn away by devastating injuries and gut-wrenching losses. You might think her biggest pivot was swapping the running track for the bobsled, becoming one of the very few athletes in history to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. But that wasn't it. Her real pivot was walking away entirely from being an elite athlete to become a doctor - all while raising six children. In this episode of Pivot Club, Sarah Davidson speaks with Jana about this massive career change. They unpack how you cope with failure when your mindset is "silver is the first loser", and how you go from being one of the best in the world to a complete beginner back at the bottom of the ladder, surrounded by people half your age. Jana shares the unfiltered story about how this profound pivot emerged from a period of intense personal and professional struggle - through divorce, miscarriages, failed exams and the financial lows of moving back into her own garage to make ends meet. Join us for a raw lesson in resilience, a look into the unseen "messy middle," and a powerful reminder that your lowest moments can be the fuel for your greatest chapter yet. THE END BITS: Want more from Sarah Davidson? Check out her podcast Seize The Yay. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: [email protected]  Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Jana Pittman Host: Sarah Davidson Executive Producer: Courtney Ammenhauser Senior Producer: Sally Best This show was brought to you in partnership with Charles Sturt University. Australia's largest and most experienced online uni. Take the next step. Search Charles Sturt University online. Complete our short survey about education for for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw! https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8467038/Ch 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change is happening to our bodies and our minds and our careers and our relationships. And sometimes, the changes we decide to make can alter a life we thought we had mapped out for us.  Today, we're talking about what happens when midlife women stop performing and start becoming. When we shed the things we don't need, including the opinions of people who don't matter. When we realise we've got choices here, even if some of them will be hard.  And yes, we talk about how, as a woman in the public eye, that's never truer than if you dare to change your body.  It's an exceptionally honest conversation about identity, courage, and growth with Julie Goodwin, the person with whom this podcast all began.  THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Julie Goodwin Host: Holly Wainwright Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Tina Matolov 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a life successful? Is it the promotion, the postcode, the likes that light up your phone? That’s the story we’ve been sold, isn’t it? Kemi Nekvapil is successful—but not in the way you might think. Yes, she’s one of Australia’s leading executive coaches and the author of the powerful book Grounded Success. But to Kemi—who was homeless at 13 and who now lives on a daffodil farm in regional Victoria—success is something deeper. Her success is that she’s built a life rich in purpose and peace. In this conversation, she shares how to recognise a “full-body yes”—those moments when your entire being says this is right—and why keeping death close can actually lead to a more vibrant, meaningful life. You can find Kemi's book Grounded Success here.  THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Kemi Nekvapil Host: Holly Wainwright Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Tina Matolov 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The invisible woman still leaves quite a gap when she disappears. You might not have seen her smoothing your path this morning, ensuring clean clothes, full bellies, and petrol in cars. She paid bills, kept WiFi flowing, Netflix streaming, remembered gym renewals and doctor's appointments—putting herself last on every list. Until she doesn't. When the invisible woman packs her bags and buggers right off, suddenly her space becomes blindingly clear. Meet Monique van Tulder—mum, wife, woman who forgot to live her life. She took a grown-up gap year, went to change lightbulbs, and didn't return for months. Her sons call it "the time mum got mad and took off." She calls it life-changing—saving her marriage by renegotiating it entirely. You can find Monique's book A Grown Up's Gap Year here and her podcast here.  THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Monique van Tulder Host: Holly Wainwright Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Tina Matolov 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you felt it? That relentless tick-tock to get everything done, achieved, and properly ticked off before some looming birthday makes you officially... what? A failure? Someone who missed the memo about how life is supposed to unfold? Known to many as the graceful, empathetic MasterChef judge, Melissa Leong's memoir Guts reveals the deeper, complex woman behind the screen. But in this conversation, she opens up about choosing not to have children, the pressure to marry before 35, and shares her empowering guide to confidently dining alone and ordering whatever you want, no apologies. You can follow Melissa on Instagram and find her memoir Guts here.  THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Melissa Leong Host: Holly Wainwright Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Tina Matolov 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know Paula Joye as someone who ran Australia’s biggest women’s magazines—and as the expert in skincare, style, and wellness that she undoubtedly is. But today? We're not talking about glossy covers or celebrity interviews. Today, Paula is sharing the story that breaks us all open - losing your mum. Two years ago, an ordinary Tuesday night became the night that split Paula's life into 'before' and 'after'. In this conversation, she's opening up about that phone call, the impossible reality of learning to exist without the person who literally made you, and why grief feels different when you're stuck in the middle - caring for everyone else while falling apart yourself. This is about the messy, complicated reality of mourning whilst keeping your public face on. About how loss completely rewrites your priorities. And how Paula found the strength she didn't even know existed. You can follow Paula Joye on Instagram and find her beauty book Glow Up here. THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Paula Joye Host: Holly Wainwright Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Tina Matolov 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Stacy Sims knows more about women's fitness than pretty much anyone we've ever spoken to. She's the exercise expert who went viral for her breakfast routine, but that's just the beginning. Dr Sims is an exercise physiologist and nutritional scientist who's become the go-to authority for grown-up women navigating fitness in 2025. In this conversation, Stacey shares why so much mainstream fitness advice is complete bullshit for women. She explains how ice baths, fasting, and soul-crushing cardio weren't designed for female bodies, and why "shrinking and pinking" men's advice doesn't serve us. You're going to hear about the surprising differences between male and female physiology, why women aren't just "small men" when it comes to health, and what we actually need to feel vibrant and strong. Plus, yes, she'll reveal that famous breakfast that caught the internet's attention. You can follow Dr Stacy Sims here and find out more about her work here.  THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Dr Stacy Sims Host: Holly Wainwright Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown Audio Producer: Tina Matolov 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And Just Like That… it's over. Welcome to the MID view of the end of the Sex and the City universe — forever. She's been our problematic friend for 27 years now, hasn't she? Carrie Bradshaw, with her impossible shoes and even more impossible romantic choices. But the truth we always knew? Carrie was never meant to be aspirational. She was meant to be us. Messy, self-absorbed, making terrible decisions in great outfits. She mirrored our romantic disasters, our ambition, our fear of aging — and somehow made it all look glamorous. But now? It’s time to put down the mirror and walk away. This special drop is inspired by a story by Holly Wainwright on Mamamia THE END BITS:  Want to win a $10 e-gift card AND a Mamamia subscription FREE for 1 month? Fill out this short survey. T&Cs apply.  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Host: Holly Wainwright Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us. This episode is all about midlife friendships—how to navigate both new and old ones. Our guest, psychologist Clare Rowe, has plenty of experience dealing with the complexities of friendships. She's got a story about an experience with a friendship breakup—one you’ll be glad didn’t happen to you. The dilemmas that Clare & Holly tackle in this episode are: One of my good friends has started being awful, but she says Perimenopause is the reason for all her outbursts. Do I believe her and work through it, or do I walk away?  My ex-best friend and I drifted apart 10 years ago, but I find myself missing her a lot. Should I accept this friendship is in the past or try to reconnect?  I can't stand my friend's political opinions. Do I distance myself from the whole group? Or do I say we just can’t talk politics?   Find out more about Clare's work here. THE END BITS:  Want to win a $10 e-gift card AND a Mamamia subscription FREE for 1 month? Fill out this short survey. T&Cs apply.  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Clare Rowe Host: Holly Wainwright Executive Producer: Naima Brown Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us. This episode is all about divorce and separation—when it might be the right choice, what typically leads to it, and how to navigate it in the healthiest way possible. Our guest, Nikki Parkinson, has been through a divorce herself—an especially unique one—and now dedicates her work to helping others through their own journeys. The dilemmas that Nikki & Holly tackle in this episode are: I have fallen out of love with my husband, but I don't know if I can afford life without him. What do I do? I’ve been divorced for almost two years, and my ex wants to introduce his new partner to our children. I think it's too soon, but he thinks I'm being jealous. Should he respect my wishes?  I’m having an affair with someone I met at work, and the sex is amazing. Do I have to tell my husband?  How do I know it’s really over with my partner of six years—my first same-sex relationship—when she says she’s unsure, has moved out, but still calls and comes back?  You can find out more about The Divorce and Separation Hub at the links below.  Website Instagram Facebook Podcast THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Nikki Parkinson Host: Holly Wainwright Executive Producer: Naima Brown Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us. This episode is all about our relationship with our faces and what the treatments and tweakments out there are doing to our faces. Our guest is the perfect person to guide us through this minefield: Dr Naomi, a doctor who's been refreshingly honest about her own facial work and runs a clinic offering all kinds of beauty treatments. The dilemmas that Dr Naomi & Holly tackle in this episode are: I am very tempted to fix some of the things that are making me sad when I look in the mirror. How much do anti-aging procedures cost? Can I justify the money?  I want to get tweaks, but my partner would be so disappointed in me if I did. Is it okay to hide it from my partner?  My partner is 10 years younger than me, and I look SO much older than him. What are the most effective, not too obvious procedures to "freshen me up"?  You can follow Dr Naomi here and find out more about her clinic work here.  THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Dr Naomi McCullum Host: Holly Wainwright Executive Producer: Naima Brown Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us. This episode is all about the excitement, fear, insecurity and orgasmic joy of MID dating. Who better to enlist to answer your questions than the very funny and very smart Cath Mahoney, who herself is currently ‘between boyfriends’ - so trust us, she knows the good, bad and ugly (and the great) about all things dating. The dilemmas that Cath & Holly tackle in this episode are: I’ve reconnected with my Facebook ex - he’s not NOT married - and I’m feeling like maybe he’s the one that got away…but my best friend is telling me to let it go. I’m on the apps…and I’m thinking about dating younger men. Do I? Should I? How? I’ve been having the best sex of my life since my divorce…but now my ex wants me back - I’m tempted - but I don’t want to give up the hot sex! Is it bad to want to date someone with money? You can follow Cath here and get her book here.  THE END BITS:  Mamamia wants to hear about your financial wellbeing and how you're feeling about the future. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Cath Mahoney Host: Holly Wainwright Executive Producer: Naima Brown Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this season of MID, we are answering the dilemmas and questions that you, our listeners, have sent us. This episode is all about families - the messy, the heartbreaking and the scary. To answer your questions, Holly has enlisted the woman known as the Friendly Psychologist, Jacqui Manning, who has over 25 years of clinical experience. The dilemmas Jacqui and Holly tackle in this episode are: I want to be friends with my daughter-in-law, but she won’t even join the group chat. My mother is dying, but we still don’t get along. My daughter won’t speak to me because of my younger boyfriend. Find out more about Jacqui's work as The Friendly Psychologist here.  Do you have a dilemma you'd like to send us? You can find us on [email protected] THE END BITS:  Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]  Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here.  CREDITS: Guest: Jacqui Manning Host: Holly Wainwright Executive Producer: Naima Brown Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.