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What do wealthy men actually want in a partner? And what does their private matchmaker know that the rest of us don’t? Lauren Hunter joins me to share what she’s learned finding love for men who spend up to $200,000 on her services. From what gets their attention to what makes them lose interest, we get into the dating habits that could be holding you back—and why being hot only gets you so far. We also talk dating apps, splitting the bill and whether your own friends could be keeping you single. If you’re tired of talking stages that go nowhere, this conversation might change your next move. ❤️ 00:00 Meet the $200,000 matchmaker08:02 The divorce that changed Lauren’s life17:02 What paying for love actually gets you20:59 Are your deal breakers keeping you single?27:57 First-date rules and splitting the bill29:49 Why wealthy, successful men are still single38:27 Turning dates into commitment46:04 Stop interviewing, start flirting47:21 Feeling left behind in your 30s53:36 Dating apps, profile mistakes and why hot isn’t enough THE ELLA ERA: Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellaerapodcast/ TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@theellaera ELLA MAY DING: Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellamayding/ TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@emayding ADVERTISING: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you play to a huge crowd, then have no one to share the moment with? Will Sparks joins me to talk about the loneliness behind life on tour, the times he wanted to quit, and why relationships have been the hardest part. We also go back to where it all started: leaving school at 17 with his mum’s blessing, making music in his bedroom, and the track that changed everything. Plus, we reminisce about our Melbourne party days, and Will opens up about wanting to find his person and become a dad. This is an honest conversation about ambition, sacrifice and wanting someone beside you through it all. ❤️ 00:00 Meet Will Sparks02:49 Our School Days and Leaving Two Schools in One Day08:56 The Family Behind His Creativity12:55 Guitar Hero, Fake IDs and Melbourne Nightlife19:47 Leaving School With His Mum’s Blessing21:13 The Track That Changed Everything27:05 Getting Hooked on the High of Success28:32 The Toll of Touring and Wanting to Quit33:12 Life Between the Highs34:48 Having No One to Share It With44:40 Trust, Dating and Why Relationships Are So Hard47:27 Big Egos and the People Behind the Music50:24 Fitness and His Mental Health54:21 Looking Back and Returning to His Roots57:05 Margaret Court Arena and What Comes Next60:22 What Ella Said Before MAFS THE ELLA ERA:Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellaerapodcast/TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@theellaera ELLA MAY DING:Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ellamayding/TikTok: 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@emayding ADVERTISING: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I went back to work six weeks after giving birth. Now my daughter is nearly one, she’s starting daycare, and I’m feeling guilty, relieved and excited all at once. In this solo episode, I’m talking about working mum guilt, the hard conversations my husband and I have had, and why a TikTok about missing our Bali nanny brought out so much judgement. I’m also sharing how I’m feeling ten months postpartum and what it’s been like trying to make room for work, motherhood and myself. ❤️ 00:00 A long overdue solo catch-up 03:23 The dream I wrote down six years ago 07:37 My daughter is nearly one 11:52 Going back to work six weeks postpartum 13:38 Working mum guilt and my relationship 15:18 Why my daughter is starting daycare 21:23 Travelling to Bali with a baby 26:57 Finding our nanny in Bali 31:52 The TikTok backlash over missing our nanny 38:44 My postpartum health check-in THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You knew Alex Fevola’s name. But how much of her story did you really know? Alex joins me to talk about losing Mia’s father just four weeks after giving birth — and the medical emergency that nearly took her life that same day. We also talk about raising her four daughters, living through a very public affair, and why she and Brendan found their way back to each other after divorcing. This is an honest conversation about grief, motherhood, betrayal and finding the strength to begin again. ❤️ 00:00 Meet Alex Fevola 04:41 Losing Mia’s Father 08:19 The Day Alex Nearly Died 13:20 Grieving While Raising a Newborn 17:36 Watching Mia Grow Up in the Public Eye 22:25 How Alex Met Brendan 24:59 The Affair and Public Humiliation 28:54 Why They Got Back Together After Divorce 33:28 Raising Four Daughters Through It All 39:05 The Relationship Alex Has With Her Girls 50:32 Building Runway Room 59:05 Telling Her Story in Her Book THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: ⁠[email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You heard how it all fell apart. Now, we’re talking about what brought us back together. Domenica Calarco joins me for Part 2 — and the final chapter — of the conversation we’ve waited over two years to have. We open up about the Mother’s Day message that changed everything, discovering we were pregnant at the same time, becoming mums and finding our way back to one another. We also speak honestly about pregnancy, separation, solo motherhood, online judgement and the loneliness that no one warns you about. After everything that happened, this is us sitting together for one last time — ready to close the chapter on Sit With Us and begin whatever comes next. ❤️ 00:00 How We Found Our Way Back 02:18 The Message That Changed Everything 05:11 Reaching Out on Mother’s Day 06:46 Pregnant at the Same Time 10:03 The Worst Breakup We’ve Ever Had 11:58 What Losing Our Friendship Taught Us 14:40 Our Daughters Meeting for the First Time 16:31 Pregnancy, Separation & Surviving It All 24:33 The Reality of Online Judgement 30:22 The Loneliness of Motherhood 34:19 The Pressure on Women in Their 30s 37:57 Losing Yourself After Becoming a Mum 41:04 Why Friendships Don’t Always Have to End 42:58 Send the Message 43:27 A Weight Has Finally Been Lifted THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You saw the headlines. You heard the rumours. Now, we’re finally having the conversation. Domenica Calarco joins me for Part 1 of a conversation we’ve put off for over two years. From becoming best friends on MAFS to building Sit With Us, we shared so much of our lives online. But when our podcast and friendship fell apart, there was so much we didn’t know how to explain. This is an emotional conversation about friendship, regret and what really happened behind the headlines. And if you think this is the whole story… there’s more we need to tell you. Part 2 drops this Thursday. ❤️ 00:00 The Conversation We Never Thought We’d Have 03:34 Before It All Fell Apart 14:33 The Episode That Changed Everything 18:11 The Backlash & Losing $250,000 22:14 What Was Happening Behind Closed Doors 38:19 Why Sit With Us Ended 50:10 When We Stopped Speaking 56:34 There’s More to This Story… Part 2 THE ELLA ERA: Instagram | TikTok ELLA MAY DING: Instagram | TikTok PARTNERSHIPS: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and vulnerable episode, I open up about the unfiltered reality of motherhood burnout, the mental fatigue of balancing work with baby Pia, and the power of giving yourself grace. I'm joined mic-side by my producer, Emilia, to reflect on the hard work, personal growth, and standout guest moments that defined The Ella Era over the past year. My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another completely unfiltered episode of The Ella Era! You all know this podcast has always been about going way deeper than the reality TV headlines, and this week I’m sitting down with Bec Zacharia to uncover the raw, messy truth about life after the cameras stopped rolling. We dive into how she is navigating therapy and body dysmorphia today. Bec even pulls out her phone to read the exact, final text messages exchanged with her ex Danny, exposing the dramatic breaking point of their relationship once and for all.  We also tackle the internet-breaking news surrounding her recent trip to Bali for that $14k "snatched waist" rib-contouring surgery AND we react to the latest bombshells currently blowing up our feeds, from Gia’s shock pregnancy to Stella and Filip’s sudden breakup. ____________________________________________________________________________ Bec's socialsINSTA instagram.com/bec_zacTIKTOK tiktok.com/@beesnees555 My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This might be one of my favourite chats to date for just how raw and real this week’s guest, Tilly Whitfeld was. We dive deep into her shocking cosmetic regrets, from getting veneers at 18 and suffering temporary blindness during a DIY freckle disaster, to surviving toxic Breast Implant Illness and navigating a miracle pregnancy following a devastating infertility diagnosis. She also opens up completely about a traumatic emergency C-section where she fell off the operating table mid-labor, her struggles with eating disorders, and navigating severe postpartum depression and intrusive thoughts as a new mom. Trigger Warning: This episode contains deeply sensitive and raw discussions regarding eating disorders, severe mental health struggles, traumatic birth experiences, and distressing postpartum thoughts about wanting to harm a child. Resources & Support Services If you or someone you know has been impacted by the topics discussed in this episode, please reach out to the following professional resources: Perinatal Mental Health & Postpartum Depression PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): Call 1300 726 306 (Mon-Fri) or visit panda.org.au for specialized perinatal support. Gidget Foundation Australia: Perinatal psychological support services. Call 1300 851 758 or visit gidgetfoundation.org.au. Eating Disorders & Body Image The Butterfly Foundation: National eating disorders support helpline. Call 1800 33 4673 or visit butterfly.org.au. Crisis Support & Mental Health Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 (Australia) or text 0477 13 11 14. Beyond Blue: 24/7 mental health support. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au. _______________________________________________________________________ Tilly's socialsINSTA instagram.com/tillywhitfeldTIKTOK tiktok.com/@tillywhitfeld My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this highly anticipated episode, I sit down with one of the most quietly compelling contestants from Married at First Sight, David Momoh. From walking out of his final vows before Alissa could even finish her speech, to selling his MAFS wedding ring on Facebook Marketplace, no topic is off-limits. David drops truth bombs on hiding in the bathroom with Scott, to what it's really like to maintain your faith in "the depths of hell," and how his dating pool quadrupled overnight._________________________________________________________________________________ David's socialsINSTA instagram.com/davidxmomohTIKTOK tiktok.com/@david_momoh My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the Ella Era! In this episode, I sit down with the talk of the town: Lily Phillips, Only Fans headliner and breakout star of Stan’s brand-new hit reality docudrama, Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money. We dive headfirst into the reality TV chaos, the mental gymnastics of on-screen arguments, and why Lily actually welcomes internet trolls for her business algorithm. Plus, Lily shares the wildly bizarre behind-the-scenes details of her custom requests- including what producers made her do for that infamous "cake-sitting” scene. Finally, Lily reveals a massive personal shift in 2026: why she is returning to her faith, getting baptised, and enforcing a strict new boundary that has completely changed her content. You do not want to miss this one! If these topics aren't for you, listener discretion is strongly advised! And just a reminder... interviewing a guest on this platform is not an endorsement of their views or actions. _______________________________________________________________________ Lily socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/lilyphillip_sTIKTOK tiktok.com/@lily_phillipss My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Australia’s most trusted parenting expert, author, and psychologist, Dr. Justin Coulson. He breaks down the terrifying neurobiology of public scrutiny and trolling, explaining why high emotions equal low intelligence- and why your brain literally starves itself of oxygen when you’re under online attack.  Finally, we dive into the digital battleground our kids are facing. As a dad of six daughters, Justin delivers some hard-hitting, candid truths about the shockingly early age Australian kids are being exposed to violent online pornography. You’ll hear Julie Inman-Grant is also featured on this episode as I reflect on a conversation I had with her last year about this topic. If you are a parent, a creator, or just someone trying to survive the lawless wasteland of the internet, this episode is an urgent wake-up call.  ______________________________________________________________________________ His socialsINSTA instagram.com/drjustincoulsonWEBSITE happyfamilies.com.auPODCAST podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dr-justin-coulsons-happy-families/id1082244480 My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From being rejected daily on reality TV to becoming a global sensation, Lucinda Light is the breath of fresh air we all needed. In this deeply candid (and hilariously witty) episode, Lucinda sits down to spill the tea on her life before, during, and after Married at First Sight Australia  and her experience in the UK on Celebs Go Dating._____________________________________________________________________________ Lucinda's socialsINSTA - instagram.com/lucindaslightWEBSITE - lucindalight.com/My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was shot LIVE episode from the brand-new Baby Bunting Mentone store. I, with my live audience talk about the things I wish I knew I needed when I was pregnant (and which things I didn’t). I’m joined by leading pediatric nutritionist, Abby McClennan to demystify the terrifying world of transitioning to solids. If you are terrified of choking, confused by the "mum community" backlash on TikTok, or don’t know your purees from your iron-rich finger foods, this episode is your ultimate no-BS guide. This episode is sponsored by Baby Bunting for their June Storktake Sale. Shop babybunting.com.au now to get 20% off selected products across the entire store. ___________________________________________________________ Abby’s socialsINSTA instagram.com/mum_bub_nutrition/PETITE MEAL CO instagram.com/petitemealco/ WEBSITE mumbubnutrition.com/   My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I tackle the topic of the reality of Reality TV and online bullying, it's a topic that has been weighing heavily on my chest all week. Triggered by back-to-back, last-minute guest cancellations from reality TV personalities who are simply "not okay," I strip back the glitz of instant celebrity to expose the brutal mental health toll of online life. From cyberbullying and toxic "pile-ons" to the chilling reality of death threats, I unpack the blurred line between true public accountability and outright cruelty. She gets deeply personal, opening up about her own battles with defamatory TikTok pages, navigating a year-long stalker file, and she officially sets the record straight on her emotional Mother’s Day reconnection with fellow MAFS Alum.   My socialsINSTAGRAM instagram.com/ellamaydinginstagram.com/ellaerapodcastTIKTOK tiktok.com/@emaydingWEBSITE ellamayding.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices