Well.

Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary. We cover the concerns you’re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia.  The full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam. Well. The podcast for every woman with a body. 

  1. 14 hr ago

    The Surprising Link Between Your DNA And Your Gut

    Can your genes influence what you eat, how your gut works, and even why coriander tastes like soap to some people? This week on Well, food and nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett cuts through the noise around gut health and explains what the science actually says. From probiotics and Greek yoghurt to taste receptors hidden throughout your gut, we unpack the surprising ways genetics shape our relationship with food. Dr Beckett reveals why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesn't work, what the microbiome can (and can't) tell us about health, and why the wellness industry's obsession with gut hacks may be missing the point. Plus, Dr Mariam answers a listener's question about constipation, ageing and menopause, and explains why some gut symptoms deserve a closer look. GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. CREDITS Hosts: Grace Rouvray & Dr Mariam Guests: Dr Emma Beckett Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Jacob Round Social Producer: Elly Moore Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on. Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  2. 10 Jun

    There's Plastic In Our Bodies. Now What?

    What if the plastic container you're heating your leftover lunch in is actively rewriting your hormones? Environmental chemist Dr Paul Harvey unpacks the terrifying reality of microplastics, explaining how these tiny particles act like "micro knives," physically scratching our delicate gut lining and leaching creepy, hormone-disrupting chemicals into our system. Food scientist Dr Emma Beckett also weighs in, offering a much-needed reality check on balancing plastic panic with actual food safety. Then, we dive into "matressence," the massive, identity-shifting transition into motherhood. It turns out "baby brain" isn't a myth or a social media trend; real neuroimaging shows a mother's brain structurally prunes its grey matter to specialise for a baby, right as estrogen and progesterone drop off a perimenopause-level cliff. GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. CREDITS Hosts: Grace Rouvray & Dr Mariam Guests: Dr Paul Harvey & Dr Emma Beckett Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Jacob Round Social Producer: Elly Moore Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on. Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 min
  3. 3 Jun

    Why Emily Is Talking About The Parts Of Cancer We Usually Avoid

    At just 26 years old, Emily Harrison Suhr found a lump in the shower and within weeks was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Nearly a decade later, she is living with metastatic breast cancer and confronting the realities of a terminal illness that few people talk about openly. In this episode, Emily shares the truth about what cancer has taken from her, and what it hasn't. From early menopause and financial stress to intimacy, marriage and navigating other people's expectations, she speaks candidly about the challenges of living with a disease that has no cure. Emily is breaking down misconceptions and creating space for honest conversations about mortality, relationships and resilience. This is a powerful discussion about life, love and finding joy in the face of uncertainty. GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber CREDITS Host: Dr Mariam Guest: Emily Harrison-Suhr Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Social Producer: Elly Moore Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on.Information discussed in Well. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  4. 20 May

    The Pelvic Floor Conversation We Need To Have

    Why does sex sometimes feel like a chore or worse, a pain? And does your GP really care what your "down there" looks like during a pap smear? In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr. Mariam dive deep into the complexities of sexual health and pelvic wellness. They are joined by sexual medicine consultant Dr. Karen Freilich to break down the science of dyspareunia (painful intercourse). From the "Car Alarm" theory of pain to the "Accelerator and Brake" model of desire, we explore why your body might be tensing up and how to hit the reset button. Plus, in Med School, we tackle a viral TikTok myth: Is women's saliva more acidic than men's, and does that mean we're doomed to more cavities? We look at the research (or lack thereof) and why "pink" toothpaste isn't a thing. And, in the Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam answers Kayla’s burning question: When you're in the stirrups for a cervical screening, can the doctor see your butthole? (Hint: They’re more worried about their laundry than your anatomy). GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe. Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code. T&C's apply. CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guest: Dr. Karen Freilich Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Producer: Elly Moore 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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  5. 8 Apr

    The Woman With The World’s Most Famous Beard

    What do you do when your body starts changing at just ten years old? Harnaam Kaur was waxing her face to avoid schoolyard bullies before she even hit her teens. Today, she’s a Guinness World Record holder and one of the most recognisable voices challenging global beauty standards. In this episode, Claire sits down with Harnaam to unpack her journey after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at just ten. She opens up about years of bullying, the toll on her mental health, and the pivotal moment that led her to stop hiding and start embracing who she is. They also explore what it means to live with a condition that challenges traditional ideas of femininity, Harnaam’s evolution from religious motivations to personal liberation, and her reflections on the future of her advocacy.  EPISODE RESOURCES If this episode has raised concerns for you, the following resources are available: Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14. Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673. Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health. And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links: MOVE by Mamamia Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. THE END BITS Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber CREDITS Host: Claire Murphy  Guest: Harnaam Kaur Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Producer: Elly Moore 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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
  6. 1 Apr

    Puberty to Perimenopause: Your No‑BS Hormone Survival Guide

    Why do some girls start their periods as early as eight years old?  In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam take us on a lifetime hormonal tour. We track the journey from the ‘magic and mayhem’ of puberty to the ‘window of chaos’ that is perimenopause, exploring how these changing hormones reshape our bodies, our brains, and our moods at every life stage. We talk to obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ginny Foo about why periods are starting earlier and what level of pain is actually ‘normal.’ We also speak with endocrinologist Dr Isabelle Smith about the hormone ‘dump’ after childbirth, the myth of the testosterone cure-all for libido, and why your ‘stress cup’ might be overflowing. Plus, gynaecologist Dr Natasha Andreas joins us to unpack life over 50. We discuss the ‘second puberty’, why oestrogen is the ultimate protector of your heart and bones, and the essential health checks every woman needs to stay ahead of the game as her hormones settle into a new normal. EPISODE RESOURCES If this episode has raised concerns for you regarding body image, eating disorders, or chronic illness support, the following resources are available: Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673. Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health. Diabetes Australia: Information on pre-diabetes management and support. Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14. And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links: MOVE by Mamamia Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. THE END BITS Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guests: Dr Jinny Foo, Dr Natasha Andreadis and Dr Isobelle Smith Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Producer: Elly Moore 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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
  7. 25 Mar

    What A Healthy Relationship With Food Really Looks Like

    Can the right exercise really 'age-proof' your body? Could you really lower your risk of ovarian cancer by asking your surgeon to remove your fallopian tubes while they’re already performing another routine procedure? And what do you do when decades of dieting have left you with what feels like weight-loss PTSD? In this episode, we talk to Professor Jeff Coombes from the University of Queensland to find out why 'high-intensity' doesn't have to be terrifying and which specific exercise actually drops your risk of heart disease and diabetes. We also talk about why the fallopian tubes - not the ovaries - might be the true starting point for some ovarian cancers and how 'opportunistic' surgery could save lives. Plus, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps Carolyn, who is 40 and struggling with the mental and physical burnout of PCOS and weight-loss plateaus. We explain why ‘calories in, calories out’ is a toxic myth and how to rebuild trust with a body you feel has betrayed you. EPISODE RESOURCES If this episode has raised concerns for you regarding body image, eating disorders, or chronic illness support, the following resources are available: Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673. Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health. Diabetes Australia: Information on pre-diabetes management and support. Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14. And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links: MOVE by Mamamia Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. THE END BITS Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber SUBSCRIBE here to get 25% off an $89 annual subscription PLUS 25% off Nala. Your Mamamia discount will be applied at checkout. Then find your Nala code in the Subscriber Hub immediately after joining. Ends 1st April.CURRENT SUBSCRIBERS: Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click here to get your code. Ends 1st April. CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guest: Professor Jeff Coombes Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Producer: Elly Moore 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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  8. 18 Mar

    Layne Beachley On Burnout, Saying No & Avoiding Mirrors

    A professional athlete often comes with the assumption of a perfectly healthy mind and body. Endlessly fit, resilient, and immune to the pressures of everyday life. But in this episode of Well, former professional surfer and seven times world champion, Layne Beachley challenges that idea. In this conversation, Layne reflects on her experience as a chronic “yes” person, and what it took to finally start saying no. She opens up about navigating chronic fatigue, learning to recognise her limits, and the moment she realised she had to stop pushing through and start listening to her body. Layne unpacks her evolving relationship with food and exercise, and why what works for a pre-menopausal body doesn’t always work post-menopause. She shares the surprising truth she had to learn the hard way that sometimes, the most productive thing you can do for your body is nothing at all. And in a full-circle moment, she reflects on the pride she now feels watching the next generation of surfers surpass her, proving she’s not just one of the greatest athletes of all time, but a true champion of women in sport. This episode contains discussion of suicidal ideation, body image concerns, and dieting. Please take care while listening. THE END BITS All your health information is in the Well Hub. If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings and if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support. SUBSCRIBE here to get 25% off an $89 annual subscription PLUS 25% off Nala. Your Mamamia discount will be applied at checkout. Then find your Nala code in the Subscriber Hub immediately after joining. Ends 1st April.CURRENT SUBSCRIBERS: Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click here to get your code. Ends 1st April. GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guest: Layne Beachley Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Producer: Elly Moore 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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

About

Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary. We cover the concerns you’re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia.  The full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam. Well. The podcast for every woman with a body. 

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