Parenting Out Loud

Mamamia

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.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO ·  VIDEO

    'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag

    Sienna Miller and Laura Henshaw are presenting two very different versions of new motherhood in our feeds — so why is the internet upset with both of them? Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks dive into the unrealistic expectations on new mums and how there might be no right answer. Also, Mandy Moore has officially entered the chat over Ashley Tisdale’s viral ‘toxic’ mum group essay back in January, and suddnely it feels like we're back in high school. Plus, Japan's late-night ‘crying cafes’ offer the ultimate sanctuary for exhausted mothers, and it’s made us think about the other midnight hotlines we absolutely need right now. And, a grandmother's dilemma goes viral after she joins her grandchildren's PTA without asking. We unpack the unwritten rules of family boundaries and why tension is the price we pay for a village. 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. Reccos Amelia recommends Evil Witches, an irreverent email newsletter that perfectly captures the reality of family holidays. Monz is loving Unleashed, a hilarious podcast delivering an honest truth bomb about long weekends after divorce. Stacey recommends Off Campus on Amazon Prime, a hot and deliciously cliché college hockey romance. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’ The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  What to read:  'I joined a mother’s group for parenting tips. What I found was something darker.' The Ashley Tisdale and Hilary Duff mum group fallout, explained from the very start. HOLLY WAINWRIGHT: 'This is what 43 looks like now: 23 and pregnant.' 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, Amelia Lester & Clare Stephens Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Video Editor: Julian Rosario Assistant Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  2. 15 MAY ·  VIDEO

    Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’

    How soon is too soon to return to work after having a baby? Netballer Paige Hadley was back on the court ten weeks postpartum — and the internet had thoughts. Monique, Amelia, and Clare unpack why we all have so much to say about other women's postpartum choices. If you've ever given up on pairing the kids' sock or let them quit that extracurricular activity — you might be a 'Beta Mum'. We dive into why mums are rejecting the optimised parenting grind and whether it's a feminist revolution or just collective burnout. Plus, the low-key genius parenting hacks hiding in a Reddit thread, and this week's recommendations. Reccos Amelia recommends Celeste Barber's BOOIE Excellent BB Cream. And right now, it's $40 at Woolies. Monz is loving Bad Company on the ABC, if you love Fisk, Utopia or Australian comedy, this is your show.  Clare recommends Smocks by Little Chomps to protect your little one's clothes every meal time. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  What to read:  You're not a hot mess. You're just a Type C parent. 10 parents told us the best hacks guaranteed to halve your mental load. 'Balance doesn't exist': 12 women on what they wish they knew about going back to work after maternity leave. 7 (totally non HR-approved) tips for your first day of work after maternity leave. 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, Amelia Lester & Clare Stephens Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Video Editor: Julian Rosario Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min

  3. 8 MAY ·  VIDEO

    The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up

    Naming a person is a challenge—but one Melbourne family has made their relatives compete for the privilege of a surname. This week Monz, Stacey and Amelia are talking about the Melbourne couple who settled their surname debate with a best-of-three rock-paper-scissors showdown. So, should we be making all family decisions via a game of competitive Jenga from now on? Plus, the school holiday rule that has parents feeling like they’re back in detention. Amelia shares the enormous effort she poured into an official essay just to take her kids overseas, as we debate if ‘world schooling’ is a genius move or just a recipe for burnout. Also, it’s the show that saved our collective sanity, but behind the scenes, Bluey is the focus of a billion-dollar financial mess. We dive into the trending story and explain the details the internet seems to be missing. And, why does Mother’s Day feel a little bit… off? We’re looking into the unexpected history of the holiday and why it’s okay if you’re feeling more ‘complicated’ than ‘celebratory’ this Sunday. Reccos Amelia recommends Caper Crew; as if The InBESTigators was directed by Wes Anderson. Monz is loving the ‘Parental Path’ video hack to capture your kids’ little voices before they grow up, plus it's a great last-minute Mother's Day gift.  Stacey recommends the ‘Do It For Dolly’ campaign and the 13-DOLLY support line for any families navigating the gut-punch of school bullying. If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs to speak with an expert, please contact your GP or in Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), all of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  What to read:  'My daughter was 8 when she was tied up and left in a bin. The words that came next still haunt me.' 'The 'boring' parent is the unsung hero': 5 things Bluey has taught me about parenting. 'My husband made me cry every Mother's Day. I know I'm not alone.' 'There are 3 reasons my son took my wife's surname. It should be the norm.' A brutally honest review of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a movie that breaks everything. 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, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Video Editor: Julian Rosario Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min

  4. 1 MAY ·  VIDEO

    The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled

    Have school photos become redundant? This week, Monz, Stacey and Amelia are unpacking the $180 million industry that's preys on nostalgia, guilt and the trust that no parent wants to be the one to opt out, despite their phones overflowing with perfectly good pictures of their kids.  Plus, an Aussie influencer sparked a firestorm after leaving her baby in a hotel room to grab a quick massage, baby monitor in hand. Was the ensuing internet pile-on a genuine act of concern, or just a new way to pass around the "Bad Mother" baton? And, party bags are officially cancelled, you're welcome. Why Stacey wants us all to call time on the noisy sh*t and sugar spikes that mark the end of a birthday party.  Finally, science says telling your kids your "family lore" helps them build resilience, so is it time to spill the tea on your grumpy relatives? We unpack. Reccos Stacey recommends Everything Under the Sun by Molly Oldfield for the perfect gift.  Amelia recommends the Substack, Gen Z Parents Don’t Hate Books by Rachel Bachman. To  Monz recommends a DVD player: and getting DVDs from the library to make AN EVENT of your movie. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  What to read:  'My phone addiction was genuinely taking over my life. This is the only thing that fixed it.' Modern Etiquette: The 19 rules we all need to agree on for kids' parties and playdates. In the age of iPhones do we really need to be forking out for overpriced school photos? The Madeleine McCann investigation stalled for years. Then police found eight buried hard drives. Andy Lee on the joy of not having kids. 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, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  5. 24 APR ·  VIDEO

    So, Are You A Popcorn Mum?

    This week, Monz, Amelia and Stacey explore the ‘performance’ of public parenting, inspired by Elin Strong’s viral article. So, are you actually parenting for the other people at the park? If the answer is yes, you might be a popcorn mum. The swaddling fail by TV’s favourite doctor has ignited a firestorm amongst fans of medical drama The Pitt and we have thoughts. Also, we discuss Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy’s controversial take on planes and babies, and why even most parents are onboard. Plus, Prince Harry and Hamish Blake are opening up about men’s mental health postpartum. It has us asking, who’s looking after the dads? Also, Amelia has a new slang term for us that you’ll ‘low-kenuinely’ love. And, Stacey shows us what’s inside her smug ‘analogue bag’. 🔷 DID YOU KNOW? Mamamia subscribers get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive Out Loud episodes, plus articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media  PLUS! Win a $2,000 Bed Threads voucher. Subscribe to Mamamia here before April 30 to be automatically entered. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply. Reccos: Stacey has an ‘anti-recco’. Stop doing your nails. Reclaim your time and money by embracing the nude nail flex. Amelia recommends: Secrets of The Bees on Disney+. A stunning, intergenerational documentary featuring smart bees and 'family-friendly soft swinging'. (It's not what you think). Monique recommends: Jettproof Sensory Socks. A total game-changer for kids who struggle with seams. Also, don't forget to bake some of Monz's famous Anzac Biscuits this weekend. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  What to read:  Check out Monz's ANZAC biscuit recipe: How to bake the best (and easiest) ANZAC biscuits known to humankind. 'My phone addiction was genuinely taking over my life. This is the only thing that fixed it.' 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, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  6. 17 APR ·  VIDEO

    The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube

    This week, Monique, Amelia, and Stacey are discussing the ‘Jessica’ hack gone slightly awry. We talked about it. Our listeners tried it, and some of the results were…spooky. So, why has even Jessica Biel weighed in on this viral trend? Also, we unpack the YouTube-ification of Netflix and why Danny Goh and Miss Rachel are suddenly taking over our Netflix profiles. We dive into the ‘Wild West’ of YouTube and why it’s banned in Monz’s house after a Peppa Pig incident. Plus, we talk about the list of things you must be able to perform to be considered a fully-fledged ‘Supreme Adult’. From public speaking to calling the doctor yourself, what exactly is a normal sleep pattern when you have small humans anyway? And, we discuss ‘The Lunchbox Theory’ and why we collectively need to lower the bar and become ‘underachieving’ parents. The Recommendations Stacey: The Swan Princess (1994) – Now on Netflix! It features a French frog voiced by John Cleese and a princess who demands more than just 'you're pretty'. Amelia: Taco Goat Cheese Pizza – A $15 card game that actually makes teenagers laugh. Monique: Biozet Attack – The supermarket laundry detergent with the magic enzyme that actually gets the 'funk' out of bed-wetting accidents. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  What to read:  'I'm the breadwinner, and my husband stays home. Stop asking this one question.' 'I thought training for a marathon meant weeks of mum guilt. This one moment changed everything.' 'I thought I was raising my son right. Then he made one comment.' 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: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  7. 10 APR

    The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack

    This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack the 'max 3-hour mum' theory. That’s how long Skims co-founder and Kardashian-adjacent CEO Emma Grede thinks women should spend with their kids each day on weekends. We discuss whetther the mother of four's ‘quality over quantity’  approach is genius - or missing the point. Also, is kids’ sport officially broken? From private strength sessions for 8-year-olds to parents getting red-carded on the sidelines, we ask when sport stopped being about 'having a go' and started being a ‘gateway to success’. Plus, what exactly is the 'Jessica' hack? We discuss the viral TikTok trick that could snap your child out of a spiral. And, in our modern screen age, is there any merit to the old-school rule that children should be ‘seen and not heard’? RECCOMMENDATIONS: Monz recommends: The Art Gallery (it’s free!), beach patrol (also free!) and the ultimate school holiday hack - a trip to Bunnings. Amelia recommends: The Brinkley Yearbooks Series by Sarah Sax  Stacey recommends: Age of Attraction on Netflix and Harry Styles’ YouTube cover of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  What to read:  'I'm the breadwinner, and my husband stays home. Stop asking this one question.' 'I thought training for a marathon meant weeks of mum guilt. This one moment changed everything.' 'I thought I was raising my son right. Then he made one comment.' 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: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  8. 3 APR

    Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule

    We’re unpacking the 'parenting rule' that blew up the comments section this week: While the kids are awake, you come last. The Internet had thoughts and so do Monique Bowley, Clare Stephens and Amelia Lester. So, does putting yourself first actually make you a better parent? Plus, we look at the the Barbie Dream Fest — or as the internet is calling it, Fyre Festival for toddlers. Imagine paying $190 USD for an ‘immersive experience’ only to find a warehouse, a concrete floor and a cardboard box with a pink blanket.  Also, Parks and Recreation actor Chris Pratt's wife Katherine Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to him on social media, calling him a 'Golden Retriever Husband', after he built their daughters a doll house. So why is the Internet still so annoyed with him over an Instagram caption from 2021 about opening a jar of pickles? And, we explore why a Sydney school’s experiment to ditch school uniforms was ulimately an epic fail. Our Recommendations: 🏀 Monz is loving the Noisy by Nature podcast on the ABC Kids Listen app — think David Attenborough meets The Wiggles. 📖 Clare recommends the Houdini Stop from Big W to stop your toddler’s great car seat escape. 🧴 Amelia is loving Brain Quest Smart Cards for screen-free fun at cafes Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next:  Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts  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: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Channel
    Mamamia
  • Creator
    Mamamia Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mamamia Podcasts
  • Show Website
    Parenting Out Loud
  • Provider
    MAMAMIA.COM.AU PTY LTD

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