CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains details of family violence and coercive control. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling, please contact 1800RESPECT.

On this week’s episode we are talking about coercive control. This type of family violence involves a pattern of controlling behaviours that creates an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. We discuss the shortfalls of the legal and criminal justice system when it comes to recognising and responding to these issues. Then, we identify signs and behaviours to look out for and provide details for resources you can access if you are struggling.

In the second half of the episode, we unpack the age old debate of whether you and your ex can remain friends after a breakup. We talk about situations where it does and doesn't work and provide tips on how you should approach it.

Due to Mother's Day being last Sunday, we decided to honour the occasion by reflecting on significant women who have inspired us and played a positive part in our lives. We then jump into part 2 of friendship breakups by discussion what it means to drift from a friends, balancing friendships once you get into a relationship and how and why you may want to rebuild a friendship after a breakup. Join the conversation on our socials @carchatsmonash on Instagram or Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook.

This week we get into the scandal surrounding former US Bachelor Colton Underwood. In his bombshell interview on Good Morning America, the former NFL player came out as gay to the surprise of the general public as well as ex-girlfriends. Furthermore, Underwood's past behaviour has raised many concerns in the public eye, with the most worrisome being his ex-partner filing a restraining order against him for alleged stalking and abusive behaviour. With Underwood's coming out interview and news of a Netflix docu-series about his journey it raises the question; should coming out essentially be a blank slate and fresh start for Colton, now that he's found himself?

In the second half we get into the nitty gritty of friendship breakups; they're more common and just as emotionally draining as romantic breakups but we don't seem to talk about them as much. Sometimes it's mutual, and sometimes it's not; either way it's something every person has gone through at some point in their lives, so join us as we discuss our own experiences and strategies as a means to cope and process the loss of friends. 

On today's episode we discuss censoring and moderation of *potentially* offensive content on social media sites. Then, we unpack how dating apps have created a hookup culture which may have long term damaging effects when it comes to sex and relationships. 

In this episode we chat about how measuring and defining success can be difficult to understand, especially in our early 20s. Then we jump into a discussion about toxic positivity and how the #goodvibesonly mantra isn't as realistic as it seems. If you wanna see more of us outside of the show, then why not check out our socials @carchatsmonash on Instagram and Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook. Catch you next week!

Hey guys! Join us this week as we unpack the recent scandal surrounding Khloe's recent unedited photo surfacing on social media; What does this say about our rights on the internet?  What does it say about body image?  What does it say about fame and celebrity power? Do you think it was right for her to take it down? In the second half of the show we talk boundaries: How do we establish our boundaries and what are they? What are the challenges when setting boundaries? & Differentiating boundaries when it comes to friendships, work, and relationships. 

On today's episode we discuss the Netflix documentary titled 'Operation Varsity Blues'. This explores the 2019 College admissions scandal that saw over 50 people charged for conspiring to get their children into elite colleges in the US through bribery and cheating. Then, we switch gears entirely and unpack conflict management styles and how this influences relationship compatibility. If you'd like to discover your conflict style, take the quiz here: https://www.oprah.com/relationships/whats-your-conflict-style-quiz-dealing-with-conflict. This week, Tess recommends enjoying some cheese and wine at Milk the Cow, Kat has been watching 'Black Books' on Netflix and Shaun has loved 'Ginny and Georgia', also on Netflix.

In this weeks episode we're joined with our good friend Soph! We discuss the recent deadly attacks in Atlanta that sparked discussions over anti-asian sentiments and hate crimes. We then throw it back to the controversial Oprah interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the comments made about race and mental health. If you're interested in listening to what Kat mentioned about the history of anti-Asian sentiment, you can check it out here --> https://www.npr.org/2021/03/18/978832077/the-history-of-anti-asian-sentiment-in-the-u-s Our recommendations for this week includes, Kat's mum's knitting instagram page called @orangekknitting, Shaun's Laps for Life (you can donate here https://www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/shaunkhambatta/laps-for-life), Tess' TV show on Disney+ called en Pointe, and Soph's local Salvos. Thanks for listening and make sure to follow us on our socials @carchatsmonash on Instagram or Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun on Facebook.

***Content/Trigger warning: the second half of this show contains discussions of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment***

For our first episode back we're talking about the recent public outrage against gendered violence and inequality in Australia culminating in the nationwide March 4 Justice. Listen in as we discuss the march itself, the scandals and allegations surrounding Members of Parliament as well as the Australian Prime Minister's public response on the matter. Later in the show we also discuss the capitalisation of Mardi Gras by corporations and organisations who profit from merchandise however lack in diversity, support, and action when it comes to LGBTQI+ community. On a similar note we dive into several tone deaf advertisements from the recent International Women's Day by companies who also clearly lack female presence in their marketing department. 

IT'S OUR FINAL EPISODE FOR SEASON 6! Thank you for listening to Car Chats with Tess, Kat and Shaun this season. We hope you have enjoyed every minute of our weird and whacky discussions. To finish off the year, we talk about how to be ethical when purchasing gifts and the impact fast fashion can have. Then to end the year with a BANG, we reflect on the year that's been, the best, worst and future of Car Chats. Let us know if you enjoyed the show and make sure to follow us here on your podcast app and our socials @carchatsmonash 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!