Dear Clementine

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

• I’m think of myself as a feminist but often my mind is really not feminist at all...I often fantasise about being submissive and man pleasing, sometimes they being verbally abusive or using coercive control and me giving up my power. Where is the line between kink and repressed inner misogyny?  
• I have an 11 year old daughter and I’m currently deciding whether to put her in an all-girls high school or co-education. I’m interested in your thoughts around the pros and cons of single sex vs co-education for girls.
• I'm in my early 30s and really want to have a baby but worry about what it will mean for my life, career, relationships & financial security. Can you ever be fully ready and if so, how do you know? 

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

• Being anti-marriage, I really detest everything a wedding symbolizes, and as a socially-anxious introvert I don’t enjoy them at all. Or maybe I’m just bitter and jealous because as a lifelong single woman I will never get the chance to be celebrated like a bride. I feel so conflicted when invited to a wedding - on one hand resenting having to spend money and time participating in something I dislike so much but on the other, feeling I should suck it up because it is important to people I care about. Thoughts?
• In the last twelve months I’ve had two male friends totally cease contact with me after commencing new ‘serious’ relationships. I’ve been friends with both for nearly 30 years. How do I navigate my emotions through this? 
• I contracted herpes when I was 19 and in an emotionally abusive relationship where he intentionally gave me herpes as a way of manipulating/ branding me… it has affected my ability to see my value as a sexual partner, 7 years on and I’m still just not quite sure how to navigate that conversation and shame when I’m trying to meet new partners.

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

- What are your thoughts on me moving out of my shared place with my boyfriend, but staying together in the relationship?
- I’m a 27 year old female with 3 much older brothers. My middle brother and his wife have bullied me since I was young, including when they actively stayed in contact with a previous abusive partner of mine. So I’ve basically had no contact with them for years. In a few weeks it’s my younger of the three brothers birthday and they’re invited. My husband says we shouldn’t attend the event as I’m putting myself in an unnecessarily uncomfortable situation, but I’m unsure if this means they win as it’s exactly what they want. Thoughts?
- I’m really concerned about the amount of content by people like Andrew Tate but also Tik Toks by women and men explaining why ‘feminism is a scam’. My brother is 16 and a prime target for this kind of thing. How do we educate young men on these toxic narratives?

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

- I’ve been with my partner for 5 years, he recently confirmed he’s not as attracted to me as he once was. Our relationship is too good to let go of but I still want to feel attractive. Do you have any advice? 
- How can I get my employer to take my complaints about a gross colleague seriously?
- How do I get over my gender disappointment of finding it my second child will also be a boy?

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

- Over the last 2 years or so I've really worked on myself. I've noticed since I've found my worth and some success, I have been losing friends. What do I do? How do I avoid this happening again? 
- How have you handled harassment and bullying? I have aspirations myself of becoming a successful writer/musician and have always been terrified of entering the public sphere for this reason. 
- How do I deal with not being able to fulfil my ambitions because of roles that society requires me to take on as a woman? I'm applying to study medicine but I’m 26 years old and I’ll potentially be in my early-mid 30’s by the time I finish studying. I would also really like children and it makes me very angry that I potentially have to pick one or the other. 

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

- I am 31 and single. Many of my friends have started having babies, but when I find out I can't help but feel sad. Am I a bad friend for feeling sad?
- 3 years ago I was made aware that my father had been a serial cheater throughout my parents' entire relationship. My sister says it's cruel that I'm "punishing" him by refusing contact with him. What should I do? Am I overreacting? 
- Recently my son came home from preschool with a new chant he learnt. “Girls are weak, chuck them in the creek”. I’m trying to explain to him why this is a harmful thing to say, but I’m having trouble getting him to understand it. Any advice? 

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

- I can’t help but think it’s internalised patriarchy / misogyny that drives women to perpetuate cultural norms such as needing to conceal our natural age / appearance. How do you reconcile this with some of the material you’ve posted around fillers / botox etc?
- I just got home from a frustrating experience being patronised by a male friend, I've spent the last hour going over and over in my mind what I wish I'd said to him. What are your tips on letting things go instead of having rear view mirror conversations in your head on a loop?
- Why do I feel so conflicted when my friends post photos of their kids at dance concerts? Apart from the privacy stuff, seeing young girls in adult-looking dance costumes with their hair and makeup done makes me feel really uncomfortable. Is this sexualising kids and making them feel like if they want praise they have to perform? Or am I reading into it too much?

If you'd like to ask Clementine a question, send her a message via Instagram or send an email to [email protected]

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

- How do you suggest I deal with a woman who finds ways to put me down and make me embarrassed, particularly in front of other people? 
- My husband and I often argue about housework. How do I get him to do his share?
- How can I accept my 21 year old daughter's partner of choice when I know they met when she was 18 and he was 30?

If you'd like to ask Clementine a question, send her a message via Instagram or send an email to [email protected]

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

***Warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders***

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

-  I love watching my comfort reality shows, but it’s so difficult to look past the obvious manipulation and sexism. How can I enjoy trashy TV while being a feminist? 
- What's the best way to raise two young women who are confident in their bodies and in their sex lives? 
- I have a question regarding fat phobia vs fat pride. Do you think there is a difference?

If you'd like to ask Clementine a question, send her a message via Instagram or send an email to [email protected]

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

***Warning: this episode includes discussion of domestic violence.***

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox:

- How can I get over my crippling fear that no one will ‘want me’ (except for sex) now that I’m a single mum? 
- I have a good friend whose husband behaves in ways towards her that I find completely unacceptable. I’ve spoken to her about it, but I want to know how I can best support her? 
- I have one child and the more I think about climate change the more sorrow I feel for my child and how selfish I’ve been in bringing her into the world. How do you feel about it with your own son? 

If you'd like to ask Clementine a question, send her a message via Instagram or send an email to [email protected]

LINKS
If you or anyone you know needs support contact 1800RESPECT online or call 1800 737 732. This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.