You've been waiting a long time for more episodes from us! So we want to give you a little treat - we're thrilled to introduce to you a heartfelt new podcast from the Australian Women's Weekly called Love Stories. Hosted by deputy editor Tiffany Dunk, Love Stories is a celebration of L-O-V-E in all its glorious forms. So try out this episode and swing on over to find The Australian Women's Weekly Love Stories and hit follow, + or subscribe wherever you like to watch or listen! Here we are on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, and of course in video on YouTube.  Enjoy!

Miranda Tapsell has become one of Australia's most celebrated actors and storytellers, but behind every chapter of her remarkable career is the woman who taught her what love, family, and community truly mean: her mum, Barbara. 

In this two-part episode of The Australian Women's Weekly Love Stories, proud Larrakia and Tiwi woman Miranda joins host Tiffany Dunk alongside Barbara for a heartfelt conversation about the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, the lessons that have shaped their family across generations, and the love that has carried them through life's biggest changes. 

Together they reflect on Barbara's childhood as the eldest of eight children, meeting and falling in love with Miranda's father, Tony, raising a family in Kakadu in the Northern Territory, and Barbara's years supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Miranda shares how her mum's unwavering belief in her gave her the confidence to pursue acting, the extraordinary sacrifice Barbara made to help her through drama school, and the values she's now passing on to her own children. 

They also open up about the realities of navigating the world as Aboriginal women, the work ethic and resilience passed down through generations, and why Barbara always taught Miranda that family doesn't stop at your front door. 

Part 2 is available now, where Miranda and Barbara share the story of meeting James, the family "tests" every new member must pass, the joy of raising the next generation together, and why love, laughter, and culture remain at the heart of their family. 

Moments you'll hear:

• Why Barbara has become a "mythical" figure in Miranda's life stories 
• Barara growing up as the eldest of eight children and learning responsibility early 
• The workplace romance that led to Barbara and Tony's 50-year marriage 
• Why Barbara waited until her 30s to become a mum 
• The family philosophy that "family doesn't stop at your front door" 
• Life growing up in Kakadu National Park and the village that raised Miranda 
• Barbara's extraordinary career supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Miranda reflects on having her mum at school every day 
• The special role Miranda's grandparents played in her childhood 
• Miranda's very first performances and the early signs she was destined for the stage 
• The difficult transition from the Northern Territory to Sydney and studying at drama school, and the incredible sacrifice Barbara made to help Miranda finish NIDA 
• The life lessons Barbara taught Miranda about resilience, presentation, and work ethic as an Aboriginal woman 
• The family history behind those lessons and the policies that shaped generations 
• Miranda sees the next generation's performer beginning to emerge in her own daughter 

Thank you for listening ❤️ 

Before you leave... 

🗣️ Get in touch 

What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at www.womensweekly.com.au/love-stories-podcast/ 

Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at [email protected] 

If you share your love story on social media please tag us, we're @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories 

Subscribe to The Australian Women's Weekly at womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽 

Our special thanks to our partners at Vixin 

Vixin real results, simple skincare that's a little bit fancy: vixin.com.au 

Use the code LOVESTORIES for 30% off your order at Vixin now! 

Sending thanks to our partners at Wounded Heroes. 

You can help Wounded Heroes deliver emergency assistance to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families by donating at: www.woundedheroes.org.au/actsofservice 

Credits: 

Host: Tiffany Dunk 

Edited by Phoebe Zukowski-Wallace 

Production by Leah Porges and Helen Smith 

Our wonderful The Australian Women's Weekly team 

Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain 

Learn More: The Australian Women's Weekly website 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CW: domestic and family violence

In this episode of Love In Reality, we chat to White Ribbon’s Executive Director, Brad Chilcott, about emotionally abusive and coercive relationships – how to identify the warning signs and what do if you’re in one or know someone who is.

If this episode has raised any issues for you, please reach out:

White Ribbon: www.whiteribbon.org.au

1800 RESPECT: 1800respect.org.au

Men's Referral Service: ntv.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been in a relationship that you know is going nowhere or fizzled out, but hesitated when it came to breaking things off? In this episode of Love In Reality, we explore ‘dead-end’ and problematic relationships with Australia’s leading love and relationships coach, Dr Lurve.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s one thing we can count on from Married At First Sight and that’s partner swapping and cheating scandals. But what do you do when they become your reality? We’re chatting to Australia’s leading love and relationships coach, Dr Lurve, about dealing with feelings for someone you shouldn’t have feelings for, not-so-innocent-crushes, affairs and cheating.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode three of Love In Reality, we're joined by global sexual wellness brand Lovehoney.com.au’s resident Psycho-sexologist, Chantelle Otten to chat about “types”. Inspired by MAFS’ truth box challenge, we look at why we’re attracted to certain types and whether only dating within our type is destroying our chances of finding love.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Love In Reality, we chat to global sexual wellness brand Lovehoney.com.au’s resident psychosexologist, Chantelle Otten, about intimacy. Do the MAFS’ intimacy activities actually work? When is too soon to sleep with someone? And how do you keep that spark burning bright years into a relationship?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode one of Love in Reality, we ask what every viewer asks at the start of a Married At First Sight season: Why would anyone sign up for a reality dating show?!

With former MAFS star KC Osborne, we chat about who signs up for love and who signs up for fame...and get the scoop on one of this season’s most talked about grooms - Bryce!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you sat on the sofa watching every woe and win of your favourite reality TV stars, did you also find yourself saying that you could relate to what their dealing with?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.