No Filter

For years, Erica Garza struggled with sex and porn addiction - an addiction that had to reach rock bottom before she sought help. Now, Erica Garza is on a mission - she wants to take away the stigma and shame surrounding women who struggle with sex & porn addiction. 

How does a habit become an obsession...and an obsession turn into an addiction? And what does recovery look like? (spoiler alert: it doesn't have to mean giving up sex or porn). 

In this taboo-smashing conversation, Erica talks with guest host Naima Brown - and leaves no stone unturned. 

You can find Erica's website here.

If you're someone who's struggling with this sort of addiction, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) can help. In Australia and in the US.

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Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.  

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simmone Jade McKinnon was - and is, to many - Stevie from McLouds Daughters. She joined that iconic Australian show fresh from another era-defining TV moment, Baywatch, with a Hollywood star fiancé on her arm and a creative career in full flight.

And then everything changed.

Simmone and her son Madigan have been living in a caravan and then a shed in her family’s back paddock for the best part of a decade. She’s been making ends meet with carer’s subsidy, odd jobs like jillaroo and by starting her own small business. When she decided to step out of a dark time and back in front of a camera for a reality show earlier this year it was very clearly with one goal in mind - the prize money.

On this episode, the first MID conversation about money, you'll hear how all that's been going for Simmone. And you’ll hear what it was like to be on one of the biggest shows in the world and get fired for what you refused to do in lingerie on a beach. How she came back from crippling panic attacks during a high-profile break-up to film wedding scenes for our viewing pleasure and, most importantly, how she’s kept moving and dreaming and pushing on as she’s been parenting her son alone on a very minimal income.

Simonne is famous but she’s not rich, and we assume those things go together. Her story might not be yours, but there’s plenty of familiar territory here. Please enjoy MID, Season 2, Episode 3: Money, with Simmone Jade Mackinnon.

LINKS: 
You can follow Simmone on Instagram here.
Find her clothing company here.
You can donate to the Council of Single Mothers here.

THE END BITS: 

Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected] 

Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here. 

CREDITS:

Host: Holly Wainwright

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Thom Lion

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.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of No Filter, Mia Freedman shares a story about a very vulnerable time in her life...when she was dealing with big life challenges around marriage and fertility and career...and what happened when the place she went for help turned out to be, well, a cult. 

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Subscribe to Mamamia

Join the Month of MOVE
Get $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39.

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.  

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Thom Lion

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[Part 1 of 2] One day, Ariane Beeston looked at her newborn baby, Henry, and saw a dragon. And not a cute, happy dragon - but an upset, red-faced dragon. At that moment, Ariane knew something was very wrong. Other very wrong, very scary things were happening too.

A few months later, Ariane would be diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. But a diagnosis was only the beginning of her odyssey - one that would see her hospitalised twice, convinced that she didn’t exist, and worried that she might never be herself again.

This is a crucial story about maternal mental health and finding your way out of the darkness - and one that Ariane shares with Mia in this special two-part episode.

You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here. 

You can follow Ariane on Instagram here.

You can buy Ariane’s book “Because I’m Not Myself, You See” here.

LINKS:

If you or someone you know needs help, Ariane has provided these links to services:

COPE Website

eCOPE Directory of national supports and services

Ready to COPE app

PANDA Helpline

THE END BITS:

Join the Month of MOVE
Get $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39.

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.  

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Thom Lion

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Mia speaks to Jackie O, the equal highest paid person in the media industry in Australia. After working together for 23 years, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie completely dominate breakfast radio.  

She talks to Mia about the long recovery from divorce, co-parenting, being on Hinge, the media being obsessed with her weight and behind the scenes of negotiating a huge radio contract. 

You can hear the second half of Mia's conversation with Jackie O here.

THE END BITS:

Subscribe to Mamamia

Follow Jackie on Instagram here. 

Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected]

Need more lols, info, and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here.

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman. You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Kimberley Braddish 

Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou

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.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie O was deep into a years-long addiction to pills and alcohol until one phone call changed her life.

There’s a reason Jackie O kept her addiction to pain medication and alcohol a secret for so long: shame. But now, she wants to share her story of recovery and healing with the world and to help other people get the help they need - and so she’s sharing the hard truths of the years she spent struggling.

Jackie and her best friend Gemma sit down for a searingly honest conversation with Mia Freedman about how Jackie found herself at her low point and finally had to admit her addiction to Gemma - and how Gemma got Jackie to rehab without the press finding out.

This is a story about addiction and recovery, but it’s also a story of the life-saving quality of friendship.

You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here. 

Jackie is donating the proceeds from the sale of her memoir to Odyssey House - you can learn more about them here.

You can find Jackie O’s memoir, The Whole Truth, here.

You can learn more about Besties - Jackie & Gemma’s project - here.

And if this episode triggered anything for you and you need someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

THE END BITS:

Join the Month of MOVE
Get $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39.

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.  

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Thom Lion 

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support independent women's media

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Larsson is a former male escort with stories you would not expect from someone who was paid for sex. If you haven't heard this conversation before, it's worth the listen!

Mitch was a lawyer and stay at home dad but decided he wanted to change careers. And at first, his wife was supportive.

In this episode he tells Mia about the time a client’s mum walked in on them, a lady in her 70’s who booked him regularly, a woman trying to get over a cheating ex and the woman who broke his heart wide open.

You can hear the second half of Mia's conversation with Mitch here.

You can get Dan/Mitch's book Time For Her - a Memoir of True Romance here. 

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Subscribe to Mamamia

Follow Dan/Mitch on Instagram here. 

Dan is taking on new clients, including men looking to become a companion for women and also women who want advice on how to navigate their emotions once they've seen a male escort - see his coaching page here.

Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected]

Need more lols, info, and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here.

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman. You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Kimberley Braddish 

Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou

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.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[Part 1 of 2] Anna Grosman is a Melbourne-based mother of two and staunch advocate for women’s sensual empowerment. She’s recently launched Her Confidant - an elite male escort service that aims to satisfy a woman’s libido, body and mind.

Anna believes that putting a male escort on retainer will be one of the new trends of 2025 - as more and more women decide to go #boysober - rejecting the dating apps and more traditional methods of meeting a sexual partner - which all too often prove to be unsafe and unpredictable.

The men who work for her - who she calls ‘companions’ are rigorously vetted to ensure that her female clients have a safe, respectful and tailored experience.

In this taboo-smashing episode of No Filter, Mia Freedman asks every question you’d want to ask Anna - who sees herself as a feminist madam - and she also speaks with ‘Alexandria’ - one of Anna’s very satisfied customers.

You can hear part two of Mia's conversation here. 

Follow Anna on Instagram here.

You can find Anna Grosman & Her Confidant here.

BONUS - Want To Know What Beauty Products Mia Uses? Listen to You Beauty here.

THE END BITS:

Join the Month of MOVE
Get $30 off a Mamamia subscription and get unlimited access to our feel-good exercise app. Head here to get a yearly subscription for just $39.

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.  

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Thom Lion 

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, you’re going to hear a conversation about vulvas. And it’s not something we speak about often. But our guest today has made a living out of photographing them.

Ellie Sedgwick is a body-positive, nude photographer who founded Comfortable In My Skin, a movement empowering people to love the skin they’re in. But, Ellie hasn’t always felt comfortable with her own vulva - she’s gone from being scared to wear swimmers… to considering labiaplasty… to driving around the country to photograph other women’s vulvas for her book, ‘Flip Through My Flaps’.

Listen to the second part of this interview here.

With thanks to Ellie Sedgwick. Follow her at Comfortable In My Skin here. 

Want more with Ellie? Find her extra No Filter episode here.

Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.

Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

Feedback: [email protected]

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.

Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.  

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Thom Lion 

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

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.