On today’s episode, writer, comedian and host of Mamamia's 456 Club podcast, Cathrine Mahoney joins us to share her unfiltered experience of parenting a teenager. With her trademark humour, Cathrine Mahoney offers hilarious reality checks about what's coming in the teenage years from endless food bills to impossible-to-wake mornings, and the unexpected melancholy of the parenting moments you don't realise will be your last. Whether you're in the trenches with little ones, or watching your teenag...
Apr 21, 2025•32 min
A parent keeps a close eye on the gifts coming into the house—it might feel like extra admin, but it's undeniably clever. Speaking of clever, one mum has cracked the code for those insufferable "home-baked treats" requests at school fetes. And, in an impressive feat, a couple transforms into wizard-like time lords to carve out more alone time. You can share your best worst parenting stories by leaving us a voice note , email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop...
Jan 09, 2025•25 min
What comes to mind when you hear 'strong'? Maybe muscles or physical strength? But, what about mental strength and resilience? You may know Olympian Libby Trickett as Libby Lenton. She became a house hold name in the early 2000s swimming for Australia. Libby wasn’t prepared for a different type of strength she would need once she’d retire from swimming. Like many new parents, Libby's world was turned upside down by the arrival of her first baby, Poppy. You can read Libby's full little love story...
Jan 08, 2025•20 min
On this weeks episode of Parents Anonymous, a gushy Facebook post has a parent questioning their entire existence. Bribery is ALWAYS in the parenting toolkit. Plus a PA theme has started to emerge with parents ringing the emergency services, possibly wasting their time. Much to unpack. Please share your shameful secrets by leaving us a voice note , email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form . THE END BITS Listen to more This Glorious Mess HERE...
Jan 07, 2025•17 min
Parenthood is life-changing, but for today’s guest, Anna Water-Massey, it came with both joy and deep loss. At 30, Anna became a mother to Cleo, and a year later, she lost her own mother to cancer. Despite the heartbreak, Anna shares the incredible bond she’s built with Cleo—a connection that continues to grow, especially now that Cleo has become a mother herself to baby Indigo. In this episode of Little Love Stories , Anna reflects on the powerful ties between mothers, daughters, and granddaugh...
Jan 06, 2025•22 min
Today's Parents Anonymous dives into another three deliciously embarrassing confessions: a baby locked in the car sparks a lasting daycare shame, one parent confesses to dodging one-on-one time with their child, and childproofing materials prove smarter than the adults trying to navigate them. You can share your best worst parenting stories by leaving us a voice note , email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form . THE END BITS Listen to more "T...
Jan 05, 2025•20 min
Have you ever felt that instant spark of friendship with someone new? That’s exactly what happened when comedian Damian Callinan met Cal Wilson in the early 2000s. In this episode of Little Love Stories , we remember the vibrant Kiwi comedian, Cal Wilson, who passed away nearly a year ago. Damian reflects on their friendship, their collaborations on shows like Skit House , and the honour of being the MC at both her wedding and funeral— a role he describes as among the most important in his life....
Jan 02, 2025•34 min
Is gaslighting a toddler ever okay? We are divided on this episode of Parents Anonymous - which might just be our most outrageous yet. From failed homework to divorce celebration we are dishing out our judgement-free judgement on your biggest parenting confessions and sharing ours as well. Please share your shameful secrets by leaving us a voice note , email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form . THE END BITS Listen to more This Glorious Mess ...
Jan 01, 2025•19 min
The bond between sisters is a unique mix of fierce loyalty and the ability to argue over just about anything. But when someone you love is in danger, that bond becomes unwavering. In this episode of Little Love Stories , we explore the extraordinary bond between sisters Grace and Lil O'Connell. When Lil fell critically ill with meningococcal disease on Christmas Day 2017, her life was on the line. After weeks in the ICU, she pulled through, only to face kidney failure. In a twist of fate, her pe...
Dec 31, 2024•28 min
On this episode, we uncover how a mystery rash is actually tied to last night’s dinner, a parent who’s taking "work from home" to a whole new level, and meet a mum who’s embracing sleep deprivation—for a surprising new reason. You can share your best worst parenting stories by leaving us a voice note , email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form . THE END BITS Listen to more "This Glorious Mess" HERE Subscribe to Mamamia We’ve compiled all the ...
Dec 30, 2024•17 min
Introducing This Glorious Mess' series "Little Love Stories". In this episode we delve into an important love letter to identity, culture, and belonging. Natasha Lucas has found her place in world through deep connection with her Aboriginal heritage. In a country where only 3.8% of the population identifies as Aboriginal, Natasha’s journey is one of discovering pride, strength, and sisterhood within her culture. Her story is a testament to the power of self-love and embracing one’s roots and rem...
Dec 29, 2024•23 min
In this weeks Parents Anonymous we got quite a shock when a super embarrassing toilet dilemma was revealed to be the secret shame of our very own Stacey Hicks! However, we're quite impressed at her ingenuity. Brace for shock and wow Please share your shameful secrets by leaving us a voice note , email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form . Parents Anonymous is part Church Confessional, part Game Show. Where you, our listeners, share your deepe...
Dec 26, 2024•16 min
Before you become “Mum” or “Dad,” you're just you—with a first name, a spontaneous social life, and the freedom to pursue your career ambitions with no limits, even if that means sometimes working 20-hour days. That was the life of today's guest, Bec Bignell, before she became a parent. Bec pushed herself to give 100% to both her career and her role as a parent, but eventually, the strain took its toll. Forced to pause, she reflected on the moments that truly brought her happiness and began to s...
Dec 25, 2024•29 min
Is it a confession or deep respect to a parent who kills off Santa, The Tooth Fairy AND The Easter Bunny in just one conversation. We're leaning towards respect. Plus a mother who made the mistake of trying to enjoy herself at the beach with toddlers. You can share your best worst parenting stories by leaving us a voice note , email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form . THE END BITS Join the Month of MOVE Get $30 off a Mamamia subscription an...
Dec 24, 2024•18 min
Kris O’Neill has a love letter to two girls who she misses terribly, her breasts. After being diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago, Kris made the choice to go flat. A complex journey wrapped up in fear, celebration and survival. Kris is now on a mission to change the perceptions of mastectomy. Talking to anyone who has gone flat or foob, or supporting someone who has, to help find the joy in the Breast Case Scenario. Read Kris's full Little Love Story Here THE END BITS Tell us what ...
Dec 23, 2024•23 min
Welcome to a brand new podcast from This Glorious Mess called Parents Anonymous. Part Church Confessional, part Game Show, this is where you share your deepest, darkest parenting confessions to get that guilt off your chest. We'll score each confession, and here at parents anonymous, the worst parenting moment wins the most points. To kick things off, we have three juicy secrets: a butt dial gone wrong, a dummy fairy incident, and a questionable donation. If you have a confession to share, leave...
Dec 22, 2024•10 min
Struggling to shop for the little kids or ever-changing teens in your life? We’ve done the hard work for you. From must-haves for toddlers to trending gifts for TikTok-obsessed teens, this episode breaks it all down to make your shopping stress-free. LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Watch us on Youtube KIDS Boujee: Mason Pearson Pocket Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush $196 Honeysticks Ultimate Bath Fun Set $47 Budget: Baylis & Harding Beauticology Pop Beauty Pencil Case Gift Set $12 Mermaid Hair ...
Dec 14, 2024•20 min
A few weeks ago, on our parenting podcast This glorious Mess, we dove into the topic of end-of-year overwhelm, and so many listeners shared they were feeling the exact same way! With endless to-do lists, days that feel too short, and barely a moment to breathe, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. That’s why we’ve put together some simple, practical hacks to help you reclaim your time. From clever apps to outsourcing tips and learning the art of letting go, we’re here to help you win b...
Dec 12, 2024•26 min
Mum guilt—it's something most of us have heard about. But what about Dad guilt? Does it exist? Annaliese and Tegan take a deep dive into their own experiences with Mum guilt, exploring where it stems from. To get the Dad perspective, they brought back resident dad Thom Lion to share whether dads feel the same weight of guilt. Plus, a few of Mamamia's own dads shared their honest take... The results might surprise you and definitely give you something to think about. Like what you heard? You can ...
Dec 05, 2024•25 min
Is everyone tired? It's getting to that time of year where everything starts to get a bit hard. It may be the last week of November but it feels like the year has been dragging and the silly season can bring out some season overwhelm. On this episode of parenting podcast This Glorious Mess, Annaliese and Tegan turn to Lauren Thornborough, co-founder of The Village—a network designed to empower and support parents—to explore how to manage the mental load and combat end-of-year burnout. Plus Sarah...
Nov 27, 2024•26 min
Your kids might be a bit older, and you’re back in the routine of life—work, kids, chores—but how’s your relationship? Has it started to feel more like you’re roommates than partners? Before you know it, you might find yourselves in the "roommate phase." In this episode of This Glorious Mess, we explore the telltale signs of this phase and share tips on how to reconnect. We're also joined by a dad, who brings his own perspective on navigating the roommate dynamic in relationships. And to wrap th...
Oct 24, 2024•23 min
Welcome to a brand new podcast from This Glorious Mess called Little Love Stories. Little Love Stories is an open-hearted conversation with someone who has love and gratitude to share, whether it's about a person, an object, or an event. In this first episode, This Glorious Mess co-host Annaliese Todd shares the love story she wrote to herself. No one plans on becoming a single parent, but through this journey of self-discovery, Annaliese is breaking down stigmas and finding love for herself as ...
Jul 04, 2024•16 min
We need to talk about sleep. Not your kids sleep - YOUR sleep. Introducing This Glorious Mess the parenting podcast that's just had a major glowup. In this very special sleep episode hosts Tegan Natoli and Annaliese Todd share how the mental load impacts their sleep, and discuss how a "sleep divorce" could be the key to a good nights rest. Annaliese speaks to a sleep expert, leading to her full meltdown after learning about the mistakes she's been making and how we could all be doing better in t...
Jun 27, 2024•27 min
We know teenagers are going through a lot, but they often don’t open up to us about it. After reading an article about what it’s like to be a teenager in 2024, we have some insight for any confused parents. Plus, seeing your kids fight can be really tough. So, what do you do when they both come to you to complain? And, how can you help them build a positive relationship with each other? And finally, after two years of hosting this podcast and answering so many of your wonderful questions, what h...
May 30, 2024•17 min
Parenting groups want to hold off on giving teens phones to protect them from disturbing online content. But does this risk making them feel left out? Ginni and Jo tackle the big conversation about teens and screens. Plus, parents separate for all sorts of reasons, but how do you talk to your kids about it when infidelity is involved? We discuss the best way to handle this tough topic. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: The Psychology Of Mum Guilt & How To Fight It GET IN TOUCH: Share...
May 23, 2024•19 min
Our teens get anxious about a lot of things; their body image, to school stress and fitting in socially. But how can you tell if it’s regular worry or something more serious like an anxiety disorder? We discuss. Plus, creating family traditions is so important for connection. So, Ginni and Jo share what they do in their families, and other ideas you might want to try out. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: The Psychology Of Mum Guilt & How To Fight It GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, f...
May 16, 2024•15 min
As parents, we often fret over how much time our kids spend on social media or with friends, but they have bigger worries. Ginni and Jo discuss the differences in worries between teenagers and parents, and how we can bridge that gap in understanding. And, is your teen mumbling? We give advice on how to help teens communicate better when they want to be heard. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: The Psychology Of Mum Guilt & How To Fight It GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or d...
May 09, 2024•16 min
The sleepless nights, the expensive feeding, the mess... Just when you thought you were done with those years, your child becomes a teenager. This episode we discuss all the things that surprised us about becoming parents of teens and why we found those to be the hardest years. Plus, what happens when your teen starts to distance themselves? Ginni and Jo share their insights and tips on fostering meaningful connections without pushing too hard. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: The Psych...
May 02, 2024•17 min
A heads up: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and may be better to listen to with headphones if little ears are around. As parents, we know that conversations with our kids, regardless of age, can sometimes go in one ear and out the other. But sometimes, there is a conversation so important that we must make sure it sticks. In this special episode, Tegan Natoli, host of 'This Glorious Mess,' is joined by Triple M Rush Hour Sydney Host and founder of Gotch4Life, Gus Worland, who is also t...
Apr 30, 2024•25 min
As our teens start looking more like adults, should we expect them to start acting like adults too? Ginni and Jo dive into teenage brain development and share tips for handling moments when emotions take over. And, when it comes time for a family vacations should you make your teens join even if they're not keen? Our host's opinions are a little bit controversial this time around. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen: ‘Hits Different, Pop Off, Rizz’: Why Is My Teen Speaking Another Language?...
Apr 25, 2024•16 min
