In this episode, I’m joined by my fellow talented TV watcher buddy Mandy Newman and we share our top TV shows of 2025. But apart from sharing our top watches with you, we also get a little deep (and honest) and share why TV mattered for us in 2025.

We talk about why certain shows landed so deeply this year, what they say about the season of life we’re in, and how television can sometimes meet us exactly where we are. From stories of grief and reinvention to humour, relationships, faith, power, and identity, this conversation explores how good storytelling can help us make sense of our own lives.

In addition to sharing our Top 5 shows of the year, we also include quite a few honourable mentions, and reflect on themes that kept appearing — particularly women’s stories, emotional honesty, and the quiet reassurance that comes from feeling seen.

This episode is for anyone who’s found comfort in a familiar show at the end of a long day, who’s noticed how their viewing habits have shifted over time, or who is simply on the look out for something fab to watch!

So, settle in and join us — and as always, we’d love to hear what stayed with you this year.

Lots of love
Alex x

Summary

In this episode, Alex and Mandy reflect on the role television played in their lives throughout 2025 — not just as entertainment, but as a source of comfort, connection, and insight. Through an honest, wide-ranging conversation, they explore how storytelling can mirror real life, help us process grief and change, and spark meaningful conversations about identity, relationships, faith, power, and personal growth.

The discussion highlights the growing representation of women’s stories on screen, the emotional impact of vulnerability in storytelling, and the quiet reassurance that comes from feeling seen. This episode celebrates television as a deeply human medium that can offer both escape and understanding.

Key Takeaways

Television can provide genuine comfort and a sense of connection.

What we’re drawn to on screen often reflects the season of life we’re in.

Women’s stories and perspectives are increasingly visible in modern media.

Grief, identity, and relationships are common themes in recent storytelling.

Representation in media influences how we see ourselves and others.

Humour can be a powerful way to explore serious themes.

Stories about women and power remain deeply relevant.

Television can spark meaningful conversations about society and culture.

Chapters

00:00 — The Therapeutic Power of Television

08:02 — Comfort Watching & Emotional Connection

12:20 — Motherhood, Work, and Identity

15:00 — Comfort TV vs Gripping TV

22:51 — Celebrating Age, Talent, and Visibility

24:04 — Faith, Relationships, and Belief

30:45 — Women, Power, and Representation

32:42 — The Healing Power of Humour

43:29 — Reflections on Aging and Storytelling

45:34 — Finish

Want more from The Grown-Up Girls Report?

Follow along and join the conversation:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrownupgirlsreport

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Midlife Reinvention, One Dress at a Time

A personal reflection on midlife reinvention, creativity, and building a fashion brand in your second chapter.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on midlife reinvention — and sharing my own story. This is a very honest catch-up, where I share where I’ve been, what the past season has held, and why it’s taken me a little while to return to the microphone.

I open up about launching Nancy The Label — a business born from legacy, creativity, and a deep desire to create something meaningful in this second chapter. I share the excitement, the fear, the self-doubt, and the moments of courage that came with starting again.

This episode is for anyone who’s felt the nudge to change direction, who’s wondered if it’s too late, or who’s standing on the edge of something new and slightly terrifying. Reinvention is rarely neat or linear — and that’s okay.

So, settle in and join me — I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not behind, you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to begin again.

Lots of love
Alex x

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Reinvention Begins

05:24 Launching Nancy the Label

12:00 The Challenges of Midlife Reinvention

16:05 Rediscovering Identity in Midlife

18:49 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

20:04 Finish

Want more from The Grown-Up Girls Report?

Follow along and join the conversation:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrownupgirlsreport

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Episode Description

In this episode, I am joined by Cassandra Kalpaxis, a family lawyer, domestic violence educator, and author – and we talk about financial independence for women and the concept of a ‘Dignified Divorce’.

Now, every woman needs to listen to this episode, even if things in the relationship arena are ‘tickety-boo’ because this episode is all about protecting yourself - just in case. Cassandra explains the importance of financial knowledge for women, the importance of understanding one’s rights and the concept of escape funds.

She outlines how to have an amicable separation, how to achieve a ‘Dignified Divorce’ and how to successfully co-parent. She is also a big fan of ‘pre-nups’ – so listen in to hear why.

In addition to being a lawyer, Cassandra is also a passionate Domestic Violence advocate. Her insights into the various forms of coercive control and the ‘generational lens’ on this is really compelling.

This is a really thought-provoking interview that I guarantee you’ll learn a lot from. Cassandra’s practical advice and empowering messages are all about women claiming their independence and make informed decisions about their lives and relationships.

Cassandra’s book Dignified Divorce is available for sale here. As she says – it’s cheaper than a consultation!

Alex xx

Resources

Dignified Divorce – available here.

The Domestic Violence Legal Service – a specialist free legal service for women experiencing domestic and family violence in New South Wales. There are similar services available in every state in Australia.

Connect with Cassandra

Instagram: @cassandrakalpaxis

Website: calpaxuslegal.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dignified Divorce

01:55 Cassandra's Journey: From Lawyer to Author

05:20 Navigating Economic Vulnerability in Relationships

08:46 Understanding Financial Infidelity and Abuse

10:40 The Importance of Escape Funds

14:23 Creating a Dignified Divorce

18:06 The Role of Communication in Separation

22:40 Navigating Conflict Resolution in Relationships

26:24 Understanding Prenuptial Agreements

31:20 Educating on Domestic Violence

39:33 Exiting Unhealthy Relationships

42:40 Empowerment and Financial Independence

PS - Want More?

You can find more from The Grown-Up Girls Report here:

https://www.facebook.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

https://www.instagram.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrownupgirlsreport

PPS – a small commission will be made if you choose to purchase the book through the link above.

Connect with Cassandra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrakalpaxis/

Website: calpaxuslegal.com.au

Resources

Dignified Divorce – available here.

The Domestic Violen

Want more from The Grown-Up Girls Report?

Follow along and join the conversation:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrownupgirlsreport

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.