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Well.

Well.

Written by: Mamamia Podcasts
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About this listen

Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing and the scary. We cover the concerns you’re probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia.

The full body health check for the Australian woman, hosted by Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam.

Well. The podcast for every woman with a body.

2026 Mamamia Podcasts Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Spicy Vaginas, Real Vulvas & The "Lazy Girl" Guide to Exercise

    Spicy Vaginas, Real Vulvas & The "Lazy Girl" Guide to Exercise
    Feb 25 2026

    Is it really possible to have an “acidic vagina” from taking too many probiotics? Why are we often sold a “Barbie doll” version of what our anatomy “should” look like? And, how do you actually start exercising as a self-proclaimed “lazy girl”?

    In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam speak to Dr Mandy Hagstrom, an accredited exercise scientist and Associate Professor at UNSW, to find out how to get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to exercise. They discuss the “weekend warrior” approach, why women might need less exercise than men to see the same longevity benefits and they explore cardio vs weight training.

    They also talk about why your exercise timing doesn't actually matter, debunking the social media myth that fasted morning workouts are the magic pill for fat loss.

    Plus, in Med School, we dive into the world of "spicy" vaginas. We look at the viral claim of "acidic vagina" syndrome, whether you can actually overdose on probiotics and why your lady parts are essentially a self-cleaning oven that doesn't need micromanaging.

    And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Amelia’s question about whether it’s normal for her vulva to be wrinkly or discoloured. We strip away the expectations and celebrate the "50 shades of beige, pink and purple" that make up real, healthy anatomy.

    EPISODE RESOURCES

    If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

    • The Vulva Gallery: An educational platform and community celebrating vulva diversity.

    • MOVE by Mamamia

    • Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

    • NSFW: Here's what a vagina actually looks like

    • Flip Through My Flaps

    GET IN TOUCH

    Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon.

    Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here.

    Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room.

    Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.

    Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

    CREDITS

    Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

    Guest: Dr Mandy Hagstrom

    Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

    Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

    Video Producer: Julian Rosario

    Social Producer: Elly Moore

    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.

    Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    32 mins
  • The Quicky: Pre Pregnancy Panic Or Getting Yourself Match Fit? Unpacking "Trimester Zero"

    The Quicky: Pre Pregnancy Panic Or Getting Yourself Match Fit? Unpacking "Trimester Zero"
    Feb 22 2026

    Move over, three trimesters, the internet is now obsessed with everything that happens before week 1 of pregnancy.

    Known as trimester zero, this burgeoning wellness trend has influencers dishing out tips, hacks and dietary suggestions all in the name of prepping "the soil for the seed".

    Today we ask an expert to distinguish sensible prep from expensive overkill.

    THE END BITS:

    Listen to more Quicky stories here and follow on Instagram here.

    Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.

    Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au

    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: Taylah Strano

    Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    Producer: Claire Murphy

    Audio Producer: Lu Hill

    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

    Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • The Girl 2 Millimetres Away From Death

    The Girl 2 Millimetres Away From Death
    Feb 18 2026
    The symptoms started in kindergarten: Profuse vomiting, unexplained stomach issues and a sense of utter panic that no one could explain. For Katlyn Brooks, this wasn't just a ‘childhood phase’ - it was the beginning of a terrifying 20-year medical mystery…. The search for a physical cause turned into a mental health one, where therapy and antidepressants became the default solution. But, despite medication and regular therapy sessions, Katlyn's suffering only intensified. By high school, she knew the truth: this wasn't in her head. But realising that was one thing; getting the medical world to believe her was another. By April 2024, Katlyn’s body reached breaking point. Weighing just 40kg, and vomiting nonstop, she was admitted to hospital. There, she was eventually diagnosed with three conditions, including Craniocervical Instability (CCI). This structural failure left her just 2mm away from "internal decapitation", a condition with a 70% mortality rate. Today, Katlyn joins us to walk through her journey of medical mystery to the life-saving surgery that literally bolted her head back onto her spine. She discusses the "dark cloud" that lifted the moment her vagus nerve was decompressed and the reality of living with more than $1,000,000 of medical debt. THE END BITS Read more about Katlyn's story here. All your health information is in the Well Hub. If today's episode has brought up difficult feelings and if you just need to talk to someone immediately, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Remember to be kind to yourself, and please don't hesitate to seek support. To find out more about Katlyn's conditions, check out the resources below: The Ehlers-Danlos Society EDS GP Toolkit The Mast Cell Disease Society (TMS) Mast Cell Action CCI Foundation The Bobby Jones CSF To support Katlyn’s ongoing recovery and help manage the significant medical debt incurred during her 20-year journey, visit Katlyn’s GoFundMe. Visit Katlyn's Facebook page. GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here, email here or leave us a voice note here. Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok. Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Guest: Katlyn Brooks Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Audio Producer: Scott Stronach Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Producer: Elly Moore 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.Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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