Episodes

  • The 20-Second Activity That Will Reignite Your Sex Life

    The 20-Second Activity That Will Reignite Your Sex Life
    May 27 2026

    What if the biggest barrier to better sex isn’t your body, your partner, or your libido, but the shame and silence surrounding it?

    In this episode, Dr Mariam sits down with Australia’s go-to sexologist, Chantelle Otten, for a candid, practical and deeply reassuring conversation about sex, intimacy and why so many of us are still too embarrassed to talk about what’s happening in the bedroom.

    From mismatched libidos and postpartum desire dips to painful sex, vaginismus and the mental load that can kill the mood before anyone even makes it to bed, Chantelle explains why great sex isn’t about performance, it’s about curiosity, communication and giving yourself permission to change the rules.

    Plus, she answers your anonymous listener questions: Why can you orgasm alone but not with a partner? Is it normal to lose all desire after kids? And what should you know before going to your first sex party?

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    T&C's apply.

    CREDITS

    Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

    Guest: Chantelle Otten

    Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

    Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

    Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

    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 educational 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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    35 mins
  • The Pelvic Floor Conversation We Need To Have

    The Pelvic Floor Conversation We Need To Have
    May 20 2026

    Why does sex sometimes feel like a chore or worse, a pain? And does your GP really care what your "down there" looks like during a pap smear?

    In this episode, Claire Murphy and Dr. Mariam dive deep into the complexities of sexual health and pelvic wellness. They are joined by sexual medicine consultant Dr. Karen Freilich to break down the science of dyspareunia (painful intercourse). From the "Car Alarm" theory of pain to the "Accelerator and Brake" model of desire, we explore why your body might be tensing up and how to hit the reset button.

    Plus, in Med School, we tackle a viral TikTok myth: Is women's saliva more acidic than men's, and does that mean we're doomed to more cavities? We look at the research (or lack thereof) and why "pink" toothpaste isn't a thing.

    And, in the Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam answers Kayla’s burning question: When you're in the stirrups for a cervical screening, can the doctor see your butthole? (Hint: They’re more worried about their laundry than your anatomy).

    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

    New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe.
    Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code.
    T&C's apply.

    CREDITS

    Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

    Guest: Dr. Karen Freilich

    Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

    Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

    Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    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
    36 mins
  • You’re Not 22…But STIs Aren't Over

    You’re Not 22…But STIs Aren't Over
    May 13 2026

    Can an infection from the 1800s really be trebling in Australia right now? Is there actually a cell in the human body large enough to see without a microscope? And how do you protect your gut microbiome?

    In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire speak to Dr Melanie Besser, a Sexual Health Physician, to unpack why 'old-school' infections like syphilis and gonorrhoea are surging across the country. They discuss the rise of antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs', the "Great Mimic" rash you shouldn't ignore, and why the 1980s Grim Reaper campaign might have left us more traumatised than protected.

    We also talk about why Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is now being viewed through a lens of sexual transmission and how treating a male partner might be the key to stopping the cycle of recurrence. Plus, we look at the new "foxy" pathogens like Mycoplasma genitalium that are being talked about on TikTok and why they're often mistaken for a standard UTI.

    In Med School, we discover the powerhouse of the human body: the egg. And, in the Quick Consult, we explain how microbiome shifts after major surgery.

    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 Melanie Besser

    Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

    Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

    Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    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
    34 mins
  • Your Libido Didn’t Disappear, It's The Mental Load

    Your Libido Didn’t Disappear, It's The Mental Load
    May 6 2026
    Why do women in long-term relationships often lose their 'spark' while men seem to have an on-off switch? Is your hair dryer actually causing your colour to fade? And, can you get a medical 'crystal ball' to tell you exactly how many eggs you have left? In this episode, Dr Mariam and Claire speak to Dr Eva Jackson, a Sexual Health Physician, to unpack the complex world of female desire. They discuss the difference between 'spontaneous' and 'reactive' arousal, why the word 'libido' might be outdated, and the medical reasons - from antidepressants to hormonal shifts - that might be stalling your sex life. Plus, in Med School, Claire and Dr Mariam look at the science of hair health. We reveal the research-backed way to dry your hair to prevent cuticle damage (hint: it involves a ruler and a blast of cold air) and why leaving your hair to air-dry might actually be doing more harm than good. And, in the Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Catherine’s question about 'ticking clock' anxiety. We break down what tests like AMH levels can actually tell you about your fertility at 27, why your partner’s health is just as important in the equation, and why a preconception screen is the best first step for peace of mind. 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: Doctor Eva Jackson Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy 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. - - - - - - TRANSCRIPT You're listening to a Mamamia podcast. Mariam, what gets you going sexually? 00:10Speaker 2 It is when my husband shows up, just appears. When he does, like, things without me asking, right, So, my goodness, Like he's packed the kids their lunches, he's taken a bit of my mental load. He's done a bit of cleaning. Men do not understand. 00:31Speaker 1 Okay, men do not understand me. Take a little bit of mental load, it is so hot 00:38Speaker 2 So hot, 00:46Speaker 1 Hi there, welcome to Well your Full Body Health Check. I'm Claire Murphy. 00:50Speaker 2 And I'm doctor Mariam. 00:51Speaker 1 And today we're talking about Libido time to get spicy. There is always a lot of comparisons about how women's health issues have been overlooked while men get pills for a rectile dysfunction, But there are actually pills for women's desire too, which we will discuss. But we'll also touch on what it is about us that so many of us do seem to lose spark over time. We'll also have a quick consult for Catherine today. She's got a ticking clock issue and she wants to know how to maybe quieten it down just a little bit. But next mariam are you a blow dry girl, after you wash your hair or do you let it just do its thing and air dry. 01:33Speaker 2 I'm gonna be honest. I actually wash my hair every seven to ten days. I know, I know, you know why. I have so much hair, So I have to blow dry my hair after I've had to wash. But I do it in segments because there's so much and it takes so long. 01:50Speaker 1 Oh, this is me crying you tears of sadness for your I have so much glorious flowing hair that it takes me hours to dry, so much work. 02:00Speaker 2 I actually get like I sweat, it's like almost need to shower again. So I'll do like a light blow dry to start with, and then I'll do like a quarter and proper and then I'll just take a couple of hours off and then revisit. 02:13Speaker 1 Over two days, just take breaks between. 02:16Speaker 2 It hurts my arms so painful. 02:19Speaker 1 Rip your hairdresser. Okay, Well, next in med school, I'm gonna reveal which one to blow dry or not to blow dry is actually better for your hair. Welcome to med school. Is it better for your hair to leave it to dry naturally or use a blow dry? I unlike you with your glorious tresses have very fine hair, not a lot of it, so I almost have to race from the shower to the hair dry before it starts drying by itself. 02:47Speaker 2 What happens if it ...
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    37 mins
  • Grace Lam Tracked Her Perimenopause Symptoms, Then Took It To Parliament

    Grace Lam Tracked Her Perimenopause Symptoms, Then Took It To Parliament
    Apr 29 2026

    For more than twenty-five years, Grace Lam lived and breathed the rarefied air of high fashion as a Vogue editor. Everything was going according to plan for the talented, organised, focused Grace until hormones entirely upended her tidy world.

    In this episode that from our sister podcast MID, Holly Wainwright and Grace Lam talk about what happened when they each started experience perimenopause. Grace has become a loud and important voice for women being messed with by their hormones. She’s just appeared before the Western Australian Senate Public Hearing on issues related to peri/menopause, presenting the practical changes we need our medical and government institutions to make to catch up with what we need.

    Grace is sharp and funny and honest and no bullshit. OH, and she’s sweary.

    Grace is also generous - and has opened up her Instagram Rolodex with some links to follow for more information and inspiration about perimenopause & menopause. As always - please do your own research, but this could be a good place to start.

    You can follow Grace here. and listen to Unleashed here

    Grace’s Suggestions Below:

    • @peripausers
    • @heramenopause
    • @menopause_doctor
    • @samtalkssex
    • @doctorginni
    • @rhitrition
    • @dr_naomipotter
    • @glucosegoddess
    • @drjengunter
    • @physicalkitchness
    • @menopausepilates
    • @dremilyleeming

    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

    Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

    Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

    Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    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
    50 mins
  • The Birth Control Pill Myth That's Going Viral

    The Birth Control Pill Myth That's Going Viral
    Apr 22 2026

    Can your birth control really shrink your clitoris by 20%? Why do surgeons need to tilt you like a Cirque du Soleil performer during a hysterectomy? And is sleeping on your left side actually better for your heart and digestion?

    In this episode, we talk about the latest news surrounding the hormonal birth control pill. In local updates, the Victorian government’s decision to allow pharmacists to prescribe the pill is sparking a massive debate among doctors. Dr Mariam explains the risks of removing clinical oversight, why the pill isn't a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. And in fake news, the viral ‘clit-bait’ headlines claiming hormonal contraception reduces the size of your most pleasurable body part. We look at why these scary claims are often based on flawed science and why they fit into a broader, more dangerous political agenda aimed at eroding reproductive autonomy.

    Plus in Med School, Claire shares what she learned from watching a laparoscopic hysterectomy, revealing why internal organs look less like a neat textbook diagram and more like a ‘meat tray’.

    And in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Lorraine’s question about sleep positions. We break down the guidelines for side-sleeping during pregnancy, why heart patients might prefer the right side, and why the best position is ultimately whichever one lets you get some rest.

    This episode discusses recent changes to pharmacy access for some contraceptive options in Victoria. These changes form part of evolving state-based healthcare access models and have been the subject of discussion among clinicians, pharmacists and policymakers.

    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

    Read The Vagenda by Dr Jen Gunter

    CREDITS

    Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

    Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

    Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

    Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    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
    22 mins
  • The Uncontrolled, Unapproved, Unknown World Of Peptides

    The Uncontrolled, Unapproved, Unknown World Of Peptides
    Apr 15 2026

    Is the secret to “optimising” your body hidden in an unregulated, experimental peptide cocktail? Spoiler: it’s not.

    In this episode, Claire and Dr Mariam discuss the peptide boom. A rising biohacking trend fuelled by social media influencers and a growing distrust of traditional medical systems. From claims that peptides support your naturally occurring hormones, to weight-loss injections and “internal tanning” sprays, the hosts break down what peptides actually are, and the significant health and legal risks associated with using unregulated substances sourced from the “grey market.”

    Plus, in Med School, we take a deep dive into the viral TikTok trend claiming sanitary pads contain green and black mould.

    And in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps a patient, who’s dealing with incredible pain potentially caused by long hair. We’re myth-busting whether “butt crack” hair is the culprit.

    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

    Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

    Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray

    Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    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
    27 mins
  • The Woman With The World’s Most Famous Beard

    The Woman With The World’s Most Famous Beard
    Apr 8 2026

    What do you do when your body starts changing at just ten years old?

    Harnaam Kaur was waxing her face to avoid schoolyard bullies before she even hit her teens. Today, she’s a Guinness World Record holder and one of the most recognisable voices challenging global beauty standards.

    In this episode, Claire sits down with Harnaam to unpack her journey after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at just ten. She opens up about years of bullying, the toll on her mental health, and the pivotal moment that led her to stop hiding and start embracing who she is.

    They also explore what it means to live with a condition that challenges traditional ideas of femininity, Harnaam’s evolution from religious motivations to personal liberation, and her reflections on the future of her advocacy.

    EPISODE RESOURCES

    If this episode has raised concerns for you, the following resources are available:

    • Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.

    • Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.

    • Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.

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

    • MOVE by Mamamia

    • Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

    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.

    THE END BITS

    Support independent women’s media by becoming a Mamamia subscriber

    CREDITS

    Host: Claire Murphy

    Guest: Harnaam Kaur

    Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

    Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

    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
    38 mins