Ever wondered why older siblings are bossy while the youngest is living their best chaotic life? Today we dive into the fascinating world of birth order and how it shapes your personality - and your kids!

Yes, our research may indicate why you’re a Type-A overachiever or the family rebel.

Also, ahead of Christmas Tegan and Annaliese unpack how varying financial positions in the family impact sibling dynamics - then how to navigate those tricky money conversations with ease this holiday season.

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CREDITS:

Host: Tegan Natoli, Annaliese Todd 

Producer: Grace Rouvray and Thom Lion

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.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking a long holiday is on the minds of families across the nation. So if you're in the need of some inspiration today's guest from the archives might be able to help...

Deanna and her family after months spent in lockdown decided they wanted to go on an adventure. So they mapped out their ideal holiday, a six-month trek across New Zealand on the Te Araroa trail, totalling 3000kms. From Cape Reinga on the North Island to a place called, Bluff on the South Island. So why in the world did they decide to do it? and what did they learn along the way?

Plus this week's parenting dilemma, is Minecraft the gateway for all video games? 

Gift a Mamamia subscription: Head here to give the best stuff for women.

LINKS 

You can keep up with Deanna and her family's adventures on Instagram @noodlesforbrekky and online at www.noodlesforbreakfast.com

CREDITS

Hosts: Holly Wainwright & Andrew Daddo

Guest: Deanna Gerlach

Producer: Mikayla Floriano 

CONTACT US

Send your parenting dilemmas to [email protected]

Looking for a community of like-minded parents? Join our Mamamia Parents Facebook Page... https://www.facebook.com/groups/1047713658714395/  

Want a weekly parenting newsletter from Holly Wainwright? Sign up here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/newsletter/

Looking for other podcasts to listen to?  You'll find all our Mamamia shows at https://mamamia.com.au/podcasts/

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.

A parent plays food fetch with their child, and we've decided they're the parent of the year. Meanwhile, "Sleeping Beauties" takes on a whole new meaning plus one mum uses lying and a day spa to get the best results from her child. Aligned and approved. 

You can share your best worst parenting stories by leaving us a voice note, email us at [email protected] or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form. 

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Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.

We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list.

CREDITS:

Host: Annaliese Todd & Stacey Hicks

Producer: Grace Rouvray

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago, we dove into the topic of end-of-year overwhelm, and so many of you shared that you’re feeling exactly the 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 back those precious hours in your week.

Plus, Sarah Marie solves another of your dilemmas.  

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Gift a Mamamia subscription: Head here to give the best stuff for women.

Got a message for Sarah Marie? We’re listening! Send us a voice message, email us at [email protected]

We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list.

CREDITS:

Host: Tegan Natoli, Annaliese Todd and Sarah Marie Fahd

Producer: Grace Rouvray

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did former This Glorious Mess host Holly Wainwright take her 9yo to school in East Africa? Well, she was hoping that maybe they'd both come back a little more #grateful and a little less #whingey.

On this bonus episode you'll here from Matilda and Holly and others they met along the way in Uganda about what happens when you really take your kid waaay out of their (and your!) comfort zone.

Also, they were supporting the excellent work of Aussie non-profit School For Life who build sustainable schools in rural Uganda. Follow their link to learn more or to sponsor a child.

CONTACT US

Your host is Holly Wainwright 

You can read more about Holly and Matilda's trip to Uganda here;
https://www.mamamia.com.au/travelling-to-uganda-with-school-for-life/ 

If you'd like to get in contact with us, feel free to email [email protected].

This podcast was produced by Rachael Hart

This Glorious Mess is a podcast by Mamamia. Explore more Mamamia podcasts: https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you remember what your dream job was as a child?

Maybe you imagined being a famous athlete, an astronaut, or a firefighter. For today’s guest, that dream wasn’t just a fantasy—it became her reality.

Courtney started as a theatre kid, waiting eagerly for autographs at the stage door, dreaming of what it would be like to stand where her idols did. Years later, she made it happen. Courtney stepped into iconic roles like Anna in Frozen and Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, along with countless other memorable performances on stage and screen.

Her story is living proof that dreams don’t have to stay dreams—they can come true.

You can read Courtney's full Little Love Story here. 

You can see Courtney in Wicked and in Paper Dolls on Netflix. 

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Subscribe to Mamamia

We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list.

CREDITS:

Host & Producer: Grace Rouvray

Guest: Courtney Monsma

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enter lazy gewl giveaways here!

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.

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Got a message for Sarah Marie or a song you want Thom to write? We’re listening! Send us a voice message, email us at [email protected]

We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list.

CREDITS:

Host: Tegan Natoli, Annaliese Todd & Thom Lion

Producer: Grace Rouvray

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to raise good kids. But do you ever worry that maybe you're raising an arsehole?

On today's episode of This Glorious Mess from the archives, Holly and Andrew discuss if raising an asshole is avoidable or if as parents, maybe we will never truly know if we've raised an asshole until someone else points it out. 

And on parenting mentors, should you ever intervene when your friend's kid is acting up? 

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Enter lazy gewl giveaways here!

LINKS

You can read find out more about the book that inspired today's chat, How To Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes on www.melindawennermoyer.com

GET IN TOUCH

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

CREDITS

Hosts: Holly Wainwright & Andrew Daddo

Producer: Mikayla Floriano 

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.

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 [email protected] or for super shame super anonymous you can pop them in this form. 

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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. and use the code MONTHOFTGM

Tell us what you really think so we can give you more of what you really want. Fill out this survey and you’ll go in the running to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.

We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list.

CREDITS:

Host: Annaliese Todd & Stacey Hicks

Producer: Grace Rouvray

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 Marie solves a tricky dilemma on the school run. 

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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. and use the code MONTHOFTGM

Got a message for Sarah Marie? We’re listening! Send us a voice message, email us at [email protected]

We’ve compiled all the best resources for new mums in a free newsletter. Join the mailing list.

CREDITS:

Host: Tegan Natoli, Annaliese Todd and Sarah Marie Fahd

With thanks to Lauren Thornborough from The Village.

Producer: Grace Rouvray

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you remember your favourite school teachers? And if you do, what made them so special? 

In this episode of This Glorious Mess from the archives, Holly Wainwright and Andrew Dado talk to finalist of Australia’s best teacher award, Rebecca West. We know teachers have it tough sometimes so Holly and Andrew ask as parents, what can we do to help? 

Plus, this week's parenting mentors question, what do you do when your child's a perfectionist? 

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LINKS

You can find keep up with Mrs West on her youtube channels, Clever Pickles (one for the kids) and Talkin' Chalk (one for the teachers). 

Swysh: Get your personalised video message from a Sports Star today at heyswysh.com

GET IN TOUCH

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

CREDITS

Hosts: Holly Wainwright & Andrew Daddo

Guest: Rebecca West

Producer: Mikayla Floriano 

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.

Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you’re helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We’re currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more at mamamia.com.au 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.