Immerse yourself in a different world, every week, as host Emma Gillespie and guests dig deeper into the truth and tragedy of some of the world’s most remarkable women. From Ita Buttrose to Charlotte Dawson to Amanda Bynes.....Extraordinary lives, told by extraordinary people. Welcome to Extraordinary Stories.
All Samantha wants is to understand why her mother wasn’t there for her. All Marie wants is a chance to make things right with her daughter — and to be part of her granddaughter’s life. But after years of distance, hurt, and misunderstanding, can a fractured bond ever truly be repaired? In this session, a mother and daughter confront the truths left unspoken, ask the questions long avoided, and search for a small patch of common ground on which to rebuild their relationship. Listen to the second part of Samantha & Marie's session here Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue : For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia : For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight ? Apply here. Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here. Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2015, Australian con woman Belle Gibson was living the dream. Her app The Whole Pantry was hugely popular and she was about to launch a book of the same name. With hundreds of thousands of followers online, Belle had become a celebrated wellness influencer who'd overcome terminal cancer and had cured herself with healthy eating and holistic therapies. But it was all a lie. The truth came to light when her friend, Chanelle McAuliffe, noticed gaps in Belle's story. The moment she exposed her deception is now the focus of the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar. Today, Chanelle tells us what the show got right and wrong, the challenges she faced as a whistleblower, and how she feels about Belle and her crimes now, a decade on. Find more episodes of True Crime Conversations here . THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Chanelle McAuliffe Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. 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. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . 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. Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Belle Gibson fooled not only her hundreds of thousands of followers, but the most prestigious book publishers in Australia, the tech giants of silicon valley and even her family and friends into believing she was something she was not: sick. If today, her name is synonymous with the weighty infamy of a notorious scam, there was a time before that, when she was celebrated as an inspiration. On this episode of Extraordinary Stories, we look at the rise of Belle Gibson. From tall tales in school drama classes to international acclaim and influence, how did Annabelle Natalie Gibson become the pinup girl for the wellness movement? Listen to part two here Listen to part three here THE END BITS: With thanks to Bronwyn McCahon, Doctor Brad McKay and Kylie Willey RESOURCES WE USED: The Woman Who Fooled The World by Beau Donnelly and Nick Toscano Fake Medicine by Brad Mckay The Girl Who Conned Us All by Clair Weaver https://www.nowtolove.com.au/news/real-life/belle-gibson-the-whole-story-10129 https://www.nowtolove.com.au/news/local-news/belle-gibson-speaks-for-the-first-time-since-her-whole-pantry-controversy-13532 With thanks to Tara Brown from 60 Minutes GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Writers: Emma Gillespie and Holly Wainwright Producers: Melanie Sauer and Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Elissa Ratliff and Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Holly Wainwright and Elissa Ratliff 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. Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 3 of 3] A month before Amy Winehouse’s death, her performance at a music festival in Serbia was resoundly panned. She was intoxicated for the whole world to see, but the silver lining of what would be labelled 'the worst gig of her career' meant she didn’t have to go on tour. It meant Amy, and those who loved her, had their hopes pinned on a chance for Amy to get better again. On this episode we’ll explore the final years in the life of Amy Winehouse. After her closest friends were convinced Amy was doing better than ever, how did she die? Why was she sent on tour when she was not only unwilling, but unwell? Plus, we’ll take a closer look at the 27 club. What is this unique curse that looms over the legacies of these young artists? Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Written and produced by Emma Gillespie with Tia Ucich & Kally Borg Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Guest booking: Kally Borg With thanks to: Dr Peter Hughes Eleni Papavasileiou Polly Taylor Dean McCarthy Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 2 of 3] After a celebrated album with her debut, Frank, and with that distinct voice and sound, Amy Winehouse got very famous, very fast. Everyone wanted a second album, but Amy had entered a whole new world. On this episode, we’ll hear how Amy’s very private struggles with mental health and addiction became headlines for a relentless tabloid culture. And, in one of the most volatile love affairs in pop culture history, how would the story of Amy and Blake become a cautionary tale about the dangers of codependency? CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Written and produced by Emma Gillespie with Elissa Ratliff, Tia Ucich & Kally Borg Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Guest booking: Kally Borg With thanks to: Dr Peter Hughes Eleni Papavasileiou Polly Taylor Dean McCarthy Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 1 of 3] You can recognise it in an instant, that iconic voice and a candid style of songwriting beyond her years. The sound of Amy Winehouse was a sound unheard of since the days of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. But the name ‘Amy Winehouse’ seems to be as synonymous with talent as it is tragedy. On this season we’ll dive deep into the life of Amy. From her rise to fame, her artistry, to her pain, her loves, and her losses. Could she have been saved? What does her death tell us about the pervasive grip of addiction and fame? CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Emma Gillespie and Tia Ucich Guest booking: Kally Borg Audio Production: Madeline Joannou With thanks to: Dr Peter Hughes Eleni Papavasileiou Polly Taylor Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 3 of 3] In the lead-up to the Beijing Winter Olympics, the world began to wonder how and if Peng Shuai would be used in the games, and whether the IOC was going to have anything to say to the Chinese Government about their silencing of the tennis star. So how did the Chinese propaganda juggernaut shift its attention to the global sporting stage? And what happens when the international community’s peak sporting body is accused of silencing a sexual assault survivor? Plus, we investigate China’s Me Too movement. What does the story of Peng Shuai tell us about feminism in China? CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Writer: Emma Gillespie Producers: Emma Gillespie, Kally Borg, Tia Ucich Guest booking: Kally Borg Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Elissa Ratliff WITH THANKS TO: Yaqiu Wang, Pan Wang, Tom Steinfort & Sydney Pead Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 2 of 3] For three long weeks in November 2021, the tennis community, news organisations, and human rights advocates the world over had one question; Where Is Peng Shuai? In the aftermath of a Weibo post detailing allegations of sexual assault against one of China’s top political figures, concerns for Peng Shuai's freedom were escalating swiftly. Then suddenly, proof of life. In this episode, we’ll learn more about the Chinese propaganda machine, and how it’s working to convince the world of Peng Shuai's safety, whilst censoring her story. CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Writers: Emma Gillespie Producers: Emma Gillespie, Kally Borg, Tia Ucich Guest booking: Kally Borg Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Elissa Ratliff WITH THANKS TO: Yaqiu Wang, Drew Pavlou, Tom Steinfort & Sydney Pead Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 1 of 3] It was after 10 pm, on November 2nd, 2021 when 35-year-old Peng Shuai - China’s beloved global tennis star - sat down and began typing. Truncated sentences of an open letter, detailing an affair and sexual assault involving one of China’s highest-ranking political figures. It took only a few minutes before the post had amassed thousands of shares, likes, and comments. But within half an hour, it vanished. And moments later, so too did Peng Shuai. CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Writers: Emma Gillespie, Tia Ucich Producers: Emma Gillespie Guest booking: Kally Borg Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Elissa Ratliff WITH THANKS TO: Sydney Pead, Yaqiu Wang and Drew Pavlou GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 2 of 2] From 2013 until just a few weeks ago, Amanda’s Bynes life was controlled by a conservatorship, governed primarily by her mum, Lynn. In the wake of Britney Spears’ bombshell revelations about her own conservatorship, the #freebritney movement turned its attention to Amanda. Knowing what we now know about conservatorships and how they can be manipulated, why did it take more than eight years for Amanda to regain control of her own life? CREDITS Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Laura Brodnik, Host of The Spill Louisa Hatfield, Former Editor of New Weekly, Woman's Day Sarah Wentz - Lawyer at Fox Rothschild, U.S. Megan Radford - #freebritney Campaigner SOURCES: Entertainment Tonight 9 News New York Times - Framing Britney Spears TMZ GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 1 of 2] She was the queen of Nickelodeon, beloved by teens of the noughties. But just as her movie career was taking off, something happened to Amanda Bynes. In this two-part series, we’re looking back on the life and career of Amanda Bynes before, during and after things got out of control. We’ll dive into the paparazzi culture that hounded and taunted young Hollywood starlets, and question our historic understanding of the mental health issues at play. What caused Amanda Bynes to crumble alongside a generation of young stars? And where has Amanda been for the last nine years? CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Laura Brodnik Louisa Hatfield SOURCES: Entertainment Tonight Paper Magazine Nickelodeon Dreamworks film She's The Man Splash News TV GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 3 of 3] Charlene Wittstock had made it through years of tabloid speculation about her marriage to the Prince of Monaco, but in 2020, just as she found some peace, a new, yet very familiar scandal involving her husband rattled the palace. Then, in a matter of weeks Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene left the country and wouldn’t return for almost a year. Had a serious illness kept her away from her children and her husband’s new paternity battle? Or did Charlene not want to come home? CREDITS Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Professor Chandrika Kaul- Historian, University of St Andrews Maddalena Maestrostefano - Royal Correspondent, Royal Central Chelsea McLaughlin - Entertainment Reporter, Mamamia SOURCES: Entertainment Tonight South Africa Radio 702 PEOPLE Every Day podcast Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 2 of 3] To lock down the future of the Grimaldi dynasty, Prince Albert II needed to marry and produce a legitimate heir. So when he met South African olympian Charlene Wittstock, the palace breathed a sigh of relief. Beautiful and elegant, Charlene would make the perfect princess. But when Albert’s past life as “The Playboy Prince” caught up with him, the star-studded princely wedding in Monaco almost had everything except a bride. The tabloids were reporting Albert had a new love child, and that Charlene had tried to escape the tiny country three times. The world wondered if Charlene really wanted to marry into the Grimaldi family, and if she did, why was she crying on her wedding day? Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Professor Chandrika Kaul- Historian, University of St Andrews Maddalena Maestrostefano - Royal Correspondent, Royal Central Chelsea McLaughlin - Entertainment Reporter, Mamamia SOURCES: Entertainment Tonight The Times Graham Bassinger, 2017 SABC, Top Billing Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 1 of 3] Seven hundred years ago a woman betrayed by the ruler of Monaco cursed the future of his family: no descendant of the House of Grimaldi would ever find happiness in marriage. On this season of Extraordinary Stories our host Emma Gillespie dives into the modern-day impact of that curse. Did it play a part in the tragic demise of the Hollywood star turned princess Grace Kelly? CREDITS Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Professor Chandrika Kaul - Historian, University of St Andrews Maddalena Mastrostefano - Royal Correspondent, Royal Central Chelsea McLaughlin - Entertainment Reporter, Mamamia SOURCES: Entertainment Tonight Graham Bassinger, 2017 MGM archives The Times GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 3 of 3] In trying to put an end to the legal quagmire they found themselves in, Pamela and Tommy Lee signed away the rights to their stolen sex tape, and to any future profits it would make. It was an insult to injury, after the viral home movie saw the couple become some of the first victims of a crime often misnamed as ‘revenge porn.’ A crime so pervasive it forces many of us to ask ourselves “who else has seen my nudes?” CREDITS Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Kathy Kenzora - Host - History of the 90s Podcast Amanda Chicago Lewis - Journalist Assoc. Professor Lynn Comella - Gender Studies, University of Nevada Julie Inman Grant - Australia's eSafety Commissioner and a special thanks to Tia and James. Sources The Untold Story of the World's Most Infamous Sex Tape - Rolling Stones Fox Files show with Catherine Crier Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 2 of 3] Pamela and Tommy’s most personal possession, a home video taken on their honeymoon was stolen. Within six months, it was everywhere. And everyone wanted to watch it. But in 1996, before Youtube or PornHub were invented, how did this home movie go from a stolen piece of property to the most profitable piece of pornography in the world? CREDITS Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Kathy Kenzora - Host - History of the 90s Podcast Amanda Chicago Lewis - Journalist Assoc. Professor Lynn Comella - Gender Studies, University of Nevada Sources The Untold Story of the World's Most Infamous Sex Tape - Rolling Stones Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen Live with Regis and Kathie Lee Later with Greg Kinear The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Fox Files show with Catherine Crier Howard Stern Show Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 1 of 3] When Tommy Lee licked Pam Anderson’s face from chin to temple at a New Year's Eve party in 1995, it was the beginning of one of Hollywood’s most intense and frenzied romances. Less than two months later the bad-boy Mötley Crüe drummer and sex-symbol Baywatch actor were married on a beach in Mexico. But wedded bliss for the 90s glam couple was short-lived, after a disgruntled electrician broke into their house to steal their most prized possessions. Little did he, or the couple know what he stole would change the world of pornography, technology and their lives forever. CREDITS Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Kathy Kenzora - Host - History of the 90s Podcast Amanda Chicago Lewis - Journalist Sources The Untold Story of the World's Most Infamous Sex Tape - Rolling Stones The Tonight Show Baywatch ITV - Life Stories Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 4 of 4] Why Linda Evangelista disappeared from public life in 2016, while her peers were still ruling runways, gracing magazine covers and spearheading beauty campaigns was a mystery. Until an Instagram post in September 2021, where she revealed herself as the victim of a rare side effect from a cosmetic procedure. Instead of freezing fat cells, Linda claims she experienced the opposite. In her quest to remain one of the most beautiful women in the world Linda, in her own words felt "deformed." As Linda pursues a multi-million dollar lawsuit, in this final episode we dive into the paradoxical world of beauty and the unique pressures faced by ageing supermodels. CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to Paula Joye, Former Editor of Cleo, Stylist - @paulajoye Kirsty Clements - Author of Why Did I Buy That? Laurie Marsden - Former Model, Psychotherapist Nicole Bonython-Hines - Stylist Dr Vivienne Lewis - Psychologist Dr Cara McDonald - Dermatologist Leigh Campbell - Executive Editor, Mamamia Jason Sheeler - Deputy West Coast Editor, PEOPLE Magazine and Co-Host of PEOPLE in the '90s - @jasonsheeler SOURCES Tim Blank - Fashion File FOX 8 Australia's Next Top Model Models: The Film Entertainment Tonight GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 3 of 4] Professionally, Linda Evangelista was unparalleled, achieving more success than almost anyone else in the fashion industry. But her personal life was not so straight-forward. From leaving a marriage plagued with allegations of abuse, to an ill-fated relationship with a curious film star; in this episode we delve into the supermodel's loves and losses, and a scandal followed by a secret that would change Linda's life forever. With thanks to Richard Reid - Entertainment Reporter @the_richardreid Jason Sheeler - Deputy West Coast Editor, PEOPLE Magazine and Co-Host of PEOPLE in the '90s - @jasonsheeler Paula Joye, Stylist - @paulajoye CREDITS: Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[Part 2 of 4] At the very top of her game, Linda Evangelista met and married one of the most powerful men in the fashion industry. Gerald Marie represented all the top supermodels and held the careers of hundreds of up-and-comers in his hand. What she didn't know was that her husband was allegedly part of a dark underbelly in the fashion industry where powerful figures sexually exploited and abused young models with chilling regularity. Warning: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault. If this episode brings up issues for you call LIFELINE on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT. With Thanks to: Laurie Marsden Kirstie Clements Nicole Bonython-Hines Jayson Brunsdon GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
