Well.

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.
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Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: [email protected]
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.

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.

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Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year Well friends - how are you going so far in 2026? Did you survive the silly season? Did you make any “new year, new me” resolutions?
Maybe you’re one of the many people who chose to get through the holidays sober…or maybe you enjoyed some Christmas tipple but now you’re feeling sober-curious. Wherever you might be on the mocktail to cocktail spectrum - this conversation is for you because our guest, author and health & wellbeing coach, Sarah Rusbatch, has lived it all.
She has written a book called Beyond Booze, How to Create A Life You Love Alcohol Free’ - Sarah lived through what she describes as her own “dysfunctional relationship with alcohol” but - as you’ll hear - she’s not at all preachy, she just happens to know a lot about how hard it can be to be sober, but how good it can be on the other side.
You can follow Sarah on Instagram here. And to join Sarah’s free Facebook community please click here. The Facebook community encourages women who want support, a safe space where women are talking about booze and sobriety and how to step into their best lives.
Everything you need to know about Sarah’s book and work is here.
THE END BITS:
Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here.
Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.
Feedback: [email protected]
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: Holly Wainwright
Executive Producer: Naima Brown
Producer: Tahli Blackman
Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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.

How do you support someone you love through the chaos of addiction without losing yourself in the process? Why have women been expected to give birth lying flat on their backs for centuries, and is there a better way? And, is a hysterectomy a “magic fix” for endometriosis?
In this episode, we speak to Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Xavier Mulenga, to navigate the heartbreaking reality of supporting a loved one with an addiction. We discuss the thin line between helping and enabling, how to handle the inevitable cycle of relapse, and why setting firm boundaries isn’t the same as abandonment.
Plus, in Med School, Claire and Dr Mariam look at the history of birthing positions; they discuss “vertical birthing rooms” and explore why gravity might be your best friend in the delivery room.
And, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam answers Kara’s question about whether a hysterectomy is a potential avenue to end her debilitating 26-day periods. We break down the pros and cons of this major surgery, the reality of “surgical menopause” and explain why removing the uterus isn’t always a guaranteed cure for endometriosis.
EPISODE RESOURCES
If this episode has raised concerns for you, or if you are considering your own substance use, the following resources are available for confidential support:
Counselling Online: The recommended first port of call for those questioning their drug use or looking for help. It features a Self-Assessment Quiz, a national directory and 24/7 access to online chat or telephone-based support.

Family Drug Support (FDS): Provides a 24/7 support line for families affected by drug and alcohol use. Call 1300 368 186
National Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Hotline: For free and confidential advice, call 1800 250 015.

SMART Recovery Australia: A network of evidence-based support meetings for people seeking recovery.

Al-Anon Family Groups: Support and resources specifically for the friends and families of alcoholics.
Quit: Whether you're quitting smoking or vaping, Quit offers tailored support and expert tips.
And if this episode triggered anything for you and you need someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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 Xavier Mulenga
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.