Babbles with Besties

Hey Babblers! Today I am joined by educator, mentor and friend Gila. As a Modern Orthodox Jewish woman living in Australia, sometimes Gila can look and feel out of place. It's very easy for people make assumptions about her based on external factors such as the way she dresses or certain lifestyle choices. In this week's episode, Gila gives us an insight into her experience navigating life as a religious woman in a secular world. We talk dating culture, intimacy, friendships, university, modesty, timelines and societal expectations around being a young mum. We also go into myth buster mode, unpacking some of the most common myths about Modern Orthodox Judaism, and if there is potentially any truth to them... This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! Today I am joined by friend Amanda (AKA Manz), the founder of the brand new skincare brand, Luna Rossa Botanicals, based in Melbourne. In this episode Manz talks about her relationship with her skin and how she turned that insecurity into starting a business. She gets real about the challenges she experienced along the way, including working in the skincare industry when you still get acne! Having studied skin science, Manz gives us her top skincare tips and we dissect some of the most bizarre and obscure skincare treatments on the internet. Manz also introduces us to her spiritual side, opening up about the power of manifestion and her multiple past lives?! You can shop Luna Rossa Botanicals at https://lunarossabotanicals.com/ or check out their instagram @lunarossabotanicals This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am joined by Ashley, the big sister I never had. Ash hasn't necessarily lived the typical life of a person in their early twenties. At age 25 she has already lived away from home in a number of different countries around the world and as a result has had to grow up very quickly. It has always been a dream of mine to live and work overseas one day and although we can't uproot our lives in the middle of a pandemic, I thought why not get prepared and learn from the best. Ash shares her lessons & life advice from living overseas including dealing with culture shock, adjusting your lifestyle, making friends, managing finances, dating and all that good stuff. By the end of this episodes you'll have your expectations vs reality in check and will be ready to jump on a flight as soon as borders open. This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! Today I am joined by my first ever international guest and someone who I am truely a fan of. Lilliana Dee, more famously known as Lily Whispers ASMR on YouTube, is an ASMR content creator from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this episode we talk about the sexualisation of ASMR and how Lily feels about these misconceptions about her videos. Lily exposes the sick world of 'fetish mining', how to spot it, and its impact on the ASMR community. Finally, Lily shares her advice on staying safe online and creating positive internet communities for creators and viewers alike. Make sure you stay until the end for a tingly surprise! For more tingles, check out Lily Whispers ASMR on YouTube and Instagram. To stay informed, check out Lily's Internet Safety Guide: http://www.lillianadee.com/asmr-internet-security-guide This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! Today I am joined by my longest, old time friend Ashley. Ash is a graphic designer and digital director for 'Emma Pills', which is a sexy, fun, edgy jewellery and accessory brand she created alongside her sister Emma, after whom the brand is named. In this episode I chat to Ash about the story behind the brand, including running a small business during COVID, the challenges of working with family, being newbies in a highly competitive industry and dealing with haters. Ash also spills the tea on working with celebrities and influencers and shares her pinch me moments from Australian Fashion Week. Finally Ash shares her advice for young designers looking to get started in the industry. As you know, Babbles with Besties is all about celebrating my friends and their achievements and this is definitely a proud friend moment for me! In celebration of the 1 Year Anniversary of 'Emma Pills' find the giveaway post on my Insta to go into the running to win the Emma Pills Exclusive Lit Collection for you and your bestie. Check out 'Emma Pills' on instagram @emmapills and check out Ash's design work @ashpill_designs. Join the party and shop the range at https://emmapills.shop/ This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! You may know her as the confident queen of dating on babbles with besties season 1, but today my friend Kiara is going to be opening up, getting a little bit vulnerable and sharing another side of herself. After being diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 16 and experiencing a number of significant flare ups that resulted in hospitalisation, Kiara had to reconsider how she goes about living her everyday life. In this episode we chat about the difficulties Kiara has experienced trying to communicate the implications of an 'invisible illness' when to others she "doesn't look sick". It wouldn't be a babbles with besties episode without Kiara sharing her dating stories, but this time Crohn's edition. She also shares the difficulties of navigating friendships when you have an 'invisible illness' and the catalyst that forced her to reevaluate her friendships. Finally Kiara talks about how becoming an ambassador for Crohn's and Colitis has allowed her to take control of her illness. For more information on Crohn's disease check out https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/ To follow Kiara's Crohn's journey check out her instagram @kiara.cca. You can support Kiara's September Live Fearless Challenge Campaign on https://www.livefearlesschallenge.com.au/fundraisers/kiaraschonberger/live-fearless-challenge This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am joined by my bestie Jayden, although you may know him as that guy from TikTok who made the 'impossible' hole in one in the water bottle! In this episode we chat all things videography and content creation, from crazy travel adventures, to imposter syndrome, misconceptions about creative work, finding originality in a world of content overload, and being accused of stealing others work. Jayden also shares his advice on getting out of a creative rut and his opinion that controversial currency..."exposure". For more from Jayden follow him on Instagram @jay.bevs and on YouTube at Jayden Beville. You can also check out more of his work at https://www.jaydenbeville.com This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! Today I am joined by my friend Rikki, the amazing founder of Cancer Chicks Australia, which is a community for young women who support and empower each other through their experiences with cancer. Rikki was diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 20 in late 2018. After undergoing chemotherapy she is now cancer free and has been for the past 3 years. There is no tip-toeing around the C word. Rikki is a completely open book! In this episode Rikki talks about body image and her changing relationship with her body throughout her cancer treatment. We unpack the connection between hair and beauty in Western society and the idea that hair is often more than just aesthetic. Rikki also talks about the importance of having a strong support system, how she feels about being viewed as "inspiration porn", what happened when she told her boyfriend she had cancer and comparison culture. We also have a chat about young people's attitudes towards health and the problem with young people thinking they are invincible. If you are an Aussie girl going through or have previously gone through cancer, you can join the Facebook group Cancer Chicks Australia. Otherwise to stay in the loop follow Cancer Chicks on Instagram @cancerchicksau. This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing, leaving a review and a 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! Today I am joined by Nici, the wonderful founder of TO DO WOMEN, a strong Instagram community of like-minded women who discuss topics otherwise left unspoken, provide tangible tools to manage productivity and achieve our goals, encourage each other to believe in ourselves and regain our sense of self-worth, and, most importantly, to ask for help when it's needed. In this episode Nici shares her personal journey with self-doubt and how it led to the creation of TO DO WOMEN. We also unpack why self-doubt is so prevalent amongst women, the universal sense of uncertainty we experience in our early/mid twenties, what self-care looks like and why there is so much guilt attached to it. Nici also opens up about her own mental health and shares the importance of taking a mental health day and how best to utilise that time. I also open up about my mid-lockdown productivity funk and Nici provides some tools to help improve well-being and sense of purpose during lockdown. This episode is the ultimate confidence boost if you are going through a tough time, so sit back, relax and enjoy! To shop TO DO WOMEN products and access extra resources visit https://todowomen.com.au/. For daily inspiration, advice and motivation join the community by following Nici on Instagram @to.do__women This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! Welcome to season 2 of Babbles with Besties. Today I am joined by Pey Pey, an incredible up and coming singer and songwriter based in Sydney. The best way to describe Pey Pey is the lovechild of Lady Gaga and Lana Del Ray, so if you don't already know her, trust me, you are going to want to get to know her. In this episode Pey Pey takes us on a journey from getting started in the music industry, to the stories behind her most popular songs. She takes us behind the scenes of filming the music video for her smash single 'Gin & Tonic' and spills the tea from on set. Pey Pey also shares some of the biggest challenges she has faced throughout her musical career including self-sabotage and body image. I am so proud of this interview and it gives us such a unique insight into the life and mind of a pop star in the making. Stream 'Gin & Tonic' on Spotify or Apple Music. You can also follow Pey Pey on Instagram and Twitter @peypeymusic and on Facebook @peypeyofficial to stay up to date with This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties and check out babbleswithbesties.com

Hey babblers! This episode spells double trouble because I am joined by not one, but two, hilarious besties, Shira and Sasha. Today we are talking about clubbing, that sweaty rite of passage that every fresh-faced 18-year-old eagerly awaits. We will be sharing our most outrageous, hilarious and embarrassing night out stories, from bouncers, to boys, to bathroom besties! The girls will also be giving their hot tips on how to skip the line and even avoid paying entry fees and we will be discussing our thoughts on the future of nightlife post-COVID... This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! Today I am joined by Jasmine, half of the hilarious mother daughter duo that is, Happy Hotties The Podcast. Not only do Jasmine and I both host our own podcasts but we also both used to work in retail together and boy do we have some hilarious stories to share. We spill the tea on working in retail including customers from hell (I'm talking to you Karen), shoplifters, nasty surprises in the change-rooms and celebrity run-ins. We also address more serious topics within the fashion industry, including body-shaming, size exclusivity as well as asking why do many of us continue to buy into fast-fashion when we know it is objectively bad for both the environment and humanity? Check out Happy Hotties The Podcast on Apple or Spotify and follow them on instagram @happyhottiesthepodcast This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey Babblers! Today I am joined by my amazing bestie, Domi, for another round of Reflex the Game. In this episode we will be tackling questions like... 1. In relationships which are more important to you, same shared morals or shared motivations? 2. Are you more likely to judge someone by their words or their actions? 3. In your opinion does the concept of monogamy make sense or is it archaic? 4. What is one thing you wish people would talk less/more about? 5. How would you describe happiness? Stay tuned to hear our answers and some funny stories along the way. Flex Factory Store: https://flexfactory.store/ This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! Today I am joined by returning friend of the show Eli, and we will be testing our critical thinking skills by playing Reflex, the ultimate conversation card game by Aussie influencer, Flex Mami. If you're sick of the post-quarantine small talk and looking for some unique and obscure questions to elevate your chat game, this is the episode for you! Flex Factory Store: https://flexfactory.store/ This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am joined by my friend Riv and we are talking all about navigating uncertainty. Riv shares her experience of switching university degrees two years deep into study, how she was able to take that leap of faith and the challenges that came with going back to square one. Even if you're not at university, we give some really great life advice for young people trying to figure it all out, so we hope this episode brings you clarity (and a couple of giggles too). This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! Back by popular demand I am joined by my bestie Kiara. You may remember her from the popular episode Swipe Right: The Ultimate Guide to Online Dating. Today we are kicking it up a notch with our online dating game and going on our first ever double date...TOGETHER! We literally take you with us on our double date in real time from getting ready to cheeky bathroom check-ins and let's just say it didn't quite go as expected... This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! In today's episode, you're stuck with me. And yes I know the show is called Babbles with BESTIES, but aren't we all really our own best friend...? Am I right? Anyone? You may not know this about me, but I am a reality TV junkie. It's my guilty pleasure that I'm not even guilty about. And for us reality TV addicts, Married at First Sight has been the talk of the town. We're coming to the pointy end of season 8 with the final vows airing tonight!! In light of this as well as being a media and gender student myself, I wanted to unpack some of the toxic masculinity we've had the pleasure of gracing our screens. In this episode I look into Bryce's behaviour and it's connection to narcissistic personality traits. I also discuss a number of editing hacks used by reality TV producers to increase drama and whether that holds up against the "bad edit" excuse used by TV villains. I then shift gears to the Booka and Brett letter incident which illuminates an important conversation around covert misogyny and women being described as "too much". I also take a critical look at these so called "experts" and what kind of problematic messages they are communicating to audiences. Finally I venture into media ethics and whether the TV network should be held accountable for showcasing such emotionally manipulative relationships as entertainment. This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties References: https://www.elle.com.au/culture/mafs-booka-intense-24927 https://thewash.online/reality-check/married-at-first-sight/mafs-bryce-gaslighting-backlash/ https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/mafs/mafs-dr-trisha-stratford-quits-show-44932 https://www.change.org/p/tv-viewers-make-the-nine-network-apologise-for-failing-duty-of-care-bryce-and-melissa-mafs?recruiter=254708576&recruited_by_id=51ab9220-cafe-11e4-9261-3b090124487d Disclaimer: Opinions are my own

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am joined by another Melbourne friend, Jamie (Jimbo), who is going to be giving us the lowdown on LinkedIn. That's right we're are getting down to business and we've even dressed for the occasion. We talk about our first ever jobs, Jimbo shares his top 5 tips for making the most of LinkedIn, including how he got his current job through LinkedIn and not in the way you might expect... We also break down those cringey buzzwords like networking and up-skilling and speak about the pressures on young people to have their career all figured out. This episode will be especially useful for students and young people at the start of their career so if you're looking for a super informative episode, this is the one for you! This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! Today's episode is very off the cuff. You get the real inside scoop into a genuine babble with one of my Melbourne besties, Eli. That's right, no plans, no prompts, no preparations. What could go wrong? This episode is a bit of a rollercoaster...and it gets pretty deep. We talk about Eli's identity crisis as a twin, our biggest insecurities, seeking validation from others, Melbourne lockdown, self-care, mental health, family, friends, FOMO, and MORE! This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am joined by the lovely Sasha, where we will be talking all about social media's toxic diet culture. While diet culture has arguably always been present in our society, social media has given it a new platform to spread misinformation, insecurity and shame among users, especially teenagers and young adults. As a former professional ballerina, we start by talking about Sasha's personal experience with toxic diet culture in the dance industry and why she ultimately decided to quit her dream job. We also talk more about the bad influence of influencers, the moralisation of food in our society and the romanticisation of diet culture amongst children on TikTok. A content warning before you listen to today's chat - in this episode we discuss sensitive topics including mentions of disordered eating/eating disorders, which may be triggering for some listeners. This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! Today I am doing my first ever remote episode with one of my absolute besties, Joshy D (and yes that's how you say his name, never just Josh). Two strangers lock eyes across a crowded room. There's an instant electric connection. Spark begin to fly. Without even uttering a word they know they are meant to be together. Love at first sight, it's a Hollywood trope we see in movies all the time, but is it actually a real thing? Is a fleeting glance or first encounter really enough to tell you that you want to spend the rest of your life with this person. Or are people who say they've experienced it just looking back with rose-tinted glasses? In this episode Joshy D and I discuss our opinions on the concept of "love at first sight" and let's just say we're coming in as pretty firm sceptics. Let's see if the science changes our minds...? This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am unpacking #GIRLBOSS feminism with my friend Holly. The girlboss; she's a strong, ambitious, powerful woman, who won't take no for an answer, fights for what she wants, breaks through the glass ceiling and hustles her way to the top. Given the patriarchal society in which we live, this sounds like a really positive and progressive change in our culture. But a word that was intended to empower and enable women has since become deeply problematic. If you want to hear why, keep on listening... This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties Link to article by Leigh Stein: https://gen.medium.com/the-end-of-the-girlboss-is-nigh-4591dec34ed8

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am talking long distance relationships with my bestie Sasha. We're not going to sugarcoat it...LDR's can be really hard, especially when you live on opposite sides of the globe. Despite swearing she would never be the type of person to end up in an LDR, here she is now. Sasha (from Australia) shares the story of how she fell for a guy she met on a summer holiday in South Africa. We discuss some of the challenges of being in an LDR, including communication, the "vacation mentality", jealousy and how COVID threw a major spanner in the works. But don't worry it's not all bad news. Sasha speaks to some of the things that make her LDR amazing and also shares some tips and virtual date ideas for our fellow distance lovebirds. This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! In today's episode I am joined by my bestie Saige, and we will talking all about narcissism. It's a loaded term that is often thrown around, and while people usually have preconceived ideas of what they think a narcissist is...there is usually a lot more than meets the eye. In this chat we look at what characteristics and personality traits define a narcissist. We also discuss common narcissistic tendencies including love bombing, gaslighting and inflated sense of self-importance. Disclaimer: Neither of us are clinical psychologists. Everything we share is based on personal experience, opinion and learned information. This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! In today's episode I will be discussing gender inequality and systemic sexism in sport with my childhood friend, Erin. Erin and I both grew up playing soccer together and while I regretfully quit in highschool, Erin continues to play to this day. In this episode we talk about the many barriers and structural inequalities inhibiting women from pursuing a professional career in sport from the science behind the stereotype that “boys are stronger than girls”, to the pay gap, to how media coverage and marketing works to further undervalue women in sport. But don't worry this is not all bad news! We also talk about the importance of women in sports and some movements for change that are already taking place to help ensure a better future for female athletes. This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! On today's episode I chat to one of my closest friends, Kiara, about all things online dating! The world of dating is changing and as two very single ladies we have had our fair share of online dating experiences, some that went great, and others not so much... We walk you through some of our DO's and DON'TS for setting up your profile all the way through to scoring a date. We also spill the tea on some of our worst online dating experiences from ghosting, to breadcrumbing, to getting the ick and more! This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Hey babblers! In today's episode I chat to my “uni friend" turned real life friend Jack, all about the hustle of student life. We hear from Jack about his side hustle as a celebrity chaser (basically a professional stalker)! We also discuss the glow up from first year to fourth, the stigma around Arts degrees, our group project horror stories and advice on how to balance internships, work and study all while having a social life. Wow students do not get enough credit! We also delve into some deeper topics around student mental health, motivation and burnout, competition and imposter syndrome. If you are a student at school, university, TAFE or any other education program, this episode is for you! This is an independent podcast created by Madison Lunz. The best way to support Babbles with Besties is by subscribing and leaving a review and 5 star rating (pretty please x) To stay up to date be sure to also follow this podcast on Instagram @babbleswithbesties

Welcome to Babbles with Besties! In this podcast, I chat with my friends about topics that matter to them...and hopefully you too. WARNING: Tangents ahead ⚠️