Well.

Today, we are bringing you a live episode recorded in Sydney that celebrates the strength, resilience and brilliance of women everywhere. This conversation is our tribute to that journey and a vital call to action to finally close the gender pain gap.
Why are women consistently told that pain is "part and parcel" of the female experience? Following our chat with Kate Walsh, her and Claire are joined on the sofa for a panel discussion with four leading experts;
PROFESSOR CAROLINE GARGETT:
A world-leading reproductive and stem cell science researcher and Group Head of Endometrial Stem Cell Biology Laboratory with 28 years research experience in gynaecological research with a focus on endometriosis and developing a cell based therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
THEA BAKER:
Thea has treated women with complex trauma and co-morbid pain conditions as a Psychotherapist in Australia for over 10 years. She also has her own lived experience of chronic pain herself from endometriosis and osteoarthritis
A/ PROFESSOR SUSAN EVANS:
A specialist, researcher, educator, innovator, advocate and CEO in pelvic pain for over 20 years. As a gynaecologist, laparoscopic surgeon and pain physician, A/Prof Susan Evans Co-founded the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia, co-developed the Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Schools Program, and is now working with Alyra Biotech developing innovative new treatments for pelvic pain.
PROFESSOR MARIA FIATARONE SINGH:
A geriatrician whose research, clinical, and teaching career has focused on the integration of medicine, exercise physiology, and nutrition as a means to improve health status and quality of life across the lifespan. (Physical & Metabolic Longevity)
We dive deep into why women’s symptoms are still frequently dismissed as psychological, the revolutionary potential of menstrual fluid in diagnostics and why "looking normal" on a scan doesn't mean the pain isn't real.
From the first period to the complexities of ageing, our experts provide a roadmap for women to reclaim their health and advocate for their own bodies. We explore the "Pain Scale Paradox", revealing why the traditional 1-10 measurement fails those with chronic conditions, while unpacking the biological "amplifier" that predisposes women to persistent pain.
It’s time to strip away the historical stigma of "hysteria" and replace it with a medical system that finally validates the female experience!
THE END BITS
All your health information is in the Well Hub.
For more information on topics discussed, please find the resources below:
Bridging the Gender Pain Gap - The Inquiry into Women's Pain Report 2025
Australasian Menopausal Society
Endocrine Society
The International Menopause Society
Jean Hailes For Women’s Health
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
Guest: Kate Walsh, Professor Caroline Gargett, Thea Baker, A/Professor Susan Evans, Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Glenn Urquhart
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.

Kate Walsh has spent over a decade playing the legendary, world-class neonatal surgeon Dr. Addison Montgomery, but in 2015, she faced a terrifying medical crisis that required a neurosurgeon of her own.
In this very special live episode recorded in Sydney, we celebrate the official launch of Season 2 of Well with a conversation that is as glamorous as it is raw and revealing.
Host Claire Murphy is joined on stage by Kate to peel back the curtain on the woman behind the scrubs. While the world knows her as the formidable lead of Private Practice and the woman who made the most famous entrance in Grey’s Anatomy history, Kate joins us to share the deeply personal story of the year she became the patient.
From the "menopause-like" symptoms that masked a life-threatening condition, to the frustrating reality of being dismissed by specialists, Kate discusses the 2015 diagnosis of a 5cm brain tumour. She recalls her diagnosis, the "gnarly" recovery that followed and her ongoing journey navigating early menopause and ageing in the spotlight.
THE END BITS
All your health information is in the Well Hub.
For more information on perimenopause and menopause, navigate to the Australasian Menopausal Society, the Endocrine Society, the International Menopause Society and Jean Hailes For Women’s Health.
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
Guest: Kate Walsh
Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best
Audio Producer: Scott Stronach
Video Producer: Glenn Urquhart
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.

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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.

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