Could you have guests over without cleaning all the way up? What about turning off the GPS when you're driving? How about not tracking your kids and partner, no matter what?

This year, it's all about friction-maxxing. Learning to live without a few of the conveniences that have become crutches, all in the pursuit of becoming - no big deal - more human. Em is horrified and Jessie is inspired by this essay in The Cut by Kathryn Jezer-Morton. 

Also, Holly's favourite Dax Shepard says that he will pay for his daughter to freeze her eggs when she turns 18. Is this genius, generous parenting, or snow-plough dadding in action? 

And, is everyone brushing their faces now? 

Plus, our recommendations include something glowy for your face, the best coffee pot in the world, and a book Jessie cannot stop thinking about. 

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Recommendations

Em recommends a Moka Coffee Pot 

Jessie recommends Heart the Lover by Lily King.

Holly recommends the L’Oreal Lumi Glotion. 

What To Listen To Next: 

• Listen to our latest episode: Our Best Heated Rivalry Theory & Taylor Swift's Mum
• Listen: A Spectacular Writers' Festival Collapse & The Jennifer Lawrence Dog Drama
• Listen: Why Mia Really Left... And Why She's Back
• Listen: Our Notes On The Golden Globes & Hollywood's 'Toxic Mums' Group
• Listen: One Of Us Has No Charisma & The New Dating Vocabulary
• Listen: The Fingering Renaissance
• Listen: Summer Book Club: Great Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry
• Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts 

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SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media 

Watch Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here  including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts.

What to read: 

• 'My word for 2026 is "discomfort." Without it, we're unravelling.'
• Kristen Bell, a bad joke, and the age of 'moral ammunition'.
• Why people are face brushing for better skin. Yes, face brushing.

THE END BITS: 

Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com

GET IN TOUCH:

Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au

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CREDITS:

Hosts: Emily Vernem, Jessie Stephens & Holly Wainwright

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Video Producer: Josh Green

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz