"I cannot believe that is how my cards fell. I cannot believe I should have a six-year-old daughter." Rebecca Sparrow is an author, columnist, mother, and Oprah worshipper. She's also one of the wisest women Mia Freedman knows.   After the death of her daughter Georgie, these two women connected and forged an unlikely friendship. In this interview with Mia, Rebecca talks about the loss of her daughter Georgie, the surrealness of losing a baby, and her new role as a teenage agony aunt, canvassing teens worst fears and anxieties in her new books. 

Your host is Mia Freedman.

With thanks to special guest Rebecca Sparrow. Find all of Bec's books here.

This podcast was produced by Elissa Ratliff 

CONTACT US

Suggest a guest via: podcast@mamamia.com.au

tweet us @mamamiapodcasts

or join the conversation on facebook
This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network 

<div>"I cannot believe that is how my cards fell. I cannot believe I should have a six-year-old daughter."</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Rebecca Sparrow is an author, columnist, mother, and Oprah worshipper. She's also one of the wisest women Mia Freedman knows. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>After the death of her daughter Georgie, these two women connected and forged an unlikely friendship.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>In this interview with Mia, Rebecca talks about&nbsp;the loss of her daughter Georgie, the surrealness of losing a baby, and her new role as a teenage&nbsp;agony aunt, canvassing teens worst fears and anxieties in her new books.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>
Your host is<a href="http://www.facebook.com/miafreedmanonline"> Mia Freedman.</a>
With thanks to special guest <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rebecca-Sparrow-Writer-222279674577710/">Rebecca Sparrow</a>. Find all of Bec's books <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/search.ep?author=Rebecca%20Sparrow">here</a>.
This podcast was produced by<a href="https://twitter.com/elissaratliff"> Elissa Ratliff</a>&nbsp;
CONTACT US
Suggest a guest via:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcast@mamamia.com.au">podcast@mamamia.com.au</a>
tweet us <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mamamiapodcasts">@mamamiapodcasts</a>
or join the conversation on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mamamiapodcastnetwork">facebook</a> This show is part of the <a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au">Mamamia Women&rsquo;s Networ</a>k
</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>

Riveting stories. Fascinating lives. Australia’s #1 interview podcast, with Kate Langbroek.

Riveting stories. Fascinating lives. Australia&rsquo;s #1 interview podcast, with Kate Langbroek.

No Filter

Rebecca Sparrow on Surviving and Thriving After Loss

Bek Condello didn't choose the world she was born into.

Raised inside the Geelong Revival Centre, a church she now describes as a cult, every aspect of her life was decided for her — what she believed, who she could trust, who she could marry, what she wore, and what would happen if she ever left. By the time she was an adult, she had never kissed anyone, never questioned the rules she'd grown up with, and genuinely believed the outside world was dangerous.

In this conversation with Kate Langbroek, Bek explains why leaving wasn't the hardest part. The real challenge came afterwards: rebuilding an identity from scratch, grieving the parents she feels the cult stole from her, navigating a marriage that was never really her choice, and learning to trust her own instincts after a lifetime of being told not to.

Bek also speaks candidly about the lasting impact of growing up in an environment where sex was framed as shameful, revealing how it contributed to a diagnosis of vaginismus after her wedding and the profound effect it had on her first marriage.

This isn't simply a story about escaping a cult. It's about what happens when everything you've ever believed is stripped away, and you're left to answer one terrifying question: who are you when you've never been allowed to decide for yourself?

Can You Handle a Girl Like Me? by Bek Condello is available now.

If this episode raises concerns for you, support is available. You can find Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website for confidential crisis support.

Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe herefor 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30.

You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see. CLICK HERE. 

What To Listen To Next:
Listen: Harrison James: What Every Parent Should Know About Grooming
Listen: Jessica Rowe On The Brutal Public Humiliation That Changed Her Forever
Listen: Esther Perel: When You Choose Your Partner and Lose Your Family
Listen: Georgie Tunny & Rob Mills: The Marriage And Baby Conversation Everyone Keeps Asking About
Listen: The Love Of My Life Was My Best Friend. Then She Died At 34
Listen: Jeni Haynes Created 2681 Personalities To Survive Her Abusive Father
Listen: Kate Ceberano Has Spent 40 Years Trying To Figure Herself Out

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here.

Watch No Filter on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Follow us on TikTok here. 

Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au

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:

Guest: Bek Condello

Host: Kate Langbroek

Executive Producer: Bree Player

Audio and Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

 

 

Bek Condello didn't choose the world she was born into.
Raised inside the Geelong Revival Centre, a church she now describes as a cult, every aspect of her life was decided for her &mdash; what she believed, who she could trust, who she could marry, what she wore, and what would happen if she ever left. By the time she was an adult, she had never kissed anyone, never questioned the rules she'd grown up with, and genuinely believed the outside world was dangerous.
In this conversation with Kate Langbroek, Bek explains why leaving wasn't the hardest part. The real challenge came afterwards: rebuilding an identity from scratch, grieving the parents she feels the cult stole from her, navigating a marriage that was never really her choice, and learning to trust her own instincts after a lifetime of being told not to.
Bek also speaks candidly about the lasting impact of growing up in an environment where sex was framed as shameful, revealing how it contributed to a diagnosis of vaginismus after her wedding and the profound effect it had on her first marriage.
This isn't simply a story about escaping a cult. It's about what happens when everything you've ever believed is stripped away, and you're left to answer one terrifying question: who are you when you've never been allowed to decide for yourself?
Can You Handle a Girl Like Me? by Bek Condello is <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/can-you-handle-a-girl-like-me-9781761357886">available now.</a>
If this episode raises concerns for you, support is available. You can find Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website for confidential crisis support.
Support independent women&rsquo;s media and get our biggest offer of the year. <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=nofilter&amp;code=MMEOFY30">Subscribe here</a> for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30.
You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see. <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/no-filter/id995159486">CLICK HERE.</a>&nbsp;
What To Listen To Next:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/harrison-james-childhood-sexual-abuse-survivor/">Harrison James: What Every Parent Should Know About Grooming</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/jessica-rowe-today-show-no-filter/">Jessica Rowe On The Brutal Public Humiliation That Changed Her Forever</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/esther-perel-choosing-your-partner-over-your-family/">Esther Perel: When You Choose Your Partner and Lose Your Family</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/georgie-tunny-rob-mills-marriage-babies-long-engagement/">Georgie Tunny &amp; Rob Mills: The Marriage And Baby Conversation Everyone Keeps Asking About</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/grace-rouvray-best-friend-grief-female-friendship/">The Love Of My Life Was My Best Friend. Then She Died At 34</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/jeni-haynes-2682-personalities-survive-abusive-father/">Jeni Haynes Created 2681 Personalities To Survive Her Abusive Father</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/kate-ceberano-interview-aria-hall-of-fame-motherhood-music-industry/">Kate Ceberano Has Spent 40 Years Trying To Figure Herself Out</a></li>
</ul>
Discover more<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/"> Mamamia Podcasts here</a>.
Watch No Filter on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NoFilterpod/videos"> YouTube</a>. Follow us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nofiltermamamia/"> here.</a> Follow us on TikTok<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nofiltermamamia"> here</a>.&nbsp;
Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au
Share your story, feedback, or dilemma!<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960"> Send us a voice message</a>, 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:
Guest: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bekcondello_writes/">Bek Condello</a>
Host: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katelangbroek/?hl=en">Kate Langbroek</a>
Executive Producer:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/breeplayer/?hl=en"> Bree Player</a>
Audio and Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Bek Condello Was Born Into A Cult. Escaping Was The Easy Part

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/4f0d4b76-b7f4-42bf-ac1c-b47900318458/transcript

Have you ever wondered why modern life can leave us feeling so disconnected, even when we're doing everything we're told should make us feel well?

This NAIDOC Week, But Are You Happy? explores a different way of understanding mental health — one grounded in connection, community and relationships rather than simply treating illness.

In this episode, host Ashani Dante is joined by proud Gamilaraay man, psychologist and Director of First Nations Strategy at the Black Dog Institute, Dr Clinton Schultz. Together, they unpack what First Nations perspectives on social and emotional wellbeing can teach all of us about living healthier, more connected lives.

Clinton shares his own extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and addiction to becoming one of Australia's leading voices on First Nations mental health. He explains why Aboriginal concepts of wellbeing begin with relationships — to ourselves, to each other, to Country and to community — and why those connections have been central to keeping First Nations peoples strong for tens of thousands of years.

The conversation also explores the often unseen impact of racism on mental health, why repeated experiences of discrimination don't leave people enough time to heal, the unique challenges facing young First Nations people today, and what it truly means to be an ally. Finally, Clinton shares why connection to Country remains one of the strongest protective factors for wellbeing, and the lessons all Australians can take from First Nations ways of healing, belonging and caring for one another.

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here.

Watch But Are You Happy onYouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. 

Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au

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:

Guest: Dr Clinton Schultz

Host: Ashani Dante

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

Have you ever wondered why modern life can leave us feeling so disconnected, even when we're doing everything we're told should make us feel well?
This NAIDOC Week, But Are You Happy? explores a different way of understanding mental health &mdash; one grounded in connection, community and relationships rather than simply treating illness.
In this episode, host Ashani Dante is joined by proud Gamilaraay man, psychologist and Director of First Nations Strategy at the Black Dog Institute, Dr Clinton Schultz. Together, they unpack what First Nations perspectives on social and emotional wellbeing can teach all of us about living healthier, more connected lives.
Clinton shares his own extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and addiction to becoming one of Australia's leading voices on First Nations mental health. He explains why Aboriginal concepts of wellbeing begin with relationships &mdash; to ourselves, to each other, to Country and to community &mdash; and why those connections have been central to keeping First Nations peoples strong for tens of thousands of years.
The conversation also explores the often unseen impact of racism on mental health, why repeated experiences of discrimination don't leave people enough time to heal, the unique challenges facing young First Nations people today, and what it truly means to be an ally. Finally, Clinton shares why connection to Country remains one of the strongest protective factors for wellbeing, and the lessons all Australians can take from First Nations ways of healing, belonging and caring for one another.
Discover more<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/"> Mamamia Podcasts here</a>.
Watch But Are You Happy on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NoFilterpod/videos"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ButAreYouHappyPodcast">YouTube</a>. Follow us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/butareyouhappypodcast/"> here.</a>&nbsp;
Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au
Share your story, feedback, or dilemma!<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960"> Send us a voice message</a>, 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:
Guest: <a href="https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/staff/clinton-schultz/">Dr Clinton Schultz</a>
Host: Ashani Dante
Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman
Group Executive Producer:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/naima_brown_official/"> Naima Brown</a>
Audio and Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti
Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman
If you want to support independent women's media, <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=mamamia&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=editorial">become a Mamamia subscriber</a>. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

What First Nations People Know About Wellbeing That We Don't

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/750e133e-4d2a-4192-af67-b4800005e4fb/transcript

Please note: In this episode, Harrison James shares his personal account of childhood sexual abuse. The allegations discussed have not been tested in court, and no findings have been made against the individuals referred to. This conversation reflects Harrison's lived experience and perspective.

What happens when a child doesn't realise they're being groomed?

For years, Harrison James believed he was in a relationship. It wasn't until he was 19 that he began to understand what had happened to him as childhood sexual abuse.

In this extraordinary conversation, Harrison shares the story he's carried for years. He reflects on growing up in a violent home before moving in with his father as a teenager, where he was groomed and sexually abused by his stepmother. With remarkable honesty, he explains why he believed he was in love, the shame and confusion that kept him silent, and the psychological reality of grooming that so many people misunderstand.

Harrison also speaks about becoming a father while he was still a child himself, the devastating moment everything unravelled, what it meant to finally be believed by his mother, and how he's transformed his experiences into advocacy for survivors across Australia.

This is a powerful conversation about trauma, masculinity, resilience and recovery, and why understanding how grooming really works could help protect the next generation.

Harrison's book, Transform Your Pain into Purpose, is available now.

Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of child abuse

If you or anyone you know needs expert help, please contact Bravehearts— an organisation providing support to victims of child abuse.If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you can get advice from the Child Abuse Protection Hotline (1800 688 009) or the 24-Hour Child Abuse Report Line (131 478).

Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe herefor 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30.

You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see. CLICK HERE. 

What To Listen To Next:
Listen: Jessica Rowe On The Brutal Public Humiliation That Changed Her Forever
Listen: Esther Perel: When You Choose Your Partner and Lose Your Family
Listen: Georgie Tunny & Rob Mills: The Marriage And Baby Conversation Everyone Keeps Asking About
Listen: The Love Of My Life Was My Best Friend. Then She Died At 34
Listen: Jeni Haynes Created 2681 Personalities To Survive Her Abusive Father
Listen: Kate Ceberano Has Spent 40 Years Trying To Figure Herself Out

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here.

Watch No Filter on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Follow us on TikTok here. 

Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au

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:

Guest: Harrison James

Host: Kate Langbroek

Executive Producer: Bree Player

Audio and Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

 

Please note: In this episode, Harrison James shares his personal account of childhood sexual abuse. The allegations discussed have not been tested in court, and no findings have been made against the individuals referred to. This conversation reflects Harrison's lived experience and perspective.
What happens when a child doesn't realise they're being groomed?
For years, Harrison James believed he was in a relationship. It wasn't until he was 19 that he began to understand what had happened to him as childhood sexual abuse.
In this extraordinary conversation, Harrison shares the story he's carried for years. He reflects on growing up in a violent home before moving in with his father as a teenager, where he was groomed and sexually abused by his stepmother. With remarkable honesty, he explains why he believed he was in love, the shame and confusion that kept him silent, and the psychological reality of grooming that so many people misunderstand.
Harrison also speaks about becoming a father while he was still a child himself, the devastating moment everything unravelled, what it meant to finally be believed by his mother, and how he's transformed his experiences into advocacy for survivors across Australia.
This is a powerful conversation about trauma, masculinity, resilience and recovery, and why understanding how grooming really works could help protect the next generation.
Harrison's book,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Transform-Your-Pain-into-Purpose/Harrison-James/9781923293892">Transform Your Pain into Purpose</a>, is available now.
Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of child abuse
If you or anyone you know needs expert help, please contact <a href="https://bravehearts.org.au/">Bravehearts</a> &mdash; an organisation providing support to victims of child abuse. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you can get advice from the Child Abuse Protection Hotline (1800 688 009) or the 24-Hour Child Abuse Report Line (131 478).
Support independent women&rsquo;s media and get our biggest offer of the year. <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=nofilter&amp;code=MMEOFY30">Subscribe here</a> for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30.
You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see. <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/no-filter/id995159486">CLICK HERE.</a>&nbsp;
What To Listen To Next:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/jessica-rowe-today-show-no-filter/">Jessica Rowe On The Brutal Public Humiliation That Changed Her Forever</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/esther-perel-choosing-your-partner-over-your-family/">Esther Perel: When You Choose Your Partner and Lose Your Family</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/georgie-tunny-rob-mills-marriage-babies-long-engagement/">Georgie Tunny &amp; Rob Mills: The Marriage And Baby Conversation Everyone Keeps Asking About</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/grace-rouvray-best-friend-grief-female-friendship/">The Love Of My Life Was My Best Friend. Then She Died At 34</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/jeni-haynes-2682-personalities-survive-abusive-father/">Jeni Haynes Created 2681 Personalities To Survive Her Abusive Father</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen: <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/no-filter/kate-ceberano-interview-aria-hall-of-fame-motherhood-music-industry/">Kate Ceberano Has Spent 40 Years Trying To Figure Herself Out</a></li>
</ul>
Discover more<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/"> Mamamia Podcasts here</a>.
Watch No Filter on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NoFilterpod/videos"> YouTube</a>. Follow us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nofiltermamamia/"> here.</a> Follow us on TikTok<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nofiltermamamia"> here</a>.&nbsp;
Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au
Share your story, feedback, or dilemma!<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960"> Send us a voice message</a>, 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:
Guest: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsharrijames/?hl=en">Harrison James</a>
Host: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katelangbroek/?hl=en">Kate Langbroek</a>
Executive Producer:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/breeplayer/?hl=en"> Bree Player</a>
Audio and Video Producer: Julian Rosario
Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.
&nbsp;

Harrison James: What Every Parent Should Know About Grooming

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/98b4aab9-017d-4c3e-9de6-b479003172ce/transcript

Rebecca Sparrow on Surviving and Thriving After Loss

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