A lot of people have been cancelled in 2025, and Clare Stephens has spoken to a few of them. The writer, editor and podcaster joins Sarrah Le Marquand to unpack the psychology behind outrage culture, the emotional toll of public shaming, and the double standards that still define how we judge women in the public eye.

Alongside publishing her debut novel The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done, this year Clare also launched The Pile-On, a podcast giving voice to people who’ve been “cancelled” and exploring what those moments reveal about all of us. In this conversation, she reflects on empathy, accountability, and why she believes it’s time we stopped confusing cruelty with change.

Find Clare’s book The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done here. 

And her podcast The Pile-On here.

Watch the full episode with Clare here. 

Something To Talk About is a podcast by Stellar, hosted by Sarrah Le Marquand 

Find more from Stellar via Instagram @stellarmag or stellarmag.com.au