What does it really mean to be a woman today? Is progress making life easier, or are we just facing a new set of challenges?

This episode discusses domestic violence and other strong themes. Please know support is available, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for domestic, family and sexual violence support.

In this special October Issue episode of You're Gonna Want To Hear This, Marie Claire Editor Georgie McCourt and Deputy Editor Mel Gaudron dive into the stories shaping this month's issue, from the realities of growing up as a girl in the age of social media to the men working to end violence against women.

They unpack the pressures facing girls today, including online safety, body image, digital culture and the growing influence of misogynistic online communities. They also discuss the mental load women carry at home, asking what would happen if mums simply stopped doing everything, and whether "doing less" might actually be the key to a happier family.

The episode also explores the booming longevity industry and why ageing has become the latest frontier for wellness marketing. Georgie and Mel question whether biohacking, supplements and expensive treatments are really helping us live longer, or simply giving us another impossible standard to chase.

Plus, they discuss one of the most astonishing true stories featured in the issue: an adopted woman who reunites with her biological father, only for the relationship to take an unexpected turn. And they celebrate cover star Teresa Palmer, who opens up about motherhood, ambition, self-belief and landing the biggest role of her career at 40.

This episode covers:

• Marie Claire Australia's October Issue and Teresa Palmer cover story
• What it's really like to grow up as a girl today
• Social media, online safety, consent and the challenges facing teenage girls
• Advice from inspiring women on confidence, ambition and backing yourself
• The mental load and what happens when mums stop managing everyone's lives
• Gender roles, household labour and modern relationships
• Male advocates working to end violence against women
• Why men need to be part of the conversation on gendered violence
• The longevity boom, biohacking and the business of wellness
• Whether expensive anti-ageing treatments actually deliver results
• The extraordinary adoption reunion that led to a five-year relationship
• Genetic sexual attraction and the complexities of identity and belonging
• Teresa Palmer on motherhood, career reinvention and her new role in God of War
• "Vagina maxxing", intimate wellness trends and the growing commercialisation of women's bodies
• Why women's health should be based on evidence, not perfectionism

Further reading from the October Issue:

International Day Of The Girl: Three Young Women On What Needs To Change For Australian Girls By Harriet Sim

Can Women Really Stop Doing Invisible Labour? One Writer Finds Out By Dilvin Yasa

AI, Toxic Masculinity And Diagnosis-By-Algorithm: The Reality Of Raising Teenage Girls Today By Dilvin Yasa

Follow male advocates on Insta @tarangchawla @itsharrijames @lastoftheromans

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Credits:
Hosts: Georgie McCourt and Mel Gaudron
Edited and Produced by Helen Smith

Learn more at Marie Claire

You're Gonna Want to Hear this is a production of Are Media