We’ve all had that experience of working hard to achieve “the thing”—the big dream. Rejection is part of the journey, but when you finally reach that goal...it’s a feeling like no other - or at least, it should be, right? Turns out it's more complicated than that. Amy Shark knows this all too well. After a decade of trying to break into the music scene, her hit song "Adore" landed her a deal with a major record label. Suddenly, she was in the spotlight, winning ARIA Awards and making appearances on late-night TV—everyone knew her name. In this conversation, Amy chats with Clare Stephens about the reality of fame and how we can all be a little happier. But, is Amy Shark happy now? You’ll have to listen to find out. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia You can listen to Amy's new album Sunday Sadness here. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au to share your feedback about the show or to suggest a guest. CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Amy Shark Executive Producer: Naima Brown Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this podcast so far, it’s that things aren’t meant to be perfect. But try telling that to a perfectionist. Zoë Foster Blake, a self-described perfectionist, doesn’t always see it as a positive trait. In her conversation with Clare Stephens, she shares what she’s learned about embracing failure, recognising when she needs space to recharge, and the interviews and events she chooses not to do. Is Zoë Foster Blake happy? You’ll have to listen to find out. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Zoë’s book Things Will Calm Down Soon is out 1 October (RRP 32.99, Atlantic Books Australia). You can find out more here. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au to share your feedback about the show or to suggest a guest. CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Zoë Foster Blake Executive Producer: Naima Brown Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Failure is something we all face at some point—whether it’s a big setback or a small disappointment. After losing his boxing match at the Paris Olympics, Harry Garside felt like he had failed the entire country of Australia. In this episode, Clare Stephens chats with Harry about the surprising emptiness he felt after winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He opens up about the moment he was publicly arrested for something he didn’t do and how that experience helped him build a better relationship with himself. Plus, Harry shares his thoughts on embracing his feminine side and why he can't stand the term "toxic positivity." Is Harry Garside happy? You’ll have to listen to find out. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia You can find out more about Harry’s book The Good Fight here. Find your meditation match: Click to take the free quiz. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au to share your feedback about the show or to suggest a guest. CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Harry Garside Executive Producer: Naima Brown Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Welcome to the first episode of Season Four of But Are You Happy. In this episode, Clare Stephens sits down with one of her idols, Missy Higgins—the Australian musician whose emotive songwriting has deeply connected with so many people. They discuss prioritising happiness over expectations, navigating a new phase of life, and how music can be therapeutic when processing pain. Missy shares how creating her latest album, The Second Act, has helped her heal. Is Missy Higgins happy? You’ll have to listen to find out. We’re releasing this episode on R U OK? Day, a day dedicated to encouraging connection and open conversations about mental health. You can find helpful resources here. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Missy Higgins’ new album ‘The Second Act’ is out now. Listen here. You can find all the dates and information about her tour here. Missy will be inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame on November 20. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au to share your feedback about the show or to suggest a guest. CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Missy Higgins Executive Producer: Naima Brown Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Does the world lie to us about happiness? That’s the question Clare Stephens is exploring with a new group of guests in Season 4 of But Are You Happy?, launching on Thursday, September 12th, R U OK? Day. This season promises to be our most powerful yet, with guests opening up like never before, sharing happiness hacks and life habits that can help you redefine your own life. Follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing, wherever you listen to your podcasts. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Executive Producer: Naima Brown Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

In this special mid-season episode of But Are You Happy, Clare Stephens talks to Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa. Alexis describes her work as combining neuroscience, psychology and tough love - and that’s exactly what she does with her books and in her podcast, Do You F*cking Mind. Alexis and Clare discuss the science of happiness and so much more - including how to make meaningful friendships as adults, how to end a toxic relationship and open yourself to a healthy one, how to move through heartbreak and identify the narcissists in our lives - and so much more. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Want to hear more from Alexis? You can listen to Alexis’ podcast and find her books here. GET IN TOUCH: Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au to share your feedback about the show or to suggest a guest. CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa Executive Producer: Naima Brown Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Thom Lion 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.

How would you feel if you failed at the one thing you’ve worked tirelessly towards for so long? Imagine being an Olympian, feeling the weight of an entire nation's expectations to win gold. That's the reality for Ariarne Titmus right now. Ariarne Titmus, a record-holding swimmer, is just days away from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. And, although we all see her as a high-performing athlete, that’s not always how she sees herself. In this conversation, Ariarne shares how success changes relationships, why she doesn’t need a mindset coach, and how she’d trade every medal she’s ever won for a different kind of happiness. LISTEN TO PART TWO OF THIS CONVERSATION HERE THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Want more Olympics conversations? Check out this episode of The Quicky Listen to last week's episode: Rob Mills On The Terrifying Thought He Didn't Expect To Have On Stage GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Ariarne Titmus Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

LISTEN TO PART ONE OF THIS CONVERSATION HERE. This is part two of our conversation with Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus. If you haven't listened to part one yet - click here. In part two, Ariarne talks about the reality of preparing for the Olympic Games and how she would feel if she didn’t win gold in Paris. Plus, she discusses her biggest personal insecurities outside of swimming and what she wants to do when she retires from the sport. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Want more Olympics conversations? Check out this episode of The Quicky Listen to last week's episode: Rob Mills On The Terrifying Thought He Didn't Expect To Have On Stage GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Ariarne Titmus Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

This is part two of our conversation with actor, musician and mental health advocate Rob Mills. If you haven't listened to part one yet - click here. In part two, Rob opens up about his relationship with TV presenter Georgie Tunny and gives us a sneak peek into their wedding planning. Plus, he also shares his thoughts on why it's so important for men to open up about their mental health and reflects on his journey with his sexuality after years of media speculation. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to Part One of this conversation here. Listen to last week's episode: Laura Byrne On Feeling The Pressure To “Fix” The Way She Looks If you want to learn more about Rob Mills, read his book Putting on a Show: Manhood, Mates and Mental Health GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Rob Mills Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Picture this: you're standing on stage, about to perform in front of thousands of people, feeling your absolute lowest then... the stage lights come up. It’s the nightmare we’ve all had, but Rob Mills has actually lived it. Rob is a singer, actor, writer, and — Australia’s boyfriend. He’s a big advocate for mental health, having had moments in life where he’s suffered in silence. In this chat, one of the most vulnerable we’ve had on this podcast, Rob opens up about his once all-consuming relationship with alcohol, the mental health crisis facing men, the magic of falling in love, and how getting “the thing” isn’t always a recipe for happiness. Listen to part two of this chat here THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to Part Two of this conversation here. Listen to last week's episode: Laura Byrne On Feeling The Pressure To “Fix” The Way She Looks Read: The interview Rob Mills was desperate to cancel with us. If you want to learn more about Rob Mills, read his book Putting on a Show: Manhood, Mates and Mental Health GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Rob Mills Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Imagine stepping into the spotlight on a TV show, finding love, and then facing nationwide scrutiny—not for anything you did, but simply for how you look. Laura Byrne knows this all too well, and it's taken her years to reclaim her self-love. Laura is a podcaster, an author, and a business owner, who entered Australian homes when she won The Bachelor in 2017, ending up with her now-husband, Matty J. In this candid chat, Laura opens up about the relationship challenges and mum guilt that comes with being a working mother, the harsh impact of online criticism, and what she won't share on a podcast. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to last week's episode: Khanh Ong Isn't Happy & There's One Big Reason Why If you want to learn more about Laura, read her book We Love Love. You can also listen to her on Life Uncut. GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Laura Byrne Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Talking about mental health can be tough, and many of us just laugh it off. Khanh Ong often does this to make others comfortable, but this conversation is different. Khanh is a chef, author, and media personality who has been able to taste so much success since bursting onto our screens on Master Chef. However it was his time in the "I’m A Celebrity" jungle that helped him realise the one thing stopping him from happiness. In this chat, he opens up about that one thing, how success doesn’t change your perception of yourself and how your childhood shapes who you become as an adult. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to last week's episode: Brooke Blurton Is So Much More Than The Bachelorette If you want to hear more about Khanh's story, read his book A Gay Guy's Guide to Life Love Food GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Khanh Ong Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Brooke Blurton is the perfect example of never really knowing what’s going on in someone’s life, when they look so happy and successful on the outside. Brooke is a media personality, author and podcaster who you may know as the first Indigenous and bisexual Bachelorette. In this chat, she opens up about processing trauma, balancing the pursuit of individual happiness with the struggles of her community, and the moment she found love on national TV and received news of a personal tragedy simultaneously. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Listen to last week's episode: Dave Bayley On The Moment He Thought Glass Animals Was Over The topics in this conversation may have impacted you. If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800 RESPECT. If you want to hear more about Brooke's story, read her book Big Love. GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Brooke Blurton Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

You'd think the lead singer of one of the world's biggest bands would be extremely happy, right? But for Dave Bayley from Glass Animals happiness is fleeting. Dave is at a point in his life where he's grappling with meaning and purpose, questioning whether his pursuit of music is ultimately selfish and trying to understand what success really means. In this chat, he discusses how his career and life have changed since his song "Heatwaves" became the number one song around the world, and why creating art has always been more important to him than the fame and money that comes with it. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Pre-order the new Glass Animals album I Love You So F***ing Much. Listen to last week's episode: Angourie Rice On The Real-Life Mean Girls GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Dave Bayley Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

When Australian actress Angourie Rice was cast in the starring role in the much-anticipated Mean Girls remake - she had no idea the backlash and personal criticism that would come her way. Meanwhile, her mum, Kate, who was also an actress, had a very different time within the industry and has used her experience to ensure Angourie remains grounded and finds happiness. In this chat, we speak to both Angourie and Kate about what it was like to grow up in the public eye, her fears of the industry, and if big Hollywood roles and fame make someone truly happy. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Want to read Stuck Up & Stupid by Angourie & Kate Rice? You can buy the book here. GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guests: Angourie Rice & Kate Rice Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

You might think Hollywood celebrities are happier than the rest of us, but are they really? Josh Thomas doesn’t think so. Josh is a wildly funny and successful comedian, known for creating one of Australia’s best comedy dramas Please Like Me, which he wrote based on his own life. In this chat, he talks about success, creativity, being diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult, and what living in Hollywood has taught him about happiness. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Get tickets to see Josh Thomas on his Let's Tidy Up tour here. Read: When Aussie comedian Josh Thomas made it in Hollywood, he found one major part that 'sucks'. GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Josh Thomas Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

What do we mean when we talk about happiness? And, is there a genuine way to experience more of it, especially in a time where it feels so flippant or out of reach? These are the questions we wanted to ask happiness expert Dr Tim Sharp (he's literally Dr Happy). And even though he specialises in positive psychology, Dr Happy knows how difficult it is to feel joy when the state of the world is so ugly. So, what can he tell us about our expectations of happiness? Is it a worthy pursuit, or are we asking the wrong question on this podcast? THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia If you or a loved one need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also visit their website for more resources. Want to hear more from Dr Tim Sharp? You can pre-order his new book here. Find out your character strengths by completing this survey. GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Dr Tim Sharp Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach 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.

Welcome back to ‘But Are You Happy?’ the podcast asking the people who appear to have it all the most vulnerable question you can ask: are you truly happy? Over the next eight weeks, Clare Stephens will be speaking with high-profile guests who, from the outside, seem very happy and fulfilled. She’s joined by the likes of Josh Thomas, Brooke Blurton, Khanh Ong, Dave Bailey from Glass Animals, Angourie, and Kate Rice, among many more. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Producer: Tahli Blackman 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.

Have you ever felt stuck in a season of your life that you wish you could just move on from? Hugh van Cuylenburg has. Hugh is the founder of The Resilience Project, a best-selling author, a former school teacher and co-hosts The Imperfects podcast, which aims to show how perfectly imperfect we all are. As this season of But Are You Happy? comes to an end, Hugh talks about the seasons he’s found most challenging, his biggest insecurities and the things he regrets sharing with the world that he can’t take back. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Hugh van Cuylenburg Executive Producer: Tia Ucich Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Leah Porges 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.

Ever had that dream? The one where you became famous because you went viral on TikTok and your life changed forever? For Millie Ford, that dream is a reality. Millie has a TikTok following of over 1.5 million, and her own podcast called Out Of Character with Millie, she’s been crowned TikTok’s Creator of the Year and is now building a career as an actor. In this chat she talks about the downsides of basing her whole social media identity on being relatable, how her recent OCD and ADHD diagnoses have impacted her life and whether making lots of money actually does lead to happiness. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au CREDITS: Host: Clare Stephens Guest: Millie Ford Executive Producer: Tia Ucich Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Leah Porges 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.