The SHE Word

Marina Mazepa is an actress, a dancer, a contortionists, a choreographer, a model and an artist. Ukrainian Marina knew as a child that she wanted to be famous, she wanted to perform and be the very best that she could be. As a young women Marina won scholarships, competitions, dance events, and then famously made it through to the semi finals of America’s Got Talent, but just as Marina reached the heights of her early career, Marina packed her bags and headed to Hollywood as a young woman who couldn’t speak English, in a highly competitive industry, taking every break she could get. In this edition of SHE Warriors Marina shares her story of determination and overcoming every challenge and her own imposter syndrome to chase her dreams and take to the stage and screen to share her talent, passion and drive to perform. Marina shares how she turned down a residency with the prestigious Cirque Du Soleil to follow her true passion of acting, starting from scratch and knocking on people’s doors to be given an opportunity to act. Thankfully the gamble paid off with big screen and small screen credits including The Unholy, Malignant, The Continental, and Darkness of Man.Marina also shares how her journey has driven her to soul search and examine her own life in order to play the parts that she has portrayed, to evaluate her own decisions to be able to become the best version of herself. A beautiful story of a young woman defying expectations and beating the odds to become the artist she wants to be.

Danae Mercer Ricci is an instagram influencer with millions followers, who uses her platform to share a message of body positivity and educate about online image manipulation and the impact of social media on women. Her reels, photos and stories have reached all over the world, empowering women and girls to be more aware and informed of the multi-billion dollar industries that base their marketing strategies on telling us that we are not enough. Danae is also a journalist, a speaker, a wife and a mum, who works with women and young girls through her passion projects across the globe. But behind this success story is a journey of loss, grief, abuse, pain, and a crippling illness that nearly became the end of Danae’s life. Trudy Kerr sits down with Danae to dive into the woman behind the instagram page and uncovers not just the trauma and tragedy, but a tale of resilience and rising above her turbulent beginnings to aim high and keep climbing. This honest, open and raw interview leaves no story untold. Danae speaks with passion and love as she tells how her late mother pushed her to be more than her roots. She shares how her mum ran from bad relationships to worse relationships, taking her four children with her. Danae talks about the tragic sadness of her mother’s death, the subsequent unrootedness for her and her siblings and the impact on her as she poured herself into her studies and the ever increasing need to find comfort in the controlling disease Anorexia. In this episode of SHE WARRIORS, Danae delves into how she fought her way to recover from debilitating eating disorders, found her freedom in friendships, travelled the world whilst navigating a toxic relationship, blew up her socials and went viral in COVID with her body-honest message as she gathered 100,000 new followers a day by empowering women, but also gathering unwanted abusive attention. Danae tells the brilliantly entertaining and beautiful account of how she met the love of her life whilst locked together in an apartment for six weeks. Danae also shares her passion to use her voice to empower women, especially young girls, to navigate the world we live in today, and the very real challenges that face us. This episode of SHE WARRIORS is deeply moving, emotional and powerful. Danae brings an openness rarely experienced in interviews, a relatable rawness that will make all women (and men) feel seen in their own challenges and situations. Huge thanks to the partners that make these conversations possible, Brown’s Pharmacy, Hyatt Regency Malta and Intimissimi

Let’s face it. No-one expects a Breast Cancer Diagnosis. If we are really honest, I should imagine that most of us expect breast cancer to happen to someone else.But with Breast cancer affecting approximately 1 in 10 women worldwide, and being the most common cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall, it is very likely that if you are not directly affected by breast cancer, someone close to you will be. But a breast cancer diagnosis is not the end, and in this episode of SHE WARRIORS Trudy sits down with Monica Schembri who has not already faced breast cancer and overcome it, but is dealing with a second diagnosis. But as Monica has so often demonstrated, grace and a positive attitude makes a life changing difference in the face of adversity, not only to herself but to those around her. In this brutally honest interview, Lithuanian born Monika openly talks about her breast cancer journey, from first noticing a lump on her chest, to the moment of hearing the diagnosis. She talks through her treatment, the all clear verdict, the news of her miracle pregnancy, the marriage that didn’t survive and the cancer diagnosis second time round. But rather than a story of sadness and despair, Monika’s is full of hope. Trudy digs deeper to find the source of Monika’s trademark attitude, and in doing so, finds profoundly wise words for anyone facing a challenge, or heartbreaking news. Watch this edition of SHE WARRIORS to be inspired by an ordinary woman with an extraordinary story. The good, the bad and the hopeful. Huge thanks to the partners that make these conversations possible, Brown’s Pharmacy, Hyatt Regency Malta and Intimissimi

Every woman has a story, but some are more ambitious and adventurous than others. Helga Ellul’s story is one that leaves listeners speechless, in awe of this trailblazer, and inspiring in every way imaginable which makes her the very best guest of The SHE WARRIORS, because we all need to be challenged and inspired by other women, to aim higher, to motivated to be the very best we can be. Helga’s journey is not only an outstanding career story, a breath taking personal tale - the story of a woman travelling thousands of kilometres to help build one of the toy industry’s biggest success stories, in a country she had never been to before - but this is also the story of a daughter, a mum, a wife, an ambitious employee, a CEO, a company president, an entrepreneur, a mentor, an adventurer, a philanthropist and a feisty young lady who didn’t compromise, didn’t take no for an answer and who has pushed boundaries at every stage of her life. In this edition of SHE WARRIORS Helga Ellul sits down with Trudy Kerr for a very different interview sharing parts of her journey never heard before. In this conversation Helga shares the story of her childhood growing up in post war Germany, her move to Malta in her the 70s - driving across Europe in a brightly painted VW Beetle, the rebellious hippy turned into multi million Euro company CEO. The ladies talk about family values, the challenge of balancing a career with family, the importance of the her children and the secret to a great marriage. Helga Ellul is a pioneer - a woman before her time - and in this conversation she shares her experiences of criticism from other women, her challenge to connect and create friendships, women’s reluctance to support other women, women who are creating change, the importance mentoring others women, and the most important lessons from a life well lived. In an interview like no other, be inspired, be empowered and learn from a woman who didn’t let any obstacle stop her. Many thanks to Browns, Hyatt Regency and Intimissimi for supporting these conversations!

In this new series from The SHE Word Trudy sits down with women from all walks of life to share their stories to encourage, empower and inspire other women. Emily Jones is no stranger to The SHE Word. Emily is a Maltese-English 36 year old who hit the headlines in 2020 with her massive Instagram and Only Fans success as a plus size content creator. But Emily’s story is so much more than just as an influencer. Emily’s journey to an online following of hundreds of thousands was born out of tragedy, with her own debilitating health diagnosis and the subsequent life changing implications, shortly followed by her mum’s terminal cancer diagnosis and a series of events that would have defeated even the strongest of us. Emily sits down with Trudy to share the events that have shaped her life, from growing up across two sides of the continent, to finding herself fighting for an answer to excruciating pain. From dealing with her own health issues to learning that her mother was only given months to live. From building an incredible instagram and OF following as a plus sized influencer, to dealing with the sudden death of her father only weeks after loosing her Mum. From hitting the big time with her body positivity content, to taking the radical decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Emily’s story is one of true resilience, reinvention and determination. Emily shares the details of her journey with Trudy as she speaks openly, honestly, candidly and emotionally about the struggles, the battles, the wins, and the losses along the way. Watch, Listen and find strength from Emily’s journey; feel seen in her challenges and find hope in her words of encouragement and inspiration. HUGE thanks to Browns, Hyatt Regency Malta and Intimissimi for helping us make this happen.

In this episode of the Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha Vella opens a candid conversation about beauty competitions, beauty standards, and the impact and real-life experiences behind taking part in beauty pageants. While pageants are often associated with success, glamour and achievement, research paints a more complex picture. Industry data suggests that many pageant participants experience body image concerns during the course of competing. Rather than debating whether pageants are good or bad, this episode centres the human experience behind them: the pressure, the discipline required, the sheer excitement, the responsibility of representing your own country on such international stages, and the dedication needed to succeed. Joining Sasha are three women who have competed at national and international level: Julia Ann Cluett, who is the reigning Miss Universe Malta, Miss Universe Europe and Middle East, and psychology graduate and assistant, Ella Gatt Baldacchino, who is Miss Universe Malta 2023, a compliance analyst, and a vocal advocate for body positivity, who speaks openly about living with body dysmorphia and how it has intersected with pageantry, and Shailey Micallef, model and Miss Grand International Malta, with a background in fashion, pageantry and a Master’s in Accountancy.An honest, grounded conversation that looks beyond titles and crowns to explore self-worth, body image and what it really means to be competing at these levels. With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus.

In the first ever Maltese episode of The SHE Word: Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha Vella welcomes listeners to a culturally rich conversation exploring what it truly means to be a Maltese woman today.For the first time, this episode is conducted entirely in Maltese, opening space for an honest discussion around identity, language, and belonging. Sasha addresses her own relationship with the Maltese language and the public commentary surrounding it, using this episode to reclaim language as a core part of Maltese female identity.Joined by Josline Camilleri, Denise Kim Gafa, and Jais Zammit, all active voices within the social media space, the panel dives into conversations many of us recognise but don’t always have out loud. From the realities of code switching, dialects, and whether the Maltese language is being lost, to how language shapes personality and self expression.The episode also unpacks the complexities of Maltese identity, pride and frustration, stereotypes, and the tension of living on a small island that can both nurture and restrict. The guests reflect on everyday Maltese habits and whether Malta allows space to truly be yourself.At the heart of the discussion are the lived experiences of Maltese women. From judgement and support between women, social media scrutiny, driving culture, and the challenges that come with growing up female in Malta. The conversation also explores the desire many young women feel to leave the island, why some return, and how living abroad can shape perspective.An open, relatable, and much needed conversation that celebrates Maltese culture and the voices of young Maltese women.Please note - this episode is in MalteseWith special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus.

OnlyFans, is it empowerment, exploitation, or something in between?In this episode of The SHE Word: Young Women’s Edition, Sasha sits down for an honest, unfiltered conversation about one of the most talked-about, and misunderstood, platforms in the world. Behind the controversy are real women, with real boundaries, navigating empowerment, vulnerability, and the business of being visible online.Joining the discussion are Emily Jones, a British-Maltese content creator who uses her platform to promote body positivity and self-expression; Miss Rager (Baked Sloths), a creative working in social media and the cannabis industry; and Undine LaVerve, Malta’s pioneering burlesque performer and founder of The Burlesque Academy Malta.Together, they explore what it means to step into your power while protecting your peace: from setting boundaries and dealing with judgment, to navigating family reactions, content leaks, and the blurred lines between confidence and exploitation. They also share what an average workday really looks like behind the scenes, and how authenticity and self-respect shape every decision they make.This episode digs into the questions many people are afraid to ask: Can OnlyFans truly be empowering? What does agency look like in an industry built on visibility? And how do women define and defend their boundaries in a world that constantly tests them?With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus.

What’s it really like to be a young woman working in media today? It’s a world that can be unpredictable, funny, and sometimes downright chaotic, full of bloopers, slip-ups, and unexpected encounters that make for the best stories. But it also comes with very real challenges: balancing public and private life, handling criticism, and finding your own voice in an industry that isn’t always built to listen.In this episode of The SHE Word’s Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha, a former journalist who continues to work in media, is joined by three incredible guests: Naomi Scicluna, Head of Creative at FreeHour Malta and content creator; Angelica Farrugia, journalist and newscaster at TVM News; and Martha Attard, radio host and broadcasting producer at Vibe FM. Together, the four women swap hilarious on-air mishaps and behind-the-scenes stories, while also reflecting on what it means to represent young women in spaces that remain largely male-dominated.The conversation flows between laughter and honesty, from the pressure to always “look the part,” to the nerves of going live for the first time, to the joy of creating work that genuinely connects with people.It’s about boundaries, burnout, ambition, and above all, the importance of finding joy in the middle of it all.Lively, hilarious, and empowering, this episode captures what it really takes for young women in media to not just survive, but thrive.With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus

What does it mean to speak up, be heard, and sustain your voice in a world that often tries to silence young women? In this episode of The She Word, Sasha sits down with three incredible young activists who have turned their voices into powerful tools for change. Journalist and Environment Editor at the European Correspondent, Belle de Jong, has been at the forefront of Malta’s My Voice, My Choice abortion rights campaign while championing social and environmental justice on issues from reproductive rights to the climate crisis. Rachelle Bezzina is a writer, multidisciplinary artist, and co-founder of Young Progressive Beings, a youth-led movement for reproductive justice, who uses art and language as acts of resistance, care, and collective empowerment. Joining them is Francesca Zammit, a multidisciplinary artist working across dance, film, poetry, performance, and community interventions, whose practice bridges art and activism to inspire social change and who also co-founded Young Progressive Beings. Together, they explore what drives young women to speak up, how activism intersects with journalism and art, and the unique challenges of fighting for reproductive rights in Malta.They share stories of courage, moments of burnout, and the importance of setting boundaries while continuing to use their voices as a catalyst for change. From debating a woman’s right to her own body, to the role of protest as empowerment, to navigating activism in the digital age, this conversation is both deeply personal and profoundly political. With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus

Betrayal cuts deep — not just because of what happens, but because of who it happens with. In this raw and unfiltered episode of The SHE Word: Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha Vella sits down with three bold young women to talk about one of the most personal and powerful experiences we face: betrayal.Whether it’s a best friend, a partner, or even ourselves, betrayal can shake our sense of trust and identity. So why don’t we talk about it more?Sasha is joined by Sarah Alfalah, a 25-year-old influencer and marketing strategist returning to The SHE Word; Mya Azzopardi, a 22-year-old national swimmer competing professionally in California while studying psychology; and Sarah Magri, a 26-year-old accountant, ballerina, and performer based in Malta. In what feels like an intimate chat between friends the four ladies explore what betrayal looks like through a young woman’s eyes — from heartbreak and grief to boundaries, red flags, healing, and the strength it takes to choose yourself.This is a vulnerable, honest, and deeply relatable conversation about what it means to navigate trust and identity as a young woman today. Whether you’ve experienced betrayal or want to better understand your own emotional boundaries, this episode offers insight, solidarity, and powerful reflections, on what it really means to choose yourself throughout it all. With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCentre, and Growth Gurus.

We all grew up with ideas about sex that were passed down to us — from school, family, or even the media. But how much of what we were told actually helped us understand our bodies, our choices, or our pleasure? This is THE conversation we wish we had growing up.In this episode of The SHE Word’s Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha Vella sits down with three bold, thoughtful voices — Antonella Bugeja, 23, an artist, medical student, and certified sex-ed trainer passionate about exploring sexuality through science and art; Timara Saliba, a working professional and part-time yoga teacher who believes breaking the silence around pleasure is key to empowerment; and Mariah Mangion, 21, a law student and singer-songwriter focused on shifting the narrative from glamorised sex to honest, human experiences — for a conversation that strips back the shame and gets real about what sex can and should be.Together they explore topics like consent, pleasure, pressure, confidence, and communication, reflecting on the moments that shaped their own understanding and what they wish they had been taught.With studies showing that over 50% of young women say they were never taught about pleasure in sex education, this conversation is long overdue. It’s not about judgment — it’s about curiosity, honesty, and reclaiming the conversation.Whether you're reflecting on your own experiences or still figuring it all out, this episode offers a safe, insightful space to feel seen and heard. Tune in and join the dialogue — it starts here.With special thanks to our sponsors: Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, YUE, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCenter and Growth Gurus.Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theshewordFind us on Instagram: instagram.com/the_she_word

Let’s face it, life isn’t easy. None of us are immune from the challenges, curve balls, trauma or tragedies that life can throw at us, but so often we are told ‘look on the bright side’ or ‘something good will come out of it’. Sometimes the pressure to stay positive can seem more toxic than encouraging.In this show Host Sasha Vella dives into the true power of positivity, the strength in vulnerability, hope in the face of fear and turning up with grace in the most challenging circumstances, and joining Sasha are three women who speak from incredible personal experience.Breast cancer survivor Monica Schembri found herself as a single mum of three soon after the birth of her third child, but as a true warrior spreads positivity through her adversity.Rachel Spiteri has dealt with loss, grief, abuse, divorce, mental health struggles and rebuilding her life post divorce, but has harnessed the strength within her to rise back up.Karla Harper, content creator calls herself a ‘Negative Nancy turned Positive Polly’ with a relatable story of self transformation.Find encouragement and empowerment in these women’s courageous stories. Relate to the challenges they have faces in their journeys and see the hope that lies in the honest, raw, rough, unglamorous, unpolished power of positivity.Huge thanks to Browns, Ayurveda, Tampax, Always, Islands 8 Gin, Yum, Hyatt Regency, UBER, iCenter and Growth Gurus for supporting these conversations for Young WomenFind us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theshewordFind us on Instagram: instagram.com/the_she_word

We’ve been told to just “get on with it.” That pain is normal. That hormones make us overreact. But for many young women, periods aren’t just a monthly inconvenience — they’re a debilitating, misunderstood, and often dismissed struggle.In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of The SHE Word – Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha Vella leads an honest conversation about problem periods: cycles that derail your life, impact your mental health, and are too often gaslit by doctors, misunderstood by parents, and silenced by society.Sasha opens up about her own experience of painful, emotionally overwhelming periods that started when she was just 12 — and the years she spent not understanding what was happening in her body.She’s joined by three powerful voices, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Sammy McEleny, 36, has been battling endometriosis for most of her life, enduring years of misdiagnosis, confusion, and chronic pain. Lara Vella, 26, is an artist who was put on the pill at 16 without a diagnosis and has since taken her healing into her own hands after fainting, vomiting, and enduring feverish pain with every cycle. And Dr Chiara Frendo Balzan, a leading gynaecologist and returning SHE Word expert, brings medical clarity to the conversation, helping to break down the myths and stigma surrounding menstrual health.Together, they explore the medical gaslighting so many women face, the toll hormonal imbalances can take on mental health, and the shame that still surrounds periods — especially in conservative cultures like Malta’s.This episode is a must-watch for every young woman who’s ever felt confused, dismissed, or alone in her menstrual journey — and for every teacher, parent, partner, and policymaker who needs to understand that painful periods are not “just part of being a woman.”With special thanks to: Brown’s, Ayur Veda Organic Wellbeing, Prohealth: Cerave, Tampax, Always, Islands 8, Hyatt Regency, YUE, UBER, iCentre, Growth GurusFind us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@theshewordFind us on Instagram: instagram.com/the_she_word

Here at The SHE Word we have discussed SO MANY topics which impact mums - especially in the early years of motherhood and this topic is another issue which so many mums face - the change in relationship with your partner after becoming parents.In this episode the four mums at the table sit down to discuss the changes that take place after bringing a baby home (and baby 2 and baby 3!) and the challenges that they were not (or least) expecting.Sitting down to discuss this topic with host Nerissa Mass are influencers Raisa Brincat Newell (known as ‘mytrio123’), Olivia Saliba Cauchi (known as ‘Mummy in a Hurry’) and therapist relationship and Couples & Families systematic therapist Marija Attard. These ladies share real life experiences that they have been through, challenges they have faced and how they overcame them, or are working through them.The guests also discuss the little ways to keep that spark alive especially in the very early years where time is limited and energy is low. Together the mums explore intimacy, the importance of communication, compromise and prioritising the relationship even after you become a parent.An honest and open conversation with some laughs along the way; this show will help to normalise this phase in a couples life, but also provide hope that this will not last forever and also some very helpful tips on how to get through and survive those tough early years of parenthood when you are see in the trenches. With special thanks to Browns, Hyatt Regency, Pemix Distributors (special mention to their mum and baby club), Prohealth (La Roche Posay), Slinky and Co, Monsoon, iCentre, Ayur Veda

In this episode of The She Word Mums, we are having an honest, compassionate conversation about the rollercoaster that is postpartum. Postpartum otherwise known as the fourth trimester, is experienced by each and every single mum, but not in the same way. Maxine Attard makes her hosting debut in this fresh episode and is joined by three amazing guests; Steph Rogers; mum of 2, educator and influencer. Steph speaks about her experiences of postpartum and how it changed from her first to her second child. She talks about her own coping mechanisms, and how she began to feel more like herself- even though it was met with backlash on her social media platforms. Dorothy Bezzina; mum of 2, educator, singer, actress and producer shares her unique and interesting take on the term ‘bouncing back’, as well as enlightening us with her positive approach to postpartum. Dorothy’s calm energy and positivity will give any mum to be or new mother that beacon of hope and confidence that is so needed during the most vulnerable moments. Our third guest on the show is Rebecca Mizzi, mother of 2, hypnobirthing teacher and independent midwife with Positive Birth Malta. Rebecca debunks postpartum myths, talks us through what truly happens during the postpartum period, and gives golden advice to couples and new mothers. We talk about everything from our experiences, to our frustrations with the system, how the dads role is finally changing for the better, and just how much support is needed during one of the most beautiful, messy and hardest time of a mums life. This episode offers validation, real talk and reassurance that you are not alone in this rollercoaster that is postpartum. Many thanks to our sponsors; Hyatt Regency, Browns, Ayur Veda, Slinky and Co, Monsoon, ProHealth, Pemix Distributors

This episode of the She Word is a She Word Mum’s show and a very special one at that.In this episode, host Nerissa Massa was brave enough to have three Dad guests around the table - the first ever in the history of the She Word. She sits down to get the low down on what Dads experience and go through.So many times it is only mothers who talk about their experience of parenthood and we rarely hear the Dad's side of the story.Nerissa sits down with Sean Gravina, Kevin Naudi and JD Patrick to discuss everything Dad related- from finding out their partner was pregnant, to how present they are in their kid’s lives today.These Dads bare all about the highs, the lows and the unexpected moments of parenthood, how they changed when they became dads and how they split household and child minding chores with their other half.This show is hilarious, chaotic and beautifully honest and has highlighted some very interesting points in amongst the laughter.Many thanks to Browns, Hyatt Regency, Pro Health, Monsoon, Slinky and Co, Pemix, Ayur Veda and iCentre.

The SHE Word Mums S1/EP6 - Mums and Parenting in the Public EyeThe She Word Mums is back with a bang after some time off in September. But we are back bigger than ever as we discuss Mums in the public eye. How do they do it? Do they feel more pressure? Or is it really just a walk in the park where they get a bunch of freebies and special treatment?In this episode, Nerissa Massa is joined by 3 fantastic guests- Hon. Minister Miriam Dalli, Hon. Rebekah Borg and actress and TV presenter Lara Azzopardi.All three women were in the public eye before they had kids and Hon Dalli and Lara have graced our TV screens since their youth so they know a thing or two about being in the spotlight.In this show we have an honest, open discussion about the rollercoaster ride that is motherhood- but doing this in public. We discuss the common misconceptions people have of mums in the public eye and what these mums actually go through.We discuss the juggle of work, and public commitments and motherhood, having no maternity leave in the Maltese and European Parliament and how important - no matter your role- to accept help when it is available.These women open up about judgement and pressures they feel and about funny experiences they have gone through as they navigate motherhood in the public eye. An eye opener episode which every mum - whether in the public eye or not, can relate to.Many thanks to our sponsors Hyatt Regency, Browns, La Roche Posay, Pemix Distributors (BabyLino), Ayur Veda, Slinky and Co, iCentre, Monsoon

In this episode of the She Word Mums, we are diving into all things surrounding labour and birth and what really goes on in those delivery suites.Host Nerissa Massa is joined by Maxine Attard for this week’s episode and they sit down with Catriona Grech, a midwife and mum of 2 and Jenny Orlando Spalling- mum of three.They reminisce about their own birth experience and talk about how no one child is birthed the same, but how every child brings a sense of “newness” both a brand new human but also as a rebirth of the mother. They also agree how empowering going though labour is and how you discover inner strength.Tears are shed, and laughter is shared amongst these four women who bond over an experience only a female can ever encounter.Watch this episode if you’re preparing to give birth, supporting someone who is, been through it yourself or are just curious to know more about yourself the run up and build up of bringing a baby into the world. It is an episode, which shares some raw truths but also joyful moments which are heartwarming to listen to.Many thanks to our sponsors Hyatt Regency, Browns, La Roche Posay, Pemix Distributors (BabyLino), Ayur Veda, Slinky and Co, iCentre, Monsoon.

In the latest lively, challenging, sometimes controversial, and absolutely empowering episode of the She Word Mums, host Nerissa Massa sits down with three mums to discuss the impact that motherhood has had on their sense of self and their identity. At a time when women are encouraged to build a life for themselves, be financially independent and have careers, this show asks the essential questions that impact the very identity of a woman and her role as a mum. How much does life really change after becoming a mother and what are the elements that mothers give up? What is the impact of the physical changes that happen to a woman’s body after pregnancy and birth? What are the psychological impacts on a new mum who goes through intense hormonal changes? How does a mother navigate her new role and demands without loosing herself? We attempt to answer all this and more in this episode of the She Word. This is a raw and honest conversation with lots of laughter about women sharing their personal experience on how they felt when they were tasked with the role of mum.Nerissa is joined by Tezara Saliba who is a mum, a teacher, an actress and a singer, Donna Cardona, a mum of four and founder of Mymama.mt, and Maria Muscat, a gestalt psychotherapist and mum of two. Each of the guests bring very different post childbirth experiences to the table as they sit down to discuss, and disagree, about what happens to a women’s identity post having a child – is it lost, is it the same or does it change?The show delves into the importance of looking after ourselves, and making sure that we get the right support, whether that is from a partner, family member of external help, and how this can help to still retain some of the identity that you were familiar with before.With special thanks to our amazing sponsors, Browns Health, Hyatt Regency, Pemix Distributors, Ayur Veda, Slinky & Co, La Roche Posay, Monsoon, iCentre and Myoka Spas