Ask Me Anything

Ask Me Anything is the short, sharp, car-trip podcast giving heartfelt answers to real-life anonymous questions from teenage girls. From friendship dramas to first crushes, author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow is here to listen and offer some advice. You can ask her anything ...

Introducing: That's Incredible

We’ve got a brand new show at Mamamia called That’s Incredible and we wanted to share it with you! It’s a podcast for parents and kids to listen to together all about the unexpectedly awesome things in the world around us.   Hosted by Andrew Daddo, each week we go on an adventure and explore topics like the human body, sport, music, science, technology and space.  Plus, we'll find out what it's like to travel to the moon, sing in front of the Queen and climb to the top of Mount Everest! In this episode we hear from tech futurist Steve Sammartino about what life will be like in 2050, we learn some awesome stuff about technology and play interactive games. Ready?  Let’s go! This podcast was made in partnership with Subaru, where every moment is a chance to do.  Find out more at http://www.subaru.com.au/why-subaru/onelittlemoment We want to know what you think of That's Incredible! You could even win a $100 voucher for telling us what you think. Just click here or head to https://bit.ly/2WujRKL - we'd love to hear from you! ACTION ITEM There’s an American guy who draws really elaborate inventions called, Rube Goldberg.   His device for washing a window involved leaving a banana skin on the floor so a man would trip on it, causing him to fall on a rake which tossed a horseshoe in the air which landed on a rope that tilted a watering can that wet a mop and woke up a dog who knocked over a sign that fell against the mop and made it wipe a window.  You can find his cool inventions here...https://www.rubegoldberg.com/rube-the-artist/gallery/ Do you reckon you could design something similar?  It doesn’t have to be that complicated, maybe it’s just tying a hairbrush to your dog’s tail to make an automatic hair brushing machine when your dog wags its tail? Use your imagination because that’s exactly what you need to be a good inventor! Draw us a picture of your invention and send it into podcast@mamamia.com.au.  We’d love to see how your inventive mind works! CREDITS Host: Andrew Daddo Guest: Steve Sammartino Executive Producer: Rachel Corbett Senior Producers: Elise Cooper & Rachael Hart Audio Production: Elise Cooper Editor: Elise Cooper Editing Assistance: Ian Camilleri & Rachel Corbett Scriptwriters: Subby Valentine, Peter Green & Rachel Corbett Script Editor: Holly Wainwright Script Consultant: Angela McLean Thanks to our cast of incredible kids... Summer Waller, Sofia Lefebvre, Indiana Yates, George Cook, Amelia Cook and Lucia Bartlam. CONTACT US Tell us what you think of the show via email at podcast@mamamia.com.au or on the PodPhone 02 8999 9386. Looking for a community of likeminded parents?  Join our Mamamia Parents Facebook Page... https://bit.ly/2PCsVeW   Do your kids love to read?  Then check out Andrew Daddo's books at his website... https://www.andrewdaddo.com/ Looking for other podcasts to listen to?  You'll find all our Mamamia shows at https://mamamia.com.au/podcasts/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-27
24:19

Introducing The Safe On Social Toolkit

We have a new online course called the Safe On Social Toolkit. Its all about keeping your kids safe online and we wanted to share it with you!   Cybersafety expert Kirra Pendergast has visited schools all over Australia and has given talks to more than 500,000 students, teachers and parents about how to stay safe and be smart online. She’s not about bans, guilt trips or making parents feel ashamed or overwhelmed. Kirra is about helping kids and the adults in their lives protect themselves and avoid exploitation and bullying. She joins Mia Freedman to discuss her own experience with cyberbullying, which led her to start a business that now helps thousands of kids to stay safe on social media. Kirra and Mamamia have created the Safe On Social Toolkit - a resource for anyone who wants to keep their kids safe online. Its an online course made up of short videos you can watch on your phone, that will answer every question you've ever had about how to stay safe and use social media in a positive way. For more information on the course, how to sign up and how to keep your kids safe online, visit: www.safeonsocialtoolkit.com  Click here to subscribe to No Filter. CREDITS: Host: Mia Freedman  With thanks to special guests to Kirra Pendergast from Safe On Social Media  Producer: Bridget Northeast GET IN TOUCH: Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386. Email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au No Filter is a podcast by Mamamia. Find more shows here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12-15
48:02

How do I tell my mum that I don’t like her cooking?

Tread gently grasshopper!  This is a tough one because parents are often cooking at the end of a long day...and nobody likes hearing they suck in the kitchen!  But if you really need to say something follow the positive, negative, positive rule.  CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
04:59

Am I not a normal teenager because I don't like to go out to parties?

Sneaking out to parties isn't everyone's idea of a good time and there's nothing wrong with that!  Being a homebody is completely normal and there are so many other teens that feel just like you do. CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
04:26

What can I do when I don’t like my friends?

In life it takes a while to find your tribe but good friends always come along eventually.  But what do you do while you're waiting? CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
05:44

How do you get more popular?

The eternal question!  Who doesn't like to be liked?  But being popular isn't always as amazing as you think it is... CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
08:40

What do you do when you want to do something for yourself but it means leaving your friends behind?

We're all on our own path so run your own race, girl!  A true friend will cheer you on no matter what.   CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
04:20

How do you say no to a friend who offers you alcohol?

How do you deal with peer pressure without making a scene or being embarassed?  The key is to come up with a plan so you can go into every situation with your game face on.  You've got this. CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
06:14

Should I forgive my best friend when she hurt me?

Before you think of doing anything else, you need to ask yourself this question...is your friendship bigger than the fight? If it's a yes then what are you waiting for? If it's a no I've got some advice. CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
04:59

Should I get payback on someone who hurt my feelings?

Payback is NEVER a good idea...unless you're Liam Neeson in Taken.  Why? Because you're better than that. As Michelle Obama says when they go low, we go high. And really, who's going to argue with Michelle Obama?  CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
04:27

Is it awkward if a guy knows you have your period?

First things first, can we pause and have a minutes silence for how annoying periods are, please?  Okay, glad that's over. Now here's the thing - it's only awkward if you make it awkward. If you own your period and the fact you have it, it's completely natural and totally normal.   CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
05:18

How do you tell a girl you don't like her?

Tread carefully grasshopper. Honesty is important in friendships but so is kindness , especially when you're dealing with peoples feelings. Remember, always be guided by your integrity and don't let your emotions get the better of you.   CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03-07
08:55

How To Overcome Bullying

On the final episode of Ask Me Anything, we're talking about dealing with conflict.  It's an icky topic that even makes adults uncomfortable, but during your tween and teenage years, conflicts are incredibly common and part of life. But that doesn't make them any easier.  And Bec has some very handy tips on how to handle it all.  Ask Me Anything is the podcast for any girl in your life looking for answers. And the questions answered on today's show are:  There is a girl at school who has started hanging around my friends.  She hasn’t asked to hang out with us - she has just turned up. My friend and I find her annoying but we don’t want to be mean.  What do we do? What do you do if you don’t have a tribe at school?  One of my friends has started making fun of me (about my hair) in front of other people? I really want her to stop. Ask Me Anything is made possible by Suncorp Team Girls.  CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff, Amelia Navascues and Ruth de Glas GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-19
13:52

Introducing Ask Me Anything Season 2...

Ask Me Anything is the short, sharp, car-trip podcast giving heartfelt answers to real-life anonymous questions from tween and teenage girls. From friendship dramas to relationships with parents, author and columnist Rebecca Sparrow is here to listen and offer some advice. You can ask her anything ...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-27
00:55

How To Not Feel Bad On Instagram

What are your tips for having a more positive experience on social media? How can I get my parents to let me have Instagram? What do I do if I’m being cyberbullied? Rebecca Sparrow is back with the second season of Ask Me Anything, answering anonymous questions from tween and teenage girls. On today's episode, Bec goes deep on social media and trolls. From the people, you SHOULD be following on Instagram to the actions you need to take if you're being cyberbullied. Ask Me Anything is the podcast for any girl in your life looking for answers. CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff, Amelia Navascues and Ruth de Glas GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network. https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5062453/Ask-Me-Anything-Feedback-Survey*  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-01
14:55

How Do I Make Friends At A New School?

School is (or at least feels like) your entire world when you’re a tween or a teen.  You spend more time at school with your classmates and teachers than with your own family so when you've got a strong group of friends the schoolyard can be an amazing place, full of possibilities.  But if you feel alone or you can't find your people it can be a harsh place.  So how do you increase your chances of finding a tribe of friends that support you and have your back when you're moving to a new school? Plus, do you have dreams of being School Captain but you're not sure whether you can make it happen or if it's just a pipe dream?  Bec shares her thoughts. And is it a problem if you don't know what you want to do when you leave school or have you got plenty of time to work that out? Ask Me Anything is the podcast for any girl in your life looking for answers. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN TODAYS SHOW: Is it bad that I don't know what I want to be when I grow up? I'm starting a new school next year and don't know anybody. My friends are all going to another school. How do I make friends? One of my goals is to be voted School Captain. Is that realistic? CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff, Amelia Navascues and Ruth de Glas GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-08
16:33

How To Find Courage In Unexpected Places

Today on the show, we’re talking about failure and resilience. Nobody enjoys failing or being disappointed but it happens to everyone so how do you prepare yourself? From how to be brave in tricky situations to dealing with changes in your friendship group, Bec is here to answer all your questions. Ask Me Anything is the podcast for any girl in your life looking for answers. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN TODAYS SHOW: How do you get to be brave? Where do you find the courage to put yourself out there? I am really worried I'm not going to make the A netball team this year. I'm one of the smart kids in my grade. And my friends at school are all really smart too but I'm finding the work this year much harder and I'm worried that if I don't keep getting good grades my friends won't let me be part of the group. CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff, Amelia Navascues and Ruth de Glas GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-15
14:03

How To Not Hate Your Body

This week we’re talking all about body image and self-esteem and that means everything from how our bodies change to dealing with what other people are saying about them. From breaking down expectations on what it means to be beautiful to learning how to feel more comfortable in your own skin, Bec's here to answer all your questions. Ask Me Anything is the podcast for any girl in your life looking for answers. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN TODAY’S SHOW: How do you get to be beautiful?Yesterday a girl in my class told me that I’m fat.How do you boost your self-esteem? CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff, Amelia Navascues and Ruth de Glas GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-22
13:44

How To Avoid Drama Cyclones At School

This week we're talking all about school and that means everything from pressures in the classroom to dealing with troubles with friends in the playground.   If you’ve been feeling under the pump at school, or maybe things at home are changing and you're struggling, then this is the episode for you. Bec's here to answer all your questions. Ask Me Anything is the podcast for any girl in your life looking for answers. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN TODAY’S SHOW: Some weeks I feel really overwhelmed with all my homework and assignments and studying for exams. What tips do you have? I like my friend but she is always involved in drama at school and she tries to get me involved even though I don’t want to be. What do I do? I’ve been invited to a sleepover at a new friend’s house and I’m feeling really nervous about it. Questions Answered On Today's Show:  CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff, Amelia Navascues and Ruth de Glas GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-29
15:25

Why You Need A Gratitude Attitude At School

This week we’re talking all about self-care which is another way of saying looking after yourself long term. And since we’re all different and have different needs, self-care means different things for different people. Ask Me Anything is the podcast for any girl in your life looking for answers. QUESTIONS COVERED THIS WEEK I’m not very good at keeping a journal What are some other ways to practice gratitude? I find going to sleep really hard. I just can’t seem to wind down and I lay in the dark a lot tossing and turning. Do you have any tips? I once heard you talk about a Good Mood Jar. What is it? CREDITS: Host: Rebecca Sparrow Producer: Elissa Ratliff, Amelia Navascues and Ruth de Glas GET IN TOUCH: Find Bec's book Ask Me Anything at apple.co/mamamia Have an anonymous question you need to ask? Call the PodPhone on 02 8999 9386 or email the show at podcast@mamamia.com.au Head to https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/ to this and all our pods delivered straight to your inbox. Download the Mamamia Podcast App here. This show is part of the Mamamia Women’s Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-05
15:36

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