This Is Why We Fight

Leisel & Ellie used to be quite close, the kind of mother and daughter that shared clothes and loved spending time together. But, after a series of traumatic events, they went through a long period of estrangement and miscommunication that left them both heartbroken. They’re hoping that therapy can help them rebuild and repair their relationship. Listen to Part 2 of Leisel & Ellie's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth & Wayne have been asked to examine how co-dependancy, emotional frustration and a low-tolerance for conflict actually create more miscommunication in their marriage, often including Beth stepping in to "over function" while Wayne keeps his feelings to himself. Can they break these cycles and find their equilibrium again?  Listen to Part 1 of Beth & Wayne's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here. $21 off - Mamamia’s massive Black Friday Deal.Get an all access pass to Mamamia for just $48. Enjoy $21 off a yearly subscription, ends 1 December 2025! Use the discount code: WHYWEFIGHTFRIDAYSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth & Wayne are in a happy marriage, and consider each other best friends. But, even the healthiest relationships can take a tumble when unforeseen changes enter the picture, and this is what happened when Wayne was suddenly dealing with immense chronic pain, and Beth finally received an ADHD diagnosis. Add to this the pressures of raising their young son, and somewhere in the midst of it all, they lost their ability to communicate easily with each other, and to really understand where each other is coming from. Listen to Part 2 of Beth & Wayne's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here. $21 off - Mamamia’s massive Black Friday Deal.Get an all access pass to Mamamia for just $48. Enjoy $21 off a yearly subscription, ends 1 December 2025! Use the discount code: WHYWEFIGHTFRIDAYSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do siblings who have drifted so far apart find their way back to each other? Especially when they have very different ideas about how their foundation fractured in the first place. In this session, Gwen and Carla share things about themselves that they've not shared before - will it be enough to bring them closer, and begin to heal their rift?  Listen to Part 1 of Carla & Gwen's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family estrangement can be an extremely painful experience - something that sisters, Carla and Gwen, know all too well. While they were closer in their younger years, an adult relationship has been challenging for them both, and now they very rarely speak or see each other. Can Sarah help Gwen & Carla to repair their broken sisterhood?  Listen to Part 2 of Carla & Gwen's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-term partners, Sam & Emma, are working on reconnection, clarifying their priorities, and trying to find alignment about what’s next for them after their kids move out of home.  Emma was tasked with reflecting on her needs moving forward, and to share them with Sam in this session. Sam was asked to write down tangible actions he could take to prioritise his relationship with Emma. Will these exercises bring them closer together? Or will it reveal their different visions for the future?  Listen to Part One of Emma & Sam here. Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma & Sam have been together for many years, raising four kids in a blended family. With the last teenager about to move out of house, Emma & Sam are looking down the barrel of an empty nest, with only the two of them. But, Emma isn't sure if Sam wants the same future as she does, and he's already shown signs of drifting away, leaving Emma to wonder if they'd both be happier apart.  Listen to Part 2 of Sam & Emma's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan and Mel are learning how their previous relationships have shaped them, and how their very different emotional and cultural backgrounds impact their relationship. In this session, they address the patterns and behaviours that have caused them to break-up in the past, and decide whether or not to give it one more go.  Listen to Part 1 of Ethan & Mel's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan and Mel's relationship could be described as an on-again off-again situationship. Now, they are trying to decide if they should be on-again. But first, they have to understand how they got here to begin with. In this session, Sarah helps them to understand how their very different backgrounds and family systems have created two very different ideas about boundaries, trust and forgiveness.  Can Ethan and Mel move on from their rocky beginnings and create the healthy relationship that they want?  Listen to Part 2 of Ethan & Mel's sessions here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities.   The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate & Dean understand that before they can begin to heal their sexual relationship and reconnect intimately, that they need to go back to basics and salvage a foundational friendship. But when completing their homework proves more challenging than expected, and when their therapy session with Sarah is interrupted by one of Kate's core triggers, they are forced to ask themselves the hardest question: is there a way forward here or not?  Listen to the first part of Kate & Dean's sessions here. Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many years and two children later, Kate and Dean's marriage is teetering on the edge of separation. In this session, Sarah attempts to help Kate and Dean navigate the foundational rupture that broke the trust between them, and the layers of sexual boundaries, shame, and disconnection that have piled up on top of them.  Can Kate and Dean finally heal their relationship and rediscover love, appreciation and respect? Or is it time for them to walk away?  Listen to the second part of Kate & Dean's session here Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content   Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marie has important truths to share about why she couldn’t be the mother Samantha deserved when she needed her most. Samantha, in turn, needs Marie to understand the trauma and confusion she still carries.  This session dives into what it takes to rebuild a broken bond — exploring the communication skills, empathy, and courage needed for true healing and reconnection. Listen to the first part of Samantha & Marie's session here.  Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Samantha wants is to understand why her mother wasn’t there for her. All Marie wants is a chance to make things right with her daughter — and to be part of her granddaughter’s life. But after years of distance, hurt, and misunderstanding, can a fractured bond ever truly be repaired? In this session, a mother and daughter confront the truths left unspoken, ask the questions long avoided, and search for a small patch of common ground on which to rebuild their relationship. Listen to the second part of Samantha & Marie's session here Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Their homework was simple: go to an event together and practise building trust. But it doesn't go to plan. In this session, Jess & David's attempt to reconnect spirals into conflict. It's a session that explores how the attempt to fix things sometimes makes them worse; and how when someone shares their hurt, resolution doesn't begin with explaining... but truly listening. Listen to the first part of Jess & David's session here. Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.  Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content    Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it's just Jess and David, everything is fabulous. But in public, Jess feels like a secret. David doesn't post photos of them, he hasn't introduced her to his family, and she barely knows his friends. Jess is left feeling like a "side piece," good enough for him, but not for his image. In this session, a couple confronts the painful gap between their private connection and their public life. They’re facing different definitions of what constitutes cheating, a history of trust issues, and the raw feeling of being ashamed by the person you love. Listen to the second part of Jess & David's session here Resources (Australia-only) 1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service. Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice. Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities. The End Bits Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here. Host: Sarah Bays Executive Producer: Naima Brown Studio Engineer: Lu Hill Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Launching Friday 17 October, wherever you get your podcasts.  Here's a little tease about episode one:  Perth couple Jess and David are in their forties, they're not married, but they've been in a long-term relationship for some time, and they both have children from previous relationships. Jess is an office administrator and David - originally from New Caledonia -  is a music teacher.  Jess and David are here today to address a number of things that have been challenging their relationship - from different definitions of cheating, to trust and boundaries. Can David Integrate Jess Into His Life...And Can Jess Learn To Trust?  The End Bits:  You can learn more about host & clinical psychotherapist Sarah Bays here The Executive Producer of This Is Why We Fight is Naima Brown Sound by Thom Lion You can learn more about all of Mamamia’s exceptional podcasts hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.