Two weeks ago, I made a last minute decision to book a health retreat. Less White Lotus … more actual-health-issues-needing-addressing. Behind glossy social posts my physical and mental health was crumbling. I had no idea how much I was destroying my body with a high stress lifestyle, lack of balance, closed heart and poor diet. And when I went away … I saw first hand how transformative solitude, eating nutritiously, movement and healthy living was. For anyone curious about what happens on a health retreat, or who thinks they might need a break, hopefully this is your sign to take it. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I’m joined by Carly Findlay, an award-winning writer, speaker and appearance activist. An outspoken advocate, Carly writes on disability and appearance diversity issues. As a person living with ichthyosis, she shares her experiences navigating a world that doesn’t always embrace differences.  In this chat, I spoke to Carly about her experiences as a proud disabled woman, living with ichthyosis, why media depictions of people with facial differences and disabilities matter and how in a world that puts so much stock in physical appearance, she has powerfully defined her own identity, self-confidence and power.  You can follow Carly on @carlyfindlay on Instagram and read a transcript of this chat here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4dntnnn2gnps97sk0eynz/TMTS-TRANSCRIPT-CARLY.docx?rlkey=xjvwpot8qwsjo6y87fknkluej&amp;dl=0 You can follow Maria on @mariathattil. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19. With Carly Findlay | On Facial Differences, How We Can Combat Ableism And Why We Need To Think Differently About Disabilities

Today, I’m joined by Tarang Chawla - an Indian-born Australian lawyer, storyteller, campaigner and activist. He is the co-founder of Not One More Niki, a campaign to end violence against women and children, named in honour of his younger sister Nikita who was murdered in 2015.  Sadly, this conversation takes place as Australia’s national crisis of Australian women being killed continues to escalate. Conversations like this are so important to educate us on what gender-based violence is, how we can challenge a culture that fosters it and what victim-survivors should know. More on Tarang - A Victorian Multicultural Commissioner, Tarang is also a sessional academic at Monash University and is on the Board of the Australian Republic Movement. He hosted "There's No Place Like Home", a double award-winning podcast about domestic abuse, has been named a Young Australian of the Year Finalist, the Young Community Achiever of the Year Award Winner, twice listed as one of the Top 25 Most Influential People Working for Social Change and one of Australia’s Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians.  For more from Tarang, follow him on Instagram at @tarangchawla.  If you need someone to talk to about domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT or visit White Ribbon Australia at whiteribbon.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au. Follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18. With Tarang Chawla | Talking About Men’s Violence

Hundreds of submissions came through after I posted “Tell me your dating horror stories” and honestly - from a police chase to having regurgitated food spat onto your plate in a restaurant I did NOT expect some of these. Joined by my brother Dom, we share some of the weirdest dating nightmares you’ve experienced … before sharing our own. All I’l say is don’t ever pull a ‘Human Pendulum’ because that is still burned in my brain. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline email Blake@dm.org.au (mailto:Blake@dm.org.au) Follow Maria at @mariathattil and Dom at @domthattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17. Dating Nightmares! With Dom Thattil

In this weeks episode, I talk all things mistakes, regret and lessons. From cheating to overspending on credit, sabotaging friendships to bullying others … there are things that I’ve done and regret because of harm caused - to both others or myself. You might relate. And yet? I wouldn’t change a thing - because in making these ‘mistakes’ I found the gift of a lesson. Here are some of my biggest mistakes … and the wisdom it gifted me. I hope it inspires you to choose to perceive your tough moments as happening for you, not to you. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au (mailto:Blake@dm.org.au). Follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16. How My Biggest Mistakes Taught Me The Most Valuable Lessons

It’s the TikTok trend that has captured thousands … but what is ‘romanticising your life’ and why should you do it? In this ep, I explain why it’s so much more than just bringing main character energy and acting as though life is a movie … romanticising your life has the ability to improve the quality of your life drastically. I’ll explain what it is, the psychology behind it and 4 ways you can romanticise yours. We also bring back the Ask Maria segment and take beautiful listener questions on how they can find the magic in their lives. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: mailto:Blake@dm.org.au. Follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15. Why And How You Should Romanticise Your Life

14. Why I Took Off On A Health Retreat | Social Media, Reality, And Was It Worth It?

The first time a news headline ever went viral about me - I was reduced to tears and wanted to into hiding for weeks lol and who was there to talk me through it? My best friend and brother Dom.  It’s a weird thing - choosing a career that makes you somewhat public! And so in today’s episode, I want to laugh through some of the headlines over the years and give you the tea behind some of the more outrageous ones. Why were my nipples out? Why was I in the news for a vile group chat? Did I really say I was judged for my makeup being too perfect? And what the hell was that wardrobe malfunction at Miss Universe?  Giggling through it all now. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13. Please Explain This Headline! Dating, Nipples, Scandals & Sexist Groupchats With Dom Thattil

On this week’s ep, I wanted to give you the mini survival guide I needed when I first decided under a decade ago that I wanted to put myself out there more. Whether it’s public speaking, musical performances or hair competitions - putting yourself out there can be SO nerve-wracking and anxiety evoking. So if you are someone who struggles with any kind of public speaking, presenting, performing or delivering your work - no matter what it is, this episode is for you.As a professional speaker - I’ve given talks to intimate rooms of 10 right through to an exhibition space full of 1,700 people. I’ve said yes to umpiring a live tennis match for the Australian Open on actual courts in front of real crowds in real stadiums and catwalked for a global audience on the actual Miss Universe stage as AUSTRALIA. I’m an actor  and  also a TV presenter who gives political and social opinions on national television … with an hour’s notice of the agenda. And bloody hell - I still get those ‘pre-performance’ nerves.But over the years - my background in Psychology and Management, former corporate career and lived experience has taught me a thing or two about mastering those nerves. And I want to share my top 8 tips to help you do the same. You’ve got this. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12. 8 Ways To Overcome Pre-performance Anxiety & Nerves | Advice From A TedX Speaker Who Has Spoken To A Crowd of 1,700 People!

Last week, I gave my first ever Ted Talk (what!) to 1,700 people and in it, I got to share some tough experiences that I’ve overcome. And I distinctly remember thinking - in those rockbottom, low moments, I had no idea that in a few short years I’d be sharing how I surmounted it on the TedX Stage. In this ep, I share a personal story before talking about how often, life can feel like it’s chaotic, in flux and uncomfortable because of challenges … right before a moment of change. I also take listener stories where you have lived through something tough, and how through the beauty of hindsight, you were able to find a gift in it. This ep is for anyone who needs a little perspective, hope and faith to get through your own hard moments. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au (mailto:Blake@dm.org.au). Follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11.	How To Grow From Rockbottom | Ted Talks, Overcoming Hard Experiences and Your Stories

This week, we talk about business and leadership - and from a gendered lens because of the patriarchal context we live in. As someone with degrees in Psychology and Management and a corporate career (yup, this was before pivoting into media), I’ve observed interesting things about work culture and what we think about leadership and success. In this ep, I debunk two things we are taught about success - masculine ideas about it and things we think are barriers to it. Things like parental responsibilities, emotional vulnerability, having extra-curricular pursuits … Then I go into what compassionate leadership looks like, why it’s key and where emotions play a big role. Just know, the most powerful professional relationships &amp; the best outcomes happen when you're honest about the things we are taught not to show.   For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au. Follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10. What We Need To Learn (and Unlearn) About Leadership

This episode was inspired by me BEFORE my first queer experience - closeted, questioning and unsure. I didn’t know if the questions and thoughts I had were normal and didn’t know what to do.  I share my first queer experience, what I love and find different about my queer relationships and sexual experiences, and then I take your stories. They’re funny, heart-warming, heart-breaking and so generous - but importantly, so unapologetically human. Overall, what I love about my queerness is that its helped me to experience sex and love to a level of connection I didn’t even know was possible.  And no matter who you are and what your sexual identity is … I hope that if nothing else, this ep encourages you to approach love and sex with less shame and stigma, and more agency and connection. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au. Follow Maria at @mariathattilSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9. Like A Virgin (Again) | My First Queer Experience and Yours

This weeks episode is all about the stories we tell ourselves and how they have the power to shape who we are and how we show up in the world. In this ep, I delve into how they are formed by sharing a personal example of how racism influenced the story I told myself, and its impact. I then share 3 ways to question the stories you’ve told yourself and flip them, so that you can unbind yourself from anything that limits you. This episode is for anyone who is ready to embrace new possibilities and live up to all that they are. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au. Follow Maria at @mariathattil. Aussies can purchase Unbounded at Booktopia or on Audible  International readers can buy it on AmazonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8. How To Question Limiting Stories You’ve Told Yourself

It’s only fitting that the week I make my Drag Race Down Under debut - I share my slightly unhinged chat with permanent judge Rhys Nicholson! An award-winning Australian actor, comedian and author-to-be, Rhys and I talked all things career - how they used comedy as a vehicle, what its like working with Mama Ru and Michelle and how they went from local stand up to a global media career. They also talked gender non-conformity and how they understood their non-binary identity, the hilarious way they were outed by their porn search history and what they wish people knew about drag. Tips on how to #MasturbateResponsibly included - free of charge. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au. Follow Maria at @mariathattil, and Rhys at @rhysnicholson.  Aussies can watch me on S3E2 of Drag Down Under on Stan Australia, on TVNZ Official for NZ and Wow Presents Plus worldwide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7. With Rhys Nicholson | On Career Advice, Being Non-Binary and Identity, Ru Paul’s Drag Race and Using Comedy As A Vehicle

So I want to have a mini series where after major gigs or events … I take you all behind the curtain and answer your questions on whatever you want to know! This week I answered listener questions about the Australian Logies where I hosted red carpet interviews for the first time! We talk about my prep, what red carpets are ACTUALLY like, how I trained for this career … and in all honesty, how I manage imposter syndrome and mental health. Especially as a WOC in mainstream media. Hope you love it! For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6. Behind The Curtain | Logies, What Red Carpets Are Like, Imposter Syndrome and Mental Health In Media

Bonus ep alert! In this chat, I get personal with one of Australia’s most celebrated Drag Queens and truly - this ep is ESPECIALLY for those who don’t understand the art of Drag.  Kween and I talk all things growing up in culturally conservative families, the importance of purpose and service when wanting to create an impactful career and the beautiful mix of challenge and triumph when you ARE the representation in spaces that people like you haven’t been in. We also talk business, how to create healthy boundaries with your family and the significance of her time on Drag Race Down Under &amp; her historic Logie nomination. There might be some kegels in there too but whatever. To vote for Kween Kong to win the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent visit https://www.tvweeklogies.com.au  For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au, follow Maria at @mariathattil and Kween Kong at @kweenkongofficial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. With Kween Kong | On All Things Ru Paul, Being a Drag Queen, Her Historic Logie Nomination and Having The Courage To Change The World

This week, I had my first official guest interview with none other than sporting LGBTQIA+ icon Josh Cavallo. The world knows him for making sporting history and being a powerful LGBTQIA+ advocate - but Josh is tenacious, inspiring, kind and humble. And in this chat, we talk about how he went from ‘scraping the bowl’ being homeless and told that he wasn’t good enough to play professional football at 19 … to being a trailblazer as the world’s first openly gay male footballer in top-flight football and an LGBTQIA+ trailblazer. This ep is for anyone who needs inspiration and advice on how to chase your dreams, live authentically and find the courage to be yourself in a world that convinces you otherwise. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4. With Josh Cavallo | Being An LGBTQIA+ History-Maker, Living Authentically and Going For Your Dreams No Matter What

This week is all about … ‘the one,’ where I respond to a listener question asking why despite being “smart, pretty and successful I haven’t found ‘the one.’” I dive into attitudes toward gender, relationships and ‘success,’ talk about how I was raised and once thought being engaged was the ultimate goal of my life, and the pressure that people - mostly women - face being measured up against marriage and parenthood. I then share how to unlearn the blueprint that we need someone else to complete us. This ep is for anyone who has been confused about their path, has questioned whether marriage and children are for them, and wondered how to stand up to external expectations in order to live life their way. Mostly, its for anyone who needs a reminder that ‘happily-ever-after’s’ don’t just exist with someone else … happily-ever-after by yourself is also a beautiful possibility. We take listener questions via my segment ‘Ask Maria’ too. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email: Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3. Why You Don’t Need ‘The One’ | Dating, Life Expectations & Finding What Makes You Happy

This week is all about having uncomfortable conversations with your family and it begs the question … how open is too open with your parents? I dive into attitudes toward sex and women with my Dad and brother … and Dad - an ex-priest - shares how he loved and accepted his two queer kids. But learning to be open-minded, inclusive and evolve their thinking is not something that always came easy to my folks. So this ep is for anyone who is curious about how to talk about taboo or uncomfortable topics with their family, parents who don’t know how to change old mindsets, kids who need help being open with their loved ones … and anyone who needs a good laugh listening to me talking about one of my old fuck-buddies with my Dad and brother. You heard right. We take listener questions on family and openness via my segment ‘Ask Maria’ too! With only 1 minute to respond … its 3 questions and 3 minutes of value. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2. How To Be More Open With Your Family: Talking Fuckbuddies & Being Queer with my Ex-Priest Dad and Brother

Welcome to The Maria Thattil Show, produced by DM Podcasts! This week, we launch the show and in order for me to get comfortable with you - I had to learn to be comfortable with myself, which truthfully I haven’t always been. In this episode, I share 4 signs that maybe you aren’t entirely comfortable with yourself but also 4 ways to understand why this might be the case, get to know and ultimately, become more comfortable with yourself. I also take my first listener questions on my segment ‘Ask Maria’! With only 1 minute to respond … its 3 questions and 3 minutes of value. We love a quickie. For guest or topic suggestions, or to submit a question to the ‘Ask Maria’ hotline, email Blake@dm.org.au and follow Maria at @mariathattil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. How To Be More Comfortable With Yourself

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14. Why I Took Off On A Health Retreat | Social Media, Reality, And Was It Worth It?

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