‘I Was An Ugly Child’ & The 5-Second Underthinking Rule

She's had her childhood photo used in an "ugly" meme that's all over the Internet. So why isn't host Clare Stephens upset about this dissing of her younger self?

Also: "You called me, you speak first". Does Gen Z really answer the phone with... nothing?

And, just literally do things. That's the message here to challenge the recent cultural domination of the 'overthinking introvert'. In all kinds of areas of your life, is it always better to underthink, jump fast and have a bias to action, like our self-help overlord Mel Robbins? And why is it easier for some people than others?

Plus, Holly's midlife tattoo. Crisis or confidence? And why LinkedIn is cutting Tinder's grass on the matchmaking front.

All this unpacked and shaken upside down by Clare, Emily Vernem and Holly Wainwright on today's Mamamia Out Loud.

Outlouders - we want to know your Word of the Year for 2026! Send us a voice message

Support independent women's media

Recommendations

Em recommends Pluribus on Apple TV.

Clare recommends All Her Fault on Binge.

Holly recommends the Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre the 24hour Miracle Cream 75ml.

What To Listen To Next:

• Listen to our latest episode: Everything That Shouldn't Be Embarrassing But Absolutely Is
• Listen: So That's The Reason I Feel Bad About… My Eyelids?
• Listen: Big Brother Australia, The Golden Bachelor & The TV ‘Algorithm Theory’
• Listen: Get My Boss Out Of My Bed & The Last Relationship Taboo
• Listen: Squirting, Dawn Culture & The Most Motivating Word
• Listen: Letters To Juliet & 'The One' Question Everyone Is Asking
• Listen: The 'Australia Effect' & Meghan and Harry's Curious Party Edit
• Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts.

Watch Mamamia Out Loud:

Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read:

• 'You’re routinely underestimated.' The 9 untold benefits of being an ugly child.
• 'I went to a sports dating event and it taught me a harsh lesson about my dating profile.'
• Mel Robbins told us her advice for getting everything you want in life. It's surprisingly simple.
• The 'let them' theory changed 2 million people's lives. The 'who says' theory is the easy alternative.
• Struggling to focus this year? Try the 5 second rule.
• All Her Fault depicts every parent's worst nightmare. This is the experience that inspired it.

THE END BITS:

Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com

GET IN TOUCH:

Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message.

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud

CREDITS:

Hosts: Emily Vernem, Clare Stephens & Holly Wainwright

Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine

Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock

Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Video Producer: Josh Green

Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.